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Category: Thai
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood$6.75 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. dine in ,take out and delivery.
weekday only. Good deal!Please call 773-271-0700.
Damen (Brown)
Mon-Tue., Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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I was driven to Siam Country by a need for soup. They do a nice Tom Yum soup that fixed me right up.
The rest of the offerings were a mixed bag. The Panang curry was a bit weak. It wasn't a question of spice -- I ordered it only medium spicy, because you never know what a Thai restaurant considers spicy -- but something else. Salt perhaps? Something to bring the flavors up a level. The hot and sweet chicken wasn't terribly hot or sweet, but it was much tastier than the curry, and did the trick. The pad thai was free, and benefited from a dash of the dressing from the cucumber salad which came with the fish cakes. The fish cakes were small, which is not a problem, and had a great flavor and texture.
See? A mixed bag. If you like your Thai food highly seasoned, this is not the place for you.
The good? Lots of coupons for free add-ons with delivery. The bad? $3 delivery charge.
I tried this happy little neighborhood Thai place on a Saturday night and it was about half-full inside. The owner was waiting on all the tables by himself, but it was still prompt. I had the garlic chicken dish and was very happy with it.
A note to other frequent Thai-goers, mild here means very mild, so don't be afraid of a little spice. They don't seem to go overboard like some other places.
I will definitely be back!
As I have apparently inspired the ire of at least one Penny's devotee, I submit yet another installment in my series of reviews, tentatively titled, "Thai Restaurants That Don't Suck Like Penny's Sucks."
This is a great little spot in Lincoln Square. The area, as Kerry S. points out, has no deficit of high quality Thai food, and sometimes it's a little daunting trying to decide exactly which one I'm up for checking out. Having readily scratched at least one non-contender off the list (see my review of Penny's), Siam is usually in my Top 3 Choices outside of Roscoe Village (see Pho's Hot & Spicy). Like Pho's, Siam is a little family-owned operation that makes delicious home-cooked Thai dishes.
I go here for the Pineapple Red Curry. I've tried other items on the menu but I always end up wishing I stuck with "the usual."
The owner/waiter is really friendly, which is always nice. On your way back to the bathroom you might notice some children's toys and perhaps a Tonka tricycle. Careful you don't trip.
I should start off by saying that I really, really like Siam Country. I think the food is delicious, the atmosphere pleasant, and the proprietors extremely nice. I did have an experience worth mentioning, however, that definitely lowers Siam Country in my esteem.
I recently ordered delivery for the first time. My food arrived quickly and was just as tasty as usual, though I was quite perplexed by how high the bill was in proportion to what I had ordered. So, I called to inquire as to the mystery charges. I was informed that there is a $3.50 delivery fee, even though this charge is mentioned nowhere on the menu. To be frank, this makes me a bit angry. Granted, it's pretty lazy of me not to just pick up my own food, considering the restaurant is literally around the corner from my apartment. Still, it seemed a little bait and switch-y to advertise delivery but not disclose this rather steep deliver charge.
Delivery seekers, beware!
I love this little place! I know it's probably not the best Thai food on the planet--the menu is simple and conservative, and the portions are a bit small for the price--but the service redeems the place.
The owner is unbelievably friendly! We call in pretty regularly and he usually recognizes our order (which rarely varies). When we come in to pick up, he always greets us with a smile; the few times we've gone there for dine-in, the service has been quick and friendly. Once, I went to pick up an order and realized I'd forgotten my cash and credit card. I started to return home to grab my credit card, but because he knows me (and has delivered to my house several times), he told me to take the food and call him from home with my card number--why walk all that way? (It's only 2 blocks!) That was one of the nicest things any restaurant owner has ever done for me!
We're always asked to adjust the spices: medium or spicy (and you must specify American or Thai spicy). Thai spicy's not as scary as I thought it would be, although I've learned to not eat the peppers. Wow. I love the pineapple duck curry, which is a bit pricey but worth it for a treat. The pad thai is nothing to sing about, but sometimes it's good. The soups are great, too--I'll second the review about tom yum soup.
I hope we never move too far away from this place. And I really hope that the Brown line construction doesn't crush this restaurant, either.
The service is good. The dude runs up when we sit down (I've never had to wait), quickly pours the water, and grabs my order all in a couple minutes. The food comes out quick too.
