Hemmingway’s – A little taste of home

[thenoilif]

Many people say that they love being in Thailand because of the relaxing atmosphere and way off life. I also think this is what draws many people to Florida, especially the small alcove, Key West. The beautiful weather, colonial architecture, amazing seafood and chill and relaxing lifestyle make it a popular place to not only visit but also to live.

Hemmingway’s on Suhkumvit Soi 14 has captured this and planted it right in downtown Bangkok.

It is a rebrand and major remodel of what used to be a decent Mexican restaurant that never seemed to get off the ground. It closed with very little fan fare and Hemmingway’s sprung up in its place.

This place has become one of my favorite spots in BKK for many reasons.

Firstly, the place is beautiful. It is set in the middle of several large trees that help filter out all of the noise of the bustling city. Once you’re inside the mini-forest you forget that you’re right in the center of Sin City. The restaurant itself is gorgeous with hardwood throughout giving it a very warm feel. It is faithfully modeled after a Key West style home and has one of the if the not the nicest outdoor seating area in all of BKK. It has a wrap around terrace on the 2^nd floor that attaches to an open deck and the 1^st floor has a courtyard and an open bar area.

Speaking of bars, Hemmingway’s one of the nicest in town. The setup hasn’t changed much from when it was the Mexican joint but the new décor makes it much more inviting. It is the kind of place that is perfect for a nice relaxing Sunday afternoon with a Macanudo in one hand and a Mojito in the other.

While the atmosphere is nice, this place also offers up equally tasty food. The menu is very Southern Florida with several Cuban/Spanish tapas dishes, typical American fare like burgers and wings, cheese platters, etc. The gems for me are the Cuban sandwich, which is very tasty, and a commendable effort at being pretty close to the real deal, the snapper ceviche, the various fish dishes and the pizza, there hasn't been anything on the menu that I've tried and didn't think was at least good. Their burger is a nice version of a home cooked backyard burger, no frills and properly priced for what it is. For all of you craving American style hand tossed pizza, this is the closest I have found and it’s damn good. It is basically hand tossed dough but still cooked in a brick oven so it still has that more crispy texture compared to American style hand toss but the outside crust is still nice and soft.

Their bar is one of the better-stocked bars in town with several top shelf liquors available; their whiskey selection is especially well rounded. The pours are also generous and balanced.

I have visiting this place since shortly after it opened and the service was the main drawback for a while but it seems like they have stepped it up because the last three times I have been there it has been adequately staffed and the service is now very at tentative and prompt.

I have saved the best for last. The prices are incredibly reasonable. There is no pretention here. Drinks are well priced and there isn’t the typical western food upcharge that you see at most other places. They also have a great lunch time deal where you can get several of their sandwiches including the Cuban and a the burger and a pint of beer or wine for 250 baht. There is of course a service charge but it is one of the few places where I actually don’t mind paying it.

All in all one of my favorite haunts in BKK.

[mightyharriss]

Is this an advertorial?

[AdamBangkok]

Is this an advertorial?

It looks like one, but then if it was actually written by them you'd hope they'd know how to spell Hemingway's.

[thenoilif]

Sorry about the spelling and no it's not a shill or advertisement for the restaurant. I written a few other accounts of various restaurants that I thought were worth mentioning. I was editorial mode after having to write a few for work.

[Bpuumike]

Well, you got me heading there this weekend!

How far down the Soi is it - taxi or easy walking?

Edited November 1, 2013 by Bpuumike

[lomatopo]

The house and grounds are indeed beautiful.

Other than the torrential downpours during rainy season, any similarity between Bangkok and Key West is a stretch, as is the tenuous link between Hemingway and Bangkok.

That said, Hemingway's has managed to remain open in a space which has been challenging for several other restaurants over the years, so they - as the saying goes - must be doing something right, even if it is only a place to move money through.

Reviews are generally positive, again with the location/house/grounds getting full marks, perhaps given the contrast with the grit/hustle/bustle of the city in general.

[whybother]

Well, you got me heading there this weekend!

How far down the Soi is it - taxi or easy walking?

It's about 30-40 metres down the soi. About a minute from Asoke BTS.

Great location. Good food. Reasonable prices.

[p_brownstone]

Sorry about the spelling and no it's not a shill or advertisement for the restaurant. I written a few other accounts of various restaurants that I thought were worth mentioning. I was editorial mode after having to write a few for work.

I have read a couple of your Reviews and I think they are well written - interesting and informative.

Please keep up the good work!

Patrick

[thenoilif]

Thanks Patrick

[tartempion]

OK, good to know, we were at Suda's opposite Hemingway's two weeks ago and Suda gets a zero from us.

We wondered what Hemingway's was about.

Hope they still will be there in January fro our next Bangkok visit, staying nearby at the excellent Sofitel Sukhumvit