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Chao Krung Thai
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Chao Krung Thai
8.5
Serving the Fairfax District since the early 1970s, Chao Krung Thai is one of LA’s oldest Thai restaurants and now pairs its curries and noodles with surprisingly strong fries and fried appetizers. Guests lean on the kitchen’s crisp potatoes as a neutral, salty side that soaks up sauces from green curry, larb, and grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
French fries with sweet chili or Sriracha, Somtum with a side of fries, Panang curry with fries and jasmine rice
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Thai dining room where crispy fries ride alongside classic curries and stir-fries.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting Thai comfort food plus fries.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or weekend lunches before Grove crowds hit.
What to order: Somtum and wings, green or Panang curry, side of fries.
Insider tip: Use the fries to mop up extra curry instead of ordering a second rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered Fairfax and side-street parking; can be tight during dinner and weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; comfortable attire is totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at most tables, but peak weekend dinners can get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for walk-ins, longer if a large group shows up at the same time.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; steady but not crowded.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—many curries, stir-fries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Moderate options—several dishes can be prepared without fish sauce or dairy upon request.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—curries and many rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, neighborhood Thai spot with comforting dishes—not overly romantic, but cozy and reliable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes. Walk-ins are common, and waits are manageable outside of prime weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu is approachable, portions are generous, and the dining room is comfortable for families with kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic Thai comfort dishes with a decades-old neighborhood feel, plus underrated fries that pair well with curries.
Skip if: You want ultra-modern Thai fusion or a high-design dining room—this is more nostalgic, home-style, and low-key.