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Siam Country
Category: Restaurants Thai Thai [Edit]
4637 N Damen Ave(at Eastwood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood
(773) 271-0700
- Nearest Transit:
-
Damen-Brown (Brown Line)
Montrose-Brown (Brown Line)
Western-Brown (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Siam Country
Review Highlights
"The Tom Yum soup with chicken was also really good."
(in 8 reviews)
"It's easily accessible via CTA Brown Line - Damen stop."
(in 4 reviews)
"Family owned and run, they are very personable and friendly."
(in 4 reviews)
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer E.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011
This place is cute, cozy, and good.
Recently came here because they had a Groupon Now special. We came in on a cold Monday night after a very hard workout which got us very hungry.
We were the only ones in the restaurant other than the owners and their kid. It's felt very homey. We started with some fried tofu and then I got the tom yum noodle soup with chicken while my husband got the drunken noodles. All of our food were great. It was spicy and flavorful. The prices are decent.
I would recommend this place. It's easily accessible via CTA Brown Line - Damen stop. It's right underneath the stop.d -
Review from Daniel W.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
Great Thai Food, nice and relaxing atmosphere. This is a family owned restaurant, and they take pride in their food, and service. Good place to dine, not loud, and very comfortable. You can bring your own wine, and the owner is happy to uncork and serve in nice wine glasses. All the food I have had there is fresh, and delicious.
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Review from Katie C.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2011
This isn't the BEST Thai food around, but I'm a fan of it. Every time I go there the restaurant is quiet and cozy. The owners are VERY nice and the food is fairly priced. I've gotten delivery from them as well and they've always been extremely quick (although I live nearby).
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Review from Dennis L.
2/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Siam Country was good, but it did not stand out to me. The staff is very friendly and helpful, but the food was not impressive.
I ordered a pad basil lunch special. The Tom Yum soup was average, the spring roll was well below average, and the pad basil was slightly above average. Siam Country suffers from the fact that there is an insane number of Thai restaurants in relatively close proximity.
Overall, an average experience, but nothing that would make me a loyalist. -
Review from Julia J.
11/28/2010
Siam Country is the first Thai place I've tried. I've tried a few since, but I haven't found anything that will keep me from returning to Siam Country.
I've had a lot of things on their menu at this point- a bunch of their curries (my favorites are the panang and pineapple red curry), which are always good and flavorful, the noodles- pad Thai and pad see eiw are my fallbacks- which always have crisp veggies and good flavor. The heat isn't always consistent, but they offer a "thai spicy" that melts your face in a good way. I generally order things at american spicy or medium, and those are hot enough for me, though my husband perfers his thai food to be painful, so there's always some thai spicy ordered as well.
The only thing I'm not crazy about is the crab rangoon- which was greasy and more of the deep-fried shell than the crab filling, so I wouldn't order that again. Otherwise, I've been happy with everything I've ordered.
Delivery is always fast, and the food is always hot- plus you can order through grubhub which I think makes it easier. They always get my special instructions, and my order is always correct.Listed in: Thai one on.
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Review from Erin B.
2/16/2011
I really want to give Siam Country 3.5 stars...but it isn't an option.
I am a big fan of Siam Country- partly because it's literally next door to my apartment and reasonably priced. But I keep going back because the owner is so friendly.
The majority of the menu is pretty standard in taste and selection, however it is the perfect neighborhood joint- fast, tasty comfort food. Good panang curry :)
There are a few other great spots in the neighborhood, too, but I like to stay loyal to people who remember me and my infrequent orders :) -
Review from Jake V.
Philadelphia, PA
9/13/2010
The fact is that this area has possibly 20,000 Thai places in the 2 mile radial proximity. In that regard, this place is standard. Not mind blowingly good but not bad, either.
No, what sells it is that dude who serves your food. He acts like it is his mission to serve you food and refill your water. I just imagine him waking up, sitting up and just getting excited thinking about serving Thai food.
Go ahead, I dare you to find a person who is more happy to be handing you Chicken Thai Basil. -
Review from Jade T.
6/5/2010 4 Check-ins Here
4.5 Stars
Siam Country is my new favorite Thai restaurant in Ravenswood! What makes this Thai restaurant different from others is the service. The family who runs this place are just about the nicest [Thai] people I've met, hence the added half star.
(There is one restaurant nearby that I do no longer frequent because the staff still didn't recognize me after coming in once to twice a week. I was definitely a regular and I didn't feel appreciated at all. The food was good, but I can get good Thai food elsewhere ... like at Siam Country.)
I've only gone to Siam Country for take-out. Since I live near Rockwell, I like to stop by this restaurant since it's *right* underneath the train station on the way home. They always greet me with smiles and hellos. Even if I just ordered Pad Thai Tofu, they are very appreciative of my patronage. I never tip on take-out orders, but I like to leave a little something for them.
