01
Our Story
LenLen was born from memory and reimagining. For Wanisa Torboonsitikorn, childhood unfolded in a bustling Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, a place where family, food, and community lived under one roof. Downstairs, her grandparents ran their tannery business. Upstairs, her mother cooked meals that spilled onto the street, shared with neighbors and passersby. That seamless blend of work and life, commerce and connection, became the heartbeat of LenLen.
Partner, Chef Peter Ki Suk Tondreau, brings his own journey. Once an Olympic hockey hopeful, he traded the rink for the kitchen, training under Wolfgang Puck at the two-Michelin-starred Spago before roaming across Asia. In Bangkok, Taiwan, and beyond, he discovered that the humblest dishes carried the deepest soul. At LenLen, he pairs that fine-dining precision with playfulness, creating food that feels both elevated and familiar.
Together with hospitality veteran Tim Stuyts, whose career spans luxury hotels and pioneering concepts around the globe, the trio built LenLen as a “living shophouse” in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Not a restaurant in the conventional sense, but a living room where soulful Thai comfort food, world-class cocktails, and conversation meet.
The name itself, LenLen, comes from a Thai phrase meaning “to play, lightly.” Eat a little. Drink a little. Chat a little. It’s an invitation to step inside, let your guard down, and stay awhile.
LenLen isn’t just about honoring heritage—it’s about carrying it forward. With sustainable practices, reduced-waste cocktails, and seasonal ingredients from Union Square Market, it’s a place where the past and present mingle easily, like old friends.
Welcome to our living room. Welcome to LenLen.
“The Shophouse Legacy”
Bangkok’s shophouses were never just buildings. They were ecosystems of life—narrow at the front, stretching deep into the block, with business downstairs and family upstairs. These spaces blurred every boundary: work and home, private and public, tradition and change.
In the 1970s, especially along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, shophouses pulsed with energy. Families sold fabric, tea, medicines, and lucky charms from the front rooms, while children studied, played, and ate meals just a floor above. Opera drifted from open windows, street vendors wove through the covered walkways, and neighbors flowed in and out as naturally as air. These were homes built for connection, where commerce, culture, and community intertwined.
For co-founder Wanisa Torboonsitikorn, this history is a lived experience. She grew up in a Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, surrounded by family, food, and the rhythm of shared life. Her mother’s cooking spilled out onto the street, feeding both relatives and strangers. Upstairs, family gathered under one roof. That memory of a home that was never closed off, always alive, is the seed of LenLen.
Here in Manhattan, LenLen reimagines that legacy. The tiled walls, mismatched mid-century furniture, and retail shop nook at the entrance are nods to the past. But more importantly, the spirit remains the same: a place where food, drink, and people flow together, casually and convivially. A living shophouse for a new city, in a new time.
02
Design Philosophy
At LenLen, design isn’t decoration it’s storytelling. Every detail carries the memory of Bangkok’s shophouses, reimagined for today.
Walk inside, and you’ll notice a rhythm of old and new: tiled walls that recall Chinatown’s noodle shops, vintage televisions and display cabinets from the 1970s, gallery walls of family photographs, and mismatched mid- century furniture that feels collected rather than curated. This is intentional. We embrace intentional imperfection the lived-in warmth of a space that feels like home, not a showroom.
The design flows like a shophouse itself. At the entrance, a small retail nook offers daily goods for sale ramen packs, sauces, condiments etc. a nod to the street-level shops of Bangkok. Beyond, the dining room opens like a family living room, with the bar at its heart. It’s playful, nostalgic, and unmistakably personal.
Click below to see the details →
03
Our Team
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
Peter Ki Suk Tondreau
A former Olympic hockey hopeful turned chef, Peter trained at Wolfgang Puck’s two-Michelin-starred Spago before spending 15 years exploring Thailand’s kitchens and street markets. At LenLen, he blends fine-dining precision with soulful Thai comfort, with signature dishes like Crab Durian Curry and Beef Tartare Larb.
Co-Founder
Wanisa Torboonsitikorn
Born and raised in a bustling Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, Wanisa infuses LenLen with the warmth and generosity of her upbringing. She ensures the restaurant embodies its shophouse roots, a place of food, family, and playful hospitality.
Partner
Tim Stuyts
A global hospitality strategist with over 20 years of experience, Tim has launched restaurants and cocktail bars across four continents. At LenLen, he ensures the shophouse thrives as both a cultural haven and a sustainable business.
