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Name: Siam Rice
Address: 117 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, 60606
Telephone: (312) 606-9999
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.48

Siam Rice

117 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, 60606

(312) 606-9999
Store is closed

Siam Rice Menu

Appetizers

Spring Rolls

Vegetable Rolls

Mini Egg Rolls

Fried Tofu

Siam Rolls

Golden Crab

Khanom Jeeb

Thai Pockets

Chicken Satay

Sunshine Beef

Shrimps In A Blanket

Salmon Rolls

Shiam Shrimp Cake
Soups

Tom Yum Soup

Vegetable Tofu Soup

Rice Soup

Wonton Soup

Tom Kha Soup
Salads

Thai Cucumber Salad

Som Tum

Chicken Salad (larb Kai)

Yum Woon Sen

Yum Talay
Curry Dishes

Green Curry

Red Curry

Panang Curry

Karry Curry

Mussamun Curry
Rice Dishes

Basil Chicken (pad Ka Prow)

Cashew Chicken

Plik Khing

Chicken 'n Rice

Pad Plik

Mixed Vegetables

Ginger Chicken

Bangkok Pepper Steak

Rama Special

Garlic Chicken

Beef Broccoli

Bbq Pork 'n Rice
Fried Rice

Pad Thai

Woon Sen Pad Thai

Pad See-eiw

Lard Na

Pad Woon Sen

Pasta Chicken Curry

Thai Spaghetti

Garlic Chicken Noodles

Golden Noodles

Drunken Noodles

Bamee Noodles

Crazy Noodles

Phuket Noodles

Sen Yai Noodles
Stir Fried Noodles

Pad Thai

Woon Sen Pad Thai

Pad See-eiw

Lard Na

Pad Woon Sen

Pasta Chicken Curry

Thai Spaghetti

Garlic Chicken Noodles

Golden Noodles

Drunken Noodles

Bamee Noodles

Crazy Noodles

Phuket Noodles

Sen Yai Noodles
Noodles In A Bowl

Sliced Beef Or Chicken Noodle Soup

Bbq Pork Noodle Soup

Tom Yum Noodle

Chicken Coconut Curry (khao Soy Kai)

Panang Noodles
Specialties

Clay Pot Mussels

Pad Thai Omelets

Marina Grill

Spinach Noodles With Roasted Duck

Roasted Duck With Chinese Broccoli

Roasted Duck With Red Curry

Tiger Cries

Steak Mussaman

Chicken Teriyaki Or Steak Teriyaki

Salmon Teriyaki

Salmon In Panang Sauces

Sweet & Sour Fish
Side Orders

Jasmine Rice

Sticky Rice

Peanut Sauce

Extra - Chicken Beef Tofu Or Vegetable

Extra - Shrimp
Beverages

Thai Iced Coffee

Thai Iced Tea

Tropical Iced Tea

Jasmine Tea / Hot Coffee

Green Tea

Soft Drinks
Desserts

Lychee On Ice

Thai Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream

Green Tea Ice Cream

Siam Thai Custard

Fried Banana With Ice Cream

Mango And Sticky Rice

Thai Custard With Coconut Sticky Rice

Healthy Meal suggestions for Siam Rice

Appetizers

Spring Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mini Egg Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Siam Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Golden Crab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Khanom Jeeb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Pockets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Satay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sunshine Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimps In A Blanket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shiam Shrimp Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups

Tom Yum Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Tofu Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rice Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wonton Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tom Kha Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Thai Cucumber Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Som Tum [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Salad (larb Kai) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yum Woon Sen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yum Talay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Curry Dishes

Green Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Panang Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Karry Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussamun Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Rice Dishes

Basil Chicken (pad Ka Prow) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cashew Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plik Khing [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken 'n Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Plik [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ginger Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bangkok Pepper Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rama Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Pork 'n Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fried Rice

Pad Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Woon Sen Pad Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad See-eiw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lard Na [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Woon Sen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pasta Chicken Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Spaghetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Chicken Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Golden Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Drunken Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bamee Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crazy Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Phuket Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sen Yai Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Stir Fried Noodles

Pad Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Woon Sen Pad Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad See-eiw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lard Na [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Woon Sen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pasta Chicken Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Spaghetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Chicken Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Golden Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Drunken Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bamee Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crazy Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Phuket Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sen Yai Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Noodles In A Bowl

Sliced Beef Or Chicken Noodle Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Pork Noodle Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tom Yum Noodle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Coconut Curry (khao Soy Kai) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Panang Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Specialties

Clay Pot Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Thai Omelets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marina Grill [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Noodles With Roasted Duck [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Duck With Chinese Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Duck With Red Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiger Cries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Mussaman [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Teriyaki Or Steak Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon In Panang Sauces [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet & Sour Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Side Orders

Jasmine Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sticky Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peanut Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Extra - Chicken Beef Tofu Or Vegetable [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Extra - Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages

Thai Iced Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tropical Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jasmine Tea / Hot Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soft Drinks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Lychee On Ice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Tea Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Siam Thai Custard [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Banana With Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango And Sticky Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Custard With Coconut Sticky Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Tracy M.

I tried this place for lunch yesterday after reading these reviews. It was crowded (even at 1:30 for lunch), but luckily the line moved fast and it was only a 10 minute wait. My ginger chicken dish was great, but the service was slow. It took the waitress forever to take our order, bring out the food, and bring me the check.
(3)
Tom H.

This is a great place if you want to have a sit down lunch but really need to get back to the office in an hour or less. The food is good but not outstanding. Go here to eat, not talk. You won't be able to hear your lunch partner, anyway. You can also get takeout, but make sure they get the order right--they're known in my office for mixing things up or leaving items out.
(4)
Natalie J.

definitely not the best pad thai i've had. way too sugary. so far, thai pastry has my vote on best pad thai. i give it 3 stars mainly for its service. my boyfriend and i had dinner there on a very slow, tuesday night and our waitress actually rolled her eyes when my boyfriend ordered the tofu. i'll still go if i'm desperate for thai while i'm in my downtown boredom hole but other than that....
(3)
meg g.

I eat lunch here at least once a week (and I wonder why I'm broke). The best thing on the menu is the green or red curry with shrimp. I'm not usually a big shrimp person, but it complements the curry beautifully, making a lighter meal than with beef or tofu (it's fried). And the green beans and Chinese eggplant are almost undercooked making it extra crunchy and healthy. Also, the Pad See-Eiw here is the best I've had. I usually get it with beef and extra limes. If you want to splurge get the Tiger Cries, listed under Specialties. It's a quality piece of steak, sticky rice and light, spicy, soy-based sauce for dippin. If you're in the mood for a clear soup the Wonton Soup is amazing, though it does vary a bit. What makes it so good is the fresh cilantro and lime and it's almost like the wanton was rolled from fresh dough right before going into the soup. I would recommend that over any of their appetizers which are pretty standard. One more note, I generally don't like Pad Thai and theirs is no exception. The sauce tastes like it has a tomato base making it almost catsup-y. Ick. It's bland and boring as is the Beef Broccoli. Overall- this place is a gem on Wells Street 1/2 block from my office. Oh, and don't be put off by the line it moves very quickly.
(4)
Rayid G.

Best thai lunch place in the loop. Crowded between 11:45 and 12:45 so expect a long wait. Make sure you try the panang noodles, kow soy, and maybe even the tiger cries. Pad thai omelette isn't bad either.
(4)
Jeff W.

this is almost like fast food Thai, but the place is very nice-crowded, yes, but they crank out the great Thai food with consistency and for amazing value-from the Thai rice Soup the the Chicken Ramar which is a ton of chicken in a slightly spice peanut sauce with perfectly steamed broccoli witha side of rice for under $8-HOW CAN you beat this-all in like 15 minutes-it is my GO TO place in the loop if i am on budget or feel like Thai and highly recommend!!!
(5)
Bella D.

It was nice to go here, a break away from subway, etc for lunch at work. Good Pad Sie Eiw w/ Beef and Broccoli. Nice staff and service. Table service & Take out there is nice.
(4)
Sharon S.

I love going to Siam Rice for lunch since its so close to my work. The food is great and nice atmosphere with modern decor for a business lunch. Fast service and the wait for a table is not usually long. But because they turn over tables so quickly, you might need to flag down a server to refill water, get check, etc. I was just there today for their Basil chicken. Also try their Pad Si-Ew, Panang Curry and the cucumber salad. YUMMY!
(4)
Jims L.

Had the chicken pad thai, chicken coconut curry, and garlic chicken to go - all so-so. AND my pad thai came without bean sprouts - none! Sad.
(2)
gale l.

lots of reviews already, so my KIQ (keeping it quick) -- delish, wish it was near my house -- noisy, can be very crowded @ lunch so come early -- thai friend will come with me here, says its pretty close in taste to the what they've had before -- don't expect privacy, other tables are very close by -- my favorite is tom yum soup, its got so many flavors goin' on, but its sooo good! wish is came with at least 3 shrimps not just 2 :p
(4)
Darnell T.

I love this joint! The food is really good. I've tried the pineapple fried rice with chicken, and beef (not at the same time). The pineapple was fresh. The cashews were tasty, not just there to take up space. The veggies were fresh. The mini egg rolls were also awesome. And the food was hot! That's my pet peeve when it comes to restaurants. My food better be piping hot when it hits my table, or I will not be happy. The service is also really fast during the lunch hour. Wow. It's never taken longer than fifteen minutes to get my food after I ordered. They're almost as fast as McDonald's, but that's the only comparison that can be made to "fast food." It usually doesn't take long to get seated, even though the place is always crowded at lunch time. I think most people are thoughtful enough not to linger. Either that, or they have a big guy waiting in the back to toss you if you don't leave fast enough, and I just haven't had the displeasure of meeting him. I strongly recommend trying Siam Rice. Everyone I recommend it to loves it and thanks me for telling them about it. No one that I know has been displeased with anything on the menu.
(4)
Quantas G.

Awesome Loop lunch joint. Great selection of Pan-Asian dishes prepared well. Always crowded and for good reason. Gorgeous interior, somewhat attentive service, and delicious food. I ordered the Coconut Chicken Curry and was well pleased. One of my buddies ordered the Tom Kha soup made with coconut milk, mushrooms, and chicken. The aroma and flavor were intoxicating. The broth tasted like it brewed for hours and all of the flavors melded together well. Definetely a must try. Go early and enjoy...
(5)
Zac M.

Great gem in the heart of The Loop. Sister restaurant to Panang at Chicago and Clark. Both are excellent, try the Panang noodle with beef,served at both locations.
(5)
Melanie V.

Food is excellent! Great pad khee mao and crab rangoon. The best part about this place is that they serve bubble tea! Although they only have a couple flavors, it's still great that you can get bubble tea since it's hard to find in The Loop! Try it out when you're craving some bubble tea!
(4)
Cecil P.

This is my favourite lunch spot in Chicago. Their basil chicken is so incredible that when I was working in the Loop for five years, I averaged going there about twice a week that entire time. secretofmysuccecil.com/2â€¦
(5)
Kedar P.

This your average thai restaurant but with a really bad customer service and attitude. If you want to pay someone to treat you like they are doing a favor by serving you food, you can visit this place otherwise give it a pass. Stay away during lunch hour, the food is mediocre at lunch. Will avoid in the future.
(1)
Lucas W.

I never go into Siam Rice with the greatest of expectations, but it's always good and I then wonder why I don't eat there more often. It may not be the greatest Thai place, but it's probably the best one in the loop if you're looking for a good Asian option for lunch. I've been a handful of times and my preference is for their curries, especially their Mussamun Curry. It's great, plenty of sauce and comes with rice. Very filling - it's a good amount of food for the price to be honest. Also recommend their yellow curry, very similar, minus the cashews. If you're looking for your standard pad thai or pad see ewe, they've got those and they're high quality as well. I recommend the lot.
(4)
Shambavi K.

Pretty freaking good for a quick sit down lunch with co-workers. Service is fast and food is good. They have crispy panang noodles bowls too if you like a nice charred noodles. Beware: You will have a food coma for the rest of the day. I enjoyed my go-to dish of ground chicken with basil :).
(4)
Fnu F.

Eating at this place on Monday for lunch. First of all they r not even busy. But Not sure why this restaurant is rushing to give us the check, while we just got our dessert. And we didn't even ask for the check AT ALL. And a friend of mine joined us for lunch. We were about to order some more food but again he tried to give us the check. And I was like what is wrong with this place. Wanted so bad to kick out all of the customers.
(1)
Daniel G.

Good food. Terrible service. 20% gratuity on parties of 3 or more. Are you kidding me? I guess the definition of gratuity' has evolved to mean 'tax for crap service'.
(1)
Nataliya A.

Meh. We were in the area, wanted some sit down quick lunch. Ordered won ton soup, mini egg rolls, and a pad thai. The egg rolls were pretty good, but I feel like I've gotten the same ones at garden fresh from the freezer. The won ton soup did not any won ton soup I've ever gotten. The won tons were not really won tons, there were pieces of meat and chunks of dough and a LOT of vegetables. Pad thai had too much tamarind, so it was pretty sour and over powering flavor (I've made this mistake at home so I know exactly how bad it tastes), I had a weird tummy feeling after. The service was extremely fast, they bring dishes our in a good 3 minutes (crazy fast). Food is cheap, quick, and service is not bad, place fits a lot of people. May be an okay choice for a work day lunch option, but not the best.
(3)
Beli O.

I used to like this place... until today, I won't bore you with all the details. Just wanted to share, that I was never impressed with the customer service in this place, but today definitely has being the worst experience of customer service in Chicago. When we asked for a table to the guy that is at the bar area (that also manages the cash register) he was rude to us, and told us with a horrible attitude "you can wait and have the table behind you (that had people still eating), and there were more than five open tables... when I asked what was the difference between that table and the ones that were open, the guy got mad, rolled his eyes and took the menus from us and said "well wait or do whatever you want...and walked away. I don't know you, but I won't go to places that they don't value their customers. They can have their HORRIBLE ATTITUDE and three less customers... it may not be much now, but if they continue like that it will add up...
(1)
Violet K.

I love their crazy noodles (pad kee mao), perfect amount of spicy! Can get pretty busy during the lunch hours but it's worth it. And it's really easy to order takeout.
(5)
Tavi J.

Great place to go when you want to treat yourself to a fancier lunch, but with reasonable prices. My friend went with our usual choice of the Salmon with Jasmine rice. I however, decided to venture a little and went with the beef in broccoli in oyster sauce. Yummy!!! The menu is very extensive and has soooo many options, but I have never had a bad meal here. It gets packed during lunch time, but don't let that throw you off. We have never had to wait for more than 15 minutes. Only con are the tables are really close together, so be prepared to get a little intimate with the table next to you.
(4)
Anuj S.

Came here once for lunch and had the Red Curry. I liked it. They also had other great menu options, which I'll have to try another time. The place gets quite crowded at lunch, but we beat that rush by getting there around 11:30am. Still, once packed the service really slowed down. We waited forever for the check.
(4)
Rajan A.

Shit place! Nothing is good! Don't waste your money and time. Chicken smells bad. Servers aren't friendly. Save your money for something good!
(1)
Valerie H.

I've ordered from Siam Rice on three different occasions. All carryouts. Upon entering the restaurant to pick up my first carryout, I recall being greeted by smiling employees and taken back by the the spacious modern interior. Two orders later and hind sight 20/20, I have come to learn those smiles on the employees' faces were fake and the well designed, spacious interior is nothing more than a false facade against a negative ambience of stern energy, void of any customer appreciation. I don't know what sucks more: their cooking or customer service. Entrees are sugary, spice-less and served up in small portions with a stingy amount of vegetables. Panang Noodles with Tofu. The gravy is spice-less and one-note, zero peanut essence. The wide rice noodles were extremely over fried and so awkwardly thick and crispy that chewing them was hazardous to my teeth. Think: tree bark. The dish was dry. That meant no surplus gravy to mitigate the over-crisped noodle situation. These gifted folk managed to over fry the tofu into hard, flavorless cardboard cubes. Upon receiving my Shrimp Tom Yum soup without shrimp (no biggie, mistakes happen; I don't lose my cool of matters like these), my phone call was ill-received with an extremely defensive attitude in which they questioned my honesty. After my call was passed on from one person to another, in the end I was told the manager was not in and I would need to call back the next day. Not cool. Not cool at all. This review is done. And so are my visits to Siam Rice.
(2)
Beth D.

I am very picky about my Thai food and I will drive to NYC or DC just to go to certain restaurants for Thai food. This is now my favorite Thai restaurant. The food is amazing and inexpensive. The waiter is fantastic (I am very difficult to wait on and very picky). I have never gotten a bad meal here and I go once a week or more.
(5)
Jessica C.

I've been here a couple times now. I think it all depends on the dish. The green curry with chicken was delish! Staff was friendly The egg rolls were not very good I deff wouldn't recommend them.
(3)
Lin C.

In the heart of the Loop, this place is great if you have a need for Thai food. It's a sit down restaurant with fast turn around. The food is delicious and it comes out of the kitchen fast. The only issue I have with it is that because everyone goes to lunch at noon, there is always a bottleneck of people during the peak lunch hour. You either go in at 11:30 AM or you go after 1:15PM.
(3)
Vicy C.

It's OK. You've had better and you've had worse. If you're hard up for a place to eat (and you will be if you're in the Loop after 6pm when everything seems to close) then Siam Rice might just become your next emergency "late night" fix. Like I said before, though, the food is just OK.
(3)
Eva X.

The Tom Yum Noodle Soup is just amazing! Little sweet and with a bit of Lemon flavor within the soup...I cannot tell you how much I love it! And the ground pork is so delicious!
(5)
Monica B.

This place is ALWAYS busy during lunch hour, but turnover is quick. The Basil Chicken is my staple here. Super spicy and perfect ratio of veggies to chicken. I've also enjoyed the Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon and Egg Rolls. The Pad See Eiw was not the best -- definitely had better elsewhere. Great Thai spot if you want a quick lunch or work nearby.
(3)
Ryan B.

I miss Siam Rice. I used to work around the corner and we'd be in here at least once a week for lunch. I was recently working late in the loop and I convinced my team to order from here. The food was just as great as I remembered. I always go for a curry, usually red. Back when I was a lunch regular, may of my teammates stuck to the chicken teriyaki. They loved it. We'd usually get a chicken satay and a crab rangoon appetizer too. All great. They get super busy at lunch, but they turn over tables SUPER quickly. They won't rush you to leave, but I wouldn't go here if I wanted a super leisurely lunch. On the bright side, you don't have to be intimidated if there's a crowd.
(5)
Roger K.

After hearing through word of mouth that this place had the best Thai food in the loop I had to try it out. A coworker and I both ordered the Tiger Cries ("Famous Thai grilled steak with spicy sauces on the side") and got a free entree in a buy 2 get 1 free deal. We ordered delivery through grubhub with no problems. The steak was a little overcooked with just tiny specs of pink living in the middle of the grayish brown cut of meat. It came with two different sauces one specific to the Tiger Cries which seriously had me questioning whether it tasted good or awful and what appeared to be a house Siracha which was quite tasty. I would rate the spiciness of both sauces at a 6 out of 10; Hot but not quite sinus clearing. The sticky rice that accompanied the dish came tightly wrapped in a plastic inside of a takeout container. I had to resort to sawing through the ball of rice with a knife once I was able to remove the plastic so if any word could be used to describe it sticky was the right one. Better Thai places exist in the city but maybe not in the loop. I don't foresee ordering from here again.
(3)
Steven C.

Siam Rice is one the few sit-down restaurants in the loop that you can go with a large party where you can quickly get seated and only spend an hour there. The kitchen works faster than McDonalds at times. Accommodation is honestly the biggest plus of this Thai restaurant. I only hesitate to compliment the food because I've gotten adventurous the last couple times I went and left disappointed. A couple of their chicken dishes used ground chicken breast (imagine getting a Thai dish made of taco meat) but everyone else's food always looks good and I have had good meals here. Just don't wander off the beaten path. The service is very efficient and mostly friendly. They really get the working crowd, as they should for being under the El tracks.
(3)
Michelle U.

Golden crab appetizer and Panang Salmon entree were delicious. Total came to $20, which is more than I typically spend for lunch, but this place is great for the occasional splurge. The food is very fresh.
(5)
William L.

The service is the worst I have ever seen in chicago. The waitress brings the check along with the dish, and keeps asking us for the credit card. When we ignored her, she came to collect our plates. What is unacceptable is she put the used plate(full of trash) in front of my friend when she came to take the credit card. We felt so insulted. I will avoid this restaurant to keep good mood. It is the last time I visit it.
(1)
Ermelinda C.

Great place to order take out from, if you ever find yourself in the Loop. The Pad Thai was very good, but the rice dishes are really, really delicious. The fast and polite service is always a plus as well!
(4)
Sahil R.

Was craving thai for lunch, so I read some reviews on Yelp and headed over to Siam Rice for a bite. While I agree that the food was excellent and decor was nice, the service was pathetic. The place was buzzing with customers as I got there, but unfortunately from the moment I got in, I felt like they were waiting for me to leave. I was smushed in the middle of two other two-tops that were less than 6 inches away, and when I asked if I could possibly move to another table the hostess dismissed my request despite other visibly open tables. Not ideal, but this was ok as the tables next to me were friendly. I ordered Red Curry chicken w/ white rice, and the meal looked great. The curry was served in a small bowl, and the rice was on a very small plate. I asked if I could get a larger empty plate to eat off, and a server returned with the same size plate as the one the rice was on, and abruptly walked away. Then, I asked another server if I could please have a bigger plate, and she proceeded to amazingly tell me that was the only size plate they had, though there were 3 other plates on the table right next to me, and then walked away. I asked a 3rd server walking by for a plate, and he proceeded to tell me that to get an EMPTY large plate, it would cost me an additional $1 - for an empty plate. Shocked and annoyed, I just decided to try and eat my meal on the awkwardly small plate. Less than 1/3 through my meal, the server dropped off my check without my request, and then proceeded to come back for it and pick it up before I had even opened it. Overall, it was the shittiest service experience I've had in a while. The food was good, but the apathetic service, and hilarious plate charge, made for a very frustrating lunch. If you're going to eat here, I'd recommend carry-out.
(2)
Wenbo F.

Don't buy takeouts from this restaurant! I ordered crazy noodles from them today and the food didn't even fill up half the takeout container, which is already quite small. What is worse is that the food looks like someone puked it out. The vegetables in there also tasted like they passed expiration date already. Cannot believe I paid more than 10 bucks for a bowl of sh*t.
(1)
Bharathi J.

Very bad service. Attitude of the people at the front desk and severs are Very rude. Never recommend..
(1)
Akshay R.

Worst place no respect for customers, they want all of people on table. Even if someone goes restroom they will ask where is that person..
(1)
Oliver K.

Someday I will try something other than the pineapple fried rice. That day is not today. This is a really great Thai place in the loop. There are better places outside the loop (Butterfly), but this place is great. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are good. Lost one star because the service could be better.
(4)
Daniel K.

Don't go to this place! Seriously. I'm not even sure what is worse, the food or the service? The entrees are bland for Thai food and they are really cheap with the veggies. I took a bite of food and since the entree was so terrible I asked if I could swap it out for something else. The waitress simply said "No" and advised that I would have to pay for another entree. Hmm. When the "manager" came over to our table she had a quick conversation with the waitress in Thai and then both of them just walked away from our table without communicating the outcome of their discussion. How rude! Once I followed up with them, I was again told that they would not switch out the entree. Hmm. I can't image that this place has a lot of repeat customers. Also, I asked for a side of bean sprouts and the waitress told us that the Department of Health prohibited their restaurant from serving uncooked bean sprouts. That sounded suspicious - a check on the Chicago Department of Public Health website shows that the restaurant failed numerous inspections due to roaches in the kitchen and other nasty stuff. Yikes!
(1)
Carolyn T.

I dined here for lunch today with two other friends. The decor is pretty classy, so I was surprised when the prices were so reasonable. We were seated quickly, which also surprised me because the place was packed with Chicago working professionals taking their lunch hour. I would describe my Siam Rice dining experience as the classier Thai version of fast food. We were seated quickly, our orders were taken quickly, our food arrived quickly with a less than 10-minute wait, and our check arrived another 10 minutes later. There really was not any service to speak of. I got the panang curry with tofu, which was almost too hot for me (even though I checked with the waitress ahead of time that it was not hot), so I went through my water very fast. I had to start drinking my friend's water before she finally came back to refill our waters! The curry was fine, but did not have much real flavor apart from being spicy (yes, I admit I'm not a curry connoisseur, but I have had much better). Just fyi, if you come here with more than one other person, they are only willing to split the bill with two credit cards (or one credit card and one payment in cash OR all paid in cash). We figured out how to evenly divide it just fine, though. Overall, this is a good place to go for lunch if you're in a rush but still want a sit-down meal, if you have a hankering for thai food, and you work nearby. I won't go out of my way to return because the aforementioned don't apply to me and I'm sure Chicago has better thai food to offer! Having said that, Siam Rice gets a solid three stars from me (and from my two dining companions who don't write reviews).
(3)
Hannah C.

The food is cheap, but you get what you pay for. The tiger cry steak was rubbery, the sauce had an unpleasant tang, and the rice was overcooked. Generally a disappointment, but at least an inexpensive one!
(2)
Sarah M.

Food was flavorless , slow service ..I had to change my order and it took them forever to respond to my complain .. I witnessed how unprofessional the staff were especially the manger and how he dealt with other customers complaining about their food& service he managed the situation so badly and kept shouting that he will call the police ..don't waste your time here !!
(1)
Iris W.

Bad experience :( 1. The waitress said they use the same recipe, and other customers never complain the Pad See Ew with shrimp is too salty, so if you think it is too salty to eat, it is not their problem. Even the Pad See Ew was one of my favorite in this restaurant and I'm sure it was not the same taste. Even all of my three friends try it and think it is too salty to eat, then suggest me to change. Even I told the waitress they can taste it to judge. 2. They said they can never make it less salty since the sauces are scaled by spoon, such as one spoon of A and one spoon of B. It is ridiculous, so I asked can you just put half of the spoon of everything? They said no, if you think it is too salty, you have to change to another totally different entree. 3. They think they had changed it to other dishes when we claimed it is too salty, so they are generous enough. Even the conversation was with uncomfortable attitude, with the warning they cannot change it again if you think the new entree is still salty, and with my late entree came when my friends finished theirs. 4. They think it is their property, so they can set up any policy. The policy is printed or handwritten on the menu, so they can always say no to the customers.
(1)
Margaret H.

Only have a few minutes for lunch/dinner? No problem! Your food will be in front of you before you even know what you want. I've been coming to this thai restaurant for years now and I still love it! The golden crab and pad thai are two dishes that I can always count on to be delicious. However, if you'd like to be a little more adventurous, I've recently developed an obsession with their coconut curry dish with tofu. I am constantly looking for similar dishes if I go to another thai restaurant. My friend and I always pick two dishes to split and this is always one of them. I'm not the biggest fan of curry, so this leap was certainly a leap of faith! Extra Bonuses: BYOB, extremely affordable, take-out friendly.
(4)
Joan D.

Great food, reasonably prized, good and fast service. Went during the lunch time rush. It was very packed but we were seated quickly. Once we ordered it was only a few minutes to be served our food. Considering it was during the lunch rush it took about 45 mins from coming to the door, being seated, ordering and having our food served. The timing was perfect since we were crunched for time.
(4)
Brandt J.

Thai food is a dime a dozen. Good Thai food is not so easy to come by. A group of 5 came at lunch with me, and we were seated in the very busy, semi-cramped restaurant immediately. The menu was simple with many tantalizing options. Inevitably I personally went with red curry with chicken and we got 2 orders of spring rolls as well. The spring rolls were fantastic. They were very fresh and served with a delicious sauce on them. The red curry was spicy, but not overpowering, and the portion size was generous for a lunch in the city. On top of all that, between ordering and the table receiving our food took about 7 minutes. Not bad at all for 5 people during a crowded lunch hour. I will be back to try a lot more, although it'll be hard for me not to get curry every time. 5 stars well deserved.
(5)
Tuan N.

-Papaya Salad (Rating: 3.5): Dish was a bit too sweet, and lacking in saltiness and fishiness. The papaya did not taste fresh. -Pineapple Fried Rice (Rating: 2.5): The rice was not firm and the shrimp was overcooked. The dish as a whole lacked flavor. -Ti
(3)
Andrew L.

One of the best Thai restaurants in the downtown area of Chicago. The food is always rich with flavors. One of the few places that actually has the sticky rice with mango dessert! I recommend this place go try it ^__^
(4)
Ryan W.

This is a very guilty pleasure of mine, when working downtown! The food is great, presentation is flawless, and it is always cheek-to-cheek. Frankly, the crowded ambiance makes it a bit overwhelming somedays for lunch, and if you're in a hurry, you def want to order to go. To facilitate that, they have an INCREDIBLY easy to use online ordering system, though I found even then I waited 5-10 minutes for my food (after waiting 15 minutes to pick up after I ordered). I don't mind waiting for food, so long as it is GOOD.. and they more than deliver the goods there. Their Coconut Curry Chicken is AMAZING, but I think I like it better as delivery, than eating in the restaurant (it's much soupier sauce in there for some reason, still piping hot with delivery, but thicker for some reason). Hands down though, my favorite is the Tom Kha Kai.. I could hit that shit like it owed me money! Without a doubt, the very best in the downtown area!! I would use more exclamation points, but I don't want anyone thinking I'm a retarded 20 yr old on facebook. I've been there with many people.. and none of them have been unhappy with the food. The service.. well.. it's a busy place, so keep your expectations reasonable ;) Also, the presentation is always beautiful. Nothing makes a foodie happier than getting food delivered to them that smells and looks as good as it tastes :) and again, for the record.. the tom kha kai.. I'd hit that shit like it owed me money! FANTASTIC!
(5)
Andre W.

This place is located near the financial district of downtown Chicago. Gets really crowded during lunch (like most lunch spots downtown), but once you put a forkfull inside of your mouth it is well worth it. Recommended to me by a co-worker and I was a little skeptical because another co-worker told me the food was horrible. I tried it myself and now I am hooked, espcially on the Thai fried rice with chicken. Make sure you get there a little before 11:45 or you will be waiting a nice while on your meal if you are there for takeout and if you are dining in. The best way to get in and get out is to call your order in or do so online. The prices are slightly reasonable considering it is downtown. If you have that itch for some great Thai food and you work downtown, this is the place to get it from!
(4)
Ela G.

I thought the food was tasty! I had the Drunken Noodles - there was a generous portion of vegetables, which I really appreciate. The noodles were flavorful and well seasoned too. My co-worker had the pad-thai, which she also enjoyed. What is amazing is how FAST the food comes out. It was not more than 5 minutes before the Pad-thai arrived, and another minute when my entree came. Yes the food should come out at the same time, but I think that level of detail would throw off the entire operation! I don't know why the food comes out so fast (perhaps this is a redflag?) but I saw no indication of a lack of quality or flavor in the food we received. One gripe I had is that the tables are way too close together, I almost sat in some guys lap as I tried to squeeze by...not that I'm complaining, but I really was just signing up for thai food today, not a lap dance.
(5)
Nessie V.

Not much sticks out for me here. I thought it pretty standard. Definitely echo the lunch rush comments. Go after 13:00, and you should be fine and dandy. Note that they do NOT take reservations. Service was otherwise really efficient, while still friendly. Decor is nice for a lunch place, but not amazing.
(3)
Ben T.

Went here for lunch during the rush hour with someone who works in the loop and I had an experience that may bring me here again sometime. I ordered the red curry with beef and my friend had beef and broccoli. The flavors were good although I could have used a little more heat to my red curry. The portion size was generous and I ended up taking home a small box of leftovers, which always makes for a pleasant snack later on. I was impressed by how efficient they work at lunch (although I do not eat in the loop often at that time to compare them with anywhere else) and even with a packed waiting area, we were seated in about 10 minutes. While it was a little cramped, the food came out quickly and we did not feel rushed.
(4)
Chris C.

I absolutely love this place for lunch downtown. I usually get the crab rangoon with chicken panang curry which are excellent and the prices are fair. They're also quick to get me my food after I order. I would also plan on trying to avoid the noon lunch rush as oftentimes there is a line out the door to get a table. If you go around 11:30 ish or after 1:00 you tend to have little to no wait. Also, don't expect five star service during the lunch hour. The wait staff is quick, efficient, and polite but also have a bunch of other customers to tend to. Still I found it to be no problem, because they did a good job of getting me in and out within my hour lunch. Dinner is usually more quiet and relaxing. Overall, one of my favorite lunch places downtown.
(5)
Art C.

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. I live literally across the street and come here at least once a week. As a guy whose parents owned a handful of successful thai restaurants in the north burbs, I can say with moderate expertise that this food is fairly authentic. They use Chinese broccoli in their Pad see ewe, which is a rare find these days, and their basil chicken comes with chopped/ground chicken, which is the only way to eat it. Careful with the spice though, they don't pull any punches on that basil chicken. My only gripe are the smaller noodles they use for the pad thai. When ordering it for carry-out (which I usually do), they tend to stick together in one giant clump. I don't know what they could do to remedy this -- either use a wider noodle or a different container, but it makes digging into this rather difficult.
(4)
Kate F.

Stopped in at 7:30 pm on a Thursday and ordered takeout. The server brought me a glass of ice water while I was waiting - really nice touch. The atmosphere is lovely. Lots of wood, high ceilings, relaxing Thai music. My pad Thai with chicken was pretty good. Not greasy, vegetable garnish. I'd go back.
(4)
Candyce P.

First of all, this place is always packed during the lunch rush. Always. So if you go, be ready for a decent wait (15mins or more) as they don't take reservations. The service is what you would expect for such a bustling place - below average. Most of the servers are speed walking everywhere, and take your order at the same speed. While the food is absolutely delicious, my order arrived quickly, while my sister's took another 15mins. Not great. However, I will say, that whether I eat in or take out, I WILL have their Panang Noodles with Beef many more times. Just delicious.
(3)
Engy A.

Apparently Siam rice has a monopoly on edible Thai cuisine in the loop and they seem to show it by acting incredibly rude to their customers. I tried to order for takeout and in the special instructions I asked if they can separate one order of Pad Thai into two containers. This way I can eat half for lunch, and save the other half for dinner. It's not a request that requires a lot of work, energy, or brain power. Siam Rice called me to tell me that it's against their "policy" to separate into two containers. I literally did not understand this. I'm ordering the same amount of food, just asking if it can be placed into two containers. I asked politely "Well, would someone be able to do it anyway? Instead of placing it in one container, just put half in one, and the other half in another. It's really not difficult" he snarkily replied "If it's not that difficult, why don't you do it yourself?" Really?? I am PAYING you and this is how you talk to me? If he was apologetic about not fulfilling my request, it would be one thing, such as if he offered to include a second container for me so I could do it myself, but he just simply didn't care. I cancelled my order. This is not the first time I've encountered rudeness from their staff, but it will be the last. I'm done with them.
(1)
Frank A.

Work ordered Siam Rice for lunch during a working meeting and I was reminded how much I love Siam Rice. This time I had the Panang Curry and it was just perfect. The right amount of spice and flavors. If you haven't tried it yet, get a lunch group and treat yourself to some yummy Thai..
(5)
Barri S.

Good food, nothing special. Being in the loop it has better hours than most other restaurants.
(3)
Kostya K.

I didn't know what to expect from a Thai restaurant designed for the crazy downtown lunch crowd, but mostly positive reviews here, on 4sq, and from my coworkers elevated my expectations a bit. I wish they hadn't, cause the food turned out way below average. My Drunken Noodles were unevenly seasoned, with some parts being ridiculously salty and others just bland. On the bright side, the service was surprisingly fast & attentive. Arriving at noon and seeing a full house we were ready to turn away, but were assured that wait will be only 10 minutes. We got seated as promised, had a few minutes to look over our menus, and after we ordered our food the first plates arrived in no more than 5 minutes! The other thing that pleasantly surprised me was that the prices were very moderate for a sit-down restaurant in the Loop. So, those last 2 positives add enough for an extra "star" to my review of this otherwise 2-star restaurant.
(3)
Swati B.

I love Thai food...but this was such a disappointment. I went here before a show at the Cadillac Theater ...the venue is pretty nice. There are plenty of vegetarian options (like most Thai food places). I was shocked they didn't have brown rice! The Service is a bit abrupt...and SLOW! It took 20 minutes to get our dessert served. The Green curry was tasty..but really watery. The Drunken noodles were absolutely bland. We got the Pineapple coconut ice cream which was just ok...i've had better. Price wise this place is decent. I guess all I'm saying is I've had better Thai food and better service elsewhere.
(2)
Jerome H.

Great thai food in the Chicago loop. Delicious curry, great noodle delicious, fantastic appetizers. The food might be 5 stars. If the service were good, or even average, I'd be tempted to bump this to 5 star. But the service is no more than 3. First, you get herded like cattle. I don't care that other people want a quick lunch or that the restaurant wants a quick turnover. If you have sit-down service, I shouldn't have to sit 2 feet from someone not in my party and I shouldn't be rushed in and out as quickly as possible. Second, the servers are completely unhelpful in asking questions about the food or in making requests to leave anything out of the food. Third, they practically yelled at me taking my check up to the front counter, when I was supposed to (I guess) wait at the table and pay the server. I saw other people paying at the counter and given the day-after-Thanksgiving rush in the place, I assumed they would want me to abandon the table as soon as possible (especially since they were changing it over before I even got up to leave). Definitely a place to get to-go. Delicious food, though.
(4)
Ingrid R.

I like Siam Rice, but I always feel odd at lunch time there. The lunch crowd is a typical loop work-day lunch crowd. The restaurant is nicer than that - lovely white napkins, dark wood etc. The food is very good. However the food service is hit or miss and the tables are so close that it's uncomfortable. I can imagine if it were hal-full and every other table were used and it was evening the atmosphere would be just right. I wish they'd serve brown rice, but most don't so I just go elsewhere when I really feel the need. I usually get the Rama Chicken and it always tastes perfect and the broccoli is always so fresh and perfectly cooked.
(4)
Dan C.

There are not that many Thai food places in the loop, so I was glad when Siam Rice turned out to be a good choice. The place is pretty busy especially during lunch, but if you call ahead for your pickup order it is usually ready by the time you get there. I always get the pad Thai, either the crab or the chicken and the spring rolls are very good. So far the food was always top quality. I never tried dining in. The place is a BYOB and they seem to seat people pretty fast since there is never a crowd in the waiting area even thought the place is always packed at lunch. They also have delivery and carry-out options although the delivery has a minimum charge of $2.50.
(4)
Jeff S.

I'm not sure Siam Rice needs another review, but this is a work-lunch staple of the loop ony a few blocks from my office. You need to go early or late as the lunch rush packs this place fast. Other than a greasy and gamey duck dish I don't think I've had anything there I have not enjoyed. From the standard Thai noodle and curry dishes, to omeletes and teriyaki it's all really good. A great place to go if you are on the clock (if you can get a table quickly), but if you want to relax and chat you might feel hurried to not overstay your welcome.
(4)
Samir R.

Went here the other day with DJ Tinyo. Had the crab rangoon and Tum Yum Noodle. Came in hungry, left full and satisfied. Will be coming here for lunch often since I work around the block.
(4)
Brett K.

Hands down bets Thai I have had in the loop and without really crunching the old brain, one of the best in the city overall. I have only been for the bustling lunch atmosphere (only open till 8) but it should be a staple in your rotation for anyone who works in the loop. The service is usually very good considering how packed it usually is in there. Safe bet on food is sticking to the basics. Pad Thai and egg rolls are still my favorite after trying much of the menu but I have not been disappointed with any decision at Siam Rice.
(4)
Kevin Y.

Hands down the best Thai food lunch spot in the loop! Unfortunately everyone knows it so it can get pretty crowded. The food is delicious, the place is nice, the service is quick, and the price is just right. I don't think I ever spent over $10 dollars, or waited more than 15 minutes for the food (once seated). My glass of water never gets below half way, which is good because I drink a lot of water and hate it when they're bad about about refilling it. Every time I have eaten here I have been amazed. I even thought about quitting my job and working here just so I could learn how to make such damn good food.
(5)
Daisy Y.

LOOVE this place!! I am just not impressed with the non-chain asian restaurants in Chicago so for Siam Rice to get five stars, it must be good!! If you work in the Loop and want a DELICIOUS but quick thai meal that fits in your lunch time block, you'll appreciate Siam Rice. Yes, their service is not courteous as it should be but they're trying to turn tables as quick as possible and if you see the long lines spilling out the door, you'll understand why. I'll take a fantastic Chicken Pad See Eiw or Beef Pad Thai or Tom Yum Soup or Crab Rangoons or Thai Iced Tea any day over a nice waitress. 5 stars for quick service, amazing food and beautiful decor!
(5)
Stacy T.

Love Love Love this place. Yummy golden noodles, garlic chicken, green chicken curry fried rice, chicken friend rice, and cashew chicken. Portions are generous and the ingredients are super fresh. Most entrees are around $8, but worth it in terms of taste and quality. Highly suggest!
(5)
Katie H.

So Good! I ordered the Crazy Noodle and the Golden Crab to-go, and am thoroughly impressed! The noodles were just spicy enough with a garlic-chili paste on the side to pump up the spice! The only improvement I could suggest would be that the chicken could be cut up smaller, but I think that's a matter of personal taste! The Gold Crab are basically Crab Rangoon, but a higher quality than most restaurants serve--actual lumps of crab with just the right amount of cream cheese and celery! And the dipping sauce was both the right amount of sweet and sour with a kick of spice!
(4)
Shakeia T.

I order here probably once a week from work. The food is never bad and the order is never wrong. That is a huge win in my book during the Loop lunch rush. I always order the Crazy Noodles [extra spicy] and man are they delicious! Consistency is everything when it comes to food because I hate to order something I loved before and it tastes totally different the second time around. Kudos, Siam Rice!
(5)
Aloysius T.

This is probably the best Thai food in the Loop. Correct me if I'm wrong. Food: Good and cheap. Pad Thai (Chicken) $8. Everything is about $10. The portions are decent, though not massive. The Drunken noodles and Crazy noodles are particularly good if you are into spicy food. They have those awesome jalapenos soaked in vinegar there along with Sambal Olek. Awesome for those that love the spice. The ingredients look good...like visually good. They are colorful and taste fresh. That would probably be their greatest asset, the ingredient are pretty fresh for the most part, and you can taste it. Tiger Cries, though, tastes just like Korean Kalbi...BITERS!...newayz Service: They are fast since they need to be fast. Quite good, the food comes out fairly quickly as well. Decor: It looks nice inside, definitely better than most of the sit down places you would expect in the Loop. It's super crowded though. On that notes: Get there by 11:45 at the latest, they start filling up really fast. And you'll be sitting very close to another table. Almost communal table close. And it feels like everytime I sit there, I'm sitting next to some competing consulting firm, or someone from my own firm. So hush hush on the gossip and trade secrets. Overall: Cheap, tasty, fast; cramped as a mofo
(4)
Tom J.

Had Pad Thai here and I found small chicken bones in it. On the other hand it is close to my office so................ swings and roundabouts.
(2)
Elisabeth C.

Simply incredible Thai food. Everything I've ever had here has been incredible. I've eaten Thai in 4 states and dozens of restaurants and the basil chicken here is hands down the best I've ever had.
(5)
Lindsay M.

Food is fresh, and tastes great. The vegetable rolls are my favorite. Four stars because of the frequent wait for a table and the lack of space when seated. This place is always packed during lunchtime, so I do love that you can easily order online and pick it up/get it delivered.
(4)
Chad O.

Great lunch spot. Very fast service, but don't be surprised if food comes out in random order.
(3)
Amy X.

siam rice, passable. ruby of siam, NOT TASTY. litmus test: tom yum soup with shrimp (a) siam rice: sour, tastes like lemongrass (b) ruby of siam: sour, tastes like plastic-ass both are open for similar hours if you're working late. do yourself a favor and go for the rice, not the ruby!
(3)
Sarah E.

Standard issue, reliable Thai food. I generally get take out from this place, but I recently had an actual sit down lunch here with a few co-workers. Fortunately, I was able to get a table right away despite it being nearly full at 12:15. The service was an effecient lunch speed, and I didn't really feel a tremendous amount of pressure to leave. I will say that I probably could have reached the plates on the table next to me with a quick motion with my fork, but other than that, it's not a bad place for a quick Thai lunch. If you can handle the sugar at lunch, their mango and coconut sticky rice is the best I've had. One downside - I really wish this place had brown rice.
(3)
Clarissa J.

Hmm...Is it the economy that is causing places to lack in quality these days? Last few times I've ordered from here, and the last time I've been here, I was a bit disappointed. The flavors of the food were still good, but the chicken seemed like dry chunks that have been sitting out and thrown into whatever dish called for it. The noodles of a separate dish were also on the dry side, like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp for too long, cementing the sauce to its surfaces. And "spicy" has been more of an eager "Hooray" that falls into silence all to quickly. Even service is waning. Recently, my friend and I were bugged to death about ordering, then once we had our meal and were ready to go, it took forever to get someone to even look at us so we could get our check. It really wasn't a busy night (Tuesday), so I'm not sure what was up there. Not to mention, he never got his hot tea. Luckily company was fun, so the tea was never really missed. This update is not based on a one-time recent disappointment, but a handful. That makes me sad. :(
(3)
Shelley A. D.

A great place for lunch! Staff is friendly, polite and fast. Food is fresh and served hot.l It is very popular and crowded. So don't go if you want a relaxing environment at noon. But if are looking for place to connect with a friend in the middle of a busy work day. I highly recommend.
(4)
Janet E.

This place was open New Years Eve for dinner which was a plus! The service was great and the place was quiet with a nice atmosphere. Very relaxing! We ordered the vegetable rolls which were VERY fresh and the peanut sauce was delicious! We shared a dish of Lard Na which was just as fresh and tasty. I love noodles!! It appears this place does cater because they were preparing large portion of food in big catering pans. A plus!
(4)
Tammy H.

Siam Rice is just... OK. The food that I've had there wasn't anything extraordinary, but when I think that, I also think "at least it wasn't bad." I've had really slow service and really fast service, but have yet been able to get the right amount of service! It's good for when you're in a bind or trying to decide where to eat before a show. But, I wouldn't just go there.
(3)
Katja L.

File under: looks way more expensive than it actually is. For under $10, you can get a sizeable lunch. Edited to add: Beware if you are vegetarian/vegan or have fish allergies. According to our waiter, every single dish has fish/oyster sauce in it. Weak, dudes.
(1)
Diana C.

I have been back four times since my last review (is that a lot in one month? hmmm) and have been wowed time and time again. Clearly I just ordered wrong the first time, there is no lacking in flavor here. One of my favorites is the Khao Soy Kai (Chicken Coconut Curry) from the "Noodles in a Bowl" section of the menu. Delicious, but sloppy, be careful! Also, the Chicken Pad Thai is somehow more infused with lime than it is at other places, which may explain why I enjoy it so much. I could lunch here several times a week. Dangerous.
(4)
Joshua B.

