Topaz

I just walked in the snow to pick up my pad thai from this place--and it was my first time ordering here. Let me tell it was WELL worth the walk. I am definitely telling people about this place and ordering for lunch often. If you want to eat in, its small, so expect a little wait.

This restaurant has a nice atmosphere, with a slightly dimly lit dining room, with a comfortable amount of noise. The food is reasonably priced, and tastes great. Service was good when we went, with our water being filled up every 10 or so minutes. I would definitely go back again!

It's a nice place with GREAT Thia food and prices.

I have been coming to this restaurant for over a year, always for lunch and the food never disappoints no matter what I order. However, I have never been to a restaurant with worse service. If good service is a priority for you, I don't think Topaz is the right place.

On an early Saturday evening, after a 9 block "stroll" on our first trip to NYC, my husband & I ended up at Topaz. This is a charming little restaurant, 3 steps down, 2 tables for 4 and 1 table for 2 wide, but a bit longer with a bar at the back. The place was busy, but we were blessed to be seated immediately and within 3 minutes were brought water and rice crisps with a delicious peanut dipping sauce. Not being into hot food, but loving duck, I inquired about the several duck entrees and the waiter was most helpful, advising me well. I ordered the Tamarind Duck and my husband ordered the spare ribs. The food arrived within 15 minutes and the spareribs were good, but my husband was sorry he hadn't ordered the duck. It was the most delicious meal we had had in ages - and we eat out a lot! It came in nicely arranged pieces over a bed of excellent oriental vegetables (incl. wonderful whole shitake mushrooms). Each piece of lean, but rich and tender dark meat had a thin layer of very crispy, sinfully delicious skin. No visible fat anywhere else!

I have gone to this joint multiple times and do not go with more than one other person. They will make you wait forever if you are a group of three or more because most of the tables only sit 2 people or they can cramp you into a corner here and there, oh yea, so lovely. The service is poor but the pad thai is addicting. If you are a big fan of the well-known Thai dishes you will enjoy their food, but I would recomend getting it delivered instead of eating in their atmosphere.

My daughter and I stumbled across Topaz on a cold night, hungry for good food. It can be a bit noisy - theatre crowd - but worth waiting for (the line is sometimes outside the door). The mood is cheerful, the food great and the waters very attentive to your needs. Will modify spicy dishes to suit your appetite. I cannot eat hot food, but my daughter loves it. I promise you, the moment you walk in your nose will be held captive and your belly will be very well satisfied. Good eating!