Sea Thai, the glammed out version of a corner Thai bistro, is yet another example of what one can do with the wide open warehouse spaces still available in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. In the heart of the hipster Northside, Sea Thai is the harbinger of the neighborhood-soon-to-come along this hotly contested waterfront.
The desconstructed industrial ceiling gazes down upon 7,500 square of eclectic design: Mod chairs, glam lighting, post-modern video art and DJ, and a Buddhist reflecting pond, complete with an empathetic golden Buddha in the middle of it all.
The fashionable and attractive pose near the front bar, a round kiosk from whence come mighty $11 mojitos. The aroma of spearmint is intoxicating. Seating is first come, first serve, so the Kubrick-esque mod chairs and bubble swings are filled with the hottest in hair and high heels. Another and larger bar lines the back wall and allows patrons to sit back and gawk at the goings on.
The blue and green lighting evokes the leafy splendor of Thailand’s gardens and creates visual alcoves in an otherwise open space. But like many such spaces, the noise level can reach excessive heights, especially when mixed with throbbing electronica. It is a place to rev up for the night, not wind down.
The food is very moderately priced, well prepared and plated and served by a friendly staff. While others have complained of rude service here, we have not witnessed that. It is true that the host desk can be a little off-putting (a New York thing), but the bartenders, servers, and food runners are well trained and know the menu. Specials are often very good. At $4, it is well worth trying several. The Sea Thai version of shrimp wrap is very good, as are most of the shrimp offerings. The curry puffs are a little too heavy, however. Entrees ($7 to $13) run the usual gamut of tried and true curries and noodle dishes found elsewhere. However, the signature pork chops and the duck selections round out the menu, as do the specials.
Much of the attraction here is the space and the constant pre-party vibe, but the food and the overall value should not be overlooked. Definitely worth the trip to Williamsburg, especially if you are headed to Galapagos or another late night venue.