Best Cheap Thai Restaurants in Chicago | Cheap Thai Food

30 restaurants in Best Cheap Thai Restaurants in Chicago | Cheap Thai Food

• O'Shaughnessy's — American · rated 5/5: Step into a spirited neighborhood haunt where the golden warmth of flaky sausage rolls and the savory aroma of curry-drenched chips invite long afternoons of easy conversation. The kitchen balances hearty pub comforts like beans on toast and loaded crisps with refined touches like delicate smoked salmon platters and vibrant, crisp salads. Whether you are tucking into a basket of spicy buffalo chicken or exploring plant-based favorites, every plate captures a sense of soulful, unpretentious hospitality.
• The Elephant — Thai · rated 5/5: The Elephant invites diners into a vibrant space where the sizzle of the grill and the aromatic scent of spiced peanut sauce set the stage for a lively midday escape. Artfully arranged lunch boxes and sampler platters offer a curated journey through savory textures, from the golden crunch of hand-rolled egg rolls to the tender, flame-kissed perfection of chicken satay. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where traditional flavors are presented with modern flair, providing a balanced and flavorful retreat from the daily grind.
• Boon Cafe — Thai · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant urban sanctuary, where the hum of a bustling Thai grocery store meets the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted sourdough. The kitchen artfully bridges the gap between East and West, tossing fiery, herb-laden salads and crafting bold sandwiches infused with authentic spices that dance on the palate. It is a lively, sensory-rich destination where the rustic charm of traditional ingredients blends seamlessly with a contemporary cafe spirit, inviting guests to linger over unique flavors in a space that feels both exotic and familiar.
• Galway Arms — Irish (Wait, "Irish · rated 5/5: Galway Arms welcomes guests into a spirited, wood-toned sanctuary where the conviviality of a traditional Irish pub meets a menu of elevated, soul-warming comfort. Golden-crusted Irish sausage rolls and decadent curry poutine share the table with bubbling spinach dips and giant, salt-flecked pretzels, creating a communal feast designed for lingering over pints. Every bite, from the crunch of spice-dusted wings to the tang of crispy fried pickles, captures the hearty, welcoming essence of a true neighborhood gathering spot.
• Thai Lagoon — Thai · rated 4/5: Step into a lush, tranquil oasis where the vibrant aromas of lemongrass and Thai basil drift through a space adorned with tropical accents and soft, ambient lighting. The kitchen balances the bold heat of bird’s eye chilies with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk, crafting aromatic curries and wok-fired specialties that transport the senses to the sun-drenched shores of Southeast Asia. This serene escape invites guests to linger over fragrant plates, offering a dining experience that feels as refreshing and restorative as its namesake.
• Sweet Rice Thai Street Food — Thai · rated 4/5: Stepping into Sweet Rice Thai Street Food feels like a vibrant escape to a bustling Bangkok night market, where the rhythmic clang of woks and the intoxicating scent of toasted spices fill the air. The kitchen delivers an explosion of authentic street-style flavors, balancing fiery heat with cooling herbs in dishes that celebrate the bold, soulful spirit of Thailand’s culinary heart.
• Caribbean American Bakery — Caribbean (Note: While "Caribbean · rated 4/5: The air inside this bustling neighborhood gem is thick with the intoxicating aroma of allspice and slow-roasted spices, drawing guests in for a soulful taste of the islands. Golden, turmeric-tinted crusts shatter to reveal savory fillings of seasoned beef, fragrant curry chicken, or vibrant vegetables, offering a masterclass in the art of the perfect Caribbean patty. From the smoky heat of tender jerk chicken served with pillowy bread to the bite-sized joy of their signature cocktail pastries, every offering celebrates the bold, sun-drenched flavors of traditional island baking.
• Pleasant House Pub — British · rated 4/5: Step into a warm, convivial sanctuary where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered savory pies and bubbling Welsh rarebit invites lingering over a pint. The kitchen celebrates the soul of British comfort, pairing the satisfying crunch of golden-crusted Scotch eggs with the spice-laden warmth of curry chips and hearty steak-and-ale fillings. It is a spirited neighborhood haunt where traditional pub snacks and elevated comfort classics come together to create a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and vibrantly modern.
• Chiya Chai — Indian · rated 3/5: This vibrant sanctuary invites guests into a world of aromatic warmth, where the steam from hand-brewed masala chai mingles with the enticing scent of spices toasted to perfection. Golden, flaky samosas and crisp pakoras lead the way to soulful bowls of velvety chicken curry and paneer tikka masala, each dish bursting with bold, traditional flavors that dance on the palate. A refreshing mango lassi provides the perfect cooling finish to this sensory journey, capturing the spirited essence of a modern Himalayan tea house.
