Little Grenjai: A Trendy Thai-American Diner in Brooklyn for Authentic Wok and Cocktails

Little Grenjai Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Little Grenjai

is one of Brooklyn's most exciting dining destinations, a vibrant establishment that transcends the typical Thai restaurant experience. Located in the heart of the borough, this spot proudly operates as a modern **Thai restaurant** and **Cafe**, offering a unique culinary perspective that blends authentic Thai street food flavors with an approachable American diner concept. Born from the successful **Warung Roadside** pop-up, Little Grenjai is the brick-and-mortar dream of a husband-and-wife team, a venture that is both **Asian-owned** and **women-owned**. The ethos of the restaurant is captured in the word "Grenjai," a Thai concept loosely meaning a consideration for others, which they embrace—but only a little, keeping the atmosphere friendly, cozy, and distinctly trendy. The food is the main event, featuring wok-fired classics that are elevated and true to their roots. Favorites include the **Bangkok Street Style Pad Thai**, noted for its proper tamarind base that avoids the excessive sweetness of typical takeout, and the incredibly rich **Massaman Short Ribs**—a dish so highly praised that customers rave about the gravy alone. The atmosphere is **Casual** and **Cozy**, with a fun, stylized diner aesthetic that is much better than what the exterior might suggest, drawing a diverse and welcoming crowd that is both **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**. Little Grenjai is a must-try for any New Yorker seeking high-quality Thai food, creative fusion, and a great overall dining **experience**.

Little Grenjai successfully captures the attention of the discerning New York diner by offering dishes that are simultaneously comforting and complex. While they excel at traditional fare, the restaurant also innovates with items like the viral **Krapow Smash Burger**, a Thai-inspired take on an American classic that has quickly become a local legend and a standout **Lunch** item. The commitment to a complete dining experience is evident through their extensive beverage menu, which includes craft **Cocktails**, a thoughtful selection of **Wine** (including Sparkling, Orange, White, and Chilled Red varieties), and unique house-made drinks like the **Thai Iced Tea with Oat Milk**. This holistic approach, combined with **Fast service**, makes Little Grenjai popular for both a **Quick bite** and a full, engaging **Dinner**. The establishment is also designed for convenience, offering **Delivery**, **Takeout**, and the ability to **Dine-in**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to the intimate nature of the space—described by some as a "shoe box-size restaurant" that provides an intimate feel, though occasionally a bit **crammed**.

Location and Accessibility

Little Grenjai is perfectly nestled at

477 Gates Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA

, positioning it firmly in the desirable Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn. This location is easily accessible for residents across the borough and is quickly becoming a destination for New Yorkers from all over. As a high-traffic urban setting, the area is well-connected by NYC public transit options, including nearby subway lines and local buses, making a trip here convenient. For all patrons, the restaurant ensures physical accessibility with a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**. This dedication to broad access is matched by their payment options, which include **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, catering to the modern New York lifestyle. Additionally, the venue is pet-friendly, with a policy of **Dogs allowed outside**, appealing to local dog owners. The blend of a central, desirable Brooklyn location with practical accessibility features confirms Little Grenjai’s status as a top-tier neighborhood hub.

Services Offered

Full Dining Service: Offers **Seating** and service for **Breakfast**, **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, including a wide range of **Dessert** options.
Takeout and Delivery: Provides traditional **Takeout** service, as well as standard and **No-contact delivery**, ensuring maximum convenience for the local community.
Counter Service: Offers **Counter service** for quick and efficient ordering, especially during busy hours or for takeout.
Reservations: **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to the restaurant's intimate size and popularity, which can result in long waits for walk-ins.
Beverage Program: Features a full bar with **Alcohol**, **Beer**, a curated **Wine** list, specialty **Cocktails**, and **Coffee**.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Thai-American Fusion: Celebrated for its unique blend of **Thai restaurant** authenticity and a nostalgic American **diner** feel, exemplified by dishes like the **Krapow Smash Burger**.
Signature Dish Excellence: Patrons consistently praise the **Massaman Short Ribs** and the balanced, authentic flavor of the **Bangkok Street Style Pad Thai**.
Diverse Menu Offerings: Caters to all dining preferences with **Comfort food**, **Quick bite** options, **Small plates**, and extensive **Vegetarian options**.
Welcoming and Trendy Atmosphere: Known for being **Cozy**, **Trendy**, and a safe, welcoming space, as it is **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**.
Ownership and Ethos: Proudly **Asian-owned** and **women-owned**, bringing a strong, personal vision to the local dining scene.
Exceptional Service: Highly rated for **great service** with **attentive and courteous waiters**, a major highlight complementing the popular food.

