I've only discovered Thai food a few years ago, and isn't it weird how when you discover a new cuisine, you suddenly take notice of all the restaurants in your area that specialize in it? lol I never really paid much attention before, but there seem to be Thai restaurants popping up every few blocks, over the past two years.
Of course, Pad Thai is great...but, I love their unique combinations of spicy/coconut/curry/basil dishes. Basil is such a unique flavor, and I've mainly experienced it in Italian and Middle Eastern dishes (salads mainly), but it perfectly complements Thai food.
There is so much variety with Thai food, so you don't have to go spicy, if you don't want to. I like mine set at around '7' or '8,' but I like heat. You might like their coconut and onion soup, MR. It's pretty mild, and usually, mushrooms, onions and cilantro are added. I loathe cilantro, it's always so overwhelming.
Seaweed salad, and ''fresh rolls'' which are basically fish, rice paper, papaya and veggies wrapped up, are spice-less options, too. Light and healthy.
I love that in the US, we have this melting pot of different cultures, where we can all come together through food.