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Welcome To Rak: Modern Thai & Cocktails
**About Rak: Modern Thai & Cocktails**Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Rak: Modern Thai & Cocktails offers a vibrant dining experience that beautifully blends traditional Thai flavors with modern presentation. The ambiance is enhanced by stunning murals and a welcoming atmosphere. Highlights include the tender Dino Rib braised in savory spices and the rich and flavorful Khao Soi, a classic Northern Thai noodle soup. Guests rave about attentive service, from knowledgeable staff guiding spice levels to delightful cocktails like the mango sticky rice. While prices may be a bit elevated, the culinary artistry and memorable experiences make Rak a go-to destination for Thai cuisine enthusiasts looking to indulge.
Today's Suggestions
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Thai Iced Tea
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Egg Fried Rice
About
Rak: Modern Thai & Cocktails
Welcome to Rak: Modern Thai & Cocktails, located centrally at 435 Ionia Ave SW in Grand Rapids, MI. This vibrant dining destination marries the rich, aromatic flavors of modern Thai cuisine with an exquisite cocktail experience. As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I can attest that Rak is where authentic Thai dishes flourish amidst a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Walking into Rak, you're greeted by striking decor, including a magnificent elephant mural that whispers stories of Thailand's rich culture. The ambience is beautifully set to evoke a sense of comfort and celebration—perfect for everything from casual brunches to special occasions. If you're searching for a spot that feels special yet unpretentious, Rak is your destination.
The menu at Rak is a delightful exploration of flavors. Highlights include their Dino Rib, a hearty beef rib braised in spices, served over steamed Chinese broccoli and paired with sticky rice and a spicy Buddha’s Palm sauce— a true marvel for meat lovers at USD 29.00. For a taste of comfort, don't miss the Khao Soi, a classic northern Thai yellow curry noodle soup that promises a slurp-worthy experience, beautifully plated with fresh garnishes and fried prawns for USD 21.00.
In feedback from patrons, many have raved about the Crying Tiger Steak, which is said to perfectly embody the rich, flavorful essence of Thai cuisine with its spice level tailored to your preference. One customer's mention of helpful staff like Daniel who understands spice levels truly enhances the dining experience at Rak.
The brunch menu also shines, featuring delights such as the Crab Fried Rice and Tofu Volcano, both of which have quickly become favorites among diners. The mango sticky rice, presented beautifully, is a must-try dessert that captures the essence of Thai sweetness with every bite.
And let’s not overlook the drink offerings. Indulge in their Thai Iced Tea for a refreshing sip that complements the meal, or opt for the Mango Sticky Rice Cocktail— a creative fusion that stands out on the drink menu.
While some guests have noted that prices are slightly higher than average for Thai cuisine, they unanimously agree that the presentation and flavor justify the experience. Rak is ideal for anyone looking to treat themselves to a curated culinary journey, where every dish tells a story.
In summary, Rak: Modern Thai & Cocktails promises a dining experience that delights the senses, making it a must-visit culinary spot in Grand Rapids. Whether you're a Thai food connoisseur or a newcomer to these flavors, Rak welcomes you with open arms and a plate full of deliciousness.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ The host ! Couldn’t get her name. Young lady with a pone tail. She direct me and my friend to the table nicely. Daniel our server promptly told us about the level of spice and he knows about it! Recommend us the Thai Tea. Amazing atmosphere ”
“ We came here during brunch time on a Saturday. There were plenty of seatings, so you shouldn’t have to worry about reserving a table. You are able to do so if you want to though. Food took a bit, but not too long. Everything was tasty. Crab fried rice, and the tofu volcano was my fav. The mango sticky rice was delicious.. Tasted like the actual dessert.The cheesecake was pretty good too. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a place to dine at the downtown market! ”
“ Stopped here on Mother's Day for the Rak special brunch. Wow! Very impressed with the food, the service, and the ambience of the place. The Elephant mural was a beautiful touch — it added a sense of culture and story telling to the atmosphere. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, bursting with flavour and presented with care. The staff were attentive and welcoming, making us feel special from the moment we arrived. It was a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day — we’ll definitely be back! ”
“ We thought they closed. We always went to the little kiosk, great food. Now they have a whole restaurant. It's beautiful to. It says a bar is coming which may be nice for the whole location. I swear the prices did go up a little bit and less portion (we used to take half home) still great food and now maybe a good place to have a nice dinner. We went for our anniversary. Service great to. ”
“ I really like this place for weekend brunch bc it always has walk-in seating and food comes out relatively fast. My favorite dishes are the tofu volcano, hmong sausage, and crying tiger steak. Also recommend getting the mango sticky rice cocktail. The only downside to this place is that prices are steep for Thai food, but the ambiance and food are worth it if you’re looking to treat yourself. ”
“ Boss man ordered us some food while in town for work. Drunken noodles were delicious. I liked the chew on the noodle, the sauce it was coated in & I would gladly eat that again. Egg & Chicken in the dish, both had a great texture. It can be challenging to cook both to my taste in the same dish, my palate was appreciative. ”
“ The pad Thai was very good, I like that you can choose your spice level (1-5). I added fried tofu, which made the dish even better. I would have liked more vegetables in it, as there seemed to be just a few. I will add more to my leftovers at home, but will also come back here to eat and try other items. ”
“ Sooo beautiful inside! Our server, Emily, was outstanding! Led us through their impressive menu options while also recommending her favorites. We started with the iced Thai tea, moved to spring rolls, which were phenomenal with their homemade peanut sauce! We enjoyed chicken lettuce wraps & red curry for our entrees with a side papaya salad. Food was delicious, portions were large & atmosphere was lovely! We’ll definitely be returning! ”