Seemor
Somtum DerB+Worth Trying
85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
· Thai restaurant, Bar
· 4.5/5 Google (1328 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Bold, spicy Isan Thai with standout papaya salads, grills, and reliable heat; great flavors, moderate portions, strong owner engagement, but service consistency and auto-gratuity complaints reduce the shine.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Somtum Der delivers exceptional food quality with fiery, authentic Isan flavors that draw devoted repeat visitors, and warm, attentive service that often resolves issues proactively. However, inconsistent execution—with reports of spice and portion variance—and tight seating that creates crowding during peak hours prevent a higher grade. A compelling neighborhood destination for Thai enthusiasts willing to navigate occasional reliability gaps.
Restaurant Summary
A compact East Village room hums with lively energy as plates of tangy somtum and smoky pork neck zip from the kitchen. Service is often warm and efficient, and one diner noted, "they noticed we did not love a dish and removed it." Expect heat, herbs, and the occasional crowded peak hour. The culinary approach leans regional and ingredient-driven (innovation level 6.0): Isan staples like papaya salads, larb, and grills arrive with assertive spice and bright acidity rather than showy fusion. Fans praise the tom yum, larb duck, and crab fried rice, while some report spice variance and modest portions at times. For families, the menu offers kid-approachable anchors—pad thai, fried rice, crispy chicken—and the kitchen can dial heat down. Many items skew spicy and assertive; choosier eaters may prefer milder noodles or rice dishes and skip raw prawn sashimi. Dessert comforts like Thai tea panna cotta help finish on a sweet, friendly note.
At a Glance
- Fiery, authentic Isan flavors with standout papaya salads and larb
- Attentive management; issues sometimes proactively resolved
- Auto-gratuity reports for 4-5 person parties; check bills
- Portions can feel modest; spice levels vary visit to visit
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- regional_isan_specialization
- spice_customization
- robust_papaya_salad_program
- engaged_management
What People Love
- Punchy, balanced heat and acidity
- Crispy, well-seasoned chicken wings
- Juicy grilled pork neck with jaew dip
- Soups with generous seafood and aromatics
- Engaged service that fixes misfires
Points of Concern
- Reports of automatic 18-20% gratuity for some party sizes; verify policy on arrival
- Occasional bland or overly salty dishes; spice can fluctuate
- Crowded and loud at peak; tight table spacing
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (none severe detected) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Order a somtum, a grill (Kor Moo Yang), sticky rice, and a noodle (Pad See Eiw or Pad Thai) for a balanced spread
- Dessert: Thai Tea Panna Cotta ($10) to cool the palate
Perfect For
- Spice lovers craving Isan heat and herbs
- Casual date nights in the East Village
- Sharing plates with a small group
- Regulars who enjoy consistent Thai favorites
Location Insights
Area: Lively, youth-leaning East Village block with bars and casual eateries; draws diners who enjoy spice and late-evening energy.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Tompkins Square Park, dense nightlife, and other Thai/Asian spots; strong delivery demand in the area.
East VillageThe East Village dining scene is characterized by its casual, hip, and diverse atmosphere, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking innovative and affordable dining options. The neighborhood is known for its relaxed vibe, with many independent restaurants, bars, and cafes that cater to a creative and youthful crowd.
Alphabet CityAlphabet City, part of the East Village, is known for its bohemian spirit and nightlife, featuring a concentration of trendy bars, music venues, and casual dining spots. It has a slightly edgier and more experimental dining environment compared to the broader East Village.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:00
Friday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →