Closure of a Dallas Institution: Bangkok at Greenville
Dallas restaurant Bangkok at Greenville will close on June 30, 2025, after more than 30 years serving Thai food near the M Streets and University Park.
The restaurant has been open since the early 1990s, first as a sibling restaurant to the existing Bangkok City Restaurant on Bryan Street in Dallas, and then as an unaffiliated restaurant.
Some long-ago items have remained on the menu, like the pork dumplings and gang mussaman (yellow curry), two dishes enjoyed by a critic in a 1993 Dallas Morning News restaurant review.
Joe Pumphaung took ownership of the Greenville Avenue restaurant early in its existence, according to a spokesperson. He soon married Sunny, and the two have run the restaurant together for some 30 years.
A Legacy of Delicious Food and Community
The Pumphaungs have been dedicated to serving their community with authentic Thai cuisine, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2003, a News review noted the restaurant had “flawless” imperial rolls, which are veggie- and shrimp-wrapped rice paper rolls served with sweet and sour sauce.
The News recognized it over the years for its reasonably priced lunch specials. Today, customers can find a generous lunch at Bangkok for about $10.
The owners said they’ll miss sharing their Thai culture with Dallas.
Some of the employees had worked at Bangkok for two or three decades. Joe calls them “family.”
(Teresa Nguyen)
Reasons Behind the Closure
They cited “rising operating costs and a desire to spend more time with their aging parents,” who live in Thailand, as reasons for the closure.
“We know in our hearts that it’s time,” they said in a statement announcing the June 30, 2025, closing date.
It isn’t clear what will become of the restaurant building at Greenville Avenue and SMU Boulevard, neighbors with a swath of near-SMU restaurants like Barley House, Oishii, Ozona and the new train-themed bar Boxcar.
(Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)
A Family Affair
Joe Pumphaung grew up in Thailand in a family that owned restaurants. He learned to cook in Thailand, and, fun fact: He learned fruit and vegetable carving and floral arrangement in culinary school.
The Pumphaungs once owned Bangkok at Beltline, a Thai restaurant in Richardson, but it was sold to new owners.
Impact on the Community
The eventual closure of Bangkok at Greenville elongates a list of recent restaurant closures with a sizable history in the Asian community. Dallas’ longest-running Chinese restaurant, Hong Kong Restaurant on Garland Road near White Rock Lake, closed in early May 2025. The nearly 50-year-old Bo Bo China in Lake Highlands closed last year. Blue Fish closed on Greenville Avenue after nearly 30 years.
A Message from the Owners
“And to our guests,” Joe said in a statement, “you are family too. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.”
Bangkok at Greenville is at 4503 Greenville Ave., Dallas. It will remain open until June 30, 2025.
Conclusion
The closure of Bangkok at Greenville marks the end of an era for the Dallas community. The restaurant has been a staple for over 30 years, serving delicious Thai cuisine and providing a welcoming atmosphere for its customers. The owners, Joe and Sunny Pumphaung, will be missed, but their legacy will live on through the memories of their customers and the impact they had on the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Bangkok at Greenville close?
A: Bangkok at Greenville will close on June 30, 2025.
Q: Why is Bangkok at Greenville closing?
A: The owners cited “rising operating costs and a desire to spend more time with their aging parents” as reasons for the closure.
Q: What will happen to the restaurant building?
A: It isn’t clear what will become of the restaurant building at Greenville Avenue and SMU Boulevard.
Q: Can I still eat at Bangkok at Greenville before it closes?
A: Yes, Bangkok at Greenville will remain open until June 30, 2025.
