Java Thai
4272 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL, 60641
Java Thai Menu
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Address :
4272 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL, 60641 - Phone (773) 545-6200
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 9:3
- Mon : 8:00 am - 9:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Sharon H.
Worst Thai iced tea ever. Too bland. Crappy building.
(1)B S.
Looks are definitely deceiving... From the outside it doesn't look like much, but I was completely impressed! Great portions and even better prices. The amount of food you can get for less than $15 is unbelievable. Yes, it was a little on the toasty side and the food took a bit longer to arrive, but I had been advised that they make everything fresh and the wait was worth it. The Sunday jazz breakfast was a welcome change from the usual trip to Golden Nugget and McNamara's.
(4)Chrissy B.
I live nearby and had always meant to check this place out, and I'm very glad I finally did. It's a great little nook- though the atmosphere is a little on the industrial side, the drinks were delicious (and cheap!) and the wait staff were extremely friendly and attentive. I'm looking forward to going back to check out the food.
(4)Melissa M.
I love this place and go here at least once a month nowadays. :) Beautifully reasonable prices for lots of delicious things. My friend and I have made it our regular meet to grab lunch place! :)
(5)Nick A.
I've only eaten here once, for breakfast, but my girlfriend and I thought it was pretty good. I had the Thai omelet and loved it for a change in pace. A little different filling then your typical "American" omelet. It was Sunday morning and they also had some nice live jazz music. I believe they do this every Sunday morning. We'll defiantly go back and try the traditional Thai dinner food. The coffee was good too.
(4)Brian J.
Who knows how I'll feel after I try the lunch and dinner menu but there's no question breakfast kicks ass here. 3 eggs, toast, tasty potatoes (yum): $2.95. Cooked perfectly, no issues. Order this for two, add two great cups of coffee (free refills), a half order of biscuits and gravy (with turkey sausage - delicious): $11 and change. Great food CHEAP. I'm in.
(4)Betty S.
This was my first time to Java Thai. I had passed it a million times driving up and down Irving Park Rd. I met a friend here and there wasn't a lot of people here, although there were a few people who came in and out-mainly couples, but I am guessing this was due to the snow and freezing weather. I ordered a chai tea and not only did it cost less at Starbucks or any similar place (paid $3.03 for a nice big cup), it was really, really good. The interior isn't fancy. It's just your independence neighborhood coffee shop. The service was friendly and I learned they also have a menu full of items so maybe I'll check out that next time I stop by. Interestingly enough, there is a Starbucks very close across the street to this place that's always crowded. Folks should really give this one a try. It's nice and quiet for a conversation and there was plenty of parking on the street.
(4)Sharon H.
Worst Thai iced tea ever. Too bland. Crappy building.
(1)Dane K.
Went here for lunch... had a really great turkey sandwich and veggie chili. Normally wouldn't have gone for the veggie chili, but it was great. The breakfast is supposed to be fantastic and a really great value. The coffee drink I had was good. Their menu is mixed... there's a page of thai food, then or two a page of american food... I think grandma is in back cooking or something. Everything is very reasonably priced. They seem to have a good dessert selection that looked pretty good.
(4)GLOE c.
This place has one of the best Pad Thai beef I've tried. No high chairs was a minus but hey it was okay we worked around it well.
(4)Dann B.
This is one of my go-to hang outs, which is what I would recommend it for. Not necessarily the quickest of service so attend with leisure in mind. Good breakfast, Great lunch, great dinner. Best Iced Tea in the city or BYOB. Live music Sunday afternoons. My personal fave is the Avocado Jive, you won't find it anywhere else. This place is far from perfect but it's home. p.s. Somebody should fix that bird clock
(4)Megane Y.
After reading the reviews I had to check this place out. They don't have a menu on the web so we were content to place our take-out order at the restaurant. The menus were dirty and moldy, like the restaurant. The waitress was impatient with us while we decided. We asked if we could pay extra to substitute fried rice for the white rice and they refused. Despite the fact that the restaurant was dead, our take-out order took 45 minutes; I'm not sure why because the Thai food we ordered was nasty! The ingredients were of poor quality, the mushrooms had gone bad, the chicken was dry, and the sauce tasted like overcooked sugar solution. I would use the excuse that you get what you pay for but the bill was typical for casual Thai cuisine - $28 for two. The young waitress had a couple of friends stop by about a half an hour after we'd ordered and she was complaining about the other customers in the restaurant to them. Her friends' food arrived at the same time our order did even though we'd ordered it 30 minutes before they had. WOW. By the time this had all transpired, I regretted putting money into the tip jar.
