Two extremely popular Thai restaurants peacefully coexist across the from one another on J Street: Thai Bail and the Coconut Midtown.

It’s impressive that there’s enough demand to sustain both spots. But I’ve also seen the following situation play out several times: A group wants to go to the Coconut but can’t get in because it’s so small (and popular), so they head over to Thai Basil instead.

Now, those Coconut fans have another option: head straight to the new Coconut on T (1110 T Street), which opened last week.

The Coconut on T sits around the corner from South, occupying a section of downtown’s Southside Park neighborhood with far fewer restaurants than its J Street counterpart. The nearest Thai restaurants are on Broadway (Chada Thai Cuisine and Taste of Thai Cuisine) or 16th Street (Orchid Thai Restaurant & Bar and Thai Canteen).

More importantly, the Coconut on T is way more spacious than the Coconut Midtown. It also boasts 10 taps, with local and craft beers going for $5. Otherwise, the low-key vibe and menu remain the same.  

Photo courtesy of the Coconut Midtown