Crystal City residents will have to wait a little longer for the neighborhood’s latest Thai restaurant.
Tiki Thai was originally expected to open sometime this summer or fall at 244 19th Court S., on the ground floor of the Reva apartment building. The owner now says that timeline has been pushed back to summer 2027.
“We are experiencing delays and are still in the permitting process,” co-founder Parasak Chokesatean told ARLnow.
Tiki Thai is a concept from Pattana Restaurant Group, which owns several Thai restaurants in the D.C. area, including Bird’s Eye Thai, a fast-casual kiosk at nearby Water Park. Another Tiki Thai location in Reston sells dishes including wok noodles, soups, salads and curries, as well as three variations of fusion-inspired “tiki tacos” in a tropical, Polynesian-inspired atmosphere.
“The priority is to create a genuine Thai dining experience,” owner Porntipa Pattanamekar told ARLnow in October of 2025. “The tiki theme will enhance, not overshadow, the beauty and richness of Thai culture.”
Pattanamekar said the plan was to relocate Bird’s Eye Thai into a corner of the retail bay at 244 19th Court S., while the main Tiki Thai space would focus on “fine dining” with a bar and live entertainment.
The Tiki Thai spot has remained empty since Reva opened in early 2024.
Tiki Thai finished as the runner-up in the 2025 FFXnow “Best Thai Restaurant” category and has received praise in Northern Virginia Magazine.