Ok, so the food was fine. I had Tom Yum and a Thai Iced Tea; however, the service definitely left a lot to be desired. This place is right across from my office and I thought it would be a great place to have a nice business lunch. The place is a bit small and VERY busy during lunch, but they were able to seat us right away. They took our order and within a few minutes brought back the soda for my colleague but left me with ice water and no Thai iced tea. I waited patiently and within a couple more minutes the food was delivered, but again no Thai iced tea. I assumed they forgot it so I didn't bother to inquire because I could live with just water; however, as I was finishing my soup they showed up with my tea and the check. BAD TIMING! It was only a few minutes after the server gave us the check that they sat a party of 4 at the 2-top next to us. 2 of the individuals were sitting in the gap between our table and pretty much on our laps. We were perplexed why they pushed 2 extra people into this space that were now spilling over onto our table. We paid our bill and stepped away so they could push the tables in for the party of 4. I understand the need to turn tables quickly especially during lunch, but this was ridiculous. Our office has decided to mark Siam Rice off off the lunch list and are now visiting the other Thai restaurant around the corner that is much more inviting.
(2)
Liam D.

3-stars for midle of the road, and because i'm not able to rate it, but my first impression isn't great - it's just not based on taste.... Family and I are in town for the weekend only and we were feelin' Thai food. So while my parents are messing around with the Where magazine, I hop on Yelp! to see what you all say. So we walked for 20 minutes to this place at 8pm on a Friday only to find that it was closed - at 8pm on a FRIDAY? What's the deal with that!?!!? I was excited to try this place based on all the reviews, but could not. Alas, we went next door to Ruby of Siam and had a perfectly delicious Thai meal there. Thumbs up for that!
(3)
Ryan T.

Great place with consistently good food and close to work. Very nice staff. Chicken w/ basil very good and large portion.
(4)
Mark P.

Very, very good Thai! I have not dined in this restaurant, only take out. But, I have been VERY impressed each time! Their curry dishes are excellent! I usually get their sticky rice and a side of peanut sauce too (although they forgot the sauce last time!). Service is quick too. I never call ahead, but usually walk in and wait for my order. Typically everything is ready in about 10 minutes, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. If you are at a hotel in the area and want something to take out, give this place a shot!
(4)
Maria C.

I normally don't like Thai food but my friend loves to meet there for lunch once in a while since we're both at the opposite ends of the loop so it's our middle ground. I tried their bbq pork which was all right, it had broccoli which I can't stand and they couldn't remove it because it's all cooked together. That's okay because I just push it to the side. The following week I tried the garlic chicken which is really good but I felt bad for my coworker because it made me burp a lot... The prices weren't bad at all and the waiters bring the food and the check fast so going there for lunch is conveniant. This is probably the only Thai that I want to go to ever since River Kwai closed down.
(3)
Katie K.

The only thing I've ever had here is the Shrimp Pad Thai - I can't bear the thought of trying something new, being disappointed, and wishing I would've gotten the ol' standby. This dish comes with a generous amount of shrimp and always tastes very fresh. Another bonus - Siam Rice is more reasonable than other Thai places in the area (at least for this particular dish). The waitresses are efficient, even during the busiest hours, and the place is very clean and classy looking. It's a struggle for me to NOT eat here every day.
(4)
Chutima N.

Great offer today (July 15) till end of July 2010. $20 purchase with free chicken stay for pick up and delivery orders. great offer!!!
(5)
Katie B.

This is a staple for loop lunching. There was no wait today which is very unusual, there is always a massive crowd in the foyer - you almost have to be careful not to get thrown back into the revolving door. SKIP: - Thai Pockets. I don't know why we keep ordering these. It's like dating a guy you don't really like. They're not great and they're never going to be, but we just forget. Every. Single. Time. - Duck Red Curry Egg Noodles. Great on paper, terrible in execution. The duck is almost all fat and not in the jolly good salty way. - Pasta Chicken Curry. I don't know, if I want thai noodles, I don't want them to be spaghetti noodles. Just 'cause. GET: - Panang Curry Tofu. There are some tiny little strands of what I think might be lime rind that bring tears of joy to my eyes as I sit here typing. I don't know how something so small can make me so smitten. (I recommend adding broccoli if you get a panang curry dish, there's literally not a single vegetable in it otherwise and if it were for those baby squiggly lime slivers of ecstasy, it would just look like a gigantic bowl of sauce. A good one though.) - Beef Plik King. For a plikking good time. - Mixed vegetables. Easy to overlook a boring menu item, but its simple and delightful. Siam Rice is a total treat and a pleasant break from the loop lunch boredom. Very nice atmosphere and decor. I've never felt rushed here, but they really speed things along... that's why I wouldn't let a long line deter you. They are going to write your name on a very long list and you may get hit by a revolving door, but you'll still be back to work on time if you have a strict lunch hour. Tables are a bit close for comfort and you may be eavesdropped upon, so make sure to save up your dirtiest stories.
(5)
Joe T.

Eat Early, Eat Late. Alternate! If you go to SIAM RICE between 11:30 and 1:30, it's your own damn fault. So far this is the best Thai food I've experienced in the Loop (although my other experiences are limited to South Loop duds Thai Spoon and My Thai). I gather people get wise to good lunch spots downtown, which might explain the complaints about lunch hour service. I usually eat lunch between 2 and 3pm, and I understand that some people can't handle eating that late. I have a mid-morning snack at my desk, which allows me to put off lunch until after the psychotic mad-dash lunch rush has died down. I've never had any trouble getting a table immediately, and I've never been rushed out the door. Amazing, I know!
(3)
Shawn T.

I went to this place with co-workers for lunch. I had BBQ Pork Soup. The food and the meal was relatively tasty, and was cooked through. The BBQ Pork tasted good. I would probably visit this place again, if co-workers wanted to go. One concern is that they did not have the Chinese/Thai/Asian porcelain soup spoon, so I had to eat soup with regular spoon. Bottom line- Good place if your new to Thai food, or are forced to go with co-workers. There are much better Thai places in Chicago.
(3)
Becca S.

Siam Rice knows how to handle a lunch rush. The first time I came here, at noon on a work day, there was a long wait list; we couldn't even fit in the restaurant and had to wait outside. Luckily it was a nice day. There were 6 people in our party but we were seated in less than 10 minutes! The food is hot and delicious, and comes out in record time. Every time I've gone someone has gotten a special order so I know they aren't just stockpiling vats of food in the kitchen. They are really accommodating, reasonably priced, and a great place to go when you don't have long for lunch but want something hot and substantial.
(5)
becki s.

So, I'm looking through my mass amount of online lunch menu's and started to drool a little once I ran across Siam Rice. Just the thought of their Pad Se Ew makes me tingle...omg, its amazing. I can't believe I didn't review them sooner, but alas, the work day sometimes consumes me faster than I consume the delicious meals they have here. The only problems I have with this establishment is ordering over the phone can be hard. I think they advertise a wrong number, as nearly chewed off some Lawyers office receptionists head when she said I couldn't order my Thai from her... Expect a wait during lunch rush, it seems everyone in the loop know the secret of this place, but if you don't feel like waiting around outside, try getting through to them (and not the law office) and they will deliver!
(4)
Alana T.

A coworker, and her friend went here for lunch last week (June 25th) for the coworkers bday. It was PACKED, yet we were seated in a very timely manner. When we sat, I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I asked my the other two, they recommended the Crazy Noodles. So, we all got that. They ordered it with lime (but the waitress forgot that). However, the crazy noodles came out and they were so good. It was a little spicy for my taste, but still really good! I will definitely go back. I find, when Thai food is good, it's really good, and when it's bad, it's really bad! So, I'm happy this place turned out to be super!
(4)
Mike B.

Tasty Thai, quick delivery, but crap service when you stop in for lunch. But...it's Thai...it's darn good...it's downtown...and it's super-fast. Oh, and the prices are about what you'd expect for a Thai restaurant... Sure, you could easily go to Vong's...after all, the atmosphere at Vong's is much nicer...but in my opinion, Pad Thai should never cost more than $7.00...ever. One nice touch...I ordered on an especially rainy day once...the delivery guy, who was actually just one of the waiters...WALKED all the way here in the rain. My food wasn't soaked either...but the guy was a whole other story. Needless to say, his tip was significant.
(4)
Josh G.

Ugh, I'm stuffed! I just got some take-out for lunch and brought it back to my desk where I devoured the tasty goodness in about 5 minutes. The Pad Thai was good but I thought it needed a little more of the peanut taste. The highlight were the vegetable rolls w/ peanut sauce (did I mention I love peanuts?) which were absolutely delicious. The vegetables were fresh and crisp and the roll itself was just the right texture, not soggy or gummy like some other places. I've heard rumors of the packed house at lunch so we walked over around 1, put our order in, and were on our way in about 10 minutes. Yum.
(4)
Rachelle G.

After reading the reviews, I decided to check this out during lunch! Such a great restaurant that I never knew existed. To be honest, I was expecting a small hole in the wall type of restaurant, as most Thai restaurants are, but I was surprised by the warm wood paneling and at how big the seating area was. Prices are a dollar or two more than your typical Thai restaurants, but it's the loop and everything in the loop is a bit overpriced. I ordered pad Thai chicken and thought it was well seasoned and had just the right amount of chicken. The wait staff is friendly, however, maybe bc I had dined after the lunch crowd died down, they weren't as attentive towards the end of my meal. I literally had to flag someone to take my check. With the exception of this, my dining experience was almost perfect. This will definitely be the place I head to when I'm craving Thai while at work.
(5)
Steve T.

Gross. They obviously have two chefs, one of which should be thai'd up and never allowed to cook again. I had a bone or something equally nasty in my Pad Thai, and it was super super sweet and almost orange in color. The soup we had was sub-par, and overall we just were not pleased. Go someplace else. The only good thing about it, was how fast the service was even though it was packed to the brim during lunch.
(2)
Paige S.

The cheapest Loop Lunch Ever. Though the portions are small and it's always packed, it's worth the 10-15 minute wait at lunchtime. Just don't come here if you're really hungry. Their Garlic Chicken is great, or if you don't want to smell like garlic, their Pineapple Fried Rice is also wonderful. (not that I've tried anything else, so y'know... other things might be good too)
(4)
Andrea C.

Love this place for lunch because it is right around the corner from my office! They have a great menu with a variety of dishes to accomodate all tastes. Get there before noon or it will be crowded and you may have a wait. Good news, they are super fast! You typically get your meal in 5-8 minutes. I like the curries, particularly the duck and pad sei eew is always a favorite.
(4)
marc b.

I JUST HAD THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. First off, let me just say that I have never been called a liar by a manager before...until now. A co-worker and I have been going here every Wednesday (and sometimes Friday) every week for the past year and a half. Well, this time we went with 3 people. We sat down (at a 4 top table) and we ordered our food. We had no idea another friend was coming, but he showed up by himself, so he came and sat with us. The hostess came over and yelled at us and said the whole party had to be there to be seated. We asked if she wanted us to move to another 4-top, which would have been the exact same table. She said no, and then continued to call us liars saying that we knew that our 4th friend was coming. I tried to explain that if we knew he was coming, we probably wouldnt have already ordered, we would have waited for him. I went up to the manager after we left and I wanted her to know that she was very rude. She said, well if I am that rude, then don't ever come back. Keep in mind, I have gone there 1-2 times per week, for a year and a half. They obviously don't care about their business. I just wish the owner was there to witness that. If I was the owner, she would have been fired on the spot. I am not asking for special treatment, but at least for some respect. The food is decent, but not worth the lack of respect they have for their customers. BEWARE OF THIS PLACE!!!
(1)
Jared L.

Had a great lunch meal here. The food was above average thai (though I haven't sampled enough to truly know yet). However, service was pretty iffy (took us about 10 minutes to get our check, even though it was lunch, when they should keep people moving through). I'll be headed back, and look forward to trying more on the menu.
(4)
Katie H.

It was packed and the service was kind of scattershot, but the food was decent. I ordered the massamum beef curry which may not have been the best idea. It's my go-to dish at tac quick and tac's is definately better. The beef here was kind of tough. But with the varity of dishes, low prices and quick turnaround, I'll give it another shot.
(4)
Jennifer S.

This used to be one of my favorite lunch spots back when I worked across the street. Now i just get it as delivery for dinner. My favorite is the Rama Chicken. It has just the right amount of broccoli, chicken and peanut sauce. The delivery guys are very speedy and the prices are reasonable - anywhere from $8-9 for a curry, rice or noodle dish. They do have some special dishes that are a little bit more. I wish they had a second location closer to where I live because I would definitely dine-in.
(4)
Stephanie S.

Delicious and service is quick- I recommend the bar for prompt seating. However, as everyone else has noted, it is uncomfortably crowded and rather noisy. Not bad for a tasty, inexpensive and fast lunch during the workday though.
(3)
C P.

Best Thai in the loop!!! Great price and consistently delicious! Great for lunch or to grab on your way home from work. Fast delivery!! Drunken noodles and basil chicken are fantastic tries!! If you need a loop go-to Thai joint, highly recommend giving Siam Rice a try!!
(4)
Heather K.

Didn't have the greatest experience at Siam Rice last night, for early dinner with a group. The place was all but empty when we arrived, there were maybe five other tables of diners, and yet the service was pretty slow. We started with "Golden Crab" (Crab Rangoon) which was delicious - probably some of the best I've ever tried. They brought out one of our entrees, but then at least 5-6 minutes passed before the rest of the food came out. It might have been longer. Time passes by very slowly when you're starving and have to watch one of your friends eat by himself. Finally the rest of the food arrived, and I was not impressed with my dish. I ordered the Sen Yai Noodles (wide rice noodles with grilled steak and a soy-sesame sauce), but the meat was very fatty and I had to trim about half of it away. It was also one of the more expensive dishes on the menu - frustrating! To make matters worse, it wasn't hot when it came out. It was really cold inside the restaurant and we were sitting next to the window...so I'm sure that added to the food cooling down very fast. But still - not very appealing. The other dishes that I sampled were Basil Chicken (nice and spicy) and Mussamun Curry, which I enjoyed way more than my own meal. I've been to so many Thai restaurants in the city and just haven't been blown away by this place. (I've gone a few times). But I think for last night's experience, I just ordered the wrong dish at the wrong time. Next time I will go for lunch and try something new. Definitely willing to add more stars for future visits, if possible. I see potential in this place but am hoping for results.
(3)
Kay S.

Oh-so-delightful for a quick, sit down Thai lunch. It is always packed during the work week lunch hour but they get you in and out like nobody's business...quick service. I only concern myself with two items on the menu...The Drunken Noodles and The Crazy Noodles. I can attest to the goodness of both of these but beyond that you are on your own. Give it a try...it beats another sandwich at the Corner Bakery.
(4)
Bex A.

Hmm. Hmmmmmmmm. Ok so I've had both the drunken noodles and the crazy noodles here, and the crazy noodles are more pad khee mao (wide rice, the chicken and prawn combo, solitary tomato). Unfortunately I found both to be a little lacking to my taste. I got the drunken noodles the first time and definitely should've asked for extra tofu. They gave me like 5-6 small pieces and they were hidden under the whopping ton of thin noodles. Spice was good, but lacking in the sweet and sour tang I like. I felt the same way about the crazy noodles, although these were better. My problem could've been that I ordered extra tofu and veggies this time and they were plunked on top rather than all stirred together, so they didn't absorb a lot of the flavor. The noodles themselves were tasty, and again the spice was good, but the dish was missing a more rounded flavor overall. Kind of pricey, delivery not as quick as Amarit. Although there are more options, and it certainly seems like a nice place to have a sit-down lunch. I know I shouldn't base the whole rating on two variations of one dish, so maybe I'll try a sweet and sour something next time.
(3)
Robyn F.

This place was OK. I got the pad see ew and wasn't too overly impressed, but it wasn't bad either. My friend got the beef with rice. The beef was pretty tasty, but there were only a few pieces. The price is OK as well, so it's a decent value.
(3)
Stephanie M.

Packed lunch spot. Quick service. The menu looked pretty good, as did other patrons' food. I ordered the Yum Talay (seafood salad). The shrimp and squid in it were good. However, the imitation crab pieces were off, as in...borderline spoiled. Because I bit into that piece last and the waitress had speedily dropped off the check on the table, I did not complain. I will just never order it again. I may give this place another try and order something with beef or chicken instead. This is why my dad says never order seafood at a non-seafood specializing restaurant, and never order non-local seafood. "Do you think we live next to an ocean?" he would ask in that annoyed tone of voice of his.
(2)
Amy S.

Went here for lunch with some coworkers. We made sure the get there early, as they don't take reservations. The tables are VERY close to one-another, but other than that, the restaurant is wonderful. We ordered our food and within 10 minutes it was ready. Fresh and hot, it was very good. I had golden crab and jasmine rice. It was excellent. Others ordered curry and a noddle disk. The service was quick and the prices were reasonable. As we were leaving the place was filling up, and I imagine one would have to wait for a table if you got there any time after 12.
(4)
Justin S.

Not what I think thai should be. The food was awful. Pad thai was way off base and the soup...even worse. I didn't finish any of it. A waiter kept walking by me and sneezing, being that it was lunch time it was cramped. Ehh I've had better and not been sneezed on. I'll pass
(1)
David S.

I want to love this place. The restaurant itself is beautiful, elegant and unpretentious. The downside is that most of the dishes cannot be made vegan due to the premade sauces (like most of the thai places in the loop). What i was able to eat i found to be fresh and delicious. The vegetable rolls rolls were excellent
(3)
Ren H.

This is a nice Thai restaurant in the loop. Its got a fantastic ambiance, like an upscale restaurant but the prices are great, its very reasonable and they have Wi-Fi! They've got a nice bar and they deliver!
(4)
Jen M.

I always seem to want to Thai food for lunch at work & Siam Rice is the place I go! Great place to go fur lunch with coworkers. Small but they always seat you quickly. Service is fast, not the best (they brought everybody's food but mine once). Carry out is amazing... literally ready 15 minutes later! I love the crab rangoon here - I am always a sucker for this! Tom Yum soup is delicious .... I've never had a complaint about the food.
(4)
Jody C.

I love being able to order pick up online b/c it looks like im working at work and i dont have to wait in line. Siam Rice is super crowded during lunch, and the curry smell is just a little too strong for me to actually eat inside. If you order online it only takes 20 mins and you can even pay online so all you have to do is pick up your food and go. I loved their pad thai and it was a pretty large serving for $7 in the Loop.
(5)
Hemanth S.

Go easy on the extra hot sause!! Their spicy dish is already spicy..I learnt that the hard way:)
(5)
Jason L.

Great food, clean environment. This place is busy at lunch, but they really get the people in and out. It is a great place to have a sit down meal in under 45 minutes. Highlights on the menu are the Pad Thai, Panang Noodles with Chicken, Chicken Satays and Golden Crab. Also, this place is very affordable.
(5)
Jordan K.

At 7:00 P.M. this evening (Tuesday January 4, 2011) I was in the mood for some good Thai food so I choose to get deliverly from the place with the highest amount of stars. After food, delivery and tip I was down twenty bucks which was fine because I was so ready to just devour some amazing pad Thai. As I unwrapped the plain white bag that firmly sheathed my edible conquest, I found a large steamy carton that appeared to be safeguarding deliciousness. This meal was going to be great I thought as I unveiled the lid and steam ascended into my face. Then as I held the lid above my meal the condensation dripped onto what appeared to be a huge pile of farmer's garbage. Atop an aggregation of stale noodles sat a giant pile of cabbage...hmmm this is new? Well, why not? this must be good...I dug into a huge piece of chicken (well, I think it was chicken anyways) and I must say that it tasted like the juicy part of fresh diaper. My friends can attest that I will generally eat anything but I could not eat more than 5 bites of this. It is currently sitting in front of my computer mocking me as I type my first ever yelp review. I write this as warning to others that might find themselves precariously needing Thai food to not get delivery from Siam Rice; I have never been this disappointed in my life... I am walking to Chipotle!
(1)
Melissa K.

I came here for lunch with a friend that I hadn't seen in quite a few years. The food got to our table so quickly that we could use the rest of our lunch our to catch up. The food was good, nothing fantastic, but that's probably because I'm not a huge Thai eater. I'll go back and try and expand my horizons and order something else. The service was quick so it's a bonus
(4)
Linda C.

I had such high expectations for this place after two friend's recommendations. The food was mediocre at best. We went at 1:00 to avoid the lunch crowd and so we were seated right away. I ordered the spinach noodles with duck and my friend had the golden noodles. I tried her noodles and they had a very strong greasy taste, ick. My noodles were somewhat bland and lacking flavor. I was expecting a flat noodle but they turned out to be round which wasn't something that I enjoyed. The duck was so so as there was a whooping 4 slices. One thing that really annoyed me was that they gave us the bill before we were even half done. I saw them do this at other tables too. It might be me but I think it's totally rude. It sends the msg that the want you out, NOW!
(3)
Alexandra B.

Fast delivery, good price, good food. Had the tofu pad thai. Editing a few months later: I've eaten here many times since my review. I dinned in once, which was great. Everything was made fast and fresh. The dining room is really beautiful. I've also gotten delivery a few more times and tried some new dishes. A+ all around.
(5)
Leigh K.

I was going to my once a week treat, Tokyo Lunchbox, when I decided I'd go ahead and try Siam Rice since I read about it on Yelp. I walked in thinking I was going to get carryout but then I asked how long the wait would be and the hostess whisked me to a table. They really pack you in here, so I was in between a table of four and a table for two. Everyone working here walks briskly and is super attentive. 5 seconds after I'd closed my menu, I was asked for my order. The cucumber salad came out straight away. The menu said it was red onions and cucumbers in a sweet sauce, but it was actually cucumbers, red peppers, and carrots. Maybe they were out of red onions. Before I even finished my salad, my main dish was dropped off. I picked panang curry with chicken ($7.75) since I was craving a little spice. I've had this dish a number of times at other places and, while it was nothing special here, it was not too shabby either. The chicken seemed like it had been soaking in the curry sauce for way too long, but the sauce itself was very tasty. Since there are no Thai places that I can think of in the Loop, this place is a godsend for anyone craving a curry at lunchtime. The Chicken Satay looked really good and I'll be trying that next time. As other Yelpers have said, the portion sizes here are small. The serving you get here is probably half of a serving that you would get at any other Thai place, but somehow I held back and ended up only eating half so I could have leftovers for tomorrow. On the way back I stopped at Jamba Juice so I wouldn't have curry breath! In any case, I will definitely be going back to Siam Rice, but it's likely I'll get carryout unless I go with a friend since it's so claustrophobic when I was by myself.
(3)
julie v.

my absolute fav thai in the city, period. order anything you want and i swear you wont be disappointed, but my personal pet dish is the basil chicken, and as far as appetizers go, the siam rolls are quite lovely. random side note: they use chinese broccoli in the pad see-eiw, as opposed to, um, broccoli broccoli. i havent had any consistency problems, but then again i also only order for supper, never during their lunch rush. seriously recommended!
(5)
Kari S.

Very cute, bustling restaurant in the center of the loop. I went here with a friend at lunch and although we had to wait for a table, it was worth it. We both had soup and appetizers for around $8 a piece. I want to go back to try the pad thai and other dishes, which looked amazing. The service was nice and fast once we were seated. If I want Thai and I am in the loop, I would definitely come here.
(4)
Girish N.

We tried the Panang Chicken and Red Curry in Siam Rice. Not bad, though I felt both tasted the same.
(4)
Trent M.

Lets start by getting out the only negative I can think of when it comes to Siam Rice - the WAIT! If you don't get here at 11:40 or 1:15, expect to wait at least 20 minutes as it gets more packed that you can believe. Other than that the service is excellent and quick, great for a power lunch with some co-workers. The food is excellent, I have tried all of their curries and they are great, the noodle dishes are perfect and come in huge portions. They also have Pad Thai wrapped in an omelette like it is traditionally served in Thailand, something I have yet to see at other Thai eateries in Chicago. Be sure to try the salmon and spinach rolls if you're in the mood for an appetizer, so good!!
(4)
Paul R.

Definitely coming back here. There aren't too many Thai spots in the Loop but you won't need to look around once you eat here once. The Pad Thai is solid and they give you a ton. If you ask for it spicy and order it go to, they're not messing around at all- they will torture you, which is cool with me.
(4)
Jennifer N.

Great lunch place! Came at 11:45 and it was already packed. The penang noodles were delish! Certainly one of the better Thai places I've been to and bonus points for being nice Asian restaurant with reasonable prices in the Loop - lunch came to be $12/ person (one entree and drink each).
(4)
molly c.

only thai in the loop that i know of. that gets it an extra star. quick service and nice dining room. i'll go back for a lunch with a friend. not for everyday lunch.
(4)
elizabeth n.

This is a great Thai restaurant for lunch in the loop. I went for a nice work lunch around 11:45 and I am so glad we went at that time because the crowds started coming right at noon. The mini egg rolls are so good and perfect for sharing, and the chicken pad thai is delicious! The prices are reasonable and the food is great. I'd recommend getting there before noon unless you don't mind waiting for a table!
(4)
June B.

I would have never known this place was here but my co worker found it and it's really good thai food. Everything is good, and even though it gets crowded- get a seat in the bar area at one of the front tables and you won't have to wait. No one ever sits there and the service is just as good.
(4)
Rose P.

I can't believe I discovered this place just last week and I work two blocks away. Don't be overwhelmed by the lunch crowds - turnaround is quick. You can also phone your order in or order online at siamricethai.com and pick your order up in 20 minutes. No convenience charge for ordering via the Internet, which officially makes this my new favorite lunch spot... well until I get sick of theThai food overload.
(4)
Eddie O.

Siam Rice gets so crowded for lunch, but when you finally get a table the food is pretty good and it's pretty cheap. I usually get the wanton soup and pad thai as my entree.
(3)
Dee W.

This place is fantastic for lunch in the loop - but it's always so packed - tip for you: order it to go over the phone, pick up and create a picnic in the office. Prices are reasonable for big portions.
(4)
kiki h.

I ate lunch here with Jack B and was equally impressed with the time it took them to bring out our meal today. My chicken with cashew dish was so delicious that I ate the entire thing. If you do plan on eating here make sure you go around 11:30 or after 1:30 because it gets so crowded!
(4)
Elizabeth L.

Favorite Thai spot for Loop lunches. Classy ambiance, though gets loud during lunch rush. Love all the noodle dishes, have never had anything I didn't like here. Reasonable pricing esp. for being a sit-down and large portions. Fast service. Get here early to beat peak rush. Service gets harried, and reservations not accepted.
(4)
Giselle B.

Totally flavorless & bland Thai food. The place is totally packed for lunch but most of their diners only order the pad thai. The cold rolls were flavorless & so was the dipping sauce. The chicken & basil is ground and you can't tell what's really in the dish. The BBQ pork soup has no flavor. They could at least finish this with fresh lime juice. Don't waste your time with this place.
(1)
Kel C.

Food is bad so as customer service. Had lunch there today: 1. Shrimp Drunken Noodle has ONLY 4 small shrimps that are 'old', slimy and mushy. 2. I double checked my order since the noodle is thin. The waitress told me rudely that YOU ORDERED THE WRONG DISH. 3. Our check was literally tossed it on our table. Today will be my last visit and my last review for this place ..
(1)
Francheska L.

Today, Siam Rice inspired me to finally create a Yelp account because my party of 3 was discriminated against for being a party of 3. Nope, not a typo. I'm still in shock at how awful the hostess and manager treated my two co-workers and me. My two co-workers took me out to lunch for my birthday and when we arrived around 11:40 (to beat the lunch rush) there were PLENTY of open tables. My friend asked for a table for 3 and the hostess (aka Ms. Snippy) asked if we would like to sit at the bar. My friend politely declined and said we would prefer a table as this was supposed to be a nice birthday lunch for me. And Ms. Snippy's response is the most RIDICULOUS thing I have ever heard: "WE DON'T HAVE ANY TABLES FOR 3 RIGHT NOW. YOU HAVE TO WAIT." WTF? WTactualF? Nope, she wasn't kidding. No funny joke here. Tons of open tables and they refused to seat us at a table with four chairs and they refused to let us push two small two-person tables together. When the shock wore off, I walked back in and asked for the manager. He was useless and said maybe Ms. Snippy didn't understand, but he also wouldn't give us a table for 3 so once again, WTF? Not that we would have taken it at that point anyway! But no, Ms. Snippy completely understood. I think her initial response proves she effing understood. She was not confused with their "you can only be seated if your entire party is present" rule. She knew it was just the 3 of us. The manager just stared at me, stuttered, looked around awkwardly, and made weird verbal pauses. "Uhh.. umm.. miss.. well.. table.. 3?.. mmm.." Clearly my lack of a pair is bigger than his. You honestly can't tell me you don't know how to deal with an angry customer if this is how you treat people. And to complement this absurd lack of customer service, as we were standing at the desk talking to Ms. Snippy, she completely blew us off and waived her arm right over our heads to seat the even-numbered party of 2 behind us. Ms. Snippy is also very good at shrugging her shoulders in the perfect IDGAF way. If I could get away with dropping as many F-bombs on Yelp as I did in that F-bomb of a restaurant, I would. But alas, my review needs to be published for all the odd-numbered parties in the world to see!!! I don't want my first review hidden away on the naughty Yelper list, ya know. ***We ended up walking down to 312 Chicago, which was FANTASTIC. And the hostess there even laughed at our story and said a table for 3 is a table with 3 people. End of story lol.
(1)
Kathy S.

Since my last review, I've changed jobs and as Siam Rice is now much closer to my new work, this is my go-to Thai place. Although some of their dishes are very average, my usuals like the pad thai and especially the panang curry, are pretty tasty to me. I tend to just order for pickup but I do love how efficient they are when dining in during the lunch rush. They definitely keep in mind that a lot of worker bees have limited time. Note: their level of spicy is VERY inconsistent. "Very hot" could range from "not spicy at all" to "this will burn your tongue off."
(4)
Alyssa G.

I have had dinner here several times before going to the theater. Food and service are consistently good and the staff is very friendly. The Pad See Eiw is typically very good and I enjoy the Red, Panang and Mussamun curries a lot. Their mango and sticky rice dessert is a favorite as well! Overall, quick and efficient service, good food and pleasant, clean ambiance.
(4)
Jeff B.

I'll never go here again. I've eaten here occasionally (sit down and take-out) and have found the food to be decent. I went here today to sit down and enjoy a lunch. There were approximately 5 tables open with 3 parties in line. The hostess told me it would be a 10-15 minute wait. Apparently they are unwilling to seat a party of 2 at a table of four--or even separate two 2-person tables. There are plenty of restaurants in the Loop--I'll go somewhere else.
(1)
Linda. G.

To be honest, if this place wasn't so close to the office, I'm not sure I'd make the trip to stop in. While I do enjoy the food, I find this place to be inconsistent. I have ordered the same dish on a handful of occasions and have received different portion sizes and different levels of flavor and spice. Also they rarely serve all the members of your party at the same time. While I am lucky enough not to be kept waiting, I end up waiting because I do not want to be rude and eat before others get their food. My experiences here have only been during the busy lunch hour so I am unsure if all of my gripes are due to the lunch hour rush or if this is typical at all times. Things that make me most happy about this place is the variety in menu items. Some dabs to order, spinach noodles with roasted duck and pad kee mao. And probably the main reason I crave this place is because they serve mango w/ sticky rice!!
(3)
Ellen V.

This is my favorite Thai restoration in entire Chicago area. The only one better than this one was in California... Mini egg rolls Glass noodles with shrimp and Sticky rice with mango are my favorite dishes and when it is cold outside the soups are great. the only issue with this place they are only useful for lunch time...
(5)
Zarine A.

Ordered takeout from this place for dinner and it was pretty ordinary. We got the Siam rolls for appetizers and they were extremely bland. Also got the papaya salad (som tum) which was also very flavorless, even though the menu listed it as a hot and spicy dish, and the shrimp in it looked really weird and shriveled. Our curry dishes (green and massaman) were good, but overall the meal was average. Good deals, though - we got one curry half off.
(3)
Stu A.

Relatively pricey, but the portions are pretty good. Expansive menu, exactly what I would except from this type of restaurant. The place is really full come noon
(4)
Laura H.

Did an online order for about 10 people at our office with a specific delivery time. They did a great job of packaging and labeling all the items so we could tell what was what. However they were about 20 minutes early, which is better than late, but you might end up eating really early if you get delivery! Food was good, positive reviews from everyone in the office.
(4)
Christina G.

Delicious food, large portions, fast service, everything I could ask for from this place. We headed here for a quick bite before a show. The place was pretty packed around 6:15 on a Thursday. We were seated immediately and given menus. We went with spring rolls to start. It was about 4.5 pieces for each of us (I was dining with one other person). Very soon after our spring rolls were consumed, our main dishes came out. My husband ordered the crazy noodles and I had the pad se ewe. It wasn't at all spicy, so i asked for their condiment tray which contained chili paste, pickled jalapenos, and soy sauce. I added some chili paste, but even then it still didn't get the heat I wanted. The jalapenos weren't spicy - maybe pickling does that to them? Spiciness aside, the flavor was great. Even though the dish was stir fried, it didn't feel at all heavy. Again, the portion was huge. Finally, even though I was full, we went ahead and ordered the mango sticky rice, my favorite dessert. There was a whole mango cut in half, then sliced next to a large pile of warm rice topped with sesame seeds and some other sweet warm sauce - maybe honey? It was a great end to the meal. And for being the loop, the prices were reasonable in my opinion. Each main dish was less than $10, the spring rolls were under $5 and the dessert for two was around $6. The one knock is the friendliness of the servers, or should I say, lack of friendliness? They are very efficient, always topping off your water, and they will definitely bring you whatever you ask, but they won't go out of their way to check on you. Of course, the place was really busy and the phone was ringing off the hook, so they were otherwise occupied - it's not like they were standing around and chatting or anything like that. It didn't really bother me, but I could see where some would find it off-putting. Oh - and don't expect to grab a drink with your dinner here. There is no bar. Next time I'm nearby, I'll definitely head back, and my husband found his new go-to place to order take out on those late nights at work.
(4)
Brett E.

Delicious! I always enjoy a visit to Siam Rice. Nicely sized portions and unique and delicious dishes keep everyone coming back. This place is normally packed but tables open quick.
(5)
Kison P.

Excellent Thai food in the Loop. Resonable pricing and good ambiance, a little crammed during lunch. Great variety and flavors on the menu, these guys can make very spicy on request. Great place to take vegetarian clients.
(4)
Peter V.

Pretty darn fast during the lunch rush. Chicken dishes come out great- the pad thai is solid. A little weary of the steak/ beef dishes as it is pretty tough and has a slight "gamey" taste.
(3)
Emily C.

Good sit down Thai option in the loop. Loved the Siam roll. It was very fresh and I love the peanut sauce that came with it. Unfortunately, my basil shrimp was so spicy I couldn't finish it all. I asked for it to be mild so that was a bummer. My husband's cashew chicken was very good. Service was very good and quick. 124/365
(3)
Jennifer L.

Great Thai food for lunch in the Loop! I stopped by with with a friend for lunch on a Thursday afternoon around 12:30 pm. From the outside, you would not know that the restaurant is actually very big. There is a large bar area and plenty of seating. The decor is modern looking and the restaurant is very clean. We only had to wait a few minutes for our table, which was toward the back of the restaurant. The tables were pretty much right next to each other, which is OK, but can be uncomfortable for some. I don't typically prefer sitting next to other diners, but I threw caution to the wind and just started chatting not caring who heard my conversation. Like other reviews mentioned, this isn't a place to discuss personal matters by any means. As for the food, it was delicious! I got the tofu Pad See Eiw, which is my go-to Thai food dish. There were large chunks of tofu mixed into the dish. I loved the sauce in addition to the egg mixed in. I've never been a fan of the greens that come with Pad See Eiw, but that's just me. The portions are large (I couldn't finish mine) and the prices are great (under $10). Service, as mentioned in other reviews, isn't over the top friendly and the servers don't go out of their way to have a conversation with you. But, they are very efficient and the food comes out very quick. You really can get in and out in an hour if need be. Overall, excellent place and I definitely will be coming back if I'm in the mood for some Thai. You can also order online and take your order to go.
(4)
Lsev-efive-osev Y.

Wait staff -is young and doesn't know how to greet or pardon themselves. Beware of flying food particles. Wait staff cleans tables and just flings stuff off the table. Food- good. Overall experience is average is a little under three because the kids serving u don't have basic service skills. But yeah if u want in and out this is a spot for u. If u want better wait staff..goto Ruby of Siam.
(3)
Brenton J.

Consider this a 2.5 star review. We were rushed to order the moment we sat down. OK, it's the loop at lunch time, I get it. Ordered red curry. Requested curry to be hot. When I received it, the coconut broth was visibly pale and lacking in color, and upon tasting it the spice/curry flavor was barely detectable. I asked for a side of rice noodles. The girl told me it was a $2 charge. I said ok. Then she asked me if I wanted less rice. Huh? I asked if I can substitute the rice for the noodles (even if there is a charge)? She said no. What?? Explain to me what is the difference, exactly. I said just give me rice, then. I didn't think it was that complicated of a request, but apparently it was. Long and short - received half a cup of rice for a giant bowl of curry. They had already delivered the check along with the food, and could not flag down a waitress to request more rice. Had to eat most of my curry with a spoon straight from the bowl. The tables were literally an inch a part from each other. I felt like I was eating with the girls sitting next to us. I could barely hear my friend over the noise. The only reason for the second star is that the food tasted pretty good, but it should have been a better experience. My friend enjoyed her enormous plate of pad thai, however, I don't feel my expectations were unreasonable (i.e. spicy curry to be spicy, and enough rice to be able to eat my curry). Will try again, but would not get the red curry again. It was super disappointing.
(2)
Trina O.

I placed an order online today for 11:45 deliver, for a lunch meeting taking place at noon, and requested it be delivered to our receptionist. I get a call at 11:17 saying my order had arrived but he was in the lobby. I go to the lobby and had to look for the driver. He comes in a few moments later from the opposite side of the building. I sign the receipt and he hurries off. I check my bag and find the beverages are missing. Thinking I have some leeway given I have until noon, I call the restaurant and inform them my order was short. The person on the phone didn't bother to ask my name or where I was calling from. I had to hurry and provide that info because it seemed as if he was going to hang up. 15 minutes later the driver returns still missing part of my order. After setting up for my meeting, I call back and speak to Ben, the manager, who tell me that the driver can come back in an hour. I told him the meeting would be over by then so he suggest he'd remove the item from the bill. I asked for a copy of the amended bill and he said I'd see it on the AMEX. I told him that I had little faith that that would be done given the problems I've had thus far. He didn't seem overly concerned and that was very disappointing. Although they're quick, that doesn't always mean great service and one without the other is pointless. I know several people from my office frequent Siam Rice given they are close by and can get you in and out when dining in but for the purposes of take-out and customer service I would not recommend to anyone. If you do decided to place an order for delivery, bring an extra person along to hold the driver down so you can check your order thoroughly to ensure you have all that you paid for. I'd hate for you to have to go through what I just did.
(1)
Gino W.

When I was in graduate school, a study group I had for one of my classes wanted to meet to Siam Rice for our sessions. Having worked in the financial district in Chicago and knowing what a mad house Siam Rice is during lunch, I thought they themselves were mad. Then I went after 5:00 PM, got a seat, and had the panang noodles with chicken. Queue scene with me singing and turning flips. Outstanding food, although it came to the table a bit too fast and I assume it was because there were leftovers from the lunch and late lunch crowd, I was still pleased after gobbling any of their curry dishes or basil chicken. I love their panang dishes, be it with rice or with noodles. But the crispy noodles in the noodle dish, along with the spices, will make you smack the table. Well, maybe not you, but I certainly do it. If you want to get a seat without feeling rushed, go after 5:00 PM. The lunch hour stretch is simply an awesome sight to see but nothing I found worthy of indulging. Thou shall not wait for 30 minutes to almost an hour for lunch and then rushed because the crowd outside the restaurant is growing.
(4)
Julie Y.

My coworkers and I always come here for lunch. Even during the lunch rush, we have NEVER had to wait to be seated. Even when our party was as large as 8. That said, the food here is decent. Not the best Thai food, but good enough. The thing is, their portions are MASSIVE. Good lord are they massive. A standard plate of food will last me at least two meals.
(4)
Moe L.

Food wasn't great but service was terrible. Both waitresses were very rude because we went in after rush hour (around 2:30 PM). Will never go back there!
(1)
Kinzie E.

Ordered again from Siam Rice hoping that I would have a better experience. Today, just like every other time I've ordered from there, the delivery drive made me come downstairs from my office to pick up my food. I called the restaurant to ask why I pay a delivery charge and the gentleman I spoke to said that because it is rush hour (apparently that now begins at 11:30am), their drivers sometimes cannot park and deliver the food. Well, a $3 delivery fee plus tip isn't justified then. So long Siam Thai. Looks like it will be Star of Siam moving forward.
(1)
Elina S.

Came here a while ago and remember having really liking the Thai food here. I remember we took the train that day and we told our server that we were kind of in a hurry and he/she totally respected that and got all of our food out in a timely manner. We judge our Thai experience on the crab ragoons and the chicken pad Thai and both were cooked to perfection. If I remember correctly the entrees, although we came for lunch, were very generous and we had plenty of leftovers. Definitely a must try if you are in the neighborhood as we enjoyed our experience here. It's not exactly the center of downtown or at least not where we were that day but the walk was good for us to walk off all the thai we ate.
(4)
Prabodh M.

Had been to Siam Rice last week. I absolutely loved the food. It is one of the really good thai food restaurants around Chicago. The portion size is good and right priced. They also serve veg fried rice without eggs for vegans! I clipped off one star for their slow service.
(4)
Galina M.

Terrible service but good food. The 5 of us sat down for lunch - only 4 of us got our food on time, my poor coworker had to wait another 15 minutes suffering in misery (although quietly) while we were gobbling up our lunch. They gave us the check before he even got his food!!! Now thats borderline outrageous! Anyways, only gonna go there again because my coworkers like it and because its one of the few thai places in the loop. Otherwise, if ure not a corporate crowd, I would avoid this place! Much better choices for thai food up north! :)
(3)
Shm A.

The worst experience ever I hope I can give them zero star, I go there with two of my friend and when we wait we toke small menu and when we seated they didn't give us the big menu (written inside 3 person they toke 18% tip) we order the worst food with worst service at the end we told them we want to pay separate and they refuse because they except only two card per table and we go to the manger and he was veeeery bad person unprofessional and he didn't know how to resolve small problem like this only we want to pay separate and he want to call the police after half an a hour with unprofessional and bad conversation from the persons they work in the resturant and from the guy suppose to be the manger one of my friend ask him what about if we pay 2 card and one cash and he say yes this fine ok !!!!! Seriously whaaaay you didn't tell that from the beginning we spend 1/2 h We didn't recommend this restaurant at all bad food bad service every things bad .
(1)
Grace N.

What a great place to avoid the happy-hour crowds and get a decent dinner in the Loop! Between work and an evening function, we stopped by and quickly grabbed a table since the place was practically empty. We were expecting the usual run-of-the-mill Thai food but my chicken salad was huge and packed with flavor, and my husband's Sen Yai Noodles were ahhh-ma-zing. Beautifully marinated and perfectly cooked pieces of steak, with broad noodles and bean sprouts? This definitely beats the usual Thai and it was outstanding.
(4)
Jen D.

This place is not so bad. So far, I was satisfied with the dishes. I have ordered Pad Thai and the Drunken Noodles and they were pretty good. The drunken noodles are spicy so if you do not like spicy foods, then ask for mild. Very busy on lunch hour in the loop.
(3)
Alesha S.

If you are looking for large-portioned, quality Thai food, with prompt service at a great price, look no further - Siam Rice has you covered. I was introduced to this place by my co-workers upon relocating to Chicago. This is our 'go-to' Thai restaurant in the Loop whenever we need a fix. Though this is more of a 'sit-down' restaurant, the service is fast. During lunch hours it is extremely busy, but you will get in and out in about 30 - 45 minutes easy. Also, if you are there with a party, all members will need to present before being seated. Overall, nice spot, great menu options, good food.
(4)
Nimesh D.

While the food was good, the service was absolutely horrible. They weren't courteous, weren't warm and inviting, and in general not welcoming at all. The check took too long to arrive, after we had to call the server. I'd recommend the food but hopefully y'all won't get the same server that we did.
(1)
Wenwen L.

The food here are great! BUT...my waitress has her COLD FACE all the time. She didn't come to ask how's everything. She messed up my dish with my friend's twice. And she didn't realize it at all. So I give 4 stars to foods, but no stars for the waitress.
(3)
Vik K.

The thai basil chicken is the best in town.
(4)
Alesia S.

This has too be the fastest service I have ever received...almost too fast (if that is possible). But if you are looking for a quick, yummy place to grab lunch this is the spot. I tried the curry and pad thai both were pretty good.
(3)
Susan K.

Busy, Thai place with a great location. It's ideal for meeting friends who work on opposite sides of the Loop. I gathered with old friends here and everyone enjoyed their meal, whether they got curry (me), salad or noodles. Ample choices for vegetarians.
(4)
Mike W.

I have lunch here weekly and just love it. Consistently excellent- I recommend in particular the Chicken coconut curry, red curry, ginger chicken, tom yum soup, and cashew chicken. Nice atmosphere but carry out is very quick and efficient. Some of the best food in the loop.
(5)
Alex M.

Hot damn! The Mussaman curry is THE BOMB. Daaaaaaaaaaaaamn Gina!
(4)
Paco R.

The place was packed during lunch. The hostess was rude, the waitress was rude. I just wanted to leave without eating, but my friend wanted to try it out. I ordered the Tom Yum Noodle, and it was not good. The chicken didn't taste good and neither did the broth. There are a hundred things on the menu, but I've had this at several other restaurants and it's been great...not at this place.
(1)
Casey F.

Solid Thai food in the loop. Great for lunch since the food comes out super quick but it gets really packed so be sure to arrive early and beat the rush. I really liked my food, the portions were large, and they had a ton of selection on the menu. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but if you work nearby it's worth checking out.
(3)
Wei H.

Came here a few months ago for dinner on a weekday so my memory is a little dull. Loved the decor of the restaurant which was very classy and welcoming being a place right in the middle of the concrete jungle downtown. Had two stir fry noodles: Pad See Eiw and Pad Thai. Pad See Eiw had a very unique and strong flavor that was different from what I had before (compared to other authentic - often times family owned - Thai restaurants). My friend loved it though. I enjoyed my pad thai. Noodles were at the right texture and the ingredients were all pretty flavorful. We must have deliberately avoided water throughout the meal so that we had room for desserts coz we were excited for the Mango and Sticky Rice right from the start of the meal. It was heavenly. I cannot quite put my finger on what they marinate the sticky rice with but it was the perfect pinch of savory and sweet. Partnered with coconut milk, that thing was your health's frenemy. Mango could have been more ripe and sweet but we gladly let that slide. I cannot imagine how popular this place must be during lunch time for its offerings amidst a land of sandwiches and more sandwiches.
(3)
Wayne H.

