EEM – Thai BBQ & Cocktails

Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails brings a revolutionary twist to Portland’s dining scene by blending Texas-style barbecue with authentic Thai flavors. The city has seen many fusion experiments, but this bold combination makes Eem one of Portland’s most buzzworthy restaurants.

The restaurant sits at Portland’s core, where it masterfully combines smoky American barbecue with Thai cuisine’s bold spices. Diners rave about Eem’s creative menu that features white curry with brisket burnt ends and imaginative tropical cocktails. The restaurant’s unique blend of Thai BBQ specialties and skillfully prepared drinks creates memorable moments for everyone who visits.

Let me share the fascinating story behind Eem Portland with you. You’ll discover their most popular dishes and learn valuable tips to enhance your visit to this one-of-a-kind establishment.

The Story Behind Eem’s Thai-Texas Fusion

Eem’s story began with a groundbreaking collaboration at Feast Portland 2017. A simple experiment that combined smoked brisket with jungle curry started a culinary revolution. This blend of flavors would later become one of Portland’s most innovative dining concepts.

How three culinary experts joined forces

The masterminds behind Eem represent Portland’s culinary elite:

• Earl Ninsom: Bangkok-born chef behind acclaimed restaurants Langbaan and Hat Yai
• Matt Vicedomini: Texas barbecue expert known for Matt’s BBQ
• Eric Nelson: Creative force behind the popular Shipwreck cocktail pop-up

The birth of Thai BBQ concept

Recipe testing sessions between the trio quickly turned into something extraordinary. The team found that smoked meats paired remarkably well with Thai flavors, especially when you have fish sauce and palm sugar. This natural harmony of flavors pushed them toward more experimentation. Vicedomini’s expertly smoked meats found their perfect place in Ninsom’s traditional Thai dishes.

Building a Portland dining destination

Eem captured Portland’s imagination with its “Thai barbecue tiki cocktail” concept right from its February 2019 opening. The restaurant became a hub of innovative dining and offered affordable, spicy, and creative dishes that appealed to local diners. Executive Chef Colin Yoshimoto’s arrival brought fresh expertise to the kitchen. He helped create signature dishes that would shape Eem’s unique culinary identity.

The project grew from a potential cocktail bar with barbecue into a full restaurant after securing a location with an attached commissary kitchen. This expansion helped the team create a space that blended Thai home’s casual comfort with modern Portland dining sensibilities.

Success came fast and strong, with hour-plus waits becoming common throughout the first year. Eem’s popularity comes from its perfect balance of innovative cuisine and approachable dining. Many call it the essence of Portland’s ever-changing food scene.

Signature Dishes That Define Eem

Eem’s menu features dishes that beautifully illustrate their innovative Thai-Texas fusion concept. Their signature creations strike a perfect balance between smoky barbecue elements and traditional Thai flavors. These unique combinations have built them a loyal following.

White curry with smoked brisket burnt ends

The star of Eem’s menu is their white curry with brisket burnt ends, which costs $16. This masterpiece combines caramelized meat bites that float in a coconut and lemongrass bath. First-time diners often gasp with delight when they taste it. The team’s experimentation led to this creation. They tested several curry bases and found that milder white curry created the perfect foundation for rich, smoky burnt ends. The meat’s special treatment includes a bath of:

• Golden Mountain sauce
• White vinegar
• Sugar

Sweet and sour fried chicken up close

Their sweet and sour fried chicken shows how traditional techniques and innovative flavors can work together. Crispy chicken pieces go together with a house-made sauce that combines Thai sweet chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and soy sauce. The chicken gets its start in a garlic and lime juice marinade before getting a coating of special flour mixture that will give a perfect crunch.

BBQ fried rice breakdown

The BBQ fried rice at $8 shows the kitchen’s mastery of detail and technique. The team lets the rice dry overnight to keep it firm, then chars it to develop the perfect wok hei flavor. This rich dish combines long-grain Jasmine rice with tamarind and shishito peppers. They top it with choice cuts from either pork steak or brisket, based on what’s available. The barbecued meat’s smokiness spreads through the whole dish and creates a perfect blend of Thai and Texas flavors.

