It's not just the bright orange entrance that attracts diners to this East Harlem eatery – although it sure helps. From its spot on Lexington, Chu-Ros Thai serves up authentic and quick Thai lunch or dinner. It's the result of a recent venture by a bunch of friends with a love of Thai food and one of their grandma's recipes up their sleeves.
Being mostly a takeout joint, there is only one short bar to dine at, and the warm wood pannelling and pot plants certainly make for a welcoming atmosphere. But Chu-Ros is so close to Central Park (a five-minute walk) that we'd advise heading there to tuck in.
Open daily from 11.30am to 10pm, hungry visitors can stop in to get a speedy helping of dumplings, $10 veggie curries or dabble in their selection of traditional Thai street food. Give he khao man gai tod (fried chicken over ginger rice) a go, or sample the kana moo krob (crispy pork). Or keep it safe with a classic stirfry of seafood and flat rice noodles that goes by many names, but always gets a knowing nod when you mention drunken noodles.