Lao and Thai Spicy Noodle

612 S Randall Rd, South Elgin, IL 60177, United States
+1 847-741-3314
$$$ Thai restaurant , Asian restaurant , Laotian restaurant , Pho restaurant , Southeast Asian restaurant
(357 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Lao and Thai Spicy Noodle is a straightforward, family-owned restaurant on South Randall Road in South Elgin that offers a focused experience for those craving authentic Thai and Laotian flavors. It’s the kind of spot where the menu feels thoughtfully crafted to balance classic Southeast Asian dishes with regional Lao specialties, making it a reliable choice for both adventurous eaters and locals familiar with the cuisine.

The atmosphere leans toward casual and homey rather than trendy or upscale, which fits well with the restaurant’s family-run nature. Diners can expect a comfortable, no-frills environment where the emphasis is clearly on the food and genuine hospitality. It’s well suited for weekday dinners as well as laid-back weekend meals, whether you’re popping in for a quick noodle bowl or gathering a small group to share larger platters.

The menu highlights some crowd-pleasers like the Lao Style Eggrolls and the Nam Nuong Platter, which invites you to assemble your own lettuce wraps—an engaging dish particularly appealing for those who enjoy hands-on dining. Classic Thai street fare such as Pad Kra Pao (basil stir-fried pork or chicken with rice) and Massaman Curry share space with Laotian staples like beef jerky served with sticky rice, providing a sense of the diverse culinary influences in the region.

It’s clear from local feedback that the food arrives fresh and flavorful, with particular praise often going to the balance of spice and seasoning that stays true to traditional preparations. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone with a background in Thai or Laotian food, the staff appear willing to offer guidance on the menu, helping diners navigate dishes that fit their preferred spice levels and tastes.

Visitors looking for carry-out will find this location accommodating, as many appreciate the ability to bring home a variety of dishes to share with family or friends, which suggests portion sizes work well for group dining. The combination of familiar dishes like Seafood Pho and unique offerings like Lao Beef Jerky makes it a solid choice for anyone wanting to explore Southeast Asian cuisine without traveling far from the suburbs.

Overall, Lao and Thai Spicy Noodle fits a niche for diners who want a straightforward, flavor-forward experience with a menu that balances Thai and Laotian dishes in a casual, approachable setting. It’s well worth visiting during quieter weeknights or weekends when you can take your time and sample a few dishes that celebrate the nuanced flavors of this part of the world.

Highlights
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

,

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

,

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

,

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

,

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 8:00 PM

357 Reviews
Candy Bengson

06 Jan 2026

I wish I had known about this place sooner! I am Thai and am always looking for delicious Thai food. Lao and Thai Spicy Noodle did not disappoint. Family owned and very nice. They use fresh ingredients and the flavors were perfect. We got the Lao style papaya salad, ground pork stir fry w/basil and fried egg, and Nam Khao. This is my new favorite Thai restaurant. Can’t wait to try their other dishes

Thomas Thorstad

05 Jan 2026

First time to visit this restaurant. The food was very fresh and came out fast even with the variety of food we ordered. We also ordered some extra dishes to bring home to share with friends.

R Ryan Hayes

21 Dec 2025

Absolutely delicious. Bought a massive family meal here (carry out) with all sorts of things and everything was fantastic. We will definitely be back for carry out and to dine in.

Anne Bautista

30 Nov 2025

Food was amazing! The best Lao food in Chicagoland. Service was great. The restaurant really has a cozy, homey feel. If you’re not sure what to order, or are new to Lao food, the staff is very friendly and can recommend something perfectly suited to your taste. I got the Nam Neung platter and had so much fun making my own wraps! The Lao beef jerky strips and sticky rice are bomb!

Neelam Babbar

19 Nov 2025

I had a really enjoyable meal. The place has a casual, welcoming vibe, and the menu offers a great variety of Thai and Lao favorites. We started with the spring rolls, which were fresh, crisp, and served with a tasty dipping sauce .The drunken noodles were a standout—packed with flavor, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced with veggies and noodles cooked freshly. Another highlight was the papaya salad. It was refreshing, and tangy. Honestly, it was one of the best papaya salads I’ve had in a while. The Panang curry with tofu was creamy and aromatic, a comforting dish that paired beautifully with steamed rice. The tofu soaked up the curry flavors nicely, making every bite delicious. I ordered a cold Thai tea, which was sweet, smooth, and refreshing—perfect alongside the spicier dishes. Overall, the food was flavorful, portions were generous, and everything tasted freshly prepared. It’s definitely a spot worth visiting , with plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.

Vivek Babbar

16 Nov 2025

Absolutely loved this little gem! My sister and I stopped by for a weekday lunch, kind of on a whim since it’s close to her work. Small spot, seemed like it was run by just two people, but they really put their heart into it. We ordered the red curry with rice and spring rolls, plus the Pad Thai noodles with tofu. Everything was freshly cooked, and you could tell the chef took his time to make sure it was just right. The food came out piping hot, which was perfect on what felt like the coldest day in Chicago. The flavors were incredible—authentic, comforting, and exactly what we were craving. I’d 100% come back next time I’m in the area. It’s a cozy little place with great food and genuine care. Highly recommend!

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