Asia Nine Sets Up Shop in Penn Quarter

Asia Nine Bar and Lounge is one of the latest additions to the booming Penn Quarter restaurant scene. Billed as an Asian fusion restaurant, the 3,500-square-foot space—named for its 9th Street location—features an upstairs private dining room and a contemporary decor scheme (think brightly colored walls, funky chandeliers, and large-scale Asian art).

The 200-seat restaurant can accommodate 400 guests for receptions, has its own sound system, and can install a dance floor if needed. The raised sushi bar seats 60, while the bar and lounge—with red leather booths and metal water features on the walls—holds 50 people.The private upstairs dining area, though under construction until the end of May, will seat 30 and include a full-service bar, a separate sound system, and a flat-screen TV.

The restaurant’s owners, Thai husband-and-wife team Nuthinepan Tantivejakul and Boonrod Yotmanee, culled Asia Nine’s diverse menu from Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines. An oyster bar is also set to open next week. The restaurant plans, on occasion, to offer authentic entertainment like Thai dancers (who can also be requested for private events).