Nine Classic Thai - New Spot in Lincoln Park

Lost in what I'm sure is much deserved praise of Rainbow Thai (I have yet to try) is the recent opening of Nine Thai on Clark just South of Fullerton. It appeared out of nowhere and when walking by they had the menu on display. I noticed a resemblance of theirs to that of Sticky Rice's. My gf lives right nearby so we decided we had to try. One of the things that caught my eye on their menu was Eastern Sausage which is a favorite from Sticky Rice. I also saw quail, frog legs and other similar items.


Eastern Sausage from Nine (L) and Sticky Rice (R)

Presentation + sides to go with it were a little different but other than that the blends were similar. The cost is not. With a full bar and prime location, prices reflect the surroundings. The rent is too damn HIGH! An order of three pieces, which are small to begin with, cost $7.95?! Compared to five pieces at Sticky Rice for $4.50. The salads at Sticky Rice are what make them part of my regular rotation. Particularly ones with fish or shrimp. Nine had a crispy catfish salad which we tried and enjoyed but cant justify spending $12.95 on. Very good but there were around 5 bite sized pieces in it. I'd like to give their specialty of the house BBQ quail a try but I'll be damned if they're gonna bring me a plate with one little bird on it. Nonetheless nice to have around.


Crispy Catfish Salad

In other neighborhood news there's a "Thai Burrito" place opening a block north of here.

Nine Classic Thai
2349 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7087

Da Beef wrote:Eastern Sausage from Nine (L) and Sticky Rice (R)

Presentation + sides to go with it were a little different but other than that the blends were similar. The cost is not. With a full bar and prime location, prices reflect the surroundings. The rent is too damn HIGH! An order of three pieces, which are small to begin with, cost $7.95?! Compared to five pieces at Sticky Rice for $4.50. The salads at Sticky Rice are what make them part of my regular rotation.

It is my understanding that Sticky Rice does supply their Isaan sausage to some other restaurants around town. I'd be curious if they do in fact sell it to them and what they'd think of the 3x price increase. The salads are also some of what keeps me going back to SR. That, the extensive menu, and very reasonable prices.