• Brightwok Kitchen — Chinese: The air hums with the rhythmic clatter of woks and the sizzle of high-heat cooking, drawing diners into a vibrant space where fresh, wholesome ingredients take center stage. Guests craft their own culinary journeys through customizable bowls, where the deep warmth of Kickn Panang curry meets the earthy richness of sweet umami mushrooms and the satisfying crunch of garden-fresh vegetables. It is a celebration of mindful eating that never sacrifices bold flavor, offering an energetic atmosphere where every steaming bowl delivers a balanced, fire-kissed experience.
• Sunda — Japanese: Sunda pulses with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere where sleek, modern design meets the soulful warmth of Southeast Asian hospitality. The kitchen artfully bridges the flavors of the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand, serving up bold, cross-cultural creations that range from delicate, hand-pressed sushi to rich, aromatic clay pot dishes. Whether sipping craft cocktails beneath the glow of contemporary lanterns or sharing innovative small plates at the bustling communal tables, guests are treated to a sensory journey through the diverse culinary landscapes of the East.
• Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant — Thai: Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant welcomes diners into a polished sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the bright, aromatic notes of lemongrass, galangal, and toasted chilies. The kitchen masterfully balances the bold heat and delicate sweetness of traditional recipes, presenting vibrant curries and artfully plated classics that transform a simple meal into a sophisticated celebration of Southeast Asian heritage.
• Star of Siam — Thai: Stepping into Star of Siam, guests are greeted by the intoxicating aroma of fresh lemongrass and toasted chilies wafting from a kitchen that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Southeast Asia. The dining room glows with warm light, setting the stage for a parade of brilliantly colored curries and wok-seared specialties that masterfully balance fiery heat with the cooling sweetness of palm sugar and lime. Each plate arrives as a sensory journey of texture and flavor, inviting diners to linger over aromatic bowls of jasmine rice and artfully prepared dishes that capture the soul of traditional Thai cooking.
• Talay Sushi & Thai — Thai: Talay Sushi & Thai invites diners into a vibrant space where the zesty, aromatic heat of Southeast Asia meets the refined, cool precision of a master sushi bar. Glistening slices of sashimi are presented with artistic flair alongside steaming bowls of curry infused with lemongrass and coconut milk, creating a sensory journey across the Pacific. Every visit offers a harmonious balance of bold spices and delicate textures, making it a destination where traditional Thai comfort and contemporary Japanese artistry coexist beautifully.
• Thai Thank You — Thai: Stepping into this vibrant neighborhood gem, guests are greeted by the intoxicating fragrance of lemongrass and galangal wafting from a kitchen that honors the bold, balanced spirit of Thai tradition. Each plate is a colorful celebration of flavor, where fiery chilies and cooling herbs dance across the palate to create a soulful dining experience that feels as warm and welcoming as its name suggests.
• In-On Thai — Thai: A vibrant neighborhood gem where the intoxicating aroma of sizzling Thai basil and crushed lemongrass beckons diners into a space filled with warmth and energy. The kitchen masterfully balances the complex dance of sweet, sour, and spicy, turning out velvety coconut curries and wok-charred noodles that hum with authentic heat and bright, citrusy notes. Every plate arrives as a colorful celebration of tradition, offering a transportive dining experience that captures the soulful essence of Southeast Asian home-style cooking.
• C'est Bien Thai — Thai: C'est Bien Thai welcomes guests into a vibrant, aromatic space where the sizzle of the wok and the fragrance of fresh lemongrass create an immediate sense of escape. The kitchen artfully balances the heat of bird’s eye chilies with the cooling sweetness of coconut milk, crafting soulful plates that bring the bold, complex spirit of Thailand to life in every bite.
• Third Season — Thai: Bathed in the amber glow of flickering candlelight, Third Season offers a rustic-chic retreat where the earthy fragrance of wood-smoke and wild herbs fills the air. Each plate is a poetic tribute to the harvest, marrying peak-season produce with soulful, fire-kissed techniques that transform the bounty of the land into a sophisticated celebration of the year’s natural rhythms.
• Green Apple PHOever — Vietnamese: Steaming bowls of aromatic broth take center stage at this vibrant neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of star anise and fresh Thai basil. Guests find solace in silky rice noodles and tender proteins submerged in deeply savory soups, all brightened by a colorful array of crisp bean sprouts and zesty lime. The bright, modern space offers a refreshing escape where traditional Vietnamese soul food meets a contemporary, welcoming energy.