Mastering the Art of Thai BBQ

Eem creates magic by combining traditional smoking techniques with authentic Thai flavors. Their kitchen shows how age-old Thai cooking methods work perfectly with modern smoking techniques.

Smoking techniques meet Thai spices

The chefs start by picking hardwoods that work well with Thai spice profiles. They blend traditional Thai curry paste ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and coriander seeds into their marinades. Their marinades have:

• Full-fat coconut milk
• Red curry paste
• Curry powder
• House-made spice blends

Balance of heat and sweet

Eem’s distinctive flavor comes from balancing Thai cuisine’s five fundamental tastes perfectly. Palm sugar and coconut sugar balance out the heat. Fish sauce and soy sauce create that rich umami base. The kitchen team follows a clear process to balance these flavors:

Fresh ingredients and house-made curries

Eem’s Thai BBQ stands out because of their steadfast dedication to fresh ingredients. Their curry pastes blend traditional elements like fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil. The team dry-roasts spices before grinding them into signature curry pastes to extract maximum flavor.

Each protein gets special treatment based on its unique qualities. Chicken marinades contain milk to keep the meat tender. Brisket smokes longer to develop the perfect bark. The team keeps smoking temperatures between 275°F and 300°F. This lets Thai spices penetrate deeply without burning the meat.

Eem’s culinary team has become skilled at timing. They know exactly when to add fresh herbs and apply their house-made sauces. This careful attention helps delicate ingredients like Thai basil stay aromatic. Meanwhile, heartier elements develop deep, complex flavors through smoking.

Tropical Paradise in a Glass

Eem’s cocktail program brings a tropical paradise vibe to Portland. Every sip feels like a mini-vacation. Eric Nelson, who made his name at Laurelhurst Market and Shipwreck, leads this creative venture that perfectly matches the restaurant’s innovative Thai-Texas fusion concept.

Creative cocktail program overview

Eem’s drink menu shows a fun yet refined take on tropical drinks. The prices range from $12 to $30, with several options perfect for sharing. The presentation makes these drinks special. They come in unique vessels like fugu mugs and glasses with immersible lights that create perfect moments for a social-first photo opportunity.

Must-try signature drinks

Anna Moss’s Natural Wine stands out among Eem’s offerings. This creative drink blends Bolivian brandy, gentian liqueur, and lemongrass-coconut cream with carrot juice, topped with a lime-leaf tincture. The Daggermouth steals the show when it comes to group drinks. This brass-colored punch bowl contains a sophisticated mix of:

The Jesus & Tequila ($12) has become a local favorite. It mixes tequila, mezcal, lemon and lime, with a unique lime froyo and special salt rim.

Non-alcoholic options

Nelson’s personal five-year sobriety experience inspired Eem’s impressive non-alcoholic drink selection. The “Clear-Headed” menu features sophisticated alcohol-free options from $5-12, including:

• An Americano-inspired creation with mango puree and Italian bitter soda
• The Change of Address – a reimagined Coca-Cola with shoyu, maple, and fresh lemon
• Oat milk Thai tea for a comforting alternative
• Innovative combinations featuring plum bitters and house-made syrups

The bar team crafts these non-alcoholic drinks with the same care as their alcoholic counterparts. This dedication ensures everyone can enjoy Eem’s celebratory atmosphere.

Essential Tips for Your Visit

Thai BBQ meets creative cocktails at Eem, and getting the timing right is a vital part of your dining experience. This piece will help you make the most of your visit to this Portland hotspot.

Best times to avoid the wait

Smart timing is key at Eem since it ranks among Portland’s most popular restaurants. You’ll have the best shot at getting seated right away if you show up by 5:00 PM on weekdays. The place fills up quickly – usually within 15 minutes after opening their doors.

Optimal Timing Strategy:

• Weekday lunch: Arrive at opening (11:00 AM)
• Weekend visits: Be there by 4:30 PM
• Mid-afternoon dining: 2:00 PM offers shorter waits

Peak times mean you might wait anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The good news? They serve cocktails outside while you wait.