Chef de Cuisine
Toshi Nuku
With two decades of experience in New York kitchens including Eleven Madison Park and Veronika, Toshi leads Len Len’s kitchen with calm precision. He translates Peter’s vision into every dish, balancing consistency, soul, and craft.
Bar Manager
Robert Lam-Burns
A veteran of Maison Premiere and acclaimed bars in New York and Asia, Robert designs cocktails that are bold, playful, and sustainable. His creations, like the Tomato Som Tum and Lemongrass Gimlet, echo LenLen’s spirit of precision and whimsy.
04
Find Us
LenLen lives on the charming 20th Street, in New York’s Flatiron district, where Union Square, Gramercy & Flatiron intersect. Step through the shophouse doors and it feels less like arriving at a restaurant, more like being welcomed into someone’s living room, one with cocktails, Greenmarket flavors, and a bit of Bangkok nostalgia.
40 E 20th Street, Flatiron, New York City
Getting Here
By Subway
- Union Square (N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L): a short five-minute stroll.
- 23rd Street (6 train): walk south on Park Avenue.
- 23rd Street (F, M): head east, then wander a couple of blocks.
By Car
- The closest garage is just around the corner at 38 E 21st Street
- Street parking is limited, but finding a spot can feel like winning the lottery and we’ll toast to that.
Accessibility
We’ve designed LenLen to be fully accessible, so every guest can feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Lets Talk
Reservations:
Resy
General Inquiries:
contact@lenlen.nycAnd yes, we always leave a little room at the bar for walk-ins because the best stories usually start with,“let’s just drop in.”
Hours to Play
Hours
Open 7 nights a week
5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Late Night
Our late-night bar menu runs until close, featuring playful Thai drinking food and signature.
captured the scene
From the moment LenLen opened its doors, the story began to travel. Word of a retro-Thai shophouse in the heart of Flatiron where cocktails flirt with Greenmarket produce and soulful dishes carry a whisper of Bangkok’s streets caught the attention of critics and diners alike.
Beyond the press, LenLen has found its way into travelers’ guides, neighborhood conversations, and the glow of social media. TravMedia hailed it as “the first serious Thai bar in New York,” while Instagram has become a canvas for guests capturing papaya salads, jasmine martinis, and the moody corners of its shophouse-inspired space.
Together, these voices tell the same story: LenLen isn’t just another opening. It’s a reminder that a restaurant can be playful, soulful, and deeply rooted all at once and that New York has been waiting for exactly this kind of place.
05
FAQ
About LenLen
What does “LenLen” mean?
“Len” means to play in Thai. Repeating it adds a sense of lightness like saying “just a little.” Chat LenLen (chat a little), Drink LenLen (have a casual drink), Eat LenLen (grab a bite). It’s our invitation to enjoy life in the moment.
What is LenLen’s concept?
LenLen is more than a restaurant, it’s an extension of your living room. A space for conversation, soulful Thai comfort food, and sustainable, reduced-waste cocktails all in a shophouse-inspired setting.
What sets LenLen’s design apart?
Our design is inspired by Bangkok’s iconic shophouses. For our co-founder Wanisa, who grew up in a Thai Chinese shophouse, this is a personal reinterpretation: a nostalgic nod to the past, reimagined with playfulness.
Reservations & Walk-Ins
Do I need a reservation?
We recommend reservations through Resy, but we always save space at the bar for walk-ins because sometimes the best nights begin with, “let’s just stop by.”
How long can I stay?
To keep the flow of the shophouse, we kindly ask parties of 2 to enjoy 1.5 hours, and parties of 3–6 to enjoy 2 hours. If we’re able to let you linger longer, we happily will.
What if I’m running late?
Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time. After that, we may need to release your table, but we’ll always do our best to accommodate.
Hours & Location
When are you open?
Seven days a week, from 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM. Our late-night bar menu runs until close, featuring playful Thai drinking food and signature cocktails.
Where are you located?
We’re at 40 E. 20th Street in Flatiron, between Gramercy and Union Square.
How do I get there?
Subway:
Union Square (N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L) is a quick 5-minute walk. 23rd Street (6, F, M) is also nearby.
Driving:
The nearest garage is at 38 E. 21st Street. Street parking is limited if you score a spot, celebrate with a cocktail.
