There are now two places to eat Thai X-ing's famous pumpkin curry. The Thai restaurant from chef Taw Vigsittaboot has expanded beyond its rowhouse at 515 Florida Ave. NW to a second location, which opened yesterday near the 9:30 Club.
Like the original, the new spot has no menu. Instead diners are treated to a parade of about seven family-style courses for $30 to $40. The opening night menu began with a vegetable soup and green papaya salad with cherry, tomatoes, green beans, and crushed peanuts. That was followed by lime-dressed glass noodles with minced chicken, peppers, herbs, and (curiously) black olives as well as wide noodles with fried tofu and peanuts. Two curries included the restaurant's popular pumpkin curry and another with root vegetables, pineapple, and tofu. Mango and sticky rice was dessert.
The new Thai X-ing still has the same homey atmosphere and quirkiness as its counterpart. The two-story building actually once belonged to two houses, which you get a hint at from the unique woodwork built into the brick walls. Candles help light the dim downstairs dining room, which is outfitted with random antique furniture, a red wood ceiling, mismatched chairs, beaded curtains, and a banquette with furry purple pillows and red cushions. The downstairs also has a 10-seat bar area peering into the kitchen with a brighter (but equally mismatched) look. A red carpet leads to the upstairs dining room where there's more seating, including a long table for large parties, as well as a slightly larger bar and lounge.
You can bring your own wine to the new location if you pay a $3 corkage fee. The restaurant also sells beer and wine. The original Thai X-ing, however, will no longer allow alcohol. According to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, the 515 Florida Ave. NW location never had a liquor license, which is required for BYOBs in D.C.
Thai X-ing, 2020 9th St. NW; thaix-ing.com
Photos by Jessica Sidman