DCReview

photo credit: Chris Prosser

Thai X-ing image

Thai X-ing

This spot is Permanently Closed.

Thai

Shaw

$$$$Perfect For:BYOBDate NightFirst/Early in the Game DatesPrivate DiningVegetarians
Earn 3x points with your sapphire card

We’ve all been there, struggling to pick a date night location. The constant deferral to the other person, not wanting to step on each other’s toes. The mismatch of desired cuisines. And it doesn’t stop once you get to the restaurant. Do you each get an appetizer and split an entrée? Two entrées and a split an app? God help you if there’s a dietary restriction involved. Thai X-ing was seemingly created to solve this exact problem. They feature a reasonably priced ($30 per person on weeknights, $40 on the weekend) 5-7 course tasting menu that’s exotic but not too far off the beaten path if your partner’s knowledge of Thai food doesn’t expand past putting the word “pad” out in front. And you won’t find a better deal in this town that’s seemingly allergic to BYOB spots than Thai X-ing’s $5 corkage fee.

The menu changes frequently but keeps a couple of popular mainstays every night. And with specials like pescetarian night (with a vegetarian option, for all you Nemo lovers out there), or the option to call ahead and let them know of any dietary restrictions, it has a solution for every date night pitfall.

There’s not a more sure-fire way to score points with someone you’re trying to impress than sitting down in the intimate, dimly-lit, just-cramped-enough dining room and having dishes whirled out to the table without saying a word like you’re Ray Liotta in “Goodfellas” walking in through the kitchen.

You’ll definitely need a reservation, but you won’t have to grease any palms to get in. Plan a couple days in advance and you’ll be fine. While the original location has a homey feel (quite literally, it’s in a converted row house), it also has a no alcohol policy. Book your meal at the newer 9th Street spot, which has been cranking out the same top-notch Thai for a couple years now. That way you can bring a couple bottles of wine and call it an early night afterward, or make it the starter to your evening by catching a show at the legendary 9:30 Club across the street.

As an added bonus, you won’t look stupid trying to pronounce an exotically-named dish since there’s no menu. Thai X-ing: saving you from your most pretentious self.

Food Rundown

Thai X-ing image

Papaya Salad

A nice combination of cool, refreshing papaya backed up with some heat. Not a show-stopper, but a solid way to start the night.

Thai X-ing image

Pumpkin Curry

You know how the Patriots always make the playoffs regardless of who’s on the team because they have Tom Brady? Well, the Pumpkin Curry is Thai X-ing’s Tom Brady. The supporting cast may change, but this dish will guarantee a successful visit. Which is good, because they never take it off the menu.

Thai X-ing image

Mango Sticky Rice

A classic, but done so well here that you’ll want to scoop it up with your hands. We won’t judge. We are not, however, responsible if your dining companion does. But if they do we’d suggest getting a new dining companion #InfatuationDatingAdvice.

FOOD RUNDOWN

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