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New York

Ugly Baby

Literally the hottest Thai restaurant in Carroll Gardens
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Alex Lau

GO: to cry, sweat, sniffle, and repeat after euphorically eating all the chile-powered noodles, soups, whole fish, and more at 2018 Hot 10 winner Ugly Baby. It's addictive—just try to stop yourself from ordering another curry.

ORDER THE: brothy whole fish, stir-fried squid, mushroom curry, and legendary khao soi, the iconic noodle soup that initially put chef Sirichai Sreparplarn on the map. You will probably be told you ordered too much food or that it will be very spicy—don’t give in; this is what you came for. Plus, you can wash it all down with the quirky list of wines and craft beers.

THE VIBE IS: kind of wacky. Tables are crammed into every inch of the space, menus are printed on orange construction paper, and the staff will often dress up on the weekends—we loved Elvis night. You’ll find mostly locals who live in the area, sweating it out inside or ordering take-out.

PRACTICAL STUFF: Open every day: Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.