This is a great lunch spot if you are looking to dine-in. It is not expensive and the service is really quick. Some of my favorite dishes to order here are the Panang Curry, Pad See-Eiw, and the Curry fried rice with chicken. I wish I remembered to go here more often. It's that good!
(4)
Denise R.

I ordered delivery. One hour and a half later my food arrives. Although I was frustrated with the long wait, I had high hopes. The Tom Kha soup was pretty good so I was off to a decent start. I moved onto my Tiger Cries and it was so awful. I was able to chew like one piece of beef and the rest was rock hard. It was fat, but it was the hardest fat I've ever put in my mouth. Like not even chew-able. The sticky rice was so sticky and hard, I couldn't even separate it. I was using my own fork (not the plastic ones they include in delivery) to try and separate the rice and I just couldn't. I've had sticky rice before and it was nothing like this. I've attached a picture of my food. yelp.com/biz_photos/qO0râ€¦
(1)
Leslie M.

Not to far from my job, been here many times. Very good thai place. Very popular and crowded place. Great shrimp in a blanket, pad thai, noodles,etc great lunch spot. Must go. Delicious
(4)
Michael R.

The place is weird. It's clean and nice yet something is a little off. The soups were nice, but not typical and not spicy at all. Spice rack fixed it, but we had to specifically ask for it. The food was good, but again unusual and again we weren't asked about how spicy we wanted it. One recommendation is to go for dishes with rice, I saw cooks eating during their lunch break and they all had rice.
(3)
Sherill M.

Have you ever had a foodgasm? The food here is amazing! I have tried many different versions of Thai spicy basil rice, and this one tops the charts!! The rice was moist, flavorful, DELICIOUS! The crab rangoons were so fresh, full of flavor, and amazing! Prices are GREAT for Chicago and you get a nice size. I was really taken back by the food here. It gets very crowded around lunch time with many working professionals in the area. Seems like a good place to meet people too ;) I would give this place 6 stars and never eat at another restaurant again but the staff here is overwhelmingly rude. I asked for several things that never came. I wanted a basil leaf in my soup and she charged me $1 LOL for a dang basil leaf? I had never been charged that before. I just deducted that $1 from her tip....OOOPS lol They have by far the rudest staff I've ever seen. obnoxious, I never tip well here. but, who cares - THE FOOD ROCKS!
(4)
Madeline B.

Really too bad because the pad thai and massaman curry were actually good. But the sticky rice had a hair in it (GROSS!!!) and the lychees on ice tasted really really metallic. Like sucking on a tin can. I couldn't believe it. I don't know how that flavor got there, maybe the lychees were canned. But it made us both feel sick after we ate them. If we had noticed the hair in the dessert before eating our entrees, we probably would have thrown it all away. If this doesn't freak you out, then go ahead and try the pad thai and curry. They were pretty good for delivery thai.
(1)
Vicky G.

I work just a couple blocks away from Siam Rice, and it has spoiled me for other Thai restaurants in the city. This is a great place for lunch. As long as you time it right, you will get in and out of there in less than an hour, no problem. If you're hungry, they have a couple good apps: great spring rolls (fresh, no meat, with a tasty peanut sauce) and fried egg rolls. When it comes to entrees I have tried various noodle and rice dishes. Noodle first: Most people play it safe with Pad Thai but it is worth venturing out and trying their Drunken Noodles and Crazy Noodles, both punched with fresh veggies and good flavors. Rice: They have a variety of rice dishes - from fried rice, to white rice, to brown rice. Like with the noodles, their ingredients are fresh. I have yet to try a curry dish but friends of mine that have enjoy it. Service is quick and may come off as rude. But they're trying to get people in and out for that lunch rush, so I don't mind. Overall, it's a nice change of pace from the typical lunch spots.
(4)
Downtown B.

Went on a Friday at 1130am. I had never been. My first impression was that this place had an upscale (relatively speaking) feel for a $9 an entree Thai place. My second thought was that the [lace is huge and seems to extend backwards...forever. Like I said got there at 1130, place was 1/3 full. By noon the place was jammed and stayed that way until my departure at 1245pm. I ordered the basil chicken with no rice. I was impressed by the portion, not huge but it was large. I thought the dish was well seasoned. It is advertised as spicy, if I ordered it again I'd ask for me heat. Basil amount was good but they could add more. Serve was attentive. Water was refilled 3 or 4 times and tea was refilled once, this met our needs. Overall, for what it is, a low cost Thai joint in the loop, this exceeded my expectations. I'd be back for sure.
(4)
Lindsey H.

Mediocre food and service. Service was slow and inattentive. Food was average and my chicken was overcooked. Not impressed. I have had much better Thai food.
(3)
Lily Z.

The food is ok, but the service is too bad. They were rude to us when we tried to get a table before whole party came, it was not full at that time and they just didn't let us do it. They moved the table away so that we didn't have enough place. We wanted to talk to the manager, and when the manager came, they said "your friend was rude first!". WHAT?
(2)
Amy H.

Me: Hi, I'll have the Basil Chicken rice dish. Server: You know that's spicy, right? Me: Yes, the little chili pepper on the menu says it's spicy. That's why I ordered it. Friend: You think you can handle that much heat? Me: Oh, because I'm a white girl you think I can't eat spicy food?! I see how it is. Friend: Uh-huh, you'll see... *eating food* Me: Damn, this is spicy. But I like it. Friend: Uh-huh.... *eating some more food* Me: Ok, yeah...this seems to be getting spicier with each bite. Friend: Uh-huh... *eating more food* Me: Wow, this is so spicy it's making my eyeballs sweat. Friend: Those are tears, wimp. After feeling returned to my mouth, I realized that I enjoyed my basil chicken, although it was a touch greasy. Siam Rice gets really crowded at lunchtime but I do like their online order system, which makes lunchtime to-go orders easy.
(4)
Restaurant J.

One of the best thai food places i have been to. The portions are decent relative to the price. They dont take reservations for lunch so will have to wait a lot. But yes the food is worth the wait. The tom yum soup is fresh and perky. The pad thai was light and tasty and the best thing was the peanuts on the side which keeps them crispy and yummy. Totally recommended for lunch and dinner. And ya it wont hurt your wallet too.
(4)
Caitlin M.

I love Siam Rice for lunch or dinner right after work. It's BYOB, which is always a plus. During lunch it is extremely crowded, but I have never waited too long for a table of 2. Not sure what it would be like if you had a large group. After work it's not crowded at all, and is actually a relaxing atmosphere. Or you can always order to go. My favorites are golden crab and pad thai. I have ventured out and eaten some other dishes and most have been good-crazy noodles, panang noodles, and drunken noodles. I was not a fan of the phuket noodles--it's seafood, and maybe I'm just picky about my seafood. The service is fast, but you don't feel rushed. The portions are pretty large. All in all, it's a great place and reasonably priced.
(4)
Pari P.

There are several other Thai restaurants around the area but Siam Rice continues to be the restaurant of choice whenever I have business lunches. For the area that is surrounded by business professionals, this is the perfect place for something different, quick, and affordable. Siam Rice has several unique characteristics. Their interior is modern with high ceilings which stands out in comparison to other Thai restaurants that tend to be traditionally decorated. Their menu has a great blend of traditional and non-traditional dishes to cater to a wider audience. The prices are what you would expect to pay for Thai food in the area. I brought my team here recently for a customer appreciation lunch where a couple of the employees never had Thai food before. For starters, I had them try the Pad Thai and Roasted Duck with Chinese Broccoli. For most of the people at the table, this was their first time trying duck. The roasted duck stood out as the clear winner since the plate was cleaned completely from the vegetables to the sauce. Both dishes were a hit and it set the stage for the main entrees. There are often crowds of people around the entrance waiting for a table particularly around lunch time between 11:30am-12:30pm. I would recommend leaving for an early or a late lunch to avoid the crowds.
(3)
Joel M.

This was always the go-to business lunch when I was working in the loop. Its nice enough to meet your boss there, casual enough to feel comfortable, and you can almost always get a table within a few minutes. Their green curry, my benchmark for Thai food, is delicious - the sauce is creamy but not too heavy and the sugar-to-salt ration was perfect. Its enough that you'll leave feeling full but you won't fall asleep at your cube at 2PM. The veggies taste fresh and the chicken (my usual) is well cooked. I've tried their satay and spring roll apps and both were par for the course. The service is quick, but they are not afraid to give you a subtle nudge to leave when you've already paid at lunch rush and there are 10 people waiting up front. When they ask you if you need more water every 30 seconds that's your queue to go.
(4)
Agnieszka D.

I just LOVE this place. The food is amazing and very affordable. If you plan on coming here during lunch time, I recommend 11:30 am so you can avoid waiting in a long line... While pregnant I used to order my food by phone and pick it up (another option if you prefer to eat in a less crowded place). Highly recommend, they definitely are one of best Thai food restaurants in downtown.
(5)
Thomas L.

This is a great change of pace for lunch in the Loop. We came early, just before 11:30. First, we were surprised to see how big the place is once you get inside. Amazingly, the whole space filled up within 20 minutes and there was a line by the time we left. The dishes were standard Thai fare, done well. Service was prompt and friendly. The environment was decidedly more upscale than I expected from the exterior. It's really a pleasant (if crowded) lunchtime experience. I will be back ;-)
(4)
Vince E.

Siam Rice is in located in the heart of the loop, so beware the rush of the business crowd for lunch. Make sure to come before 1130 to beat rush, after which, the restaurant is overrun with suits and looks more like a canteen. Service is very quick which is good for a fast meal, but which can also feel somewhat rushed as servers try to get in the second wave of diners. The food is very tasty and sign on the door says it is certified by the Thailand brand police for its food. I had the duck curry which definitely hit the spot.
(4)
Amy H.

My mentor chose this place for us to have lunch with another mentor-mentee pair, and we had a nice time. The ambiance and service are nice for a lunch Thai place. I ordered the Pad See Ew with Chicken and it was good. Not too sweet like I've had at some other places. I thought it was amusing that our Thai waiter offered me (the only Asian American at the table) chopsticks but didn't offer anyone else chopsticks. For the ambiance, service, and quality of food, I expected the prices to be higher. Oh! And make sure no one in your party is super late because they are strict with their policy of not seating you until your entire party is there since they get really busy during lunch. Thanks for a nice lunch!
(4)
Vithida S.

Not too bad for Thai place in the loop.
(4)
Jie S.

I was trying to figure out a place to do a quick dinner before a show in Goodman theater. My friend recommended this place which is right around corner from the theater. It turned out to be a nice surprise. We ordered tom yum soup with tofu, Paneng curry with tufu, and pad see ewe with chicken. When we were seated, I told the waitress that we only have 45 minutes to eat. Next thing you know, the soup was served and main dishes were there 10 minutes later. Tom yum soup was surprised good. It tasted just right with lemon grass. Only tofu and mushroom in the soup made it light and refreshing for the summer night. Paneng curry was really creamy. A little bit on the sweet side. Tasted so good when you mixed it with rice. I have to say I wish the rice was a little bit soft. Pad see ewe was cooked with Chinese napa/broccoli instead of regular broccoli. It was really good as well. Overall, it was really quick and nice dinner. Will definitely revisit when I have the chance.
(4)
Gloria A.

It's good, but not great. There's a lot of thai around and I want to be wowed. Just didn't happen here.
(4)
Hina Q.

So I went here for lunch one day. Because of my "o-k" first experience it wasnt my first choice of restaurant, but majority ruled, and I didnt want to ruin it for the others. The place gets packed so we made sure to get there just before the lunch rush. I ordered the Shrimp Panang curry with white rice - I give it an 'A' for flavor, I give it a 'C-' for rice portion (it wasnt even enough for me to finish the curry! When I asked for a takeaway box to pack half my shirmp panang curry that was left, they brought me a cardbord box with a clear bag in it!!! Really!!! Given I had no other choice, i packed it. Later that night when I wanted to re-heat it, half the curry was stuck to the bag. How are you expected to warm curry thats in a bag! Next time I will insist for a small plastic container (like other resaurants give for food that is not dry). Meh..
(2)
Jordan P.

Great place for a quick, casual work lunch! The food is great! I've had the green curry, a couple of different noodle dishes and the basil chicken and they've all been tasty. All of the food comes out really quickly. The downside is that if you're not trying to get back to work quickly it can feel as though the servers are rushing you. The tables are also really close together, so if you're trying to have a personal conversation it's not the best place to go. But a great go to lunch spot if you work in the area.
(4)
Natasha P.

Quick! Somebody get me a ribbon and a medal because Siam Rice deserves a goddamn award. I ducked in here for a late lunch today and found myself dining alone in the main dining room which mind you, is FAAAAAAN-CY (think mahogany panels and tables with dim lighting). I don't know about the rest of you, but I love eating alone, especially in fancy-ish type establishments. I ordered the Vegetable Rolls to start with - carrots, cucumber, vermicelli noodles and pineapple rolled in a soft, fresh wrapper. YES, PINEAPPLE! It was deeeelish to say the least, light and fresh - inventive with the pineapple, a lovely touch. As my entree, I opted for the Lard Na, you know how mama loves all Lad Nar/Lard Na dishes! Mmm, I requested for it to be extra spicy, so they actually sliced up a hot pepper and both cooked and served it in the dish. Honestly, it was not as spicy as I preferred - which hey isn't their fault. I'm a freak of nature, I put crushed red pepper and cayenne into almost everything - even last night's lobster bisque. But I digress... This Lard Na was amazeballs. The brown gravy was perfection (after adding several spoonfulls of chili powder). It was like the gravy decided to have a party and invited fresh broccoli and noodles to complete the guest list. Hell to the mother effing yes. The service was quick, kind and attentive. My food was out in a matter of minutes but I still enjoyed eating at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying Chelsea Handler's witty repartee a la Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang. An ideal lunch if I do say so myself... In summation, Siam Rice is DY-NO-MITE.
(4)
Hondo S.

Food is decent enough although the location certainly dictates the price here. Better or equal can be found elsewhere for lower costs. The main downer here is the service which is aloof & overly self-important.
(2)
Michelle F.

Yes, this place is pretty delicious ... and popular! I went there with some peeps from work for lunch on a Monday, and there was a 15-minute wait. It was also really hot that day, so they had a cooler of water bottles by the door for people to drink while they waited for a table ... nice gesture. Once we were seated and ordered, the food came out pretty quickly. I had the Chicken Pad Thai, which was delicious and made just how I like it with plenty of chicken. I actually could only eat half my portion, so I was able to take the other half home. It heated up really nicely. I would recommend this place for a nicer lunch in the Loop. The service is fast and efficient, even though they're super busy, and the food is great.
(4)
Amanda G.

Outstanding Thai food at a reasonable price! During a visit to Chicago with my mom and stepfather, we decided to eat dinner at Siam Rice. When we first sat down and looked at the menu my stepfather said "This is a tapas restaurant, there is no way you will get a full meal with these prices. We are going to wind up spending a lot of money here". Luckily, he was wrong. I ordered the panang salmon; the food was delicious and the portion was more than generous. We all left very happy with our meal and over all experience. The next time I am in Chicago, I plan to go back to Siam Rice.
(5)
Jeff D.

Great portions, great prices, speedy service.
(5)
Cara T.

I love Siam Rice. I go here for lunch at least once a week or so. I usually get to-go, because they are always packed and the seating can get cramped. I love the crab wontons and cucumber salad as appetizers. For entree, I usually get the Salmon Teriyaki or the Chicken Pad Thai. Both are delicious. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for lunch that wants some good Thai food.
(4)
Melanie S.

This place is okay. There's a dearth of decent sit-down restaurants in the Loop and I loathe most fast-food options in the vicinity of my office. Why, oh, why is there not a Portillo's in the Loop? Anyway, back to my review. I enjoy Thai food and this place is solid. They're not re-inventing the wheel here, but the menu is extensive, and it's fairly priced. Naturally they cater to the office crowd, so your food comes out lightning fast. I am not such a fan of this. As others have mentioned, they'll bring out the food as it's ready, rather than everyone's dishes out at the same time. When you're there with friends or colleagues, it's not such a big deal, but when you go with clients, it can make for an awkward lunch when I'm sitting there watching my food get cold while my dining companion has to wait a full five minutes for their entree. I could send my food back and explain that I'd like to wait until my guest has their food, but I know it will just sit under a heat lamp in the meantime. I'd go back with work friends, but probably skip it if I was going to lunch with clients.
(3)
Stef M.

Very good. Crazy Noodle is my favorite dish, has baby carrots, tomato, pepper, shrimp, chicken, and is not very spicy as the menu suggests. Good pad thai. Good menu selection. The spring rolls are good but a bit odd. Cheap delivery charge, fast service. Affordably priced menu, ave. $8.50 entree, $4.25 appetizers. Its BYOB, so it gets a fifth star.
(5)
Raquel D.

This is my favorite Thai in the loop. When I worked a bit closer, I made a weekly appearance. Now that I'm a wee bit further (10 min brisk, out of breath walking), I haven't had the pleasure of going as often. But I still try, especially during cooler months where i won't be sweaty after speed walking. :) The service is fast - not personable, but that's b/c they are BUSY! And for good reason - the food is good and ready almost immediately. At first, that can seem scary, but no, it's fresh - they are just well prepared and know what they're doin' back there. My staples are chicken and/or beef pad see ew, ground chicken basil, chicken basil fried rice, lad nar, tom yum, drunk noodles and tom yum noodle. All have been exceptionally yummy. I tried other dishes and apps as well and have never been disappointed. This is where I usually take my downtown visitors for lunch. The price is decent for having a "nicer" lunch. The only problem is having to haul my heavy arse back to the office after this fulfilling meal that I usually lick clean. mmm.
(4)
Melissa T.

Food alone makes this a 5 star joint, but... I'm not normally one to eliminate a star for ambiance or more so the lack there of or for atrocious service, but this place - in trying to accommodate the loop lunch rush - crams their tables together to the extent that you could literally brush elbows with the person at the next table. Further, service is pretty abysmal - not rude just really pushy. Not a good start. Next, the fact that I wanted kee mao, and their version (drunken noodles) is made with "thin rice noodles" was not a good second impression of the place for me. Being the annoying white girl that I am, I asked if the dish could be made with wide rice noodles like every other drunken noodle I've ever had, and they told me "that's what the crazy noodle is for." Unfortunately, I prefer my kee mao with either beef or pork, so I decided to try something else. As a result, I tried the panang noodles with beef. Oh my dear good lord - this was one spectacular dish. The only negative I recall with each and every salivatingly good bite was...nothing. Crammed quarters couldn't ruin that delicious food affair I had with the curry, the half crunchy, half soft delicious wide rice noodles, and the beef in my dish. Dear Curry Noodle, I'll come again and have you soon, my sweet love. I promise. My companion had the massamum curry, and he loved it. We also had some fantastic appetizers (spring rolls and thai pockets, i believe) as well as a splendid tom kha soup. Overall, the cramped ambiance and pushy service is almost completely eliminated from my siam rice memory because the food really was that good. I look forward to going there again very soon. I've heard the place is great for delivery though - you get the delicious food and the ambiance of your choosing. Yes, please.
(4)
Taufiq H.

Awesome food .. great taste. The tiger cry looked interesting. I came here for a company lunch
(4)
Jay J.

one of the Junk restaurants. They use the fish oil in the food and that is not written in the menu any where. When we ask this they say that every thai restaurant uses the fish oil. Food there really stinks and service was awful. Dont waste money going there. They did not even bother to change our food and we had to pay for the food and come out not even touching it.
(1)
Tim J.

Pad kra pow was huge, and traditional with no vegetables as it is supposed to be. In siam the only color in this dish is the basil. Real holy basil not sweet basil and kecap manis and golden mountain spiced the hand chopped chicken giving it a lovely mahogany color. Real holy basil had an intoxicating smell. Really pretty decor with nice bar. Staff are efficient, not talkative because they are busy busy. Fine by me. Dont want to chat, I am eating. My only complaint of this huge dish was there was enough chicken for two portions and only enough rice for one portion. Better than average and authentic.
(4)
D A.

I have eaten here a few times as it is close to my office. Each time I have found the food below average but more importantly the hostess and servers to be extremely rude. They squeeze people in (even when there are plenty of open tables) and they rush you out. My last experience was so poor that this was the impedes of me finally signing up for Yelp to write this review.
(1)
Cathy B.

Does anyone else think that the Thai offerings in downtown Chicago are lacking? This has probably the best atmosphere, at least when you walk in. And the food was fine -- nothing to write home about, but, adequate. Fine. Inoffensive. But, while the atmosphere LOOKS classy, your dining experience (at least at lunch) will not be relaxing. It's extremely loud inside, which makes for difficult conversation. And the service is brusque -- we were asked if we were ready to order twice in a row, before we had even opened a menu! The first question came probably within one minute of being seated at the table. Food came out erratically, and service was too focused on being multi-tasked, than on providing quality service. (For example, in trying to provide service to the table next to us while also walking to-go food up to a second table, a server wound up hitting me repeatedly with the sharp corner of a to-go box.) I get it that the lunch rush is indeed a rush. But, c'mon -- we were in and out in 20 minutes. That's great, if all you want is a full belly. But if you want a break from your day AND if you want quality food, this is not the place for you. It's certainly not the place for me.
(2)
John H.

I love this place. If you work in the Loop, it's perfect for takeout and a fast sit-down lunch. The food is always good and the service is lightning fast, if sometimes a bit brusque. The curries are all flavorful, especially the Mussamun, and the special dishes are different from many Thai places. My favorite is the Marina Grill with eggplant, shrimp and chicken. If you dine in, get there before noon as the dining room fills quickly.
(5)
J O.

Been here twice now to meet up with a friend after work. Always able to get a table easy. We actually have sat at the same table now both times. Ordered the chicken coconut curry my first time and it was OK, but second time, wanted to try something new. I was also not as hungry my second time there so I went ahead and just got a salad. Got their Yum Talay salad and LOVED it. Keep in mind, I am a big fan of shrimp, scallops, mussels and squid. It was the perfect portion size and taste was just right with a hint of mint. Still trying to figure out an app I like. Tried both the spring and veggie rolls, but didn't fall in love with them. Think I'm going to try the fried tofu next time she & I meet up, which will probably be next month!
(4)
Scot C.

Not impressed! After having a wonderful Thai dinner earlier this week while in Seattle's University district, I was compelled to try Siam Rice. The decor is upscale, though the attire of the waitstaff is not - wearing non-uniform t-shirts and cargo shorts. Service was quick and courteous, but I was quickly dismayed to learn the restaurant served no alcohol - no Singha for me tonight. Instead, the waiter offered I could run across the street to the CVS store and purchase some beer for my dinner. To start, I ordered the chicken satay The satay was swimming in turmeric but yet still lacked flavor or character as did the peanut sauce. The portions were generous for the price, but the dish was still a disappointment. For the entree, I chose the Panang curry - which was listed as a specialty. It only comes with jasmine rice and I was not offered to substitute brown rice or sticky rice which I would have preferred. The order was delivered surprisingly quick - which I later learned was because the curry is not made fresh. They make large batches of it twice a day. That explained why the chicken was mushy after haven been boiled for several hours and the curry sauce had started to separate - resulting in a grainy texture and appearance. The taste wasn't much better... there was no spice or kick to the curry (and I was never asked if I wanted to have it bland/mild). The entire meal was barely palatable. When the waitstaff inquired about my meal, I told them straight up that I was disappointed in the quality of the curry - to which I got nary an apology or concern. There was no offer to substitute nor an adjustment of my bill. Sadly to say, the most tasteful item I consumed at Siam Rice was the authentic Thai candy that I picked from the bowl on the counter on my way out the door. Overall - a waste of 20 bucks. Don't bother... there have to be tons of better Thai restaurants in town.
(1)
Francesca L.

Love Love Love Siam Rice!! This is a great lunch place in the loop. Food comes out extremely fast, fresh and hot. I've been here numerous times and the food flavor is consistent and the portions are a great size for lunch (sometimes even a little too big). The price point is also reasonable for a sit down restaurant (with quality food) in the loop. Some downsides could be the close seating, small cramped space, waiting for a seat and noise. I really don't let this bother me. I would much rather eat in a place that is constantly packed than one with no patrons. To me, it is a sign that this is a great restaurant. Some reviewers also commented on the waitresses being rude or not friendly. I would agree that they may come across not super friendly but they are also extremely busy. Again, this is something that doesn't bother me. I known when I am Siam Rice that my $8.00 noodle dish will like not come with the most attentive service (and to me, it is not even needed at this time of dining establishment). Basically, if you want a reasonably priced sit down lunch in this part of the loop, then Siam Rice is a great choice.
(5)
Angie M.

You simply must get here before 11:45 or after 1:30 to have a chance in hell of being seating quickly. Siam Rice is THE preferred Thai joint in the Loop and the crowds here confirm it. Just a few tidbits: * You're entire party must be present to be seated. I found that out the hard way. * The crab rangoon is AWESOME! I was eating here with a friend and I believe she called it "righteous." * Everything costs about $10. Make it easy on yourself and bring cash so you can get out of there quickly. Since it's so busy, the servers are totally slammed and it may take a few minutes to get your credit card run. * The huge, rotating front door to the restaurant will actually hit you on your ass on the way out. Beware.
(4)
Sanket K.

Siam Rice is located in the loop and is my go-to Thai place for lunch in the loop or for late-night working sessions. I've had the Panang Curry, Panang Noodles, Yellow Curry and Mango sticky rice desserts and all of them were spot-on. I've tried a few of the other Thai places in the loop and Siam Rice is the best. My only problem with them is that it seems like they try to rush you during lunch. They aren't pushy, but they seem like they work very quickly to try to end your meal.
(4)
Leang E.

It seems to me that more people prefer this Thai restaurant to the Ruby Siam based on the number of reviews and ratings, but my taste buds weren't in complete agreement. I was disappointed that the place doesn't take reservations, so we made sure we left work a little early to beat the rush. It wasn't too necessary as the service here is really quick. The staff is really on top of things to ensure a high table turnover. The interior of the restaurant is really nice and fitting for business lunches as well. I ordered the thai iced tea, shrimp tom yum soup, and the chicken drunken noodles. We also split up the crab rangoon. My only complaint really was the chicken drunken noodles. The flavoring was off for me - along with the mix of vegetables was different and I liked it, but overall just not what I expected. I have to say this might be my least favorite drunken noodle spot. I would like to come back and try other dishes as this one might just be off. It seems like they have some unique dishes as well. The prices were reasonable for downtown.
(3)
Michael S.

Food is decent for the price. My main complain is the service. I understand the rush hours and accommodating during those hours are though. We had a group of four, they took our order in about 10 mins after being seated. After the food arrived one meal was missing which was my meal out of the four. Another 5 mins to get their attention and 10 mins til my food arrives. Checking out was the most ridiculous.Besides the wait, we wanted to go boxes and as the waitress lifted our plates forks and spoons fell on other plates. No apologies just silence... Bad bad bad service.
(1)
Vineet S.

My office collegue took me and other office mates for lunch to this place. This place is normally buzzing with people during the peak lunch hours. We reserved our table in advance sine we were 14 of us. I ordered Crazy Noodles on my Manager's advice since he is a regular at this place. The noodles were very good and had a perfect blend of shrimps, chicken and were not that hot. I really liked them. Next time when I visited the place I ordered Marina Grill which is actually served with rice. It's little spicy but it's good. The place has too many people dining in and way too less waiters. So sometimes wait becomes long to get hold of waitress. Overall a nice place to dine in for lunch.
(3)
Jonathan W.

This is one of the only Thai places in the loop and I've eaten here WAY TOO MUCH. The food isn't terrible - they only offense is that it's probably the most dumbed-down example of Thai food around (which is why it's so busy so I guess you can't fault them for that). But seriously...no fish sauce? No fish sauce used in anything? None even on the premises? I've asked why and no good answer has been given other than most people will probably be a little freaked out once they know how it's made. I'll leave the wiki-work to you... Fish sauce is to Thai food as garlic and olive oil are to Italian food. If you leave it out you'll still get the idea but something's clearly missing.
(2)
Sabrina M.

In fairness, I must update and upgrade. I probably order takeout lunch from Siam Rice at least three times a week -- the food is delicious and I've made friends with the folks working the front, so they are always incredibly friendly to me. They know my name and practically my order. The only reason I'm not giving it four stars is that I haven't dined in for a long time, so I don't know if those service issues have been corrected or not. But this is definitely a better-than-two-star restaurant. I'm pretty traditional with my orders -- usually Pad Thai, Pad Woon Sen or Panang Curry. If you like those dishes, this is your spot. Always good, and take out is pretty quick.
(3)
Beata S.

Great experience every time!Green Curry to die for,Golden noodles,Wonton soup and Sticky Rice that's my usual menu-very good,fresh and fast each time I am in the area. The service could be improved but who cares-the food is what I come for not the massage.
(5)
Sarah H.

After reading a couple reviews, I decided to give this place a try! It was a positive experience! Service was kind of slow,but overall great experience. I ordered the typical pad thai. However, expect to overhear neighboring table conversations!
(4)
Audre L.

We've ordered take out from here a few times, and the food is superb. The thin rice noodles are quite thin and fine, and they never over cook the noodles. It is never too greasy, and is always tasty. Portions are "just right" ... but I always want more b/c the food is so good! Rice noodle based dishes: Pad Thai Drunken Noodles Crazy Noodles (wide rice noodles)
(5)
Allie M.

One of my go to spots for lunch. The service may not be the best but I really do not care...the thai is delicious. It tastes very authentic and has a very large menu. It's also pretty good for groups so easy to walk over from the office.
(5)
Andrea R.

This used to be one of my favorite lunch spots back when I worked in an office. These days I work in my sweats at home and stay away from crowded lunch spots, but I do hit up Siam Rice for dinner once in awhile. It's actually very convenient to dine there before going to shows at the nearby Cadillac Theatre. While it's packed for lunch it's always pretty empty for dinner. I've had a variety of dishes and everything is pretty good. This past Wednesday before getting singing along with Mary Poppins (just a spoonful of sugar...) I met a friend here. I promised myself ahead of time I'd be good and get the mixed veggie stirfry after eating/drinking myself silly at a bachelorette party this weekend, but somehow my friend convinced me to get the drunken noodles. Mmm. We split those, as well as the summer roll appetizer- now that actually is sorta healthy until I drenched it with peanut sauce. I also got a bowl of tom yum soup, which totally hit the spot. And the Tom Kha Soup for my friend. All that food came to $24 total, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. And they are always pretty fast- both for lunch and dinner. Oh, and they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays so this is definitely a weekday spot. You'll have to get your thai fix elsewhere during the weekend.
(4)
Sonia L.

This is the most disgusting Thai restaurant I have ever eaten at. I just got back from lunch and seriously feel like puking. Do not get the Panang Curry. It's gross! Also, after we were seated, another friend decided to join us. The waiter pulled up a chair for her (similar to the setup as the table adjacent to us) and we ordered for her before she got there. After we ordered, the owner said it was against policy to have that chair there (even though the table next to us had the same setup!) and kicked us out and told us she canceled our order until our third friend showed up. Really?! I am shocked we actually stuck around regret that we did, since the food was HORRIBLE. Do yourself a favor and never come to this restaurant. If you want decent Thai food, go to My Thai or Hot Wok Cool Sushi.
(1)
Ariel L.

HUGE place. Packed at lunch. Tables are tight and i almost knocked a woman into her panang curry while try to get my ass in the chair. Sorry Lady. Not an open table in the place at 12:15. Food wasn't spectacular, but it wasn't bad either. I got the chicken curry soup. It was very tasty, but it didn't resemble soup. It was noodles and chicken with a little broth. Not what i wanted on this chilly day, but i still enjoyed it. If i worked close to here i would come to eat at least once a month. Good value for your wallet too.
(3)
Fred G.

I frequently visit Siam Rice with my coworkers. The food is usually really good, and it comes out pretty fast. All of their thai dishes are really good, my favorite being the Yum Talay salad which is a great portion size for lunch. The only drawback of Siam Rice is that it is so good and draws such a big crowd, that there will be a wait for seating anytime after 12:00pm.
(4)
Neha M.

I wish I could give this restaurant 0 stars. I am a strict vegetarian and found bits of chicken in my tofu pad see eiw. Never getting food from here ever again!
(1)
J P.

Nothing to write home about- just another average Thai place. Probably wouldn't return. Also, beware they refuse to split checks more than two ways, regardless of the size of the group. Therefore, you can't pay with more than two forms. We tried to pay with 2 cards and cash for a large group and they refused to accept our payment in that form. We also had to ask for the drinks we ordered after over 20 minutes post-ordering. Lastly, if you like spicy Thai food, this is for sure not the place for you. I ordered "extra spicy" green curry and was totally underwhelmed. I'd give a 1.5 if yelp would let me. Also, their only vegan option was a salad and weird veggie roll.
(2)
Coco H.

My favorite Thai spot in the loop. But if you're going for lunch, be sure you go early because I'm not the only one that loves this place. The place is packed for lunch and they don't take reservations. They do a great job of keeping things moving though, you rarely if ever have to wait long to ask for anything including the check.. not that you're rushed by any means. What's nice is they also are open late unlike other loop eateries that close around 5pm. Siam closes at 7pm I think which means I can grab stuff for dinner if I wanted. I recommend the Marina Grill. It's basically the Basil Chicken but with added shrimp on a bed of eggplant. SUPER spicy, if you're into that. If not, they can also provide it without the spice.
(5)
Richard G.

Went in for lunch as it seemed a busy place. Service... Experienced cattle car service - pack'em in long lines of tables that are about 2 inches from each other. As we were sitting down the guests from the next table (2 inches away) proceeded to take all the condiments off our table and put them on their's. Wow.... we got up and went to the next section of the cattle car. Waitress never checked on us or our order. Very, very rushed. The only bright spot was the hostess that seated us - she was nice and smiling. The Food... Watery curries. Greasy spring rolls. That's it in a nutshell. So if you like Thai food you know what I am writing about...
(1)
Kristy F.

Food was wonderful, loved the vibe of this place. Nice menu and very affordable. It seems very popular, especially with the surrounding businesses! If you want to sit down and really relax, I don't suggest going on a weekday during the lunch rush. People seem to really enjoy it, because it's always packed, which is a really good sign of great food. Love this place, will be returning soon!
(5)
Phil A.

Was ok, I ordered the garlic chicken and though it was good there was very little chicken to speak of, I have only been here once so if I get a chance will try it again. I did have king of Siam a couple of blocks away and that was excellent so since I gave them 4 stars I gave Siam Rice 3.
(3)
Sheel M.

TERRIBLE for vegetarians / vegans... Every dish has fish sauce in it except for the mixed vegetable plate. Otherwise it's fine, decent atmosphere for a thai place. I asked for something to be made vegetarian and the waitress said she could do that, then I asked if it had fish sauce and she said she couldn't remove it, everything is premade.
(1)
Kerrie Z.

The food here isn't good enough to deal with their rude staff and management. My friends and I went here for lunch during our work day. It was understandably busy. We waited about 15 minutes for our table, which was expected. One member of our party had a meeting that ran until just before lunchtime, so she texted us her order so we could get things moving. After waiting for our table, the staff informed us that we couldn't be seated since our third party wasn't present. We told her we had all three of our orders ready to go, so we wouldn't be sitting at the table wasting space. They very snidely told us we would not be allowed to sit. I requested to speak to a manager, who was equally as rude. I indicated that they'd wasted our time making us wait for a table that they would not seat us at. Instead of helping mitigate the problem, he told us it was our fault - we wasted our own time because we didn't tell them up-front that one member of our party wasn't present. Basically, this place survives because they're in the loop so a million people pass by every day around lunchtime. There is no way I will go back to be treated so disrespectfully.
(1)
Aaron N.

Throw your traditional lunch plans out the window and grab some slamming Thai from Siam Rice. I just started getting into Thai food and the reason I know this is an exceptional spot, is because I've had some terrible Thai and Siam is better than them all. I've had the basil chicken (Pad Ka Prow) and the beef and broccoli rice dishes and daddy likes. I'm a big fan of spicy and the basil chicken made me break a sweat. This was kinda embarrassing since I was with a girl and I looked like an idiot as I dripped sweat in my chair. Anyways...check out Siam Rice and don't be intimidated by the line, because they get people in and out quickly. Pretty much this place gets a...boom.
(4)
An P.

yum.....Yum......YUM! No, folks - we're not talking about some Tom Yum soup, we're talkin' about some Siam RICE! Lo and behold there are a few Thai restaurants by Clark and Lake and very few worth their salt. I have noticed many Thai restaurants shutting their downs but not Siam Rice! Thinking of some food and brainstorming, a coworker said she went and ordered Siam and was going to pick it up. I did the same and went to order online. We waited and did some more work for about 20 minutes and rolled on over. Inside, Siam Rice looked swank. If it wasn't located on Wells, I would imagine Siam Rice fitting more in a hotel setting - the place looks great! There was a line of 15 people waiting and then every table in the restaurant was taken. Since we had the wisdom to call ahead we zipped to the front of the line and got away with our goods. Returning back I opened some pad thai up and got the *oh dayum* reflex! The pad thai was light on the sprouts (just the way I like it) and the chopped peanuts were still chunky. While they only loaded it up with 5 pieces of shrimp the shrimp were big enough to compensate and were tasting fresh. Nothing like sitting in the office with some chop sticks working and eating some great cheap Thai food. I could get used to this!
(5)
Lisa H.

I do not understand the hype. The price is right, sure, but I'm constantly unimpressed with this joint. In fairness there aren't that many great lunch options around City Hall, and this is one of the best places to go. But as someone who's traveled a lot in Asia, I don't think their food is that great. Nor is it that authentic, nor is it better than most "hole in the wall" Asian restaurants. It just happens to look much more awesome and exotic, be in the Loop and host ridiculously good- looking young people during the lunch rush. It seems like every time I've gone there, I've been mildly uncomfortable. I've either been jostled around by the crowd, yelled at by the hostess, given the wrong change back, or given the wrong order. The people I work with are still totally enchanted by this place and I'm sure we'll continue eating here. I'm not going to complain because it certainly could be worse :) But I will probably be heading to the new Pret a Manger or Mista that just opened on LaSalle!
(3)
Karen T.

Nom nom nom. Worth it if you're craving Thai and have time for a quick lunch date. Just be mindful of the 12-1 War Zone that is Prime Lunch Time in the Loop. Having spent 4 years in college in Hyde Park, a neighborhood where there was an abundance of Thai restaurants and very little of anything else, I've experienced Chicago Thai pretty well. Siam Rice is a great lunch spot if you're not looking for an intimate/private cafe or to stay long. This place is loud, the tables are close together and patron turnover is quick to accommodate the throngs of people that frequent any popular Loop Lunch spot. Plus it's right on Wells (under the El), not that you needed anything to add to the noise. Food: As with any Thai restaurant, the taste tests of Pad Thai and Tom Kha Soup were implemented and passed - not with flying colors as the curry here does, but it's pretty authentic and it's got a more than reasonable price point.
(3)
Shradha A.

My friend at Accenture told me her colleagues are hooked to this place and I didn't actually realize until I walked in that I had been here before. The place is nice and casual, as are the prices. They have limited staff so if this place is busy it might get slow, but for a Thursday night dinner in the loop, this place only had about 40% occupancy (they have about 10-12 tables). We ordered spring rolls, which weren't the best I've had but were still good. What I really did enjoy here was their green curry with tofu! It was cooked just right and the combination of all the ingredients was just right too! And trust me, Thai green curry isn't so easy to get right - I know the real taste because I lived in Singapore for a while! This place is also very vegetarian-friendly, something else that made it a popular choice with my friends and me! :)
(4)
Esther K.

Stopped by to catch up with an old friend over dinner around 6p on a weekday. The dining room is surprisingly fancy pants, it wasn't very crowded and the service was attentive. But the food- just eh. We ordered the green curry, which was watery, and the panang noodles with tofu, which came out lukewarm. Would not return.
(2)
Jon E.

We went here on a whim, because it looked fancy from the outside. Super fast service. Super great food. We ordered the Thai Fried Rice with Chicken and the Green Curry Soup with vegetables. Both were spectacular. The soup was spicier than expected, but still, great. Service was unbelievably fast, and the price was a lot cheaper than expected. I would highly recommend.
(5)
Ryan M.

Fast service. Food was well prepared. Had the beef basil rice and was satisfied with the quality, price and taste.
(3)
Matthew C.

The food always comes out fast, the quality is above average and consistant, the dining room is large, and for the loop, the price is awesome. Overall, it is a very good Thai loop restaurant.
(4)
Samson P.

To celebrate our newest member to our team, we took him to Siam Rice for some Thai Food for lunch. We did not know what to expect as his dad recommended this place. Immediately you can tell they opened this place not too long ago since it had a modern look and feel and was very packed for lunch. We didn't have to wait for a table with 8 people. We ordered the teriyaki chicken, green curry with chicken (recommended), bambee noodles(excellent), pad thai, panang curry with chicken (pretty good) and cashew chicken. The bambee noodles had slices of cha siu (chinese roast pork), crabmeat and a crab rangoon. My coworker finished all of it and wouldn't let me try some since it was so good. At least two people ordered the green curry and were not disappointed. Verdict: Even though it was packed but the service was very accommodating and we did not have to wait long for a table. The food was overall very good and was authentic.
(4)
Cassie M.

I would literally eat their Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice every day if I could. I've tried several items here & nothing has disappointed me. It's a lovely restaurant, reasonable prices, great portions, fantastic food. Word of warning: Don't go during the normal lunch hour. You will be late getting back. This place gets packed to the brim & the food takes awhile to come out during the rush.
(4)
Brad C.

You want different, you want thai, you want spice, you want good food in Chicago's loop, you go here. I can't say enough except YUM. I recommend take out or delivery since the place is always packed when I am there. Tom Kha soup & the Tiger Cries... so good.
(5)
Khadijah L.

Siam Rice is a *terrible* place to have lunch in the loop! I had wanted to catch up with a friend over lunch and he suggested to come here. The food was REALLY GOOD, and the portion was rather generous for lunch... It totally distracted me and I really didn't get as much conversation as I wanted to.... Ah well. That just means I have to come back for catching up Round 2.
(4)
Sonia C.

Came here for a nice, quiet, dinner on Friday night and was pleasantly surprised by the elegant interior, low prices, and good food. I split the shrimp pad thai and a grilled steak w/chili sauce with a friend, and there was more than enough food for both of us. The pad thai was tangy and had a decent number of large shrimp, easily reaching the bar (as pad thai can only be so good). The grilled steak was tender and well-marinated. The only bad thing about it was that it was served with some reheated sticky rice that was even harder to cut than the steak. Bill, with two Thai iced teas, came to about $30. Service was good and we never felt rushed even when we were the last table in the house.
(4)
Shanti N.

This place is average at best. I came here for lunch, right during the heart of the lunch rush. The seating was relatively prompt and the menu selections are your standard Thai-in-the-Loop fare. I ordered the drunken noodles and was not expecting thin rice noodles in the dish. I did appreciate that they did not skimp on the vegetables and the dish was nicely spicy. Portions are genrous and prices are reasonable, but the place could use some finesse in the customer service department. As several other reviewers noted, there is a definite 'eat, pay, and get out' vibe. I probably will not add this spot to my rotation.
(2)
Carol K.

I'm not a huge fan of Thai food, but I like this restaurant very much. The chicken and vegetables is delicious, and it comes to the table very fast. The sticky rice and mangos is out of this world! Sometimes, I'll order a bowl of tum yum soup (also very good) so I can order dessert. The price is very reasonable and the atmosphere is nice. The wait staff is a little cold, but your food is served so quickly, it hardly matters.
(4)
Nat K.

I love this place. They have far and away the best salmon I've ever had at a Thai restaurant -- both the salmon panang and the salmon teriyaki are great. I will say that the basil tofu was a bit blah -- the tofu didn't seem to soak up the flavor of the other ingredients very much. I ordered mussels here one time, too, and the food was great but the portion was way too small, basically an appetizer. (Hearsay: a more carnivorous friend of mine who I've gone to Siam Rice with several times swears by their basil chicken). Siam Rice is less pricey than you'd think given the sleek decor -- basically on the high end of the normal range for lunch downtown. I've never had to wait long for seating during lunch, even though it's usually pretty hopping at noonish.
(5)
Matt P.

Okay, so I went here for lunch, and it was a complete cluster. Now, I realize it was lunch in the middle of the Loop, but I mean, come on ... a little organization please hostesses. HOWEVER They do seat you really fast, but it's pretty claustrophobic and they really pack you in. The food wasn't bad ... pretty run of the mill Thai. I got the crazy noodles, and was really impressed that they came with shrimp AND chicken. I think I would have rated Siam Rice higher if I got it as carry-out instead of dine in.
(2)
Sarah F.

Siam Rice is a bustling weekday lunch spot, even if you arrive before the noon hour. The staff, of necessity, is very efficient at taking orders and delivering food. I wish they were a little better about packing leftovers...they brought a bag-lined carry-out container for the rest of my curry. Since we were sitting elbow-to-elbow to the party next to us, I didn't think it was worth the effort of trying to pack the rest of my lunch that way. Frowny face. Entrees were ~$9 apiece, and the food was tasty. We had the BBQ pork noodle soup and spicy chicken coconut curry made with tofu instead of chicken. The latter was packed with noodles and plenty of heat from the dried, ground chiles added as a garnish to the finished dish, but I may try asking for veggies next time. It was literally noodles and tofu in the rich, coconut broth -- nothing else. The Thai iced coffee was also strong-tasting but didn't leave me jittery. In short, this is a great weekday lunch spot for folks who work in the Loop and can risk waiting a bit for a table. Try checking it out in the evenings, when the spot is practically dead but the food is equally yummy.
(4)
Jyoti P.

Went out with coworkers.....Tasty food and big portion.
(5)
Carolyn L.

I love Thai food, and this BYOB restaurant was a great little place to grab dinner in the Loop. I believe it's mostly for the lunch crowd, but my friend lives close to there so we decided to go after work one night and brought our own beer along. I ordered the Tom Kha coconut milk soup (I just can't resist this Thai staple) and it was pretty on par with other Thai restaurants. I then ordered the drunken noodles although, after reading many of the reviews on here, I was too scared to try something marked spicy. I carefully avoided many of the hot peppers that were prepared in the noodles and made out pretty well! The dish was flavorful, warm, and delicious. I had enough to take some for leftovers. We were the last ones to leave the restaurant so the service was quick, but a bit sporadic. All in all, a great meal at a great price!
(4)
Kim J.

How on earth does this place have 4 stars? I don't get it. I had lunch with a friend here today. The food was fine - nothing special, decent flavors, generally unremarkable Thai food. But the service. WTF? Literally within 1 minute of sitting down, a waitress was bearing down on us asking for our order. Um no, I'm not ready to order when I haven't even opened the menu. So she leaves. And doesn't come back for quite awhile. So the lesson - be ready to order. After we ordered? We sat there for 35 minutes waiting for our food. Finally, a waiter appears and deposits a plate of food in front of me, and then scurries off. What about my friend? She didn't get her food for another 5 minutes. So we're annoyed, but we eat. After we finish, we sit there for awhile again until they drop the check. And then we sit there for another ten minutes while they run my friend's card. (The table next to us also paid with a card, and they got it back right away.) Ugh. Maybe this place is better earlier in the day, but right at the heart of the lunch rush? Meh.
(2)
Kelli D.

Ordered through GrubHub- it took close to 90 minutes for food to arrive. The summer roles were mainly lettuce and shrimp curry was all sauce with about 4 little shrimp.
(2)
Miss L.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY TO SUCCESS - I ordered my food as usual through the online system. The food arrived, but not the hot sauce or the extra hot sauce. I enjoy spicy food, and would rather not eat it if it's not spicy like I like it. So I contacted the restaurant and informed them, and they said they only provide one (1) hot sauce, which is a lie, since I have ordered several times, and always request extra hot sauce. However I didn't even get the one. They finally agreed to send the hot sauce, but when I called back to see how long it would take, the said "I don't know" and I asked would it be an hour, they responded "less than an hour about 30 minutes" then they hung up the phone on me without even saying bye. In the past I have always been happy. Today, I very unhappy about the service; so much so, that I am certain that I will not order again, especially if they think its okay to treat customers with such disrespect.
(1)
Farrah D.

Per friend's recommendation, went here for dinner with a group. The quality and taste of the food was really good--had the basil chicken, tofu pad thai, and one of their sticky rice desserts. It was overall a very satisfying meal. I took one star off for the boring loop location--will maybe try their delivery next time.
(3)
Jon F.

Huge "small" squid Tom yum ( hot and sour) soup for $5, and really good pad Thai with wide noodles for $9. It was dead by dinner time, but that made speed and service great. The only rough spot was a bug scurried across the floor when I went to the bathroom, but I don't think it was a cookaracha so it may have been isolated. Tons of good food for the price and location.
(4)
Dawn D.

When Thai is calling for lunch, this is usually the spot that answers. I've had the basil chicken..oh yes I'm a fan! Most recently, I tried the crazy noodles with chicken, shrimp, carrots, green beans, baby corn, bean sprouts and I like it extra spicy. It was so hot I was perspiring after..perfect! This is not a spot where you would just drop in. Call in your order or make a reservation. The service is usually quick and to the point.
(4)
Ryan M.

The best Tom Yum Noodle Soup around! The oweners are great. Great place to grab a quick sit down lunch. Upscale for cheap. BYOB too.
(5)
Desirae K.

2-star says it all "Meh. I've experienced better." Ordered delivery from Siam rice. The service was "freaky fast." The food on the other hand, was, well nothing to write home about. Nothing worse than getting shoddy delivery food because it's not like you can send it back to the kitchen! Anyway, here's what we ordered & thought: .......... Basil Chicken --- may have made the mistake of ordering this with mild spice. Saw a bunch of Yelpers say how crazy hot it was so I panicked and dialed down the heat, probably too much. Either way, the flavor was just so, so, hot would have a least burned my taste buds out so I couldn't tell how mediocre the taste was. .......... Chicken Tom Kha soup --- was way to "cream" tasting .......... Thai Fried Rice --- blah! little flavor & the rice was very dry. Back to the drawing board for Thai delivery.
(2)
George K.

The initial service was ok, we were seated promptly, but the ordering process felt rushed, and the food when we got it was lacking. I ordered the Green Curry and was surprised with the size (was pretty small serving) and the content (there were hardly any vegetables in the curry). Pretty much it was curry water with vegetable garnishing. Rice tasted dry and like it had been standing out for awhile. Definitely have had better Thai food elsewhere and give the cost of it compared to the other entree's I had expected more.
(2)
Frankie J.

THE best Thai downtown (Loop) - location, food, ambiance, looks like a place out of a movie script. And the food is GREAT. LUNCH CRUSH - Three words: "GET HERE EARLY". We got there at 11:30AM, and the place was nearly FULL. And it was a Wednesday. This was really promising. AMBIANCE - Very typical city scene, El in front, people waiting for tables, glass front, just very tight, hoping you get sat next. I half expected a scene with Charlie Sheen in Wall Street with some hot chick or an episode of Law & Order to be filmed here. ORDER UP: - Shrimp rolls - Red Curry Duck (#46) First, no skimping on the apps. These guys use big ass shrimp, nice touch with the bacon, and the wrap is just crunchy and right. Duck - okay, this was a dice roll. In a bad place, you order duck in a heated sauce, you might as well order school erasers, shredded tires or airline earplugs in red curry. Here, the duck was roasted (and boneless!) in a spicy piquant red curry that was TOO damn good. Gimme back that bowl, I'm not done licking the enamel off! EXPERIENCE: Food came within 10-15 min of ordering, 12 people at our table. Drinks and items needed were served immediately. Food was outstanding. Service was excellent. CAVEATS - Get there EARLY or eat there LATE. The wait for a big party (5+) will be 30 min if you don't. This place is so worth the wait.
(5)
Israel S.

I ate here for the first time a week or so ago and really enjoyed it. The pad Thai was great. The service does not seem to be as good as the food though. They really seem to rush you in and out. The place is packed at lunch time and they pack the tables in. All in all it is a good place for Thai food and I do plan on going back as it it very convenient to my office. Prices are not too bad either.
(4)
Seth A.

A few weeks back, I wrote a review of Ruby of Siam, citing it as one of the few places in the Loop where you can get an affordable, pre-theatre meal without ordering off a menu board. While I very much like Ruby, its competitor just around the corner, Siam Rice, is also open well into the evening and I found its Pad Thai to be considerably better. Usually, at any Thai restaurant, I modify the Pad Thai slightly with chili sauce, extra ground peanuts and either sweet & sour or tamarind sauce, as I like it a bit sweeter & spicier than as served. But the Beef Pad Thai at Siam Rice was just about perfect as is. I also liked the spring rolls I had before my entree and the fried banana with coconut-pineapple ice cream I had to help kill extra time before an 8pm curtain. The Loop needs more evening dining options, but two fine Thai restaurants is a pretty good start.
(5)
Laura K.

I LOVE this spot for lunch or a simple pre-theater dinner! But listen to other Yelpers, avoid the noon hour---the waiting area is packed for those waiting for a table. Anytime after that is no problem. The food is great, no one I've dined with has ever complained. The chicken pad thai is my personal favorite. Portions are generous and reasonably priced (around $7-8)---I almost always take some to go. The service is exceptionally fast, but not rushed. It's a nice restaurant, rather than a standard lunch joint.
(5)
Astronomer Joe G.

This was my first time at the place, as I was in the area for other matters. I like exploring new eateries, and this was to be an adventure. It's a very busy place, very noisy and quite crowded with the local lunch workers. My pretty lunch date and I had reservations, were seated promptly and our order was taken quickly... But that's where the positive experience ended. My guest's entree arrived rather in time, but mine...took over 10/15 minutes. In the meanwhile, her entree was getting cold - as she waited for my plate to arrive to eat together, but our conversation was interesting as always and the time passed as we waited....and waited. Now showing aggravation, she complained to our waitress about the food getting cold and we were still waiting for my own meal. They took her plate back, (to be placed under the "infrared" lights we assumed.), and we shared more conversation while we waited. Finally, both plates made their grand appearance, (apparently my plate got served to another - hence the delay.) and yes...her plate was warmer than mine. My "Tiger Beef" was not hot nor was the rice tender...(I know we have a rice shortage...but really.) I think perhaps they hunted down the "Tiger" and shipped it over from Burma...oh I'm sorry... "Myanmar". Takes time...I understand. Our window of lunch time was closing, and our meal now was rather rushed. A patron sitting at a table adjacent to us, was a observer to the poor service and shared her annoyance with us. My pretty lunch date was more upset over this than I was, and really...the company was more than pleasant enough to compensate for the poor service. We were offered a free appetizer for the inconvenience, but I refused. I chalk it up to experience. No, I wouldn't return to Siam Rice, (at least not for lunch). Too crowded, too long of a wait and too noisy. Nor would I recommend it from this experience. Perhaps it was a bad day....but not on my time. Joe
(2)
A B.

Watching this place go from empty to full between 11:45 and noon is a quite a sight, the revolving door in a perpetual whir of motion. Have only been there once and this is how it played out. Was waiting for my companion and counting tables; the hostess has already told someone that only complete parties would be seated and I get that in a place that works the lunch crowd. But as the place filled, the hostess came over and quietly asked me if I would like to sit down. I told her I was incomplete (not really in an existential sort of way, just that the other half wasn't there yet) but she said not to worry and took me to one of the few remaining spots. I will forever love her for that. And fortunately I didn't raise the ire of the server; party was complete within another minute. The food was better than many Thai places although heat levels most definitely has been cranked down. Appreciated the freshness of the Siam rolls and would order again in a heartbeat. The basil chicken was very good although not nearly spicy enough--bland enough for baby. Even the chile sauce seemed like it wasn't packing heat. I sliced up the jalapenos that were in the condiment tray and they weren't hot, either. But no biggie; the dish was nicely seasoned and not greasy. The pad siew was excellent, better than most. Service is perfunctory at best but with such a massive influx of lunch business it's not surprising. Food came out pretty quickly though and water glasses were refilled. Not at all a bad west Loop lunch option although entrees are a few dollars more than they are on the Western Avenue corridor of Thai restos.
(4)
Anna E.

Hot Damn! I work 2 blocks away and can't believe I've waited so long to come here. This was by far the best Thai I've had in the city. We went for lunch on a Friday and it was really crowded, but we were still seated within 10 minutes. We had the mini-egg rolls and they were so good. Tiny bites of heaven, stuffed with juicy, tender all white chicken. I got the Drunken Noodles with beef and mistakenly ate a jalapeno thinking it was a green pepper. I can handle hot, but I felt like those cartoon characters that blow steam out of their ears. It was HOT!!! But, once I cooled off, the flavors were wonderful. To me, this place is like a combination of PF Chang's (for quality) combined with Penny's (for freshness and portions). It was very reasonably priced and a great experience.
(5)
Nancy F.

This is one of my favorite thai restaurants. The food is good and the prices are awesome expecially being in the loop. This place is packed during lunch and they don't seat you until ALL of your party is here, even if you have a reservation. The service is quick and friendly. I usually order one of the noodle dishes and it never disappoints. One of these days I'll venture off that menu page and get something else. For dinner, the place is more quiet which makes it even better to have a nice relaxing BYOB dinner. The prices and selection are the same as during lunch but the portion size is really good. I usually have leftovers. My favorite is the pad thai with tofu or the pad see-yeu with beef. THe mini egg rolls are also delicious and goes well with the Thai iced tea! Definitely a place I will keep going to.
(4)
Sara P.

I have only gone at lunch hour, so I'm not sure if it's better around dinner time. At lunch time it is SUPER crowded anytime after 11:30 am before 2. The place has an astounding number of tables for a Thai restaurant, so while you may get seated within 10-15 minutes, expect to wait a while for your check, forget about water refills, and god help you if you don't get what you ordered. The food itself is normal, nothing special, a bit expensive, but it beats the alternative Mickey D's run. I have had the panang curry (meh...) the satay (good) and the crab rangoon (the way it gushed out when I cut it made me feel ill). The service is probably better during more reasonable hours, but I can't imagine the food morphs into something that'll knock your socks off. It's a 2 star because honestly, I've had a lot better.
(2)
Lakshmi R.

Siam Rice Thai is the place to go when you are @ work and the craving for Green Curry or Basil Chicken hits you. I am a firm believer of "scratch the itch" method and I usually end up walking to Wells St once or twice a month. I love #40 - Coconut curry and Basil Chicken - I usually get extra vegs added coz they do skimp out on that a bit. The lunch hr is definitely not the time to go here - I usually come here before 11:40A or after 1:00P. They only seat you if you entire party is already at the place. I wouldn't recommend it to a group larger than 4 but who knows! you might get lucky!
(4)
Liz L.

My food (pad thai) was really sour for some reason. Erin H. and I were craving some Asian food in Chicago, and this was suggested as a decent location. Coming from the Bay Area, I can say that we have much better Thai food if this is representative of the Chicago area.
(2)
Alison M.

This place is good for when you're looking for a sit down place in the Loop to grab a quick lunch. The only caveat is that you must come early, otherwise you will spend most of your quick lunch waiting for a table. Last time I was there I split the chicken satay appetizer and the shrimp pad thai. No real suprises, but, I had a craving for Thai, and this certainly hit the spot. The only downside is that there is absolutely no lingering over your meal-- you order fast, your food comes fast, and you better finish fast. Once your fork hits the table, you're out of there.
(4)
Sylvia I.

Great place to grab lunch downtown. We ordered the golden crab (e.g. crab ragoons), green curry with beef, and drunken noodles with chicken. Food came out pretty quickly which was a pleasant surprise given how busy the place was. Service was fine but you definitely have to flag your waiter down as they are running around trying to keep up with the lunch crowd. Will definitely be coming back for lunch.
(5)
Arnab M.

Is it lame that I'm starting this review while I am still here? So far, the Thai ice tea is yummy. AND they have free wireless internet, which is perfect since my Verizon broadband wireless card is not working for some odd reason. More soon... --- Soon is now... So, after a ginger chicken, tom yum soup, Thai custard and mangoes with sticky rice, I can confirm that Siam Rice is worth four stars. I am guessing it is more popular as a lunch destination given the businessy neighborhood, but it was nice to be here for dinner since it was sparsely populated and serene, providing the perfect ambiance for a nice, long dinner conversation with an old friend. Since it was empty, we had quick service and ample attention from waiters, always good traits! I would come back here for sure.
(4)
Sunny D.

I'm thinking that others who liked this place have not had good Thai food before. This place was disappointing. It certainly looked nice and had the prices for what it looked like, but the food was just off. Not flavored correctly. I had the duck on Chinese Broccoli. It was just okay. The drunken noodles and beef stir fry were disappointing. The mango with sticky rice was also disappointing. There is a better Thai place, near Michigan Avenue and the Omni that is much better!
(2)
Dan P.

Had lunch here during the week with a few folks from work. I'm not a Thai aficionado, so i stuck with the Pad Thai, which was exceptional. I also tried what another person had (sorry, forgot name) and it also was very good. Price was what I expected in the Loop; no surprises there. Lunch came exceptionally fast, which was also expected (Loop... Lunch... you understand) Here's a tip: If you go with a group have them all be there before approaching the front desk. There were at least 15 people in front of us, but a member of our group walked up to get on the list, and they asked if our entire party was present. He said yes, and we were seated within a minute. Everyone else was waiting on others to arrive. I'd definitely return; very good experience, speed and quality of food.
(4)
Ryan M.

Took the girl to see Mary Poppins tonight at the Cadilac Palace and we decided to grab a bite here beforehand. I was pleasantly suprised. The decor was much, much nicer than I expected. I had the chicken pad si eww. It was pretty standard fare. The chicken had a nice char flavor to it which I appreciated. I also got the amount of red chili paste that I add to my dish just right, which was nice. Not too spicey, but flavorful and a little bit of heat. Why not 5 stars? No refills on coffee. Tsk tsk tsk.
(4)
Joseph H.

Ordered panang curry noodles...ended up with huge bowl of curry milk and 10-15 thin strips of chx...almost no veggies and no noodles. Have to try diff dish... Went back and ordered 4 different dishes...significantly improved...must have been a bad day for them...
(3)
Jahi J.

The Salmon rolls are great, actually everything I've had from their is great. Service is good, prices are decent, what more can you ask for? Lunch time is ridiculous, all those corporate folks inundate that place come noon, if you're pressed for time go somewhere else.
(5)
daynia S.

Quick and friendly service during lunch hour rush. All the dishes are tasty and hot. Price and portions are perfect.
(4)
Tony C.

I don't know what's up with Siam Rice, but all of a sudden, the Thai food is spicy! Yay! I got the crazy noodles this week and boy were they crazy hot. Based on my past experiences, Siam Rice was tame...tame as in, nothing was spicy, even when you asked them to kill you with spices. My co-workers were delivered the one-two knockout punch too. Did they switch chefs? I'll need to eat there again to find out...
(4)
Rudy W.

during lunch this place is always pack. so I always show up around 11:30 to avoid the crowd. service and decor are decent. the food is actually pretty good. some of the good ones are. - skip green curry, too much water for my taste - panang curry - decent - mussamun curry - you can skip this also, not a thai food, this is fusion of american + indian food. - Somtum - skip - Basil Chicken - good stuff - green curry fried rice - good stuff - thai fried rice - ok - pad thai - too sweet, but ok - pad see eiw - ok - lard na - just ok, need to cook the noodle with the sauce - thai spaghety - skip - drunken noodles - ok - crazy noodles - good - Khao Soy Kai - love it - Panang Noodles - if you like panang and friend flat noodle - Tiger Cries - good - Roasted Duck with Red Curry, - love it some are good.
(4)
Allyson C.

My neverending Thai food quest continued last night at Siam Rice. I was hopeful based on the Yelp reviews but once again disappointed. It wasn't that the pad siew was bad....it just wasn't good! They did spice it up for me a bit which was nice though. And I liked the interior of the place better than most. Service was good even though I was surprised to find that the place was pretty busy on a Tuesday night. I thought it was mostly a loop lunch destination. One thing - I tried the fresh spring rolls and they were possibly the worst app I've ever ordered at a Thai place. Completely tasteless and bland except for some semi-sweet brown sauce over the top which was supposed to be peanut sauce but didn't taste at all like peanuts. Avoid that one!
(3)
Cate R.

So my Yelp reviews are starting to feel like just sordid tales of my love life, but I will continue. I came here today on a lunch date with my ex (who is trying very hard to get me back). I chose it because it is very close to my office, I've never been, and my ex and I have always loved Thai food. We were seated immediately, even though it was nearly noon and already quite crowded. The service was pleasant and unobtrusive, since we were clearly there for an in-depth conversation. I know other reviews have said it was loud, but we sat at the front and the noise level was definitely conversation-friendly. The food, oh the food. We started with Sunshine Beef - delicious! Slightly spicy with a great spicy sauce. Be warned, it looks a little...dark...but it tastes great! I had Cashew Chicken, which was HUGE but excellent and my date had a chicken salad, which was also a good size. Loved the food, loved the atmosphere, and despite myself, I had a lovely time.
(5)
Andy R.

Siam Rice was a really solid place for lunch. Drinking water I got out of there spending $10. A good price for a generously portioned sit-down lunch place. The service was nice and quick without making us feel rushed. Another note: when the menu says spicy - they follow through! This is comforting to me; so many restaurants are overly cautious in what they label spicy these days. People need to grow a pair.
(4)
Aja M.

I love thai and think I am pretty well exposed when it comes to the Thai scene in Chicago.... Definitely makes my top 10.
(4)
Molly R.

LOVE this place. I have been here twice during the busy weekday lunch hour. I really have to hand it to 'em: they get you in and out and don't skimp on good service! They have quite a few appetizers to choose from that all look good, but you MUST try the "golden crab", which is a fancy name for crab rangoons. These are absolute perfection: nothing greasy or heavy about them at all. They're just right. So far, I've tried the Bamee Noodles and Golden Noodles. Both are excellent dishes. Huge portions, and I am ashamed to say I destroyed my entire plate each time, it's just that good. As long as you get here between 11:00-11:40 or any time after 1:30, you'll be ok. If not, prepare to wait by the door like a herd of business casual-clad cattle. It's worth the wait, though.
(5)
Aaron S.

The tendency is to overrate a place like this, because it's the only Thai place in the loop, is pleasant on the inside, and is inexpensive, but I daresay you could transport Siam Rice six miles north and it would still be beloved. A great mix of traditional dishes and originals, served piping hot. Very pleasant service as well. They found my scarf!
(4)
Bob B.

This place is amazing! I've had many of the dishes here and they are all stellar. I typically sit at the bar and Ben takes very good care of the bar and all the customers that come in for carry out. I highly recommend the Marina Grill for those that like eggplant, and the green or red curry bowl for people who don't mind a little heat to their food. Overall, excellent service and great flavors to all their dishes. Very authentic! It can get rather busy during the lunch rush, so it's best to show up around 12:30 or 12:45 for no wait time.
(5)
Robyn T.

Great affordable lunch and dinner option conveniently located around the corner from the Cadillac Theater. I used to come here for lunch when they first opened for the great green curry chicken. The restaurant space is more modern than most ethnic restaurants and caters to the business crowd during the day. I remembered the spot when I went with a friend to see a show at the Cadillac Theater (just around the corner on Randolph). What a great and inexpensive pre-theater dinner! The place was definitely busy and our server was a little harried but overall it was a good experience. Now I can also recommend the Rama chicken with lots of steamed broccoli and a tasty peanut sauce. Total bill with tea, tip and tax was $13 per person.
(3)
Wendy Y.

This place is pretty legit. As noted, it gets super crazy during lunch. It never takes too long though and the food comes out really quickly. Also, you know their ingrediants are fresh because there is so many meals served here. If you are looking to linger a little after finishing up, don't go here. Basically the hosts and waiters will shark your table intil you leave, which they make no aplogies for.
(4)
Denise G.

yes its always packed at lunch; yes the food is ok - not great. Beware you might get your wallet stolen from gangs doing that. THe restaurant may catch them but they will let them go to avoid a hassle. beware.
(2)
Sam E.

The food here is awesome, flavorful, well prepared. The service is fast (including dropping the check on you like the winning domino). Take out web order system and take out service is the best I have ever experienced. Get there for lunch early (11:45 or sooner). 'Tiger Cries' dish is accurately named.
(5)
Irene H.

As an out of towner, I've never seen a place with a lunchtime scene as crazy as this place. We got lucky and didn't have to wait too long since a friend got there earlier meaning 11:30am. We got there around 11:45am and the lines were already crazy. This place is bustling and crowded. You know they're trying to flip tables as fast as possible, especially when the check comes out with the food. Food came out fast, was pretty good, decent prices and GREAT portions. Don't expect great service (I never do with Asian places).
(4)
Tina M.

Had a little snafu in ordering something with coconut - I'm allergic - because the menu didn't mention it. The waitress promptly took it away and asked me which dish I'd like to replace it...had the new dish within 10 minutes. Recommend the pad see ew.
(3)
Colleen S.

A great lunchtime spot for the workaday looper. You should make reservations though, it's not an easy place to pop into at noon. But since Ihad resevations, they seated us quickly. The decor is great, although you do end up sitting close to the next table. It's not too close though. EXCELLENT peanut sauce. Served warm. Some of the best in the city. Service was quick and the portions were quite large for the price.
(5)
Susie C.

I go here for lunch once in awhile. Pretty fast turnover, which is good since it's crazy during lunch break in downtown. The food is pretty good and the price is pretty worth what you're getting.
(4)
Helen H.

very very almost less than average thai.. not sure what the fuss is about this place considering the ppl from our chicago office LOVE it and highly recommended it.. as we were deciding on our orders, i took a look at yelp and deducted that the coconut curry with basil chicken seemed pretty popular... got that it was UM NO BUENO. there's a place in atlanta, i don't even know the name of it but it's pretty much a delivery/take out asian place that serves the most awful horrendous asian food ever... the coconut curry with basil chicken at siam rice.. was exactly like the coconut curry there.. what the hell are those fried things on top?? no clue but after like 2 they were pretty gross. - also got the vegetable spring rolls and regular spring rolls. i was a huge non-fan of the regular spring rolls... the sauce was wierd tasting and i really couldn't tell what i was eating at all... the rice roll was also kind of dry in some places.. haven't seen this in a spring roll before.. wierd? other than the random dryness of the wrap, the vegetable spring rolls were delish~ very refreshing and light with a sweet peanuty sauce. would definitely recommend if people were insisting on coming here. -also got an order of fried rice to share with the table, at first i thought the fried rice was made with brown rice b/c it was so dry. but then i realized that it was so dry that it had dried into hard clumps with not enough soy sauce on it to taste like anything under than a hard ball of rice. would not recommend.
(2)
Pb J.

J. wanted to give it a 3 1/2 star rating, since she prefers Thai food in an after work type setting. Can't blame her, as I usually stay away from Thai food during a MTWTF lunch, because it's no fun to have to go back to work and pass out at my desk. However, Siam Rice is the exception. It's my favorite Thai place, so 4 stars is the result. The food is fresh and the service is prompt. I recommend the tiger cries, mussaman steak or the basil chicken (best in the city if you ask me). As for the restaurant itself, it is one of the nicer Thai places that I've been to. It's a clean place and is quite big...but can be too big at times; that is the bad part. Since it is a large, open restaurant, it's hard to have a good convo in there, especially during a weekday lunch. Be prepared to sit in tight spaces during the lunch rush. Hope you're not claustrophobic! I recommend going here after work for dinner or before a night at the theater.
(4)
Andrew W.

not impressed. food was decent but nothing special. keep searching, thai is much better elsewhere.
(2)
Meagan L.

Down the street from my work. Best Pad Thai ever. Big enough to give me lunch for 2 days. Very reasonably priced. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Bonnie B.

I'm so happy this place is right by work and stays open until 8 so I can go for lunch or pick up dinner on the way home. I love soups, and their tom yum is delicious. The bf raved about the wonton soup as well. I've had a few other things on the menu, and all were delicious. If you're dining in, the staff is very friendly and helpful as well.
(5)
Brandon W.

Wow! They have wifi! I figured that out after standing here for 15 minutes waiting for food... oh they just threw it at me, that goes down to 2 stars. This review will be updated pending tasting of the food. Stay tuned. ******* Update - 3 stars. I ordered the Crazy Noodles dish because I love me some spicy foods. It was very flavorful, and delicious. You could taste every thing in the dish. The noodles were cooked perfectly, the chicken actually tasted like chicken, and the spice was nice! (Yes, I rhyme). The portion was really good and was filling. My problem lies with the service though. Everything was fine until the woman yelled at me asking what I ordered.. When I answered, she threw a bag at me. I was kind of stunned. No thank you, no come again.. just my food tossed onto the table and she ran away... As well, it was extremely crowded.. which actually helps them stay at the 3 stars because for the amount of people that were dining, they were able to turn over the tables really quick with only a 10-15 minute wait. I will definitely go again, but next time I think I will call in my order.
(3)
Ellie B.

What is that sound??? Hmmm.... Oh, that would just be my stomach, gurgling in content, murmuring many thanks for over-stuffing it with some tasty Thai food. I met the illustrious Teddy C. for a bite to eat this afternoon, and we sought out some scrumptious eats as neither of us had anything in the way of breakfast. What's tasty, has healthy options, and can fill you up? Thai food. Done. We had to wait for a while because the host was a bit overwhelmed, and though I had been promised prompt seating upon the arrival of my party (party = Teddy), I realized I had been lied to. Because no tables were open. Because he sat people ahead of us. Boo. Hiss. We sat at the bar and our food was ready in about 2.7548 seconds. Literally. The tofu soup was excellent and served piping hot. And about two minutes later, our main dishes came flying out. If you can get a table immediately, then this is an excellent spot for a quick lunch that doesn't come in a paper wrapper. Everything was fresh, hot and flavored well. Not too greasy either, which is always a plus.
(4)
Jessica R.

For a first meal in Chicago this was not a let down! I went with 2 friends and we each ordered a dish to eat "family style"- The Pad Thai was tasty, the Karry Curry was the perfect amount of Curry and chicken, and the Bamee Noodles were my favorite! Tasty egg noodles with BBQ pork fried wonton, crab meat, bean sprouts- all tossed in a bowl with noodles! Yummmmm!! Oh, and they have a noodle bowl called "Drunken Noodles" - it is marked as "spicy" but I was really tempted to order it just for the name! The decor is simple and modern. It was a little strange that we didn't have any spoons on our table, but I stole them from an empty one. We came near closing and didn't have to wait long for food and our water glasses were always filled. The whole staff was eating together when we left! A great sign of a clean kitchen and good food! Thai food is not a favorite of mine, but Siam Rice definitely left me craving more!
(4)
Jasmine P.

Yes! I love this place for quick thai food. It is really convenient during lunch. The food is served pretty quickly and it's quite tasty! Of the many times that I've been there, I've tasted the pad see eiw with beef, lard na, pad thai, egg rolls, spring rolls, and thai iced tea; all of which were very good. The tables are pretty close together so I don't recommend bringing a backpack or large purse along. It is VERY BUSY around the noon lunch hour and the line sometimes heads out the door. I don't think they take reservations. It is also difficult to get a table for a big group (more than 4) during the busy lunch hour. Whenever I go here, I can grab lunch in about 30 minutes (assuming I don't have to wait for a table). Advice: If dining here during the noon lunch hour of the work week, go early or take a later lunch. Also, if you go early, as common courtesy to others, don't "camp out" there after eating so other people can be seated and enjoy the food. That said, Siam Rice has somewhat of a "fast food" lunch place feel. Do go here if you crave some great thai food on a quick lunch hour. If you want to relax and leisurely enjoy your food, go elsewhere.
(4)
Edward B.

I love this place. We've gotten take-out a couple of times so far at the office. I've the Red Curry and the Panang Curry and absolutely loved them. I sampled the Pad Thai and Crazy Noodles from co-workers were tasty as well. We've tried several of the appetizers and they're all delicious. For about $10 per person, it's high-quality, fresh food at a very reasonable price.
(4)
ProjectChitown I.

Yelp, you failed us. How on earth does this place have 4 stars? We don't get it. We're not sure if others who liked this place have actually had good Thai food before - no offense but this was pretty average. Very disappointing. Run down of what we ordered: Crazy Noodle - average but does come with both shrimp and chicken. Wait correction, comes with "a shrimp". Crab Rangoon - very average, sorry to say that Joy Yee's is actually better (not that we like the food at Joy Yee's food any better) Ordered both the Tom Kha and Tom Yum soup - and both are sub par but on a positive note, they both are cooked with the right kind of mushrooms (big button mushrooms).
(1)
Rafi A.

If you want fairly good Thai food delivered in record speed, Siam Rice is the place to call. Unfortunately, I order delivery service (dinner) 2-3 times a week. These folks have been at my door with piping hot food in under 20 minutes. Admittedly, my office is only 6 blocks away, but it is still impressive. As for the food, some dishes are better than others, but all are better than average.
(4)
Jen R.

Yes, this place gets super crowded during lunch, but they have enough staff to keep things moving, so there's never more than a fifteen minute wait for a table. The only prob is that there are so many different people doing so many different things, that I've often seen my waiter only to take my order, while someone else brings the food, drink refills, and check. Overall the menu has a decent selection, and the food is typical Thai fare. One word of advice-stay the hell away from the bar. The two times I sat there my order was never put in, although they kept claiming it was, and both times it took over half an hour to get my food.
(3)
Katty D.

Do not come between 12-1, unless you get an executive lunch of 2 hrs, the wait is LONG. If you can get here around 11 30 or after 1ish, you can probably grab a table with some coworkers. But once you're seated, they take your order fast and serve you fast. The food is awesome, much better than any ToGo item you can get around the loop. The food is better than many Thai restaurants I've been to. I've never ordered something I didn't enjoy here. I love to get tom kha soup to start, share some spring rolls, and eat family style with pad see ewe, basil chicken and a curry dish. Also - if you don't want to wait for a seat - go to their website and order online - really convenient and easy, ready for pick up in 15 minutes usually!
(4)
Nicole V.

Hands down the best place in the loop to go for a quick Thai lunch that is affordable and delicious. I have been here a number of times with friends and clients for a quick bite. As long as you aren't there during the lunch rush (12-1pm) expect very little wait. The service is good and you get your check really fast. I tend to stick to the noodle dishes and each one I've had has been very tasty. Once in a while I will even go for a spring roll appetizer and lychee for dessert....both are also very good. The prices are amazingly low. It is really hard to spend more than $25 for drinks, appetizer, entree and dessert...for TWO people! Such a great find for a quick sit down lunch in the loop that isn't fast food or a chain.
(4)
Ryan R.

Just had another bad experience with these guys. In the past, it has been just rude service, but tonight I ordered their shrimp Siam Rolls as part of my delivery order, and the shrimp had a terrible odor. I called to request a refund, but the woman just yelled indiscriminately. I will not be going back.
(1)
Frank L.

I'd come back for dinner. Though near theaters, this Thurs night was quiet and from other reviews I was expecting a wait. The Red Curry and Jasmine tea hit the spot after a long day at the conference on a rainy, chilly night.
(3)
Robert W.

Pretty good, but not special.
(3)
Marlene S.

Nice to find a loop restaurant with great atmosphere, reasonable prices, and a nice selection of yummy food. Vegetable roll, golden noodles (w/ample amount of tender chicken), and Siam Thai custard w/green tea ice cream were all perfect. Surprised that the check was brough before we were asked if we wanted dessert - but that didn't stop us from ordering. The two of us ate for $40, including tip. This is a weekday lunch/dinner spot. Open Mon - Fri 11-8.
(4)
Amanda Z.

Yum. Yum. Yum. I've walked by this place a bazillion times on my way to and from work, but never stopped (despite my previously disclosed love of Thai food!) Some of my coworkers and I hit this place up today for lunch. Even at 1pm, they were still packed, but we lucked out and were seated right away (party of 5). I had the garlic chicken noodles...so good! Also, the pad thai, cashew chicken and thom yum soup all got thumbs up. Service was fine (one of my coworkers had to wait a bit longer for his food, but that was remedied fairly quickly)...and the food came freakishly fast, which was great, considering we had to be back to work. Can't wait to go back when I have a craving for Thai in the middle of the work day.
(4)
Tio S.

Siam Rice is a great Thai restaurant for lunch in the Loop. Compared to other Thai restaurants, it's only mediocre. There really aren't many Thai places downtown, but even still, this place is pretty good for lunch. Their menu has all the typical Thai food you'd expect. I usually start with the cucumber and onion salad, which is served in that awesome, sweet Thai dressing. I've also had the Tom Yum Soup, spring rolls and vegetable rolls for appetizers, and they're all good. I usually do not get appetizers for lunch, but I always do here because they are good and relatively cheap ($4-5 each). For my entree, I've had a few different dishes (Beef and Brocolli with Rice, Basil Fried Rice) and all are good. But I've been defaulting to the Beef Pad See Ew recently, and found it to be pretty darn good. I got it "hot" and it comes with the chili powder on top that you have to mix in. It's not the best Pad See Ew I've ever had, but it's pretty good for when you have a taste for it during the workweek in the Loop. The service is pretty good here - the servers are quick, polite and efficient. They are constantly filling your glass with water, and that is helpful if you are getting your food spicy/hot like I usually am! If you go during prime lunch time, you will wait for 5-15 minutes, so I recommend going early (11:30) or later (1pm). One or two people can usually get a seat at the bar or the high tables in the front with no wait, and that's what I usually do. The prices are reasonable. For two people, it's usually $20-$25 (not bad for the Loop). I recommend this place if you're in the Loop and have a taste for Thai food. You may have to wait for a table, but the food is good, prices are relatively cheap, and you'll be in and out in under an hour.
(3)
Sonia D.

Vegetarians Beware!!! I have been here twice. Before the first time I went, I called ahead to see if they have dishes made without fish sauce which they told me they did. Again, when actually at the restaurant, I put in my order for a curry dish and told them to hold the fish sauce which they said they could do. The second time I went, I placed the same order. However this time I was told that all main dishes (minus a few of the appetizers) are made with fish sauce and are all premade. I mentioned my past visit/call and the waiter also told me it is likely that the person I spoke with before was most likely misinformed. Very ANNOYING!...will not be going back again.
(1)
Gerardo C.

This is one of the better Thai restaurants that I have been to in terms of the quality of the ingredients. I highly recommend it if you are in the neighborhood. Keep in mind that it gets pretty busy around lunch time often times having to form a line to be seated. I would recommend showing up no later than 11:30 or after the lunch crowd has left. Make sure your entire party is present or you will have to wait. Other than that, a good lunch-time choice. Once there I recommend trying out the Pad Thai Omelet.
(4)
Jean S.

Thai must be different on the coasts. (Just like how even McDonalds all have regional differences) I have never had drunken noodles with thin rice noodles. Their portions are grand and the flavors are good, but just different from what I am used to. Even the appetizers were shaped differently. (I know that New York butchers "original Thai" as well). The service was friendly and the ambiance was modernly beautiful. I only did "ethnic" in Chicago because my guests can't appreciate pizza or hotdogs (American food). Overall, a lovely place to dine in and prices were very reasonable.
(3)
Jim W.

Siam Rice is definitely not a hole in the wall; it's actually rather nice. The place is definitely more of a lunch venue, being in the loop, and given their early closing hours (8p). I went with a large group of 9 for an early dinner before going to see Wicked and I left rather happy. I'll admit, I tend to rate Thai places simply based on how good their Pad-Gra-Prow (spicy ground chicken w/basil, green and red peppers) is, but theirs did not disappoint! I tasted some of their pad thai...wasn't so great, but I don't like pad thai, so I'm prob biased there too, although they were pretty generous with their shrimp. Given that there really were only a small handful of other tables, I expected fast service, but their turnaround was somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-10 min, very speedy! And this place is cheap! I'm so jealous of my friend who lives a block away. Oh, AND it's BYOB.
(4)
June B.

This place is an excellent combination of sit-down with fast service... just what we're looking for sometimes at work. The food is fresh and comes out quickly. This is one of my favorite places to go for lunch in the loop close to work! It's also great for vegetarians. They can substitute Tofu in just about anything!
(5)
Jia M.

Great service, great food. I called my order in twenty minutes before they were scheduled to close and they happily took my order. i huffed it over there from the south loop, arriving at five minutes after eight, and they were still open. They didn't seem pissed off; there was still one customer inside the place. I ordered the crab rangoon, pad see ew, and the beef fried rice. The crab rangoon was pretty good. It had a nice texture to it. The pad see-ew was great; they used Chinese broccoli which I'm not very fond of, but I didn't mind. The beef fried rice had some thin slices of cucumbers, carrots, peas, and onions, all of which went great with the rice. All in all, Siam Rice is a great place in the Loop for some quality Thai. Only complaints I have are that it's a tad pricey and they don't open on the weekends.
(4)
Katie S.

The food is amazing and cheap. The service is almost too fast and it is always crowded during the week for lunch. You walk in, get seated, give order, food comes, check comes, food cleared, out the door in under 30 minutes. I felt rushed, but I know that they would be fine with me relaxing and sipping my Thai tea. I've been here twice and had a great experience both times. This is one of the best Thai places in the city! Get the Golden crab for an appetizer!
(4)
Sharmin W.

It is great!!! I love it!! But you do have to be there between 11.30 and 11.45 or after 12.45 otherwise you will have to wait quite a while for a table. Also, they will not seat you if you entire party is not there. We need another one of these in the Loop!
(5)
Becky D.

I have to start off by saying that I ordered take-out from here today, and there was an earwig cooked into my Penang curry noodles. I was mortified, and needless to say I will never be back here. Up until this incident I thoroughly enjoyed the food here, but I cannot bring myself to give it another shot. Beware, this place gets super crowded during the lunch rush, and they really push you to order and get out ASAP. I'm sad to say that I'll be searching for another Thai spot in the loop to satisfy my lunchtime cravings.
(2)
Abby T.

Pretty good spot for Thai food in the Loop!!! Although it seems packed upon arrival, we somehow always get seated right away! The decor is pretty nice. The staff is always bustling around, catering to the patrons. I've had the crab rangoon, ginger chicken, the pad-plik, and the pad si ew at Siam Rice. All were pretty tasty! Will be back to try more things on their extensive menu.
(4)
Evann G.

Yummm. I got takeout from Siam Rice for lunch today and the pad see ew was quite tasty. I liked the Thai fried rice, but it seemed pretty standard. Next time I'll have to try the curry. Thai iced tea was also one of the best I've had, and the mango & sticky rice desert was divine! Kudos to their service, I was in line for the Al Gore book signing at Borders which took FOREVER and had to keep calling Siam Rice to push my pick-up time back! And the food was ready and piping hot when I got there.
(4)
Vanessa H.

This is probably one of the best Thai places I've been to...and I've been to my share of Thai places. I usually go for the Red Curry with Tofu dish. Comes with a side of rice. The places is usually busy during lunch time but service is fast, so if there's a wait to be seated, I'd suggest waiting around a little bit. Also...it is a newer more modern place which also makes it look CLEAN!
(5)
Jami K.

Mmm! I'm often wandering about what to get for lunch and when I realized I had to go over this way I ordered some food to-go. Good plan! So, it's not exactly cheap, but it's not that much more expensive than other food that I'd get to eat downtown and it actually tastes good. I mean, compared to Panda Express, this restaurant is gormet and its not all that muc more expensive. I ordered online, paid with a credit card and my food was hot and waiting for me when I picked it up. I just needed to sign and be on my way. It was fast and easy. The restaurant itself is very attractive. I definitely will come back here for a lunch meeting or for dinner sometime after work. It's a nice change from all the chains that dominate the Loop.
(4)
Rahul S.

Thai food is all created equal right? I would beg to differ and say 'wrong!!' Despite the impossibility of finding a variety of thai restaurants in the loop (My Thai being the only other one), i'm glad to report that Siam Rice is truly awesome! I would say i've had virtually every noodle dish on the menu. My favorites are the Drunken and Crazy Noodles which both have a nice combination of meat and veggies. The noodles are virtually always cooked to perfection, w/ a heaping portion most people will have a hard time finishing. They offer some incredibly creative dishes as well, from the pasta chicken curry and thai spaghetti. For a treat you HAVE to try the spinach noodles w/ roasted duck... holy crap the noodles are crazy good!!! If you don't want noodles try the curry which is so fragrant and light. You really can't go wrong w/ anything on the menu. It gets insanely crowded during lunch hours, so be prepared for a wait and make sure you're whole party is there cuz they won't seat you otherwise! It's clearly worth the wait, as you'll have an amazing and fun meal guaranteed!
(5)
Marie S.

Been to many Thai restaurants and this has become my favorite ! (Lucky for me its only a half block away from my work...haha) Because of its close proximity, I have had the pleasure of ordering from here alot. Ive tried sooo many things off their menu and not one dish has disappointed me. My personal favs are the beef pad see eiw, chicken pad thai, and teriyaki salmon. Best Thai food in Chicago ! Its also has such a great ambiance for having lunch. Its not a typical fast food place thats surrounds the area. Its a beautifully decorated, nice, and casual spot to chill out with co-workers/friends and get away from the office a little bit. Only gripe.. I wish they were a little bit more organized at the hostess station when seating folks and handling take out orders.
(5)
Nancy H.

Pretty tasty Thai food, and I normally don't like Thai food. It made my tummy happy I think b/c their cooking consists of more "food" instead of grease, like other Thai hole-in-the-walls. My co-worker and I came here once around 11:45, and the wait was out the door. We changed our minds and decided to order to-go, which took about 20 minutes. The restaurant looks upscale, so I definitely plan on coming back here to dine-in. Prices are pretty slightly higher than the norm for Thai places; noodles and specialty dishes are ~$8. Next time, I want to try the bubble tea and desserts too, which seemed like everybody had on their tables!
(4)
Vince F.

Drunken Noodles, you are my god. You are my lover. You are my destiny. I recently had lunch at Siam Rice, and the experience was great. It was mostly great because I have a crush on my lunch companion, but that is really beside the point. So what is the point? The point is that the food at Siam Rice was DELICIOUS. I had the drunken noodles, and they were to die for. As I type this, my mouth is watering. I crave them so. I'm in love. The place was hopping during the lunch hour, and I assumed we would have quite a wait. I was wrong, however. And that does not happen often. We got a seat after waiting for roughly two minutes. The service was quick and friendly. And the atmosphere is great. You really feel like you are eating in a very high end restaurant. But the prices don't make you feel that way. At least I don't think so. My lunch companion paid. Do you think that means my crush is mutual? And did I mention that the drunken noodles are killer? I'd marry them if I could.
(5)
Esther Y.

Ok...great customer service deserves another star. They returned my calls, refunded my money, and they sent an unsolicited gift in the form of a $20 gift certificate! Throughout this annoying process (for both of us, b/c they had to look up my receipt etc.) they were always polite, nice and patient. I like that in people.
(3)
Matt R.

Delicious and Cheap. Go when it is at least moderately busy in order to get the freshest meals.
(5)
Erin J.

Very stylish restaurant, and kinda hidden, to boot. You would never think this if you just happened to swing in at noon on a random weekday, however. Either get there early or late or you will be waiting. Additionally, the service can sometimes be pretty slow, so even if you do avoid the rush, it's still very possible you won't be in and out in an hour. That said, the food is pretty tasty, and the prices, while mostly reasonable, reflect what you'd generally find in the Loop. EDIT 5/21/08: WOW. Went there for lunch at 11:30 and didn't get out until about 1:00. For whatever reason, the server brought my dish out quickly, but not my companion's. After waiting 20 minutes for his dish to arrive, I complained to our server, saying I had no intention to pay for food that was poorly served, if at all. Another 10 minutes went by and I asked to speak with a manager, who initially said that that particular dish takes a long time to cook. When I replied that no one ever told us that, he then said that they served my companion's dish to the huge party behind us. He took away my plate and said he would be right out with a hot plate for me and my companion's lunch. As we debated on leaving outright, our food was delivered. Thankfully, it was hot and proper, depite the fact that I'm 99% sure all they did was toss the garnish on my original plate, mash up the rice and toss it under the salamander. When the bill came, they had comped NOTHING. Had I not been so pressed to get back to work - it had been nearly 90 minutes at this point - I would have really let the manager have it. My disapointment from this particular circumstance could have been easily mitigated by the manager offering to comp at least one of the meals, but instead he fed me excuses and was defensive. Needless to say, I will not be patronizing Siam Rice any longer. They will be removed from my workgroup's rotating takeout orders, and I will find someone else to supply food for my company's noontime meetings and conferences. How very disappointing.
(1)
Ray L.

I have to go here at least once a week. There is a reason it's always packed, the food is great and the prices are relatively cheap for downtown. You just have to show up at 11:30-11:45 to beat the major rush at noon (thx elizabeth & andrea). Here's a useful strategy for people who haven't tried thai food: Order the Pad Thai (beef or chicken is $7, shrimp $8). If you wanna enjoy true thai flavor, their panang noodle is out-of-this-world best panang noodle EVER. You will love it, their Pad Thai is the best I've had and so is their panang noodle. While you're eating, notice what the people around you are eating. If you see anything that looks/smells amazing, and you will for sure, just ask them what it is. Next time you'll have something new to try if you want. Thank you Yelpers, I never would've gone to a crowded restaurant like this if it weren't for your reviews. I hate crowds but it doesn't really matter since this place is A-MAZING.
(5)
Jack B.

