When Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine opened in the EDGE District over 10 years ago, the neighborhood looked a lot different. In fact, the area wasn’t even known as the EDGE District back then, but the Dome District.

The building currently occupied by Dr. BBQ was then home to Cast Steel Products. Red Mesa Mercado was Simple Living, a furniture store, and the Enigma nightclub was a shop called Interior Motives that sold art, antiques, and frames. There were also a ton of vacant storefronts. And to be honest, it wasn’t really a part of town that many people wanted to hang out in.

Over the years, as Beach Drive rents skyrocketed, development started to creep west toward the EDGE District. Before long, Green Bench Brewing moved in, Bodega opened their doors, and Ashe Couture Boutique set up shop.

Today, the EDGE District is one of most popular neighborhoods for food, nightlife, and shopping not only in downtown St. Pete, but in all of Tampa Bay.

But all good things must come to an end.

On October 31st, a note on the front door of Chiang Mai extended a cheerful goodbye to a community that they’ve served for over a decade. “For us working here at Chiang Mai, it has been a wonderful 10 years,” the note read. “We want you to know how much we have enjoyed working with you and to thank our many customers.” 

But fret not, Thai food enthusiasts! When one Thai restaurant closes, another one opens. The owners of a popular Thai-Japanese restaurant on the 400 block of Central Avenue, Pin Wok & Bowl, will be opening a new Asian fusion eatery called Pin on Café in the former Chiang Mai space at 1100 Central Avenue.

This will be the second downtown St. Pete restaurant for Som and Roger Rattanachane, who opened Pin Wok & Bowl in 2017.

The menu at Pin on Café will be similar to Pin Wok & Bowl. Diners can expect a variety of curry bowls, rice bowls, noodle soups, and sushi. 

Pin on Café will also offer a selection of sandwiches, lunch boxes, and smoothies that are not offered at Pin Wok & Bowl. 

Both restaurants are named after a Thai instrument called a pin, a type of lute with a pear-shaped body. Roger has been part of an 80’s Rock 'n' Roll band for over twenty years and has also hand-crafted numerous pins displayed around the restaurant.

According to their website, “Som moved from Thailand to St. Pete about 10 years ago and has truly adopted the city as her own.”

Som and her husband hope to open Pin on Café at 1100 Central Avenue sometime in December after the 1,200 square foot restaurant space undergoes $20,000 in renovations. Be sure to follow the new restaurant on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest menu offerings and a grand opening date.

A selection of dishes that will be available at Pin on Cafe.