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Siam Pasta
Category: Restaurants Thai Thai [Edit]
7416 N Western Ave(between Jarvis Ave & Fargo Ave)
Chicago, IL 60645
Neighborhood: West Rogers Park
(773) 274-0579
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for Siam Pasta
Review Highlights
"i love the spring rolls and the cucumber salad ROCKS."
(in 5 reviews)
"Chicken satay is very nice as a starter."
(in 3 reviews)
"My faves are Pad See Ew Beef and Pepper and Garlic chicken."
(in 3 reviews)
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Jane M.
Wilmette, IL
8/18/2011
I love ass-burningly hot food.
Alas, every time I go for a food that's traditionally supposed to be hot, they've taken it down several notches for the American tastes they're catering to, and no amount of "No really, I want it hot!" seems to convince them otherwise.
Except at Siam Pasta.
I ordered a curry. Red I think, though it was awhile ago and I don't really remember. Anyway, I ordered a curry and when asked if I'd like it mild, medium or hot, I responded "Hot, hot, hot. Very hot."
The waiter goes away. He comes back about five minutes later and says to me, "The cook wants to know if you want it American hot, or Thai hot"
To which I said only one word, "Thai".
When my curry came out, it was awash in little burning nuggets of Thai peppers. My face melted just smelling it.
It was awesome!
Now, not everyone likes hot food. That's fine. But that they gave me the option to have it Thai hot was refreshing, as every place else I've been assumes I mean low smoulder when I tell them I want hot, when what I really mean is Inquisition bonfire.
Hooray for Siam Pasta and their nitpicky chef! -
Review from Liz J.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2011
I'm beginning to worry that I'll never find decent thai delivery in Rogers Park. This makes me sad.
Ordered via Grub Hub. One star because it arrived a full 45 minutes before the estimated delivery time.
The food was ... not good. Crab rangoon had no flavor whatsoever, and a strange grainy texture. I ordered the roast duck something or other noodles, with extra veg. First bite was good. Then I noticed it had a weird smell ... sort of like grease and toothpaste. Had trouble finding the vegetables, too. The vegetable mystery was solved when I finally decided the whack the whole thing into a pan to reheat it. They were all layered on the bottom. I sauteed the whole thing for a few minutes with a ton of sriracha sauce. That killed the toothpaste smell and improved the flavor marginally, but I still could only eat half.
Maybe I just ordered badly. Maybe I should have tried some pad thai or curry or something. Maybe I will give it another go, sans toothpaste duck. -
Review from d u.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2011
Good food, huge "American-style" portions, fast friendly service, reasonable prices, pretty broad hours, and apparently they also deliver. Handy!
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Review from Grace B.
Burbank, CA
11/27/2011
Two words - CRAB LAGOON!! I can eat a million of those mouth watering crunchy deliciousness. No one - I repeat - NO ONE! makes their crab rangoons the way Siam Pasta does. I have been searching high and low - east to west coast for a Thai restaurant that makes it that way and I have yet to find any by comparison. Pick up an order next time you're there. :)
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Review from Peter O.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2011
Very good American-style Thai food in a recently remodeled and comfortable if slightly generic, golden oak "Asian restaurant" atmosphere. In five years of at least monthly visits, they have consistently come through for us.
Prices are more than reasonable and the portions are plentiful (Siam Pasta Pineapple Fried Rice with chicken is particularly good cold, eaten with a spoon the next day) Lunch Special is one generous meal for $6.95. A super-bargain!
They clearly maintain the freshness and useful serviceability of their deep frying oils.
Fresh Spring Rolls, crispy fried Treasure Bags and pan-fried or steamed Pot Stickers are all above-par. Their tangy, tasty Tom Kha soup with chicken or tofu is some of the best I've had in America.
Flavourful, fresh vegetables are lightly steamed and crunchy. Sometimes the meat dishes are a bit heavily salted, though within reasonable limits. Sauces are clean, not overly corn-starched, syrupy or florescent orange-coloured. Such a relief.
S and I regularly eat and can safely affirm our complete enjoyment of and appreciation for all of the above, plus their Cashew Chicken, delectable Rama Chicken, bountiful Beef with Broccoli, and Mixed Vegetables with meat or tofu. We are creatures of habit who find good things and stick to them.
Superior Singha beer from Thailand is the perfect accompaniment. Have two. A taste of the imported Thai wine, both white and red, was suggested us with raised eyebrows by our favourite server when we expressed interest; we accepted and did not order.
Green Tea ice cream! What fun, and a portion is many ball-scoops.
Table servers are competent, polite, and attentive and the food usually arrives surprisingly soon after it is ordered.
Best as always, Peter O. -
Review from Richard B.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2011
WOW is all I can say..... Baby egg rolls and pad thai with chicken... hot, delicious, large portions, and FRESH!!! My new favorite place for Thai in Rogers Park!!! Thanks Siam !!!!
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Review from Joel T.
Chicago, IL
9/29/2010
I've been getting takeout from SP since the Lewinsky scandal and I've always liked their flavors. They are consistent and fresh. Great delivery service too; it's almost always half the time promised.
Anyone I've ever turned on to become a fan. People from out of town always want to return. -
Review from Scott H.
8/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Great place for great Thai that's often so cheap that I feel a little guilty. There are always coupons around for this place and the take-out menu will get you a free spring roll app with each order. My faves are Pad See Ew Beef and Pepper and Garlic chicken. Chicken satay is very nice as a starter.
Be careful walking out of this place...I got hit by a bike once and almost lost my noodles. -
Review from Gary C.
9/11/2010
Don't let those three stars fool you. Siam Pasta is a great place to get Thai food in the West Rogers Park neighborhood.
There have been only a handful of occasions where I have actually eaten inside the restaurant. I typically get delivery when I work and it's great because they have lunch specials that include a small appetizer and a very generous-sized entree. The selection of lunch special entrees consists of about fifteen different menu options, which is pretty nice.
The food is tasty [not the greatest] and definitely hits the spot when I don't want to drive to my fave Thai spot.
My only problem is the length of time for deliveries. I work no more than a mile and a half away from the place and it takes on average an hour to receive delivery, whereas other local joints within the same distance and similar food deliver in about a half hour. I guess that's just me nagging via my stomach.
Siam Pasta is definitely worth a look at, though. You and your stomach will leave happy. -
Review from ryan w.
Bronx, NY
1/15/2009
The delivery guy is funny. He always says something incisive, witty, and unexpected.
That's about all I have to say.
Reviewing the texture of a pot sticker is a little bit beneath me.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Iris h.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2008
Siam Pasta has been around about 10 years or so. Before it, there was a little dive-y dinner called the Coffee Pot w/a really friend, lil old woman serving bad eggs and excellent java. Wonder whatever happened to her. . . ?
Henny way, Siam Pasta opened at half it's current size and used to serve twice the amount of food per entre. Additionally, the quality of the chicken used to be a bit better and they used to use a higher end type of mushroom in the fabulous Tom Yum soup.
All that said, the food continues to be wonderful. The crazy noodles, pepper steak, crab rangoon and thai custard (sometime like flan, but so much better) are wonderful. One can easily eat for $10-$15 dollars a piece.
The service has always been good. Fast, relatively friendly, etc.
Another excellent point - they really know how to package the food for delivery. Always sent with good napkins and little pieces of cardboard separating the foods. Very fine work.
A tip when dining in, upon leaving, ask for a coveted 'to go' menu. There's a cut out coupon on the back you can use the next time you go in for 1/2 off a 2nd entre. I ask every time -- I find the cashier's level of irritation most amusing.
Does that make me a bad person? -
Review from Nicole C.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2010
I almost live across the street from this place, and yet I still have them deliver. I have a problem.
Moving from yuppy central to where I live now has been somewhat surprising, in a good way.
Firstly, we ordered here the first night we were in our new place and everything we got was amazing. Usually I have to order a couple times before I get something I like. Not with this place.
Mmmmm. -
Review from Melissa M.
New York, NY
8/6/2007
Great Ameri-Thai. I love the lime chicken, which is battered friend chicken tossed with a tangy lime sauce. The curries are almost all meat and don't have very complex flavor, but they are satisfying nonetheless. I wish there were more vegetables, but most Thai places have the opposite problem. Very affordable for the quality of food too.
The service is fantastic and the rooftop patio with lanterns is a wonderful place to dine in nice weather. -
Review from Patricia K.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Siam Pasta is one of those hole-in-the-wall Asian restaurants that remind you why living in the city is so great. The layout of the restaurant is a bit peculiar, as was the staff. However, the food was pretty solid. It is clear that the bulk of their customers order take-out but the dining area is somewhat large (and, truthfully, a little shabby).
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Review from Tammy Q.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2008
Horrible. People are nice, but the food is not good.
Tom yum chicken soup came in the clearest broth I'd seen ever! It was as if they placed some boiled chicken slices in hot water. SUPER BLAND.
Pad thai was nothing to rave about. All I could smell was fish sauce which threw me off completely.
Rama chicken is probably the only thing I would eat there again, if I had to. -
Review from Mary P.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2009
This is my go-to place for Tom Yum soup. All of the food is really good, if slightly oily for the fried dishes. Veggies are fresh, meat is firm, and seafood (other than the crabmeat sticks) is never suspect. The portions are very generous and prices extremely reasonable. They also have coupons on the back of their menus for $5 off two dine-in entrées or a free spring roll (or something similar) with a $10 carry-out/delivery order.
On a recent visit, the service was a little over-attentive until we had been served our food, and then completely lacking in the wrap-my-leftovers, bring-me-the-check, and process-my-credit-card portion of the dining experience. Other than that, the place is fabulous. -
Review from Just Me e.
St Petersburg, FL
5/9/2007
This is a great double storefront restaurant that has been in the 'hood serving authentic Thai for many years.
If you really want a nice variety, order several appetizers for your meal and share them. Stand outs are lime chicken, satay, pot stickers, and spring rolls. Add a bottle of screw-top plum wine and you're golden!
All the usual suspects are here as well, such as curry bowls, pad thai, and the beef, chicken, or shrimp dishes. My favorite entrees are the spicy basil leaves, Rama, and lime chicken.
Prices are very reasonable, the atmosphere is laid back and somehwat plain, but the food is the star here, not the decor.
If you're ever up in the West Rogers neighborhood and get a Thai jones going, this is the place to sate your appetite without emptying your wallet. -
Review from Emma C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 7/14/2011 1 photo
Switching from pea pods to soggy green beans in all the dishes is a big bummer. How sad! I guess they were trying to cut corners after fixing up their space, but as a result, I stopped eating there as often. Please bring back the good ingredients! Your customers can tell the difference.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/18/2010
Ummmm nom nom, just have to rave about another lunch here. Had the crazy scrumptious cashew chicken… Read more »
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Review from Max M.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2008
Siam Pasta is great. The location on Western is not the most aesthetically pleasing, but it gets the job done. Every time I've been here I have had great service by a friendly wait staff. My water is always full and the food is always fresh and quick. Their prices are pretty average and the beer is pretty cheap too.
My Recs:
Pad Thai
Rama Chicken
Drinks:
Singha Beer -
Review from April P.
3/19/2010
my favorite Thai place in the city! They have an extensive list of appetizers. Had their appetizer sampler, and all are equally tasty. Also sized very well
The noodles are al dente in their pad thai. Just enough sauce and extra peanuts to make the dish seem a little more standout-ish in comparison to other Thai places. All their foods are seasoned very nicely. It's easy to compare and mix up all the other Thai places in Chicago, but this one has a little bit different "kicked up a notch" vibe to it
Have also had their basil beef, which is cooked with mushrooms. Again, in comparison to another north side favorite, Lai Thai, the basil beef at Siam Pasta is outstanding!!!! Their panang curry chicken is another favorite, not heavily seasoned with curry, and just a touch of sweetness without being overpowering
standard thai iced coffee....tasty. No complaints there
parking is a little bit of a pain here on the weekends, but it's ok. Food is worth a drive around the block a few times -
Review from Neline S.
6/16/2008
My brother was raving about this place so we finally decided to try it since I love Thai food.
I had EXCELLENT Thai food in San Francisco so I'm a little spoiled here.
Anyway, I was debating between the Panang Curry and the Red Curry but noticed the roasted duck was only served with Red Curry so I obviously opted for that one.
I can handle spicy food like really, really spicy food as in Thai spicy. So I requested that my curry be especially made as Thai Spicy but I guess the waitress didn't believe me because when my dish was served and I pounced on the first spoonful, I was sorely disappointed.
I could barely taste the spiciness and they didn't even have the chili sauce on the table for me to pour it on. Perhaps I overestimated and it was waiting for the slow burn on the tongue but nothing happened. I also noticed the roasted duck mixed with the curry wasn't as "fresh" and it had a funny taste to it which I couldn't put my finger on. I barely touched my main entree but luckily I had the appetizers to hold me over. -
Review from Ellie B.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2007
Affordable? Check.
Great taste? Check.
Fresh? Check.
Delivery? Check.
Well, that about covers it! The only problem is deciding what to get, because they've got a lot to chose from and it's ALL good. -
Review from leah c.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2010
further down that "thai avenue" stretch of western...
lies siam pasta. a childhood favorite and their spring rolls still remain some of the best! thanks for not changing a thing! -
Review from Jean Z.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2006
I was only here once and quite disappointed with their selection and the cleanliness of this place. It was in maybe 2001 when we opted for here but shoulda stuck with my suggestion of Thai Peppers on Howard instead. (Too bad Thai Peppers closed.)
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Review from Dave H.
Oakland, CA
9/12/2006
The grilled squid appetizer is one of my favorites of any Thai place in the area. Som Tum is very well prepared, too.
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Review from Christina K.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2008
I've been looking for adequate Thai takeout/delivery in my neck of the woods up in the NW corner of Rogers Park, and this fills the bill nicely enough so far. Their curries seem to be a particular strength (we asked for duck in a red curry, which turned out nicely), and we also enjoyed the spicy noodles, and the Thai custard. Things like the papaya salad and the spring rolls were adequate. The key features are that they're nearby, cheap, quick on delivery, and the food's better than at some of the places down by Devon.
Listed in: La Vie en Rogers Park
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Review from Anne B.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2010
My first night back in the city & found this menu outside of my apartment. Seemed good enough and I was hungry, so we ordered in. My Spicy Basil Leaves were wonderful, and my boyfriend's Super Combo of appetizers was pretty good, although I'd skip the fried tofu.
Would eat again, and probably will when I'm feeling too lazy to go out. -
Review from Allen B.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2010
I've eaten here several times....and the people are friendly, prices reasonable (esp. w/online coupon), but the food is mediocre. First few time I went, it wasn't bad, but the last time, it was pretty bleak.
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Review from Martha G.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2005
OK, this place is just great Thai food, no joke. There's also one in Evanston, (I tried to review for that location on here-didn't find it) which has an awesomely-decorated interior AND an outdoor patio overlooking Dempster Street. The food comes quickly, is always good, and is pretty damn cheap. And the servers are almost all friendly--there's only ONE mean one!! But seriously--if you need some good Thai food, go to Siam Pasta.
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Review from Mark W.
1/26/2009
I've been here many times as I have friends that eat here all the time. The food is decent here. Tasty, but a bit bland and does not stand out from the multitudes of Thai restaurants in Chicago. If you're looking for top notch Thai food, go to Thai Pastry on Broadway south of Argyle.
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Review from Shayna H.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2005
Food here is good. Atmosphere is nice as well. I was a little disappointed that there was no Golden Noodles on the menu, but I enjoyed the Pad See Eiw.
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Review from Kristin L.
West Rogers Park, IL
3/27/2009
My mom first introduced me to Siam Pasta because she loved the chicken satay. The chicken satay is good, but these days I'm all about their Pad Thai with tofu. The Pad Thai with tofu is YUMMY! You get a huge portion for around $7. The service is so/so. They basically bring you the dish you ordered, and never come back around to ask if everything is ok. No free refills on soda. My tummy is growling right now thinking about the Pad Thai! They bring out a 2 little containers, one with hot sauce and one with crushed peanuts. Their hot sauce is delish with their Pad Thai, and I pour so many crushed peanuts on top they prob hate me for eating all their peanuts!! Try the chicken satay or my fav Pad Thai w/ tofu if you go! The bill is always under $10 for Pad Thai and a coke, so that's a bonus.
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Review from Carrie S.
Evanston, IL
4/11/2009
Mmm, I've loved this place for the past 10 years. They are really friendly, the food is great and it's the only Thai place around here that carries Meekrob which is a MUST in my book. Additionally, they will gladly leave the fish sauce out of anything besides the curry (which it comes in apparently?) making everything vegetarian friendly with a tofu option. Just had them for dinner (tofu pad woon sen minus fish sauce) and it was delish!
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Review from Amelia O.
Libertyville, IL
7/25/2009
I love this place...the food is delicious, and not hurtful on the pocketbook. The service has always been fast and friendly, and for being in Chicago, parking is never a problem, (at leas not so far). If you like Thai, give it a try...it beats a lot of the over priced, over hyped spots I've been to.
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Review from Judy P.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2011
Usually, Siam pasta delivers fast quality food. Today I ordered the Pinapple Fried Rice with Chicken and there was not one single piece of pinapple to be found or raisin for that matter. Very disappointing. When I called to find out why my meal was missing these ingredients I was given no answer other than "we can give you a credit the next time you order".
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Review from Ignacio D.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2010
Standard Thai fare and good delivery service. Haven't eaten inside.
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Review from Liz C.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2006
just plain great high quality thai food, as far as i'm concerned. i love the spring rolls and the cucumber salad ROCKS. i usually order the pad thai and the pad see eiw which are both great, my all time favorite would have to be the pad see eiw though.
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Review from Ellen N.
Wilmington, OH
12/24/2009
great curries. great ginger chicken. great basil beef. great beef salad.
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Review from Grace C.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2010
This place is pretty big but I've only ever been at the cashier's desk & I've only ever had take out. Their servings are pretty big for the little they charge. $6.95 lunch from 11- 3, you get an appetizer and entree, & they definitely don't hold back on the portions. The Thai Iced Tea is good too! I like coming here for a casual lunch, but probably not for a cute date night.
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Review from David B.
Chicago, IL
10/12/2009
Love the food and the service. Ordered online from their website and it was so easy. I get cashew chicken when ever I go and this was one of best. Props to Siam Pasta!