Accessibility
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our entrance, dining room, and restrooms are fully accessible.
Can I request special accommodations?
Of course. From large-print menus to a quieter table, just email us at contact@lenlen.nyc before your visit, and we’ll have everything ready.
Group Dining & Private Events
What’s the largest party you can accommodate?
Our intimate space is designed for up to 6 guests per table. For larger gatherings, reach out to us directly — we love hosting celebrations.
Do you host private events?
Yes. Our shophouse transforms into your private living room ideal for birthdays, cocktail parties, and creative gatherings. Contact us at events@lenlen.nyc for details.
Payments & Policies
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations within 24 hours of your reservation carry a $25 per person fee. All changes are handled through Resy.
Do you accept cash?
Yes, along with all major credit cards.
Do you add a service charge?
Parties of 6 or more will see a 20% service charge, supporting our team of cultural ambassadors.
Miscellaneous
Do you allow children?
Yes, though LenLen is designed with a cocktail-forward experience in mind. Early evenings are mostly family friendly.
Do you offer takeout or delivery?
Not at this time, we believe our food and drinks are best enjoyed in the space they were created for.
Can I bring my own wine or cake?
Outside wine is subject to a $45 corkage fee per bottle. For cakes ($5 per head), reach out ahead of time so we can celebrate with you.
Do you have a dress code?
Come as you are. We welcome everything from casual after-work to a night-out statement look.
About
Menu
Events
Work with Us
Guestbook
01
Our Story
LenLen was born from memory and reimagining. For Wanisa Torboonsitikorn, childhood unfolded in a bustling Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, a place where family, food, and community lived under one roof. Downstairs, her grandparents ran their tannery business. Upstairs, her mother cooked meals that spilled onto the street, shared with neighbors and passersby. That seamless blend of work and life, commerce and connection, became the heartbeat of LenLen.
Partner, Chef Peter Ki Suk Tondreau, brings his own journey. Once an Olympic hockey hopeful, he traded the rink for the kitchen, training under Wolfgang Puck at the two-Michelin-starred Spago before roaming across Asia. In Bangkok, Taiwan, and beyond, he discovered that the humblest dishes carried the deepest soul. At LenLen, he pairs that fine-dining precision with playfulness, creating food that feels both elevated and familiar.
Together with hospitality veteran Tim Stuyts, whose career spans luxury hotels and pioneering concepts around the globe, the trio built LenLen as a “living shophouse” in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Not a restaurant in the conventional sense, but a living room where soulful Thai comfort food, world-class cocktails, and conversation meet.
The name itself, LenLen, comes from a Thai phrase meaning “to play, lightly.” Eat a little. Drink a little. Chat a little. It’s an invitation to step inside, let your guard down, and stay awhile.
LenLen isn’t just about honoring heritage—it’s about carrying it forward. With sustainable practices, reduced-waste cocktails, and seasonal ingredients from Union Square Market, it’s a place where the past and present mingle easily, like old friends.
Welcome to our living room. Welcome to LenLen.
“The Shophouse Legacy”
Bangkok’s shophouses were never just buildings. They were ecosystems of life—narrow at the front, stretching deep into the block, with business downstairs and family upstairs. These spaces blurred every boundary: work and home, private and public, tradition and change.
In the 1970s, especially along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, shophouses pulsed with energy. Families sold fabric, tea, medicines, and lucky charms from the front rooms, while children studied, played, and ate meals just a floor above. Opera drifted from open windows, street vendors wove through the covered walkways, and neighbors flowed in and out as naturally as air. These were homes built for connection, where commerce, culture, and community intertwined.
For co-founder Wanisa Torboonsitikorn, this history is a lived experience. She grew up in a Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, surrounded by family, food, and the rhythm of shared life. Her mother’s cooking spilled out onto the street, feeding both relatives and strangers. Upstairs, family gathered under one roof. That memory of a home that was never closed off, always alive, is the seed of LenLen.
Here in Manhattan, LenLen reimagines that legacy. The tiled walls, mismatched mid-century furniture, and retail shop nook at the entrance are nods to the past. But more importantly, the spirit remains the same: a place where food, drink, and people flow together, casually and convivially. A living shophouse for a new city, in a new time.
02
Design Philosophy
At LenLen, design isn’t decoration it’s storytelling. Every detail carries the memory of Bangkok’s shophouses, reimagined for today.
