Their eats: When you think of after-hours grub, what comes to mind? A burrito as big as your head? Perhaps an extra-large slice of greasy pizza? Or maybe you crave something a little more substantial, a little more civilized. Late Night Thai is here for you. This no-frills spot, open since mid-September in the former home of famed Thai eatery River Kwai II, carries on its predecessor’s late-night tradition by opening at 9 p.m. daily and closing at 5 a.m. Choose from fried rices, curry dishes and the usual noodle suspects such as pad see ew (pictured) and pad Thai (entrees range from $6.95-$7.95); if you’re in the mood for a light snack, try the egg rolls ($3.50) or pot stickers (six for $3.50).
Your drinks: While the friendly neighborhood Jewel/Osco (2940 N. Ashland Ave. 773-871-8242) is open 24 hours, don’t get too excited — the liquor section closes at 2 a.m. Of course, if you’re eating at this hour, odds are you’ve already done some drinking. If that’s the case, it’s best to keep it simple and stick with your beverage of choice for the night. If that’s beer, grab a six-pack of chilled Affligem Blond ($10.99), a smooth, balanced Belgian that should go well with most spicy Thai dishes. If wine’s been your weakness, opt for the sweet 2006 Origin Riesling from Pfalz, Germany ($11.49; $6.99 with a Preferred Card until Nov. 3). And if you’ve been doing shots all night, well, maybe you just ought to stick to good ol’ H2O.
Late Night Thai
1650 W. Belmont Ave.
773-327-9945
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