The food: You’ll find the usual Thai restaurant staples—lemongrass soup, green papaya salad, Penang curry, and pad Thai—at this subterranean spot. But aside from the satays and curries, there are cutesy creations such as Pinky in a Blanket, which is shrimp wrapped in fried egg-roll skins, and Pottery Shrimp, in which the crustaceans are baked with cellophane noodles, Napa cabbage, and ginger. There are 23 vegetarian options available, including soups, appetizers, entrées, noodles, and fried rice.

The scene: The original of the Sala Thai restaurants—there are five other area locations—is just off Dupont Circle. Stairs lead down to the dining room, which seats about 80 and uses mirrors to create the illusion of space. Customers come for the reliable food, not the atmosphere, and many choose to have their dishes packed for carryout or delivery.

What’s nearby: This stretch of P Street is lined with bars and restaurants such as Pizzeria Paradiso, Mark and Orlando’s, and the karaoke favorite, Cafe Japone. The Palomar hotel is across the street. On nearby Connecticut Avenue, there’s more shopping and nightlife.

Insider tip: Delivery is free with a $15 minimum.