Lai Thai Restaurant

Lai Thai Restaurant

7168 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053, United States

+1 847-966-8216

Thai restaurant
(459)
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About This Place

Located in the heart of Morton Grove, Lai Thai Restaurant invites guests to embark on a flavorful journey through authentic Thai cuisine that captures the vibrant spirit of Bangkok. From the moment you step inside, the welcoming atmosphere sets the perfect tone for a memorable dining experience—cozy yet lively, providing a genuine taste of Thailand’s rich culinary traditions.

The menu at Lai Thai is a celebration of classic Thai dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and an expert balance of bold spices and delicate herbs. Whether you’re craving the tangy zest of the Tom Yum Soup, with its hot and sour chicken broth delicately infused with fresh mushrooms, lime leaves, and lemongrass, or the creamy coconut richness of the Green Curry loaded with bamboo shoots, green peas, and fragrant basil, every bite transports you closer to the streets of Bangkok.

For noodle lovers, their Pad Thai and Pad See Eiw offer perfectly stir-fried noodles that are both satisfying and bursting with authentic Thai flavors. The Seafood Curry stands out as a decadent, aromatic option featuring fresh catches simmered in a fragrant curry sauce that leaves you craving more. Don’t miss the crisp, golden Spring Rolls for an appetizer that delivers a delightful crunch paired with savory fillings.

Meat and vegetarian options abound here, with favorites like Cashew Chicken and Basil Thai Style dishes that dance on your palate with a harmonious mix of sweet, salty, and spicy notes. The Pineapple Shrimp Curry artfully blends tropical sweetness with rich, spicy undertones, showcasing the culinary finesse Lai Thai is known for.

Beyond the main dishes, the authentic Thai beverages such as the indulgently smooth Thai Iced Coffee and the aromatic Thai Iced Tea provide refreshing complements that soothe and satisfy with every sip. And for a touch of seasonal sweetness, the traditional Mango with Sticky Rice dessert offers a delightful finish that lingers on the tongue.

Customers consistently praise Lai Thai for delivering an escape back to Bangkok’s bustling food scene. Duron Shem-Tov recounts the restaurant as “a great place for Thai food that reminds me of my last trip to Bangkok,” while Sam Tsai calls it “hands down the best Thai food in town,” singling out the Thai Basil Chicken as his all-time favorite. The combination of rich flavors, generous portions, and approachable prices keeps patrons returning, making Lai Thai a cherished local gem.

The dining environment matches the excellence of its cuisine. It’s casual and comfortable, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and gatherings with friends or family. As noted by regular visitor J Hsu, “the food is consistently tasty, portions are just right, and the prices are very reasonable,” reinforcing Lai Thai’s reputation for great value without compromising quality.

In every mouthwatering dish, Lai Thai Restaurant delivers more than just a meal—it offers an authentic cultural experience that hits all the right notes. Whether you're a Thai food aficionado or exploring this cuisine for the first time, Lai Thai’s expertly crafted flavors, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance promise to leave a lasting impression on your palate and your heart.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly Groups
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Duron Shem-Tov
    1 month ago

    Great place for Thai food reminds me my last trip to Bangkok! highly recommend

  • Sam Tsai
    2 month ago

    Hands down the best Thai food in town! Every time I’m in Chicago, no matter how far I am, I have to stop by. Their Thai basil chicken is my absolute fave—so good!! ” Any good here is all good! Thai fried rice! Curry!

  • Amanda Baker
    2 month ago

    My husband found this place for us to eat since my bestie has dietary restrictions because of allergies. We also love Thai food so I was excited to try a new place. I am so happy he found this place because everything we tried was absolutely Delicious!! we had the Angel Wings for an appetizer, sorry no picture of those because I forgot to get one. I had the sweet almond beef, my bestie had the beef oyster sauce and my husband had chicken pad Thai, I tried each of the dishes and all of them were delicious!! I really enjoyed the sweet almond beef, plus having just had a while Angel wing to myself I was pretty full so I have enough leftovers for a hearty lunch tomorrow! We tried the mango panna cotta which was really yummy as well! I’m saving this place on my favorite list so I can remember to eat here again!!

  • one 7 five
    2 month ago

    If you're eager to try Thai cuisine, Lai Thai Restaurant is an excellent choice. Begin your meal with the crispy and flavorful Spring Rolls. For the main course, the Seafood Curry and Beef Pad See Ewe are must-tries, both bursting with authentic Thai flavors. Additionally, the curry dish with pea pods offers a delightful taste that complements the other dishes well. The ambiance at Lai Thai is warm and inviting, making it a great place for a relaxed meal. The service is quick and attentive, ensuring you have a pleasant dining experience. Lai Thai Restaurant promises a delicious journey through Thai cuisine that you won't forget.

  • J HSU
    2 month ago

    I’ve been to Lai Thai several times, and it’s always a pleasant experience. The food is consistently tasty, portions are just right, and the prices are very reasonable. The only downside is that when the restaurant gets really busy, the quality can be a bit inconsistent. Still, it remains one of my favorite Thai spots in the area — overall a great place with good value!

  • Via C
    3 month ago

    Such delicious thai food!!! The service here was great too. The waitresses were really on top of it. Mild was our waitress and she was very patient and kind, especially with our large party. The pad see ew was super good. The noodles were cooked perfectly and it was very flavorful. The fried rice with tofu was pretty good too. The tofu didn’t taste like a whole lot, just tofu, and the rice was “clumpy.” But all the rice was seasoned and the veggies in it were good quality. The pad thai was so so good too. Similarly, the noodles were cooked perfectly and the sauce was full of different flavor notes. Adding spice is a great option too. We said extra spicy for the pad thai and it was the perfect level for us. For dessert, the mango panna cotta was super good. It had a great texture, and a lovely mango topping with a hint of vanilla at the end. Really great find with superb thai cuisine! I would definitely recommend and I want to come back!

  • Chrono
    4 month ago

    Lai Thai is a great neighborhood spot for authentic, comforting Thai food. The flavors are bold and fresh — especially the basil chicken and green curry, which are both outstanding. The portions are generous, and everything comes out hot and beautifully plated. The staff are friendly and quick, making takeout or dine-in a smooth experience. The only reason it’s not five stars is that the spice levels can vary from visit to visit. Still, it’s one of the most reliable and tasty Thai restaurants around!

  • Franz Demavivas
    4 month ago

    I've been to many good Thai places especially living in the city, but didn't expect that one of the best Thai places will be in Morton Grove. Lai Thai is exceptional. Their Panang curry sauce on all their food is amazing with the perfect sweet to savory ration and any spiciness level you want. Their Panang catfish is and the crispy flat panang noodles are some of favorites. Servers are also very attentive to you!

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