September 27, 2021
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Thai food is a controversial issue among poker players. Everyone has a strong opinion about which place is the best and I often hear conversations about this at the tables. So allow me to settle the matter in such a way that it does not cause disagreement or controversy. I present you …
Spicy Thai food is a great way to clear your mind after losing a tournament (Image: Rodnae Productions via Pexels)
Fox’s final word on Thai food in Vegas
Not only is this list well researched, it’s non-negotiable and exhaustive … uh … exhaustive. Yes that is the word. Whatever it means, I put a lot of work into it and got it all covered. Anyway, let’s just make a list of the top 6. This will make it easier for you to tell me which numbers I misunderstood and why.
# 6 – Thai spice
Solid food, great prices. Try the wonton soup from the war. (Image: Thai Spice Las Vegas)
If I were to rate these restaurants on price alone, Thai Spice could be the winner. It’s cheap, it’s almost never crowded, and the food is solid. My wife says they have the best pad thai in town. While their panang curry doesn’t quite compare to the top spots on this list, it’s very good and the wonton soup is the best I’ve ever tasted. I met Jared ‘WacoKid’ Hamby at Thai Spice once and we agreed that the wonton soup from the war is the best in town.
You eat for $ 15, there is no crowd, and it’s a short drive from the Rio. It’s hard to ask for more. Not a fancy place to impress on a date, but it’s quick, cheap, and solid.
# 5 – Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen
A great ambience, great drinks and unique dishes that are constantly changing. (Image: Nittaya’s secret kitchen)
It’s not really a secret anymore, Nittaya’s is solid Thai food. It’s not super cheap, and I wouldn’t compare the food to the most expensive places on this list, but it’s a good middle ground. And with multiple locations in town, there is likely one nearby. They also have a solid bar and some very interesting dishes and drinks that other places don’t have. A good place for a casual second date.
# 4 – The Thai
Quality, quality, quality. (Image: Le Thai Las Vegas)
Le Thai is a real bargain if you only order a starter. The starters are expensive but also unnecessary as the starters are large and all fantastic. A recently opened second location is mostly west of the arts district in Rancho Plaza for takeout, but the main location is on Fremont Street, just one block south of the Slotzilla zipline. When I’m on Fremont Street and I’m not in the mood for nachos and tequila at Nacho Daddy’s, I go to Le Thai.
The short rib fried rice, tri-color curry, and Pad See Ewe are all highly recommended. After dessert, head to The Griffin for a drink and then stroll down Fremont Street to see some naked people you wouldn’t want and a terrible saxophone solo from the back of a truck. That high from the spicy Thai food and a drink or two will ensure you have a good time anyway.
# 3 – Lamaii
Brilliant newcomer to Chinatown, just a short drive from the Rio. (Image: Lemaii Las Vegas)
The former sommelier of Lotus of Siam set out a few years ago to set up his own business with the now closed Chiada restaurants. They had a duck curry dish which was among the best Thai food I have ever eaten and I complain about them daily. But now he’s back, along with an accomplished Michelin-starred mixologist to create Lamaii.
The only reason Lamaii isn’t on this list is because I only went there once. The food was spectacular, the wine list is amazing, and the mixed drinks are perfect. As soon as I find the time to visit again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lamaii at the top of this list. Lamaii isn’t cheap – you’ll spend at least $ 20 on a starter alone – but it’s well worth the money. The crispy duck curry is just as good as the Chiada, and here you can find traditional Thai dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Vegas.
Located in Chinatown, a short drive from the Rio at Spring Mountain and Arville.
# 2 – Archis
Great food in a relaxed setting for a reasonable price (Image: Chris Wallace)
While Archis may not be as chic as Lamaii or Lotus, they top this list because of the remarkable value they offer. The food is fantastic, the service is quick and the prices are very reasonable. A meal for two a couple of nights ago was only $ 30 and the curry was brilliant. My wife Jordan rates this as the second best Pad Thai in town after Thai Spice.
Archi’s has multiple locations, and unless it’s a typical busy time like weekend dinner, you probably won’t need reservations. The best spring rolls in town and a lovely bar. Casual enough to make you feel comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. It’s nice places, but maybe not for a first date – a bit casual for that. However, the food will impress anyone around.
# 1 – Lotus of Siam
The nuts when it comes to Thai food in Vegas (Image: Lotus of Siam)
I could write an entire article on the institution that most local poker players simply refer to as “Lotus”. They have served the highest quality food from Northern Thailand for more than two decades and every meal I have eaten there has been brilliant. The service, the wine list, the mixed drinks, the food, the surroundings – everything is right. A great place to go on a date, a great place to impress a potential business client. Lotus is even a great place to just walk alone and pile spicy curry on your face until you’re too full to move and too high on capsaicin to worry about.
The extensive menu has so many winners that it’s hard to choose one. Just order what sounds good and you can rest assured it will deliver a steaming plate of sweet and tangy delights. It won’t be cheap; Such good food in a steakhouse or upscale restaurant would cost at least twice as much. That’s part of the joy of Thai, especially in Vegas. You can have world class food for $ 30 that barely gets you a burger and beer on the strip.
I urge you to try the many other excellent places on this list, but if you need a guaranteed winner, Lotus is the nuts. Attention, you need reservations. This place is no secret to locals, and every poker pro in town for the WSOP already knows it and has dinner break reservations. One location is temporarily closed, but the original restaurant on Flamingo is still open and it’s a short drive from the Rio.
So much good Thai food in Vegas
There is so much great food in Vegas that I’ll never get the chance to try it all. I also hear great things about Weera, Arrawan, and Komol, with Komol being a favorite among my vegan and vegetarian friends. If your favorite Thai place isn’t mentioned here, let me know on Twitter @foxpokerfox and I’ll make sure I get there. I’m always looking for an excuse to try a new Thai place.
Written by
Chris Wallace
Professional poker player, HORSE world champion, author.
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