Thái Sơn

- 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Manhattan's bustling Chinatown, Thái Sơn stands as a long-standing and beloved institution for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for serving a wide-ranging menu of traditional dishes, most notably its rich and flavorful pho. What makes Thái Sơn a true gem is its ability to offer high-quality, authentic food at incredibly affordable prices, a rarity in a city known for its expensive dining scene. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, lacking the pretension of many other New York eateries, and is a welcoming spot for a diverse crowd that includes locals, tourists, and a large number of university students.

Thái Sơn is more than just a place to eat; it's a taste of Vietnam in the city. The menu is expansive, covering everything from classic appetizers like spring rolls to a wide variety of main courses, including vermicelli noodle bowls, rice dishes, and an extensive list of seafood, beef, and chicken entrees. The restaurant is particularly celebrated for its fast service, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner without a long wait. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Vietnamese food or looking to try it for the first time, Thái Sơn provides a reliable and delicious experience that is both comforting and exciting. Its commitment to serving hearty, flavorful food at a great value has made it a go-to spot for countless New Yorkers for years.

Location and Accessibility

Thái Sơn is conveniently located at 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013, USA, right in the vibrant heart of Chinatown. This location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Lower Manhattan, including the Financial District and Little Italy. The area is a major hub for public transportation, with several subway stations and bus stops within a short walking distance. This makes the restaurant a convenient and straightforward destination for anyone traveling through the city.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring both a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating. This ensures that all guests can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. For those who choose to drive, there is a paid parking lot available nearby, though navigating the busy streets of Chinatown can be a bit of a challenge. The atmosphere inside is casual and welcoming, with seating available for groups, but it is also a popular spot for solo diners who appreciate the relaxed vibe and fast service. While some older buildings in Chinatown might lack modern amenities like central air conditioning, the overall experience at Thái Sơn is focused on the food and friendly service.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Thái Sơn offers a full dine-in experience with table service. It is a casual and cozy spot to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family.

• Takeaway: For those on the go, the restaurant provides a takeaway service, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Vietnamese dishes from the comfort of your home or office.

• Delivery: The restaurant also offers delivery, a great option for those who live or work nearby and want their food brought directly to their door. This service is a major convenience in a busy city.

• Table Service: Guests can expect prompt and efficient table service from a team that is known for being quick and attentive, a major highlight for a fast-paced environment.

• Accepts Reservations: While walk-ins are always welcome, the restaurant accepts reservations, which is a good idea for larger groups or during peak hours to ensure you have a table.

• High Chairs: The restaurant is family-friendly and provides high chairs for children, making it a comfortable choice for parents dining with their kids.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: The core highlight of Thái Sơn is its commitment to serving authentic, traditional Vietnamese dishes. From the classic pho to lesser-known specialties, the menu is a true representation of the cuisine.

• Fast Service: This is a major point of pride for the restaurant. Customers consistently praise the speed at which their orders are taken and delivered to the table, making it a perfect spot for a quick meal.

• Generous Portions and Affordable Prices: The portions, especially for their pho, are known to be quite generous for the price, providing excellent value in a city where dining out can be expensive.

• Great Tea Selection: The restaurant has a notable tea selection, which is a key part of the Vietnamese dining experience. This is a nice touch that adds to the authenticity.

• Healthy Options and Comfort Food: The menu successfully balances healthy options, such as the vermicelli bowls with fresh vegetables, with classic comfort food dishes, like hearty pho and savory fried spring rolls.

• Versatile for Various Crowds: The restaurant's casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a variety of crowds, including groups, tourists, and especially university students looking for a delicious and affordable meal.

Contact Information

Thái Sơn is located at: 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013, USA. For any inquiries or to make a reservation, you can reach them by phone at (212) 732-2822.

What is worth choosing

When you dine at Thái Sơn, the clear must-try is their pho. The "Combination Special Big Bowl" is a fan favorite, offering a hearty mix of beef, tendon, and tripe in a flavorful broth. While some may find the toppings to be a bit "skimpy," the generous portion of noodles and the rich, authentic broth make it a very satisfying meal. It is a dish that has earned the restaurant its loyal following and is a true testament to its culinary expertise. The vermicelli bowls are another excellent choice, with options like the "Spring Rolls and Grilled Pork with Lettuce On Rice Vermicelli" providing a perfect balance of savory meat, crispy spring rolls, and fresh vegetables.

For appetizers, the "Vietnamese Spring Rolls" are a great choice. They are often served with lettuce and fresh basil for wrapping, a traditional and delicious way to enjoy them. A hidden gem that one reviewer specifically highlighted is the "Avocado Smoothie." Made with fresh avocados and condensed milk, it is described as "amazing" and is a perfect complement to the savory meal. The extensive menu means you can also explore dishes like the "Marinated Beef Cubes" or a variety of rice dishes and noodle stir-fries. Ultimately, what is worth choosing at Thái Sơn is not just a single dish, but the experience of authentic, delicious, and affordable Vietnamese comfort food that has made it a landmark in New York City's Chinatown.

Thái Sơn

89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013, USA