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Baan Yaai
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Baan Yaai
8.3
Compact Thai street-food spot turning out boldly seasoned curries and noodle soups with a few chef-y specials like crab omurice. Locals lean on it for comforting bowls, quick dine-ins, and reliable takeout along Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Style Crab Omurice, Khao Soi (chicken), Tom Kha (coconut galangal soup)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Street-food flavors with standout crab omurice and rich khao soi.
Who should go: Thai comfort seekers and noodle soup lovers
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30 pm for shortest waits
What to order: Crab omurice; chicken khao soi; tom kha
Insider tip: Ask for extra chili oil on the side to tune the heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—look along Lombard or nearby side streets; fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; locals often stop in after errands or workouts.
Noise level: Moderate—small space with kitchen sizzle, but conversation stays easy.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during prime hours; takeout orders move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several curries, stir-fries, and tofu options can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Partial—2–3 dishes adaptable by omitting fish sauce or egg; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some noodle soups and rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, flavorful comfort food—it's tight on space and better for relaxed, low-key hangs than romantic ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; solo diners and pairs usually find a table quickly, especially before 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—fast service and mild curries work for older kids, but space is tight and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Punchy, authentic street-style spice and quick, affordable comfort meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, cocktails, or a drawn-out dinner service—this is more about flavor than formality.
Baan Yaai
8.3
Compact Thai street-food spot focused on clean, well-seasoned curries and wok noodles at fair prices. Locals use it for reliable takeout or a quick dine-in when craving khao soi or pad see ew without the frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Pad See Ew, Massaman Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Street-food favorites like khao soi executed with balanced spice and freshness.
Who should go: Noodle and curry seekers on a budget
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for faster pickup
What to order: Khao soi, massaman curry, pad see ew
Insider tip: Ask for a fried egg add-on to crown any rice or noodle dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Lombard and nearby cross streets; metered spots open up after 6pm but can be scarce during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual – come as you are; jeans, hoodies, or athletic wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate – you can hold a full conversation even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for a table, quicker for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food ready within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple curries, stir-fries, and tofu substitutions available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable – most dishes can be made vegan on request if you skip fish sauce and egg.
Gluten-free options: Some options – curries and rice-based dishes are safe; ask to confirm soy sauce use.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but great for a casual one — friendly staff and quick pacing keep things relaxed without awkward downtime.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations, and turnover is quick; calling ahead for pickup is the fastest move.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setup, mild-spice options, and quick service make it comfortable for families with kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more consistent takeout than nearby Thai joints; standout curry depth at a fair price.
Skip if: You’re looking for a cocktail program, elaborate plating, or a long sit-down dinner — this is built for speed and flavor, not ambiance.
Baan Yaai
8.1
Thai street-food kitchen where the crispy house wings land with a tangy chili-tamarind glaze. Regulars pair them with khao soi or fried rice for a quick, flavorful dinner on Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings (sweet & sour chili tamarind), Khao Soi, Cashew Nut Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Crispy Thai wings finished in a bright chili-tamarind sauce.
Who should go: Thai wing seekers and fast weeknight diners
When to visit: Lunch 12–1 or dinner after 8 for shortest waits
What to order: Chicken Wings, Khao Soi, Pad Kee Mao
Insider tip: Call in or order direct to avoid third-party fees and delays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Lombard—try nearby residential blocks on Greenwich or Octavia after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; come as you are—most diners in jeans or athleisure.
Noise level: Moderate—small room with kitchen activity, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during prime 7–8pm hours; faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though limited indoor seating fills fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple dishes like basil tofu, papaya salad, and veggie fried rice.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 items can be made vegan by request (ask for no fish sauce).
Gluten-free options: Partial—some stir-fry and curry dishes can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual hang than a formal date—laid-back vibe, quick service, and flavorful shareable plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially for solo or duo diners. Expect brief waits during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so for older kids—friendly staff and mild menu options, though tight seating and spicy aromas may not suit toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Thai-style wings that are crispier and more complex than typical American buffalo versions, with standout sauces and balanced heat.
Skip if: You’re seeking a long, sit-down dinner or alcohol service—this is a fast-casual stop focused on food, not ambiance.
Baan Yaai
8.2
Compact Thai street-food spot on Lombard turning out bright, balanced staples with real heat control. Locals lean on it for reliable curries, wok noodles, and papaya salad at fair prices with quick, friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Som Tum (Papaya Salad), Khao Soi
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Focused Thai street-food menu executed with fresh herbs and balanced spice.
Who should go: Weeknight Thai fans who value flavor over frills
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm for faster seating
What to order: Pad kee mao, papaya salad, khao soi
Insider tip: Ask for heat levels by dish—kitchen will dial in precisely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Lombard and nearby cross streets; spots open up more easily before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; no need to dress up beyond everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate—small room with chatter and takeout traffic, but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes at peak times due to limited seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many dishes can be made vegetarian on request, including curries and noodles.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be adjusted if you ask to omit fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Somewhat—certain stir-fries and curries can be made gluten-free if requested in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re after a relaxed, unfussy meal—small tables and quick service make it more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are standard. Arrive early or after 8pm to avoid short waits during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—friendly staff, mild-spice options, and fast service suit families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Punchier flavors and quicker service than larger sit-down Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a slow, sit-down experience with cocktails or fine-dining ambiance.