TLDR
Intense, unapologetically spicy Southern Thai cooking in a spacious Williamsburg setting. Famous for its bold flavors and legendary heat.
Instagram Posts References
Ugly Baby is known for its bold Thai flavors, including dishes like pad ped and crispy catfish, offering a spicy dining experience.
Ugly Baby, a popular restaurant, is reopening in Williamsburg, promising to bring its unique flavors back to the NYC dining scene.
The beloved, fiery Thai restaurant Ugly Baby has returned with a larger new space in Williamsburg to continue its legacy of intense spice.
Ugly Baby, the celebrated Thai restaurant, is returning in a new, larger Williamsburg space. The revamped spot will feature a full bar, increased capacity for larger groups, and a refreshed menu that builds on its reputation for searing heat.
Will Hartman reviews the new Williamsburg outpost of Ugly Baby, exploring how it balances the original's vibrant character with a larger space and a refined, funk-forward menu.
Details
Known for its bold, fiery Southern Thai cuisine and unique umami profiles, this local favorite has made a highly anticipated return to a larger space in Williamsburg [1], [2]. While the menu maintains a focus on core Thai ingredients, the new location offers a broader selection of dishes that balance sour, sweet, and funky profiles alongside its trademark searing heat [3]. Despite some concerns regarding inconsistent spice levels and operational challenges, it remains a destination for those seeking an intense and authentic dining experience [4], [5].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in Southern Thai dishes that prioritize bold flavor profiles, often utilizing ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime [1]. While long-time fans praise the return of complex heat, some diners report that recent dishes can feel overly spicy or occasionally flavorless [2], [3]. Recommended standouts include the hanger steak pad ped, sour sea bass curry, and the sweet, sour, hot crispy catfish [4].
Highly recommended dishes include the hanger steak pad ped with green peppercorns, the sour sea bass curry, and the balanced sweet, sour, and hot crispy catfish [1]. The omelet soup with pork meatballs is also noted as a successful, milder option [1].
Diners are generally enthusiastic about the restaurant's return and its signature high-heat profile, though some find the experience physically overwhelming or note inconsistencies in spice levels [1], [2]. Reviews are mixed regarding the new location's atmosphere and value compared to the original, with some diners noting issues with noise, pricing, and service [3], [4].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01kua kling2 mentions
Caveats
Be prepared for potentially intense spice levels, as some staff may refuse to make dishes mild [1]. The dining environment can be loud with poor acoustics, and the restaurant has experienced operational growing pains such as limited menu availability and strict time limits [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About UGLY BABY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: How Is The New Ugly Baby The Original Is My All
"The visit resulted in a negative experience due to undrinkable cocktails, flavorless and overly spicy food, and general disappointment."
NegativeFrom post: How Is The New Ugly Baby The Original Is My All
"The diner experienced loud, poor acoustics, and expensive pricing, despite delicious food and friendly staff."
NeutralFrom post: Finding The Spiciest Food In The City Spiciest
"The restaurant is described as having dishes that are 'extra fuck you spicy,' noting the staff may refuse to make certain dishes mild."
PositiveFrom post: Finding The Spiciest Food In The City Spiciest
"The commenter notes that the restaurant's spice levels have changed over time and implies the restaurant is now more apologetic about spice."
NeutralFrom post: Finding The Spiciest Food In The City Spiciest
"Recommended as a spot for very spicy and tasty Thai food; it recently reopened."
Positive