Royal Thai in Lincoln Square

I was asked to elaborate on a comment I made in Openings/Closings about Royal Thai stepping up their game, and was surprised to find that there was no thread about this steadfast little storefront. So here goes...

RT was one of my first reliable Thai options for many years going well back into the mid 90's. The owner was a lovely woman named Susie, and the Reader review really captured their vibe: somewhat above average Thai food at somewhat below average prices. Simple, fresh, clean, unpretentious.

After finding many other worthy Thai places via this board in the last few years, including more than a couple in the same general neighborhood, RT and I drifted apart. But I had a falling out with Sticky Rice over service issues (which I documented in another thread), and with some other lovely options on the same block (Apart Pizza, Asadero) I thought too much time had passed since I enjoyed a nice seafood hotpot at Royal Thai.

I found out that Susie had sold the business and moved to the suburbs, and the new owners have clearly built on what she started. So what used to be pretty much a one-woman show is now more of a business, but still with a very friendly atmosphere. First, the interior had been really spiffed up. The room now has an understated elegance, with nice art, mirrors, a beautiful fish tank. The new chef has diversified the menu, and their standard Ameri-Thai dishes show some more flair, especially their noodle dishes and curries. Adding brown rice as an option was a nice touch.

They certainly can't match Sticky or Spoon for authenticity, and there's still nothing especially innovative, but Royal Thai has never let me down, and more often than not exceed any expectations I have at this level. I post this in the hope they don't get lost in the shadow of their more celebrated counterparts.

2209 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 509-0007

Thanks for the update!

thanks -- I had noticed how crowded the restaurant was when I stopped to pick up a burrito next door last Friday. I'll need to give it a try!

I've spent a lot of time at Royal Thai in the last 7 years that I've lived around the neighborhood and the food has changed slightly. While the presentation wasn't nearly as good when the original owner and chef Sue was running the show, the food was substantially better. The veggies are certainly not as fresh these days and the flavors aren't quite as robust but the overall dining experience is better.

My suggestions are the Royal Thai Noodle with crispy pan-fried noodles and the new appetizer Royal Thai prawns which mix a nice cilantro and lime with some spice. Very nice.

Apparently Sue had let her brother take over the Montrose location and they've opened another in the north suburbs.

Overall you can't beat the price and it's great weeknight food.