Paula's Thai kitchen

Not on the radar yet, but I expect that may change as people get to know this little spot . I had very low expectations when I first went in to pick up a take out menu as this had been the location for some pretty marginal restaurants in the past,but it's close to home for me and seemed at least worth a look. The first inkling that this might be something more came when I noticed several tables occupied by Thai speakers. An initial perusal of the menu revealed several dishes not usually seen at lincoln park Thai spots .My first take out orders confirmed that this was indeed something pretty special . Moo ping and Issan sausage were excellent. Fried chicken ,pork with preserved duck eggs outstanding and som tum thai one of the best versions I've had anywhere.
Another visit and some conversation with the extremely friendly staff and I began to see why ... turns out the chef ,Duong Ta(her daughter is Paula) , sister in law was the original owner of Spoon Thai and that she was second in command of the kitchen there for many years .It shows,as many dishes here echo Spoon in its glory days.She evidently wanted to open this spot to offer something more authentic in the area.There's a thai language menu (with translations) and off menu specials available on request. The food here is clearly well above most anything else in the area . It's definitely worth a visit. And open till 2am!
I'm already planning a third visit with a larger group so I can dig deeper into the menu. Byob.

Paula's Thai kitchen
2441 n Halsted.

Kuhdo, seems you've done it again!

Quick late(ish) lunch, just jasmine rice, Issan sausage and prik nam pla, sticky rice not ready yet.

Issan sausage was, in a word, spectacular, slight resistance to the casing yielding moist, funky lightly fermented flavor. I also ordered Laab, but by the time I was informed the cook on hand was not able to make it I had to go.

Paula's Thai Kitchen has been open but two weeks, zero points off for not having all their ducks in a row.

Paula's Thai Kitchen, Issan Sausage

Another great meal tonite.Maybe best yet.Highlights included Issan sausage, chicken wings ,crispy pork belly laarb,sparerib soup , tiger cries ,a nam prick ong special seafood casserole in coconut and crispy squid with garlic. Outstanding! Btw..turns out the chef is Duong Ta , her daughter is Paula (she's six). First post edited to reflect this.