Empire Thai

Description:

• This restaurant is interesting, but it's in a surprisingly desolate part of the Microcentro -- steps away from the action, on a very small street that gets little foot traffic, but was recently pedestrianized. Enter this dark space, with paintings of elephants and mosaic decorations made from broken mirrors on the columns, and you'll feel as though you've stepped into some kind of funky club. For vegetarians seeking a break from the meat offerings everywhere else, it's an ideal stop, with many all-vegetable or noodle offerings. Many patrons come for drinks alone and sit at the large bar. Empire's advertising symbol is the Empire State Building, but there's nothing New York-like about it. It's also one of the city's most popular restaurants among gay locals.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010