Forced to close, this Boise restaurant moved to Meridian. Guess who’s back?
When Boise’s Union Block building was condemned because of structural concerns in 2023, Mai Thai restaurant found itself homeless.
So the downtown Asian staple moved into a ghost kitchen 13 miles away in Meridian.
But Mai Thai recently exited that location and returned to Boise, opening last week in another ghost kitchen — at West End Food Co, 1744 W. Main St.
Eventually, owner-operator Billy Pothikamjorn still hopes to revive Mai Thai as a traditional seated restaurant somewhere. But for now, he’s focusing on takeout, delivery and catering. There is no seating at West End, with the exception of a few tables outside.
Mai Thai’s familiar menu should tempt regulars who visited the restaurant during its 20 years as a downtown favorite on Idaho Street.
Customers can order by phone at (208) 344-8424 or online at maithaigroup.com. For a more personal touch, just walk into the space. “If they want to come to see me,” Pothikamjorn said in a phone interview, “they can come inside the building, and I will take care of them.”
“And just like that… we’re BACK!” Mai Thai posted on Instagram. “First day open at Mai Thai downtown and the woks are already working overtime. Come through for the flavors you’ve been craving — made fresh, made fast, made with fire.”
One Instagram reply pretty much summed things up: “I’ve missed you guys downtown SO much!”
This story was originally published August 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM.