Seemor
Yaowarat (Lan Larb 2nd Ave.)B+Worth Trying
637 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
· Thai restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (637 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Authentic-leaning Isan Thai in Kips Bay with generous portions, fast friendly service, and standout soups and noodles, though occasional inconsistency and a few serious complaints warrant caution.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Yaowarat delivers solid neighborhood Thai dining through excellent soups and boat noodles paired with attentive, fast service and warm, inviting decor. However, inconsistent execution on certain noodle dishes and mixed food safety signals prevent a higher grade. The restaurant excels at what it does—casual Isan comfort food with genuine hospitality—but lacks the reliability and distinction needed to compete with the area's premier Thai destinations.
Restaurant Summary
A cozy Kips Bay spot where the room feels warm and inviting and servers check in with a smile. Diners describe soups that feel transportive and say things like, "the tom yum was wildly satisfying," with fast, friendly service keeping meals easy. The cooking leans elevated traditional Isan and Northern Thai: comfort-forward dishes like boat noodles, larb, basil stir-fries, and roasted duck curry. It suits diners who want robust, chili-lime brightness over flashy fusion, though a few report uneven seasoning on certain noodle dishes. Families do fine here thanks to accessible staples like pad thai, fried appetizers, and mild soups. While many salads and soups list vegan/vegetarian options, the most traditional Isan items skew meaty, so plant-based diners should choose carefully.
At a Glance
- Deep, satisfying soups and boat noodles praised repeatedly
- Generous portions at fair Midtown prices
- Friendly, prompt table service and cozy decor
- Inconsistent flavor on drunken noodles/pad kee mao for some diners
- A couple of food safety complaints among many positives
What Sets It Apart
- regional_isan_focus
- boat_noodles_specialty
- cozy_decor_evokes_thailand
What People Love
- Heartwarming tom yum and tom kha
- Hearty boat noodles with rich broth
- Crispy, indulgent duck dishes
- Attentive, kind servers who adjust spice
Points of Concern
- Flavor inconsistency reported on some noodle dishes, especially drunken noodles
- A few isolated reports of food poisoning or contamination via delivery
- Some diners feel quality dipped post-rebrand; others disagree
- Pricing jumps on premium seafood/duck may surprise budget seekers
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with curry puffs or chive pancakes to share
- Choose a soup (tom yum or tom kha) per two people
- Split a premium main like duck curry with a noodle or rice dish
Perfect For
- Casual date night with spicy food fans
- Weeknight neighborhood dinner
- Solo comfort-food cravings
- Small group outings sharing apps and noodles
Location Insights
Area: East Midtown/Kips Bay strip with apartments, offices, and low-key nightlife; draws neighborhood regulars and casual diners.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit avenues with steady foot traffic; typical Midtown East safety profile.
Nearby: Near hospitals and office buildings; close to Murray Hill bar scene; multiple Thai spots on the avenue.
Murray HillMurray Hill offers a vibrant dining scene with a variety of casual eateries, bars, and mid-range restaurants popular among after-work crowds and residents. The neighborhood is known for its relatively quieter streets compared to Midtown core, making it a favored spot for both social dining and convenient meals for nearby office workers.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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