Food

Bangkok Joe’s Will Close, Reopen as Mama Rouge

Another new spot for the Georgetown waterfront.

Owners Mel Oursinsini and Aulie Bunyarataphan are making moves, having opened Tom Yum District (above) last year. Photograph by Scott Suchman

So long, dumpling bar. Bangkok Joe’s announced plans to shutter on June 1 after ten-plus years on the Georgetown waterfront. Owners Mel Oursinsiri and Aulie Bunyarataphan say they’re closing to revamp the kitchen and give the interior a more “hip vibe,” and will shift the concept from Thai to a mix of Southeast Asian and French. The new eatery, named Mama Rouge, is slated to open in September. 

The duo recently jumped into the fast-casual game with Tom Yum District, which opened in Arlington last year; they also own T.H.A.I. in Shirlington. We’ll keep you posted on details as they develop. 

Food Editor

Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.