If you aren’t in the mood to cross the Potomac for Thai (us), or if you have not yet jumped on the Bangkok 54 bandwagon (us again), then consider The Old Siam a low-key alternative. Since opening early last year in the old Mickey’s Patio location, it’s remained very much a neighborhood haunt. It’s a little out of the way for us, too, but when we’re heading toward Barracks Row, we stop in for Thai at this comely restaurant.

Siam’s exposed brick, wrought-iron sconces, colorful vases, and use of natural light suggest serenity without screaming “Zen” or “Designer Finals.” It’s never as busy as we think it should be, and is often bordering on empty when we drop by for lunch. Frankly, we’ve never seen a crowd here large enough to justify its three dining rooms, but for the sake of the Capitol Hill restaurant scene, we hope this place thrives.

The Old Siam goes out of its way to Westernize the dish names. Although some might consider this dumbing down, others might appreciate the menu’s accessibility. As long as the sentiment doesn’t extend to the food and there’s no “Freedom Stir Fry” on the menu, we’re fine with it. Most lunch specials run $8-$10 and dinner entrees are an affordable $10-$14. We randomly sampled the appetizers, starting with the Ginger Salad. The salad’s (moderately) spicy, citrusy tang captivated us, as the flavors of minced chicken, lime juice, red onion, fresh ginger flakes, chili seeds, and cilantro mingled atop a bed of lettuce.