Contact Information

Address:

477 Gates Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA

Phone:

Please Note: The business publicly states that they **do not have a phone number**. The best way to reach them for inquiries or during service is via their website's reservation system (Resy) or email (info@littlegrenjai.com), as stated on their official channels.

What is Worth Choosing

Little Grenjai is definitively worth choosing for New Yorkers who appreciate a dining spot that is both highly skilled in its execution and rich in character. What makes it stand out is the **authenticity of its Thai classics** combined with its willingness to innovate. You should choose Little Grenjai to experience their widely acclaimed signature dishes—the **Massaman Short Ribs** and the wok-fired Pad Thai. The short ribs, praised for their rich, deeply flavorful gravy, offer a level of comfort and complexity rarely found in a casual setting. The **Bangkok Street Style Pad Thai** offers a corrective to the overly sweet versions found elsewhere, providing a balanced, proper tamarind base that Thai food enthusiasts will immediately appreciate. Beyond the main courses, the innovative fusion items, like the infamous **Krapow Smash Burger** (available at lunch), are worth a visit alone, showcasing the creative spirit of this **Thai-American diner**. Furthermore, by choosing Little Grenjai, you are supporting a unique, **women-owned** and **Asian-owned** local business that fosters a **Cozy** and **LGBTQ+ friendly** environment. The high quality of the food and the exceptional, **AA+ service** are consistently cited highlights. Given the restaurant’s small size, the best way to ensure you experience this Brooklyn gem is to heed the advice and make **Dinner reservations** in advance. For an intimate, flavorful, and truly contemporary NYC dining experience rooted in genuine Thai flavors, Little Grenjai is the undisputed choice.

Little Grenjai Menu

Wok
Minced Pork Holy Basil Stir Fry $18.00
Drunken Noodles $18.00
Bangkok Street Style Pad Thai $19.00
Pad Prik Khing With Crispy Pork Belly $21.00

Soup
Khao Soi $20.00

Wok/Noodles
Holy Basil Minced Pork $18.00
Drunken Noodles $6.00
Bangkok Street Style Pad Thai $19.00

Platters
Grilled Double Cut Dry Aged Pork Chop $45.00
Crispy Whole Market Fish W Herb Salad
Treasures Of The Sea Coconut Karee $40.00

Side
Steamed Jasmine Rice

Sparkling
Frizzante $15.00
Waves Botanical Spritzer $14.00
Domini Del Leone Prosecco $14.00
Natur-Lich Rose $54.00

Cocktail
Hassaku Mimosa $16.00
Yuzu Sake Splash $12.00

Soft Drink
Topo Chico Twisted Lime
Mexican Coke $5.00
House Made Thai Iced Tea W Oat Milk $7.00

Orange
Michi's Farm $13.00
Sumenjak Alter $15.00
Mas Goma $60.00

White
E Bianco $14.00
Broc Cellars Love $14.00

Chilled Red
O Tinto Perfeito $11.00
Populis Reversee California $14.00
Petit Taureau $50.00

Beer
Echigo Koshihikari
Orion $7.00
Lucky Dog - Ipa $9.00
Kyoto White Yuzu Ale $12.00
Iwatekura Sansho Ale $16.00

Small
Crab Rangoon $13.00
Chicken Curry Puff $13.00
Crispy Rice Salad $16.00
Papaya Salad $16.00
Grenjai Wedge $19.00

