Smiles in Rittenhouse for the Pad Thai Pleasure-Bounty

Restaurant Review by Aaron Stella

When scrounging for food in Rittenhouse, try exploring the area’s western periphery, particularly the 22nd Street stretch. Be careful now: the façade of Smile, a quiet yet elegant Thai food restaurant, is somewhat inconspicuous. But it’s worth ascertaining. Smile’s been part of the upmarket Rittenhouse Square area for a little over three years, providing 9-5ers and others of the voracious ilk with an affordable assortment of pad thai favorites. Into the quaint quarters, lightly adorned with artifacts of the east, the perfectly-portioned fare can be enjoyed leisurely from any seat in the house (All tables are very cozy). Smile’s lunch special—another one of it’s enticing qualities—runs for only $7.95, with which you get a choice of two appetizers and one entrée.  Appetizers for the lunch special include sping rolls, steamed dumplings, a mixed greed salad with cream dressing (delish!), and others; entrées include shrimp satay, curried beef (quality cut), roast duck, and others more (all entrées come with rice). And be sure to try the desserts. Of course, Smile is also the perfect date spot for dinner or late lunch: patrons laud the copious portions-to-price at dinner. So if you’re ever in the area, don’t hesitate to settle in at Smile. By your meal’s end, it’s sure to be in your Rolodex of favorites.