TLDR
Innovative, modern Thai with a progressive heat scale and historic roots. A standout Brooklyn destination for bold, adventurous, and flavorful small plates and curries.
Instagram Posts References
Kru BK is listed as one of the participating restaurants in New York for the Sake Harmony Weeks event, exploring innovative sake pairings with various dishes.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Kru, a Brooklyn Thai restaurant offering a "modern interpretation of hundred year-old Thai recipes," praising its unique approach to heat and standout dishes like the volcanic beef tongue curry.
Details
Located in Williamsburg, this modern Thai establishment serves as an independent venture from the team behind Fish Cheeks, offering innovative takes on historic recipes within a stylish, industrial-chic space [1]. The menu features a progressive heat structure that builds throughout the meal, earning the restaurant recognition from the Michelin Guide and a James Beard Award semifinalist nod [1]. While the atmosphere is moody and sophisticated, the culinary expertise remains the central focus for adventurous diners [4].
Food Overview
The cuisine centers on modern, upscale Thai flavors that balance traditional techniques with contemporary presentation [1]. Diners highly recommend the Ma Hor for its complex, meaty-sweet profile [1], as well as the Massaman curry featuring braised beef tongue [2]. The beef tongue curry (kaeng pa) is a signature showstopper, renowned for its intense, volcanic heat, though some critics felt the bone marrow dish was somewhat skimpy and lacked the promised punch of its chili and turmeric components [1].
The Beef Tongue Curry (kaeng pa) is a frequently celebrated highlight known for its extreme spice [1], [4], while the Ma Hor is praised as a delightful, uniquely prepared treat [1].
Patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its unique and adventurous culinary perspective, frequently highlighting the exceptional spice levels and creative dish compositions [1], [4]. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with diners often describing the experience as a special departure from typical local offerings [2], [4].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01beef tongue curry3 mentions
- 02beef tongue jungle curry2 mentions
- 03bone marrow2 mentions
Caveats
The intense heat of the signature beef tongue curry can occasionally overshadow the other delicate ingredients in the bowl [1]. Additionally, the bone marrow dish has received criticism for being small in portion size and missing the advertised chili and turmeric elements [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KRU
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Finding The Spiciest Food In The City Spiciest
"Located in Williamsburg, the beef tongue curry is described as the spiciest dish the commenter has ever had."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Nyc Restaurants That Serve Creative
"The bone marrow with Thai flavors is described as very rich, perhaps best for sharing."
NeutralFrom post: Looking To Impress My Tattooed Millennial Sister
"Included Kru as a recommendation for something very special and adventurous."
NeutralFrom post: Thai Food In Brooklyn Recs Most Recs Have Gotten
"This user recommended Kru as a Thai food option in Brooklyn."
Neutral