What Thai food dreams are made of. I first got hooked on Thai food about 20 years ago--grabbing takeout from random food carts and a tiny Midtown spot called Rain. One bite in, I was done for. Since then, it's basically a rule: if I see a Thai restaurant, I'm stopping. Over time I've graduated beyond pad Thai (growth), and I'm always on the hunt for the next standout dish. This past weekend, I found a hidden gem. And I mean hidden. Don't let the exterior fool you--it looks like the new owners took over a long-retired diner that last saw its glory days sometime around the Reagan administration. Inside doesn't do much to change your expectations either... very "vintage 80s diner chic," and not in the trendy way. Then you're greeted by a kid who looks like he's juggling high school algebra homework while simultaneously bussing tables, taking orders, running food, pouring drinks, and working the register. Absolute Swiss Army knife. Honestly, I've been to fully staffed restaurants that don't run half as efficiently. Now the food--this is where things get serious. I usually start with papaya salad, but I saw they offered soft shell crab for an extra $3 and thought, "say less." The crabs came out perfectly fried--crispy, not greasy--two generous pieces sitting on top of a bright mango salad with a light vinaigrette. Ridiculously good. For mains, I went with my usual benchmarks: beef pad see ew and duck in red curry. Both delivered. The pad see ew had a solid portion of Chinese broccoli, noodles cooked just right, and that perfect balance of savory flavor. The red duck curry? Rich, fragrant, and the kind of dish that reminds you why you fell in love with Thai food in the first place. No exaggeration--these might be the best versions of both dishes I've had in 20 years of eating Thai. And I don't say that lightly. I was just in Vegas and went off-strip to try a highly recommended Thai spot... this place beats it, easily. My wife agreed, and she doesn't hand out food compliments like participation trophies. At that point, we figured dessert was mandatory because clearly this place refuses to miss. Mango sticky rice came out and--shocking--also excellent. Sweet, balanced, and a perfect finish. Total bill was around $100, including a large Thai iced tea (also on point). Bottom line: this family knows exactly what they're doing. If they keep this up, they won't be "hidden" for long--they'll be packed with repeat customers who, like me, came for curiosity and left planning their next visit. read more

Decided to try this spot on the way home and was very excited to see the amazing reviews! The food was good but yikes the service and overall restaurant experience was not great - unsure if it was an off night? Tables left dirty /uncleaned, angry customers waiting for pick up, multiple customers reminding server of drink orders that took several minutes, no water or silverware for a while - the food did eventually come and was hot and good but not sure we'll be back? We ordered Thai iced tea, tom kha soup, pad thai and pad see ew. The diner vibe is so cute, they have potential for sure! read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Tom Ka Gai Soup - just ok. (I like mine a little spicy) & Thai Ice Tea - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

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Delicious and fresh food in a spotless welcoming restaurant. Seasonings perfect. FYI: mild has a perfect kick. Highly recommend: drunken noodles with shrimp which were large and so fresh, not the small overcooked shrimp I've had at other establishment, eggplant basil with chicken which was actually fresh perfect sliced chicken breast and large chunks of fresh eggplant. Key word through this review: FRESH! Friendly owners are cooking authentic Thai food and take pride in what they serve. read more

This is in the space that used to house the Thailand Diner. Now run by a very nice family serving up some delicious food. My wife and I started by sharing a duck salad which was quite large and tasted great. We then each had a Pad Thai for our main; she with shrimp and pork for me. Very tasty and with the requested heat strength. Our server was the daughter, a very nice young lady. Mom does the cooking and Dad is onsite too. The interior is very nice. A major improvement over what it used to look like. Can't wait to go back. read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Duck Salad - A dish of duck salad with chopped vegetables, ground meat, and sauce on a white plate, served at Monkey Thai Diner. - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

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I had red curry vegetable dish tofu delicious.. very nice place. Excellent service, clean, of course great.

