It can be difficult to find a late-night restaurant with quality food and youthful atmosphere in the Tri-Cities. Many local favorite dives either close their doors early in the evening or lack the vibes that keep customers sticking around into the early-morning hours. If you’ve been searching for a place where you’ll feel comfortable, enjoy a delicious meal, and find exciting entertainment, look no further than the Emerald of Siam in Richland’s historic Uptown Shopping Center. The swanky Thai joint has been a mainstay of Richland’s nightlife for decades, evolving with the times so as to stay relevant throughout the years.
Events
The Emerald’s main claim to fame is being a hotbed for up-and-coming musicians from throughout the Tri-Cities. The no-frills café hosts live music on a weekly basis, allowing local acts to take the stage and perform intimate sets for the crowd. It is often the first gig offered to artists from the area, and as such, has developed a reputation for being “the” place to go for live music. Many artists who go on to work with popular musical acts can attribute the start of their careers to this unassuming lounge in the Uptown. Next month in October, the Emerald has numerous open-mic, pub trivia, karaoke, jazz jams, and live musical acts scheduled. For a full list of events by night, feel free to read more on their website here.
Food and Drink
The Emerald of Siam serves authentic Thai cuisine that is practically unrivaled in Richland. As with the other aspects of the café, the menu has evolved throughout the years in order to keep things fresh for returning customers. Today, you can find anything from spring rolls to spicy Thai chicken wings and curry fries on the menu. This writer has a particular fondness for the Galangal coconut soup, or “tom kah guy” for those in the know. I cannot recommend this sweet and spicy soup enough. Unsurprisingly, the Emerald of Siam offers a full bar to ensure that any and all drink accommodations can be made. They feature numerous local and domestic beers on tap, as well as a variety of imported bottled beers from Thailand and beyond. If you enter thirsty, you’re sure to leave satiated. They offer a buffet of several of their most popular dishes, so be sure to leave a little extra room in your belly whenever heading to the Emerald.
Conclusion
If you’ve never made it to the Emerald of Siam before and are looking for a new place to relax and enjoy some live entertainment, look no further. It’s the perfect place to go for a date, family time, or simply a night out on the town, as there is something for everyone to enjoy at this Richland staple. Oh, and don’t be afraid to order takeout! While all of their dishes taste best fresh out of the kitchen, this writer can assure you that they also make for wonderful leftovers!