I couldn't believe how fast my food came out when I had here. We literally ordered it and the guy walked back to the kitchen and came back with 4 meals. I didn't expect much from the meal if they made it that fast, but the paid thai was really good. Good service and good food= 4 stars!
(4)
Emily N.

I really like going here for lunchtime- it's in a great location if you work in the Loop and the food is really good. I love the mini egg rolls and the wonton soup- yum. The orange chicken is my favorite- it's delicious, and the pad thai is pretty good as well. I'd make a reservation though if you're going at prime lunchtime hours.
(4)
Travis P.

Good food, good atmosphere, bad service. It's almost impossible to get a refill of your beverage here. They operate a quick turnover for a hectic lunch rush with the bare minimum of staff it seems. I've had the green curry, crazy noodles, druken noodles, pad thai and bamee noodles (to name a few). I keep going back because the food is damn good for a Loop lunch spot. My lunch usually just stretches into an hour-fifteen when I go here.
(3)
Rich F.

I go here for lunch quite often. It's a clean restaurant with an attentive staff and above average Thai cuisine. I tend to judge a Thai restaurant based on it's Tom Yum soup, and while I've had better, Siam Rice's version has just the right amount of hot & sour broth combined with veggies and shrimp (you can choose tofu or chicken also). I also like the Golden Noodles and Drunken Noodles.
(3)
Courtney S.

I think this might be my favorite Thai place. I go here for lunch a lot since I work in the Loop and it gets crowded but the food doesn't take forever to make it's way out of the kitchen. Great soups, great food!
(4)
Clare K.

quite fantastic thai food. i cannot comment on the service, because it was ordered and delivered to my company for a lunch. and to think-i only ended up with the leftovers; it must have been even better the first time around. maybe i was insanely hungry, or maybe i was just really needing a thai fix...all i know is that i wistfully think about this place everytime i order thai. and that is pretty frequently, i am afraid.
(5)
vicky y.

this place is always packed during lunch time! caters a lot to the business folk looking for something different, but food's just average. evanston is still my number 1 destination for thai in chicagoloand.
(2)
H M.

This is a nice Thai restaurant. The food is good, however the service is horrible. I do not recommend going there during lunch. It is very busy and it takes a very long time for servers to acknowledge you.
(2)
Joshua B.

Ok, so the food was fine. I had Tom Yum and a Thai Iced Tea; however, the service definitely left a lot to be desired. This place is right across from my office and I thought it would be a great place to have a nice business lunch. The place is a bit small and VERY busy during lunch, but they were able to seat us right away. They took our order and within a few minutes brought back the soda for my colleague but left me with ice water and no Thai iced tea. I waited patiently and within a couple more minutes the food was delivered, but again no Thai iced tea. I assumed they forgot it so I didn't bother to inquire because I could live with just water; however, as I was finishing my soup they showed up with my tea and the check. BAD TIMING! It was only a few minutes after the server gave us the check that they sat a party of 4 at the 2-top next to us. 2 of the individuals were sitting in the gap between our table and pretty much on our laps. We were perplexed why they pushed 2 extra people into this space that were now spilling over onto our table. We paid our bill and stepped away so they could push the tables in for the party of 4. I understand the need to turn tables quickly especially during lunch, but this was ridiculous. Our office has decided to mark Siam Rice off off the lunch list and are now visiting the other Thai restaurant around the corner that is much more inviting.
(2)
Liam D.

3-stars for midle of the road, and because i'm not able to rate it, but my first impression isn't great - it's just not based on taste.... Family and I are in town for the weekend only and we were feelin' Thai food. So while my parents are messing around with the Where magazine, I hop on Yelp! to see what you all say. So we walked for 20 minutes to this place at 8pm on a Friday only to find that it was closed - at 8pm on a FRIDAY? What's the deal with that!?!!? I was excited to try this place based on all the reviews, but could not. Alas, we went next door to Ruby of Siam and had a perfectly delicious Thai meal there. Thumbs up for that!
(3)
Ryan T.

Great place with consistently good food and close to work. Very nice staff. Chicken w/ basil very good and large portion.
(4)
Cecil P.

This is my favourite lunch spot in Chicago. Their basil chicken is so incredible that when I was working in the Loop for five years, I averaged going there about twice a week that entire time. secretofmysuccecil.com/2â€¦
(5)
Kedar P.

This your average thai restaurant but with a really bad customer service and attitude. If you want to pay someone to treat you like they are doing a favor by serving you food, you can visit this place otherwise give it a pass. Stay away during lunch hour, the food is mediocre at lunch. Will avoid in the future.
(1)
Lucas W.

I never go into Siam Rice with the greatest of expectations, but it's always good and I then wonder why I don't eat there more often. It may not be the greatest Thai place, but it's probably the best one in the loop if you're looking for a good Asian option for lunch. I've been a handful of times and my preference is for their curries, especially their Mussamun Curry. It's great, plenty of sauce and comes with rice. Very filling - it's a good amount of food for the price to be honest. Also recommend their yellow curry, very similar, minus the cashews. If you're looking for your standard pad thai or pad see ewe, they've got those and they're high quality as well. I recommend the lot.
(4)
Shambavi K.

Pretty freaking good for a quick sit down lunch with co-workers. Service is fast and food is good. They have crispy panang noodles bowls too if you like a nice charred noodles. Beware: You will have a food coma for the rest of the day. I enjoyed my go-to dish of ground chicken with basil :).
(4)
Fnu F.

Eating at this place on Monday for lunch. First of all they r not even busy. But Not sure why this restaurant is rushing to give us the check, while we just got our dessert. And we didn't even ask for the check AT ALL. And a friend of mine joined us for lunch. We were about to order some more food but again he tried to give us the check. And I was like what is wrong with this place. Wanted so bad to kick out all of the customers.
(1)
Daniel G.

Good food. Terrible service. 20% gratuity on parties of 3 or more. Are you kidding me? I guess the definition of gratuity' has evolved to mean 'tax for crap service'.
(1)
Nataliya A.

Meh. We were in the area, wanted some sit down quick lunch. Ordered won ton soup, mini egg rolls, and a pad thai. The egg rolls were pretty good, but I feel like I've gotten the same ones at garden fresh from the freezer. The won ton soup did not any won ton soup I've ever gotten. The won tons were not really won tons, there were pieces of meat and chunks of dough and a LOT of vegetables. Pad thai had too much tamarind, so it was pretty sour and over powering flavor (I've made this mistake at home so I know exactly how bad it tastes), I had a weird tummy feeling after. The service was extremely fast, they bring dishes our in a good 3 minutes (crazy fast). Food is cheap, quick, and service is not bad, place fits a lot of people. May be an okay choice for a work day lunch option, but not the best.
(3)
Beli O.

I used to like this place... until today, I won't bore you with all the details. Just wanted to share, that I was never impressed with the customer service in this place, but today definitely has being the worst experience of customer service in Chicago. When we asked for a table to the guy that is at the bar area (that also manages the cash register) he was rude to us, and told us with a horrible attitude "you can wait and have the table behind you (that had people still eating), and there were more than five open tables... when I asked what was the difference between that table and the ones that were open, the guy got mad, rolled his eyes and took the menus from us and said "well wait or do whatever you want...and walked away. I don't know you, but I won't go to places that they don't value their customers. They can have their HORRIBLE ATTITUDE and three less customers... it may not be much now, but if they continue like that it will add up...
(1)
Violet K.

I love their crazy noodles (pad kee mao), perfect amount of spicy! Can get pretty busy during the lunch hours but it's worth it. And it's really easy to order takeout.
(5)
Tavi J.

Great place to go when you want to treat yourself to a fancier lunch, but with reasonable prices. My friend went with our usual choice of the Salmon with Jasmine rice. I however, decided to venture a little and went with the beef in broccoli in oyster sauce. Yummy!!! The menu is very extensive and has soooo many options, but I have never had a bad meal here. It gets packed during lunch time, but don't let that throw you off. We have never had to wait for more than 15 minutes. Only con are the tables are really close together, so be prepared to get a little intimate with the table next to you.
(4)
Anuj S.

Came here once for lunch and had the Red Curry. I liked it. They also had other great menu options, which I'll have to try another time. The place gets quite crowded at lunch, but we beat that rush by getting there around 11:30am. Still, once packed the service really slowed down. We waited forever for the check.
(4)
Rajan A.

Shit place! Nothing is good! Don't waste your money and time. Chicken smells bad. Servers aren't friendly. Save your money for something good!
(1)
Monica B.

This place is ALWAYS busy during lunch hour, but turnover is quick. The Basil Chicken is my staple here. Super spicy and perfect ratio of veggies to chicken. I've also enjoyed the Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon and Egg Rolls. The Pad See Eiw was not the best -- definitely had better elsewhere. Great Thai spot if you want a quick lunch or work nearby.
(3)
Valerie H.

I've ordered from Siam Rice on three different occasions. All carryouts. Upon entering the restaurant to pick up my first carryout, I recall being greeted by smiling employees and taken back by the the spacious modern interior. Two orders later and hind sight 20/20, I have come to learn those smiles on the employees' faces were fake and the well designed, spacious interior is nothing more than a false facade against a negative ambience of stern energy, void of any customer appreciation. I don't know what sucks more: their cooking or customer service. Entrees are sugary, spice-less and served up in small portions with a stingy amount of vegetables. Panang Noodles with Tofu. The gravy is spice-less and one-note, zero peanut essence. The wide rice noodles were extremely over fried and so awkwardly thick and crispy that chewing them was hazardous to my teeth. Think: tree bark. The dish was dry. That meant no surplus gravy to mitigate the over-crisped noodle situation. These gifted folk managed to over fry the tofu into hard, flavorless cardboard cubes. Upon receiving my Shrimp Tom Yum soup without shrimp (no biggie, mistakes happen; I don't lose my cool of matters like these), my phone call was ill-received with an extremely defensive attitude in which they questioned my honesty. After my call was passed on from one person to another, in the end I was told the manager was not in and I would need to call back the next day. Not cool. Not cool at all. This review is done. And so are my visits to Siam Rice.
(2)
Beth D.

I am very picky about my Thai food and I will drive to NYC or DC just to go to certain restaurants for Thai food. This is now my favorite Thai restaurant. The food is amazing and inexpensive. The waiter is fantastic (I am very difficult to wait on and very picky). I have never gotten a bad meal here and I go once a week or more.
(5)
Jessica C.

I've been here a couple times now. I think it all depends on the dish. The green curry with chicken was delish! Staff was friendly The egg rolls were not very good I deff wouldn't recommend them.
(3)
Lin C.

In the heart of the Loop, this place is great if you have a need for Thai food. It's a sit down restaurant with fast turn around. The food is delicious and it comes out of the kitchen fast. The only issue I have with it is that because everyone goes to lunch at noon, there is always a bottleneck of people during the peak lunch hour. You either go in at 11:30 AM or you go after 1:15PM.
(3)
Vicy C.

It's OK. You've had better and you've had worse. If you're hard up for a place to eat (and you will be if you're in the Loop after 6pm when everything seems to close) then Siam Rice might just become your next emergency "late night" fix. Like I said before, though, the food is just OK.
(3)
Eva X.

The Tom Yum Noodle Soup is just amazing! Little sweet and with a bit of Lemon flavor within the soup...I cannot tell you how much I love it! And the ground pork is so delicious!
(5)
Ryan B.

I miss Siam Rice. I used to work around the corner and we'd be in here at least once a week for lunch. I was recently working late in the loop and I convinced my team to order from here. The food was just as great as I remembered. I always go for a curry, usually red. Back when I was a lunch regular, may of my teammates stuck to the chicken teriyaki. They loved it. We'd usually get a chicken satay and a crab rangoon appetizer too. All great. They get super busy at lunch, but they turn over tables SUPER quickly. They won't rush you to leave, but I wouldn't go here if I wanted a super leisurely lunch. On the bright side, you don't have to be intimidated if there's a crowd.
(5)
Roger K.

After hearing through word of mouth that this place had the best Thai food in the loop I had to try it out. A coworker and I both ordered the Tiger Cries ("Famous Thai grilled steak with spicy sauces on the side") and got a free entree in a buy 2 get 1 free deal. We ordered delivery through grubhub with no problems. The steak was a little overcooked with just tiny specs of pink living in the middle of the grayish brown cut of meat. It came with two different sauces one specific to the Tiger Cries which seriously had me questioning whether it tasted good or awful and what appeared to be a house Siracha which was quite tasty. I would rate the spiciness of both sauces at a 6 out of 10; Hot but not quite sinus clearing. The sticky rice that accompanied the dish came tightly wrapped in a plastic inside of a takeout container. I had to resort to sawing through the ball of rice with a knife once I was able to remove the plastic so if any word could be used to describe it sticky was the right one. Better Thai places exist in the city but maybe not in the loop. I don't foresee ordering from here again.
(3)
Steven C.

Siam Rice is one the few sit-down restaurants in the loop that you can go with a large party where you can quickly get seated and only spend an hour there. The kitchen works faster than McDonalds at times. Accommodation is honestly the biggest plus of this Thai restaurant. I only hesitate to compliment the food because I've gotten adventurous the last couple times I went and left disappointed. A couple of their chicken dishes used ground chicken breast (imagine getting a Thai dish made of taco meat) but everyone else's food always looks good and I have had good meals here. Just don't wander off the beaten path. The service is very efficient and mostly friendly. They really get the working crowd, as they should for being under the El tracks.
(3)
Michelle U.

Golden crab appetizer and Panang Salmon entree were delicious. Total came to $20, which is more than I typically spend for lunch, but this place is great for the occasional splurge. The food is very fresh.
(5)
William L.

The service is the worst I have ever seen in chicago. The waitress brings the check along with the dish, and keeps asking us for the credit card. When we ignored her, she came to collect our plates. What is unacceptable is she put the used plate(full of trash) in front of my friend when she came to take the credit card. We felt so insulted. I will avoid this restaurant to keep good mood. It is the last time I visit it.
(1)
Ermelinda C.

Great place to order take out from, if you ever find yourself in the Loop. The Pad Thai was very good, but the rice dishes are really, really delicious. The fast and polite service is always a plus as well!
(4)
Sahil R.

Was craving thai for lunch, so I read some reviews on Yelp and headed over to Siam Rice for a bite. While I agree that the food was excellent and decor was nice, the service was pathetic. The place was buzzing with customers as I got there, but unfortunately from the moment I got in, I felt like they were waiting for me to leave. I was smushed in the middle of two other two-tops that were less than 6 inches away, and when I asked if I could possibly move to another table the hostess dismissed my request despite other visibly open tables. Not ideal, but this was ok as the tables next to me were friendly. I ordered Red Curry chicken w/ white rice, and the meal looked great. The curry was served in a small bowl, and the rice was on a very small plate. I asked if I could get a larger empty plate to eat off, and a server returned with the same size plate as the one the rice was on, and abruptly walked away. Then, I asked another server if I could please have a bigger plate, and she proceeded to amazingly tell me that was the only size plate they had, though there were 3 other plates on the table right next to me, and then walked away. I asked a 3rd server walking by for a plate, and he proceeded to tell me that to get an EMPTY large plate, it would cost me an additional $1 - for an empty plate. Shocked and annoyed, I just decided to try and eat my meal on the awkwardly small plate. Less than 1/3 through my meal, the server dropped off my check without my request, and then proceeded to come back for it and pick it up before I had even opened it. Overall, it was the shittiest service experience I've had in a while. The food was good, but the apathetic service, and hilarious plate charge, made for a very frustrating lunch. If you're going to eat here, I'd recommend carry-out.
(2)
Wenbo F.

Don't buy takeouts from this restaurant! I ordered crazy noodles from them today and the food didn't even fill up half the takeout container, which is already quite small. What is worse is that the food looks like someone puked it out. The vegetables in there also tasted like they passed expiration date already. Cannot believe I paid more than 10 bucks for a bowl of sh*t.
(1)
Bharathi J.

Very bad service. Attitude of the people at the front desk and severs are Very rude. Never recommend..
(1)
Akshay R.

Worst place no respect for customers, they want all of people on table. Even if someone goes restroom they will ask where is that person..
(1)
Oliver K.

Someday I will try something other than the pineapple fried rice. That day is not today. This is a really great Thai place in the loop. There are better places outside the loop (Butterfly), but this place is great. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are good. Lost one star because the service could be better.
(4)
Daniel K.

Don't go to this place! Seriously. I'm not even sure what is worse, the food or the service? The entrees are bland for Thai food and they are really cheap with the veggies. I took a bite of food and since the entree was so terrible I asked if I could swap it out for something else. The waitress simply said "No" and advised that I would have to pay for another entree. Hmm. When the "manager" came over to our table she had a quick conversation with the waitress in Thai and then both of them just walked away from our table without communicating the outcome of their discussion. How rude! Once I followed up with them, I was again told that they would not switch out the entree. Hmm. I can't image that this place has a lot of repeat customers. Also, I asked for a side of bean sprouts and the waitress told us that the Department of Health prohibited their restaurant from serving uncooked bean sprouts. That sounded suspicious - a check on the Chicago Department of Public Health website shows that the restaurant failed numerous inspections due to roaches in the kitchen and other nasty stuff. Yikes!
(1)
Carolyn T.

I dined here for lunch today with two other friends. The decor is pretty classy, so I was surprised when the prices were so reasonable. We were seated quickly, which also surprised me because the place was packed with Chicago working professionals taking their lunch hour. I would describe my Siam Rice dining experience as the classier Thai version of fast food. We were seated quickly, our orders were taken quickly, our food arrived quickly with a less than 10-minute wait, and our check arrived another 10 minutes later. There really was not any service to speak of. I got the panang curry with tofu, which was almost too hot for me (even though I checked with the waitress ahead of time that it was not hot), so I went through my water very fast. I had to start drinking my friend's water before she finally came back to refill our waters! The curry was fine, but did not have much real flavor apart from being spicy (yes, I admit I'm not a curry connoisseur, but I have had much better). Just fyi, if you come here with more than one other person, they are only willing to split the bill with two credit cards (or one credit card and one payment in cash OR all paid in cash). We figured out how to evenly divide it just fine, though. Overall, this is a good place to go for lunch if you're in a rush but still want a sit-down meal, if you have a hankering for thai food, and you work nearby. I won't go out of my way to return because the aforementioned don't apply to me and I'm sure Chicago has better thai food to offer! Having said that, Siam Rice gets a solid three stars from me (and from my two dining companions who don't write reviews).
(3)
Hannah C.

The food is cheap, but you get what you pay for. The tiger cry steak was rubbery, the sauce had an unpleasant tang, and the rice was overcooked. Generally a disappointment, but at least an inexpensive one!
(2)
Sarah M.

Food was flavorless , slow service ..I had to change my order and it took them forever to respond to my complain .. I witnessed how unprofessional the staff were especially the manger and how he dealt with other customers complaining about their food& service he managed the situation so badly and kept shouting that he will call the police ..don't waste your time here !!
(1)
Iris W.

Bad experience :( 1. The waitress said they use the same recipe, and other customers never complain the Pad See Ew with shrimp is too salty, so if you think it is too salty to eat, it is not their problem. Even the Pad See Ew was one of my favorite in this restaurant and I'm sure it was not the same taste. Even all of my three friends try it and think it is too salty to eat, then suggest me to change. Even I told the waitress they can taste it to judge. 2. They said they can never make it less salty since the sauces are scaled by spoon, such as one spoon of A and one spoon of B. It is ridiculous, so I asked can you just put half of the spoon of everything? They said no, if you think it is too salty, you have to change to another totally different entree. 3. They think they had changed it to other dishes when we claimed it is too salty, so they are generous enough. Even the conversation was with uncomfortable attitude, with the warning they cannot change it again if you think the new entree is still salty, and with my late entree came when my friends finished theirs. 4. They think it is their property, so they can set up any policy. The policy is printed or handwritten on the menu, so they can always say no to the customers.
(1)
Margaret H.

Only have a few minutes for lunch/dinner? No problem! Your food will be in front of you before you even know what you want. I've been coming to this thai restaurant for years now and I still love it! The golden crab and pad thai are two dishes that I can always count on to be delicious. However, if you'd like to be a little more adventurous, I've recently developed an obsession with their coconut curry dish with tofu. I am constantly looking for similar dishes if I go to another thai restaurant. My friend and I always pick two dishes to split and this is always one of them. I'm not the biggest fan of curry, so this leap was certainly a leap of faith! Extra Bonuses: BYOB, extremely affordable, take-out friendly.
(4)
Joan D.

Great food, reasonably prized, good and fast service. Went during the lunch time rush. It was very packed but we were seated quickly. Once we ordered it was only a few minutes to be served our food. Considering it was during the lunch rush it took about 45 mins from coming to the door, being seated, ordering and having our food served. The timing was perfect since we were crunched for time.
(4)
Brandt J.

Thai food is a dime a dozen. Good Thai food is not so easy to come by. A group of 5 came at lunch with me, and we were seated in the very busy, semi-cramped restaurant immediately. The menu was simple with many tantalizing options. Inevitably I personally went with red curry with chicken and we got 2 orders of spring rolls as well. The spring rolls were fantastic. They were very fresh and served with a delicious sauce on them. The red curry was spicy, but not overpowering, and the portion size was generous for a lunch in the city. On top of all that, between ordering and the table receiving our food took about 7 minutes. Not bad at all for 5 people during a crowded lunch hour. I will be back to try a lot more, although it'll be hard for me not to get curry every time. 5 stars well deserved.
(5)
Tuan N.

-Papaya Salad (Rating: 3.5): Dish was a bit too sweet, and lacking in saltiness and fishiness. The papaya did not taste fresh. -Pineapple Fried Rice (Rating: 2.5): The rice was not firm and the shrimp was overcooked. The dish as a whole lacked flavor. -Ti
(3)
Andrew L.

One of the best Thai restaurants in the downtown area of Chicago. The food is always rich with flavors. One of the few places that actually has the sticky rice with mango dessert! I recommend this place go try it ^__^
(4)
Alyssa G.

I have had dinner here several times before going to the theater. Food and service are consistently good and the staff is very friendly. The Pad See Eiw is typically very good and I enjoy the Red, Panang and Mussamun curries a lot. Their mango and sticky rice dessert is a favorite as well! Overall, quick and efficient service, good food and pleasant, clean ambiance.
(4)
Giselle B.

Totally flavorless & bland Thai food. The place is totally packed for lunch but most of their diners only order the pad thai. The cold rolls were flavorless & so was the dipping sauce. The chicken & basil is ground and you can't tell what's really in the dish. The BBQ pork soup has no flavor. They could at least finish this with fresh lime juice. Don't waste your time with this place.
(1)
Kel C.

Food is bad so as customer service. Had lunch there today: 1. Shrimp Drunken Noodle has ONLY 4 small shrimps that are 'old', slimy and mushy. 2. I double checked my order since the noodle is thin. The waitress told me rudely that YOU ORDERED THE WRONG DISH. 3. Our check was literally tossed it on our table. Today will be my last visit and my last review for this place ..
(1)
Jeff B.

I'll never go here again. I've eaten here occasionally (sit down and take-out) and have found the food to be decent. I went here today to sit down and enjoy a lunch. There were approximately 5 tables open with 3 parties in line. The hostess told me it would be a 10-15 minute wait. Apparently they are unwilling to seat a party of 2 at a table of four--or even separate two 2-person tables. There are plenty of restaurants in the Loop--I'll go somewhere else.
(1)
Linda. G.

To be honest, if this place wasn't so close to the office, I'm not sure I'd make the trip to stop in. While I do enjoy the food, I find this place to be inconsistent. I have ordered the same dish on a handful of occasions and have received different portion sizes and different levels of flavor and spice. Also they rarely serve all the members of your party at the same time. While I am lucky enough not to be kept waiting, I end up waiting because I do not want to be rude and eat before others get their food. My experiences here have only been during the busy lunch hour so I am unsure if all of my gripes are due to the lunch hour rush or if this is typical at all times. Things that make me most happy about this place is the variety in menu items. Some dabs to order, spinach noodles with roasted duck and pad kee mao. And probably the main reason I crave this place is because they serve mango w/ sticky rice!!
(3)
Ellen V.

This is my favorite Thai restoration in entire Chicago area. The only one better than this one was in California... Mini egg rolls Glass noodles with shrimp and Sticky rice with mango are my favorite dishes and when it is cold outside the soups are great. the only issue with this place they are only useful for lunch time...
(5)
Zarine A.

Ordered takeout from this place for dinner and it was pretty ordinary. We got the Siam rolls for appetizers and they were extremely bland. Also got the papaya salad (som tum) which was also very flavorless, even though the menu listed it as a hot and spicy dish, and the shrimp in it looked really weird and shriveled. Our curry dishes (green and massaman) were good, but overall the meal was average. Good deals, though - we got one curry half off.
(3)
Stu A.

Relatively pricey, but the portions are pretty good. Expansive menu, exactly what I would except from this type of restaurant. The place is really full come noon
(4)
Christina G.

Delicious food, large portions, fast service, everything I could ask for from this place. We headed here for a quick bite before a show. The place was pretty packed around 6:15 on a Thursday. We were seated immediately and given menus. We went with spring rolls to start. It was about 4.5 pieces for each of us (I was dining with one other person). Very soon after our spring rolls were consumed, our main dishes came out. My husband ordered the crazy noodles and I had the pad se ewe. It wasn't at all spicy, so i asked for their condiment tray which contained chili paste, pickled jalapenos, and soy sauce. I added some chili paste, but even then it still didn't get the heat I wanted. The jalapenos weren't spicy - maybe pickling does that to them? Spiciness aside, the flavor was great. Even though the dish was stir fried, it didn't feel at all heavy. Again, the portion was huge. Finally, even though I was full, we went ahead and ordered the mango sticky rice, my favorite dessert. There was a whole mango cut in half, then sliced next to a large pile of warm rice topped with sesame seeds and some other sweet warm sauce - maybe honey? It was a great end to the meal. And for being the loop, the prices were reasonable in my opinion. Each main dish was less than $10, the spring rolls were under $5 and the dessert for two was around $6. The one knock is the friendliness of the servers, or should I say, lack of friendliness? They are very efficient, always topping off your water, and they will definitely bring you whatever you ask, but they won't go out of their way to check on you. Of course, the place was really busy and the phone was ringing off the hook, so they were otherwise occupied - it's not like they were standing around and chatting or anything like that. It didn't really bother me, but I could see where some would find it off-putting. Oh - and don't expect to grab a drink with your dinner here. There is no bar. Next time I'm nearby, I'll definitely head back, and my husband found his new go-to place to order take out on those late nights at work.
(4)
Brett E.

Delicious! I always enjoy a visit to Siam Rice. Nicely sized portions and unique and delicious dishes keep everyone coming back. This place is normally packed but tables open quick.
(5)
Kison P.

Excellent Thai food in the Loop. Resonable pricing and good ambiance, a little crammed during lunch. Great variety and flavors on the menu, these guys can make very spicy on request. Great place to take vegetarian clients.
(4)
Peter V.

Pretty darn fast during the lunch rush. Chicken dishes come out great- the pad thai is solid. A little weary of the steak/ beef dishes as it is pretty tough and has a slight "gamey" taste.
(3)
Laura H.

Did an online order for about 10 people at our office with a specific delivery time. They did a great job of packaging and labeling all the items so we could tell what was what. However they were about 20 minutes early, which is better than late, but you might end up eating really early if you get delivery! Food was good, positive reviews from everyone in the office.
(4)
Jennifer L.

Great Thai food for lunch in the Loop! I stopped by with with a friend for lunch on a Thursday afternoon around 12:30 pm. From the outside, you would not know that the restaurant is actually very big. There is a large bar area and plenty of seating. The decor is modern looking and the restaurant is very clean. We only had to wait a few minutes for our table, which was toward the back of the restaurant. The tables were pretty much right next to each other, which is OK, but can be uncomfortable for some. I don't typically prefer sitting next to other diners, but I threw caution to the wind and just started chatting not caring who heard my conversation. Like other reviews mentioned, this isn't a place to discuss personal matters by any means. As for the food, it was delicious! I got the tofu Pad See Eiw, which is my go-to Thai food dish. There were large chunks of tofu mixed into the dish. I loved the sauce in addition to the egg mixed in. I've never been a fan of the greens that come with Pad See Eiw, but that's just me. The portions are large (I couldn't finish mine) and the prices are great (under $10). Service, as mentioned in other reviews, isn't over the top friendly and the servers don't go out of their way to have a conversation with you. But, they are very efficient and the food comes out very quick. You really can get in and out in an hour if need be. Overall, excellent place and I definitely will be coming back if I'm in the mood for some Thai. You can also order online and take your order to go.
(4)
Lsev-efive-osev Y.

Wait staff -is young and doesn't know how to greet or pardon themselves. Beware of flying food particles. Wait staff cleans tables and just flings stuff off the table. Food- good. Overall experience is average is a little under three because the kids serving u don't have basic service skills. But yeah if u want in and out this is a spot for u. If u want better wait staff..goto Ruby of Siam.
(3)
Brenton J.

Consider this a 2.5 star review. We were rushed to order the moment we sat down. OK, it's the loop at lunch time, I get it. Ordered red curry. Requested curry to be hot. When I received it, the coconut broth was visibly pale and lacking in color, and upon tasting it the spice/curry flavor was barely detectable. I asked for a side of rice noodles. The girl told me it was a $2 charge. I said ok. Then she asked me if I wanted less rice. Huh? I asked if I can substitute the rice for the noodles (even if there is a charge)? She said no. What?? Explain to me what is the difference, exactly. I said just give me rice, then. I didn't think it was that complicated of a request, but apparently it was. Long and short - received half a cup of rice for a giant bowl of curry. They had already delivered the check along with the food, and could not flag down a waitress to request more rice. Had to eat most of my curry with a spoon straight from the bowl. The tables were literally an inch a part from each other. I felt like I was eating with the girls sitting next to us. I could barely hear my friend over the noise. The only reason for the second star is that the food tasted pretty good, but it should have been a better experience. My friend enjoyed her enormous plate of pad thai, however, I don't feel my expectations were unreasonable (i.e. spicy curry to be spicy, and enough rice to be able to eat my curry). Will try again, but would not get the red curry again. It was super disappointing.
(2)
Trina O.

I placed an order online today for 11:45 deliver, for a lunch meeting taking place at noon, and requested it be delivered to our receptionist. I get a call at 11:17 saying my order had arrived but he was in the lobby. I go to the lobby and had to look for the driver. He comes in a few moments later from the opposite side of the building. I sign the receipt and he hurries off. I check my bag and find the beverages are missing. Thinking I have some leeway given I have until noon, I call the restaurant and inform them my order was short. The person on the phone didn't bother to ask my name or where I was calling from. I had to hurry and provide that info because it seemed as if he was going to hang up. 15 minutes later the driver returns still missing part of my order. After setting up for my meeting, I call back and speak to Ben, the manager, who tell me that the driver can come back in an hour. I told him the meeting would be over by then so he suggest he'd remove the item from the bill. I asked for a copy of the amended bill and he said I'd see it on the AMEX. I told him that I had little faith that that would be done given the problems I've had thus far. He didn't seem overly concerned and that was very disappointing. Although they're quick, that doesn't always mean great service and one without the other is pointless. I know several people from my office frequent Siam Rice given they are close by and can get you in and out when dining in but for the purposes of take-out and customer service I would not recommend to anyone. If you do decided to place an order for delivery, bring an extra person along to hold the driver down so you can check your order thoroughly to ensure you have all that you paid for. I'd hate for you to have to go through what I just did.
(1)
Gino W.

When I was in graduate school, a study group I had for one of my classes wanted to meet to Siam Rice for our sessions. Having worked in the financial district in Chicago and knowing what a mad house Siam Rice is during lunch, I thought they themselves were mad. Then I went after 5:00 PM, got a seat, and had the panang noodles with chicken. Queue scene with me singing and turning flips. Outstanding food, although it came to the table a bit too fast and I assume it was because there were leftovers from the lunch and late lunch crowd, I was still pleased after gobbling any of their curry dishes or basil chicken. I love their panang dishes, be it with rice or with noodles. But the crispy noodles in the noodle dish, along with the spices, will make you smack the table. Well, maybe not you, but I certainly do it. If you want to get a seat without feeling rushed, go after 5:00 PM. The lunch hour stretch is simply an awesome sight to see but nothing I found worthy of indulging. Thou shall not wait for 30 minutes to almost an hour for lunch and then rushed because the crowd outside the restaurant is growing.
(4)
Julie Y.

My coworkers and I always come here for lunch. Even during the lunch rush, we have NEVER had to wait to be seated. Even when our party was as large as 8. That said, the food here is decent. Not the best Thai food, but good enough. The thing is, their portions are MASSIVE. Good lord are they massive. A standard plate of food will last me at least two meals.
(4)
Moe L.

Food wasn't great but service was terrible. Both waitresses were very rude because we went in after rush hour (around 2:30 PM). Will never go back there!
(1)
Emily C.

Good sit down Thai option in the loop. Loved the Siam roll. It was very fresh and I love the peanut sauce that came with it. Unfortunately, my basil shrimp was so spicy I couldn't finish it all. I asked for it to be mild so that was a bummer. My husband's cashew chicken was very good. Service was very good and quick. 124/365
(3)
Kinzie E.

Ordered again from Siam Rice hoping that I would have a better experience. Today, just like every other time I've ordered from there, the delivery drive made me come downstairs from my office to pick up my food. I called the restaurant to ask why I pay a delivery charge and the gentleman I spoke to said that because it is rush hour (apparently that now begins at 11:30am), their drivers sometimes cannot park and deliver the food. Well, a $3 delivery fee plus tip isn't justified then. So long Siam Thai. Looks like it will be Star of Siam moving forward.
(1)
Elina S.

Came here a while ago and remember having really liking the Thai food here. I remember we took the train that day and we told our server that we were kind of in a hurry and he/she totally respected that and got all of our food out in a timely manner. We judge our Thai experience on the crab ragoons and the chicken pad Thai and both were cooked to perfection. If I remember correctly the entrees, although we came for lunch, were very generous and we had plenty of leftovers. Definitely a must try if you are in the neighborhood as we enjoyed our experience here. It's not exactly the center of downtown or at least not where we were that day but the walk was good for us to walk off all the thai we ate.
(4)
Prabodh M.

Had been to Siam Rice last week. I absolutely loved the food. It is one of the really good thai food restaurants around Chicago. The portion size is good and right priced. They also serve veg fried rice without eggs for vegans! I clipped off one star for their slow service.
(4)
Galina M.

Terrible service but good food. The 5 of us sat down for lunch - only 4 of us got our food on time, my poor coworker had to wait another 15 minutes suffering in misery (although quietly) while we were gobbling up our lunch. They gave us the check before he even got his food!!! Now thats borderline outrageous! Anyways, only gonna go there again because my coworkers like it and because its one of the few thai places in the loop. Otherwise, if ure not a corporate crowd, I would avoid this place! Much better choices for thai food up north! :)
(3)
Alesia S.

This has too be the fastest service I have ever received...almost too fast (if that is possible). But if you are looking for a quick, yummy place to grab lunch this is the spot. I tried the curry and pad thai both were pretty good.
(3)
Susan K.

Busy, Thai place with a great location. It's ideal for meeting friends who work on opposite sides of the Loop. I gathered with old friends here and everyone enjoyed their meal, whether they got curry (me), salad or noodles. Ample choices for vegetarians.
(4)
Shm A.

The worst experience ever I hope I can give them zero star, I go there with two of my friend and when we wait we toke small menu and when we seated they didn't give us the big menu (written inside 3 person they toke 18% tip) we order the worst food with worst service at the end we told them we want to pay separate and they refuse because they except only two card per table and we go to the manger and he was veeeery bad person unprofessional and he didn't know how to resolve small problem like this only we want to pay separate and he want to call the police after half an a hour with unprofessional and bad conversation from the persons they work in the resturant and from the guy suppose to be the manger one of my friend ask him what about if we pay 2 card and one cash and he say yes this fine ok !!!!! Seriously whaaaay you didn't tell that from the beginning we spend 1/2 h We didn't recommend this restaurant at all bad food bad service every things bad .
(1)
Grace N.

What a great place to avoid the happy-hour crowds and get a decent dinner in the Loop! Between work and an evening function, we stopped by and quickly grabbed a table since the place was practically empty. We were expecting the usual run-of-the-mill Thai food but my chicken salad was huge and packed with flavor, and my husband's Sen Yai Noodles were ahhh-ma-zing. Beautifully marinated and perfectly cooked pieces of steak, with broad noodles and bean sprouts? This definitely beats the usual Thai and it was outstanding.
(4)
Jen D.

This place is not so bad. So far, I was satisfied with the dishes. I have ordered Pad Thai and the Drunken Noodles and they were pretty good. The drunken noodles are spicy so if you do not like spicy foods, then ask for mild. Very busy on lunch hour in the loop.
(3)
Alesha S.

If you are looking for large-portioned, quality Thai food, with prompt service at a great price, look no further - Siam Rice has you covered. I was introduced to this place by my co-workers upon relocating to Chicago. This is our 'go-to' Thai restaurant in the Loop whenever we need a fix. Though this is more of a 'sit-down' restaurant, the service is fast. During lunch hours it is extremely busy, but you will get in and out in about 30 - 45 minutes easy. Also, if you are there with a party, all members will need to present before being seated. Overall, nice spot, great menu options, good food.
(4)
Nimesh D.

While the food was good, the service was absolutely horrible. They weren't courteous, weren't warm and inviting, and in general not welcoming at all. The check took too long to arrive, after we had to call the server. I'd recommend the food but hopefully y'all won't get the same server that we did.
(1)
Wenwen L.

The food here are great! BUT...my waitress has her COLD FACE all the time. She didn't come to ask how's everything. She messed up my dish with my friend's twice. And she didn't realize it at all. So I give 4 stars to foods, but no stars for the waitress.
(3)
Vik K.

The thai basil chicken is the best in town.
(4)
Mike W.

I have lunch here weekly and just love it. Consistently excellent- I recommend in particular the Chicken coconut curry, red curry, ginger chicken, tom yum soup, and cashew chicken. Nice atmosphere but carry out is very quick and efficient. Some of the best food in the loop.
(5)
Alex M.

Hot damn! The Mussaman curry is THE BOMB. Daaaaaaaaaaaaamn Gina!
(4)
Paco R.

The place was packed during lunch. The hostess was rude, the waitress was rude. I just wanted to leave without eating, but my friend wanted to try it out. I ordered the Tom Yum Noodle, and it was not good. The chicken didn't taste good and neither did the broth. There are a hundred things on the menu, but I've had this at several other restaurants and it's been great...not at this place.
(1)
Casey F.

Solid Thai food in the loop. Great for lunch since the food comes out super quick but it gets really packed so be sure to arrive early and beat the rush. I really liked my food, the portions were large, and they had a ton of selection on the menu. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but if you work nearby it's worth checking out.
(3)
Wei H.

Came here a few months ago for dinner on a weekday so my memory is a little dull. Loved the decor of the restaurant which was very classy and welcoming being a place right in the middle of the concrete jungle downtown. Had two stir fry noodles: Pad See Eiw and Pad Thai. Pad See Eiw had a very unique and strong flavor that was different from what I had before (compared to other authentic - often times family owned - Thai restaurants). My friend loved it though. I enjoyed my pad thai. Noodles were at the right texture and the ingredients were all pretty flavorful. We must have deliberately avoided water throughout the meal so that we had room for desserts coz we were excited for the Mango and Sticky Rice right from the start of the meal. It was heavenly. I cannot quite put my finger on what they marinate the sticky rice with but it was the perfect pinch of savory and sweet. Partnered with coconut milk, that thing was your health's frenemy. Mango could have been more ripe and sweet but we gladly let that slide. I cannot imagine how popular this place must be during lunch time for its offerings amidst a land of sandwiches and more sandwiches.
(3)
Wayne H.

This is a great lunch spot if you are looking to dine-in. It is not expensive and the service is really quick. Some of my favorite dishes to order here are the Panang Curry, Pad See-Eiw, and the Curry fried rice with chicken. I wish I remembered to go here more often. It's that good!
(4)
Elizabeth L.

Favorite Thai spot for Loop lunches. Classy ambiance, though gets loud during lunch rush. Love all the noodle dishes, have never had anything I didn't like here. Reasonable pricing esp. for being a sit-down and large portions. Fast service. Get here early to beat peak rush. Service gets harried, and reservations not accepted.
(4)
Denise R.

I ordered delivery. One hour and a half later my food arrives. Although I was frustrated with the long wait, I had high hopes. The Tom Kha soup was pretty good so I was off to a decent start. I moved onto my Tiger Cries and it was so awful. I was able to chew like one piece of beef and the rest was rock hard. It was fat, but it was the hardest fat I've ever put in my mouth. Like not even chew-able. The sticky rice was so sticky and hard, I couldn't even separate it. I was using my own fork (not the plastic ones they include in delivery) to try and separate the rice and I just couldn't. I've had sticky rice before and it was nothing like this. I've attached a picture of my food. yelp.com/biz_photos/qO0râ€¦
(1)
Leslie M.

Not to far from my job, been here many times. Very good thai place. Very popular and crowded place. Great shrimp in a blanket, pad thai, noodles,etc great lunch spot. Must go. Delicious
(4)
Michael R.

The place is weird. It's clean and nice yet something is a little off. The soups were nice, but not typical and not spicy at all. Spice rack fixed it, but we had to specifically ask for it. The food was good, but again unusual and again we weren't asked about how spicy we wanted it. One recommendation is to go for dishes with rice, I saw cooks eating during their lunch break and they all had rice.
(3)
Sherill M.

Have you ever had a foodgasm? The food here is amazing! I have tried many different versions of Thai spicy basil rice, and this one tops the charts!! The rice was moist, flavorful, DELICIOUS! The crab rangoons were so fresh, full of flavor, and amazing! Prices are GREAT for Chicago and you get a nice size. I was really taken back by the food here. It gets very crowded around lunch time with many working professionals in the area. Seems like a good place to meet people too ;) I would give this place 6 stars and never eat at another restaurant again but the staff here is overwhelmingly rude. I asked for several things that never came. I wanted a basil leaf in my soup and she charged me $1 LOL for a dang basil leaf? I had never been charged that before. I just deducted that $1 from her tip....OOOPS lol They have by far the rudest staff I've ever seen. obnoxious, I never tip well here. but, who cares - THE FOOD ROCKS!
(4)
Madeline B.

Really too bad because the pad thai and massaman curry were actually good. But the sticky rice had a hair in it (GROSS!!!) and the lychees on ice tasted really really metallic. Like sucking on a tin can. I couldn't believe it. I don't know how that flavor got there, maybe the lychees were canned. But it made us both feel sick after we ate them. If we had noticed the hair in the dessert before eating our entrees, we probably would have thrown it all away. If this doesn't freak you out, then go ahead and try the pad thai and curry. They were pretty good for delivery thai.
(1)
Vicky G.

I work just a couple blocks away from Siam Rice, and it has spoiled me for other Thai restaurants in the city. This is a great place for lunch. As long as you time it right, you will get in and out of there in less than an hour, no problem. If you're hungry, they have a couple good apps: great spring rolls (fresh, no meat, with a tasty peanut sauce) and fried egg rolls. When it comes to entrees I have tried various noodle and rice dishes. Noodle first: Most people play it safe with Pad Thai but it is worth venturing out and trying their Drunken Noodles and Crazy Noodles, both punched with fresh veggies and good flavors. Rice: They have a variety of rice dishes - from fried rice, to white rice, to brown rice. Like with the noodles, their ingredients are fresh. I have yet to try a curry dish but friends of mine that have enjoy it. Service is quick and may come off as rude. But they're trying to get people in and out for that lunch rush, so I don't mind. Overall, it's a nice change of pace from the typical lunch spots.
(4)
Downtown B.

Went on a Friday at 1130am. I had never been. My first impression was that this place had an upscale (relatively speaking) feel for a $9 an entree Thai place. My second thought was that the [lace is huge and seems to extend backwards...forever. Like I said got there at 1130, place was 1/3 full. By noon the place was jammed and stayed that way until my departure at 1245pm. I ordered the basil chicken with no rice. I was impressed by the portion, not huge but it was large. I thought the dish was well seasoned. It is advertised as spicy, if I ordered it again I'd ask for me heat. Basil amount was good but they could add more. Serve was attentive. Water was refilled 3 or 4 times and tea was refilled once, this met our needs. Overall, for what it is, a low cost Thai joint in the loop, this exceeded my expectations. I'd be back for sure.
(4)
Lindsey H.

Mediocre food and service. Service was slow and inattentive. Food was average and my chicken was overcooked. Not impressed. I have had much better Thai food.
(3)
Lily Z.

The food is ok, but the service is too bad. They were rude to us when we tried to get a table before whole party came, it was not full at that time and they just didn't let us do it. They moved the table away so that we didn't have enough place. We wanted to talk to the manager, and when the manager came, they said "your friend was rude first!". WHAT?
(2)
Amy H.

Me: Hi, I'll have the Basil Chicken rice dish. Server: You know that's spicy, right? Me: Yes, the little chili pepper on the menu says it's spicy. That's why I ordered it. Friend: You think you can handle that much heat? Me: Oh, because I'm a white girl you think I can't eat spicy food?! I see how it is. Friend: Uh-huh, you'll see... *eating food* Me: Damn, this is spicy. But I like it. Friend: Uh-huh.... *eating some more food* Me: Ok, yeah...this seems to be getting spicier with each bite. Friend: Uh-huh... *eating more food* Me: Wow, this is so spicy it's making my eyeballs sweat. Friend: Those are tears, wimp. After feeling returned to my mouth, I realized that I enjoyed my basil chicken, although it was a touch greasy. Siam Rice gets really crowded at lunchtime but I do like their online order system, which makes lunchtime to-go orders easy.
(4)
Francheska L.

Today, Siam Rice inspired me to finally create a Yelp account because my party of 3 was discriminated against for being a party of 3. Nope, not a typo. I'm still in shock at how awful the hostess and manager treated my two co-workers and me. My two co-workers took me out to lunch for my birthday and when we arrived around 11:40 (to beat the lunch rush) there were PLENTY of open tables. My friend asked for a table for 3 and the hostess (aka Ms. Snippy) asked if we would like to sit at the bar. My friend politely declined and said we would prefer a table as this was supposed to be a nice birthday lunch for me. And Ms. Snippy's response is the most RIDICULOUS thing I have ever heard: "WE DON'T HAVE ANY TABLES FOR 3 RIGHT NOW. YOU HAVE TO WAIT." WTF? WTactualF? Nope, she wasn't kidding. No funny joke here. Tons of open tables and they refused to seat us at a table with four chairs and they refused to let us push two small two-person tables together. When the shock wore off, I walked back in and asked for the manager. He was useless and said maybe Ms. Snippy didn't understand, but he also wouldn't give us a table for 3 so once again, WTF? Not that we would have taken it at that point anyway! But no, Ms. Snippy completely understood. I think her initial response proves she effing understood. She was not confused with their "you can only be seated if your entire party is present" rule. She knew it was just the 3 of us. The manager just stared at me, stuttered, looked around awkwardly, and made weird verbal pauses. "Uhh.. umm.. miss.. well.. table.. 3?.. mmm.." Clearly my lack of a pair is bigger than his. You honestly can't tell me you don't know how to deal with an angry customer if this is how you treat people. And to complement this absurd lack of customer service, as we were standing at the desk talking to Ms. Snippy, she completely blew us off and waived her arm right over our heads to seat the even-numbered party of 2 behind us. Ms. Snippy is also very good at shrugging her shoulders in the perfect IDGAF way. If I could get away with dropping as many F-bombs on Yelp as I did in that F-bomb of a restaurant, I would. But alas, my review needs to be published for all the odd-numbered parties in the world to see!!! I don't want my first review hidden away on the naughty Yelper list, ya know. ***We ended up walking down to 312 Chicago, which was FANTASTIC. And the hostess there even laughed at our story and said a table for 3 is a table with 3 people. End of story lol.
(1)
Kathy S.

