How I’ve waited this long to write about Uncle Boons is pure baboonery! Uncle Boons is undoubtedly the best Thai restaurant in New York and a true city staple.

Uncle Boons_9913Uncle Boons opened in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Ann Redding and Matt Danzer, who decided to bring their Per Se pedigree into their own quaint Nolita eatery, where they would simply cook their favorite food (Redding was born in Thailand). Countless rave reviews, a Michelin star and several years later, Uncle Boons is still one of the hottest restaurants in NYC. The food is exquisite, the vibe is awesome, service is friendly, and most importantly, all of the above is done with consistency. I’ve dined at Uncle Boons at least a dozen times, and every meal is better than the last. And let’s face it, New York City is full of incredible restaurants, but I cannot think of another Thai spot that seriously competes with Uncle Boons.

Open all week for dinner only

Uncle Boons Hoi Tak - Green Curry Snails with cripsy garlic & herbs $14

Hoi Tak – Green Curry Snails (oui oui!) with cripsy garlic & herbs ($14)

I spent several weeks backpacking in Thailand with an obvious focus on food tourism. Although the food is ahhmazing all over the country, the highlight was eating my way through Northern Thailand markets. How is it so hard to find a decent Khao Soi or freakin’ mango sticky rice in NYC? Luckily Uncle Boons takes on the best of Northern Thai cuisine with a unique wow factor twist. No Pad Thai nor Massaman curry here, but a menu of a higher caliber that rewards the adventurous eater. Think pig ears, snails, frog legs, blood sausage, sweetbreads… (all of these being must orders – do it!) But also beautifully executed “classics” like fried rice (although served with crab s’il vous plait), an epic mango salad, curries and a slightly richer version of my beloved Khao Soi (finally). I often dream of being rolled up in their roti, i.e. do not go without ordering a few sides with your meal. Always ask for recommendations: the waitstaff is super knowledgeable and the menu changes seasonally. The only factor that should be taken into account is the level of spiciness and adventure you’re willing to experience – because everything is just so damn good.

All dishes are meant to be shared and served family style

Yum Mamoung - Green Mango Salad, avocado, cripsy dried squid, crushed peanut, chilim lime (available Vegetarian) $14

Yum Mamoung – Green Mango Salad, avocado, cripsy dried squid, crushed peanut, chilim lime (available Vegetarian) ($14)

Kob Woonsen. Garlic & soy marinated frog legs over glass noodle, lemongrass & thai herb salad. $16.00

Kob Woonsen. Garlic & soy marinated frog legs over glass noodle, lemongrass & thai herb salad ($16.00)

Uncle Boons MIENG KUM - Betel Leaf Wrap with Ginger, Lime, Toasted Coconut, Dried Shrimp, Chiles & Peanuts

MIENG KUM – Betel Leaf Wrap with Ginger, Lime, Toasted Coconut, Dried Shrimp, Chiles & Peanuts

Hearty & delicious Khao Soi Kaa Kai, Northern style curry with homemade egg noodles, chicken leg, pickled mustard greens and fresh turmeric - $22

Hearty & delicious Khao Soi Kaa Kai, Northern style curry with homemade egg noodles, chicken leg, pickled mustard greens and fresh turmeric ($22) – a must winter order

Kao Pat Puu - Traditional Crab Fried Rice with egg, cilantry & lime $26

Kao Pat Puu – Traditional Crab Fried Rice with egg, cilantry & lime ($26)

Uncle Boons Tom Khaa Pet - incredible Duck Breast & Maitake Mushroom in a coconut milk, kaffir lime leaf & Galangal sauce ($29)

Tom Khaa Pet – incredible Duck Breast & Maitake Mushroom in a coconut milk, kaffir lime leaf & Galangal sauce ($29)

I’m a devout wino when it comes to eating out, but dinner at Uncle Boons is best paired with their frozen beer or their in-house cocktails (bar classics with an exotic guava/ tamarind / coconut / Thai punch twist).

Many dishes can be catered to vegetarians!

Signature dessert - Uncle Boons' Coconut Ice Cream Sundae

Signature dessert – Uncle Boons’ Coconut Ice Cream Sundae

Uncle Boons bar

Bar area at entrance serving full dinner too

To top off the stellar dining experience, Uncle Boons has the coolest vibe. It’s low key but with a constant lively, fun atmosphere. It kind of feels like you’re in a Thai pub with the quintessential New York City vibe, if that makes any sense. The restaurant is super charming, tastefully decorated with a funky mix of Thailand and Manhattan. The wooden fixtures and brick walls are filled with kitschy Thai art and retro Thai music is playing in the background. It’s dim enough for an intimate date night and equally as fun for a group setting (tables are cramped though). The bar and first dining area are the most buzzing and loud, the back room is a bit more quiet. The warm setting and hearty dishes make me think of it as more of a winter spot, but I say yes to Uncle Boons year-round.

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Uncle Boons mango sticky rice

It’s not Thai without mango sticky rice

Uncle Boons still lives up to the hype, which means it hasn’t gotten easier to snatch a table. Uncle Boons takes a veeerryy limited number of online reservations, so your best bet is to come as early as possible, put your name down and kill time with cocktails at neighboring Mother’s Ruin for example. It’s always packed and the wait can get ridiculous, but I find that most often the ETA is exaggerated and you end up getting seated a lot sooner.

Group dining/events available for parties of 8 or more

Uncle Boons is not your traditional Thai restaurant. The chefs take authentic Northern Thai dishes to another level by remarkably balancing flavors, texture and originality, with a particular attention to detail and quality of ingredients. Uncle Boons lives up to the hype and has become a New York classic. It may be more expensive than your average Thai spot, but Uncle Boons is very fairly-priced for a Michelin-starred restaurant, even though it remains a casual, fun dining experience. If you love Thai food, Uncle Boons is a must – bring your date, your folks, your adventurous-eater friends, lots of appetite, and perhaps some Tums!

Check out its more casual, counter-service spinoff Uncle Boons Sister for take-out or delivery!

Open daily for dinner:
Sun-Thurs 5:30pm-11pm
Fri-Sat  5:30pm-midnight