Koo Thai (Upper West Side)

Thai food can show up in bold flavors between small, shareable plates or in a hearty bowl for one. Koo Thai in the Upper West Side splits the difference—comfort dishes arrive alongside lighter bites, whether you’re stopping for a solo dinner or picking up a quick lunch.

The spot sits on Columbus Avenue in the 917 block, steps from the subway rhythm of the neighborhood. Drive-through and takeout windows keep weekday service tight, while the dining room frames small plates and vegetarian options as equally at home on the table as they are in a to-go bag.

Pan-seared satay shares space with curries and soups meant for one or two, and the menu doesn’t stall between categories. Lunch crowds swing by for quick bites, dinner regulars slide into corner seats, and the space stays flexible enough that solo diners still feel at ease.

Call ahead for takeout or just swing through the drive-through window: (646) 666-0449. Find your spot on the map at https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c2f76b1212fce9:0x15b4cea01c6e371d.