Pink Lotus is a West Midtown Thai restaurant where “subtle” might be a dirty word. Funky pastel lanterns hang like hot air balloons, colorful murals splash across the walls, and plaid and pink cushions might make you stare before you sit. The whole set up feels designed for a night out—whether it’s a meet-up with friends or a date. Like 26 Thai (from the same team), the food here is so good it made our Best Thai guide. The dishes at Pink Lotus are theatrical—like a citrusy branzino that arrives simmering on a tabletop charcoal grill—while also honing in on regional dishes like miang kham. The northern Thai classic is an artful build-your-own snack board of herbs, peanuts, and lime, so it's a great starter when you want to get your tablemates engaged and off their phones. Or since they're also open for lunch, use the space to escape the workday blues with a crab-packed fried rice that’ll be the highlight of your day. The cocktails also pull their own weight. We like the Garden Smash, which tastes like a cucumber cloud, and the Nam Prik Picante, a passion fruit margarita with the perfect blend of heat and sweet-tartness. Even the complimentary welcome drink—a Fruity Pebbles-tasting blend of pandan and lemongrass—sets the tone for all the fun things happening behind the bar.