One of the few chill-out spots in the Prachaniwet area (off from Vibhavadi Rd.), Triple Ate is run by a couple who previously operated a branch of a Japanese fast food chain. Thanks to its sub-soi location near chic market Bon Marche, the place is a lot more peaceful than the other bars and restaurants in the neighborhood and, indeed, much of Bangkok. It’s set in a retro house with a nicely-executed black and white theme that also incorporates the now obligatory bare cement and raw bricks. The vibe is not unlike well-known hotspots like Suea Non Kin or the now-defunct Sugarlust, just more minimal. We like the outdoor area where you can sit under a big tree adorned with little hanging lamps and a big white umbrella. The dishes, though, don’t nearly live up to the setting. The menu of mostly fusion fare tailored to the Thai palate mostly falls flat. The 888 Chicken Wings with pesto cream sauce (B130), for instance, looks pleasant but tastes like someone went a bit overboard on the salt. Also impressive to look at, the pomelo salad with smoked duck breast, fresh vegetables and mayonnaise (B170) is another let down. The duck breast is just too dry and comes with an overpowering wood-smoked scent. But the real disaster is the baked New Zealand mussels with special sauce and mozzarella cheese (B180)—far too salty and the mozzarella utterly devoid of any flavor. The other dishes are better but not really much to write home about, either. The recommended angel hair with sai oua (spaghetti with spicy northern sausage, B180) is bland but at least the sausage adds a touch of heat. The 888 Australian beef (stir-fried marinated beef with oyster sauce, B320) soft and moist, though not remarkable flavor-wise. Though their kitchen is unlikely to please foodies, Triple Ate’s atmosphere is great for unwinding after work. It helps that service is incredibly good, while drinks aren’t too costly. Beers start from B100 while the cocktail list sticks to the classics with prices ranging from B120-B150. In all, Triple Ate is a good spot to just hang out, not necessarily dine out. No corkage charge.