• Zaab E Lee — Thai: Zaab E Lee transports diners to the heart of a vibrant night market, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred chilies and lemongrass-scented smoke. Guests gather in a lively, unpretentious space to experience the electrifying punch of authentic Isan flavors, from the zesty crunch of hand-pounded papaya salads to the smoky depth of succulent grilled meats paired with baskets of warm sticky rice.
• Sarima Cafe — Thai: Sarima Cafe invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the hum of conversation mingles with the rich, nutty aroma of freshly roasted coffee and toasted spices. Artisanal pastries with golden, flaky layers sit alongside vibrant, herb-flecked plates that celebrate seasonal ingredients and bold, soulful flavors. It is a neighborhood retreat where every corner feels curated for lingering, offering a warm escape that nourishes both the palate and the spirit.
• Silom 12 — Thai: Silom 12 captures the electric pulse of Bangkok’s nightlife, welcoming guests into a stylishly modern space where the air hums with the sizzle of woks and the bright fragrance of fresh galangal and Thai basil. Each dish is a vibrant celebration of bold, authentic heat and delicate herbal balance, offering a transportive dining experience that bridges the gap between traditional street-side soul and contemporary urban elegance.
• Herb Restaurant — Thai: Herb invites guests into a verdant, light-filled sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of freshly snipped basil and toasted spices sets the stage for a deeply aromatic dining experience. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant bounty of the earth, weaving fragrant botanicals and seasonal harvests into artful compositions that transform every bite into a lush, garden-inspired celebration of flavor.
• Hom Mali Thai and Sushi on North Ave — Thai: Fragrant clouds of jasmine rice and the zesty perfume of lemongrass fill this North Avenue sanctuary, where the vibrant heat of wok-fired Thai classics meets the cool, meticulous artistry of a premium sushi bar. Guests find themselves immersed in a sensory journey that balances bold, spicy curries with the delicate, clean flavors of pristine sashimi, all served within an atmosphere of contemporary warmth. It is a neighborhood jewel where traditional craftsmanship and modern flair converge to create a truly harmonious dining escape.
• Noodles In the Pot — Thai: Steaming vessels of aromatic broth hum with the bright notes of fresh herbs and savory spices at this inviting sanctuary dedicated to the art of the noodle. The atmosphere buzzes with a cozy, unpretentious energy as diners dive into bowls of silky textures and vibrant vegetables, creating a soulful experience that lingers long after the last spoonful.
• Thai Pastry Restaurant — Thai: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the intoxicating fragrance of kaffir lime, pungent galangal, and toasted coconut. Guests linger over steaming bowls of aromatic curry and wok-fired noodles before diving into the namesake treasures—delicate, hand-crafted pastries that offer a sweet, flaky finish to a journey of bold Thai flavors. It is a place where traditional culinary artistry meets a warm, inviting charm, making every meal feel like a celebratory exploration of Southeast Asian heritage.
• MK Noodle — Thai: Steaming bowls and the rhythmic clatter of chopsticks define the vibrant energy of this neighborhood gem, where the air hangs heavy with the savory perfume of slow-simmered broths. Silky, hand-crafted noodles dive into deep basins of umami-rich soup topped with crisp aromatics, offering a comforting embrace that warms from the inside out. The bustling space hums with a welcoming warmth, inviting guests to linger over every flavorful slurp in a truly soulful dining experience.
• Royal Thai — Thai: Glimmering gold accents and the intoxicating aroma of lemongrass welcome guests into this elegant sanctuary where the vibrant spirit of Thailand is celebrated on every plate. Masterfully balanced dishes harmonize the fiery heat of bird’s eye chilies with the cooling richness of coconut, creating a sensory journey that feels both regal and deeply authentic.
• Vegan Plate — Thai: Sunlight streams through large windows into a bright, airy space where the vibrant colors of fresh produce take center stage. The kitchen transforms seasonal vegetables and wholesome grains into artful, flavor-packed compositions that celebrate the richness of plant-based ingredients through a harmonious balance of textures and bold seasonings. It is a sanctuary for mindful dining, inviting guests to rediscover the joy of garden-to-table nourishment in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
• Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food — Thai: The electric energy of a Bangkok night market pulses through this vibrant eatery, where the rhythmic thud of the mortar and pestle harmonizes with the aromatic sizzle of street-style grills. Bold, unapologetic flavors of the Isan region take center stage, blending the fiery heat of bird's eye chilies with the bright crunch of green papaya and the smoky depth of perfectly charred meats. It is a sensory journey to the heart of Thailand’s northeast, offering a spirited communal dining experience that captures the raw, soulful essence of authentic street food.