If you’re craving Thai food, you’re not alone. The demand for Thai cuisine has skyrocketed in the past several years.
After all, who can argue with its delicious blend of heat with salty, sweet, and sour flavors? And whether you love traditional pad thai, dumplings, noodles, or curry, Thai food offers a little something for everywhere.
Some people love Thai food so much that they’re willing to travel long and far to get it. But if a trip to Thailand is off the table, we have good news for you. There’s no shortage of amazing spots around the United States–and one may be closer to you than you think.
So just what are the best Thai restaurants in America? We’ve rounded up the top 15 picks in the country.
These restaurants are a must-visit on your next road trip or vacation, so don’t forget to bookmark this page for later.
1. Lotus of Siam
620 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: 702-735-3033
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Lotus of Siam is located in Las Vegas, and it may be one of the most famous Thai restaurants in Sin City.
Although you’ll have to head away from the strip to find it–to a strip mall, precisely–it’s well worth it.
The restaurant’s recipes have been handed down through many generals and won several awards, so you know it’s the real deal.
Play it safe with classic Thai favorites like chicken satay and papaya salad, or let your adventurous side out.
There are plenty of ways to mix things up: try the delectable catfish larb or thum ka noon, which is a delicious mix of pork, tomatoes, jackfruit, and spices. Lotus of Siam also has plenty of wines that pair excellently with your meal.
2. Ayada Thai
7708 Woodside Ave, Queens, NY 11373
Phone: 718-424-0844
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You can find Ayada Thai in Queens, NY, but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart.
High tolerance for spicy food is almost a prerequisite to enjoying your meal. But if you’re game, Ayada Thai serves up quintessential Thai food from Bangkok to Southern Thai dishes.
Some crowd-pleasers include the raw shrimp salad, Kaeng som curry, and chive dumplings.
This no-frills spot was featured in the Michelin Guide from 2012 to 2019. It’s even located near a Thai Buddhist temple in Queens!
Since its opening in 2008, it has become so popular that the owners created a second location. Don’t miss it next time you’re in Queens.
3. Lers Ros
730 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-931-6917
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Headed to the City by the Bay? Don’t miss Lers Ros, a San Francisco tradition since 2008.
While it might be challenging to get a table at this upscale eatery, locals will tell you it’s worth the wait.
Once you’re in, be prepared for powerful, spicy dishes and authentic versions of your favorites. You may also want to know what you want before you come: the menu features more than 120 dishes.
Lers Ros has noodles that are to die for, and their classics are mouth-watering.
But I’ve got a tip for you: don’t be afraid to try more eclectic dishes like venison, alligator, and frog. They may be a bit more adventurous, but these are some of my favorites.
4. Teton Thai
7342 Granite Loop Rd, Teton Village, WY 83025
Phone: 307-733-0022
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Sure, Wyoming is probably not the place that comes to mind when you think of Thai food.
But if you find yourself in Jackson Hole with a serious Thai craving, don’t miss Teton Thai.
Its regional specialties stand up to those of fancier Thai restaurants in cities, and you can customize the dishes to your preferred level of spiciness (something that’s always appreciated).
Be prepared for high prices and a long wait, but Teton Thai’s outstanding service and complex flavors more than make up for it.
Pro tip: A visit in the warmer months means you can enjoy beautiful mountain views along with your meal. Don’t miss out on the roasted duck curry–it’s probably my favorite dish.
5. Asia Market Thai Restaurant
4822 Fulton St #2603, Houston, TX 77009
Phone: 713-863-7074
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While the name Houston evokes more images of barbecue than Thai food, the city boasts one of the best Thai restaurants in Texas.
Despite Asia Market’s unassuming location in a grocery store, you can find a wide range of Thai classics at this spot.
And be ready to bring the heat. The chefs here don’t hold back, serving up seriously fiery dishes that’ll make you sweat (I sure did).
You can even choose to add more heat if you’re game. Not to mention, prices are reasonable, and diners can try Laotian food if they want to branch out.
6. Jitlada
5233 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: 323-667-9809
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Since its debut in the 70s, Jitlada has turned into LA’s most famous Thai spot— celebrities have been spotted here chowing down on Thai seafood.
You can find it in an East Hollywood strip mall and splashed across the pages of the Michelin Guide.
It’s also a favorite of local food critic Jonathan Gold, who’s a big fan of the restaurant’s aromatic Southern Thai dishes.
With over 300 items on the menu, there’s plenty to choose from. You can’t go wrong with any choice here, but the lemongrass tiger prawns and crab curry are exceptional.
Just make sure to order a delicious Thai iced tea and plenty of seafood to cool you down–things get hot at this LA spot.
7. Little Serow
1511 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
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Little Serow has been a Washington D.C. fan favorite since 2011. Here, chefs serve up Northern Thai fare that’s the perfect mix of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
Tuck into any number of the dishes on Little Serow’s ever-changing menu, while enjoying the upscale ambiance and delicious beers.
Noteworthy experiences include the marinated pork short ribs and the seven-course tasting menu.
