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Eighteen
years ago, Chiang Mai lived at a less hectic pace. The tourist boom
was just beginning and the entertainment on offer mostly catered
to local tastes and was located on the west side of the Ping River.
John Vloet, the late Khun Ana Manmontri (Pee Pong), Peter Buckland,
and later. Khun Nirun and Judith Vloet joined in, all bi-cultural
friends and musicians, shared a similar frustration about the lack
of a cool place to 'hang out' in Chiang Mai. There was virtually
no live Western music venues, so they rented an old wooden house
on the east bank of the river and in February of 1984 The Riverside
Restaurant was born.
Western music and an extensive menu made it an immediate hit with visitors who came to dine, drink, and enjoy the folk, rock, and bluegrass music in a homey ambiance. Soon word spread of listening to the songs of the Eagles, Neil Young and Bob Dylan while enjoying steaks, burgers, and sandwiches and fabulous Thai food. Popularity increased amongst Thais as well when Thai language magazines in Bangkok began printing reviews..
Western music and an extensive menu made it an immediate hit with visitors who came to dine, drink, and enjoy the folk, rock, and bluegrass music in a homey ambiance. Soon word spread of listening to the songs of the Eagles, Neil Young and Bob Dylan while enjoying steaks, burgers, and sandwiches and fabulous Thai food. Popularity increased amongst Thais as well when Thai language magazines in Bangkok began printing reviews. Within a few years, The Riverside expanded next door to the former Kay's Kitchen. With a harmonious mix of architectural styling, wooden walkways, and multi-level seating areas an a dinner cruise boat in the evening, 'The Riverside Two', as it came to be called, extended capacity to over one hundred tables. The new bandstand added some Thai pop music and was a favorite gathering spot for foreigners and Thais, upscale and bohemian alike. The
Riverside opens at 10 a.m. for breakfast and continuing until
1 a.m. You can enjoy a laid-back afternoon with friends and your
favorite cocktail and on Sundays the best jazz around. In the
early evening the romantic candlelit dinner along with relaxing
guitar duos, piano, is not to be missed. As the night progresses
get funky upbeat music with three bands alternate between the
two sides and pump out rock, reggae, and pop with upclose seating
to the bandstands. Dining areas midway afford a place for quieter
get-togethers and chats. With the new space, a vibrant clientele,
and a desirable location for holidays such as Loy Kratong, The
Riverside became the focus of local and foreign nightlife and
dining.
THE
RIVERSIDE BAR & RESTAURANT, Restaurant
chiangmai, chiangmai pub & bar in Thailand
Address: 9-11 Charoenrat Road., Chiangmai THAILAND |
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Restaurants
The Riverside bar & Restaurant
