Thai Bird is getting closer to opening its second San Antonio-area location, bringing its award-winning Thai-inspired menu to Castle Hills, according to MySA.
The restaurant is preparing to open at 2211 NW Military Highway, Suite 121, inside Castle Hills Market, according to the restaurant’s website and posts from owners David Gilbert and Kristin Alvarez.
The Castle Hills location marks another step in the growth of the concept, which Gilbert and Alvarez launched in 2023 inside San Antonio’s Make Ready Market. Thai Bird later moved into a standalone location in Alamo Heights, where it has gained a following among local diners and was named to San Antonio Magazine’s “Best New Restaurants” list.
Work is underway at the Castle Hills location. The City of Castle Hills has approved a commercial plumbing permit for the space, with the scope of work including a drain for soda and dishwasher machines as well as gas piping for two fryers, a grill and a furnace.
The owners have also been sharing updates as construction progresses. Custom benches were installed inside Suite 121 in July, with the owners saying the space is getting closer to welcoming customers.
Thai Bird has previously indicated that the Castle Hills restaurant would open in summer 2026, although an exact grand opening date has not been announced.
The restaurant’s menu is entirely gluten-free and features Thai-inspired rotisserie chicken, tenders, wings and other dishes. Menu options also include lemongrass tofu, pad Thai and fire-roasted lamb curry, along with sides such as seasoned fries, kale slaw, fruit and red curry corn. A selection of wine and kids’ meals will also be available.
Gilbert, who serves as chef, is a James Beard Award nominee and certified sommelier. His interest in Thai cuisine was sparked by a 2009 trip to Thailand, which led to years of travel and exploration that eventually influenced the Thai Bird concept.
The owners have said they chose Castle Hills because of the community’s welcoming atmosphere and its potential to foster connections between neighbours and local businesses.
WhatNow San Antonio has reached out to Thai Bird for additional information about the Castle Hills opening and will provide updates as they become available.
