One could argue that Thai Village's disjointed decor represents the eclectic surroundings of a bustling ancient village; the pragmatically minded will say owners just put a bunch of arbitrary stuff in the place. Either way, the bizarrely appointed, wooden lodge-y interior—with gilded mirrors, floral damask fabric, framed cross-stitching, paper napkins and neon-color plastic cups—has a charming naivete, like grade school kids playing house at a great-grandfather's antiques-cluttered estate.

Design scheme aside, you'll know you're in the right part of town when one of the Thai waitresses instantly appears, plunks down a menu and asks if you're ready to order yet. Even if the menu selection varies—spring rolls were a miss, fried tofu and the noodle kee mow both hits—with the quick turnaround and quality entrees under $7, there’s not much room to complain.

Thai Village has a strong delivery base, but it also pulls in a regular eat-in clientele; Asian families frequently occupy the tables here. Though service is fast, patrons are free to take up temporary residency in the restaurant's cavernous wooden booths, perfect for under-accompanied diners who want to avoid overexposure (and who don’t mind the lack of cell phone reception). Large tinted windows lining the front of the restaurant offer a nice view. If the solitude and smooth jazz soundtrack don't suit your mood, head outside; during summer, the outdoor patio holds a sprawl of diners squinting in the sun and enjoying the fruits of the rapidly changing, bigger Village where this restaurant resides.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Libby Ramer