Whiskey Soda Lounge

"This is totally Portland," said a first-time visitor to Whiskey Soda Lounge, observing its laid-back vibe, wood-paneled basement décor and esoteric Thai menu. Not coincidentally, chef/owner Andy Ricker's original branch of Whiskey Soda Lounge is in Portland, Oregon, along with the original Pok Pok. His Brooklyn Pok Pok /venues/pok-pok-ny is several doors down along the Columbia Street waterfront. That restaurant was such a massive hit that he needed extra space for a waiting room. Whiskey Soda Lounge was the solution, though you just may want to stay put here. The Thai plates are touted as bar food, but if you order enough of them you'll be full. Ike's Vietnamese fish sauce wings are a must, the "regular" plenty fiery, the "spicy" only for those with flame-retardant tongues. Sour-cured, deep-fried pork riblets are great for nibbling alongside a cold, bracing whiskey cocktail or glass of beer. If you're still determined to get a table at Pok Pok, order a bowl of roasted red peanuts with lime leaf, garlic, chilies and sea salt, which won't ruin your appetite.