Amarind's

6822 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707 773-889-9999

Description: FAR WEST. In the mood for authentic Thai food ­ perhaps savory dumplings, spicy stuffed wings, or basil chicken? Then you've found your dining spot at Amarind's. This North Avenue eatery welcomes guests with heaping plates of chicken Panang curry as well as value-oriented weekday lunch specials that include appetizer, soup, and entree. Servers are pleasant and unobtrusive.
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Arun's

4156 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 773-539-1909

Description: IRVING PARK. This is visually stunning Thai cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds. The twelve-course tasting menu, though pricey, offers a consistently fantastic culinary tour with favorites like hot and sour soup, steamed rice dumplings stuffed with crab, and fried, bite-sized pastries filled with shrimp, chicken, and sweet corn. The upscale interior includes antiques and Thai paintings, many by the owner's brother. Reservations are required. EL: Blue or Brown line to Irving Park and then No. 80 bus
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Joy Yee's Noodle Shop

2159 South China Pl, Chinatown Square Mall, Chicago, IL 60616 312-328-0001

Description: CHINATOWN. This unassuming noodle shop offers some of the best Pan-Asian eats in the area. The menu boasts a collection of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai items. Try Thai pad woon sen (glass noodles mixed with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables), or order their signature pork buns or chicken satay. The prices are very low, making this an extra enjoyable experience.
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Mama Thai

1112 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-386-0100

Description: OAK PARK. Casually comfortable Mama Thai is located within a charming storefront. The restaurant's warm interior features wood paneling, Thai artwork, wooden booths, and several freestanding tables. The menu lists tasty Thai eats, including potstickers, Panang curry, and green curry. The menu also notes that all options can be made vegetarian-style, with tofu or vegetables substituted for meat.
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Penny's Noodle Shop ­ Oak Park

1130 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-660-1300

Description: OAK PARK. As you might expect, Penny's specialty is noodles! And she sells a lot of them to the hip crowd that packs this location every night. Though the fare is admittedly, "Thai for the American palate," regulars swear that the soups and pad Thai are some of the best in town ­ for a bargain price. Penny's is extremely popular, so expect to wait for a table, and bring your own liquor since Penny's doesn't have a license. EL: Red Line to Belmont
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Red Light

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 312-733-8880

Description: MARKET DISTRICT. This trendy Asian restaurant draws a see-and-be-seen crowd to its hip environs. The menu is as cutting edge as the interior. Feast on seafood, beef, poultry, and vegetarian offerings. Enjoy the Mee Gha Ti (stir fry chicken, chili, and rice noodles in a lime cocount sauce), Khao Soi chicken (bbq chicken breast in peanut sauce), teriyaki ribeye, or chicken katsu curry. Large windows, curved lines, red accents, and linen-topped tables define the lovely decor.
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Spoon Thai

4608 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 773-769-1173

Description: While this little wood-paneled Thai restaurant hits all the Americanized standards, it has a few surprises up its sleeve. Spoon Thai's (not-so) secret translated menu gives diners access to truly authentic Thai dishes. Fresh, pungent spices are the norm, and it's hard not to want to try something off the beaten path: the kaeng paa is a stir-fried curry with eggplants, bamboo shoots, hot pepper and basil leaves, or you can try the khao khluk ka-pi (shrimp-paste rice served with sweet pork, slivers of green apple and red onion).
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Thai Classic

3332 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 773-404-2000

Description: This Thai restaurant consistently serves up authentic Thai eats in a welcoming environment. Diners can choose to eat at regular tables or low tables with cushion floor seating. The decor centers around gilded mirrors and Thai-inspired statues. The curries are flavorful, and the seafood and tempura dishes solid choices. Tofu, beef, chicken, duck, and pork selections round out the menu. Buffet available at lunch on Saturday and all day on Sunday.
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Thai Pastry and Restaurant

4925 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640 773-784-5399

Description: UPTOWN. Named for the tasty desserts that line the pastry case in the front window, this Thai restaurant serves as both kitchen and bakery. The menu boasts a number of authentic dishes including the obligatory Pad Thai, whole red snapper, roast duck, and several seafood specials. Curry, rice, and noodle dishes round out the menu. Sidewalk seating is available during warm weather. EL: Red Line to Argyle
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