Since my last review, I've changed jobs and as Siam Rice is now much closer to my new work, this is my go-to Thai place. Although some of their dishes are very average, my usuals like the pad thai and especially the panang curry, are pretty tasty to me. I tend to just order for pickup but I do love how efficient they are when dining in during the lunch rush. They definitely keep in mind that a lot of worker bees have limited time. Note: their level of spicy is VERY inconsistent. "Very hot" could range from "not spicy at all" to "this will burn your tongue off."
(4)
Gloria A.

It's good, but not great. There's a lot of thai around and I want to be wowed. Just didn't happen here.
(4)
Hina Q.

So I went here for lunch one day. Because of my "o-k" first experience it wasnt my first choice of restaurant, but majority ruled, and I didnt want to ruin it for the others. The place gets packed so we made sure to get there just before the lunch rush. I ordered the Shrimp Panang curry with white rice - I give it an 'A' for flavor, I give it a 'C-' for rice portion (it wasnt even enough for me to finish the curry! When I asked for a takeaway box to pack half my shirmp panang curry that was left, they brought me a cardbord box with a clear bag in it!!! Really!!! Given I had no other choice, i packed it. Later that night when I wanted to re-heat it, half the curry was stuck to the bag. How are you expected to warm curry thats in a bag! Next time I will insist for a small plastic container (like other resaurants give for food that is not dry). Meh..
(2)
Jordan P.

Great place for a quick, casual work lunch! The food is great! I've had the green curry, a couple of different noodle dishes and the basil chicken and they've all been tasty. All of the food comes out really quickly. The downside is that if you're not trying to get back to work quickly it can feel as though the servers are rushing you. The tables are also really close together, so if you're trying to have a personal conversation it's not the best place to go. But a great go to lunch spot if you work in the area.
(4)
Natasha P.

Quick! Somebody get me a ribbon and a medal because Siam Rice deserves a goddamn award. I ducked in here for a late lunch today and found myself dining alone in the main dining room which mind you, is FAAAAAAN-CY (think mahogany panels and tables with dim lighting). I don't know about the rest of you, but I love eating alone, especially in fancy-ish type establishments. I ordered the Vegetable Rolls to start with - carrots, cucumber, vermicelli noodles and pineapple rolled in a soft, fresh wrapper. YES, PINEAPPLE! It was deeeelish to say the least, light and fresh - inventive with the pineapple, a lovely touch. As my entree, I opted for the Lard Na, you know how mama loves all Lad Nar/Lard Na dishes! Mmm, I requested for it to be extra spicy, so they actually sliced up a hot pepper and both cooked and served it in the dish. Honestly, it was not as spicy as I preferred - which hey isn't their fault. I'm a freak of nature, I put crushed red pepper and cayenne into almost everything - even last night's lobster bisque. But I digress... This Lard Na was amazeballs. The brown gravy was perfection (after adding several spoonfulls of chili powder). It was like the gravy decided to have a party and invited fresh broccoli and noodles to complete the guest list. Hell to the mother effing yes. The service was quick, kind and attentive. My food was out in a matter of minutes but I still enjoyed eating at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying Chelsea Handler's witty repartee a la Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang. An ideal lunch if I do say so myself... In summation, Siam Rice is DY-NO-MITE.
(4)
Hondo S.

Food is decent enough although the location certainly dictates the price here. Better or equal can be found elsewhere for lower costs. The main downer here is the service which is aloof & overly self-important.
(2)
Michelle F.

Yes, this place is pretty delicious ... and popular! I went there with some peeps from work for lunch on a Monday, and there was a 15-minute wait. It was also really hot that day, so they had a cooler of water bottles by the door for people to drink while they waited for a table ... nice gesture. Once we were seated and ordered, the food came out pretty quickly. I had the Chicken Pad Thai, which was delicious and made just how I like it with plenty of chicken. I actually could only eat half my portion, so I was able to take the other half home. It heated up really nicely. I would recommend this place for a nicer lunch in the Loop. The service is fast and efficient, even though they're super busy, and the food is great.
(4)
Amanda G.

Outstanding Thai food at a reasonable price! During a visit to Chicago with my mom and stepfather, we decided to eat dinner at Siam Rice. When we first sat down and looked at the menu my stepfather said "This is a tapas restaurant, there is no way you will get a full meal with these prices. We are going to wind up spending a lot of money here". Luckily, he was wrong. I ordered the panang salmon; the food was delicious and the portion was more than generous. We all left very happy with our meal and over all experience. The next time I am in Chicago, I plan to go back to Siam Rice.
(5)
Jeff D.

Great portions, great prices, speedy service.
(5)
Cara T.

I love Siam Rice. I go here for lunch at least once a week or so. I usually get to-go, because they are always packed and the seating can get cramped. I love the crab wontons and cucumber salad as appetizers. For entree, I usually get the Salmon Teriyaki or the Chicken Pad Thai. Both are delicious. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for lunch that wants some good Thai food.
(4)
Melanie S.

This place is okay. There's a dearth of decent sit-down restaurants in the Loop and I loathe most fast-food options in the vicinity of my office. Why, oh, why is there not a Portillo's in the Loop? Anyway, back to my review. I enjoy Thai food and this place is solid. They're not re-inventing the wheel here, but the menu is extensive, and it's fairly priced. Naturally they cater to the office crowd, so your food comes out lightning fast. I am not such a fan of this. As others have mentioned, they'll bring out the food as it's ready, rather than everyone's dishes out at the same time. When you're there with friends or colleagues, it's not such a big deal, but when you go with clients, it can make for an awkward lunch when I'm sitting there watching my food get cold while my dining companion has to wait a full five minutes for their entree. I could send my food back and explain that I'd like to wait until my guest has their food, but I know it will just sit under a heat lamp in the meantime. I'd go back with work friends, but probably skip it if I was going to lunch with clients.
(3)
Stef M.

Very good. Crazy Noodle is my favorite dish, has baby carrots, tomato, pepper, shrimp, chicken, and is not very spicy as the menu suggests. Good pad thai. Good menu selection. The spring rolls are good but a bit odd. Cheap delivery charge, fast service. Affordably priced menu, ave. $8.50 entree, $4.25 appetizers. Its BYOB, so it gets a fifth star.
(5)
Tim J.

Pad kra pow was huge, and traditional with no vegetables as it is supposed to be. In siam the only color in this dish is the basil. Real holy basil not sweet basil and kecap manis and golden mountain spiced the hand chopped chicken giving it a lovely mahogany color. Real holy basil had an intoxicating smell. Really pretty decor with nice bar. Staff are efficient, not talkative because they are busy busy. Fine by me. Dont want to chat, I am eating. My only complaint of this huge dish was there was enough chicken for two portions and only enough rice for one portion. Better than average and authentic.
(4)
Raquel D.

This is my favorite Thai in the loop. When I worked a bit closer, I made a weekly appearance. Now that I'm a wee bit further (10 min brisk, out of breath walking), I haven't had the pleasure of going as often. But I still try, especially during cooler months where i won't be sweaty after speed walking. :) The service is fast - not personable, but that's b/c they are BUSY! And for good reason - the food is good and ready almost immediately. At first, that can seem scary, but no, it's fresh - they are just well prepared and know what they're doin' back there. My staples are chicken and/or beef pad see ew, ground chicken basil, chicken basil fried rice, lad nar, tom yum, drunk noodles and tom yum noodle. All have been exceptionally yummy. I tried other dishes and apps as well and have never been disappointed. This is where I usually take my downtown visitors for lunch. The price is decent for having a "nicer" lunch. The only problem is having to haul my heavy arse back to the office after this fulfilling meal that I usually lick clean. mmm.
(4)
Melissa T.

Food alone makes this a 5 star joint, but... I'm not normally one to eliminate a star for ambiance or more so the lack there of or for atrocious service, but this place - in trying to accommodate the loop lunch rush - crams their tables together to the extent that you could literally brush elbows with the person at the next table. Further, service is pretty abysmal - not rude just really pushy. Not a good start. Next, the fact that I wanted kee mao, and their version (drunken noodles) is made with "thin rice noodles" was not a good second impression of the place for me. Being the annoying white girl that I am, I asked if the dish could be made with wide rice noodles like every other drunken noodle I've ever had, and they told me "that's what the crazy noodle is for." Unfortunately, I prefer my kee mao with either beef or pork, so I decided to try something else. As a result, I tried the panang noodles with beef. Oh my dear good lord - this was one spectacular dish. The only negative I recall with each and every salivatingly good bite was...nothing. Crammed quarters couldn't ruin that delicious food affair I had with the curry, the half crunchy, half soft delicious wide rice noodles, and the beef in my dish. Dear Curry Noodle, I'll come again and have you soon, my sweet love. I promise. My companion had the massamum curry, and he loved it. We also had some fantastic appetizers (spring rolls and thai pockets, i believe) as well as a splendid tom kha soup. Overall, the cramped ambiance and pushy service is almost completely eliminated from my siam rice memory because the food really was that good. I look forward to going there again very soon. I've heard the place is great for delivery though - you get the delicious food and the ambiance of your choosing. Yes, please.
(4)
Taufiq H.

Awesome food .. great taste. The tiger cry looked interesting. I came here for a company lunch
(4)
Jay J.

one of the Junk restaurants. They use the fish oil in the food and that is not written in the menu any where. When we ask this they say that every thai restaurant uses the fish oil. Food there really stinks and service was awful. Dont waste money going there. They did not even bother to change our food and we had to pay for the food and come out not even touching it.
(1)
D A.

I have eaten here a few times as it is close to my office. Each time I have found the food below average but more importantly the hostess and servers to be extremely rude. They squeeze people in (even when there are plenty of open tables) and they rush you out. My last experience was so poor that this was the impedes of me finally signing up for Yelp to write this review.
(1)
Cathy B.

Does anyone else think that the Thai offerings in downtown Chicago are lacking? This has probably the best atmosphere, at least when you walk in. And the food was fine -- nothing to write home about, but, adequate. Fine. Inoffensive. But, while the atmosphere LOOKS classy, your dining experience (at least at lunch) will not be relaxing. It's extremely loud inside, which makes for difficult conversation. And the service is brusque -- we were asked if we were ready to order twice in a row, before we had even opened a menu! The first question came probably within one minute of being seated at the table. Food came out erratically, and service was too focused on being multi-tasked, than on providing quality service. (For example, in trying to provide service to the table next to us while also walking to-go food up to a second table, a server wound up hitting me repeatedly with the sharp corner of a to-go box.) I get it that the lunch rush is indeed a rush. But, c'mon -- we were in and out in 20 minutes. That's great, if all you want is a full belly. But if you want a break from your day AND if you want quality food, this is not the place for you. It's certainly not the place for me.
(2)
Scot C.

Not impressed! After having a wonderful Thai dinner earlier this week while in Seattle's University district, I was compelled to try Siam Rice. The decor is upscale, though the attire of the waitstaff is not - wearing non-uniform t-shirts and cargo shorts. Service was quick and courteous, but I was quickly dismayed to learn the restaurant served no alcohol - no Singha for me tonight. Instead, the waiter offered I could run across the street to the CVS store and purchase some beer for my dinner. To start, I ordered the chicken satay The satay was swimming in turmeric but yet still lacked flavor or character as did the peanut sauce. The portions were generous for the price, but the dish was still a disappointment. For the entree, I chose the Panang curry - which was listed as a specialty. It only comes with jasmine rice and I was not offered to substitute brown rice or sticky rice which I would have preferred. The order was delivered surprisingly quick - which I later learned was because the curry is not made fresh. They make large batches of it twice a day. That explained why the chicken was mushy after haven been boiled for several hours and the curry sauce had started to separate - resulting in a grainy texture and appearance. The taste wasn't much better... there was no spice or kick to the curry (and I was never asked if I wanted to have it bland/mild). The entire meal was barely palatable. When the waitstaff inquired about my meal, I told them straight up that I was disappointed in the quality of the curry - to which I got nary an apology or concern. There was no offer to substitute nor an adjustment of my bill. Sadly to say, the most tasteful item I consumed at Siam Rice was the authentic Thai candy that I picked from the bowl on the counter on my way out the door. Overall - a waste of 20 bucks. Don't bother... there have to be tons of better Thai restaurants in town.
(1)
Francesca L.

Love Love Love Siam Rice!! This is a great lunch place in the loop. Food comes out extremely fast, fresh and hot. I've been here numerous times and the food flavor is consistent and the portions are a great size for lunch (sometimes even a little too big). The price point is also reasonable for a sit down restaurant (with quality food) in the loop. Some downsides could be the close seating, small cramped space, waiting for a seat and noise. I really don't let this bother me. I would much rather eat in a place that is constantly packed than one with no patrons. To me, it is a sign that this is a great restaurant. Some reviewers also commented on the waitresses being rude or not friendly. I would agree that they may come across not super friendly but they are also extremely busy. Again, this is something that doesn't bother me. I known when I am Siam Rice that my $8.00 noodle dish will like not come with the most attentive service (and to me, it is not even needed at this time of dining establishment). Basically, if you want a reasonably priced sit down lunch in this part of the loop, then Siam Rice is a great choice.
(5)
Angie M.

You simply must get here before 11:45 or after 1:30 to have a chance in hell of being seating quickly. Siam Rice is THE preferred Thai joint in the Loop and the crowds here confirm it. Just a few tidbits: * You're entire party must be present to be seated. I found that out the hard way. * The crab rangoon is AWESOME! I was eating here with a friend and I believe she called it "righteous." * Everything costs about $10. Make it easy on yourself and bring cash so you can get out of there quickly. Since it's so busy, the servers are totally slammed and it may take a few minutes to get your credit card run. * The huge, rotating front door to the restaurant will actually hit you on your ass on the way out. Beware.
(4)
Sanket K.

Siam Rice is located in the loop and is my go-to Thai place for lunch in the loop or for late-night working sessions. I've had the Panang Curry, Panang Noodles, Yellow Curry and Mango sticky rice desserts and all of them were spot-on. I've tried a few of the other Thai places in the loop and Siam Rice is the best. My only problem with them is that it seems like they try to rush you during lunch. They aren't pushy, but they seem like they work very quickly to try to end your meal.
(4)
Leang E.

It seems to me that more people prefer this Thai restaurant to the Ruby Siam based on the number of reviews and ratings, but my taste buds weren't in complete agreement. I was disappointed that the place doesn't take reservations, so we made sure we left work a little early to beat the rush. It wasn't too necessary as the service here is really quick. The staff is really on top of things to ensure a high table turnover. The interior of the restaurant is really nice and fitting for business lunches as well. I ordered the thai iced tea, shrimp tom yum soup, and the chicken drunken noodles. We also split up the crab rangoon. My only complaint really was the chicken drunken noodles. The flavoring was off for me - along with the mix of vegetables was different and I liked it, but overall just not what I expected. I have to say this might be my least favorite drunken noodle spot. I would like to come back and try other dishes as this one might just be off. It seems like they have some unique dishes as well. The prices were reasonable for downtown.
(3)
Michael S.

Food is decent for the price. My main complain is the service. I understand the rush hours and accommodating during those hours are though. We had a group of four, they took our order in about 10 mins after being seated. After the food arrived one meal was missing which was my meal out of the four. Another 5 mins to get their attention and 10 mins til my food arrives. Checking out was the most ridiculous.Besides the wait, we wanted to go boxes and as the waitress lifted our plates forks and spoons fell on other plates. No apologies just silence... Bad bad bad service.
(1)
Vineet S.

My office collegue took me and other office mates for lunch to this place. This place is normally buzzing with people during the peak lunch hours. We reserved our table in advance sine we were 14 of us. I ordered Crazy Noodles on my Manager's advice since he is a regular at this place. The noodles were very good and had a perfect blend of shrimps, chicken and were not that hot. I really liked them. Next time when I visited the place I ordered Marina Grill which is actually served with rice. It's little spicy but it's good. The place has too many people dining in and way too less waiters. So sometimes wait becomes long to get hold of waitress. Overall a nice place to dine in for lunch.
(3)
Jonathan W.

This is one of the only Thai places in the loop and I've eaten here WAY TOO MUCH. The food isn't terrible - they only offense is that it's probably the most dumbed-down example of Thai food around (which is why it's so busy so I guess you can't fault them for that). But seriously...no fish sauce? No fish sauce used in anything? None even on the premises? I've asked why and no good answer has been given other than most people will probably be a little freaked out once they know how it's made. I'll leave the wiki-work to you... Fish sauce is to Thai food as garlic and olive oil are to Italian food. If you leave it out you'll still get the idea but something's clearly missing.
(2)
Sabrina M.

In fairness, I must update and upgrade. I probably order takeout lunch from Siam Rice at least three times a week -- the food is delicious and I've made friends with the folks working the front, so they are always incredibly friendly to me. They know my name and practically my order. The only reason I'm not giving it four stars is that I haven't dined in for a long time, so I don't know if those service issues have been corrected or not. But this is definitely a better-than-two-star restaurant. I'm pretty traditional with my orders -- usually Pad Thai, Pad Woon Sen or Panang Curry. If you like those dishes, this is your spot. Always good, and take out is pretty quick.
(3)
Beata S.

Great experience every time!Green Curry to die for,Golden noodles,Wonton soup and Sticky Rice that's my usual menu-very good,fresh and fast each time I am in the area. The service could be improved but who cares-the food is what I come for not the massage.
(5)
Sarah H.

After reading a couple reviews, I decided to give this place a try! It was a positive experience! Service was kind of slow,but overall great experience. I ordered the typical pad thai. However, expect to overhear neighboring table conversations!
(4)
Audre L.

We've ordered take out from here a few times, and the food is superb. The thin rice noodles are quite thin and fine, and they never over cook the noodles. It is never too greasy, and is always tasty. Portions are "just right" ... but I always want more b/c the food is so good! Rice noodle based dishes: Pad Thai Drunken Noodles Crazy Noodles (wide rice noodles)
(5)
Allie M.

One of my go to spots for lunch. The service may not be the best but I really do not care...the thai is delicious. It tastes very authentic and has a very large menu. It's also pretty good for groups so easy to walk over from the office.
(5)
Andrea R.

This used to be one of my favorite lunch spots back when I worked in an office. These days I work in my sweats at home and stay away from crowded lunch spots, but I do hit up Siam Rice for dinner once in awhile. It's actually very convenient to dine there before going to shows at the nearby Cadillac Theatre. While it's packed for lunch it's always pretty empty for dinner. I've had a variety of dishes and everything is pretty good. This past Wednesday before getting singing along with Mary Poppins (just a spoonful of sugar...) I met a friend here. I promised myself ahead of time I'd be good and get the mixed veggie stirfry after eating/drinking myself silly at a bachelorette party this weekend, but somehow my friend convinced me to get the drunken noodles. Mmm. We split those, as well as the summer roll appetizer- now that actually is sorta healthy until I drenched it with peanut sauce. I also got a bowl of tom yum soup, which totally hit the spot. And the Tom Kha Soup for my friend. All that food came to $24 total, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. And they are always pretty fast- both for lunch and dinner. Oh, and they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays so this is definitely a weekday spot. You'll have to get your thai fix elsewhere during the weekend.
(4)
Sonia L.

This is the most disgusting Thai restaurant I have ever eaten at. I just got back from lunch and seriously feel like puking. Do not get the Panang Curry. It's gross! Also, after we were seated, another friend decided to join us. The waiter pulled up a chair for her (similar to the setup as the table adjacent to us) and we ordered for her before she got there. After we ordered, the owner said it was against policy to have that chair there (even though the table next to us had the same setup!) and kicked us out and told us she canceled our order until our third friend showed up. Really?! I am shocked we actually stuck around regret that we did, since the food was HORRIBLE. Do yourself a favor and never come to this restaurant. If you want decent Thai food, go to My Thai or Hot Wok Cool Sushi.
(1)
Ariel L.

HUGE place. Packed at lunch. Tables are tight and i almost knocked a woman into her panang curry while try to get my ass in the chair. Sorry Lady. Not an open table in the place at 12:15. Food wasn't spectacular, but it wasn't bad either. I got the chicken curry soup. It was very tasty, but it didn't resemble soup. It was noodles and chicken with a little broth. Not what i wanted on this chilly day, but i still enjoyed it. If i worked close to here i would come to eat at least once a month. Good value for your wallet too.
(3)
Fred G.

I frequently visit Siam Rice with my coworkers. The food is usually really good, and it comes out pretty fast. All of their thai dishes are really good, my favorite being the Yum Talay salad which is a great portion size for lunch. The only drawback of Siam Rice is that it is so good and draws such a big crowd, that there will be a wait for seating anytime after 12:00pm.
(4)
Neha M.

I wish I could give this restaurant 0 stars. I am a strict vegetarian and found bits of chicken in my tofu pad see eiw. Never getting food from here ever again!
(1)
John H.

I love this place. If you work in the Loop, it's perfect for takeout and a fast sit-down lunch. The food is always good and the service is lightning fast, if sometimes a bit brusque. The curries are all flavorful, especially the Mussamun, and the special dishes are different from many Thai places. My favorite is the Marina Grill with eggplant, shrimp and chicken. If you dine in, get there before noon as the dining room fills quickly.
(5)
J O.

Been here twice now to meet up with a friend after work. Always able to get a table easy. We actually have sat at the same table now both times. Ordered the chicken coconut curry my first time and it was OK, but second time, wanted to try something new. I was also not as hungry my second time there so I went ahead and just got a salad. Got their Yum Talay salad and LOVED it. Keep in mind, I am a big fan of shrimp, scallops, mussels and squid. It was the perfect portion size and taste was just right with a hint of mint. Still trying to figure out an app I like. Tried both the spring and veggie rolls, but didn't fall in love with them. Think I'm going to try the fried tofu next time she & I meet up, which will probably be next month!
(4)
J P.

Nothing to write home about- just another average Thai place. Probably wouldn't return. Also, beware they refuse to split checks more than two ways, regardless of the size of the group. Therefore, you can't pay with more than two forms. We tried to pay with 2 cards and cash for a large group and they refused to accept our payment in that form. We also had to ask for the drinks we ordered after over 20 minutes post-ordering. Lastly, if you like spicy Thai food, this is for sure not the place for you. I ordered "extra spicy" green curry and was totally underwhelmed. I'd give a 1.5 if yelp would let me. Also, their only vegan option was a salad and weird veggie roll.
(2)
Coco H.

My favorite Thai spot in the loop. But if you're going for lunch, be sure you go early because I'm not the only one that loves this place. The place is packed for lunch and they don't take reservations. They do a great job of keeping things moving though, you rarely if ever have to wait long to ask for anything including the check.. not that you're rushed by any means. What's nice is they also are open late unlike other loop eateries that close around 5pm. Siam closes at 7pm I think which means I can grab stuff for dinner if I wanted. I recommend the Marina Grill. It's basically the Basil Chicken but with added shrimp on a bed of eggplant. SUPER spicy, if you're into that. If not, they can also provide it without the spice.
(5)
Richard G.

Went in for lunch as it seemed a busy place. Service... Experienced cattle car service - pack'em in long lines of tables that are about 2 inches from each other. As we were sitting down the guests from the next table (2 inches away) proceeded to take all the condiments off our table and put them on their's. Wow.... we got up and went to the next section of the cattle car. Waitress never checked on us or our order. Very, very rushed. The only bright spot was the hostess that seated us - she was nice and smiling. The Food... Watery curries. Greasy spring rolls. That's it in a nutshell. So if you like Thai food you know what I am writing about...
(1)
Kristy F.

Food was wonderful, loved the vibe of this place. Nice menu and very affordable. It seems very popular, especially with the surrounding businesses! If you want to sit down and really relax, I don't suggest going on a weekday during the lunch rush. People seem to really enjoy it, because it's always packed, which is a really good sign of great food. Love this place, will be returning soon!
(5)
Phil A.

Was ok, I ordered the garlic chicken and though it was good there was very little chicken to speak of, I have only been here once so if I get a chance will try it again. I did have king of Siam a couple of blocks away and that was excellent so since I gave them 4 stars I gave Siam Rice 3.
(3)
Sheel M.

TERRIBLE for vegetarians / vegans... Every dish has fish sauce in it except for the mixed vegetable plate. Otherwise it's fine, decent atmosphere for a thai place. I asked for something to be made vegetarian and the waitress said she could do that, then I asked if it had fish sauce and she said she couldn't remove it, everything is premade.
(1)
Kerrie Z.

The food here isn't good enough to deal with their rude staff and management. My friends and I went here for lunch during our work day. It was understandably busy. We waited about 15 minutes for our table, which was expected. One member of our party had a meeting that ran until just before lunchtime, so she texted us her order so we could get things moving. After waiting for our table, the staff informed us that we couldn't be seated since our third party wasn't present. We told her we had all three of our orders ready to go, so we wouldn't be sitting at the table wasting space. They very snidely told us we would not be allowed to sit. I requested to speak to a manager, who was equally as rude. I indicated that they'd wasted our time making us wait for a table that they would not seat us at. Instead of helping mitigate the problem, he told us it was our fault - we wasted our own time because we didn't tell them up-front that one member of our party wasn't present. Basically, this place survives because they're in the loop so a million people pass by every day around lunchtime. There is no way I will go back to be treated so disrespectfully.
(1)
Aaron N.

Throw your traditional lunch plans out the window and grab some slamming Thai from Siam Rice. I just started getting into Thai food and the reason I know this is an exceptional spot, is because I've had some terrible Thai and Siam is better than them all. I've had the basil chicken (Pad Ka Prow) and the beef and broccoli rice dishes and daddy likes. I'm a big fan of spicy and the basil chicken made me break a sweat. This was kinda embarrassing since I was with a girl and I looked like an idiot as I dripped sweat in my chair. Anyways...check out Siam Rice and don't be intimidated by the line, because they get people in and out quickly. Pretty much this place gets a...boom.
(4)
An P.

yum.....Yum......YUM! No, folks - we're not talking about some Tom Yum soup, we're talkin' about some Siam RICE! Lo and behold there are a few Thai restaurants by Clark and Lake and very few worth their salt. I have noticed many Thai restaurants shutting their downs but not Siam Rice! Thinking of some food and brainstorming, a coworker said she went and ordered Siam and was going to pick it up. I did the same and went to order online. We waited and did some more work for about 20 minutes and rolled on over. Inside, Siam Rice looked swank. If it wasn't located on Wells, I would imagine Siam Rice fitting more in a hotel setting - the place looks great! There was a line of 15 people waiting and then every table in the restaurant was taken. Since we had the wisdom to call ahead we zipped to the front of the line and got away with our goods. Returning back I opened some pad thai up and got the *oh dayum* reflex! The pad thai was light on the sprouts (just the way I like it) and the chopped peanuts were still chunky. While they only loaded it up with 5 pieces of shrimp the shrimp were big enough to compensate and were tasting fresh. Nothing like sitting in the office with some chop sticks working and eating some great cheap Thai food. I could get used to this!
(5)
Lisa H.

I do not understand the hype. The price is right, sure, but I'm constantly unimpressed with this joint. In fairness there aren't that many great lunch options around City Hall, and this is one of the best places to go. But as someone who's traveled a lot in Asia, I don't think their food is that great. Nor is it that authentic, nor is it better than most "hole in the wall" Asian restaurants. It just happens to look much more awesome and exotic, be in the Loop and host ridiculously good- looking young people during the lunch rush. It seems like every time I've gone there, I've been mildly uncomfortable. I've either been jostled around by the crowd, yelled at by the hostess, given the wrong change back, or given the wrong order. The people I work with are still totally enchanted by this place and I'm sure we'll continue eating here. I'm not going to complain because it certainly could be worse :) But I will probably be heading to the new Pret a Manger or Mista that just opened on LaSalle!
(3)
Karen T.

Nom nom nom. Worth it if you're craving Thai and have time for a quick lunch date. Just be mindful of the 12-1 War Zone that is Prime Lunch Time in the Loop. Having spent 4 years in college in Hyde Park, a neighborhood where there was an abundance of Thai restaurants and very little of anything else, I've experienced Chicago Thai pretty well. Siam Rice is a great lunch spot if you're not looking for an intimate/private cafe or to stay long. This place is loud, the tables are close together and patron turnover is quick to accommodate the throngs of people that frequent any popular Loop Lunch spot. Plus it's right on Wells (under the El), not that you needed anything to add to the noise. Food: As with any Thai restaurant, the taste tests of Pad Thai and Tom Kha Soup were implemented and passed - not with flying colors as the curry here does, but it's pretty authentic and it's got a more than reasonable price point.
(3)
Shradha A.

My friend at Accenture told me her colleagues are hooked to this place and I didn't actually realize until I walked in that I had been here before. The place is nice and casual, as are the prices. They have limited staff so if this place is busy it might get slow, but for a Thursday night dinner in the loop, this place only had about 40% occupancy (they have about 10-12 tables). We ordered spring rolls, which weren't the best I've had but were still good. What I really did enjoy here was their green curry with tofu! It was cooked just right and the combination of all the ingredients was just right too! And trust me, Thai green curry isn't so easy to get right - I know the real taste because I lived in Singapore for a while! This place is also very vegetarian-friendly, something else that made it a popular choice with my friends and me! :)
(4)
Restaurant J.

One of the best thai food places i have been to. The portions are decent relative to the price. They dont take reservations for lunch so will have to wait a lot. But yes the food is worth the wait. The tom yum soup is fresh and perky. The pad thai was light and tasty and the best thing was the peanuts on the side which keeps them crispy and yummy. Totally recommended for lunch and dinner. And ya it wont hurt your wallet too.
(4)
Caitlin M.

I love Siam Rice for lunch or dinner right after work. It's BYOB, which is always a plus. During lunch it is extremely crowded, but I have never waited too long for a table of 2. Not sure what it would be like if you had a large group. After work it's not crowded at all, and is actually a relaxing atmosphere. Or you can always order to go. My favorites are golden crab and pad thai. I have ventured out and eaten some other dishes and most have been good-crazy noodles, panang noodles, and drunken noodles. I was not a fan of the phuket noodles--it's seafood, and maybe I'm just picky about my seafood. The service is fast, but you don't feel rushed. The portions are pretty large. All in all, it's a great place and reasonably priced.
(4)
Pari P.

There are several other Thai restaurants around the area but Siam Rice continues to be the restaurant of choice whenever I have business lunches. For the area that is surrounded by business professionals, this is the perfect place for something different, quick, and affordable. Siam Rice has several unique characteristics. Their interior is modern with high ceilings which stands out in comparison to other Thai restaurants that tend to be traditionally decorated. Their menu has a great blend of traditional and non-traditional dishes to cater to a wider audience. The prices are what you would expect to pay for Thai food in the area. I brought my team here recently for a customer appreciation lunch where a couple of the employees never had Thai food before. For starters, I had them try the Pad Thai and Roasted Duck with Chinese Broccoli. For most of the people at the table, this was their first time trying duck. The roasted duck stood out as the clear winner since the plate was cleaned completely from the vegetables to the sauce. Both dishes were a hit and it set the stage for the main entrees. There are often crowds of people around the entrance waiting for a table particularly around lunch time between 11:30am-12:30pm. I would recommend leaving for an early or a late lunch to avoid the crowds.
(3)
Joel M.

This was always the go-to business lunch when I was working in the loop. Its nice enough to meet your boss there, casual enough to feel comfortable, and you can almost always get a table within a few minutes. Their green curry, my benchmark for Thai food, is delicious - the sauce is creamy but not too heavy and the sugar-to-salt ration was perfect. Its enough that you'll leave feeling full but you won't fall asleep at your cube at 2PM. The veggies taste fresh and the chicken (my usual) is well cooked. I've tried their satay and spring roll apps and both were par for the course. The service is quick, but they are not afraid to give you a subtle nudge to leave when you've already paid at lunch rush and there are 10 people waiting up front. When they ask you if you need more water every 30 seconds that's your queue to go.
(4)
Agnieszka D.

I just LOVE this place. The food is amazing and very affordable. If you plan on coming here during lunch time, I recommend 11:30 am so you can avoid waiting in a long line... While pregnant I used to order my food by phone and pick it up (another option if you prefer to eat in a less crowded place). Highly recommend, they definitely are one of best Thai food restaurants in downtown.
(5)
Thomas L.

This is a great change of pace for lunch in the Loop. We came early, just before 11:30. First, we were surprised to see how big the place is once you get inside. Amazingly, the whole space filled up within 20 minutes and there was a line by the time we left. The dishes were standard Thai fare, done well. Service was prompt and friendly. The environment was decidedly more upscale than I expected from the exterior. It's really a pleasant (if crowded) lunchtime experience. I will be back ;-)
(4)
Vince E.

Siam Rice is in located in the heart of the loop, so beware the rush of the business crowd for lunch. Make sure to come before 1130 to beat rush, after which, the restaurant is overrun with suits and looks more like a canteen. Service is very quick which is good for a fast meal, but which can also feel somewhat rushed as servers try to get in the second wave of diners. The food is very tasty and sign on the door says it is certified by the Thailand brand police for its food. I had the duck curry which definitely hit the spot.
(4)
Amy H.

My mentor chose this place for us to have lunch with another mentor-mentee pair, and we had a nice time. The ambiance and service are nice for a lunch Thai place. I ordered the Pad See Ew with Chicken and it was good. Not too sweet like I've had at some other places. I thought it was amusing that our Thai waiter offered me (the only Asian American at the table) chopsticks but didn't offer anyone else chopsticks. For the ambiance, service, and quality of food, I expected the prices to be higher. Oh! And make sure no one in your party is super late because they are strict with their policy of not seating you until your entire party is there since they get really busy during lunch. Thanks for a nice lunch!
(4)
Vithida S.

Not too bad for Thai place in the loop.
(4)
Jie S.

I was trying to figure out a place to do a quick dinner before a show in Goodman theater. My friend recommended this place which is right around corner from the theater. It turned out to be a nice surprise. We ordered tom yum soup with tofu, Paneng curry with tufu, and pad see ewe with chicken. When we were seated, I told the waitress that we only have 45 minutes to eat. Next thing you know, the soup was served and main dishes were there 10 minutes later. Tom yum soup was surprised good. It tasted just right with lemon grass. Only tofu and mushroom in the soup made it light and refreshing for the summer night. Paneng curry was really creamy. A little bit on the sweet side. Tasted so good when you mixed it with rice. I have to say I wish the rice was a little bit soft. Pad see ewe was cooked with Chinese napa/broccoli instead of regular broccoli. It was really good as well. Overall, it was really quick and nice dinner. Will definitely revisit when I have the chance.
(4)
Khadijah L.

Siam Rice is a *terrible* place to have lunch in the loop! I had wanted to catch up with a friend over lunch and he suggested to come here. The food was REALLY GOOD, and the portion was rather generous for lunch... It totally distracted me and I really didn't get as much conversation as I wanted to.... Ah well. That just means I have to come back for catching up Round 2.
(4)
Sonia C.

Came here for a nice, quiet, dinner on Friday night and was pleasantly surprised by the elegant interior, low prices, and good food. I split the shrimp pad thai and a grilled steak w/chili sauce with a friend, and there was more than enough food for both of us. The pad thai was tangy and had a decent number of large shrimp, easily reaching the bar (as pad thai can only be so good). The grilled steak was tender and well-marinated. The only bad thing about it was that it was served with some reheated sticky rice that was even harder to cut than the steak. Bill, with two Thai iced teas, came to about $30. Service was good and we never felt rushed even when we were the last table in the house.
(4)
Shanti N.

This place is average at best. I came here for lunch, right during the heart of the lunch rush. The seating was relatively prompt and the menu selections are your standard Thai-in-the-Loop fare. I ordered the drunken noodles and was not expecting thin rice noodles in the dish. I did appreciate that they did not skimp on the vegetables and the dish was nicely spicy. Portions are genrous and prices are reasonable, but the place could use some finesse in the customer service department. As several other reviewers noted, there is a definite 'eat, pay, and get out' vibe. I probably will not add this spot to my rotation.
(2)
Carol K.

I'm not a huge fan of Thai food, but I like this restaurant very much. The chicken and vegetables is delicious, and it comes to the table very fast. The sticky rice and mangos is out of this world! Sometimes, I'll order a bowl of tum yum soup (also very good) so I can order dessert. The price is very reasonable and the atmosphere is nice. The wait staff is a little cold, but your food is served so quickly, it hardly matters.
(4)
Nat K.

I love this place. They have far and away the best salmon I've ever had at a Thai restaurant -- both the salmon panang and the salmon teriyaki are great. I will say that the basil tofu was a bit blah -- the tofu didn't seem to soak up the flavor of the other ingredients very much. I ordered mussels here one time, too, and the food was great but the portion was way too small, basically an appetizer. (Hearsay: a more carnivorous friend of mine who I've gone to Siam Rice with several times swears by their basil chicken). Siam Rice is less pricey than you'd think given the sleek decor -- basically on the high end of the normal range for lunch downtown. I've never had to wait long for seating during lunch, even though it's usually pretty hopping at noonish.
(5)
Matt P.

Okay, so I went here for lunch, and it was a complete cluster. Now, I realize it was lunch in the middle of the Loop, but I mean, come on ... a little organization please hostesses. HOWEVER They do seat you really fast, but it's pretty claustrophobic and they really pack you in. The food wasn't bad ... pretty run of the mill Thai. I got the crazy noodles, and was really impressed that they came with shrimp AND chicken. I think I would have rated Siam Rice higher if I got it as carry-out instead of dine in.
(2)
Sarah F.

Siam Rice is a bustling weekday lunch spot, even if you arrive before the noon hour. The staff, of necessity, is very efficient at taking orders and delivering food. I wish they were a little better about packing leftovers...they brought a bag-lined carry-out container for the rest of my curry. Since we were sitting elbow-to-elbow to the party next to us, I didn't think it was worth the effort of trying to pack the rest of my lunch that way. Frowny face. Entrees were ~$9 apiece, and the food was tasty. We had the BBQ pork noodle soup and spicy chicken coconut curry made with tofu instead of chicken. The latter was packed with noodles and plenty of heat from the dried, ground chiles added as a garnish to the finished dish, but I may try asking for veggies next time. It was literally noodles and tofu in the rich, coconut broth -- nothing else. The Thai iced coffee was also strong-tasting but didn't leave me jittery. In short, this is a great weekday lunch spot for folks who work in the Loop and can risk waiting a bit for a table. Try checking it out in the evenings, when the spot is practically dead but the food is equally yummy.
(4)
Jyoti P.

Went out with coworkers.....Tasty food and big portion.
(5)
Carolyn L.

I love Thai food, and this BYOB restaurant was a great little place to grab dinner in the Loop. I believe it's mostly for the lunch crowd, but my friend lives close to there so we decided to go after work one night and brought our own beer along. I ordered the Tom Kha coconut milk soup (I just can't resist this Thai staple) and it was pretty on par with other Thai restaurants. I then ordered the drunken noodles although, after reading many of the reviews on here, I was too scared to try something marked spicy. I carefully avoided many of the hot peppers that were prepared in the noodles and made out pretty well! The dish was flavorful, warm, and delicious. I had enough to take some for leftovers. We were the last ones to leave the restaurant so the service was quick, but a bit sporadic. All in all, a great meal at a great price!
(4)
Kim J.

How on earth does this place have 4 stars? I don't get it. I had lunch with a friend here today. The food was fine - nothing special, decent flavors, generally unremarkable Thai food. But the service. WTF? Literally within 1 minute of sitting down, a waitress was bearing down on us asking for our order. Um no, I'm not ready to order when I haven't even opened the menu. So she leaves. And doesn't come back for quite awhile. So the lesson - be ready to order. After we ordered? We sat there for 35 minutes waiting for our food. Finally, a waiter appears and deposits a plate of food in front of me, and then scurries off. What about my friend? She didn't get her food for another 5 minutes. So we're annoyed, but we eat. After we finish, we sit there for awhile again until they drop the check. And then we sit there for another ten minutes while they run my friend's card. (The table next to us also paid with a card, and they got it back right away.) Ugh. Maybe this place is better earlier in the day, but right at the heart of the lunch rush? Meh.
(2)
Kelli D.

Ordered through GrubHub- it took close to 90 minutes for food to arrive. The summer roles were mainly lettuce and shrimp curry was all sauce with about 4 little shrimp.
(2)
Miss L.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY TO SUCCESS - I ordered my food as usual through the online system. The food arrived, but not the hot sauce or the extra hot sauce. I enjoy spicy food, and would rather not eat it if it's not spicy like I like it. So I contacted the restaurant and informed them, and they said they only provide one (1) hot sauce, which is a lie, since I have ordered several times, and always request extra hot sauce. However I didn't even get the one. They finally agreed to send the hot sauce, but when I called back to see how long it would take, the said "I don't know" and I asked would it be an hour, they responded "less than an hour about 30 minutes" then they hung up the phone on me without even saying bye. In the past I have always been happy. Today, I very unhappy about the service; so much so, that I am certain that I will not order again, especially if they think its okay to treat customers with such disrespect.
(1)
Farrah D.

Per friend's recommendation, went here for dinner with a group. The quality and taste of the food was really good--had the basil chicken, tofu pad thai, and one of their sticky rice desserts. It was overall a very satisfying meal. I took one star off for the boring loop location--will maybe try their delivery next time.
(3)
Jon F.

Huge "small" squid Tom yum ( hot and sour) soup for $5, and really good pad Thai with wide noodles for $9. It was dead by dinner time, but that made speed and service great. The only rough spot was a bug scurried across the floor when I went to the bathroom, but I don't think it was a cookaracha so it may have been isolated. Tons of good food for the price and location.
(4)
Dawn D.

When Thai is calling for lunch, this is usually the spot that answers. I've had the basil chicken..oh yes I'm a fan! Most recently, I tried the crazy noodles with chicken, shrimp, carrots, green beans, baby corn, bean sprouts and I like it extra spicy. It was so hot I was perspiring after..perfect! This is not a spot where you would just drop in. Call in your order or make a reservation. The service is usually quick and to the point.
(4)
Ryan M.

The best Tom Yum Noodle Soup around! The oweners are great. Great place to grab a quick sit down lunch. Upscale for cheap. BYOB too.
(5)
Desirae K.

2-star says it all "Meh. I've experienced better." Ordered delivery from Siam rice. The service was "freaky fast." The food on the other hand, was, well nothing to write home about. Nothing worse than getting shoddy delivery food because it's not like you can send it back to the kitchen! Anyway, here's what we ordered & thought: .......... Basil Chicken --- may have made the mistake of ordering this with mild spice. Saw a bunch of Yelpers say how crazy hot it was so I panicked and dialed down the heat, probably too much. Either way, the flavor was just so, so, hot would have a least burned my taste buds out so I couldn't tell how mediocre the taste was. .......... Chicken Tom Kha soup --- was way to "cream" tasting .......... Thai Fried Rice --- blah! little flavor & the rice was very dry. Back to the drawing board for Thai delivery.
(2)
Ryan W.

This is a very guilty pleasure of mine, when working downtown! The food is great, presentation is flawless, and it is always cheek-to-cheek. Frankly, the crowded ambiance makes it a bit overwhelming somedays for lunch, and if you're in a hurry, you def want to order to go. To facilitate that, they have an INCREDIBLY easy to use online ordering system, though I found even then I waited 5-10 minutes for my food (after waiting 15 minutes to pick up after I ordered). I don't mind waiting for food, so long as it is GOOD.. and they more than deliver the goods there. Their Coconut Curry Chicken is AMAZING, but I think I like it better as delivery, than eating in the restaurant (it's much soupier sauce in there for some reason, still piping hot with delivery, but thicker for some reason). Hands down though, my favorite is the Tom Kha Kai.. I could hit that shit like it owed me money! Without a doubt, the very best in the downtown area!! I would use more exclamation points, but I don't want anyone thinking I'm a retarded 20 yr old on facebook. I've been there with many people.. and none of them have been unhappy with the food. The service.. well.. it's a busy place, so keep your expectations reasonable ;) Also, the presentation is always beautiful. Nothing makes a foodie happier than getting food delivered to them that smells and looks as good as it tastes :) and again, for the record.. the tom kha kai.. I'd hit that shit like it owed me money! FANTASTIC!
(5)
Andre W.

This place is located near the financial district of downtown Chicago. Gets really crowded during lunch (like most lunch spots downtown), but once you put a forkfull inside of your mouth it is well worth it. Recommended to me by a co-worker and I was a little skeptical because another co-worker told me the food was horrible. I tried it myself and now I am hooked, espcially on the Thai fried rice with chicken. Make sure you get there a little before 11:45 or you will be waiting a nice while on your meal if you are there for takeout and if you are dining in. The best way to get in and get out is to call your order in or do so online. The prices are slightly reasonable considering it is downtown. If you have that itch for some great Thai food and you work downtown, this is the place to get it from!
(4)
Ela G.

I thought the food was tasty! I had the Drunken Noodles - there was a generous portion of vegetables, which I really appreciate. The noodles were flavorful and well seasoned too. My co-worker had the pad-thai, which she also enjoyed. What is amazing is how FAST the food comes out. It was not more than 5 minutes before the Pad-thai arrived, and another minute when my entree came. Yes the food should come out at the same time, but I think that level of detail would throw off the entire operation! I don't know why the food comes out so fast (perhaps this is a redflag?) but I saw no indication of a lack of quality or flavor in the food we received. One gripe I had is that the tables are way too close together, I almost sat in some guys lap as I tried to squeeze by...not that I'm complaining, but I really was just signing up for thai food today, not a lap dance.
(5)
Nessie V.

Not much sticks out for me here. I thought it pretty standard. Definitely echo the lunch rush comments. Go after 13:00, and you should be fine and dandy. Note that they do NOT take reservations. Service was otherwise really efficient, while still friendly. Decor is nice for a lunch place, but not amazing.
(3)
Ben T.

Went here for lunch during the rush hour with someone who works in the loop and I had an experience that may bring me here again sometime. I ordered the red curry with beef and my friend had beef and broccoli. The flavors were good although I could have used a little more heat to my red curry. The portion size was generous and I ended up taking home a small box of leftovers, which always makes for a pleasant snack later on. I was impressed by how efficient they work at lunch (although I do not eat in the loop often at that time to compare them with anywhere else) and even with a packed waiting area, we were seated in about 10 minutes. While it was a little cramped, the food came out quickly and we did not feel rushed.
(4)
Chris C.

