What is the best Thai restaurant in River North?

Crying Tiger is our top pick for Thai restaurants in River North, scoring 8.8/10. A 2025-opened, design-forward Southeast Asian spot from chef Thai Dang with lobster pad Thai and khao soi leading the menu.

Any insider tips for Crying Tiger?

Set calendar reminders for when reservations release about a month out; bar seats sometimes open up day-of for flexible diners.

When should I visit Crying Tiger?

Prime evening seatings; weekdays for reservations, weekends for full energy.

Who should go to Crying Tiger?

Date-night couples and small groups chasing buzzy Southeast Asian flavors.

Any insider tips for Peak Thai To-Go River North?

For fastest pickup, enter via the rear door marked “Peak Thai” and order ahead through their preferred delivery app.

What should I order at Peak Thai To-Go River North?

Pad Thai, Kee Mao drunken noodles, green curry with your protein of choice.

When should I visit Peak Thai To-Go River North?

Weekday lunches or casual weeknights when delivery times stay quick.

Who should go to Peak Thai To-Go River North?

Office workers and locals wanting reliable Thai takeout and delivery.

Best Thai Restaurants in River North (60654)

Q: What should I order at Crying Tiger?

Lobster Pad Thai in clay pot, khao soi with roti, prawn toast.

2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Crying Tiger

A 2025-opened, design-forward Southeast Asian spot from chef Thai Dang with lobster pad Thai and khao soi leading the menu.

Notable Picks

#1 Crying Tiger

8.8

$$$ River North

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Instagram Worthy Wonders

Led by James Beard finalist Thai Dang, Crying Tiger brings a high-design River North room and a menu of khao soi, lobster pad Thai, and charcoal-grilled meats that lean into bold Southeast Asian flavors. It’s already one of the toughest reservations in the neighborhood, used for date nights and small-group dinners where guests want serious cocktails and layered heat.

Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Pad Thai in Clay Pot, Khao Soi with Roti, Prawn Toast

What makes it special: A 2025-opened, design-forward Southeast Asian spot from chef Thai Dang with lobster pad Thai and khao soi leading the menu.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#2 Peak Thai To-Go River North

7.9

$$ River North

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries Hidden Gems Heaven

Operating out of a shared space with Ikigai Sushi & Izakaya, Peak Thai To-Go runs a tightly focused menu of noodle dishes, curries, and fried rice that travels well. Strong delivery-platform ratings and generous portions make it a go-to for nearby offices and residents looking for reliable weeknight Thai without a dine-in commitment.

Must-Try Dishes: Pad Thai, Kee Mao (Drunken) Noodles, Green Curry

What makes it special: A delivery-first Thai kitchen with an unusually deep noodle and fried rice lineup for takeout.

View Full Review →