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Thai Lagoon

2322 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
$$
Thai

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Master Critic Review

Thai Lagoon 7.7
West Town
Thai Lagoon is a long-running BYOB Thai spot on North Avenue known for a large menu and heavy delivery volume. It’s a practical choice for classic Pad Thai, fried rice, and curries that are more about comfort and portion size than precise, fine-tuned plating.
Must-Try Dishes: Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon, Green Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A high-volume BYOB Thai staple where a sprawling menu and generous portions anchor weeknight takeout and casual dinners.
Who should go: Groups or roommates wanting reliable Thai delivery or BYOB dine-in.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier parking and quicker dine-in seating.
What to order: Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon, a shareable curry with extra rice.
Insider tip: For dine-in BYOB, bring your own glassware; the focus here is on food and volume, not bar service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along North Avenue and nearby side streets; can be limited during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual β€” jeans and everyday wear are typical; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate β€” generally conversational, but pickup and delivery traffic can make it livelier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Short to moderate β€” usually 10–25 minutes for small groups, longer during peak rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is usually available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes β€” many stir-fries, noodles, and curries can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Possible β€” some dishes can be prepared without egg or dairy, but confirm sauces since fish sauce and shrimp paste are common.
Gluten-free options: Limited β€” some rice dishes and curries may work, but many sauces contain soy sauce; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to casual meals than memorable date nights β€” it’s practical, relaxed, and value-focused rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes β€” walk-ins are the norm; wait times are typically manageable outside of peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes β€” casual service, flexible portions, and familiar noodle and rice dishes make it workable for families, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Large menus, generous portions, and dependable takeout/delivery value rather than polished plating or ambiance.
Skip if: You want upscale Thai, craft cocktails, or a quieter, more design-driven dining room.