Soothr is the restaurant that earned its reputation before it even had tables. What started as a takeout window in May 2020 — noodles slid through a green shutter on East 13th — grew into one of the East Village's most-booked dinner rooms, and the food is good enough that the hype is not the problem.
The Vibe
The room is long and narrow, packed with tables, tufted red leather booths, and lanterns strung low. The bar runs down one wall, fitted with a vintage antique telephone and a bright neon sign overhead. Weathered wood beams, a back garden for warmer months. Thai pop plays at a volume that makes leaning in feel natural — this is not a quiet-conversation room, and it doesn't pretend to be. Early on a weeknight it's full; by 8pm on a Friday it's loud and social and moving fast.
What to Order
- Khao soi — the coconut curry broth is the reason to come, rich and spiced right, with curly egg noodles and a slow heat that builds. Get it with beef.
- Grilled pork salad — spicy lime and chili dressing, no subtlety, exactly as advertised. The kind of dish that makes you order another round of drinks.
- Skip the spare ribs — the kitchen does bold flavors well, but these skew salty and don't hold up against the rest of the menu.
When to Come
Book a Tuesday or Wednesday dinner — the room fills every night but the pace is easier mid-week. Friday and Saturday hit peak noise around 8:30pm; plan for it or embrace it. Lunch reservations are easier to land if you want the food without the volume. This is a great third-date restaurant, or any date where the energy can do some of the work.
The Bottom Line
One of the better Thai dinners in the East Village — go for the noodles, stay for the cocktails, and book ahead.