Tiki Thai, Reston

At Reston’s New Thai Place, an Accomplished Bartender Dives Deep Into Tiki | Eater DC

"I learned that Tiki Thai, which opened December 21 in Reston, aims to feel like a mini-vacation to Bangkok with bright, bold Thai flavors and a heavy focus on tiki- and rum-based cocktails. The bar program, led by beverage director and GM Jeremy Ross, includes originals and tiki classics — notably the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF), a blend of rye whiskey and bourbon with grapefruit, lime, vanilla, pomegranate, and Angostura and Peychaud bitters — plus multiple Mai Tais served with flaming garnishes, a creative “Long Thaisland” (reposado tequila, ginger, hibiscus, lime, allspice dram, Thai basil), and a Take Care served in a golden owl mug (Applejack, Aquavit, Cynar, lime, pomegranate, elderflower). The space leans into tropical fun (staff and customers are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts), uses imported furniture and Thai-inspired art including a yaksha logo, and offers curbside pickup/delivery of the full drink menu alongside dishes like som tum, Chumphon pad Thai with tiger prawns in curry-coconut sauce, roti pastry tacos (grilled flank steak, chicken larb, or fried shrimp), fried rice, stir-fries, curries, noodle dishes, and Thai-style ramen; the restaurant will initially limit indoor capacity to 50 percent, has a heated patio, and plans to add happy hour and weekend brunch." - Tim Ebner