Perfectly placed on a cutesy strip of Damen, this neighborhood favorite overflows with locals who stroll in and out for sit-down or take-out Thai. Offering a simple two-room setting, Aroy focuses on its food, which comes out fast, hot and tasty.

The self-professed "real Thai in town" menu boasts the traditional favorites: pad Thai, pad see-ew and an assortment of curry dishes. A solid selection of entrees rounds out the offering, with dishes like garlic chicken, beef and broccoli and the namesake rice noodle dish, made with barbecue pork, radish, plum sugar and peanuts. For a truly traditional taste, try the beef balls and basil: stir-fried slices of beef served with bell peppers and bamboo shoots in a basil sauce.

Reasonably-priced entrees fall between $6 and $8, but you can save an extra buck or two by coming in at lunchtime, when several dishes go for a mere $5.75, served with your choice of an egg roll, spring roll, cucumber salad or fried tofu. BYOB with no corkage fee.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ashley Hamilton