Brown Sugar By The Sea

If you’re craving traditional Thai food, look no further than Brown Sugar by the Sea. This bright and airy Thai restaurant—located in downtown Newburyport’s Tannery—serves up a full menu of classic Thai comfort foods like Pad Thai and Massamam Curry and is known for their tropical-inspired cocktails. 

Stop into this contemporary, upscale restaurant to sample meals inspired by the “four pillars” of Thai cuisine: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. The Brown Sugar Mango Curry is a must-try and—if you can take the heat—regulars swear by the spicy drunken noodles. In addition to well-known Thai food favorites and fresh vegetables, Brown Sugar by the Sea also offers unique dishes recognized throughout the regions of Thailand. Pair your meal with one of Brown Sugar by the Sea’s original and equally creative mixed drinks.

You can enjoy dining al fresco on the patio, in the main dining room or at Brown Sugar by the Sea’s full bar. Along with a delicious Thai food and beverage menu, patrons can also enjoy live Jazz music. The schedule is subject to change but below is the regular live music schedule. 

John Tavano – Tuesday’s – classical acoustic guitarist
Steve Faria – Wednesday’s – vocalist & piano player – sing along favorites
Gay Pearson – Thursday’s – classical and jazz pianist
Chris plante Trio – Friday’s – jazz trio

Selected as a Reader’s Choice and Editor’s Choice for Best of North Shore Thai food, Brown Sugar by the Sea is truly a family endeavor. Owner, operator, and Newburyport local Caroline Jolliffe can be found front of house most days greeting customers. And if you don’t see Jolliffe at Brown Sugar, there’s a good chance you will find her across the street at The Joy Nest, her other Newburyport restaurant that serves up Thai street food in a speakeasy atmosphere. Brown Sugar by the Sea also has a famous sister restaurant—Brown Sugar Café located in Boston— run by Jolliffe’s brother-in-law and his wife, Too and Nee Pinyochon.  

Caroline, whose favorite part of her job is meeting and serving the Newburyport community, was first introduced to Thai food as a waitress in college. Her passion for this food only grew during her time as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher in Bangkok. So, when the opportunity arose to open up a Thai restaurant in Newburyport, the decision was easy.

Located at 75 Water Street there is free parking available behind the restaurant, as well as across the street at the Tannery Marketplace. Can’t stop in for a bite, order delivery!