Seemor
OBAOB+Worth Trying
647 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
· Vietnamese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Thai restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (8160 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Vibrant Vietnamese-Thai spot with creative dishes and lively service; great pre-theater choice, but expect time limits, occasional service hiccups, and spice/consistency variability.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
OBAO delivers solid pre-theater dining with strong food quality (pho, pad thai, short rib massaman) and attentive, knowledgeable service, but inconsistent execution across visits and isolated food safety reports prevent a higher grade. The convenient Hell's Kitchen location and efficient pacing suit the theater crowd, though tight seating and time limits compress the dining experience.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a stylish, slightly dark-toned interior that suits the pre-theater rush. Guests rave about attentive servers by name, noting, "They kept us on pace for the show without feeling rushed." However, the vibe can be noisy at peak and tables may have time limits that compress leisurely meals. The kitchen blends Vietnamese and Thai comfort with creative flourishes: rich pho, lively pad thai, tender short rib massaman, and snacky kimchi fries. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: modern crossovers and premium specials like lobster pad thai rather than strict traditionalism. Prices fit Midtown, and portions vary from solid to light depending on the dish. Families should note there is no kids menu mentioned in reviews, spice levels can run high, and bar-to-table rules plus time limits can be tricky with little ones. That said, simpler options like fried rice and mild pad thai exist, and vegan pho offers a gentle broth if heat is adjusted.
At a Glance
- Lively pre-theater spot with efficient pacing
- Standout dishes include pho, kimchi fries, and short rib massaman
- Time-limited tables and seating rigidity at peak
- Spice and consistency can vary by visit
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- lobster_pad_thai_special
- broad_gluten_free_and_vegan_options
- pre_theater_efficiency
What People Love
- Energetic, stylish room that feels like a night out
- Servers who guide choices and pace the meal
- Deep, comforting pho broth and balanced pad thai
- Snackable kimchi fries that hit sweet, salty, and heat
Points of Concern
- Time limits and seating rules frustrate some guests during busy hours
- A few reports of food safety issues alongside many uneventful visits
- Inconsistent portion sizes and occasional delays or course mix-ups
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a shared starter (Kimchi Fries), then one noodle (Pho Bò or Pad Thai) per person; add a curry to share for variety.
- For vegan diners: Pho Chay and Greens section provide substantive options.
Perfect For
- Pre-Broadway dinner with cocktails
- Casual date night with bold flavors
- Friends sharing starters and noodles
- Gluten-free or vegan diners seeking options
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Midtown West corridor near theaters; heavy pre- and post-show traffic, lively nightlife.
Safety: Well-trafficked, brightly lit blocks with steady footfall; typical Midtown safety.
Nearby: Broadway theaters, bars, casual eateries, residential walk-ups; strong pre-theater demand.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine reflecting its diverse community. The area is lively, with a strong nightlife presence and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:30
Tuesday11:30–22:30
Wednesday11:30–22:30
Thursday11:30–22:30
Friday11:30–23:30
Saturday11:30–23:30
Sunday11:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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