Others
Crispy Duck Leg Confit $12.00
Crispy Tofu Puff $5.00
Chinese Broccoli With Garlic $13.00
Holy Basil Brussels $14.00
Hot & Sour Charred & Braised Cabbage
Herb Salad $9.00
Steamed Jasmine Rice $3.00
Minced Pork Holy Basil Stir
Franken Silvaner $67.00
Keltis Riesling $82.00
Orsola $15.00
Chloris $18.00
La Belle Agaree
Eule Purus $74.00
Azimut Penedès Brisat Orange $14.00
Cancelli Vino Bianco $16.00
Nice Guy Rose $57.00
Las Jaras Old Vines Rosé $56.00
Orange Voilee
Glou Glou $16.00
Postmoderna $17.00
Fred#11 $58.00
Sweet Berry Wine $70.00
Controlled Chaos $75.00
Margins Rugged Heart $72.00
La Souteronne $88.00
Lucky Dog $9.00
Echigo Koshihikari
Orion
Kyoto White Yuzu Ale
Pet Nat Bi Fri $13.00
L'opera Des Vins $57.00
Frantz Saumon, Petite Gaule Du Matin $70.00
Crispy Rice Salad With Sour Fermented Pork Sausage $16.00
Grilled Head On Prawns $20.00
Pad Cha Clam Toast $24.00
Hot And Sour Charred Cabbage Stiri $14.00
Grilled Dry Aged Pork Chop $48.00
Crispy Sea Bass W Sour Mango Salad $36.00
Thai Tea Cake $8.00
Congee $14.00
Krapow Smash Burger $11.00
Minced Pork Holy Basil Stir Fry Over Rice $15.00
Holy Basil Brussels Over Rice $15.00

Little Grenjai Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Little Grenjai Photos

Little Grenjai Location

Little Grenjai

New York Kings County Bedford-Stuyvesant Gates Avenue

477 Gates Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA

Little Grenjai Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 237 user reviews.

crab rangoonrice saladthai tea cakebrussel sproutssmash burgershort ribcrab fried ricetofu puffsamerican foodthe neighborhood

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Great dinner here with friends. We had crab fried rice, papaya salad, tomato salad, short rid. All were really good. I really enjoyed the short rib. But I thought all were good. The papaya salad had good spice to it. My friends are more into Thai food than I am and they were very happy. Service was great. Very nice staff. The decor inside is much better than what the outside might make you think.If you found this helpful follow me. I don’t give many 5* because I reserve that for the very best in food, service and experience. I try to be quick to the most important stuff, the food. Then add notes about the rest. Enjoy!
September 03 · Chris Curry
4.5/5!Loved little grenjai! Definitely recommend this cute small little spot in the neighbourhood.Every dish was great… the chicken wings were perfect and the pad thai was delicious… not super sweet like most takeout places, proper tamarind base etcStandout was definitely the massaman shortribs! My lord, I could drink a glass of that gravy!!Service was AA+ with attentive and courteous waiters!!Only docked half a star because it was super crammed but also I do love an intimate feel….The merch is also SUPER cute !!
August 03 · Tomas Lazarou
Celebrated my birthday here and it was an exceptional experience. The food was flavorful and perfectly spicy. The portions were way better than I was prepared for. Our server Ana was delightful and provided great recommendations. Can't wait to go back!
July 07 · Jay M.
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)We recently visited Little Grenjai, a modern Thai kitchen nestled in the heart of Bed-Stuy, after hearing a steady buzz of praise from locals. The space itself is beautifully designed—intimate, warm, and stylish without feeling forced. We were seated at the counter, where we enjoyed watching the chefs meticulously prepare each dish, which added a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes layer to the experience.We began with the drunken noodles, which arrived glossy and fragrant, packed with baby peppercorns and Thai chilies. While the flavors were bold and the heat unapologetic (as it should be), it may be a bit overpowering for diners with a lower spice tolerance. The Chinese broccoli with garlic was another visually appealing plate, but again, very spicy—so much so that it competed rather than complemented the rest of our meal.The highlight of the evening was hands down the braised short rib—expertly cooked, incredibly tender, and rich in flavor. It was the kind of dish you remember. To temper the heat from the earlier courses, we opted for a Thai iced tea, which was well-balanced and refreshing.Our total bill came to around $110 after tax and tip. While the portions were satisfying and the ingredients clearly fresh and well-sourced, the price point felt a little steep for the overall experience. We’d also recommend noting spice preferences when ordering, as it significantly impacted the balance of the meal.We’d give Little Grenjai a 3 out of 5 stars. There’s a lot of promise here—the short rib alone makes the visit worthwhile—but we’d return with a different game plan next time, trying a few other menu items and dialing the spice down just a touch.
May 20 · Dwight Kenneth
Little Grenjai is hands down one of my new favorite spots. The food is so fresh, and the flavors are super unique with a Thai-American twist I’ve never had before. Every bite feels different and exciting. We had the crispy rice salad, brussel sprouts, shrimp pad Thai, chicken wing dinner, chicken curry puff and honestly, I could eat here all day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Staff was on point for my friends' food allergies and she had a wonderful experience as well... 11/10!
August 17 · Matthew Cleaves