Walk inside, and you’ll notice a rhythm of old and new: tiled walls that recall Chinatown’s noodle shops, vintage televisions and display cabinets from the 1970s, gallery walls of family photographs, and mismatched mid- century furniture that feels collected rather than curated. This is intentional. We embrace intentional imperfection the lived-in warmth of a space that feels like home, not a showroom.
The design flows like a shophouse itself. At the entrance, a small retail nook offers daily goods for sale ramen packs, sauces, condiments etc. a nod to the street-level shops of Bangkok. Beyond, the dining room opens like a family living room, with the bar at its heart. It’s playful, nostalgic, and unmistakably personal.
Click below to see the details →
03
Our Team
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
Peter Ki Suk Tondreau
A former Olympic hockey hopeful turned chef, Peter trained at Wolfgang Puck’s two-Michelin-starred Spago before spending 15 years exploring Thailand’s kitchens and street markets. At LenLen, he blends fine-dining precision with soulful Thai comfort, with signature dishes like Crab Durian Curry and Beef Tartare Larb.
Co-Founder
Wanisa Torboonsitikorn
Born and raised in a bustling Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, Wanisa infuses LenLen with the warmth and generosity of her upbringing. She ensures the restaurant embodies its shophouse roots, a place of food, family, and playful hospitality.
Partner
Tim Stuyts
A global hospitality strategist with over 20 years of experience, Tim has launched restaurants and cocktail bars across four continents. At LenLen, he ensures the shophouse thrives as both a cultural haven and a sustainable business.
Chef de Cuisine
Toshi Nuku
With two decades of experience in New York kitchens including Eleven Madison Park and Veronika, Toshi leads Len Len’s kitchen with calm precision. He translates Peter’s vision into every dish, balancing consistency, soul, and craft.
Bar Manager
Robert Lam-Burns
A veteran of Maison Premiere and acclaimed bars in New York and Asia, Robert designs cocktails that are bold, playful, and sustainable. His creations, like the Tomato Som Tum and Lemongrass Gimlet, echo LenLen’s spirit of precision and whimsy.
04
Find Us
LenLen lives on the charming 20th Street, in New York’s Flatiron district, where Union Square, Gramercy & Flatiron intersect. Step through the shophouse doors and it feels less like arriving at a restaurant, more like being welcomed into someone’s living room, one with cocktails, Greenmarket flavors, and a bit of Bangkok nostalgia.
40 E 20th Street, Flatiron, New York City
Getting Here
By Subway
- Union Square (N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L): a short five-minute stroll.
- 23rd Street (6 train): walk south on Park Avenue.
- 23rd Street (F, M): head east, then wander a couple of blocks.
By Car
- The closest garage is just around the corner at 38 E 21st Street
- Street parking is limited, but finding a spot can feel like winning the lottery and we’ll toast to that.
Accessibility
We’ve designed LenLen to be fully accessible, so every guest can feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Lets Talk
Reservations:
Resy
General Inquiries:
contact@lenlen.nycAnd yes, we always leave a little room at the bar for walk-ins because the best stories usually start with,“let’s just drop in.”
Hours to Play
Hours
Open 7 nights a week
5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Late Night
Our late-night bar menu runs until close, featuring playful Thai drinking food and signature.
went further, naming LenLen one of
From the moment LenLen opened its doors, the story began to travel. Word of a retro-Thai shophouse in the heart of Flatiron where cocktails flirt with Greenmarket produce and soulful dishes carry a whisper of Bangkok’s streets caught the attention of critics and diners alike.
Beyond the press, LenLen has found its way into travelers’ guides, neighborhood conversations, and the glow of social media. TravMedia hailed it as “the first serious Thai bar in New York,” while Instagram has become a canvas for guests capturing papaya salads, jasmine martinis, and the moody corners of its shophouse-inspired space.
Together, these voices tell the same story: LenLen isn’t just another opening. It’s a reminder that a restaurant can be playful, soulful, and deeply rooted all at once and that New York has been waiting for exactly this kind of place.
05
FAQ
About LenLen
What does “LenLen” mean?
“Len” means to play in Thai. Repeating it adds a sense of lightness like saying “just a little.” Chat LenLen (chat a little), Drink LenLen (have a casual drink), Eat LenLen (grab a bite). It’s our invitation to enjoy life in the moment.
What is LenLen’s concept?
