For the third consecutive year, the Thai restaurant was voted as a favorite amongst UC Davis students
By MATTHEW MCELDOWNEY — city@theaggie.org
Topping the list of hot spots in Davis’ bar scene, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen came out as a standout favorite. The restaurant opened from the kitchen of another bar as Davis’ first Thai restaurant in 1995, but it was not until 2001 that the founder and owner, Kevin Wan, had the opportunity to open this bar with his college friends.
“What other opportunity are you going to have as a 22-year-old to open up a bar with your friends?” Wan said.
From the bar’s journey as a business made up of UC Davis alumni to today, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen has made its mark on the Davis bar scene. Sophia’s Thai Kitchen was the first bar to have a mojito on its menu, the first bar to host a trivia night and one of the few bars to outlast the pandemic. This success can be attributed to the bar’s outdoor space, music and overall good vibes, according to Wan.
“I think we cultivate that cozy vibe — a third space,” Wan said. “We have strived to be that place, whether it is [through] the lighting, the music, having comfortable chairs, a nice outdoor deck or being in the middle of downtown where it is not a far walk.”
Vikram Gopalan, a fourth-year materials science and engineering major, was not surprised that Sophia’s Thai Kitchen was voted to be Davis’ best bar.
“The staff is just super super nice, and they have some fun drinks there, too,” Gopalan said.
In particular, Gopalan enjoyed the bar’s trivia nights, describing it as the best of Davis and in no small part due to its host: Wan. Gopalan described what sets Wan apart as a host from other trivia spots in Davis.
“[Wan] is so awesome at reading the team names every single time we go,” Gopalan said. “We have this running joke where we put one of our friends’ names down and have some contact information like their LinkedIn or their phone number, like they’re available — they’re single! And, [Wan] will actually do it.”
Angeline Gatchalian, a fourth-year anthropology major, described her experience at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen.
“It’s always super energetic in there,” Gatchalian said. “I don’t go there very often, but when I do, the energy is up and it’s super nice to be there.”
As a longtime owner, Wan described this loyal, enduring support that Sophia’s Thai Kitchen has received.
“We just had Picnic Day, so a lot of [the time], alumni come back after a long time, and we saw some old faces — people that have not come to the bar in 20 years,” Wan said.
While the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the bar scene in Davis hard, Wan is honored that Sophia’s Thai Kitchen has remained a mainstay. Moreover, Wan feels happy that this scene is healing as Davis begins to see a diverse group of new bars opening up and establishing themselves downtown.
“I’m encouraged now that there [are] more bars opening up now, because more bars in Davis is healthier for the whole scene,” Wan said. “There’s enough business in town for everybody.”
Written by: Matthew Mceldowney — city@theaggie.org
