Silver Lake’s Mae Ploy Thai Restaurant to Close After 26 Years

After 26 years, Mae Ploy will close for service in Silver Lake on January 28. The longstanding restaurant decided to close because owner, Amnaj Lungorn will retire. According to Lungorn’s son, Kevin Lungorn, the family-operated business plans to reopen in a new location in the coming year, and hopefully within the same neighborhood.

Kevin Lungorn’s cousin, Udon Suwannapen will take over operations at the new Mae Ploy. So far, the search for a new restaurant space has proved fruitless, and Suwannapen is still searching. Some loyal customers are even helping them to find a new home for Mae Ploy.

Situated on the border of Echo Park and Silver Lake, Mae Ploy’s Bangkok-style restaurant opened in 1992. The neighborhood restaurant was thrust into the spotlight after Jonathan Gold reviewed Mae Ploy in 2000. Kevin Lungorn recalled how overnight, a line of customers circled around the block.

While Mae Ploy’s current chapter is closing, it’s not all a sad story. Though many restaurant closings are typically the same song of rising rents, or landlord conflicts, Mae Ploy’s closure feels more like a passing of the baton. At least, it will when Suwannapen finds a new location. Kevin Lungorn finds the moment bittersweet, “Our customers have been coming to us for so long, they are like family.” Mae Ploy’s last day of service is Sunday, January 28. The restaurant left the following notice on the door for customers.

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