The 2 Best Thai Restaurants In North Center

## 2 North Center Thai Spots That'll Actually Make You Forget Sticky Rice Closed When *Sticky Rice* shuttered last fall, it felt like one of those “I thought it would always be there” Chicago moments. Suddenly, every Thai takeout map for North Center was outdated, and the scramble for a new go-to was real. Turns out, the neighborhood's not short on options—two spots in particular, each with their own crowd and quirks, are vying to become the new default. Here's how they stack up, so you don't waste a week ordering letdowns. --- ## 1. Same Same: Where the Thai Street Bar Party Never Ends  Same Same cranks the energy up to eleven. Forget everything you know about BYOB Thai holes-in-the-wall; this is the rare place where dinner can turn into night-out territory. The vibe is all string lights, loud laughter, and a cocktail list that takes its “drinking food” inspiration seriously. The Khao Soi sells out for a reason—rich, coconutty, draped with crunchy noodles, it's what you order to see what all the Instagram posts are about. Pad Thai and the signature Same Same Bowl land big on flavor, even if the spice leans crowd-pleaser rather than fire-breathing. The highlight here isn't just the food, but the way the room feels like Roscoe Village's answer to a Southeast Asian street party. Settle in, unwind with a lemongrass martini, and do not stress about volume—this place gets loud (in a good way). **Who'll love it:** Groups, date nights, or anyone allergic to “quiet ambiance.” Bonus points if you prefer your noodles with a cocktail in hand. Want more details on Same Same? [Click here](https://links.bestofchicago.directory/same-same-guide) for our guide to ordering like a local. <div class="relative w-full overflow-hidden" data-carousel-id="carousel-13"> <div class="flex transition-transform duration-300 ease-out" data-carousel-track> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0 px-1 md:px-2" data-carousel-slide> <div class="bg-white rounded-xl shadow-md overflow-hidden border border-gray-100 flex flex-col md:flex-row hover:shadow-lg transition-shadow"> <!-- Image / inner slider --> <div class="relative md:w-64 flex-shrink-0" data-item-id="14"> <div class="overflow-hidden"> <div class="flex transition-transform duration-300 ease-out" data-item-track> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d20e92324a.jpg');"> </div> </div> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d20f00d198.jpg');"> </div> </div> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d20f791a39.jpg');"> </div> </div> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d20fde3168.jpg');"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button type="button" class="absolute left-2 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 bg-white/90 hover:bg-white rounded-full shadow p-1 text-gray-700 text-xs" data-item-prev> &#10094; </button> <button type="button" class="absolute right-2 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 bg-white/90 hover:bg-white rounded-full shadow p-1 text-gray-700 text-xs" data-item-next> &#10095; </button> </div> <!-- Content --> <div class="flex-1 p-4 flex flex-col space-y-3"> <div class="flex items-start justify-between gap-3"> <div> <h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-gray-900 leading-snug"> Top Curry Choices At Same Same</h3> <div class="flex items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 mt-1"> <div class="flex items-center text-yellow-500"> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> </div> <span>4.9</span> <span class="text-xs text-gray-500">(55 reviews)</span> </div> </div> </div> <!-- Location / price / hours --> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2 text-sm text-gray-700"> </div> <!-- Features row --> <!-- Description --> <div class="text-sm text-gray-700 line-clamp-3"> "Same Same in Chicago offers a selection of flavorful, scratch-made curries, featuring customizable proteins and fresh Thai aromatics." </div> <!-- Tags & CTA --> <div class="mt-auto flex flex-wrap items-center justify-between gap-3 pt-2 border-t border-gray-100"> <div class="flex flex-wrap gap-2"> </div> <a href="https://www.samesamechicago.com/menu#menu=dinner" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="inline-flex items-center px-3 py-1.5 rounded text-xs font-semibold text-white" style="background-color: #dc222c;"> See Full Menu </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <!-- Outer carousel controls --> </div> --- ## 2. Pho's Spicier Thai Cuisine: For the Spice Obsessed Only  Ignore the confusing sign—there's not a bowl of pho in sight. Instead, Pho's Spicier specializes in *actual* Thai heat, and it's run by a family with zero patience for holding back to suit Midwestern taste buds. If “Thai spicy” is usually a dare you win easily, this is the place to test yourself. Four-alarm green curry arrives looking innocent, but one spoonful will prompt a cocktail of sweat and adrenaline. The “spicy wall” challenge sits quietly in the back, if you want to prove something to yourself (or ruin your next 24 hours). Even the “mild” could register as a 911 call for less-adventurous eaters. The space itself is unremarkable—just a handful of tables, friendly faces—because the star here is the flavor, no decor needed. **Who'll love it:** Anyone still pining for Sticky Rice's old-school burn, or self-described authenticity snobs who want real-deal Thai, not tourist tweaks. Want more details on Pho's Spicier Thai Cuisine? [Click here](https://links.bestofchicago.directory/phos-spicier-thai) for more information. <div class="relative w-full overflow-hidden" data-carousel-id="carousel-14"> <div class="flex transition-transform duration-300 ease-out" data-carousel-track> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0 px-1 md:px-2" data-carousel-slide> <div class="bg-white rounded-xl shadow-md overflow-hidden border border-gray-100 flex flex-col md:flex-row hover:shadow-lg transition-shadow"> <!