How to order like a pro

Regular reservations aren’t a thing at Eem, but you still have ways to enhance your visit. Large parties get special treatment – groups of 6-12 can book on weekends, and 8-12 can reserve during weekdays.

These pro tips will help cut down your wait time:

1. The outdoor BBQ shack works great to grab takeout
2. Order ahead for pickup to skip the line
3. Migration Brewing or The Box Social are perfect spots to hang out while waiting for your table

You’ll find both indoor and patio seating, plus full bar service throughout. Non-drinkers will love their extensive “clear-headed” drink menu, which includes mango and guava juices, plus tamarind and mandarin sodas.

Parking and location details

Eem sits at 3808 N Williams Avenue, Suite #127 in Portland, Oregon. Their hours stay consistent through the week:

Street parking is your only option in the area, so plan ahead. The Williams Avenue neighborhood location makes it easy to reach by public transit or ride-share services.

Drivers should arrive early to find parking, especially during busy hours. Look for Suite #127 – the outdoor BBQ shack makes it easy to spot.

Eem brilliantly combines Thai flavors with Texas smoke to create an exciting new dining experience. This Portland gem redefines fusion cuisine by blending traditional Thai spices with expertly smoked meats and tropical cocktails.

The restaurant thrives on Portland’s collaborative food spirit, not just its innovative menu. Their legendary white curry with brisket burnt ends showcases perfect balance and careful experimentation. The cocktail program caters equally well to spirit lovers and those seeking non-alcoholic options.

Guests should expect a wait, but the dining experience makes it worthwhile. Eem embodies modern Portland’s food scene – sophisticated yet approachable. The restaurant shows what happens when culinary experts blend their passions to create magic on the plate and in the glass.

Here are some FAQs about EEM – Thai BBQ & Cocktails:

What are some popular Thai cocktails?

Popular Thai cocktails include classics like the Thai Basil Smash, the Siam Sunray, and the Mango Mojito. These drinks are often infused with bold flavors like lemongrass, chili, and Thai basil. Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails also offers unique twists on traditional Thai cocktails that perfectly complement their flavorful dishes.

Does Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails serve authentic Thai drinks?

Yes, Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails serves a variety of authentic Thai drinks. Their menu highlights traditional Thai flavors combined with creative modern elements. From Thai-inspired cocktails to refreshing mocktails, Eem delivers a vibrant beverage experience.

What is on the Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails menu?

The Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails menu includes a mix of mouthwatering Thai barbecue dishes, curries, and signature Thai cocktails. You can expect bold flavors and innovative pairings that showcase the richness of Thai cuisine. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to offer both traditional and modern dishes.

Where can I find photos of Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails dishes?

You can find Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails photos on their official website or social media pages. Many food enthusiasts also share images of the restaurant’s vibrant dishes and drinks on review platforms like Yelp and Instagram.

What are the reviews for Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails?

Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails reviews highlight the restaurant’s flavorful food, creative cocktails, and lively atmosphere. Customers often praise the unique fusion of Thai BBQ and cocktails, with many recommending it as a must-visit spot.

Are there vegetarian options on the Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails menu?

Yes, the Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails menu includes vegetarian options. Their dishes are thoughtfully prepared to cater to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.

What makes Thai cocktails unique?

Thai cocktails are unique because they incorporate bold and aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, chili, kaffir lime, and coconut. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes them stand out. Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails elevates this tradition by combining these flavors with modern mixology techniques.

Can I make Thai cocktails at home?

Yes, Thai cocktails can be made at home using fresh ingredients like Thai basil, lemongrass, and tropical fruits. While the flavors of Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails may be hard to replicate, you can find inspiration from their creative approach to Thai-inspired drinks.

What is the ambiance like at Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails?

The ambiance at Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails is lively and inviting, blending modern decor with a relaxed, social vibe. It’s the perfect setting for enjoying Thai cocktails and sharing delicious BBQ dishes with friends and family.

Is it necessary to book a table at Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails?

Given its popularity, it is recommended to book a table at Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails, especially during peak hours. This ensures you have a spot to enjoy their signature Thai cocktails and flavorful BBQ dishes without waiting.

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