Spice Thai — Restaurant in New York

My husband and I cam here for a mid week date night last night and was very disappointed. Usually Spice does not disappoint but the ones in Brooklyn however seem to be a different story. Starting of with what I actually liked, the neighbourhood (park slope) how could that be wrong, the size and ambiance of the place was a plus. The fact that it's not too small and the lighting (candles on the table ) and the music playing softly made it a good start. When it came time to ordering drinks and apps is when it started to do down hill. The drinks: my hubby and I wanted the mandarin roy, which we always get at all Spice locations except this one. We were told that they never heard of it and when I proceeded to show them on the website they said that they have a limited bar and they can't make it. Now this should of been my sign for us to take date night somewhere else but trying now to be fussy (as I usually am) I said okay and ordered a lychee martini for myself and a ginger one for the hubby. My martini tasted like cold water with one lychee in it (sign number 2) but okay we're trying to have a good night out so I suck it up and said nothing. We then ordered the walnut shrimp and the calimari, the shrimp was ok not really seasoned but the calimari batter was over fried and there was more bits of fried batter than actual squid. Stil smiling for the hubby and being polite we proceed to order our entrées. My hubby had the honey duck and I had the spicy lo mein, now lets talk about this SPICY lo mein. I ordered it extra extra spicy, I am an island woman and I like it HOT HOT HOT. Somehow that translated to SUPER SWEET in the kitchen, what was bought to me looked and tasted like a quick cook ground pork with bits of broken spaghetti. I proceed to ask if they had any ground chilies or Korean red pepper flake or paste....... I was told to wait while they checked. After a while the waiter/ hostess returned with some chili paste which looked like sambal olek and some black pepper in a shaker which looks like it has not seen the ligh of day since the 90's. So I picked at my plate and made small talk with my hubby and when he asked about my food I said that I was full ( but he knows me well) . So the bill comes and we pay, the waiter/ hostess who is wearing shorts and a t-shirt stands over me while I sign the table (with my finger) and ask me about a tip (really) Now usually I tip well so seeing that I did not have and enjoyable experiance or anything nice to say I di not give a tip. He then proceeded to say "You didn't tip, you didn't tip" so I replied I know, he then said "You tip in cash" to which I replied no. He says "You don't like our food, we work for tips, what didn't you like?" I replied everything he catches and attitude and starts speaking in hia native language to the staff in the back from the front of the place. I did not care, Spice you have to do better at your Brooklyn locations.

I wrote this from my side because my hubby will write a review of his own about...

I have been a long-time patron of Spice Thai Kitchen—if you can remember its original cozy location off Union Square, that’s how long I have been noshing on their tasty vittles. My time at this location, was just as perfect as every other visit. One of my high school gal-pals and I had, initially, chosen a different venue for our annual catch-up dinner; that locale, however, did not allow for parking, and seemed relatively too small for our liking. We opted to go to our “tried and true” Spice Thai Kitchen. We were able to get a parking spot across the street from the restaurant, and, we were immediately seated at our usual table, after providing proof of our COVID vaccinations. Once seated, we were greeted by our server, who provided us with menus and took our drink order. From that point forward, our food was served expeditiously and was always at the proper temperature. My friend and I shared the calamari (one of our favorites), we tried the whole wheat vegetarian dumplings (something new and tasty); I also ordered the Caesar salad and the pork chop (my usual choice), which never disappoint me😋. For a beverage, I had Thai Iced Tea, which is always yummy!

The food is always a great at this popular NYC locale, but what also makes this spot a worthwhile stop is the staff. My friend and I sat and talked for hours, as we had much to share. Despite our bill being closed, they did not rush us, and still offered water whilst we chatted. I found this kind of hospitality to be humble and gracious, and that is something I often appreciate when patronizing local gastropub. The staff at this venue was pleasant and professional.

This business has grown exponentially, over the years, and I am glad that it has not forgotten that it is the patrons who have...

The ambiance: Was calm, refreshing, very nice music like…acoustic versions of popular songs. Authentic Thailand imagery and fixtures, with a Brooklyn touch.

The appetizers; We had curry puffs, spring rolls, and dumplings. All delicious.

The (alcoholic) drinks: They were the perfect balance of sweet, and the right amount of alcohol. It didn’t feel like we were drinking juice. All of the drinks are so unique, very pretty, and look just like the photos on the menu.

The entrée: I had the Spicy Thai Herbs fried rice and let me tell you - I’ve had a VARIETY of Thai food from MANY different restaurants in Brooklyn & Manhattan YOU NAME IT I’ve been there - and this was THE BEST THAI FRIED RICE I’ve ever had.

I don’t even leave reviews like that especially if I liked the food, but I told myself I have to start reviewing when I enjoyed the food. It exceeded my expectations. It was the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, a HINT of sour just a pinch, and savory. Omg it was sooo good.

Then I took the rest home, ate it the next day and it STILL tasted delicious after being refrigerated then microwaved. That’s how you know it’s quality food.

My friend didn’t like her food because she’s quite picky since she got pregnant, and they happily accommodated her with a new order.

They were very kind, gracious and welcoming. Whenever I’m in that part of Brooklyn, I know where...