-- Image / inner slider --> <div class="relative md:w-64 flex-shrink-0" data-item-id="15"> <div class="overflow-hidden"> <div class="flex transition-transform duration-300 ease-out" data-item-track> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d2fb55672f.jpg');"> </div> </div> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d2fbcbced1.jpg');"> </div> </div> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d2fc314f23.jpg');"> </div> </div> <div class="w-full flex-shrink-0"> <div class="aspect-square bg-cover bg-center" style="background-image: url('/public/assets/uploads/695d2fc9299d6.jpg');"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button type="button" class="absolute left-2 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 bg-white/90 hover:bg-white rounded-full shadow p-1 text-gray-700 text-xs" data-item-prev> &#10094; </button> <button type="button" class="absolute right-2 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 bg-white/90 hover:bg-white rounded-full shadow p-1 text-gray-700 text-xs" data-item-next> &#10095; </button> </div> <!-- Content --> <div class="flex-1 p-4 flex flex-col space-y-3"> <div class="flex items-start justify-between gap-3"> <div> <h3 class="text-lg font-bold text-gray-900 leading-snug"> Top Entrees At Pho&#039;s Spicier Thai Cuisine</h3> <div class="flex items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 mt-1"> <div class="flex items-center text-yellow-500"> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> <svg class="w-4 h-4" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <defs> <linearGradient id="halfStarCarousel15"> <stop offset="50%" stop-color="currentColor" /> <stop offset="50%" stop-color="#d1d5db" /> </linearGradient> </defs> <path fill="url(#halfStarCarousel15)" d="M9.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.07 3.292a1 1 0 00.95.69h3.462c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-2.8 2.034a1 1 0 00-.364 1.118l1.07 3.292c.3.921-.755 1.688-1.54 1.118L10 13.347l-2.987 2.134c-.784.57-1.838-.197-1.539-1.118l1.07-3.292a1 1 0 00-.364-1.118L3.38 8.72c-.783-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h3.461a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.07-3.292z" /> </svg> </div> <span>4.5</span> <span class="text-xs text-gray-500">(502 reviews)</span> </div> </div> </div> <!-- Location / price / hours --> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2 text-sm text-gray-700"> </div> <!-- Features row --> <!-- Description --> <div class="text-sm text-gray-700 line-clamp-3"> "Pho&#039;s Spicier Thai Cuisine offers a range of classic Thai rice and noodle entrees, such as highly-rated Pad Thai and Pad See-ew." </div> <!-- Tags & CTA --> <div class="mt-auto flex flex-wrap items-center justify-between gap-3 pt-2 border-t border-gray-100"> <div class="flex flex-wrap gap-2"> </div> <a href="https://phothaicuisine.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="inline-flex items-center px-3 py-1.5 rounded text-xs font-semibold text-white" style="background-color: #dc222c;"> See Full Menu </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <!-- Outer carousel controls --> </div> --- ## How to Pick the Right Spot—And Not Regret It Since the landscape has shifted, your choice comes down to two very different vibes: - **Need a spot that doubles as your next Friday hang with friends (or a first date)?** Same Same calls—expect cocktails, noise, and dishes you'll want to text about mid-meal. - **Want to sweat through your shirt and taste actual Thailand on Spaulding Ave?** Pho's Spicier is it. Literally: “mild” is hot, “spicy” is strictly for thrill-seekers. **Real talk:** None of these replace Sticky Rice's exact menu, but each brings a genuine, personal angle. For the best move? Pick what matters most for tonight—party vibes or capsaicin—and lean in. --- ## Pro-Tips Before You Go - **BYOB or cocktails?** Skip the six-pack: only Same Same goes all-in on boozy pairings. - **Authenticity and real Thai heat?** Pho's Spicier will not coddle you, and takeout is available if you need privacy for your spice meltdown. - **Reservations and seating:** Groups should call Same Same just in case, while Pho's Spicier is small—show up early or plan to wait. - **Delivery/takeout:** Both offer solid delivery options, but if you're looking for an upscale packaging experience, Same Same tends to travel slightly better. --- ## The Bottom Line Two strong contenders, two totally different personalities. There's no gold-medal winner here—just what fits *your* current mood. Word to the wise: hit Same Same when you want to be social and sip something stiff, and head to Pho's Spicier when you need a culinary wake-up call that hurts so good. Sticky Rice walked so these places could run, honest.