LenLen is more than a restaurant, it’s an extension of your living room. A space for conversation, soulful Thai comfort food, and sustainable, reduced-waste cocktails all in a shophouse-inspired setting.
What sets LenLen’s design apart?
Our design is inspired by Bangkok’s iconic shophouses. For our co-founder Wanisa, who grew up in a Thai Chinese shophouse, this is a personal reinterpretation: a nostalgic nod to the past, reimagined with playfulness.
Reservations & Walk-Ins
Do I need a reservation?
We recommend reservations through Resy, but we always save space at the bar for walk-ins because sometimes the best nights begin with, “let’s just stop by.”
How long can I stay?
To keep the flow of the shophouse, we kindly ask parties of 2 to enjoy 1.5 hours, and parties of 3–6 to enjoy 2 hours. If we’re able to let you linger longer, we happily will.
What if I’m running late?
Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time. After that, we may need to release your table, but we’ll always do our best to accommodate.
Hours & Location
When are you open?
Seven days a week, from 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM. Our late-night bar menu runs until close, featuring playful Thai drinking food and signature cocktails.
Where are you located?
We’re at 40 E. 20th Street in Flatiron, between Gramercy and Union Square.
How do I get there?
Subway:
Union Square (N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L) is a quick 5-minute walk. 23rd Street (6, F, M) is also nearby.
Driving:
The nearest garage is at 38 E. 21st Street. Street parking is limited if you score a spot, celebrate with a cocktail.
Accessibility
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our entrance, dining room, and restrooms are fully accessible.
Can I request special accommodations?
Of course. From large-print menus to a quieter table, just email us at contact@lenlen.nyc before your visit, and we’ll have everything ready.
Group Dining & Private Events
What’s the largest party you can accommodate?
Our intimate space is designed for up to 6 guests per table. For larger gatherings, reach out to us directly — we love hosting celebrations.
Do you host private events?
Yes. Our shophouse transforms into your private living room ideal for birthdays, cocktail parties, and creative gatherings. Contact us at events@lenlen.nyc for details.
Payments & Policies
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations within 24 hours of your reservation carry a $25 per person fee. All changes are handled through Resy.
Do you accept cash?
Yes, along with all major credit cards.
Do you add a service charge?
Parties of 6 or more will see a 20% service charge, supporting our team of cultural ambassadors.
Miscellaneous
Do you allow children?
Yes, though LenLen is designed with a cocktail-forward experience in mind. Early evenings are mostly family friendly.
Do you offer takeout or delivery?
Not at this time, we believe our food and drinks are best enjoyed in the space they were created for.
Can I bring my own wine or cake?
Outside wine is subject to a $45 corkage fee per bottle. For cakes ($5 per head), reach out ahead of time so we can celebrate with you.
Do you have a dress code?
Come as you are. We welcome everything from casual after-work to a night-out statement look.
About
Menu
Events
Work with Us
Guestbook
01
Our Story
LenLen was born from memory and reimagining. For Wanisa Torboonsitikorn, childhood unfolded in a bustling Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, a place where family, food, and community lived under one roof. Downstairs, her grandparents ran their tannery business. Upstairs, her mother cooked meals that spilled onto the street, shared with neighbors and passersby. That seamless blend of work and life, commerce and connection, became the heartbeat of LenLen.
Partner, Chef Peter Ki Suk Tondreau, brings his own journey. Once an Olympic hockey hopeful, he traded the rink for the kitchen, training under Wolfgang Puck at the two-Michelin-starred Spago before roaming across Asia. In Bangkok, Taiwan, and beyond, he discovered that the humblest dishes carried the deepest soul. At LenLen, he pairs that fine-dining precision with playfulness, creating food that feels both elevated and familiar.
Together with hospitality veteran Tim Stuyts, whose career spans luxury hotels and pioneering concepts around the globe, the trio built LenLen as a “living shophouse” in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Not a restaurant in the conventional sense, but a living room where soulful Thai comfort food, world-class cocktails, and conversation meet.
The name itself, LenLen, comes from a Thai phrase meaning “to play, lightly.” Eat a little. Drink a little. Chat a little. It’s an invitation to step inside, let your guard down, and stay awhile.
LenLen isn’t just about honoring heritage—it’s about carrying it forward. With sustainable practices, reduced-waste cocktails, and seasonal ingredients from Union Square Market, it’s a place where the past and present mingle easily, like old friends.
