Merai: A Thai-Inspired Dive Bar Reinventing Brookline’s Culinary Scene

Merai (meaning “alcohol” in Thai) is more than a bar—it’s a love letter to the immigrant hustle. Co-owner Chompon “Boong” Boonnak and his team, childhood friends from Thailand’s Phetchabun province, transformed the former Matt Murphy’s Irish pub into a dimly lit, mural-adorned haven. The space nods to their journey with artwork by Ponnapa “Gift” Prakkamakul, featuring the Thai idiom “to cross waters, cross seas”—a tribute to their relentless drive.

“We wanted to create something that’s ours,” says Boonnak, who bartended at Boston staples like Shojo while earning a finance degree. “Thai flavors are our roots, but here, we’re showing how we adapt and thrive in new cultures.”

The Menu: Thai Flavors, Bar Food Reinvented

Merai’s menu is a culinary playground where Thai street food meets New England comfort. Forget pad Thai—think bold, shareable dishes with a twist:

• Krapow Hot Dog: A juicy pork sausage bursting with holy basil spice, drizzled with salted egg yolk mayo in a buttery Lone Star bun.

• Taro Fries: Crispy, craveable sticks paired with sweet chili-peanut sauce.

• Chicken Rice: Not your average wings—these are stuffed with garlicky rice, fried to golden perfection.

• Tom Kha Ranch Wings: Buffalo wings dunked in ranch dressing infused with tom kha’s citrusy coconut tang.

• Mussels in Red Curry: Plump shellfish swimming in fragrant Thai basil curry, served with crusty baguette.

• Kale Salad: A New England-Thai hybrid with roasted squash, walnuts, and spicy peanut dressing.

Dessert? Don’t skip the Thai Tea Flan—silky, sweet, and steeped in nostalgia.

Cocktails: Where Asian Flavors Meet Dive-Bar Fun

Beverage director Panupong “Earth” Viriyapongsukij leads a drinks program that’s equal parts inventive and approachable. Sip on:

• Hojicha Highball: Smoky Irish whiskey meets roasted green tea and honey.

• Strawberry Cheesecake: A vodka-gin stunner topped with whimsical cheese foam.

• Bori Bori: Served in a tea kettle, this yuzu-barley cocktail nods to Korean makgeolli.

• Melon: A bubbly tequila-honeydew concoction that tastes “like Japanese candy.”

No draft beer here—just packaged brews (Narragansett, Orion), sake, and wines that let the cocktails shine.

Vibes: Loud, Lively, and Unapologetically Fun

Merai isn’t for quiet date nights. With blaring 2000s alt-rock, dark walls, and a bustling bar, it’s a place to unwind with friends over bold flavors and bold laughs. “Come hungry, leave happy,” Boonnak grins. Reservations are wise—the intimate space fills fast.

Why Merai Matters

Merai isn’t just Mahaniyom’s sibling—it’s a celebration of cultural fusion and culinary fearlessness. For Boonnak and his team, it’s proof that Boston’s dining scene thrives when tradition meets innovation. As he puts it: “At Mahaniyom, we had something to prove. Here, we’re just having fun.”

📍 Merai | 14 Harvard St, Brookline, MA
🍴 Open Tuesday–Sunday | Reservations on OpenTable