The New York Times has unveiled its 2025 Top 50 Restaurants in America list, showcasing an impressive range of culinary gems from counter-service spots to fine dining locales across the nation. Among the distinguished restaurants featured are two casual Asian eateries based in Austin: Lao’d Bar and P Thai’s Khao Man Gai.
Lao’d Bar, celebrated as the highest ranked new restaurant in the Statesman’s 2024 Dining Guide at No. 5, secured a place on this prestigious list. The spot, which opened its doors as a food truck before transitioning to a brick-and-mortar location, encapsulates the vibrant atmosphere of a Southeast Asian night market.
Chef-owner Bob Somsith has crafted an open-air space filled with vivid decor, including colorful tablecloths and string lights that create an inviting, party-like ambiance. Bob imbues his dishes with bold flavors from Southeast Asia while incorporating some American elements, reflecting his upbringing in the United States.
The New York Times’ Priya Krishna praised the restaurant for its exciting dishes, highlighting the ribeye lahb, papaya salad, and smash burger. Krishna’s description of Lao’d Bar evokes a lively social experience, noting, “Mr. Somsith has created a restaurant that feels more like a house party, with garage doors and where one frozen guava cocktail may easily give way to more.”
In addition to Lao’d Bar, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai, helmed by chef-owner Thai Changthong, also made its mark on this esteemed list, coming in at No. 23. Known for its rich flavors reminiscent of Bangkok’s Chinatown, this counter-service restaurant on Airport Boulevard delivers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Khao Man Gai, a signature poached chicken and rice dish, along with homemade noodle options, has garnered attention for its punchy flavors that leave diners reaching for their water. Krishna notes, “This cooking speaks to the distinct cuisine born of Chinese immigrants who moved to Thailand, adapting their dishes to the electric flavors of their new home.”
Austin has consistently showcased its culinary talent in The New York Times’ Top 50 list since its inception in 2021. Other local restaurants making the cut in past years include Birdie’s, Canje, Este, and Wee’s Cozy Kitchen (now closed), along with Barb’s B Q in Lockhart, honored in 2024.
The list also highlights Isidore, a fine dining restaurant from Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, located at San Antonio’s Pullman Market. Based entirely on the bounty of land and sea in Texas, Isidore adds to the diverse representation from the state. Houston’s Chòpn Blok, a West African restaurant, also earned recognition in this year’s ranking.
In tandem with the national accolades, The New York Times has updated its list of the 25 Best Restaurants in Austin, welcoming Craft Omakase and Le Calamar while removing Dee Dee Thai—soon to reopen at Leona Cafe and Bar—and the now-closed Underdog, which transitioned under the same ownership to the bistro Le Calamar.
image source from：statesman