My son is a huge fan of Monkey Thai, if he could he would eat here everyday! This establishment went through a few owner/management changes, but the new current chef and owner (2026) has us coming back again and again! Love the accurate spicy levels! We loved the pineapple fried rice w/ crispy duck was delicious! Everything we have tried so far was absolutely perfect! Authentic flavors! read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Pineapple fried rice with crispy duck - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

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A cute old dinner converted into a Thai restaurant. We ordered chicken eggplant, BBQ chicken that comes with pineapple fried rice and glass noodle with shrimps. All dishes are delicious and they delivered the "Thai spicy" level when I asked for one. The noodle glass comes with generous big shrimp and it was delish! Service is attentive and the place is clean. read more

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Everything was absolutely excellent! The food was prepared perfectly, the service was fast and pleasant, and the place has great atmosphere. We went with our small son and it was very family friendly the owner we the pleasure of meeting was very kind, attentive, and friendly.. he said his wife was a chef in Bangkok and they recently moved here and took over this old spot and revamped with their own flair. We can't wait to return the duck was tender and crispy and the pineapple fried rice was delicious. We ordered many things that were great I will post photos. Give them a shot! read more

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I wish I could give it zero stars. One of the worst meals I've ever had. It was just gross. It didn't even smell good. It smelled bad! The service was also atrocious. What a disaster. And it was phenomenally expensive. read more

Have come here a couple times for lunch and the food was excellent. Had the pad Thai chicken and the Kee Mao chicken. Very authentic and delicious. They will make your dish as mild or spicy as you like. Highly recommend. read more

Such a unique setting: a roadside Thai restaurant situated in a diner car. Only in New Jersey, with its diversity, Asian immigrant enclaves, and diner culture. And it's cute, cozy, and clean inside! The food is the best authentic Thai food I've had in NJ. The chef really knows how to balance between the acidity, sweetness, and spiciness that's characteristic of Thai cuisine. You see this coming out with the larb, where mint and basil are also fresh. Green curry was gentle and slightly sweet, yet bursting with flavor. It's a small detail but the music reminded me of a Thai cafe - very pleasant. It won't be long until this spot has long wait times. I'm hoping they keep the charm and coziness similar to this Thai diner car if they ever expand. Truly 5/5 stars from me - it's my favorite new restaurant I've eaten at this year. read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Thai Diner! - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

This is the third consecutive Thai restaurant that has occupied this landmark Clark diner in recent years. I think this one might be here to stay. I had the tom kha gai soup, the green curry chicken, and the pineapple fried rice to go. Everything was cooked well, with complex and balanced flavors. The soup was loaded with chicken and vegetables and delicious. I ordered the curry with medium spice, I wouldn't go any hotter, but the chef nailed it just the way I like it. The sauce was creamy and delicious. The side of white rice that went with it was minimal, I'd ask for extra next time. The pineapple fried rice was good, too, I got it with their crispy chicken, but the meat was a bit dry, so I would leave meat out of that dish next time. I think it might be the best Thai restaurant in the area. The menu is interesting and varied, and they also offer a 5% discount for cash. read more

The owner overcharged on the entrée and when we caught him, he admitted without apology. Furthermore, he insulted us out the door. We will never come back. He is a terrible business person. UPDATE: Today, I noticed that the owner responded to my review of his poor business practices. He speaks with "forked tongue." Here are the facts: We ordered an entree with a combination of shrimp and chicken (half shrimp and half chicken). The chicken version is listed as $17.95 on the menu. The shrimp version is listed on the menu as $19.95. We understand that Shrimp is more expensive than chicken....no problem. The owner charged us $23.95 and then admitted that he overcharged us. He told us not to tip him. I told him we always tip. He grabbed the portable credit card machine and hit "No Tip" himself. Had he corrected his mistake, we would have given him a tip. Next, he told us to dispute the charge with my credit card company and, when I told him I would rate him 1 star on Google, he said "Go ahead. I don't care." Very bad business person. read more

Love the new ownership. Menu is an upgrade along with the execution of dishes. Thai dinner just got a little more authentic in Clark. Highly recommend. read more

Such good food! Every thing we ate was amazing. We ate there and ordered to take. Prices are excellent. Service was very nice. read more