Welcome to our living room. Welcome to LenLen.
“The Shophouse Legacy”
Bangkok’s shophouses were never just buildings. They were ecosystems of life—narrow at the front, stretching deep into the block, with business downstairs and family upstairs. These spaces blurred every boundary: work and home, private and public, tradition and change.
In the 1970s, especially along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, shophouses pulsed with energy. Families sold fabric, tea, medicines, and lucky charms from the front rooms, while children studied, played, and ate meals just a floor above. Opera drifted from open windows, street vendors wove through the covered walkways, and neighbors flowed in and out as naturally as air. These were homes built for connection, where commerce, culture, and community intertwined.
For co-founder Wanisa Torboonsitikorn, this history is a lived experience. She grew up in a Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, surrounded by family, food, and the rhythm of shared life. Her mother’s cooking spilled out onto the street, feeding both relatives and strangers. Upstairs, family gathered under one roof. That memory of a home that was never closed off, always alive, is the seed of LenLen.
Here in Manhattan, LenLen reimagines that legacy. The tiled walls, mismatched mid-century furniture, and retail shop nook at the entrance are nods to the past. But more importantly, the spirit remains the same: a place where food, drink, and people flow together, casually and convivially. A living shophouse for a new city, in a new time.
02
Design Philosophy
At LenLen, design isn’t decoration it’s storytelling. Every detail carries the memory of Bangkok’s shophouses, reimagined for today.
Walk inside, and you’ll notice a rhythm of old and new: tiled walls that recall Chinatown’s noodle shops, vintage televisions and display cabinets from the 1970s, gallery walls of family photographs, and mismatched mid- century furniture that feels collected rather than curated. This is intentional. We embrace intentional imperfection the lived-in warmth of a space that feels like home, not a showroom.
The design flows like a shophouse itself. At the entrance, a small retail nook offers daily goods for sale ramen packs, sauces, condiments etc. a nod to the street-level shops of Bangkok. Beyond, the dining room opens like a family living room, with the bar at its heart. It’s playful, nostalgic, and unmistakably personal.
Click below to see the details →
03
Our Team
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
Peter Ki Suk Tondreau
A former Olympic hockey hopeful turned chef, Peter trained at Wolfgang Puck’s two-Michelin-starred Spago before spending 15 years exploring Thailand’s kitchens and street markets. At LenLen, he blends fine-dining precision with soulful Thai comfort, with signature dishes like Crab Durian Curry and Beef Tartare Larb.
Co-Founder
Wanisa Torboonsitikorn
Born and raised in a bustling Thai Chinese shophouse in Bangkok, Wanisa infuses LenLen with the warmth and generosity of her upbringing. She ensures the restaurant embodies its shophouse roots, a place of food, family, and playful hospitality.
Partner
Tim Stuyts
A global hospitality strategist with over 20 years of experience, Tim has launched restaurants and cocktail bars across four continents. At LenLen, he ensures the shophouse thrives as both a cultural haven and a sustainable business.
Chef de Cuisine
Toshi Nuku
With two decades of experience in New York kitchens including Eleven Madison Park and Veronika, Toshi leads Len Len’s kitchen with calm precision. He translates Peter’s vision into every dish, balancing consistency, soul, and craft.
Bar Manager
Robert Lam-Burns
A veteran of Maison Premiere and acclaimed bars in New York and Asia, Robert designs cocktails that are bold, playful, and sustainable. His creations, like the Tomato Som Tum and Lemongrass Gimlet, echo LenLen’s spirit of precision and whimsy.
04
Find Us
LenLen lives on the charming 20th Street, in New York’s Flatiron district, where Union Square, Gramercy & Flatiron intersect. Step through the shophouse doors and it feels less like arriving at a restaurant, more like being welcomed into someone’s living room, one with cocktails, Greenmarket flavors, and a bit of Bangkok nostalgia.
40 E 20th Street, Flatiron, New York City
Getting Here
By Subway
- Union Square (N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L): a short five-minute stroll.
- 23rd Street (6 train): walk south on Park Avenue.
- 23rd Street (F, M): head east, then wander a couple of blocks.
By Car
- The closest garage is just around the corner at 38 E 21st Street
- Street parking is limited, but finding a spot can feel like winning the lottery and we’ll toast to that.
