Let’s face it: as college students, going out to a nice restaurant means that we’ll be stuck eating Top Ramen for the rest of the week. If you’re going to spend the money, at least do it without regrets. One place that will leave you satisfied without breaking your pockets is Thai restaurant Sea, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

With its egg chairs and DJ booth in the waiting area, Sea has the energy of a nightclub but somehow manages not to lose its appeal. In fact, one of the most memorable aspects of its decor is the shallow pool which stands before a statue of the Buddha. Another unique aspect of this restaurant is its bathroom area.

Inside each stall is a TV screen which displays the goings-on of different areas of the restaurant. Overall, the atmosphere is very dark except for the tea light candles that rest upon each table, giving it a more refined feel. However, the dim lighting can also leave you feeling as if they don’t want you to see what you’re eating.

While you might not be able to see everything on your plate, once your mouth experiences the different flavors and spices that each meal entails, all prior reservations dissipate. With its menu ranging from selections such as steamed crab meat and shrimp wrapped in green wonton served with massaman curry sauce, to more familiar items like chocolate molten cake with pistachio ice cream, it is hard to order anything bad from the menu.

Although the entrees themselves are delicious, their one flaw would have to be the portion of their side orders. After seeing the cone-shaped handful of rice, you’ll be sure to ask yourself, “Who in the world thought it would be a good idea to give this to customers and expect it to be enough?” If your meal comes with rice, do yourself a favor to save time: order an extra.

Sea is one of those places that you’ll tell all your friends about. The food is delicious yet inexpensive. If you decide to push your appetite to the limits and indulge in an appetizer, entree and dessert, even if you order the most expensive thing in each area, it will still cost you less than $30 in total. Of course, there is a catch. If you have any intention of actually getting a table here, your best bet would be to either go on a weekday or arrive EARLY on the weekend because an hour-long wait with standing room only is the norm at this popular restaurant.

Sea
114 North 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718)384-8850
www.searestaurant.com