Summer is here, and on a hot Fort Greene afternoon, many indulge in ice cream or seek ways to stay cool. However, I crave the bold, fiery flavors of Thai cuisine. Just past Fort Greene Park, a leisurely afternoon stroll brought me to Glin Thai Bistro. Glin Thai Bistro Brooklyn, a local favorite with glowing ratings and rave reviews from locals, promises flavor‑packed dishes and well‑crafted cocktails. Now, it’s time to find out if Glin Thai Bistro is a must‑visit for you in Brooklyn.
Table of Contents
Vibes
With a lush, flower‑draped exterior, I was greeted by a peaceful, plant‑filled interior that instantly felt like an oasis. Glin Thai Bistro’s modest dining space, adorned with fresh blooms on each table and plush, velvet-like seating by the window, exuded cool and calm. During a quiet lunch hour, two attentive servers ensured our drinks and dishes arrived swiftly, making the experience seamless. I found myself lingering well past my lunch break, captivated by the inviting ambiance and eager to savor every moment of this Fort Greene gem. I was more than happy to linger past my lunch break, taking in the ambiance and savoring what I believe is one of the truest universal languages: food.
What I Drank
Sipping on two expertly crafted drinks at Glin Thai Bistro, I found the perfect counterbalance to the spicy flavors of their Thai dishes. Don’t miss their daily happy hour, running until 7 pm, where these delightful cocktails are just $11.
My first sip at Glin Thai Bistro was the Mile Away, a mezcal-based cocktail bursting with watermelon, grenadine, and a zesty lime kick. Its refreshing balance of sweet and smoky notes perfectly matched my ordered cuisine, setting a relaxed tone in the serene dining room. This vibrant drink, with its satisfying kick, effortlessly melts stress away.
Vida mezcal, watermelon, grenadine and lime
My next drink was a refreshing Mango Lemonade—a freshly made, non‑alcoholic blend of mango and lemon that I needed on a hot day. A vibrant mix of freshly pureed mango and zesty lemon that felt like a burst of sunshine. Served chilled in the serene plant-filled dining room, every sip was a delightful pause in my meal.
What I Ate
Browsing the Glin Thai Bistro menu, I was impressed by its diverse offerings, particularly the lunch specials, which, starting at around $15, include a soup or salad, an appetizer, and an entrée, making them excellent value. I opted for one of these specials for my visit and couldn’t resist the restaurant’s TikTok-famous Kee Mao Short Rib, known for its meat falling-off-the-bone allure. While every dish was delivered, the soup was only average to my taste. Read on for my detailed take on each dish, and feel free to leave a comment with your own experience!
For my lunch special at Glin Thai Bistro, I selected a starter and appetizer. I chose the soup for the starter, but honestly, it was too bland for my taste. However, the Gui Chai (chive pancake) stole the show—perfectly crispy on the outside, delightfully creamy within, and elevated by a sweet-soy dip that made every bite irresistible. This appetizer alone left me craving a larger portion, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal.
I ordered the Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodle) for my main course—and it completely blew me away. The bold blend of textures, spice, and savory sauce had me grinning after the first bite, and it was the perfect balance of spice and crunch. It exceeded every expectation of how delicious a lunch special could be, and I was already planning my next visit before I even finished.
I couldn’t resist trying the Kee Mao Short Rib, even though it wasn’t included in the lunch special. This generous dish featured a 24‑hour slow‑cooked short rib—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside—served over ramen noodles with dried chilies and aromatic Thai spices. The meat melted in my mouth, and while the noodles weren’t as standout as the Pad Kee Mao, they were still rich, spicy, and flavorful. At $42, it’s a splurge—but one bite and you’ll know it’s worth trying at least once.
The Takeaway
My visit to Glin Thai Bistro exceeded expectations—both food and drinks were superb, arriving promptly with bold, satisfying spice and flavor. This cozy Fort Greene gem offers an authentic burst of Thai flavor. Definitely one of the best Thai restaurants I’ve visited in all of NYC, Glin Thai Bistro belongs on your must‑try list if you’re craving exceptional Thai cuisine.
Must-Go rating 4.5 out 5 ⭐
For more information you can visit Glin Thai Bistro’s official website. Also, set the mood before you visit – check out our curated Spotify playlist inspired by my visit to Glin Thai Bistro. Looking for more things to do in the Fort Greene area that’s not far away from Glin Thai Bistro, checkout our blog Spend the Morning at Fort Greene Park Farmers Market and End with the Best Brunch in Brooklyn. Don’t forget to watch our video below to get a closer look!
