THE SHACK f
The Shack has built a loyal following among both locals and visiting travellers for one standout reason: its slow-cooked BBQ. The chef behind the kitchen trained in Syracuse, New York, and brings that American BBQ tradition to Chiang Rai, producing ribs that are smoked for six hours and consistently praised for their tenderness and depth of flavour. The menu also includes grilled chicken, steaks, homemade chips, and classic sides — straightforward comfort food executed with real care.
The setting lives up to the name — relaxed and unpretentious, with a casual atmosphere that suits solo diners, couples, and small groups equally well. The restaurant sits slightly outside the main town centre but is considered well worth the short trip by those who make the effort. Note that the venue has two entrances: one directly facing the restaurant frontage and another accessible through the adjoining house, which can catch first-time visitors off guard.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near THE SHACK f — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After THE SHACK f, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Phew! This place has some amazing slow-cooked ribs! The chef learned his ways in Syracuse, New York. You must call 6 hours in advance to order your ribs! (The restaurant is also located facing a small canal half a block in from the main road.) Everything was wonderful. I loved the beef stew so much. The beef was incredibly tender and mouth-wateringly tasty. The pappardelle was really nice too. Great salad with crispy candies walnuts. A decent selection of beers, including a few crafts. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can get out the door for probably ~300 baht/person, which is a great deal for what you’re getting. Nice ambience, fun location, and awesome service.
The best BBQ ribs and steak we have ever had and we have been to the USA before. It is a bit outside of the main town but I would 100% take the time to visit this restaurant. The rib meat fell off the bone and the steak was cooked to perfection. Even the french fries were on point. Everything was also seasoned perfectly. Can't recommend enough.
The Foods are really good, especially the 6 hours smoke ribs: super tender and tasteful. FYI, they have two entrances one from right in front of the restaurant and another is through the house.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 116 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
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Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
THE SHACK f: Frequently Asked Questions
Is THE SHACK f worth visiting?
THE SHACK f holds a 4.8★ rating from 116 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of THE SHACK f?
THE SHACK f is typically open 17:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit THE SHACK f?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is THE SHACK f located?
THE SHACK f is at 153, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
153, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand065 958 2394Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near THE SHACK f
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Nearby Places
JINLU RESTAURANT
Authentic Chinese restaurant in Chiang Rai serving Cantonese, Shanghai, and Hong Kong-style dishes daily until 10pm.
Simply Northern Thai Food
Authentic Northern Thai kitchen on Nhong Boor Road serving traditional Lanna dishes at budget prices daily.
Thai restaurant
A family-run Thai kitchen in Chiang Rai where the owner grows his own produce and cooks with genuine warmth.
JESSE'S SMASH BURGERS by No.4
A weekend-only smash burger spot in Chiang Rai with a perfect rating and a loyal local following.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
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Central Pattaya
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The Village Farm To Café
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Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near THE SHACK f
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)