Accessibility
We’ve designed LenLen to be fully accessible, so every guest can feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Lets Talk
Reservations:
Resy
General Inquiries:
contact@lenlen.nycAnd yes, we always leave a little room at the bar for walk-ins because the best stories usually start with,“let’s just drop in.”
Hours to Play
Hours
Open 7 nights a week
5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Late Night
Our late-night bar menu runs until close, featuring playful Thai drinking food and signature.
went further, naming LenLen one of
From the moment LenLen opened its doors, the story began to travel. Word of a retro-Thai shophouse in the heart of Flatiron where cocktails flirt with Greenmarket produce and soulful dishes carry a whisper of Bangkok’s streets caught the attention of critics and diners alike.
Beyond the press, LenLen has found its way into travelers’ guides, neighborhood conversations, and the glow of social media. TravMedia hailed it as “the first serious Thai bar in New York,” while Instagram has become a canvas for guests capturing papaya salads, jasmine martinis, and the moody corners of its shophouse-inspired space.
Together, these voices tell the same story: LenLen isn’t just another opening. It’s a reminder that a restaurant can be playful, soulful, and deeply rooted all at once and that New York has been waiting for exactly this kind of place.
05
FAQ
About LenLen
What does “LenLen” mean?
“Len” means to play in Thai. Repeating it adds a sense of lightness like saying “just a little.” Chat LenLen (chat a little), Drink LenLen (have a casual drink), Eat LenLen (grab a bite). It’s our invitation to enjoy life in the moment.
What is LenLen’s concept?
LenLen is more than a restaurant, it’s an extension of your living room. A space for conversation, soulful Thai comfort food, and sustainable, reduced-waste cocktails all in a shophouse-inspired setting.
What sets LenLen’s design apart?
Our design is inspired by Bangkok’s iconic shophouses. For our co-founder Wanisa, who grew up in a Thai Chinese shophouse, this is a personal reinterpretation: a nostalgic nod to the past, reimagined with playfulness.
Reservations & Walk-Ins
Do I need a reservation?
We recommend reservations through Resy, but we always save space at the bar for walk-ins because sometimes the best nights begin with, “let’s just stop by.”
How long can I stay?
To keep the flow of the shophouse, we kindly ask parties of 2 to enjoy 1.5 hours, and parties of 3–6 to enjoy 2 hours. If we’re able to let you linger longer, we happily will.
What if I’m running late?
Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time. After that, we may need to release your table, but we’ll always do our best to accommodate.
Hours & Location
When are you open?
Seven days a week, from 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM. Our late-night bar menu runs until close, featuring playful Thai drinking food and signature cocktails.
Where are you located?
We’re at 40 E. 20th Street in Flatiron, between Gramercy and Union Square.
How do I get there?
Subway:
Union Square (N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L) is a quick 5-minute walk. 23rd Street (6, F, M) is also nearby.
Driving:
The nearest garage is at 38 E. 21st Street. Street parking is limited if you score a spot, celebrate with a cocktail.
Accessibility
Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our entrance, dining room, and restrooms are fully accessible.
Can I request special accommodations?
Of course. From large-print menus to a quieter table, just email us at contact@lenlen.nyc before your visit, and we’ll have everything ready.
Group Dining & Private Events
What’s the largest party you can accommodate?
Our intimate space is designed for up to 6 guests per table. For larger gatherings, reach out to us directly — we love hosting celebrations.
Do you host private events?
Yes. Our shophouse transforms into your private living room ideal for birthdays, cocktail parties, and creative gatherings. Contact us at events@lenlen.nyc for details.
Payments & Policies
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations within 24 hours of your reservation carry a $25 per person fee. All changes are handled through Resy.
Do you accept cash?
Yes, along with all major credit cards.
Do you add a service charge?
Parties of 6 or more will see a 20% service charge, supporting our team of cultural ambassadors.
Miscellaneous
Do you allow children?
Yes, though LenLen is designed with a cocktail-forward experience in mind. Early evenings are mostly family friendly.
Do you offer takeout or delivery?
Not at this time, we believe our food and drinks are best enjoyed in the space they were created for.
Can I bring my own wine or cake?
Outside wine is subject to a $45 corkage fee per bottle. For cakes ($5 per head), reach out ahead of time so we can celebrate with you.
Do you have a dress code?
Come as you are. We welcome everything from casual after-work to a night-out statement look.