Glai Baan named one of the best restaurants of 2024: See inside
Take a look inside Glai Baan, the Phoenix, Arizona, must-try Thai destination that was named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants of 2024.
- Glai Baan owners plan to open two new Tempe concepts in 2026, one in the historic Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House and another in Hatton Hall.
- While the new restaurants will reflect the owners’ style, they will not be Glai Baan, the acclaimed Thai street food restaurant.
- Glai Baan has received numerous accolades, including being named a James Beard semifinalist and one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants of 2024.
The owners of lauded Phoenix restaurant Glai Baan, Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, are planning to open two new concepts in Tempe in 2026, one in Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House and another in Hatton Hall.
“It will not be Glai Baan. But it will still be us,” Bunnag said in a statement to The Republic, adding that it will be a restaurant and a cocktail bar.
Glai Baan has earned a cult-following for Thai street food since opening 2017. The restaurant was a James Beard semifinalist in 2024, named one of the best restaurants of 2024 by USA TODAY and has been on The Republic’s 100 Essential Restaurants list for multiple years.
While details about the new concept are sparse, the space it’s moving into is well-known.
“We all loved the warm, authentic experience of sitting on the shaded, scenic patio of House of Tricks. I’m excited to see that feeling return to downtown Tempe, thanks to Cat, Dan and their new restaurant,” said Tempe mayor Corey Woods. “I’ve eaten at Glai Baan many times — the food is amazing. This restaurant will become a favorite for both foodies and locals.”
History of B.B. Moeur House and Hatton Hall
“The Moeur House is such a magical setting,” the couple said in a press release. “It will be so fun and fulfilling to have this opportunity to create a special place for our community to come and enjoy, share special moments, celebrate, escape, relax and unwind — a place to pause — slow down and recharge — we can’t wait!”
Dr. Benjamin B. Moeur moved from Tennessee to Tempe in 1896. Aside from being the town’s only doctor, he was an Arizona governor for two terms and lived in the house until 1937. 56 years later, the house was converted into Tempe Community Council offices.
Hatton Hall was named after Patricia A. Hatton, the third woman to serve on Tempe City Council.
“This restaurant is an opportunity to invite people into Tempe’s history,” said Tempe Historic Preservation Officer Zachary Lechner. “I am delighted to see the building stay in use and become a community destination.”
Details: 34 E. Seventh St., Tempe.
Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.