We first recommended Charley Brown’s back in 2014 (click here for our first review). They had to relocate and now are bigger and better.

Charley Brown’s - Mexican food

It’s been a while since we talked about Charley Brown’s Mexicana. In fact, the last time was during the political upheavals that rocked Bangkok. In those days, it was necessary to book a table early and get back before the curfew was enforced.

These days it’s still advisable to make a reservation early - Happy Hours start at 4 pm until 7 pm and include half priced margaritas and half-priced local beers.  After that, tables fill up pretty quickly and there are only a handful of seats at the bar if you want to wait.

There have been lots of changes in the past 4 years, most noticeable is the new location in Asoke. People-in-the-know will remember the cool little sub-soi on Sukhumvit Soi 11 that used to house Cheap Charley’s and Tapas Café. Sadly it was sold to developers a few years ago for a reported $60 million.

That meant Charley Brown’s needed a new home and they found it in a similar sub-soi off Soi 19, tucked in behind The Key Hotel about 150 meters from the Asoke BTS.

The new building is considerably larger and brighter than Soi 11.  But the vibe is still the same – the emphasis is on good food, strong drinks, and conversation.  It’s a great place to meet up for a light lunch or after work for Happy Hours since Cheap Charley and Hemmingway’s disappeared from the area.

If you’re passing on a Monday night, you might be forgiven for thinking you were passing a Latin Dance club.  Every week from 8.15pm, they host what has quickly become the week’s most popular Bachata class in Bangkok.  After the class, the music is a mixture of all Latin styles with Salsa, Cha Cha and Merengue very popular.  It’s not the best night for a quiet date given that there are around 120 sweaty guys and girls shaking it on the dancefloor.  But if you enjoy dancing or people-watching, it’s great fun.

After visiting so many times, we had our favorite dishes that we ordered time after time. That was until a while ago when Chef Primo Rivera joined the team. A former executive chef in Cabo San Lucas, he’s cooked for Beyonce, Rihanna, Will Smith and a host of other A-list celebrities.

Primo was traveling through Asia and wanted to share his cuisine with Bangkokians. He met up with Charley Brown’s co-owner, Dave, and they made plans for a short guest appearance.  However, his food was such a success, he was persuaded to stay longer and show off some of his more unique dishes.

He’s just recently released his second menu – ‘Raices’ which is Spanish for ‘Roots’ and reflects his home country’s various flavours. From the spicy Taco de Pulpo a la Diabala (Devil’s Octopus Tacos) to the Aguachili Sinaloense (chilled shrimp ceviche), there are dishes on here that are not available anywhere else in Thailand.

If the menu seems overwhelming, Primo or Dave are always on hand to give advice on which dishes they feel will suit your palate.

This is the third home Charley Brown’s has had since its inception in 1992, and in our opinion, it’s become a fully-fledged, top rate restaurant and definitely worth seeking out.

TOT Recommends: Charley Brown’s passion fruit margaritas are delicious and the octopus tacos are original and so tasty!

19/9-10 Soi Sukhumvit 19,
Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110,
+66 2 044 2553
https://www.facebook.com/charleybrownsmexicana/