Rating: ★★★★☆

Thai Orchids Kitchen is located at 2314 Pennsylvania Ave SE in the Greenway neighborhood east of the Anacostia River. It is in one of the most impoverished parts of DC, more known for carryouts that sit-down restaurants. Thai Orchids Kitchen looks a bit sketchy from the outside, but inside it is a spacious, friendly, and well-decorated Thai restaurant. The large TV displaying security camera footage is really the only reminder that you’re not in the safest neighborhood though I wouldn’t worry about going during the day. Thai Orchids Kitchen has a large menu with a variety of selections, many of which are reasonably priced at $9.95 (at lunch). I ordered a spicy shrimp and chicken dish with basil and rice, which was pretty tasty, as well as a Thai Iced Coffee, which I’m always a fan of wherever I go. The service was good and the staff was friendly. I’m not sure why the owners picked this location for their restaurant, but it is nice to see a solid sit down place in the neighborhood.