Asides from the sweet family, the food is pretty solid. Noodle dishes are my favorite, and everything tasted pretty good. The food doesn't blow my mind, but I would definitely take my family here. The prices are very reasonable too. Sure, some dishes may be a dollar more, but are you seriously complaining over a dollar? Seriously. Their lunch specials are under $7, if that makes you feel any better.
Siam Country is by no means a glamourous, hip Thai restaurant, but I don't care much for those at all. But with good food, good prices, and incredibly friendly service, I am impressed and thankful that such a quaint place exists near my home. -
Review from Jen K.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2011
I agree with everyone else that the owners are soooo nice. However, regardless of how nice you are, if you're food doesn't cut it, I'm not going to return. I had the shrimp pad thai (my standard) and thai egg rolls. The egg rolls were good but were charred on one side... which is weird because they're clearly fried. Maybe under a heat lamp or something?? As for the pad thai- shrimp WAY overcooked. Barely able to chew them they were so rubbery. Also, a weird lack of flavor in general... there was barely any sauce on the noodles so it was basically just a bland noodle mess...
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Review from John B.
3/20/2009
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.Listed in: Asian Adventure
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Review from Christopher L.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm definitely a fan of this place! The owner Sudi (sp) is especially nice and has an amazing memory. In fact, all the staff really know how to treat patrons. Best panang curry chicken in town. Appetizers are good too. Parking sucks though... then again where doesn't in this stupid city. Thanks alot Daley... I'm glad you're a gonner!
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Review from Joe T.
Cincinnati, OH
8/7/2008
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.Listed in: Thai Mania
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Review from Shaun T.
Downers Grove, IL
12/3/2006
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!Listed in: Ravenswood
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Review from Val B.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2009
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! -
Review from Kathy B.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2010
I love Siam Country! Delicious, fluffy Pad Thai that doesn't have a bucket of grease poured on top of it - what a concept!
I also highly recommend their coconut ice cream! It will change your life. -
Review from Joy E.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2008
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. -
Review from Pavithra M.
Chicago, IL
7/22/2010
Siam Country is one of my favorite Thai restaurants....sometimes, I even prefer it to Thai Grill. Sssh! Don't tell anyone! The owners at Siam Country are perfect hosts. Every time we have been there, and we have been there a lot, we get treated to the famous Thai hospitality. He remembers our individual preferences for the level of spice, even when we return after a long time. When we started going here, we did not have a child, but it feels the same when we tote our toddler here for dinner. They give her a plastic plate, cup and cutlery. If the place is empty, they don't mind if she walks around and explores. The fish tank is a huge attraction for her!
All that is great, but the thing we love best about this place is the food. We have ordered a lot of things on the menu over time, but I particularly like the shu mai and the fried rice. We like the food so much that we once had them cater a dinner party at our house. This worked out not very cost effective, but was good all the same.
Give them a try...you won't regret it. -
Review from Marco D.
7/14/2008
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. -
Review from Shep L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/19/2008
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! -
Review from Kris L.
Wilmington, NC
5/28/2008
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... -
Review from Liz D.
Chicago, IL
11/24/2009
My favorite Thai restaurant for sure! Even though we no longer live in the neighborhood this is still the place when we want Thai.
I love that I can tell them spicy - Thai spicy (knock your socks off) - or less spicy - and I get just what I asked for. I usually get a curry dish, either the panang or the red. Taste is consistently great. I also love their different soups and salads. You absolutely cannot go wrong eating here.
Family owned and run, they are very personable and friendly. They always remember our favorite dishes and provide great service. They are always sincere and very kind. -
Review from Edward P.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2010
I am not a Thai expert. I eat Thai food occasionally, and I know what is good and what is not.
I've only ordered here either delivery or take out. I love that I can order online. Pick up and delivery service has always been very solid. Always good service; always good food.
I've ordered a little bit of everything over the past couple of years, and have never been disappointed. So there you have it..... -
Review from Travis G.
Erlanger, KY
2/25/2008
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. -
Review from Steve R.
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food and service! The owners were very friendly and took some time to talk with me while I was there for dinner. I ordered the Pad Thai and it was piping hot and delicious. Highly recommended.
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Review from Richie D.
1/1/2010
Step into this little hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant and the smell which will remind you of an antique store, perhaps Mode down the street, quickly takes over. Maybe they need to lay off the moth balls?
What makes Siam what it is is the lovely waitress who just smiles and talks...oh...so...softly. This can often be difficult to find at other Thai joints.
As for the Yelp special, it's available to everyone and is known as a Lunch Special for $6.75 (includes an app, soup or salad, and an entree). Well it caught my attention and trapped me. I had the spring rolls (two tiny rolls that were ultra bland, even with the brown gravy sauce on top), tom yum soup (nice flavor, but just adequate) and panang curry (simply mediocre). I'll give Siam Country 3 stars just because it was average all around. I did enjoy the fish tanks inside to keep my mind busy while waiting for the food and I hope the waitress keeps smiling! They also deliver through Grub Hub. -
Review from Lindsey F.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2010
My boyfriend and I love Thai, so we try new thai restaurants constantly. Hands down, Siam Country is the best in the city! The know are our names and the things we love! PLUS, everything is homemade. Be sure to sure to try the peanut sauce, the thai tom kar soup and the whiskey noodles!!!