I absolutely love this place for lunch downtown. I usually get the crab rangoon with chicken panang curry which are excellent and the prices are fair. They're also quick to get me my food after I order. I would also plan on trying to avoid the noon lunch rush as oftentimes there is a line out the door to get a table. If you go around 11:30 ish or after 1:00 you tend to have little to no wait. Also, don't expect five star service during the lunch hour. The wait staff is quick, efficient, and polite but also have a bunch of other customers to tend to. Still I found it to be no problem, because they did a good job of getting me in and out within my hour lunch. Dinner is usually more quiet and relaxing. Overall, one of my favorite lunch places downtown.
(5)
Art C.

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. I live literally across the street and come here at least once a week. As a guy whose parents owned a handful of successful thai restaurants in the north burbs, I can say with moderate expertise that this food is fairly authentic. They use Chinese broccoli in their Pad see ewe, which is a rare find these days, and their basil chicken comes with chopped/ground chicken, which is the only way to eat it. Careful with the spice though, they don't pull any punches on that basil chicken. My only gripe are the smaller noodles they use for the pad thai. When ordering it for carry-out (which I usually do), they tend to stick together in one giant clump. I don't know what they could do to remedy this -- either use a wider noodle or a different container, but it makes digging into this rather difficult.
(4)
Kate F.

Stopped in at 7:30 pm on a Thursday and ordered takeout. The server brought me a glass of ice water while I was waiting - really nice touch. The atmosphere is lovely. Lots of wood, high ceilings, relaxing Thai music. My pad Thai with chicken was pretty good. Not greasy, vegetable garnish. I'd go back.
(4)
Candyce P.

First of all, this place is always packed during the lunch rush. Always. So if you go, be ready for a decent wait (15mins or more) as they don't take reservations. The service is what you would expect for such a bustling place - below average. Most of the servers are speed walking everywhere, and take your order at the same speed. While the food is absolutely delicious, my order arrived quickly, while my sister's took another 15mins. Not great. However, I will say, that whether I eat in or take out, I WILL have their Panang Noodles with Beef many more times. Just delicious.
(3)
Engy A.

Apparently Siam rice has a monopoly on edible Thai cuisine in the loop and they seem to show it by acting incredibly rude to their customers. I tried to order for takeout and in the special instructions I asked if they can separate one order of Pad Thai into two containers. This way I can eat half for lunch, and save the other half for dinner. It's not a request that requires a lot of work, energy, or brain power. Siam Rice called me to tell me that it's against their "policy" to separate into two containers. I literally did not understand this. I'm ordering the same amount of food, just asking if it can be placed into two containers. I asked politely "Well, would someone be able to do it anyway? Instead of placing it in one container, just put half in one, and the other half in another. It's really not difficult" he snarkily replied "If it's not that difficult, why don't you do it yourself?" Really?? I am PAYING you and this is how you talk to me? If he was apologetic about not fulfilling my request, it would be one thing, such as if he offered to include a second container for me so I could do it myself, but he just simply didn't care. I cancelled my order. This is not the first time I've encountered rudeness from their staff, but it will be the last. I'm done with them.
(1)
Frank A.

Work ordered Siam Rice for lunch during a working meeting and I was reminded how much I love Siam Rice. This time I had the Panang Curry and it was just perfect. The right amount of spice and flavors. If you haven't tried it yet, get a lunch group and treat yourself to some yummy Thai..
(5)
Barri S.

Good food, nothing special. Being in the loop it has better hours than most other restaurants.
(3)
Kostya K.

I didn't know what to expect from a Thai restaurant designed for the crazy downtown lunch crowd, but mostly positive reviews here, on 4sq, and from my coworkers elevated my expectations a bit. I wish they hadn't, cause the food turned out way below average. My Drunken Noodles were unevenly seasoned, with some parts being ridiculously salty and others just bland. On the bright side, the service was surprisingly fast & attentive. Arriving at noon and seeing a full house we were ready to turn away, but were assured that wait will be only 10 minutes. We got seated as promised, had a few minutes to look over our menus, and after we ordered our food the first plates arrived in no more than 5 minutes! The other thing that pleasantly surprised me was that the prices were very moderate for a sit-down restaurant in the Loop. So, those last 2 positives add enough for an extra "star" to my review of this otherwise 2-star restaurant.
(3)
Swati B.

I love Thai food...but this was such a disappointment. I went here before a show at the Cadillac Theater ...the venue is pretty nice. There are plenty of vegetarian options (like most Thai food places). I was shocked they didn't have brown rice! The Service is a bit abrupt...and SLOW! It took 20 minutes to get our dessert served. The Green curry was tasty..but really watery. The Drunken noodles were absolutely bland. We got the Pineapple coconut ice cream which was just ok...i've had better. Price wise this place is decent. I guess all I'm saying is I've had better Thai food and better service elsewhere.
(2)
Jerome H.

Great thai food in the Chicago loop. Delicious curry, great noodle delicious, fantastic appetizers. The food might be 5 stars. If the service were good, or even average, I'd be tempted to bump this to 5 star. But the service is no more than 3. First, you get herded like cattle. I don't care that other people want a quick lunch or that the restaurant wants a quick turnover. If you have sit-down service, I shouldn't have to sit 2 feet from someone not in my party and I shouldn't be rushed in and out as quickly as possible. Second, the servers are completely unhelpful in asking questions about the food or in making requests to leave anything out of the food. Third, they practically yelled at me taking my check up to the front counter, when I was supposed to (I guess) wait at the table and pay the server. I saw other people paying at the counter and given the day-after-Thanksgiving rush in the place, I assumed they would want me to abandon the table as soon as possible (especially since they were changing it over before I even got up to leave). Definitely a place to get to-go. Delicious food, though.
(4)
Ingrid R.

I like Siam Rice, but I always feel odd at lunch time there. The lunch crowd is a typical loop work-day lunch crowd. The restaurant is nicer than that - lovely white napkins, dark wood etc. The food is very good. However the food service is hit or miss and the tables are so close that it's uncomfortable. I can imagine if it were hal-full and every other table were used and it was evening the atmosphere would be just right. I wish they'd serve brown rice, but most don't so I just go elsewhere when I really feel the need. I usually get the Rama Chicken and it always tastes perfect and the broccoli is always so fresh and perfectly cooked.
(4)
Dan C.

There are not that many Thai food places in the loop, so I was glad when Siam Rice turned out to be a good choice. The place is pretty busy especially during lunch, but if you call ahead for your pickup order it is usually ready by the time you get there. I always get the pad Thai, either the crab or the chicken and the spring rolls are very good. So far the food was always top quality. I never tried dining in. The place is a BYOB and they seem to seat people pretty fast since there is never a crowd in the waiting area even thought the place is always packed at lunch. They also have delivery and carry-out options although the delivery has a minimum charge of $2.50.
(4)
Jeff S.

I'm not sure Siam Rice needs another review, but this is a work-lunch staple of the loop ony a few blocks from my office. You need to go early or late as the lunch rush packs this place fast. Other than a greasy and gamey duck dish I don't think I've had anything there I have not enjoyed. From the standard Thai noodle and curry dishes, to omeletes and teriyaki it's all really good. A great place to go if you are on the clock (if you can get a table quickly), but if you want to relax and chat you might feel hurried to not overstay your welcome.
(4)
Samir R.

Went here the other day with DJ Tinyo. Had the crab rangoon and Tum Yum Noodle. Came in hungry, left full and satisfied. Will be coming here for lunch often since I work around the block.
(4)
Brett K.

Hands down bets Thai I have had in the loop and without really crunching the old brain, one of the best in the city overall. I have only been for the bustling lunch atmosphere (only open till 8) but it should be a staple in your rotation for anyone who works in the loop. The service is usually very good considering how packed it usually is in there. Safe bet on food is sticking to the basics. Pad Thai and egg rolls are still my favorite after trying much of the menu but I have not been disappointed with any decision at Siam Rice.
(4)
Kevin Y.

Hands down the best Thai food lunch spot in the loop! Unfortunately everyone knows it so it can get pretty crowded. The food is delicious, the place is nice, the service is quick, and the price is just right. I don't think I ever spent over $10 dollars, or waited more than 15 minutes for the food (once seated). My glass of water never gets below half way, which is good because I drink a lot of water and hate it when they're bad about about refilling it. Every time I have eaten here I have been amazed. I even thought about quitting my job and working here just so I could learn how to make such damn good food.
(5)
Daisy Y.

LOOVE this place!! I am just not impressed with the non-chain asian restaurants in Chicago so for Siam Rice to get five stars, it must be good!! If you work in the Loop and want a DELICIOUS but quick thai meal that fits in your lunch time block, you'll appreciate Siam Rice. Yes, their service is not courteous as it should be but they're trying to turn tables as quick as possible and if you see the long lines spilling out the door, you'll understand why. I'll take a fantastic Chicken Pad See Eiw or Beef Pad Thai or Tom Yum Soup or Crab Rangoons or Thai Iced Tea any day over a nice waitress. 5 stars for quick service, amazing food and beautiful decor!
(5)
Stacy T.

Love Love Love this place. Yummy golden noodles, garlic chicken, green chicken curry fried rice, chicken friend rice, and cashew chicken. Portions are generous and the ingredients are super fresh. Most entrees are around $8, but worth it in terms of taste and quality. Highly suggest!
(5)
Esther K.

Stopped by to catch up with an old friend over dinner around 6p on a weekday. The dining room is surprisingly fancy pants, it wasn't very crowded and the service was attentive. But the food- just eh. We ordered the green curry, which was watery, and the panang noodles with tofu, which came out lukewarm. Would not return.
(2)
Jon E.

We went here on a whim, because it looked fancy from the outside. Super fast service. Super great food. We ordered the Thai Fried Rice with Chicken and the Green Curry Soup with vegetables. Both were spectacular. The soup was spicier than expected, but still, great. Service was unbelievably fast, and the price was a lot cheaper than expected. I would highly recommend.
(5)
Ryan M.

Fast service. Food was well prepared. Had the beef basil rice and was satisfied with the quality, price and taste.
(3)
Matthew C.

The food always comes out fast, the quality is above average and consistant, the dining room is large, and for the loop, the price is awesome. Overall, it is a very good Thai loop restaurant.
(4)
Samson P.

To celebrate our newest member to our team, we took him to Siam Rice for some Thai Food for lunch. We did not know what to expect as his dad recommended this place. Immediately you can tell they opened this place not too long ago since it had a modern look and feel and was very packed for lunch. We didn't have to wait for a table with 8 people. We ordered the teriyaki chicken, green curry with chicken (recommended), bambee noodles(excellent), pad thai, panang curry with chicken (pretty good) and cashew chicken. The bambee noodles had slices of cha siu (chinese roast pork), crabmeat and a crab rangoon. My coworker finished all of it and wouldn't let me try some since it was so good. At least two people ordered the green curry and were not disappointed. Verdict: Even though it was packed but the service was very accommodating and we did not have to wait long for a table. The food was overall very good and was authentic.
(4)
Cassie M.

I would literally eat their Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice every day if I could. I've tried several items here & nothing has disappointed me. It's a lovely restaurant, reasonable prices, great portions, fantastic food. Word of warning: Don't go during the normal lunch hour. You will be late getting back. This place gets packed to the brim & the food takes awhile to come out during the rush.
(4)
Brad C.

You want different, you want thai, you want spice, you want good food in Chicago's loop, you go here. I can't say enough except YUM. I recommend take out or delivery since the place is always packed when I am there. Tom Kha soup & the Tiger Cries... so good.
(5)
Katie H.

So Good! I ordered the Crazy Noodle and the Golden Crab to-go, and am thoroughly impressed! The noodles were just spicy enough with a garlic-chili paste on the side to pump up the spice! The only improvement I could suggest would be that the chicken could be cut up smaller, but I think that's a matter of personal taste! The Gold Crab are basically Crab Rangoon, but a higher quality than most restaurants serve--actual lumps of crab with just the right amount of cream cheese and celery! And the dipping sauce was both the right amount of sweet and sour with a kick of spice!
(4)
Shakeia T.

I order here probably once a week from work. The food is never bad and the order is never wrong. That is a huge win in my book during the Loop lunch rush. I always order the Crazy Noodles [extra spicy] and man are they delicious! Consistency is everything when it comes to food because I hate to order something I loved before and it tastes totally different the second time around. Kudos, Siam Rice!
(5)
Aloysius T.

This is probably the best Thai food in the Loop. Correct me if I'm wrong. Food: Good and cheap. Pad Thai (Chicken) $8. Everything is about $10. The portions are decent, though not massive. The Drunken noodles and Crazy noodles are particularly good if you are into spicy food. They have those awesome jalapenos soaked in vinegar there along with Sambal Olek. Awesome for those that love the spice. The ingredients look good...like visually good. They are colorful and taste fresh. That would probably be their greatest asset, the ingredient are pretty fresh for the most part, and you can taste it. Tiger Cries, though, tastes just like Korean Kalbi...BITERS!...newayz Service: They are fast since they need to be fast. Quite good, the food comes out fairly quickly as well. Decor: It looks nice inside, definitely better than most of the sit down places you would expect in the Loop. It's super crowded though. On that notes: Get there by 11:45 at the latest, they start filling up really fast. And you'll be sitting very close to another table. Almost communal table close. And it feels like everytime I sit there, I'm sitting next to some competing consulting firm, or someone from my own firm. So hush hush on the gossip and trade secrets. Overall: Cheap, tasty, fast; cramped as a mofo
(4)
Tom J.

Had Pad Thai here and I found small chicken bones in it. On the other hand it is close to my office so................ swings and roundabouts.
(2)
Elisabeth C.

Simply incredible Thai food. Everything I've ever had here has been incredible. I've eaten Thai in 4 states and dozens of restaurants and the basil chicken here is hands down the best I've ever had.
(5)
Lindsay M.

Food is fresh, and tastes great. The vegetable rolls are my favorite. Four stars because of the frequent wait for a table and the lack of space when seated. This place is always packed during lunchtime, so I do love that you can easily order online and pick it up/get it delivered.
(4)
Chad O.

Great lunch spot. Very fast service, but don't be surprised if food comes out in random order.
(3)
Amy X.

siam rice, passable. ruby of siam, NOT TASTY. litmus test: tom yum soup with shrimp (a) siam rice: sour, tastes like lemongrass (b) ruby of siam: sour, tastes like plastic-ass both are open for similar hours if you're working late. do yourself a favor and go for the rice, not the ruby!
(3)
Sarah E.

Standard issue, reliable Thai food. I generally get take out from this place, but I recently had an actual sit down lunch here with a few co-workers. Fortunately, I was able to get a table right away despite it being nearly full at 12:15. The service was an effecient lunch speed, and I didn't really feel a tremendous amount of pressure to leave. I will say that I probably could have reached the plates on the table next to me with a quick motion with my fork, but other than that, it's not a bad place for a quick Thai lunch. If you can handle the sugar at lunch, their mango and coconut sticky rice is the best I've had. One downside - I really wish this place had brown rice.
(3)
Clarissa J.

Hmm...Is it the economy that is causing places to lack in quality these days? Last few times I've ordered from here, and the last time I've been here, I was a bit disappointed. The flavors of the food were still good, but the chicken seemed like dry chunks that have been sitting out and thrown into whatever dish called for it. The noodles of a separate dish were also on the dry side, like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp for too long, cementing the sauce to its surfaces. And "spicy" has been more of an eager "Hooray" that falls into silence all to quickly. Even service is waning. Recently, my friend and I were bugged to death about ordering, then once we had our meal and were ready to go, it took forever to get someone to even look at us so we could get our check. It really wasn't a busy night (Tuesday), so I'm not sure what was up there. Not to mention, he never got his hot tea. Luckily company was fun, so the tea was never really missed. This update is not based on a one-time recent disappointment, but a handful. That makes me sad. :(
(3)
Shelley A. D.

A great place for lunch! Staff is friendly, polite and fast. Food is fresh and served hot.l It is very popular and crowded. So don't go if you want a relaxing environment at noon. But if are looking for place to connect with a friend in the middle of a busy work day. I highly recommend.
(4)
Janet E.

This place was open New Years Eve for dinner which was a plus! The service was great and the place was quiet with a nice atmosphere. Very relaxing! We ordered the vegetable rolls which were VERY fresh and the peanut sauce was delicious! We shared a dish of Lard Na which was just as fresh and tasty. I love noodles!! It appears this place does cater because they were preparing large portion of food in big catering pans. A plus!
(4)
Tammy H.

Siam Rice is just... OK. The food that I've had there wasn't anything extraordinary, but when I think that, I also think "at least it wasn't bad." I've had really slow service and really fast service, but have yet been able to get the right amount of service! It's good for when you're in a bind or trying to decide where to eat before a show. But, I wouldn't just go there.
(3)
Mark P.

Very, very good Thai! I have not dined in this restaurant, only take out. But, I have been VERY impressed each time! Their curry dishes are excellent! I usually get their sticky rice and a side of peanut sauce too (although they forgot the sauce last time!). Service is quick too. I never call ahead, but usually walk in and wait for my order. Typically everything is ready in about 10 minutes, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. If you are at a hotel in the area and want something to take out, give this place a shot!
(4)
Maria C.

I normally don't like Thai food but my friend loves to meet there for lunch once in a while since we're both at the opposite ends of the loop so it's our middle ground. I tried their bbq pork which was all right, it had broccoli which I can't stand and they couldn't remove it because it's all cooked together. That's okay because I just push it to the side. The following week I tried the garlic chicken which is really good but I felt bad for my coworker because it made me burp a lot... The prices weren't bad at all and the waiters bring the food and the check fast so going there for lunch is conveniant. This is probably the only Thai that I want to go to ever since River Kwai closed down.
(3)
Katja L.

File under: looks way more expensive than it actually is. For under $10, you can get a sizeable lunch. Edited to add: Beware if you are vegetarian/vegan or have fish allergies. According to our waiter, every single dish has fish/oyster sauce in it. Weak, dudes.
(1)
Diana C.

I have been back four times since my last review (is that a lot in one month? hmmm) and have been wowed time and time again. Clearly I just ordered wrong the first time, there is no lacking in flavor here. One of my favorites is the Khao Soy Kai (Chicken Coconut Curry) from the "Noodles in a Bowl" section of the menu. Delicious, but sloppy, be careful! Also, the Chicken Pad Thai is somehow more infused with lime than it is at other places, which may explain why I enjoy it so much. I could lunch here several times a week. Dangerous.
(4)
Katie K.

The only thing I've ever had here is the Shrimp Pad Thai - I can't bear the thought of trying something new, being disappointed, and wishing I would've gotten the ol' standby. This dish comes with a generous amount of shrimp and always tastes very fresh. Another bonus - Siam Rice is more reasonable than other Thai places in the area (at least for this particular dish). The waitresses are efficient, even during the busiest hours, and the place is very clean and classy looking. It's a struggle for me to NOT eat here every day.
(4)
Chutima N.

Great offer today (July 15) till end of July 2010. $20 purchase with free chicken stay for pick up and delivery orders. great offer!!!
(5)
Katie B.

This is a staple for loop lunching. There was no wait today which is very unusual, there is always a massive crowd in the foyer - you almost have to be careful not to get thrown back into the revolving door. SKIP: - Thai Pockets. I don't know why we keep ordering these. It's like dating a guy you don't really like. They're not great and they're never going to be, but we just forget. Every. Single. Time. - Duck Red Curry Egg Noodles. Great on paper, terrible in execution. The duck is almost all fat and not in the jolly good salty way. - Pasta Chicken Curry. I don't know, if I want thai noodles, I don't want them to be spaghetti noodles. Just 'cause. GET: - Panang Curry Tofu. There are some tiny little strands of what I think might be lime rind that bring tears of joy to my eyes as I sit here typing. I don't know how something so small can make me so smitten. (I recommend adding broccoli if you get a panang curry dish, there's literally not a single vegetable in it otherwise and if it were for those baby squiggly lime slivers of ecstasy, it would just look like a gigantic bowl of sauce. A good one though.) - Beef Plik King. For a plikking good time. - Mixed vegetables. Easy to overlook a boring menu item, but its simple and delightful. Siam Rice is a total treat and a pleasant break from the loop lunch boredom. Very nice atmosphere and decor. I've never felt rushed here, but they really speed things along... that's why I wouldn't let a long line deter you. They are going to write your name on a very long list and you may get hit by a revolving door, but you'll still be back to work on time if you have a strict lunch hour. Tables are a bit close for comfort and you may be eavesdropped upon, so make sure to save up your dirtiest stories.
(5)
Joe T.

Eat Early, Eat Late. Alternate! If you go to SIAM RICE between 11:30 and 1:30, it's your own damn fault. So far this is the best Thai food I've experienced in the Loop (although my other experiences are limited to South Loop duds Thai Spoon and My Thai). I gather people get wise to good lunch spots downtown, which might explain the complaints about lunch hour service. I usually eat lunch between 2 and 3pm, and I understand that some people can't handle eating that late. I have a mid-morning snack at my desk, which allows me to put off lunch until after the psychotic mad-dash lunch rush has died down. I've never had any trouble getting a table immediately, and I've never been rushed out the door. Amazing, I know!
(3)
Shawn T.

I went to this place with co-workers for lunch. I had BBQ Pork Soup. The food and the meal was relatively tasty, and was cooked through. The BBQ Pork tasted good. I would probably visit this place again, if co-workers wanted to go. One concern is that they did not have the Chinese/Thai/Asian porcelain soup spoon, so I had to eat soup with regular spoon. Bottom line- Good place if your new to Thai food, or are forced to go with co-workers. There are much better Thai places in Chicago.
(3)
Becca S.

Siam Rice knows how to handle a lunch rush. The first time I came here, at noon on a work day, there was a long wait list; we couldn't even fit in the restaurant and had to wait outside. Luckily it was a nice day. There were 6 people in our party but we were seated in less than 10 minutes! The food is hot and delicious, and comes out in record time. Every time I've gone someone has gotten a special order so I know they aren't just stockpiling vats of food in the kitchen. They are really accommodating, reasonably priced, and a great place to go when you don't have long for lunch but want something hot and substantial.
(5)
becki s.

So, I'm looking through my mass amount of online lunch menu's and started to drool a little once I ran across Siam Rice. Just the thought of their Pad Se Ew makes me tingle...omg, its amazing. I can't believe I didn't review them sooner, but alas, the work day sometimes consumes me faster than I consume the delicious meals they have here. The only problems I have with this establishment is ordering over the phone can be hard. I think they advertise a wrong number, as nearly chewed off some Lawyers office receptionists head when she said I couldn't order my Thai from her... Expect a wait during lunch rush, it seems everyone in the loop know the secret of this place, but if you don't feel like waiting around outside, try getting through to them (and not the law office) and they will deliver!
(4)
Alana T.

A coworker, and her friend went here for lunch last week (June 25th) for the coworkers bday. It was PACKED, yet we were seated in a very timely manner. When we sat, I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I asked my the other two, they recommended the Crazy Noodles. So, we all got that. They ordered it with lime (but the waitress forgot that). However, the crazy noodles came out and they were so good. It was a little spicy for my taste, but still really good! I will definitely go back. I find, when Thai food is good, it's really good, and when it's bad, it's really bad! So, I'm happy this place turned out to be super!
(4)
Frankie J.

THE best Thai downtown (Loop) - location, food, ambiance, looks like a place out of a movie script. And the food is GREAT. LUNCH CRUSH - Three words: "GET HERE EARLY". We got there at 11:30AM, and the place was nearly FULL. And it was a Wednesday. This was really promising. AMBIANCE - Very typical city scene, El in front, people waiting for tables, glass front, just very tight, hoping you get sat next. I half expected a scene with Charlie Sheen in Wall Street with some hot chick or an episode of Law & Order to be filmed here. ORDER UP: - Shrimp rolls - Red Curry Duck (#46) First, no skimping on the apps. These guys use big ass shrimp, nice touch with the bacon, and the wrap is just crunchy and right. Duck - okay, this was a dice roll. In a bad place, you order duck in a heated sauce, you might as well order school erasers, shredded tires or airline earplugs in red curry. Here, the duck was roasted (and boneless!) in a spicy piquant red curry that was TOO damn good. Gimme back that bowl, I'm not done licking the enamel off! EXPERIENCE: Food came within 10-15 min of ordering, 12 people at our table. Drinks and items needed were served immediately. Food was outstanding. Service was excellent. CAVEATS - Get there EARLY or eat there LATE. The wait for a big party (5+) will be 30 min if you don't. This place is so worth the wait.
(5)
Israel S.

I ate here for the first time a week or so ago and really enjoyed it. The pad Thai was great. The service does not seem to be as good as the food though. They really seem to rush you in and out. The place is packed at lunch time and they pack the tables in. All in all it is a good place for Thai food and I do plan on going back as it it very convenient to my office. Prices are not too bad either.
(4)
Seth A.

A few weeks back, I wrote a review of Ruby of Siam, citing it as one of the few places in the Loop where you can get an affordable, pre-theatre meal without ordering off a menu board. While I very much like Ruby, its competitor just around the corner, Siam Rice, is also open well into the evening and I found its Pad Thai to be considerably better. Usually, at any Thai restaurant, I modify the Pad Thai slightly with chili sauce, extra ground peanuts and either sweet & sour or tamarind sauce, as I like it a bit sweeter & spicier than as served. But the Beef Pad Thai at Siam Rice was just about perfect as is. I also liked the spring rolls I had before my entree and the fried banana with coconut-pineapple ice cream I had to help kill extra time before an 8pm curtain. The Loop needs more evening dining options, but two fine Thai restaurants is a pretty good start.
(5)
Laura K.

I LOVE this spot for lunch or a simple pre-theater dinner! But listen to other Yelpers, avoid the noon hour---the waiting area is packed for those waiting for a table. Anytime after that is no problem. The food is great, no one I've dined with has ever complained. The chicken pad thai is my personal favorite. Portions are generous and reasonably priced (around $7-8)---I almost always take some to go. The service is exceptionally fast, but not rushed. It's a nice restaurant, rather than a standard lunch joint.
(5)
George K.

The initial service was ok, we were seated promptly, but the ordering process felt rushed, and the food when we got it was lacking. I ordered the Green Curry and was surprised with the size (was pretty small serving) and the content (there were hardly any vegetables in the curry). Pretty much it was curry water with vegetable garnishing. Rice tasted dry and like it had been standing out for awhile. Definitely have had better Thai food elsewhere and give the cost of it compared to the other entree's I had expected more.
(2)
Liz L.

My food (pad thai) was really sour for some reason. Erin H. and I were craving some Asian food in Chicago, and this was suggested as a decent location. Coming from the Bay Area, I can say that we have much better Thai food if this is representative of the Chicago area.
(2)
Sunny D.

I'm thinking that others who liked this place have not had good Thai food before. This place was disappointing. It certainly looked nice and had the prices for what it looked like, but the food was just off. Not flavored correctly. I had the duck on Chinese Broccoli. It was just okay. The drunken noodles and beef stir fry were disappointing. The mango with sticky rice was also disappointing. There is a better Thai place, near Michigan Avenue and the Omni that is much better!
(2)
Astronomer Joe G.

This was my first time at the place, as I was in the area for other matters. I like exploring new eateries, and this was to be an adventure. It's a very busy place, very noisy and quite crowded with the local lunch workers. My pretty lunch date and I had reservations, were seated promptly and our order was taken quickly... But that's where the positive experience ended. My guest's entree arrived rather in time, but mine...took over 10/15 minutes. In the meanwhile, her entree was getting cold - as she waited for my plate to arrive to eat together, but our conversation was interesting as always and the time passed as we waited....and waited. Now showing aggravation, she complained to our waitress about the food getting cold and we were still waiting for my own meal. They took her plate back, (to be placed under the "infrared" lights we assumed.), and we shared more conversation while we waited. Finally, both plates made their grand appearance, (apparently my plate got served to another - hence the delay.) and yes...her plate was warmer than mine. My "Tiger Beef" was not hot nor was the rice tender...(I know we have a rice shortage...but really.) I think perhaps they hunted down the "Tiger" and shipped it over from Burma...oh I'm sorry... "Myanmar". Takes time...I understand. Our window of lunch time was closing, and our meal now was rather rushed. A patron sitting at a table adjacent to us, was a observer to the poor service and shared her annoyance with us. My pretty lunch date was more upset over this than I was, and really...the company was more than pleasant enough to compensate for the poor service. We were offered a free appetizer for the inconvenience, but I refused. I chalk it up to experience. No, I wouldn't return to Siam Rice, (at least not for lunch). Too crowded, too long of a wait and too noisy. Nor would I recommend it from this experience. Perhaps it was a bad day....but not on my time. Joe
(2)
A B.

Watching this place go from empty to full between 11:45 and noon is a quite a sight, the revolving door in a perpetual whir of motion. Have only been there once and this is how it played out. Was waiting for my companion and counting tables; the hostess has already told someone that only complete parties would be seated and I get that in a place that works the lunch crowd. But as the place filled, the hostess came over and quietly asked me if I would like to sit down. I told her I was incomplete (not really in an existential sort of way, just that the other half wasn't there yet) but she said not to worry and took me to one of the few remaining spots. I will forever love her for that. And fortunately I didn't raise the ire of the server; party was complete within another minute. The food was better than many Thai places although heat levels most definitely has been cranked down. Appreciated the freshness of the Siam rolls and would order again in a heartbeat. The basil chicken was very good although not nearly spicy enough--bland enough for baby. Even the chile sauce seemed like it wasn't packing heat. I sliced up the jalapenos that were in the condiment tray and they weren't hot, either. But no biggie; the dish was nicely seasoned and not greasy. The pad siew was excellent, better than most. Service is perfunctory at best but with such a massive influx of lunch business it's not surprising. Food came out pretty quickly though and water glasses were refilled. Not at all a bad west Loop lunch option although entrees are a few dollars more than they are on the Western Avenue corridor of Thai restos.
(4)
Anna E.

Hot Damn! I work 2 blocks away and can't believe I've waited so long to come here. This was by far the best Thai I've had in the city. We went for lunch on a Friday and it was really crowded, but we were still seated within 10 minutes. We had the mini-egg rolls and they were so good. Tiny bites of heaven, stuffed with juicy, tender all white chicken. I got the Drunken Noodles with beef and mistakenly ate a jalapeno thinking it was a green pepper. I can handle hot, but I felt like those cartoon characters that blow steam out of their ears. It was HOT!!! But, once I cooled off, the flavors were wonderful. To me, this place is like a combination of PF Chang's (for quality) combined with Penny's (for freshness and portions). It was very reasonably priced and a great experience.
(5)
Nancy F.

This is one of my favorite thai restaurants. The food is good and the prices are awesome expecially being in the loop. This place is packed during lunch and they don't seat you until ALL of your party is here, even if you have a reservation. The service is quick and friendly. I usually order one of the noodle dishes and it never disappoints. One of these days I'll venture off that menu page and get something else. For dinner, the place is more quiet which makes it even better to have a nice relaxing BYOB dinner. The prices and selection are the same as during lunch but the portion size is really good. I usually have leftovers. My favorite is the pad thai with tofu or the pad see-yeu with beef. THe mini egg rolls are also delicious and goes well with the Thai iced tea! Definitely a place I will keep going to.
(4)
Sara P.

I have only gone at lunch hour, so I'm not sure if it's better around dinner time. At lunch time it is SUPER crowded anytime after 11:30 am before 2. The place has an astounding number of tables for a Thai restaurant, so while you may get seated within 10-15 minutes, expect to wait a while for your check, forget about water refills, and god help you if you don't get what you ordered. The food itself is normal, nothing special, a bit expensive, but it beats the alternative Mickey D's run. I have had the panang curry (meh...) the satay (good) and the crab rangoon (the way it gushed out when I cut it made me feel ill). The service is probably better during more reasonable hours, but I can't imagine the food morphs into something that'll knock your socks off. It's a 2 star because honestly, I've had a lot better.
(2)
Lakshmi R.

Siam Rice Thai is the place to go when you are @ work and the craving for Green Curry or Basil Chicken hits you. I am a firm believer of "scratch the itch" method and I usually end up walking to Wells St once or twice a month. I love #40 - Coconut curry and Basil Chicken - I usually get extra vegs added coz they do skimp out on that a bit. The lunch hr is definitely not the time to go here - I usually come here before 11:40A or after 1:00P. They only seat you if you entire party is already at the place. I wouldn't recommend it to a group larger than 4 but who knows! you might get lucky!
(4)
Dan P.

Had lunch here during the week with a few folks from work. I'm not a Thai aficionado, so i stuck with the Pad Thai, which was exceptional. I also tried what another person had (sorry, forgot name) and it also was very good. Price was what I expected in the Loop; no surprises there. Lunch came exceptionally fast, which was also expected (Loop... Lunch... you understand) Here's a tip: If you go with a group have them all be there before approaching the front desk. There were at least 15 people in front of us, but a member of our group walked up to get on the list, and they asked if our entire party was present. He said yes, and we were seated within a minute. Everyone else was waiting on others to arrive. I'd definitely return; very good experience, speed and quality of food.
(4)
Ryan M.

Took the girl to see Mary Poppins tonight at the Cadilac Palace and we decided to grab a bite here beforehand. I was pleasantly suprised. The decor was much, much nicer than I expected. I had the chicken pad si eww. It was pretty standard fare. The chicken had a nice char flavor to it which I appreciated. I also got the amount of red chili paste that I add to my dish just right, which was nice. Not too spicey, but flavorful and a little bit of heat. Why not 5 stars? No refills on coffee. Tsk tsk tsk.
(4)
Joseph H.

Ordered panang curry noodles...ended up with huge bowl of curry milk and 10-15 thin strips of chx...almost no veggies and no noodles. Have to try diff dish... Went back and ordered 4 different dishes...significantly improved...must have been a bad day for them...
(3)
Jahi J.

The Salmon rolls are great, actually everything I've had from their is great. Service is good, prices are decent, what more can you ask for? Lunch time is ridiculous, all those corporate folks inundate that place come noon, if you're pressed for time go somewhere else.
(5)
daynia S.

Quick and friendly service during lunch hour rush. All the dishes are tasty and hot. Price and portions are perfect.
(4)
Tony C.

I don't know what's up with Siam Rice, but all of a sudden, the Thai food is spicy! Yay! I got the crazy noodles this week and boy were they crazy hot. Based on my past experiences, Siam Rice was tame...tame as in, nothing was spicy, even when you asked them to kill you with spices. My co-workers were delivered the one-two knockout punch too. Did they switch chefs? I'll need to eat there again to find out...
(4)
Rudy W.

during lunch this place is always pack. so I always show up around 11:30 to avoid the crowd. service and decor are decent. the food is actually pretty good. some of the good ones are. - skip green curry, too much water for my taste - panang curry - decent - mussamun curry - you can skip this also, not a thai food, this is fusion of american + indian food. - Somtum - skip - Basil Chicken - good stuff - green curry fried rice - good stuff - thai fried rice - ok - pad thai - too sweet, but ok - pad see eiw - ok - lard na - just ok, need to cook the noodle with the sauce - thai spaghety - skip - drunken noodles - ok - crazy noodles - good - Khao Soy Kai - love it - Panang Noodles - if you like panang and friend flat noodle - Tiger Cries - good - Roasted Duck with Red Curry, - love it some are good.
(4)
Allyson C.

My neverending Thai food quest continued last night at Siam Rice. I was hopeful based on the Yelp reviews but once again disappointed. It wasn't that the pad siew was bad....it just wasn't good! They did spice it up for me a bit which was nice though. And I liked the interior of the place better than most. Service was good even though I was surprised to find that the place was pretty busy on a Tuesday night. I thought it was mostly a loop lunch destination. One thing - I tried the fresh spring rolls and they were possibly the worst app I've ever ordered at a Thai place. Completely tasteless and bland except for some semi-sweet brown sauce over the top which was supposed to be peanut sauce but didn't taste at all like peanuts. Avoid that one!
(3)
Cate R.

So my Yelp reviews are starting to feel like just sordid tales of my love life, but I will continue. I came here today on a lunch date with my ex (who is trying very hard to get me back). I chose it because it is very close to my office, I've never been, and my ex and I have always loved Thai food. We were seated immediately, even though it was nearly noon and already quite crowded. The service was pleasant and unobtrusive, since we were clearly there for an in-depth conversation. I know other reviews have said it was loud, but we sat at the front and the noise level was definitely conversation-friendly. The food, oh the food. We started with Sunshine Beef - delicious! Slightly spicy with a great spicy sauce. Be warned, it looks a little...dark...but it tastes great! I had Cashew Chicken, which was HUGE but excellent and my date had a chicken salad, which was also a good size. Loved the food, loved the atmosphere, and despite myself, I had a lovely time.
(5)
Andy R.

Siam Rice was a really solid place for lunch. Drinking water I got out of there spending $10. A good price for a generously portioned sit-down lunch place. The service was nice and quick without making us feel rushed. Another note: when the menu says spicy - they follow through! This is comforting to me; so many restaurants are overly cautious in what they label spicy these days. People need to grow a pair.
(4)
Aja M.

I love thai and think I am pretty well exposed when it comes to the Thai scene in Chicago.... Definitely makes my top 10.
(4)
Molly R.

LOVE this place. I have been here twice during the busy weekday lunch hour. I really have to hand it to 'em: they get you in and out and don't skimp on good service! They have quite a few appetizers to choose from that all look good, but you MUST try the "golden crab", which is a fancy name for crab rangoons. These are absolute perfection: nothing greasy or heavy about them at all. They're just right. So far, I've tried the Bamee Noodles and Golden Noodles. Both are excellent dishes. Huge portions, and I am ashamed to say I destroyed my entire plate each time, it's just that good. As long as you get here between 11:00-11:40 or any time after 1:30, you'll be ok. If not, prepare to wait by the door like a herd of business casual-clad cattle. It's worth the wait, though.
(5)
Aaron S.

The tendency is to overrate a place like this, because it's the only Thai place in the loop, is pleasant on the inside, and is inexpensive, but I daresay you could transport Siam Rice six miles north and it would still be beloved. A great mix of traditional dishes and originals, served piping hot. Very pleasant service as well. They found my scarf!
(4)
Bob B.

This place is amazing! I've had many of the dishes here and they are all stellar. I typically sit at the bar and Ben takes very good care of the bar and all the customers that come in for carry out. I highly recommend the Marina Grill for those that like eggplant, and the green or red curry bowl for people who don't mind a little heat to their food. Overall, excellent service and great flavors to all their dishes. Very authentic! It can get rather busy during the lunch rush, so it's best to show up around 12:30 or 12:45 for no wait time.
(5)
Robyn T.

Great affordable lunch and dinner option conveniently located around the corner from the Cadillac Theater. I used to come here for lunch when they first opened for the great green curry chicken. The restaurant space is more modern than most ethnic restaurants and caters to the business crowd during the day. I remembered the spot when I went with a friend to see a show at the Cadillac Theater (just around the corner on Randolph). What a great and inexpensive pre-theater dinner! The place was definitely busy and our server was a little harried but overall it was a good experience. Now I can also recommend the Rama chicken with lots of steamed broccoli and a tasty peanut sauce. Total bill with tea, tip and tax was $13 per person.
(3)
Wendy Y.

This place is pretty legit. As noted, it gets super crazy during lunch. It never takes too long though and the food comes out really quickly. Also, you know their ingrediants are fresh because there is so many meals served here. If you are looking to linger a little after finishing up, don't go here. Basically the hosts and waiters will shark your table intil you leave, which they make no aplogies for.
(4)
Denise G.

yes its always packed at lunch; yes the food is ok - not great. Beware you might get your wallet stolen from gangs doing that. THe restaurant may catch them but they will let them go to avoid a hassle. beware.
(2)
Sam E.

The food here is awesome, flavorful, well prepared. The service is fast (including dropping the check on you like the winning domino). Take out web order system and take out service is the best I have ever experienced. Get there for lunch early (11:45 or sooner). 'Tiger Cries' dish is accurately named.
(5)
Irene H.

As an out of towner, I've never seen a place with a lunchtime scene as crazy as this place. We got lucky and didn't have to wait too long since a friend got there earlier meaning 11:30am. We got there around 11:45am and the lines were already crazy. This place is bustling and crowded. You know they're trying to flip tables as fast as possible, especially when the check comes out with the food. Food came out fast, was pretty good, decent prices and GREAT portions. Don't expect great service (I never do with Asian places).
(4)
Tina M.

Had a little snafu in ordering something with coconut - I'm allergic - because the menu didn't mention it. The waitress promptly took it away and asked me which dish I'd like to replace it...had the new dish within 10 minutes. Recommend the pad see ew.
(3)
Helen H.

very very almost less than average thai.. not sure what the fuss is about this place considering the ppl from our chicago office LOVE it and highly recommended it.. as we were deciding on our orders, i took a look at yelp and deducted that the coconut curry with basil chicken seemed pretty popular... got that it was UM NO BUENO. there's a place in atlanta, i don't even know the name of it but it's pretty much a delivery/take out asian place that serves the most awful horrendous asian food ever... the coconut curry with basil chicken at siam rice.. was exactly like the coconut curry there.. what the hell are those fried things on top?? no clue but after like 2 they were pretty gross. - also got the vegetable spring rolls and regular spring rolls. i was a huge non-fan of the regular spring rolls... the sauce was wierd tasting and i really couldn't tell what i was eating at all... the rice roll was also kind of dry in some places.. haven't seen this in a spring roll before.. wierd? other than the random dryness of the wrap, the vegetable spring rolls were delish~ very refreshing and light with a sweet peanuty sauce. would definitely recommend if people were insisting on coming here. -also got an order of fried rice to share with the table, at first i thought the fried rice was made with brown rice b/c it was so dry. but then i realized that it was so dry that it had dried into hard clumps with not enough soy sauce on it to taste like anything under than a hard ball of rice. would not recommend.
(2)
Pb J.

J. wanted to give it a 3 1/2 star rating, since she prefers Thai food in an after work type setting. Can't blame her, as I usually stay away from Thai food during a MTWTF lunch, because it's no fun to have to go back to work and pass out at my desk. However, Siam Rice is the exception. It's my favorite Thai place, so 4 stars is the result. The food is fresh and the service is prompt. I recommend the tiger cries, mussaman steak or the basil chicken (best in the city if you ask me). As for the restaurant itself, it is one of the nicer Thai places that I've been to. It's a clean place and is quite big...but can be too big at times; that is the bad part. Since it is a large, open restaurant, it's hard to have a good convo in there, especially during a weekday lunch. Be prepared to sit in tight spaces during the lunch rush. Hope you're not claustrophobic! I recommend going here after work for dinner or before a night at the theater.
(4)
Andrew W.

not impressed. food was decent but nothing special. keep searching, thai is much better elsewhere.
(2)
Meagan L.

Down the street from my work. Best Pad Thai ever. Big enough to give me lunch for 2 days. Very reasonably priced. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Bonnie B.

I'm so happy this place is right by work and stays open until 8 so I can go for lunch or pick up dinner on the way home. I love soups, and their tom yum is delicious. The bf raved about the wonton soup as well. I've had a few other things on the menu, and all were delicious. If you're dining in, the staff is very friendly and helpful as well.
(5)
Brandon W.

Wow! They have wifi! I figured that out after standing here for 15 minutes waiting for food... oh they just threw it at me, that goes down to 2 stars. This review will be updated pending tasting of the food. Stay tuned. ******* Update - 3 stars. I ordered the Crazy Noodles dish because I love me some spicy foods. It was very flavorful, and delicious. You could taste every thing in the dish. The noodles were cooked perfectly, the chicken actually tasted like chicken, and the spice was nice! (Yes, I rhyme). The portion was really good and was filling. My problem lies with the service though. Everything was fine until the woman yelled at me asking what I ordered.. When I answered, she threw a bag at me. I was kind of stunned. No thank you, no come again.. just my food tossed onto the table and she ran away... As well, it was extremely crowded.. which actually helps them stay at the 3 stars because for the amount of people that were dining, they were able to turn over the tables really quick with only a 10-15 minute wait. I will definitely go again, but next time I think I will call in my order.
(3)
Ellie B.

What is that sound??? Hmmm.... Oh, that would just be my stomach, gurgling in content, murmuring many thanks for over-stuffing it with some tasty Thai food. I met the illustrious Teddy C. for a bite to eat this afternoon, and we sought out some scrumptious eats as neither of us had anything in the way of breakfast. What's tasty, has healthy options, and can fill you up? Thai food. Done. We had to wait for a while because the host was a bit overwhelmed, and though I had been promised prompt seating upon the arrival of my party (party = Teddy), I realized I had been lied to. Because no tables were open. Because he sat people ahead of us. Boo. Hiss. We sat at the bar and our food was ready in about 2.7548 seconds. Literally. The tofu soup was excellent and served piping hot. And about two minutes later, our main dishes came flying out. If you can get a table immediately, then this is an excellent spot for a quick lunch that doesn't come in a paper wrapper. Everything was fresh, hot and flavored well. Not too greasy either, which is always a plus.
(4)
Jessica R.

For a first meal in Chicago this was not a let down! I went with 2 friends and we each ordered a dish to eat "family style"- The Pad Thai was tasty, the Karry Curry was the perfect amount of Curry and chicken, and the Bamee Noodles were my favorite! Tasty egg noodles with BBQ pork fried wonton, crab meat, bean sprouts- all tossed in a bowl with noodles! Yummmmm!! Oh, and they have a noodle bowl called "Drunken Noodles" - it is marked as "spicy" but I was really tempted to order it just for the name! The decor is simple and modern. It was a little strange that we didn't have any spoons on our table, but I stole them from an empty one. We came near closing and didn't have to wait long for food and our water glasses were always filled. The whole staff was eating together when we left! A great sign of a clean kitchen and good food! Thai food is not a favorite of mine, but Siam Rice definitely left me craving more!
(4)
Jasmine P.

Yes! I love this place for quick thai food. It is really convenient during lunch. The food is served pretty quickly and it's quite tasty! Of the many times that I've been there, I've tasted the pad see eiw with beef, lard na, pad thai, egg rolls, spring rolls, and thai iced tea; all of which were very good. The tables are pretty close together so I don't recommend bringing a backpack or large purse along. It is VERY BUSY around the noon lunch hour and the line sometimes heads out the door. I don't think they take reservations. It is also difficult to get a table for a big group (more than 4) during the busy lunch hour. Whenever I go here, I can grab lunch in about 30 minutes (assuming I don't have to wait for a table). Advice: If dining here during the noon lunch hour of the work week, go early or take a later lunch. Also, if you go early, as common courtesy to others, don't "camp out" there after eating so other people can be seated and enjoy the food. That said, Siam Rice has somewhat of a "fast food" lunch place feel. Do go here if you crave some great thai food on a quick lunch hour. If you want to relax and leisurely enjoy your food, go elsewhere.
(4)
Edward B.

