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Star of Siam
Master Critic Review
Star of Siam
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Star of Siam is a busy Near North Thai restaurant just off Michigan Avenue that helped introduce many downtown diners to curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries decades ago. Large portions, a sprawling menu, and high capacity make it a go-to for pre-theater, convention, and group meals where location and convenience matter as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Massaman Curry, Prime Minister Green Curry, Gyo Tod (Fried Dumplings)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-capacity downtown Thai with decades of history and thousands of repeat visitors.
Who should go: Groups needing Thai near hotels, theaters, and Michigan Avenue.
When to visit: Early evening before peak pre-theater and convention rush.
What to order: Massaman curry, Prime Minister green curry, gyo tod dumplings.
Insider tip: Treat it like a casual group spot—order shared plates and arrive early to avoid the loudest, most crowded peak windows.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking nearby along Ohio/State; limited metered street parking, especially evenings.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; tourists and groups in comfortable attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during peak group rush; conversation is possible at smaller tables but difficult for large parties.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during pre-theater and convention peaks.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; short waits during tourist rush hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many curries, noodle dishes, and tofu stir-fries can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Possible with modifications — ask for no fish sauce or egg and confirm sauces with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some dishes can be adapted, but sauces and noodles often contain gluten; confirm before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates — it’s busy, energetic, and group-oriented rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — the large dining room turns tables quickly, but arrive early during pre-theater or convention times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large booths, quick service, and mild dish options make it suitable for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, convenient downtown location, fast seating, and familiar Thai classics served in big portions.
Skip if: You want quieter, chef-driven Thai or highly nuanced flavors — smaller neighborhood spots may be a better fit.