The family that owns Siam is so kind. We feel like family when we are there.
Become a regular ASAP. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Kerry S.
Updated - 8/30/2010
Ok, tried em all. Siam Country is my fave. It is not greasy. It is hot as hell. It is fresh and I love the owner and his wife. I don't know about places with secret menus. I'm probably missing out. But I want drunken noodles. I want pad woonsen. I want kai swan. It's always so good. Period.
Listed in: Ravenswood eats…, yes, ANOTHER byob list!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2008
We live near here, which if you know the neighborhood, you'll know there's a ton of thai… Read more »
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Review from Michael I.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2011
The owners are so nice, it's difficult to give this place a below-average review, but the food isn't up to par. I feel qualified to say this, as I eat Thai food at least twice a week. I hope the owners will consider this criticism and try to improve the atmosphere and quality of their food.
I went for lunch. I was the only patron in the restaurant. It has a bit of a stale smell that bothered me. It reminded me of an old lady's house (a previous reviewer equated it to "moth balls").
I liked that they had curries among the lunch specials - some Thai places keep curry off the lunch specials. However, because the atmosphere had me feeling wary, I decided to go with Pad Thai, which is hard to mess up.
The Crab Rangoon appetizer is not tasty. My first thought was "old oil." Compare the over-fried mess of dough to the delicate Crab Rangoon dumplings at nearby Royal Thai. I realize Crab Rangoon isn't authentic Thai cuisine, but it can still be good if done well.
The Tom Yum Soup wasn't good either. Instead of a variety of veggies, it just had a couple big hunks of ginger. The flavor of the broth was bad. I usually devour Tom Yum, but this time I left the majority in my bowl.
The Pad Thai was passable, but not great. There was no wedge of lime, but maybe that was an oversight. The dish looked better in the picture on the menu, with the fresh, uncooked bean sprouts (that's how I like it). I liked the ample amounts of fried tofu.
I won't be back to Siam Country unless they do a bit of an overhaul. My fave Lincoln Square Thai places are Royal Thai (esp. for lunch specials) and Opart Thai House (esp. for curry dishes). Both have pleasant atmospheres and consistently great food. -
Review from Catherine S.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2010
I am currently eating my $6.95 lunch special. It's a lot of food for the price, and as mentioned in many reviews, the couple who runs the place is super sweet. For the price, you get a salad , entree, and soup or spring roll. I went for the ginger tofu, cucumber salad, and spring roll. The roll was just bad--mushy tofu inside and mushy wrapper. The cucumber salad was light and delicious. The ginger tofu was nicely sprinkled with Thai basil, but otherwise missing a depth of flavor and strips of ginger. It was also supposed to have about five different types of veg, including broccoli, which was specifically mentioned in the menu description. Instead, it was atofu with about a cup of white onions, a few strips of bell pepper, and two slivers of carrot (literally, I counted). I hate it when Asian restaurants cut corners by making onion your main stirfry veggie--plain stirfried onion is pretty gross.
Such nice people I'll try again, but so far Aroy is better, and the Thai places over in Lincoln Square are worlds better. -
Review from Sarah L.
Austin, TX
10/6/2010
The guy (probably owner?) behind the counter here is just soooooooo nice all the time. Their food is great too. It's probably the freshest and healthiest Thai I've ever ordered! You get a lot of food for the money. There's nothing real impressive about the inside, I would not feel compelled to dine in. I moved in right next door though and I definitely see this being a regular go-to for some take out!
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Review from Cat B.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2006
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.
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Review from Minty M.
Chicago, IL
7/20/2006
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.
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Review from Mark W.
6/6/2008
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.
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Review from Jennifer I.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2011
I love this place. I go there frequently even with all of the other Thai places in the area, so much closer to my house. The owners are amazing, and the food is delicious. This is the first Thai place that I am not afraid to stray away from my usuals. All of the curry dishes are yummy, they have delic spring roles and grab rangoons (the rangoons are on the sweet side, I like that but maybe not everyone would). And another great part is its BYOB! So no paying 5 bucks for a beer or a glass of wine. Oh and Thai iced coffee=AMAZING. Again its sweet but delicious. I love Thai food I would have to say it is my favorite or its tied with Japanese food but anyway I love it and this is my favorite place.
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Review from g t.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2008
This is one of my favorite thai places. They really give good service. It is a family owned business.
This place has really good curry dishes! I had left overs and I couldn't wait to come home from work and have it for dinner. Yum!
Awesome food, can't go wrong. -
Review from Miriam R.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2008
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.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jeff C.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2008
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.
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Review from Julie B.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2008
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!
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Review from Angelique R.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2009
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.
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Review from Steve K.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2011
If you like hot and spicy, try the Pad Prik "Thai" style. I really like this place so far.
