Restaurant Review: NY Thai Grill & Sushi Bar, NYC

Nestled in a sunken storefront on a quiet stretch of 54^th St. between 5^th and 6^th Ave., NY Thai Grill & Sushi Bar is easy to miss. However, one taste of the food and you'll understand why locals keep coming back for more. This restaurant boasts a varied menu which includes classic Thai appetizers and entrees, Japanese selections and a full sushi and sashimi bar. The décor, though not especially unique, is warm and inviting, and the restaurant is very clean. The staff is welcoming and accommodating. NY Thai Grill & Sushi Bar is a great place for groups, especially if the group includes sushi and non-sushi eaters, because the extensive menu offers something for everyone. They offer prompt and friendly delivery, too, which makes NY Thai Grill & Sushi Bar a great lunch option for area businesses.

Start with a bowl of refreshingly spicy and sour Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour shrimp soup, $4.95), then sample chicken or beef satay ($7.50) or steamed vegetable dumplings ($5.95). Som Tom (shrimp and green papaya salad, $11.95) or Yum Neua (spicy beef salad, $9.50) also make great appetizers, and are large enough to share. If you prefer to whet your appetite Japanese style, try some edamame ($4.95) or shrimp shumai ($5.95). Skip the Tom Kha Gai - it's watery - and avoid the octopus salad, which tends to be rubbery and heavy on the mayonnaise.

The entrée options are nearly limitless, with 5 different types of Thai curries offered, all available with vegetables, chicken, beef or seafood ($11.95-$14.95). Other great choices include Pad Thai ($10.50), Pad See Yu ($10.50) and Gai Pad Prik King ($11.50), a spicy stirfry of chicken and crunchy green beans. Their seafood offerings are personal favorites, including Goong Kractiem (garlic shrimp, $14.95) and Pla Jean (salmon on a sizzling platter, $15.95).

The sushi bar serves up all types of classic sushi and sashimi, but they also offer a number of chef's special rolls, which can't be beat. Try the Rainbow Tobiko Roll ($13.95) if you're a tuna fan, or choose the Spring Roll ($10.95) if you're watching your carbs - this roll is crab and avocado wrapped with cucumber - no rice! The Japanese entrees are also excellent.

Address: 37 W. 54^th St., New York, NY 10019

Phone: 212-581-8808

Hours: M-F 11:30am-11:00pm, S-S 12:00pm-11:00pm

Price Range: lunch specials $8-10, $5-9 appetizers, $10-18 entrees