The food is good. Freshly made, well made, and made to order. The tom yum soup is one of my favorites here. If you get it "Thai spicy," as opposed to "American Spicy," it will melt your face off - if you're daring, give it try. Their curries are all very good, again, relatively simple but flavorful. The pad see ew is mediocre and I have never tried their Pad Thai. Their portions are on the smaller side, I don't think two dishes will be enough for two people - you'll need soups and/or appetizers to complement it.
Saw some kid doing homework in the back when I went to use the bathroom once. That's not relevant at all, but I was amused.
Siam Country is a simple thai restaurant nestled next to the Damen brown line stop. The family who owns the establishment is always kind and very outgoing. I once lived around the corner and would always be greeted with a familiar smile. The food is always solid. I would often order spicy basil leaves with chicken. I usually order it thai spicy, which is about as much heat as I can handle. I actually order it regularly when I have a cold to clear out the congestion- since grandma is no longer around to make green chili sandwiches. It is reasonably priced, but honestly the solid food and sweet family owners keep me coming back!
I believe it is BYOB also.
The plan was to stop at Spoon on my way back from work and pick up some dinner since I didn't feel inspired to cook. Ha! The CTA screwed over that plan! The train was extra slow (45 minutes from the loop to up north) and then to top it off a good 10 minutes and who knows how much longer waiting at the Damen stop because the trains were running on one track ... well, I got tired of waiting, knew there was a Thai restaurant next to the station and hopped off.
The restaurant seemed nice and cozy. I was greeted with surprising sincerity from the guy at the counter, you don't experience that too much anymore. I place my order - pad thai, tom kha soup and fried tofu. It took 10 minutes to prepare and then a bit to walk back to my apartment.
I was famished and devoured my meal but overall it was extremely mediocre. The fried tofu was rubbery and chewy, consistencies I just don't like in tofu. The tom kha was surprisingly mild compared to other Thai restaurants. It lacked the tang I enjoyed. It had WAY too many mushrooms but maybe I'm biased because I hate fungii. The pad thai was just ok. The tofu had a very interesting smokey flavor but the noodles lacked sauce and flavor.
Ok, so from there I would've given the restaurant 2/2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. However, approximately an hour after I ate my stomach started to make strange gurgling noises. uh-oh. I won't get into details but lets just say that my mediocre Thai resulted in an unpleasant evening.
I am sure this is somehow the CTA's fault!!
Here's Thai in your eye!
It's a quiet little unassuming place where the BYOB sign seems more prevalent than anything else. I went there shortly after moving into the neighborhood in 2005, and was treated very well. I didn't spend vast amounts of cash, the service was superb, and my Panang Curry was almost perfect.
I really enjoyed their Crab Rangoons; not an especially Thai tradition, but these were more than passable. I've yet to find a Thai place that blows my socks off, but they're an above-average bite right off the Damen brown-line stop. If you're in that area and hungry, give it a shot!
I used to live near this place, and during that time they were okay, when I moved and starting getting delivery from them, their service plummeted.
For one thing they kept getting my order wrong, sending me the wrong thing like rice instead or noodles, when I would specifically ask for what I wanted.
Secondly, (and let me preface this with I have a serious issue with tipping people, cause most of them don't deserve it for what they do aka delivery guys and cab drivers) the delivery chick, yes chick, delivered my food and tried to go off on me about having a long distance number because "everyone one can't call long distance" complaining that she couldn't get into the building and even said she started to drive off. Needless to say I was pissed and she knew.
3rd, don't order from here, because I passed by a few weeks and they had been closed for health reasons...yeah...gross...
Like other yelpers noted, the service is friendly and helpful. I like the ability to choose my spicy, and the Tom Yum soup is pretty delicious (though there were some things in it I found too crunchy to be edible). The sticky rice was a bit overcooked last time I was there, but I've been there at least two times before and it was fine.
I am so glad that this place is around the corner from my place! The proprietor is funny and kind and really makes you feel welcome, especially on a cold night! I just love coming into the cozy and unpretentious atmosphere (but not lacking in style!) and having a good noodle dish or a GREAT soup!
I stopped in here once before for a quick lunch special, had the pad thai, very unimpressed. Went back last night and had a wonderful meal. The server was personable, chatty and funny, not the usual for a thai place. We had the Tom Yum thai spicy, drunken noodle and the peanut sauce dish. Decided to get the drunken noodle "american spicy" as the soup almost made my throat close it was so spicy - and I usually like really spicy. I'll agree that the portions are a little conservative for the main entrees but with the soup the two of us were well fed.
Decent, but nothing overly special.
