Java Thai

This place is very cozy, food is great and their bubble tea is absolutely amazing.
The reason why they lost a star from me is because of their schedule. They’re closed on Wednesdays and usually close a little earlier than the posted schedule.

Delicious Thai food that is reasonable and homemade. BYOB is a plus. Friendly service perfect place for a tasty breakfast

Our family has been going to Java Thai for over 15 years — in fact we started going back when it was «Java Jive» and didn’t serve Thai food. We are so glad that they have Thai food and that they also kept many of the items from the previous menu. Nong, and her son Neil do a wonderful job at this small and cozy neighborhood restaurant. The food is always super fresh and delicious, and the selection is wide — they even have the BEST Greek salad west of Athens. Plus they have wonderful breakfast and a Sunday Jazz Brunch — you might think that you’re in New Orleans. Besides the large portions, the prices couldn’t be better or the service friendlier or more efficient.

Love this place! At first I thought it was always empty but when I tried it I realized there is a down ramp and the restaurant is basement level. It’s a really cozy place with good Thai food and coffee. Reasonably priced too!

My wife and I have been going to Java Thai for at least 6 years. Everything I’ve tried is excellent. My personal favorites are the Pad Ke Mao and See Ew. The coffee is great and so are the home made desserts. Neil and staff are super friendly. Java Thai is always a pleasure!

Everything is always so fresh and delicious, I absolutely love it here. A true hidden gem for portage park! I had the java thai seafood salad in pita and it was to die for !

Had take out with the roommates because our usual spot was closed for some odd reason. To be honest I wasn’t expecting much and was pleasantly surprised.
Steamed dumplings were better than most but not the best.
Pad Seiu was light on the veg but they added cauliflower and I liked that a lot also the flavor was spot on.
Pad Thai was also better than most but not the best.
Overall everyone was very satisfied and we will return.
Side note for a place that does breakfast, lunch, and dinner with all different menus I must take my hat off to them.

Great food! I had the Penang curry chicken. They were very accommodating to add pineapple and not put in green peppers for me. They even double checked that red peppers were ok. I ordered mild and it had a kick. Not sure what spicy would be like.

Solid 3.5. I’ve been a sporadic, repeat offender for so many years. I first discovered this place in high school (15 years ago), and this place is still pretty solid, in my mind. This is definitely your chill, underground (literally) hole-​in-​the-​wall, which can be surprising with what it has to offer.
Be forewarned. This isn’t your pretty, date-​night spot. It’s super casual, metro, hipster, heart of Chicago vibe. But the food doesn’t disappoint.
They’ve got a wide selection of food, serving breakfast, lunch, and thai dinner options. only usually one person running the entire show at the time. 90% of the time, I order the seafood salad sandwich, which is simply some imitation crab meat, celery, red pepper, and a sauce. All stuffed within a pita, and some tortilla chips on the side. Simple, light, fresh, delish. I could probably make it myself, but it’s just so good here. And for 6.95, that’s really not bad. They now serve it with a complimentary salsa. Surpringly pretty good! Mostly tomato-​like, no heat. For a mild salsa, I’m a fan.
I also ordered the iced coffee. They offer about 10 different torani flavorings. I GOT TIRAMISU! I usually opt for almond, which is rarely stocked at cafes anyway, but had to try this one. It was pretty good.
I have tried over thai options over the years, and the staples weren’t bad. I’ve had pad thai and pad see ewe, but it’s been so long since I’ve had them.
Parking: private street metered, but otherwise easy to find.
I’m 4’in this spot, because it’s a small business I so continue to support. Check it out if you want a chill, affordable bite. Dinner will be $ 6-​$ 8, which is harder and harder to find in Chicago now.

Good Thai dinner at very good prices. I will be returning to try all of the many veggie options.

I’ve been going here for over five years now, and finally decided to write a review. I have taken multiple dates here as well as my family, and they all ended up becoming regulars.
The café/​restaurant is this cute cozy space in Old Irving Park that has an inescapable charm. I love coming here on Sundays for the Jazz band, which adds to the already soothing atmosphere.
The food is simply amazing. freshly prepared each time with great ingredients, and most of it seems healthy. Then it is displayed in a beautiful way. Plus they have great coffee and good bubble tea. Altogether the food is wonderful and very affordable.
The service is phenomenal. The waiter Neo is such a sweetheart (not to mention super cute, haha). He gave me free banana cake for my birthday with a candle! Yum.
Love this place.

Wanted to write a quick review because I was just thinking how much I miss this place. Haven’t been here since we moved to the South Side, but it’s a delicious, affordable spot with weird, interesting people. I especially recommend breakfast on the weekend: the thai omelet and pancake are both great, and it’s always nice to hear some live music. Thai coffee is kind of pricey, but irresistible. I’d take this place over crowded, trendy brunch spots any day of the week.

Best Pad Thai in town. 100% my favorite place. Also wonderful curry rice. Good service, didn’t have to wait long.

Before heading to a friend’s house nearby, I stopped in since my stomach had been deprived of food all day. Greeted and seated promptly, I was given a menu and water (dutifully refilled by the server whenever it ran low) and looked at the options. I chose the duck curry dish it was exactly what I needed. Great flavor, nice spice level, and the veggies were fantastic. I even bought a taro bubble tea (new favorite!) and took a couple Thai Custards for my friends. They loved them! I’ll definitely be back soon.

This quaint little café is awesome. The food is served in large portions and DELICIOUS!

Vegetables! I would definitely say that I’m a fan of this spot. Honestly it’s pretty tough to find a place that has tasty food that’s not terrible for you – especially on Irving Park. Around here, places like «Lead Belly» seem to take the lead. I don’t know about you, but I’m not always looking to eat an anvil.
Anyway Java Thai was clean, the food was good, and the server was nice. Plus they have a solid internet connection for customers. I’ll be coming back for sure!

Proprietor has great stories related to life in Thailand. Lots of smoother, great prices, clean, quiet, and staff is friendly. I come here often!

Great place to study. I never feel the pressure that I am «taking space» like other coffee joints. They have wifi, outlets, quiet atmosphere, and free coffee refills. A lot of people come here to talk business, as there is long tables for big groups of people. The food is also good. Try the Thai pancakes.

I’ve lived across the street from here for almost two years. I never came in and ignorantly passed Java Thai every day while carrying Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts to the train.
Until this weekend. I had guests in from out of town, and one really wanted to try it. I was pleasantly surprised; the coffee drinks were delicious. We went back several times.
Thai iced tea. Keeps you up all night. So good from Java Thai.

«A true hidden gem» says my wife. And I agree. We’ve been coming here for years and so glad that we live close by now. It has the offering of any great brunch place in the city without the trendy atmosphere or long wait. Try the Thai coffee and their specialty… the Thai omelet. It’s an omelet served filled with home-​made ground pork in a really unique red sauce with served with white rice. Really flavorful and yet light brunch option.
The rest of their menu is excellent too and for that, I give then 5 stars.