Good Thai restaurants are pretty easy to find, but this great little takeout spot is worth going out of your way for a visit.
Bangkok 54 combines two concepts in a full restaurant with an adjacent market full of grab-and-go options. If you've ever been to Thailand, you'll love all of the authentic dishes you'll find there. Forget your typical pad thai and basic stir-fries. This is the real deal.
- ADDRESS: 2919 Columbia Pike | Arlington, VA
- WEBSITE: Bangkok 54
- PHONE: (703) 521-4207 Market | (703) 521-4070 Restaurant
- PARKING: Free surface lot, metered street parking
You can get everything from grilled chicken to handmade sausages, classic appetizers to colorful desserts. There's even a case full of Thai curries and stews that you can take home and reheat. If you're looking for something in particular, you can order from the extensive menu before you head out.
Feeling adventurous? The market also has a grocery section with produce, meat, and all the pantry ingredients you'll need.
Getting there is pretty easy, but parking can be a little tricky. Check the free surface lot behind the restaurant and snag a metered spot on the street if it's full. The entrance to the market is a small, non-descript door with the hours posted on it.
During the week, ready-to-eat meals are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On weekends, they're available all day. If you're not sure what to get, try something simple but traditional—like grilled chicken or sausages with sticky rice and hot sauce. For dessert, you can't go wrong with steamed coconut custard or something a little more exotic like a cup of sweet beans in coconut milk.
If you're in the mood for hard-to-find Thai favorites, give the Bangkok 54 market a try. You'll be glad you did!
*The photos in this article are by Sarina Petrocelly.
Have you been to Bangkok 54? What are some of your favorite dishes? Let us know in the comments!
