Thai Restaurant Expands with New Location at Grand Rapids Downtown Market

A longtime resident at Grand Rapids Downtown Market has announced it's moving from its current location and opening a new, full-service restaurant.

As one of the original Market Hall Merchants, Rák Thai has been operating at the Downtown Market for the past decade.

READ MORE: New Family Entertainment Center + Restaurant and Bar Coming to Woodland Mall 

Owners Blon and Christine Hang say their team has found new recipes and ways to celebrate Thai cuisine.

Following the success of the first Christkindl Markt in 2023, the Hongs are ready to evolve the RÁK brand into a full restaurant concept that can accommodate more customers and expand the food and beverage menu just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

The new concept is called RÁK: Modern Thai & Cocktails and it will be opening up in the northwest corner of the market on the first floor, in the former home of Social Kitchen & Bar.

UP NEXT: Grand Rapids Sub Shop Expanding with 7th Location

I'm so glad a new restaurant is going to be opening up there! It'll be great to have another sit-down eatery at the market.

Owners say guests will be able to get the Rák dishes they love, plus newly-imagined appetizers, entrées, and cocktails in a fun and inviting sit-down atmosphere.

The current menu includes items like Beef Bulgogi, Peanut Curry Noodles, Pad Thai, Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, and more.

As you probably guessed from the name, the upcoming restaurant also plans to have an extensive cocktail menu, with traditional drinks and also original recipes of their own.

On August 2, the Hangs will take possession of the space and begin renovations. The restaurant will feature a private event space below the dining area, a full bar, patio area, weekend brunch menu, and tasting event calendar.

The projected opening date for RÁK: Modern Thai & Cocktails is October 1.