Pad Kee Mao at Little Bangkok

Atlanta’s best Thai restaurant still holds court on Cheshire Bridge Road along with other long-standing institutions like Nakato, Woodfire Grill, and the Colonnade. Despite its scant parking spaces, fans still manage to get in on Little Bangkok’s spicy Thai specialties. The pad thai is a perennial favorite, but the pad kee mao (aka drunken noodles) is a superior choice for spice-lovers. Charred after a tumble in a super-hot wok, wide rice noodles are tossed with broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, basil, and a choice of chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. The heat level is also yours for the choosing, but don’t try to be a hero. Start with medium. When this place says Thai hot, it means Thai hot.