If your idea of a good night includes bold flavors, warm lighting and a happy hour that actually delivers, Lan Larb Chiang Mai’s 2nd Avenue location might just become your new go-to. Tucked into a laid-back stretch of Kips Bay, this offshoot of the downtown original brings the heady, aromatic dishes of Northern Thailand to a neighborhood that knows its noodles but could use a little more funk.
The chef was born and raised in Chiang Mai, and his mission here is personal—to share the authentic yet distinct flavors of his family’s recipes with New Yorkers who think they’ve tried Thai food. Spoiler: they probably haven’t tried this. The cuisine of Northern Thailand leans heavily on a complex blend of herbs and spices—think galangal, turmeric, lemongrass and makrut lime—resulting in dishes that are bold, balanced and unmistakably regional.
Lan Larb Chiang Mai specializes in the kinds of plates that tell you where they’re from before you even take a bite—spicy larb, pickled bamboo, chili-laced dips and the signature Short Rib Hung Lay, a sweet, tangy, slow-braised dish that lands somewhere between a curry and a comforting hug. It’s the kind of flavor that lingers—in a good way.
The space itself leans simple and transportive. Glowing lanterns and wood accents set the mood without trying too hard, making it an easy spot for a casual date, a dinner with friends or a solo night with a cold Singha and a bowl of khao soi.
Lan Larb is also impressively delivery-friendly, meaning the same fragrant heat and depth of flavor travels well to your couch. But if you do dine in, plan for the daily happy hour from 4–6pm, when beers are $6, wines are $9, and the decision to order one more small plate feels like a financially responsible move.
With roots in Soho and Brooklyn’s Chiangmai Diner, this location keeps the family legacy intact while carving out its own niche uptown. It’s casual, thoughtful and full of dishes that stick with you—in a good way.