Fit to be Thai-ed

After nearly two years, Pattaya Bar & Grill (5918 Hollister Ave., Goleta; 964-2800; pattayasb.com)-part Thai dining, part nightclub-is finally open in Old Town Goleta. When owner and chef Sonny Sriprajittichai and his wife Judy Siribandan moved into the space, formerly Alex’s Cantina, they also inherited the need for major renovations. On top of the usual permits needed for restaurant operation, the 10,000-square-foot building needed new walls, ceilings, and plumbing, Sriprajittichai said, delaying Pattaya’s grand opening until last November. Fans of Thai food may recognize the couple as the owners of Appethai, the Calle Real restaurant that closed down when they lost their lease four years ago. “As soon as people found out we were behind Appethai, they started flooding in,” Siribandan said. Her husband, originally from northern Thailand, cooks up favorites like tom ka gai and basil chicken for customers in the main dining room while a full bar and dance floor sit adjacent. Bar food like burgers and quesadillas are served up there from a separate kitchen. Pattaya also caters and has a banquet hall open for events.