About Thai Bird
The Heart of Thai Bird
Our Mission
Fostering community through exceptional food, fine wines, and warm hospitality.
Living our Values
HOSPITALITY
Service is what’s expected. Hospitality is everything extra.
Respect
To consistently value and respect yourself, the guest, and the team.
Integrity
Maintaining honesty and unwavering morals in all situations.
Strategic
Acting with a clear purpose, whether personal or brand-focused.
Vibe
Cultivating an atmosphere of positivity, energy, and connection.
The People Behind Thai Bird
We’re glad you’re here — and grateful for the community that continues to grow around the table.
Chef David Gilbert
Chef David Gilbert is the heart behind Thai Bird. A national award-winning chef, James Beard–nominee, author, and sommelier, David brings more than two decades of global cooking experience to the table — shaped by fine-dining kitchens, extensive travel, and years living and learning throughout Thailand. His approach is simple: bold, deeply flavorful food, thoughtfully paired wine, and hospitality that feels generous, relaxed, and real. Thai Bird is his way of sharing those passions in a space where guests are welcome to linger, connect, and enjoy.
Kristin Alvarez
Kristin Alvarez brings a career rooted in technology startups and customer experience leadership to Thai Bird. Her career has focused on building and scaling high-performing teams, designing systems that work, and creating meaningful experiences. As ‘Mayoress’ of Thai Bird, she helps shape how guests experience the brand — from marketing and events to the thoughtful details that turn a great meal into a sense of community. And yes, their golden retriever Hemingway is very much part of the story.
What We Stand For
Chef-led flavors and curated selections
Thai Bird brings together chef-driven flavors and thoughtfully curated wine in an approachable, welcoming setting. Led by Chef David’s deep roots in fine dining, wine culture, and Thai cuisine, our menu is built around bold flavors, crave-worthy dishes, and pairings designed to elevate every visit. It’s where casual dining meets elevated taste — proof that great food and great wine don’t need a special occasion, they create one.
Genuine Hospitality for Everyone
Hospitality is more than service.
Service is what’s expected. Hospitality is everything extra.
At Thai Bird, hospitality is how we show up — with care, attention, and intention — for everyone who walks through our doors. It’s in the small moments, the extra thought, and the way every guest is treated like they belong. Our goal is simple: to create experiences that feel just as good as the food and keep people coming back.
An approachable community and great vibes
Thai Bird is more than a restaurant — it’s a place built around connection. Through bold Thai flavors, wine, and thoughtfully planned events, we intentionally create an atmosphere of positivity, energy, and belonging. From Wine Club pick-up nights to comedy shows, tastings, and gatherings throughout the year, we show up to create space for conversation, laughter, and shared moments. Whether it’s a special event or an easy weeknight meal, Thai Bird is a place where everyone feels welcome, part of the room, and connected to something local.
Community
Thai Bird was built on a simple belief: great food brings people together. Our mission guides everything we do, from what’s on the plate to who feels welcome at the table.
We didn’t set out to be a gluten-free restaurant. We became one by listening. Families shared how rare it is to find a place where everyone can safely eat and truly enjoy a meal together. That’s why our entire menu uses gluten-free ingredients — not as a trend, but as a commitment.
A Story That Changed Us
One conversation stayed with us. When the Hernandez family thanked Chef David, they shared Thai Bird was only the second time in 16 years their family had been able to gather safely for a meal. Moments like that changed us.
We didn’t set out to build a gluten-free restaurant. We became one by listening to our guests.
Over time, families shared their stories — how meals out often meant separate plates, added stress, or sitting out entirely.
Today, our menu is built with gluten-free ingredients so more people can gather around the same table and enjoy the same meal, together.
Santana’s Story
Shared by the Hernandez family
Anytime our family goes out to eat, we usually have to pack a separate meal for our son due to the risk of cross-contamination. He was diagnosed with Celiac disease at just two years old, and our family had to make significant dietary changes early on. For years, that meant watching him look longingly at our plates—missing out on something as simple, yet meaningful, as sharing a meal together. Over time, even those small moments can add up.
Thai Bird changed that for us. It has become our spot—a safe, welcoming place where Santana can enjoy the same food we do, without worry. We come here to eat, play board and card games, meet friends, have work lunches, and most importantly, spend quality time together as a family.
Santana is an adult with autism and profound support needs, so finding places where he can feel comfortable and included is incredibly important. Thai Bird gives us exactly that. Nothing feels forced, and there’s never any awkwardness—just genuinely kind people, incredible food, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.
Community Beyond our Walls
Our commitment doesn’t stop at the table. We proudly support Gnome Surf, an organization that brings confidence and joy to children on the autism spectrum through surf therapy.
In 2025, Santana rode a wave for the first time. In 2026, we’re honored to support Texas Little Legends Wave Fest on April 11, 2026 in Port Aransas, TX, as part of that mission.
For us, community isn’t a campaign.
It’s why we show up every day.
Make Waves for Santana — Donate Here
Join Our Team
If you care about hospitality, take pride in your work, and want more than just a shift on the schedule, apply now and help us write the next chapter of the Thai Bird story.