Walking into the perfectly temperate and well-organized space at J & N Thai Bistro, one wouldn’t guess at first glance that the separated yet open floor belonged to a months-old startup. Many restaurants, especially some of the start-and-stoppers we’ve seen around here as of late, start off leaning a little too low to the ground.
With fresh blue-gray paint and a well-acclimated wood motif, J&N captures the feel of a well-established modern bistro, lush with greenery and tinged in the peripheries with just a little bit of Thailand. Experienced, homely staff sit you where you’d like—business permitting—and they actually know enough about New Mexico to ask if you’d like water, which is a big plus for a grumpy Santa Fe native.
Here you’ll find that Chef Nam knows exactly what she’s doing with spice. J&N boasts an easy and satiating lunch special menu from which consumers can choose an entrée, a protein, and a level of spiciness desired. That last one is key in these situations: many places offer a sliding scale of “hotness.” At J&N, the level of burn you desire is exactly the level you get, down to differentiation in the color of the food. Too often are we haunted by the crippling curiosity—is Thai Hot really that hot? For this bistro, yes. Yes it is.
The lunch menu’s daily soup rotation includes tom kha, tom yum, and tofu; I was lucky enough to experience the tom kha. Earthy lemongrass mottled with just enough spice and a coconut creaminess that lifted both the palette and the color to high heaven. Don’t miss the indelibly balanced chicken sa tay, another unforgettably colored dish that overtakes your senses with the texture of perfectly grilled chicken and a subtle sweetness that translates impeccably. Something about the care with which this was all prepared carried over from the kitchen. You know this when even the server is proud to put the food down in front of you, and it’s apparent that Joe and Nam cook like they’re cooking for family.
As a fresh business, J&N is excited to enter the industry with the mission statement of bringing Thailand to Northern New Mexico. But don’t expect to walk up and expect the homogeneous treatment of the puny Thai food scene in this region (i.e. sparsely decorated with a “vaguely Asian” atmosphere and offering maybe three dishes that are native to Thailand with the other option being orange chicken).
The atmospheric goal here is that of a modern bistro, and J&N nails it. With just enough to let you know exactly what kind of cuisine you’ll be enjoying, the forward-facing friendliness of the staff and the relentlessness of their presentation, Joe and Nam have put their eatery on the fast-track to being a local favorite.
Watch out for plans of a total patio overhaul—once Joe’s plans are complete, locals and tourists alike will be able to enjoy their own Thai corner of the world, pocketed away from the bustle of the mall and flush with the intimacy of those perfect little private spaces.
 Eric Martinez
“I have eaten there twice in one week! I enjoyed the food and so did my friends. Paula and staff are really friendly and make sure my water/drinks are never empty. Can’t wait for the patio and their beer and wine to come through! Thanks everyone at J & N!” |
 Anita McCabe
“I was intrigued by the ambience. My service was friendly. I was served in a timely matter. I enjoyed my food. I would recommend this place to all my friends and family. Sure, they are a new restaurant but I felt welcomed and well taken care of. Thank you for my lovely experience. I will be back.” |
 Alex Melendez
“The atmosphere is so pleasant! It’s so cute and tropical. I felt like I went on a mini vacation. |
Contact Us:
Phone: +1 505-982-9417
Operation Hours:
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- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
