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Best Thai in Mid-Wilshire
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Master Critic Review
Chao Krung Thai
8.1
Chao Krung Thai, operating on Fairfax since the 1970s, is one of L.A.’s oldest Thai restaurants and now leans into curries, Northern-style specialties, and small plates. Locals come for dishes like kaeng hung-ley and panang red curry that blend family recipes with a slightly modernized dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaeng Hung-Ley Braised Pork Belly Curry, Panang Red Curry, Lunch Khana Moo Pork Belly Over Rice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Decades-old Thai institution pairing family recipes with standout curries and Northern dishes.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting classic, sit-down Thai with history.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for a lively room without feeling overcrowded.
What to order: Kaeng Hung-Ley pork belly curry, Panang Red Curry, Khana Moo pork belly over rice.
Insider tip: Explore the specialties section—Northern-style plates often outperform the usual pad thai order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Fairfax and Beverly is the primary option; meters can be tight after 6pm but you can usually find a spot within a 1–2 block walk. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and simple tops are perfectly fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy at most tables, with a mild weekend buzz that doesn’t overwhelm.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — numerous curries, stir-fries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian; staff is familiar with substitutions.
Vegan options: Moderate — several dishes can be modified, but check for fish sauce; the kitchen accommodates requests.
Gluten-free options: Limited but possible — many curries are naturally gluten-free, but confirm soy sauce usage on stir-fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm, slightly modernized dining room offers an inviting atmosphere that feels intimate without being too formal. Great if you want a comfortable, conversation-friendly setting with standout curries.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weekdays. On weekend evenings, expect a short wait during peak hours, but walk-ins are still common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families frequent the restaurant, and the menu has mild, approachable dishes for younger diners. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: A reliable, sit-down Thai experience with depth in Northern-style specialties and curries, backed by decades of neighborhood trust.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-spicy, hyper-regional Thai or a trendy, nightlife-heavy scene — other spots may match those needs better.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 3:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 3:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 3:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 3:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 3:30pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Saturday1pm - 10pm
Sunday1pm - 10pm