We live near here, which if you know the neighborhood, you'll know there's a ton of thai restaurants. This is consistently our favorite. We dine in often (it's BYOB.) And I'm a jerk for not knowing the owner's name. In conversation I refer to him and the restaurant as "Thai Spicy" since that's how I order everything. It is HOT, but definitely made to order if you're not into spicy. The food is always fresh and consistent. He is so friendly whenever we see him, or call, and he also gave us a plant for thai chili peppers! Very casual atmosphere (i.e. not so fancy in the decor dept.) but a great weeknight place.
One of my favorite home cooked thai meals. Unlike many Thai restaurants, they will add as much or as little spice as you want. Very friendly family run restaurant.
This is one of my favorite thai places. They really give good service. It is a family owned business.
Awesome food, can't go wrong.
yeah yeah it's fine.
tips, because everyone wants and deserves tips:
order your food without broccoli -- it's way chewy
the crab rangoon is not good.
This is one of my favorite thai restraunts! The service has always been great...I like the one older guy that works there, he's very friendly. I go there for lunch because you get an entree, soup and an appetizer for $6.
Got take out from here last night...good food! Light sauces, not too greasy. I got shrimp in the entrees too and it was good quality. The Tom Yum soup with chicken was also really good. Prices are not too high. Definitely will be a good take out spot to return to.
This place has excellent food, especially considering the price. It is family owned, and the owner is usually at the counter. They are very prompt with orders, and deliveries take 25-40 min from the time you order (depending on where you live/what you order). They are always very nice and friendly and their panang curry is my favorite in the city.
I've been here several times, mostly for the convenience. Since the Brown Line has now closed the Damen stop, it's no longer very convenient ... but the food is reasonably priced and tasty enough to keep me coming back every so often (especially for the pad thai). The dishes are simple, and the portion sizes aren't as enormous as some Thai restaurants I've visited, but the service is fast and friendly. The place seems to do a heavier take-out business than dine-in, so there's always a table available.
I've only been here once, but the food was greasy and I haven't been back. They still seem to draw a crowd, but I prefer Aroy Thai across the street. Siam does have decent outdoor seating in the summer.
Good but no cigar. The owner kissed my husband's ass and more or less ignored me, which I found annoying (and I am totally not the kind of person who looks out for personal slights, real or imagined). The food is tasty enough (no MSG is a plus) but I prefer Aroy Thai across the street. The panang curry is very good (and spicy, as in Thai spicy!!) but I don't think I'll be coming here that often in the future. Ingratiating, sexist owners do not exactly whet my appetite.
Small portions, a little expensive for the size and quality, and somewhat inconsistent (sometimes it's the best panang I've ever had outside of Thailand and sometimes it's just a greasy reddish puddle). They do a better job on the soups than Aroy across the street.
Last time I got takeout, they forgot to put one of the entrees I paid for in the bag, which I didn't discover until I got home. When I called, they said they'd credit it the next time I come in. We'll see...
Also, they charge 3% on credit card payments under $25.
I live right around the corner. The staff is very friendly and treated me like I was human even though I came alone. (I can't tell you how many restaurants have treated me like a pariah for not brining *at least* a significant other.) When I asked for a spicy dish, the owner asked if I wanted "American spicy" or "Thai spicy" which both helped me and cracked me up.
a big fat 'meh'. the menu was very uninspiring and the entrees were a bit lacking in siam flava imo. a small but annoying thing that occured was that even though my dish was supposed to come with rice, i had to order an extra one. i didn't want to quibble over a buck, they were dead at dinner time so maybe they were hurtin.
ps-to the weird super quiet couple sitting behind me, how do you not say a SINGLE word to each other during the entire dinner? you two didn't seem mad... maybe you guys found each other on some chatroom for introverts on eharmony or something.
I think this place was pretty decent. The food was light, filling, though you knoew you had a healthy meal. Great place for vegetarians or meat eaters. Service was a bit to be desired, though very respectable and they will remember you only if you have been there once!
We love this place and have gone here for years. Everything is fresh - herbs and seasonings. Ask for "Thai spicy" and you'll actually get it and be sweating. The owners are wonderful people.
We've tried all the neighborhood Thai places and this one is by far our favorite. Very fresh and flavorful. We always order veggie with tofu so wouldn't know about the meat dishes but LOVE the tom yum soup without coconut milk. The food is not too salty like so many of the other places. The owners are great and always happy to see us. This place gets my business every time, whether the Damen brown line stop is open or not!
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Ravenswood
Category: Greek
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