Wedged within a strip of Broadway in Uptown between the all-encompassing Asian cuisine of Little Vietnam and a specialty goods market, Thai Avenue looks both generic and unassuming. But one step in showcases a lofted-ceiling, wooden-chair coffeehouse-type cleanliness three stars ahead of its neighbors, and fresh twists on Eastern Thai dishes that are only surpassed by vegetarian options.

Most of the Eastern distinctness is hidden behind handfuls of chili peppers, but that's the way the region prefers it. Satays, larbs (meat salad flavored in fish sauce and lime) and papaya salad all come with an extra dose of chili peppers, unless you specifically tell them to tame it down. Likewise, some of the best vegetarian options savor the heat, as with the tofu-stocked 'hood pleaser, basil fried rice, brimming with pineapples, onions, bell peppers, fresh basil and a sweet chili oil.

As with most Thai joints, it's difficult to find one of its 100+ items for more than $8, unless it's loaded with more than one kind of meat. And coupled with BYOB status, you could easily walk out spending just shy of $25 for two, including tip, which includes a comfy overhead for a couple dessert highlights, like the deep-fried banana egg roll, drizzled in honey and sesame seeds ($3.95), or a plum, bubble tea latte ($3.50).

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul