The pressure of a first blog post is daunting. Where to start? How to communicate my essence? Will you like it? And then I answered myself, start where you are about your favorite things and maybe it will be helpful to others.
So, I'm zoning in on my favorite takeout (and dining) cuisine; Thai. Ask me any day, "Where do you want to go out for lunch or dinner?" and my answer is almost always Thai. Fortunately, I live in Uptown and I am flanked by delicious Asian cuisine from all angles. Coincidentally, most of these restaurants are all within walking distance, but please know that I've tried many Thai restaurants around the city (check my Yelp for reviews).
My criteria for evaluating Thai restaurants:
1- Must try the Pad Thai (looking for sweet, savory, tangy, spicy, diversity of textures, crushed peanuts, and adequate moisture [because nothing is worse than dry Pad Thai]).
2- Crab Rangoon (or lack thereof)
3- Vegetarian/ pescatarian options
4- Price point (is it worth the price/ how is the value?)
5- Bonus points if they have entrees that become favorites beyond my standard selections and/or offer a unique experience
My friends know that when I eat Thai, I am in my happy place (it has also been a peace offering post-arguments as well). Here are my top 8 happiest places :)
In On Thai: 4641 N Broadway (Uptown)
The Best Crab Rangoon
Hands down the best crab rangoon I've ever had. The wonton is fried but still crispy, airy, and light. The crunch is addicting. In On Thai is discreetly located almost under the train trestle near the Wilson Red Line stop. This spot is easy to miss if you're not looking for it, but once you try the crab rangoon, you'll be glad you didn't miss out!
Immm Rice & Beyond: 4949 N Broadway (Uptown)
The Best Pad See Ew
Immm, meaning I'm stuffed in Thai, is a staple for Thai street food. They have most standard Thai fare, but they also have a lunch counter with a selection of entrees to build a lunch plate. I come here whenever I have a friend visiting in the neighborhood and also whenever I'm craving the Pad See Ew- it's simply superior to all others. The noodles are sweet and savory, but the broccolini and rabe and egg are portioned with a heavy hand, perfectly complementing the chewy noodles and protein (I like Tofu for this one). They also offer rotating seasonal specials, which usually include a fun appetizer or dessert.
Bonus points for their Pad Thai (delicious) and Pad Prik Khing (an abundant serving of green beans [plus protein; I like the shrimp] with red curry spice, balanced with lime) is not to be missed.
Side Note: Immm does NOT have crab rangoon </3 , but they do have curry puffs which are like samosa.
Thai Pastry: 4949 N Broadway (Uptown)
Best Takeout
Before the Pandemic, I hosted one of my birthday parties here, that's how much I loved this place. During the Pandemic, ownership has either changed or they just decided to renovate the place and it went from a colorful and eclectic spot with faux flowers hanging from the ceiling to a pretty sterile locale with neutral decor. However, the food hasn't changed. It's a quiet spot on the fringe of the Asian on Argyle neighborhood. The Pad Thai is still plentiful with peanuts, cilantro, juicy shrimp, and tender flavorful noodles, accented with lime and chili sauce, it is nearly perfect. They give you a large portion of crab rangoon, though not my favorite, I still like it with it's brightness coming from black pepper to contrast the creamy sweetness.
Herb: 5424 N Broadway (Edgewater)
Tie- Best High-End Thai
Chef Patty is sure to delight your palette at Herb with her infectiously cheerful persona and her exquisite cuisine. Dining at this Prix-Fixe restaurant with seasonal offerings will take you on a journey through her life and family with dishes that reflect her history and cherished memories. Some of the highlights include the crispy prawn appetizer and the award-winning soup. Dining here is an experience, and pricey, but well worth it.
Side Note: If you have any dietary restrictions you must make these known upfront, check with the restaurant if they can accommodate you at the time of booking your reservation.
Bonus: BYOB
Arun's Thai Restaurant: 4156 N Kedzie Ave (Irving Park)
Tie- Best High-End Thai
Where Herb is a high-end Prix-Fixe, Arun's boasts both a tasting menu and an a la carte menu (plus offers takeout). I've been here for both and I rave about both experiences. Here's a rundown.
Prix-Fixe: you can select either the regular or vegan option (they have also accommodated pescatarians in the past, just ask). The entrees are packed with unique flavor combinations and are varied. The plating is also a highlight. Once, I had a carrot carved into a gold fish! This will cost you $100 for 9 courses is honestly a great deal for this experience.
A La Cart: I've tried a bunch of these! Appetizers: chive dumplings are very unique and more like a flaky chive cake than a dumpling; crab rangoon are ultra crabby and light on the cream cheese; crab egg rolls are the most unique I've ever had and rolled up with chunky crab meat, glass noodles, and sheets of seaweed. All of the appetizers are accompanied by a unique dipping sauce! Entrees: Phad Thai is standardly tasty, but stands out because it is wrapped in an egg omelette rather than mixed throughout; Phad See Ew is on par with Immm's (super delicious), and Eggplant Basil with jasmine rice is quite good too.
Bonus: They offer special menus specific for Valentines Day. This is a perfect date spot!
Aroy Thai: 4654 N Damen Ave (Ravenswood)
Best Pad Thai
Aroy means delicious in Thai and this sure does live up to its name. Aroy is old school and traditional, as far as being a business, with a cash-only policy (unless you opt for delivery through a third-party app). Therefore, when I make the journey to actually come here, I savor their food even more and usually order to excess (because Thai leftovers are always a good idea). The Pad Thai is exactly what I crave; the diversity of texture and flavors with succulent shrimp and crunchy peanuts is beyond. The crab rangoon is also worth ordering as a side.
Bonus: The Crab Noodle is one of my favorite Thai dishes in the city!
Same Same: 2022 W Roscoe St (Roscoe Village)
Best Patio/Vibe & Date Spot
Same Same is a tiki bar and Thai restaurant, making it perfect for dinner and drinks! In the summer time they have a large, colorful patio which makes for a fantastic oasis while sipping on drinks out of festive chalices. The food portions are extremely generous, so it is likely that one entree should satisfy you and potentially leave you with leftovers. This is a great spot for a first date for its mix of ambiance, delicious food, and affordable prices.
C'Est Bien: 3900 N Lincoln Ave (North Center)
Best Value
I've both dined in here and ordered takeout. Besides being super quick (in person and delivery), the prices are super affordable- basically as cheap as you can get quality Thai food. For example, Pad Thai starts at $9 and Tom Yum is under $6! The crab rangoon has celery in it, which I like because it adds a little extra texture to the sweet and crispy treat. The food at C'Est Bien far exceeds the price point, so overall, this place is the best value for it's high quality food.
Bonus: They also serve fun flavors of ice cream, like Thai tea, coconut, and mochi!
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