I love this place. We've gotten take-out a couple of times so far at the office. I've the Red Curry and the Panang Curry and absolutely loved them. I sampled the Pad Thai and Crazy Noodles from co-workers were tasty as well. We've tried several of the appetizers and they're all delicious. For about $10 per person, it's high-quality, fresh food at a very reasonable price.
(4)
ProjectChitown I.

Yelp, you failed us. How on earth does this place have 4 stars? We don't get it. We're not sure if others who liked this place have actually had good Thai food before - no offense but this was pretty average. Very disappointing. Run down of what we ordered: Crazy Noodle - average but does come with both shrimp and chicken. Wait correction, comes with "a shrimp". Crab Rangoon - very average, sorry to say that Joy Yee's is actually better (not that we like the food at Joy Yee's food any better) Ordered both the Tom Kha and Tom Yum soup - and both are sub par but on a positive note, they both are cooked with the right kind of mushrooms (big button mushrooms).
(1)
Rafi A.

If you want fairly good Thai food delivered in record speed, Siam Rice is the place to call. Unfortunately, I order delivery service (dinner) 2-3 times a week. These folks have been at my door with piping hot food in under 20 minutes. Admittedly, my office is only 6 blocks away, but it is still impressive. As for the food, some dishes are better than others, but all are better than average.
(4)
Jen R.

Yes, this place gets super crowded during lunch, but they have enough staff to keep things moving, so there's never more than a fifteen minute wait for a table. The only prob is that there are so many different people doing so many different things, that I've often seen my waiter only to take my order, while someone else brings the food, drink refills, and check. Overall the menu has a decent selection, and the food is typical Thai fare. One word of advice-stay the hell away from the bar. The two times I sat there my order was never put in, although they kept claiming it was, and both times it took over half an hour to get my food.
(3)
Katty D.

Do not come between 12-1, unless you get an executive lunch of 2 hrs, the wait is LONG. If you can get here around 11 30 or after 1ish, you can probably grab a table with some coworkers. But once you're seated, they take your order fast and serve you fast. The food is awesome, much better than any ToGo item you can get around the loop. The food is better than many Thai restaurants I've been to. I've never ordered something I didn't enjoy here. I love to get tom kha soup to start, share some spring rolls, and eat family style with pad see ewe, basil chicken and a curry dish. Also - if you don't want to wait for a seat - go to their website and order online - really convenient and easy, ready for pick up in 15 minutes usually!
(4)
Nicole V.

Hands down the best place in the loop to go for a quick Thai lunch that is affordable and delicious. I have been here a number of times with friends and clients for a quick bite. As long as you aren't there during the lunch rush (12-1pm) expect very little wait. The service is good and you get your check really fast. I tend to stick to the noodle dishes and each one I've had has been very tasty. Once in a while I will even go for a spring roll appetizer and lychee for dessert....both are also very good. The prices are amazingly low. It is really hard to spend more than $25 for drinks, appetizer, entree and dessert...for TWO people! Such a great find for a quick sit down lunch in the loop that isn't fast food or a chain.
(4)
Ryan R.

Just had another bad experience with these guys. In the past, it has been just rude service, but tonight I ordered their shrimp Siam Rolls as part of my delivery order, and the shrimp had a terrible odor. I called to request a refund, but the woman just yelled indiscriminately. I will not be going back.
(1)
Frank L.

I'd come back for dinner. Though near theaters, this Thurs night was quiet and from other reviews I was expecting a wait. The Red Curry and Jasmine tea hit the spot after a long day at the conference on a rainy, chilly night.
(3)
Robert W.

Pretty good, but not special.
(3)
Marlene S.

Nice to find a loop restaurant with great atmosphere, reasonable prices, and a nice selection of yummy food. Vegetable roll, golden noodles (w/ample amount of tender chicken), and Siam Thai custard w/green tea ice cream were all perfect. Surprised that the check was brough before we were asked if we wanted dessert - but that didn't stop us from ordering. The two of us ate for $40, including tip. This is a weekday lunch/dinner spot. Open Mon - Fri 11-8.
(4)
Amanda Z.

Yum. Yum. Yum. I've walked by this place a bazillion times on my way to and from work, but never stopped (despite my previously disclosed love of Thai food!) Some of my coworkers and I hit this place up today for lunch. Even at 1pm, they were still packed, but we lucked out and were seated right away (party of 5). I had the garlic chicken noodles...so good! Also, the pad thai, cashew chicken and thom yum soup all got thumbs up. Service was fine (one of my coworkers had to wait a bit longer for his food, but that was remedied fairly quickly)...and the food came freakishly fast, which was great, considering we had to be back to work. Can't wait to go back when I have a craving for Thai in the middle of the work day.
(4)
Tio S.

Siam Rice is a great Thai restaurant for lunch in the Loop. Compared to other Thai restaurants, it's only mediocre. There really aren't many Thai places downtown, but even still, this place is pretty good for lunch. Their menu has all the typical Thai food you'd expect. I usually start with the cucumber and onion salad, which is served in that awesome, sweet Thai dressing. I've also had the Tom Yum Soup, spring rolls and vegetable rolls for appetizers, and they're all good. I usually do not get appetizers for lunch, but I always do here because they are good and relatively cheap ($4-5 each). For my entree, I've had a few different dishes (Beef and Brocolli with Rice, Basil Fried Rice) and all are good. But I've been defaulting to the Beef Pad See Ew recently, and found it to be pretty darn good. I got it "hot" and it comes with the chili powder on top that you have to mix in. It's not the best Pad See Ew I've ever had, but it's pretty good for when you have a taste for it during the workweek in the Loop. The service is pretty good here - the servers are quick, polite and efficient. They are constantly filling your glass with water, and that is helpful if you are getting your food spicy/hot like I usually am! If you go during prime lunch time, you will wait for 5-15 minutes, so I recommend going early (11:30) or later (1pm). One or two people can usually get a seat at the bar or the high tables in the front with no wait, and that's what I usually do. The prices are reasonable. For two people, it's usually $20-$25 (not bad for the Loop). I recommend this place if you're in the Loop and have a taste for Thai food. You may have to wait for a table, but the food is good, prices are relatively cheap, and you'll be in and out in under an hour.
(3)
Sonia D.

Vegetarians Beware!!! I have been here twice. Before the first time I went, I called ahead to see if they have dishes made without fish sauce which they told me they did. Again, when actually at the restaurant, I put in my order for a curry dish and told them to hold the fish sauce which they said they could do. The second time I went, I placed the same order. However this time I was told that all main dishes (minus a few of the appetizers) are made with fish sauce and are all premade. I mentioned my past visit/call and the waiter also told me it is likely that the person I spoke with before was most likely misinformed. Very ANNOYING!...will not be going back again.
(1)
Gerardo C.

This is one of the better Thai restaurants that I have been to in terms of the quality of the ingredients. I highly recommend it if you are in the neighborhood. Keep in mind that it gets pretty busy around lunch time often times having to form a line to be seated. I would recommend showing up no later than 11:30 or after the lunch crowd has left. Make sure your entire party is present or you will have to wait. Other than that, a good lunch-time choice. Once there I recommend trying out the Pad Thai Omelet.
(4)
Jean S.

Thai must be different on the coasts. (Just like how even McDonalds all have regional differences) I have never had drunken noodles with thin rice noodles. Their portions are grand and the flavors are good, but just different from what I am used to. Even the appetizers were shaped differently. (I know that New York butchers "original Thai" as well). The service was friendly and the ambiance was modernly beautiful. I only did "ethnic" in Chicago because my guests can't appreciate pizza or hotdogs (American food). Overall, a lovely place to dine in and prices were very reasonable.
(3)
Colleen S.

A great lunchtime spot for the workaday looper. You should make reservations though, it's not an easy place to pop into at noon. But since Ihad resevations, they seated us quickly. The decor is great, although you do end up sitting close to the next table. It's not too close though. EXCELLENT peanut sauce. Served warm. Some of the best in the city. Service was quick and the portions were quite large for the price.
(5)
Susie C.

I go here for lunch once in awhile. Pretty fast turnover, which is good since it's crazy during lunch break in downtown. The food is pretty good and the price is pretty worth what you're getting.
(4)
Jim W.

Siam Rice is definitely not a hole in the wall; it's actually rather nice. The place is definitely more of a lunch venue, being in the loop, and given their early closing hours (8p). I went with a large group of 9 for an early dinner before going to see Wicked and I left rather happy. I'll admit, I tend to rate Thai places simply based on how good their Pad-Gra-Prow (spicy ground chicken w/basil, green and red peppers) is, but theirs did not disappoint! I tasted some of their pad thai...wasn't so great, but I don't like pad thai, so I'm prob biased there too, although they were pretty generous with their shrimp. Given that there really were only a small handful of other tables, I expected fast service, but their turnaround was somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-10 min, very speedy! And this place is cheap! I'm so jealous of my friend who lives a block away. Oh, AND it's BYOB.
(4)
June B.

This place is an excellent combination of sit-down with fast service... just what we're looking for sometimes at work. The food is fresh and comes out quickly. This is one of my favorite places to go for lunch in the loop close to work! It's also great for vegetarians. They can substitute Tofu in just about anything!
(5)
Jia M.

Great service, great food. I called my order in twenty minutes before they were scheduled to close and they happily took my order. i huffed it over there from the south loop, arriving at five minutes after eight, and they were still open. They didn't seem pissed off; there was still one customer inside the place. I ordered the crab rangoon, pad see ew, and the beef fried rice. The crab rangoon was pretty good. It had a nice texture to it. The pad see-ew was great; they used Chinese broccoli which I'm not very fond of, but I didn't mind. The beef fried rice had some thin slices of cucumbers, carrots, peas, and onions, all of which went great with the rice. All in all, Siam Rice is a great place in the Loop for some quality Thai. Only complaints I have are that it's a tad pricey and they don't open on the weekends.
(4)
Alison M.

This place is good for when you're looking for a sit down place in the Loop to grab a quick lunch. The only caveat is that you must come early, otherwise you will spend most of your quick lunch waiting for a table. Last time I was there I split the chicken satay appetizer and the shrimp pad thai. No real suprises, but, I had a craving for Thai, and this certainly hit the spot. The only downside is that there is absolutely no lingering over your meal-- you order fast, your food comes fast, and you better finish fast. Once your fork hits the table, you're out of there.
(4)
Sylvia I.

Great place to grab lunch downtown. We ordered the golden crab (e.g. crab ragoons), green curry with beef, and drunken noodles with chicken. Food came out pretty quickly which was a pleasant surprise given how busy the place was. Service was fine but you definitely have to flag your waiter down as they are running around trying to keep up with the lunch crowd. Will definitely be coming back for lunch.
(5)
Arnab M.

Is it lame that I'm starting this review while I am still here? So far, the Thai ice tea is yummy. AND they have free wireless internet, which is perfect since my Verizon broadband wireless card is not working for some odd reason. More soon... --- Soon is now... So, after a ginger chicken, tom yum soup, Thai custard and mangoes with sticky rice, I can confirm that Siam Rice is worth four stars. I am guessing it is more popular as a lunch destination given the businessy neighborhood, but it was nice to be here for dinner since it was sparsely populated and serene, providing the perfect ambiance for a nice, long dinner conversation with an old friend. Since it was empty, we had quick service and ample attention from waiters, always good traits! I would come back here for sure.
(4)
Vince F.

Drunken Noodles, you are my god. You are my lover. You are my destiny. I recently had lunch at Siam Rice, and the experience was great. It was mostly great because I have a crush on my lunch companion, but that is really beside the point. So what is the point? The point is that the food at Siam Rice was DELICIOUS. I had the drunken noodles, and they were to die for. As I type this, my mouth is watering. I crave them so. I'm in love. The place was hopping during the lunch hour, and I assumed we would have quite a wait. I was wrong, however. And that does not happen often. We got a seat after waiting for roughly two minutes. The service was quick and friendly. And the atmosphere is great. You really feel like you are eating in a very high end restaurant. But the prices don't make you feel that way. At least I don't think so. My lunch companion paid. Do you think that means my crush is mutual? And did I mention that the drunken noodles are killer? I'd marry them if I could.
(5)
Esther Y.

Ok...great customer service deserves another star. They returned my calls, refunded my money, and they sent an unsolicited gift in the form of a $20 gift certificate! Throughout this annoying process (for both of us, b/c they had to look up my receipt etc.) they were always polite, nice and patient. I like that in people.
(3)
Matt R.

Delicious and Cheap. Go when it is at least moderately busy in order to get the freshest meals.
(5)
gale l.

lots of reviews already, so my KIQ (keeping it quick) -- delish, wish it was near my house -- noisy, can be very crowded @ lunch so come early -- thai friend will come with me here, says its pretty close in taste to the what they've had before -- don't expect privacy, other tables are very close by -- my favorite is tom yum soup, its got so many flavors goin' on, but its sooo good! wish is came with at least 3 shrimps not just 2 :p
(4)
Erin J.

Very stylish restaurant, and kinda hidden, to boot. You would never think this if you just happened to swing in at noon on a random weekday, however. Either get there early or late or you will be waiting. Additionally, the service can sometimes be pretty slow, so even if you do avoid the rush, it's still very possible you won't be in and out in an hour. That said, the food is pretty tasty, and the prices, while mostly reasonable, reflect what you'd generally find in the Loop. EDIT 5/21/08: WOW. Went there for lunch at 11:30 and didn't get out until about 1:00. For whatever reason, the server brought my dish out quickly, but not my companion's. After waiting 20 minutes for his dish to arrive, I complained to our server, saying I had no intention to pay for food that was poorly served, if at all. Another 10 minutes went by and I asked to speak with a manager, who initially said that that particular dish takes a long time to cook. When I replied that no one ever told us that, he then said that they served my companion's dish to the huge party behind us. He took away my plate and said he would be right out with a hot plate for me and my companion's lunch. As we debated on leaving outright, our food was delivered. Thankfully, it was hot and proper, depite the fact that I'm 99% sure all they did was toss the garnish on my original plate, mash up the rice and toss it under the salamander. When the bill came, they had comped NOTHING. Had I not been so pressed to get back to work - it had been nearly 90 minutes at this point - I would have really let the manager have it. My disapointment from this particular circumstance could have been easily mitigated by the manager offering to comp at least one of the meals, but instead he fed me excuses and was defensive. Needless to say, I will not be patronizing Siam Rice any longer. They will be removed from my workgroup's rotating takeout orders, and I will find someone else to supply food for my company's noontime meetings and conferences. How very disappointing.
(1)
Ray L.

I have to go here at least once a week. There is a reason it's always packed, the food is great and the prices are relatively cheap for downtown. You just have to show up at 11:30-11:45 to beat the major rush at noon (thx elizabeth & andrea). Here's a useful strategy for people who haven't tried thai food: Order the Pad Thai (beef or chicken is $7, shrimp $8). If you wanna enjoy true thai flavor, their panang noodle is out-of-this-world best panang noodle EVER. You will love it, their Pad Thai is the best I've had and so is their panang noodle. While you're eating, notice what the people around you are eating. If you see anything that looks/smells amazing, and you will for sure, just ask them what it is. Next time you'll have something new to try if you want. Thank you Yelpers, I never would've gone to a crowded restaurant like this if it weren't for your reviews. I hate crowds but it doesn't really matter since this place is A-MAZING.
(5)
Sharon S.

I love going to Siam Rice for lunch since its so close to my work. The food is great and nice atmosphere with modern decor for a business lunch. Fast service and the wait for a table is not usually long. But because they turn over tables so quickly, you might need to flag down a server to refill water, get check, etc. I was just there today for their Basil chicken. Also try their Pad Si-Ew, Panang Curry and the cucumber salad. YUMMY!
(4)
Jims L.

Had the chicken pad thai, chicken coconut curry, and garlic chicken to go - all so-so. AND my pad thai came without bean sprouts - none! Sad.
(2)
Darnell T.

I love this joint! The food is really good. I've tried the pineapple fried rice with chicken, and beef (not at the same time). The pineapple was fresh. The cashews were tasty, not just there to take up space. The veggies were fresh. The mini egg rolls were also awesome. And the food was hot! That's my pet peeve when it comes to restaurants. My food better be piping hot when it hits my table, or I will not be happy. The service is also really fast during the lunch hour. Wow. It's never taken longer than fifteen minutes to get my food after I ordered. They're almost as fast as McDonald's, but that's the only comparison that can be made to "fast food." It usually doesn't take long to get seated, even though the place is always crowded at lunch time. I think most people are thoughtful enough not to linger. Either that, or they have a big guy waiting in the back to toss you if you don't leave fast enough, and I just haven't had the displeasure of meeting him. I strongly recommend trying Siam Rice. Everyone I recommend it to loves it and thanks me for telling them about it. No one that I know has been displeased with anything on the menu.
(4)
Quantas G.

Awesome Loop lunch joint. Great selection of Pan-Asian dishes prepared well. Always crowded and for good reason. Gorgeous interior, somewhat attentive service, and delicious food. I ordered the Coconut Chicken Curry and was well pleased. One of my buddies ordered the Tom Kha soup made with coconut milk, mushrooms, and chicken. The aroma and flavor were intoxicating. The broth tasted like it brewed for hours and all of the flavors melded together well. Definetely a must try. Go early and enjoy...
(5)
Zac M.

Great gem in the heart of The Loop. Sister restaurant to Panang at Chicago and Clark. Both are excellent, try the Panang noodle with beef,served at both locations.
(5)
Melanie V.

Food is excellent! Great pad khee mao and crab rangoon. The best part about this place is that they serve bubble tea! Although they only have a couple flavors, it's still great that you can get bubble tea since it's hard to find in The Loop! Try it out when you're craving some bubble tea!
(4)
Mike B.

Tasty Thai, quick delivery, but crap service when you stop in for lunch. But...it's Thai...it's darn good...it's downtown...and it's super-fast. Oh, and the prices are about what you'd expect for a Thai restaurant... Sure, you could easily go to Vong's...after all, the atmosphere at Vong's is much nicer...but in my opinion, Pad Thai should never cost more than $7.00...ever. One nice touch...I ordered on an especially rainy day once...the delivery guy, who was actually just one of the waiters...WALKED all the way here in the rain. My food wasn't soaked either...but the guy was a whole other story. Needless to say, his tip was significant.
(4)
Josh G.

Ugh, I'm stuffed! I just got some take-out for lunch and brought it back to my desk where I devoured the tasty goodness in about 5 minutes. The Pad Thai was good but I thought it needed a little more of the peanut taste. The highlight were the vegetable rolls w/ peanut sauce (did I mention I love peanuts?) which were absolutely delicious. The vegetables were fresh and crisp and the roll itself was just the right texture, not soggy or gummy like some other places. I've heard rumors of the packed house at lunch so we walked over around 1, put our order in, and were on our way in about 10 minutes. Yum.
(4)
Rachelle G.

After reading the reviews, I decided to check this out during lunch! Such a great restaurant that I never knew existed. To be honest, I was expecting a small hole in the wall type of restaurant, as most Thai restaurants are, but I was surprised by the warm wood paneling and at how big the seating area was. Prices are a dollar or two more than your typical Thai restaurants, but it's the loop and everything in the loop is a bit overpriced. I ordered pad Thai chicken and thought it was well seasoned and had just the right amount of chicken. The wait staff is friendly, however, maybe bc I had dined after the lunch crowd died down, they weren't as attentive towards the end of my meal. I literally had to flag someone to take my check. With the exception of this, my dining experience was almost perfect. This will definitely be the place I head to when I'm craving Thai while at work.
(5)
Steve T.

Gross. They obviously have two chefs, one of which should be thai'd up and never allowed to cook again. I had a bone or something equally nasty in my Pad Thai, and it was super super sweet and almost orange in color. The soup we had was sub-par, and overall we just were not pleased. Go someplace else. The only good thing about it, was how fast the service was even though it was packed to the brim during lunch.
(2)
Paige S.

The cheapest Loop Lunch Ever. Though the portions are small and it's always packed, it's worth the 10-15 minute wait at lunchtime. Just don't come here if you're really hungry. Their Garlic Chicken is great, or if you don't want to smell like garlic, their Pineapple Fried Rice is also wonderful. (not that I've tried anything else, so y'know... other things might be good too)
(4)
Andrea C.

Love this place for lunch because it is right around the corner from my office! They have a great menu with a variety of dishes to accomodate all tastes. Get there before noon or it will be crowded and you may have a wait. Good news, they are super fast! You typically get your meal in 5-8 minutes. I like the curries, particularly the duck and pad sei eew is always a favorite.
(4)
marc b.

I JUST HAD THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. First off, let me just say that I have never been called a liar by a manager before...until now. A co-worker and I have been going here every Wednesday (and sometimes Friday) every week for the past year and a half. Well, this time we went with 3 people. We sat down (at a 4 top table) and we ordered our food. We had no idea another friend was coming, but he showed up by himself, so he came and sat with us. The hostess came over and yelled at us and said the whole party had to be there to be seated. We asked if she wanted us to move to another 4-top, which would have been the exact same table. She said no, and then continued to call us liars saying that we knew that our 4th friend was coming. I tried to explain that if we knew he was coming, we probably wouldnt have already ordered, we would have waited for him. I went up to the manager after we left and I wanted her to know that she was very rude. She said, well if I am that rude, then don't ever come back. Keep in mind, I have gone there 1-2 times per week, for a year and a half. They obviously don't care about their business. I just wish the owner was there to witness that. If I was the owner, she would have been fired on the spot. I am not asking for special treatment, but at least for some respect. The food is decent, but not worth the lack of respect they have for their customers. BEWARE OF THIS PLACE!!!
(1)
Jared L.

Had a great lunch meal here. The food was above average thai (though I haven't sampled enough to truly know yet). However, service was pretty iffy (took us about 10 minutes to get our check, even though it was lunch, when they should keep people moving through). I'll be headed back, and look forward to trying more on the menu.
(4)
Katie H.

It was packed and the service was kind of scattershot, but the food was decent. I ordered the massamum beef curry which may not have been the best idea. It's my go-to dish at tac quick and tac's is definately better. The beef here was kind of tough. But with the varity of dishes, low prices and quick turnaround, I'll give it another shot.
(4)
Jennifer S.

This used to be one of my favorite lunch spots back when I worked across the street. Now i just get it as delivery for dinner. My favorite is the Rama Chicken. It has just the right amount of broccoli, chicken and peanut sauce. The delivery guys are very speedy and the prices are reasonable - anywhere from $8-9 for a curry, rice or noodle dish. They do have some special dishes that are a little bit more. I wish they had a second location closer to where I live because I would definitely dine-in.
(4)
Stephanie S.

Delicious and service is quick- I recommend the bar for prompt seating. However, as everyone else has noted, it is uncomfortably crowded and rather noisy. Not bad for a tasty, inexpensive and fast lunch during the workday though.
(3)
C P.

Best Thai in the loop!!! Great price and consistently delicious! Great for lunch or to grab on your way home from work. Fast delivery!! Drunken noodles and basil chicken are fantastic tries!! If you need a loop go-to Thai joint, highly recommend giving Siam Rice a try!!
(4)
Heather K.

Didn't have the greatest experience at Siam Rice last night, for early dinner with a group. The place was all but empty when we arrived, there were maybe five other tables of diners, and yet the service was pretty slow. We started with "Golden Crab" (Crab Rangoon) which was delicious - probably some of the best I've ever tried. They brought out one of our entrees, but then at least 5-6 minutes passed before the rest of the food came out. It might have been longer. Time passes by very slowly when you're starving and have to watch one of your friends eat by himself. Finally the rest of the food arrived, and I was not impressed with my dish. I ordered the Sen Yai Noodles (wide rice noodles with grilled steak and a soy-sesame sauce), but the meat was very fatty and I had to trim about half of it away. It was also one of the more expensive dishes on the menu - frustrating! To make matters worse, it wasn't hot when it came out. It was really cold inside the restaurant and we were sitting next to the window...so I'm sure that added to the food cooling down very fast. But still - not very appealing. The other dishes that I sampled were Basil Chicken (nice and spicy) and Mussamun Curry, which I enjoyed way more than my own meal. I've been to so many Thai restaurants in the city and just haven't been blown away by this place. (I've gone a few times). But I think for last night's experience, I just ordered the wrong dish at the wrong time. Next time I will go for lunch and try something new. Definitely willing to add more stars for future visits, if possible. I see potential in this place but am hoping for results.
(3)
Kay S.

Oh-so-delightful for a quick, sit down Thai lunch. It is always packed during the work week lunch hour but they get you in and out like nobody's business...quick service. I only concern myself with two items on the menu...The Drunken Noodles and The Crazy Noodles. I can attest to the goodness of both of these but beyond that you are on your own. Give it a try...it beats another sandwich at the Corner Bakery.
(4)
Bex A.

Hmm. Hmmmmmmmm. Ok so I've had both the drunken noodles and the crazy noodles here, and the crazy noodles are more pad khee mao (wide rice, the chicken and prawn combo, solitary tomato). Unfortunately I found both to be a little lacking to my taste. I got the drunken noodles the first time and definitely should've asked for extra tofu. They gave me like 5-6 small pieces and they were hidden under the whopping ton of thin noodles. Spice was good, but lacking in the sweet and sour tang I like. I felt the same way about the crazy noodles, although these were better. My problem could've been that I ordered extra tofu and veggies this time and they were plunked on top rather than all stirred together, so they didn't absorb a lot of the flavor. The noodles themselves were tasty, and again the spice was good, but the dish was missing a more rounded flavor overall. Kind of pricey, delivery not as quick as Amarit. Although there are more options, and it certainly seems like a nice place to have a sit-down lunch. I know I shouldn't base the whole rating on two variations of one dish, so maybe I'll try a sweet and sour something next time.
(3)
Robyn F.

This place was OK. I got the pad see ew and wasn't too overly impressed, but it wasn't bad either. My friend got the beef with rice. The beef was pretty tasty, but there were only a few pieces. The price is OK as well, so it's a decent value.
(3)
Stephanie M.

Packed lunch spot. Quick service. The menu looked pretty good, as did other patrons' food. I ordered the Yum Talay (seafood salad). The shrimp and squid in it were good. However, the imitation crab pieces were off, as in...borderline spoiled. Because I bit into that piece last and the waitress had speedily dropped off the check on the table, I did not complain. I will just never order it again. I may give this place another try and order something with beef or chicken instead. This is why my dad says never order seafood at a non-seafood specializing restaurant, and never order non-local seafood. "Do you think we live next to an ocean?" he would ask in that annoyed tone of voice of his.
(2)
Amy S.

Went here for lunch with some coworkers. We made sure the get there early, as they don't take reservations. The tables are VERY close to one-another, but other than that, the restaurant is wonderful. We ordered our food and within 10 minutes it was ready. Fresh and hot, it was very good. I had golden crab and jasmine rice. It was excellent. Others ordered curry and a noddle disk. The service was quick and the prices were reasonable. As we were leaving the place was filling up, and I imagine one would have to wait for a table if you got there any time after 12.
(4)
Justin S.

Not what I think thai should be. The food was awful. Pad thai was way off base and the soup...even worse. I didn't finish any of it. A waiter kept walking by me and sneezing, being that it was lunch time it was cramped. Ehh I've had better and not been sneezed on. I'll pass
(1)
David S.

I want to love this place. The restaurant itself is beautiful, elegant and unpretentious. The downside is that most of the dishes cannot be made vegan due to the premade sauces (like most of the thai places in the loop). What i was able to eat i found to be fresh and delicious. The vegetable rolls rolls were excellent
(3)
Ren H.

This is a nice Thai restaurant in the loop. Its got a fantastic ambiance, like an upscale restaurant but the prices are great, its very reasonable and they have Wi-Fi! They've got a nice bar and they deliver!
(4)
Jen M.

I always seem to want to Thai food for lunch at work & Siam Rice is the place I go! Great place to go fur lunch with coworkers. Small but they always seat you quickly. Service is fast, not the best (they brought everybody's food but mine once). Carry out is amazing... literally ready 15 minutes later! I love the crab rangoon here - I am always a sucker for this! Tom Yum soup is delicious .... I've never had a complaint about the food.
(4)
Katie S.

The food is amazing and cheap. The service is almost too fast and it is always crowded during the week for lunch. You walk in, get seated, give order, food comes, check comes, food cleared, out the door in under 30 minutes. I felt rushed, but I know that they would be fine with me relaxing and sipping my Thai tea. I've been here twice and had a great experience both times. This is one of the best Thai places in the city! Get the Golden crab for an appetizer!
(4)
meg g.

I eat lunch here at least once a week (and I wonder why I'm broke). The best thing on the menu is the green or red curry with shrimp. I'm not usually a big shrimp person, but it complements the curry beautifully, making a lighter meal than with beef or tofu (it's fried). And the green beans and Chinese eggplant are almost undercooked making it extra crunchy and healthy. Also, the Pad See-Eiw here is the best I've had. I usually get it with beef and extra limes. If you want to splurge get the Tiger Cries, listed under Specialties. It's a quality piece of steak, sticky rice and light, spicy, soy-based sauce for dippin. If you're in the mood for a clear soup the Wonton Soup is amazing, though it does vary a bit. What makes it so good is the fresh cilantro and lime and it's almost like the wanton was rolled from fresh dough right before going into the soup. I would recommend that over any of their appetizers which are pretty standard. One more note, I generally don't like Pad Thai and theirs is no exception. The sauce tastes like it has a tomato base making it almost catsup-y. Ick. It's bland and boring as is the Beef Broccoli. Overall- this place is a gem on Wells Street 1/2 block from my office. Oh, and don't be put off by the line it moves very quickly.
(4)
Rayid G.

Best thai lunch place in the loop. Crowded between 11:45 and 12:45 so expect a long wait. Make sure you try the panang noodles, kow soy, and maybe even the tiger cries. Pad thai omelette isn't bad either.
(4)
Jeff W.

this is almost like fast food Thai, but the place is very nice-crowded, yes, but they crank out the great Thai food with consistency and for amazing value-from the Thai rice Soup the the Chicken Ramar which is a ton of chicken in a slightly spice peanut sauce with perfectly steamed broccoli witha side of rice for under $8-HOW CAN you beat this-all in like 15 minutes-it is my GO TO place in the loop if i am on budget or feel like Thai and highly recommend!!!
(5)
Bella D.

It was nice to go here, a break away from subway, etc for lunch at work. Good Pad Sie Eiw w/ Beef and Broccoli. Nice staff and service. Table service & Take out there is nice.
(4)
Jody C.

I love being able to order pick up online b/c it looks like im working at work and i dont have to wait in line. Siam Rice is super crowded during lunch, and the curry smell is just a little too strong for me to actually eat inside. If you order online it only takes 20 mins and you can even pay online so all you have to do is pick up your food and go. I loved their pad thai and it was a pretty large serving for $7 in the Loop.
(5)
Hemanth S.

Go easy on the extra hot sause!! Their spicy dish is already spicy..I learnt that the hard way:)
(5)
Jason L.

Great food, clean environment. This place is busy at lunch, but they really get the people in and out. It is a great place to have a sit down meal in under 45 minutes. Highlights on the menu are the Pad Thai, Panang Noodles with Chicken, Chicken Satays and Golden Crab. Also, this place is very affordable.
(5)
Jordan K.

At 7:00 P.M. this evening (Tuesday January 4, 2011) I was in the mood for some good Thai food so I choose to get deliverly from the place with the highest amount of stars. After food, delivery and tip I was down twenty bucks which was fine because I was so ready to just devour some amazing pad Thai. As I unwrapped the plain white bag that firmly sheathed my edible conquest, I found a large steamy carton that appeared to be safeguarding deliciousness. This meal was going to be great I thought as I unveiled the lid and steam ascended into my face. Then as I held the lid above my meal the condensation dripped onto what appeared to be a huge pile of farmer's garbage. Atop an aggregation of stale noodles sat a giant pile of cabbage...hmmm this is new? Well, why not? this must be good...I dug into a huge piece of chicken (well, I think it was chicken anyways) and I must say that it tasted like the juicy part of fresh diaper. My friends can attest that I will generally eat anything but I could not eat more than 5 bites of this. It is currently sitting in front of my computer mocking me as I type my first ever yelp review. I write this as warning to others that might find themselves precariously needing Thai food to not get delivery from Siam Rice; I have never been this disappointed in my life... I am walking to Chipotle!
(1)
Melissa K.

I came here for lunch with a friend that I hadn't seen in quite a few years. The food got to our table so quickly that we could use the rest of our lunch our to catch up. The food was good, nothing fantastic, but that's probably because I'm not a huge Thai eater. I'll go back and try and expand my horizons and order something else. The service was quick so it's a bonus
(4)
Linda C.

I had such high expectations for this place after two friend's recommendations. The food was mediocre at best. We went at 1:00 to avoid the lunch crowd and so we were seated right away. I ordered the spinach noodles with duck and my friend had the golden noodles. I tried her noodles and they had a very strong greasy taste, ick. My noodles were somewhat bland and lacking flavor. I was expecting a flat noodle but they turned out to be round which wasn't something that I enjoyed. The duck was so so as there was a whooping 4 slices. One thing that really annoyed me was that they gave us the bill before we were even half done. I saw them do this at other tables too. It might be me but I think it's totally rude. It sends the msg that the want you out, NOW!
(3)
Alexandra B.

Fast delivery, good price, good food. Had the tofu pad thai. Editing a few months later: I've eaten here many times since my review. I dinned in once, which was great. Everything was made fast and fresh. The dining room is really beautiful. I've also gotten delivery a few more times and tried some new dishes. A+ all around.
(5)
Leigh K.

I was going to my once a week treat, Tokyo Lunchbox, when I decided I'd go ahead and try Siam Rice since I read about it on Yelp. I walked in thinking I was going to get carryout but then I asked how long the wait would be and the hostess whisked me to a table. They really pack you in here, so I was in between a table of four and a table for two. Everyone working here walks briskly and is super attentive. 5 seconds after I'd closed my menu, I was asked for my order. The cucumber salad came out straight away. The menu said it was red onions and cucumbers in a sweet sauce, but it was actually cucumbers, red peppers, and carrots. Maybe they were out of red onions. Before I even finished my salad, my main dish was dropped off. I picked panang curry with chicken ($7.75) since I was craving a little spice. I've had this dish a number of times at other places and, while it was nothing special here, it was not too shabby either. The chicken seemed like it had been soaking in the curry sauce for way too long, but the sauce itself was very tasty. Since there are no Thai places that I can think of in the Loop, this place is a godsend for anyone craving a curry at lunchtime. The Chicken Satay looked really good and I'll be trying that next time. As other Yelpers have said, the portion sizes here are small. The serving you get here is probably half of a serving that you would get at any other Thai place, but somehow I held back and ended up only eating half so I could have leftovers for tomorrow. On the way back I stopped at Jamba Juice so I wouldn't have curry breath! In any case, I will definitely be going back to Siam Rice, but it's likely I'll get carryout unless I go with a friend since it's so claustrophobic when I was by myself.
(3)
julie v.

my absolute fav thai in the city, period. order anything you want and i swear you wont be disappointed, but my personal pet dish is the basil chicken, and as far as appetizers go, the siam rolls are quite lovely. random side note: they use chinese broccoli in the pad see-eiw, as opposed to, um, broccoli broccoli. i havent had any consistency problems, but then again i also only order for supper, never during their lunch rush. seriously recommended!
(5)
Kari S.

Very cute, bustling restaurant in the center of the loop. I went here with a friend at lunch and although we had to wait for a table, it was worth it. We both had soup and appetizers for around $8 a piece. I want to go back to try the pad thai and other dishes, which looked amazing. The service was nice and fast once we were seated. If I want Thai and I am in the loop, I would definitely come here.
(4)
Girish N.

We tried the Panang Chicken and Red Curry in Siam Rice. Not bad, though I felt both tasted the same.
(4)
Trent M.

Lets start by getting out the only negative I can think of when it comes to Siam Rice - the WAIT! If you don't get here at 11:40 or 1:15, expect to wait at least 20 minutes as it gets more packed that you can believe. Other than that the service is excellent and quick, great for a power lunch with some co-workers. The food is excellent, I have tried all of their curries and they are great, the noodle dishes are perfect and come in huge portions. They also have Pad Thai wrapped in an omelette like it is traditionally served in Thailand, something I have yet to see at other Thai eateries in Chicago. Be sure to try the salmon and spinach rolls if you're in the mood for an appetizer, so good!!
(4)
Sharmin W.

It is great!!! I love it!! But you do have to be there between 11.30 and 11.45 or after 12.45 otherwise you will have to wait quite a while for a table. Also, they will not seat you if you entire party is not there. We need another one of these in the Loop!
(5)
Becky D.

I have to start off by saying that I ordered take-out from here today, and there was an earwig cooked into my Penang curry noodles. I was mortified, and needless to say I will never be back here. Up until this incident I thoroughly enjoyed the food here, but I cannot bring myself to give it another shot. Beware, this place gets super crowded during the lunch rush, and they really push you to order and get out ASAP. I'm sad to say that I'll be searching for another Thai spot in the loop to satisfy my lunchtime cravings.
(2)
Abby T.

Pretty good spot for Thai food in the Loop!!! Although it seems packed upon arrival, we somehow always get seated right away! The decor is pretty nice. The staff is always bustling around, catering to the patrons. I've had the crab rangoon, ginger chicken, the pad-plik, and the pad si ew at Siam Rice. All were pretty tasty! Will be back to try more things on their extensive menu.
(4)
Evann G.

Yummm. I got takeout from Siam Rice for lunch today and the pad see ew was quite tasty. I liked the Thai fried rice, but it seemed pretty standard. Next time I'll have to try the curry. Thai iced tea was also one of the best I've had, and the mango & sticky rice desert was divine! Kudos to their service, I was in line for the Al Gore book signing at Borders which took FOREVER and had to keep calling Siam Rice to push my pick-up time back! And the food was ready and piping hot when I got there.
(4)
Vanessa H.

This is probably one of the best Thai places I've been to...and I've been to my share of Thai places. I usually go for the Red Curry with Tofu dish. Comes with a side of rice. The places is usually busy during lunch time but service is fast, so if there's a wait to be seated, I'd suggest waiting around a little bit. Also...it is a newer more modern place which also makes it look CLEAN!
(5)
Jami K.

Mmm! I'm often wandering about what to get for lunch and when I realized I had to go over this way I ordered some food to-go. Good plan! So, it's not exactly cheap, but it's not that much more expensive than other food that I'd get to eat downtown and it actually tastes good. I mean, compared to Panda Express, this restaurant is gormet and its not all that muc more expensive. I ordered online, paid with a credit card and my food was hot and waiting for me when I picked it up. I just needed to sign and be on my way. It was fast and easy. The restaurant itself is very attractive. I definitely will come back here for a lunch meeting or for dinner sometime after work. It's a nice change from all the chains that dominate the Loop.
(4)
Rahul S.

Thai food is all created equal right? I would beg to differ and say 'wrong!!' Despite the impossibility of finding a variety of thai restaurants in the loop (My Thai being the only other one), i'm glad to report that Siam Rice is truly awesome! I would say i've had virtually every noodle dish on the menu. My favorites are the Drunken and Crazy Noodles which both have a nice combination of meat and veggies. The noodles are virtually always cooked to perfection, w/ a heaping portion most people will have a hard time finishing. They offer some incredibly creative dishes as well, from the pasta chicken curry and thai spaghetti. For a treat you HAVE to try the spinach noodles w/ roasted duck... holy crap the noodles are crazy good!!! If you don't want noodles try the curry which is so fragrant and light. You really can't go wrong w/ anything on the menu. It gets insanely crowded during lunch hours, so be prepared for a wait and make sure you're whole party is there cuz they won't seat you otherwise! It's clearly worth the wait, as you'll have an amazing and fun meal guaranteed!
(5)
Marie S.

Been to many Thai restaurants and this has become my favorite ! (Lucky for me its only a half block away from my work...haha) Because of its close proximity, I have had the pleasure of ordering from here alot. Ive tried sooo many things off their menu and not one dish has disappointed me. My personal favs are the beef pad see eiw, chicken pad thai, and teriyaki salmon. Best Thai food in Chicago ! Its also has such a great ambiance for having lunch. Its not a typical fast food place thats surrounds the area. Its a beautifully decorated, nice, and casual spot to chill out with co-workers/friends and get away from the office a little bit. Only gripe.. I wish they were a little bit more organized at the hostess station when seating folks and handling take out orders.
(5)
Nancy H.

Pretty tasty Thai food, and I normally don't like Thai food. It made my tummy happy I think b/c their cooking consists of more "food" instead of grease, like other Thai hole-in-the-walls. My co-worker and I came here once around 11:45, and the wait was out the door. We changed our minds and decided to order to-go, which took about 20 minutes. The restaurant looks upscale, so I definitely plan on coming back here to dine-in. Prices are pretty slightly higher than the norm for Thai places; noodles and specialty dishes are ~$8. Next time, I want to try the bubble tea and desserts too, which seemed like everybody had on their tables!
(4)
Dee W.

This place is fantastic for lunch in the loop - but it's always so packed - tip for you: order it to go over the phone, pick up and create a picnic in the office. Prices are reasonable for big portions.
(4)
kiki h.

I ate lunch here with Jack B and was equally impressed with the time it took them to bring out our meal today. My chicken with cashew dish was so delicious that I ate the entire thing. If you do plan on eating here make sure you go around 11:30 or after 1:30 because it gets so crowded!
(4)
Tracy M.

I tried this place for lunch yesterday after reading these reviews. It was crowded (even at 1:30 for lunch), but luckily the line moved fast and it was only a 10 minute wait. My ginger chicken dish was great, but the service was slow. It took the waitress forever to take our order, bring out the food, and bring me the check.
(3)
Tom H.

This is a great place if you want to have a sit down lunch but really need to get back to the office in an hour or less. The food is good but not outstanding. Go here to eat, not talk. You won't be able to hear your lunch partner, anyway. You can also get takeout, but make sure they get the order right--they're known in my office for mixing things up or leaving items out.
(4)
Natalie J.

definitely not the best pad thai i've had. way too sugary. so far, thai pastry has my vote on best pad thai. i give it 3 stars mainly for its service. my boyfriend and i had dinner there on a very slow, tuesday night and our waitress actually rolled her eyes when my boyfriend ordered the tofu. i'll still go if i'm desperate for thai while i'm in my downtown boredom hole but other than that....
(3)
Jack B.

I couldn't believe how fast my food came out when I had here. We literally ordered it and the guy walked back to the kitchen and came back with 4 meals. I didn't expect much from the meal if they made it that fast, but the paid thai was really good. Good service and good food= 4 stars!
(4)
Emily N.

I really like going here for lunchtime- it's in a great location if you work in the Loop and the food is really good. I love the mini egg rolls and the wonton soup- yum. The orange chicken is my favorite- it's delicious, and the pad thai is pretty good as well. I'd make a reservation though if you're going at prime lunchtime hours.
(4)
Travis P.

Good food, good atmosphere, bad service. It's almost impossible to get a refill of your beverage here. They operate a quick turnover for a hectic lunch rush with the bare minimum of staff it seems. I've had the green curry, crazy noodles, druken noodles, pad thai and bamee noodles (to name a few). I keep going back because the food is damn good for a Loop lunch spot. My lunch usually just stretches into an hour-fifteen when I go here.
(3)
Rich F.

I go here for lunch quite often. It's a clean restaurant with an attentive staff and above average Thai cuisine. I tend to judge a Thai restaurant based on it's Tom Yum soup, and while I've had better, Siam Rice's version has just the right amount of hot & sour broth combined with veggies and shrimp (you can choose tofu or chicken also). I also like the Golden Noodles and Drunken Noodles.
(3)
Courtney S.

I think this might be my favorite Thai place. I go here for lunch a lot since I work in the Loop and it gets crowded but the food doesn't take forever to make it's way out of the kitchen. Great soups, great food!
(4)
Clare K.

quite fantastic thai food. i cannot comment on the service, because it was ordered and delivered to my company for a lunch. and to think-i only ended up with the leftovers; it must have been even better the first time around. maybe i was insanely hungry, or maybe i was just really needing a thai fix...all i know is that i wistfully think about this place everytime i order thai. and that is pretty frequently, i am afraid.
(5)
vicky y.

this place is always packed during lunch time! caters a lot to the business folk looking for something different, but food's just average. evanston is still my number 1 destination for thai in chicagoloand.
(2)
H M.

This is a nice Thai restaurant. The food is good, however the service is horrible. I do not recommend going there during lunch. It is very busy and it takes a very long time for servers to acknowledge you.
(2)
Paul R.

Definitely coming back here. There aren't too many Thai spots in the Loop but you won't need to look around once you eat here once. The Pad Thai is solid and they give you a ton. If you ask for it spicy and order it go to, they're not messing around at all- they will torture you, which is cool with me.
(4)
Jennifer N.

Great lunch place! Came at 11:45 and it was already packed. The penang noodles were delish! Certainly one of the better Thai places I've been to and bonus points for being nice Asian restaurant with reasonable prices in the Loop - lunch came to be $12/ person (one entree and drink each).
(4)
molly c.

only thai in the loop that i know of. that gets it an extra star. quick service and nice dining room. i'll go back for a lunch with a friend. not for everyday lunch.
(4)
elizabeth n.

This is a great Thai restaurant for lunch in the loop. I went for a nice work lunch around 11:45 and I am so glad we went at that time because the crowds started coming right at noon. The mini egg rolls are so good and perfect for sharing, and the chicken pad thai is delicious! The prices are reasonable and the food is great. I'd recommend getting there before noon unless you don't mind waiting for a table!
(4)
June B.

I would have never known this place was here but my co worker found it and it's really good thai food. Everything is good, and even though it gets crowded- get a seat in the bar area at one of the front tables and you won't have to wait. No one ever sits there and the service is just as good.
(4)
Rose P.

I can't believe I discovered this place just last week and I work two blocks away. Don't be overwhelmed by the lunch crowds - turnaround is quick. You can also phone your order in or order online at siamricethai.com and pick your order up in 20 minutes. No convenience charge for ordering via the Internet, which officially makes this my new favorite lunch spot... well until I get sick of theThai food overload.
(4)
Eddie O.

Siam Rice gets so crowded for lunch, but when you finally get a table the food is pretty good and it's pretty cheap. I usually get the wanton soup and pad thai as my entree.
(3)

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Address : 117 N Wells St
Chicago, IL, 60606
Phone (312) 606-9999
Website https://www.siamricethai.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Garage, Street, Validated
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Siam Rice

117 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, 60606

Siam Rice Menu

Appetizers

Soups

Salads

Curry Dishes

Rice Dishes

Fried Rice

Stir Fried Noodles

Noodles In A Bowl

Specialties

Side Orders

Beverages

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Siam Rice

Appetizers

Soups

Salads

Curry Dishes

Rice Dishes

Fried Rice

Stir Fried Noodles

Noodles In A Bowl

Specialties

Side Orders

Beverages

Desserts

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