One thing to note is that Little Serow doesn’t accept reservations, so you’ll have to brave the lines.
But if you find yourself in DC and hungry for Thai, don’t be afraid to face the crowds–trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
8. Ruan Thai
11407 Amherst Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
Phone: 301-942-0075
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It may be difficult to get into this longtime Maryland establishment as it only has twelve tables and limited parking.
But if you do, you’re in for a treat. This family-owned business has wowed diners since it opened in 1998, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best Thai restaurants in Maryland.
The chefs put a new spin on traditional Thai offerings while still serving up dishes full of flavor.
Try some of Ruan Thai’s mind-blowing curries, and definitely don’t miss the watercress. It features a curious blend of deep-fried greens, squid, onions, shrimp, and cashews.
9. Doi Moi
1800 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-733-5131
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Doi Moi is another must-visit DC restaurant. The space is beautiful and lively, overlooking a busy DC street.
Like many of the other restaurants on this list, things fill up quickly, but the vibe in this place is bustling.
My recommendation? The khao soi gai. You’ll love this hot chicken and crispy noodle coconut curry, which pair perfectly with the pickled mustard greens they come with.
Pair it with one of Doi Moi’s excellent drinks, and you’re in for the perfect evening.
10. Sticky Rice
4018 N Western Ave Ste 3727, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-588-0133
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Sticky Rice is a favorite for Thai food in Chicago, Illinois, and what’s fun about this place is the variety.
The chefs come up with new creations every few weeks, so you never know what you might find on the specials board.
Of course, the tried and true dishes are always available. You can count on staples like the spicy fermented pork sausage and delicious curries to satisfy your cravings.
Sticky Rice also has plenty of vegetarian options, which I love to see.
Another fun thing is how colorful and no-frills this popular Chicago eatery is. You can bring your own beer while chowing down on their spectacular stir-fries and noodles.
11. Phat Thai
343 Main St, Carbondale, CO 81623
Phone: 970-963-7001
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Phat Thai is located in Carbondale, Colorado, but its roots come from another corner of the world.
Chef Mark Fischer studied Thai cuisine in Sydney, and during that time, he made many trips to Thailand to hone his skills.
Fischer went from being a chef who had never cooked Thai food to someone skilled in the craft.
But it’s more accurate to say that his restaurant has more of a general Asian focus. One could even term his Thai dishes as “creative.” As one review notes, Fischer “captures the flavor of southeast Asia without attempting to be authentic.”
However you describe it, Phat Thai serves up delicious Thai-inspired dishes. You may also want to check out its sister location, 689.
12. May Kitchen + Bar
17614 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070
Phone: 206-408-7196
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Owner May came to the United States to learn English and always planned to return to her native Bangkok.
But life had other plans for her, and she ended up opening this Vashon, WA spot instead.
I can’t say it was a regrettable decision. Diners come from far and wide to enjoy her restaurant’s cozy wood-paneled ambiance and delicious classics.
She’s a master in all Thai classics, and I especially recommend her pad thai and green curry.
May makes many of her dishes with imports from Thailand, and it’s clear from the quality that she makes them from scratch.
13. Bambu Thai-Asian Cuisine
1930 N Coit Rd #100, Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 972-480-8880
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Bambu Thai-Asian Cuisine is a family-owned North Dallas restaurant that puts its unique stamp on every aspect–including the fact that the family grows most of the produce for maximum freshness.
It’s known for its Isan Thai offerings, but Bambu Asian Cuisine caters to its Texas audience with some outstanding meat dishes.
The chefs use a special grilling technique from the Isan region that delivers intense flavors.
Their most famous dish? The Crying Tiger beef, which is sure to make your taste buds weep with happiness. (I know mine did.)
14. Immm Rice & Beyond
4949 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-293-7378
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Headed to Chicago? Be sure to check out Immm Rice & Beyond, which focuses on serving several variations of a Thai classic: khao rad gang.
Khao rad gang is a lunch rice dish perfect for travelers on the go. You get a plate of rice served with up to three stew or curries of your choosing.
But don’t feel restricted to the rice lunch dish, as Immm Rice & Beyond serves up all your faves.
Grab a delicious pad thai, papaya salad, or soup to enjoy at this casual eatery–whatever floats your boat.
15. Night + Market Song
3322 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-665-5899
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Night + Market Song is an LA Thai hotspot almost as famous as Jitlada.
It started as Chef Kris Yenbamroong’s informal foray into Northern Thai street food and has since evolved into a critically-acclaimed restaurant.
Guests can enjoy unique dishes like curried crab, sour sausage (my favorite), and fried pig-tail at both the original West Hollywood site and the newer Silverlake location.
But don’t worry if you want something simple like pad thai–they do that too.
Keep in mind that reservations fill up fast. If you’re showing up without one, get there early and be prepared to wait.
Lived in Thailand for a few years! Best Thai I have had in the US is Dee Dee, Austin Texas. Nothing more authentic and better!! Yes, it’s a food truck…but promise this is the best Thai food in the US!!