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I was in the neighborhood and my stomach was growling. I opened Yelp and found this gem of a place. Who knew? A Thai Diner! How innovative. The atmosphere was quaint, quiet, serene. The ambience is very uniquely Thai the moment you walk through the door. The greeter (who I assumed) is the owner was friendly and welcoming. The menu was well conceived and presented. The order process was quick. Mine was a take out. It was quick as well. I had the appetizer platter/sampler for 2. Everything was delicious albeit the chicken skewers were on the dry side (white meat). The peanut sauce definitely helped. The fish was done to perfection. Everything was seasoned just right. Parking can be a bit dicey depending where you're coming from since it's a busy street. Just be careful parking and merging. Noise level is dependent on time or other patrons I guess, while I was there and waiting, patrons a table over is a bit loud so I can definitely hear him talk like I was with the 2 of them. Overall, I am definitely coming back and try other food in the menu. It's a bit pricey with all the tariffs but worth it. read more

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I have only ordered take out 3 or 4 times but very glad to see great Thai food back in Clark , the original Thailand was my favorite. But then they retired and the new owners took over and ruined the food., didn't last long. Monkey Thai came in and resurrected the quality. Very fresh. Great portions of protein, amazing flavor. Reasonable priced read more

I just had take out recommended by my son. I had the red curry my husband had pad Thai and son had the Egg plant Baisel. Everything was delicious. My son has been back three times in one month. The dishes had a heat we ordered medium heat for me I would not go past medium. Or at least not trying it first. I will definitely go back and will dine in next time. My son did say they get busy. read more

Wonderful hidden gem! Absolutely delicious, and when I say this I mean it. I'm a serious food critic and I know good food. This was a hidden gem. I stumbled on it by accident but I'm definitely going back each time I'm in the area. The food was so flavorful! The staff of King and attentive. The restaurant including the bathrooms was so clean, then even had a bidet! It's situated in a little old diner they converted into this cute little Thai restaurant. The spices and flavor blended together wonderfully. The chef makes creative entrees that where unique and had a burst of flavor sensation! It's a must try in Clark, NJ! read more

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I actually wrote this review on 6/30 but somehow when creating the restaurant on Yelp, I called it Dinner and not Diner so it did not appear here till now. This is in the space that used to house the Thailand Diner. Now run by a very nice family serving up some delicious food. My wife and I started by sharing a duck salad which was quite large and tasted great. We then each had a Pad Thai for our main; she with shrimp and pork for me. Very tasty and with the requested heat strength. Our server was the daughter, a very nice young lady. Mom does the cooking and Dad is onsite too. The interior is very nice. A major improvement over what it used to look like. Can't wait to go back. read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Outside Sign - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

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The service was good the place was nice and clean and the Thai food was yummy. I just don't recommend the lava cake but everything else was great. read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Fried Calamari as an appetizer. - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

Not the best service and food just ok. Tasteless papaya salad with old yellow lettuce. Nothing special! read more

This place is amazing!!! Super friendly, fast service food is delicious and always consistent. I love the Drunken Noodles. They also have great lunch specials dine in or take away. Real authentic Thai check it out ! read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Drunken noodles Thai tea - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

Fabulous! Friendly service, innovative space, delightful food. Thoroughly enjoyed generous servings of roast duck over pineapple fried rice, assorted appetizers, tom ka ga, and shrimp noodles. read more

I was surprised it was taken over by a new family from the one I'm used to. Great food, ambiance and service. I do recommend the lava cake read more

Monkey Thai Diner - Lava cake - A glass bowl contains chocolate ice cream topped with whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and drizzled with chocolate syrup, set on a wooden table. - Thai Near Me - Clark, New Jersey

Omg this was so delicious. We got the scallion pancakes (10 out of 10) the avocado mango spring rolls, crispy duck salad, beef cashew and a side of sweet sticky rice. Everything was amazing. Highly recommend read more

Wonderful restaurant. I love that they pay close attention to my gluten-free requirements. Every dish has been excellent. Prompt, friendly service. Great place for a relaxing, quiet dinner. read more

Delicious Thai food, ducky pineapple fried rice is a must. We enjoyed it . I recommend them !

The food was amazing really flavorful and the spice level are amazing with there hot sauce. The service was impeccable with our waiter being super nice and caring providing every thing we ask for. The ambiance was also good with so thai decorations. This place truly is a hidden gem even while being in a bad area if it wasn't then it would be bustling. read more

INCREDIBLE food, the chicken see ew was so fresh and the mango sticky rice was PERFECT. The coconut soup has a great flavor. Will definitely be coming back here! read more