(1)Ryan P.
So, here's the deal about Java Thai... They're my neighbors. Literally. If I look out my little floor level apartment, there's Java Thai. Right there. Everyday. In the same exact building as me. Looking straight back at me... And that little guy is wondering why I've only been there once. He is sad that our relationship has been so, well, frigid. Java Thai, let me explain why... First of all, I gave your restaurant a try back in the Fall of 2006, only to find a massive neon green sticker on your front door telling me you had been shut down because of health code violations. 'Cool,' I thought. 'It happens to the best of us.' To be honest, Java, I felt a little disgusted. I needed a year to recover and regain trust in your little establishment. So, one year later, I took the fifteen foot walk over to your front door and what did I find but another health code violation sticker. This time it was neon orange. I almost wept, except that I didn't. I laughed. The second you guys re-opened, I had to try your place because I really do like persistence. I was cut from my Jr. High basketball team like 4 times. So we have that in common. However, what I found was that your food was O.K. and thank God it contained about half as many bugs as I thought it would. What I didn't like was smelling like a used wok after I left. Especially since I sat through a two and a half hour long movie afterwards. I'd rather not have to take a shower after dinner. Unless it's the meat sweats from Fogo.
(2)Dante G.
Amazing!! Everything is fresh. Some favorites include the chicken salad sandwich, thai omelette, and thai pancake. Atmosphere is cozy....and jazz brunch on Sunday is awesome. Be fore-warned....this is not 'fast food.' You won't wait in line on the weekends (or anytime for that matter), but you will wait for the food. If you're going for a relaxing meal with friends or by yourself, get a coffee, grab a paper and chill. The food is fresh, tasty and worth it.
(5)Eric B.
I've never ordered food from here, but I have on three separate occasions over three years ordered coffee drinks from here. I assumed based on the front window with "cappuccino, espresso, thai coffee" written on it that they would serve different coffee drinks. First off, they never have skim milk on hand, which for me is a big no-no for a place that serves coffee. And the last and final time I was there I ordered a small mocha. What I got was a cup of steamed 2% milk. No espresso. No chocolate. The food might be good, but I won't waste my time trying it.
(1)L J.
Have only been here for breakfast but it is really good and really cheap! Sunday mornings a small jazz group comes in and plays nice background music. The place is tiny but the service is fast and have I mentioned how inexpensive it is? Breakfast for two is around $10, same cost as breakfast at McDonald's. Come in and support small business!
(4)Miss M.
It's cheap. It's fast. And for such a dinky place the Thai food and cafe treats are really tasty and it's a good place to talk it up with friends--- I can eat and yet feel as if I some privacy in this little local place. I've been noshing here for years. Yum!
(4)Lauren J.
I have to say, I'm not a fan. I've been here a few times as a matter of circumstance but at this point, I would rather eat at the Golden Nugget down the block--and that's saying something. I've had a variety of both the Thai food and the non-Thai food. The thing is: sometimes it's decent, but often it just falls short. Ultimately, the food is really inconsistent--stale chips accompanying the guacamole, very remarkably bland fried rice. A ham sandwich made barely edible because the bread is soggy as a result of water draining off of the ham and the excessive amount of salad dressing used as a sauce. Again, sometimes it's fine, sometimes not. I've had enough bad experiences to not want to go back. Plus (and I'm sorry to be the one to say it, but...) it just feels dirty in there.
(2)Molly B.
I adore this place! I've only ever had the carry-out and it's been excellent. They are vegetarian friendly for sure and their veggie chili is awesome! Anything with tofu and noodles that they produce, I'm signing up for. I've substituted ingredients without problem here and the staff is always very nice. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of stuff to read while you wait for your take-out. Also, I've heard their Sunday stuffed French Toast is excellent, though I've never had it myself.
(5)Stella S.
I love Java Thai! I work at a resturant down the street and we order from there at least once a week. I love the fruit salad, for some reason fruit always tastes better when someone else cuts it up. And the chicken salad on pita is great too, I like it with fresh avocado. The vanilla latte is good, and just sweet enough. I've heard they have awesome thai, I've never had the pad thai but I have had the spring rolls w/the peanut sauce and they were super good. And a friend of mine says they have the best crab rangoon, which are homemade.
(5)joanne y.
i love this lil' place. i always get their chicken salad sandwich or their jack and avocado sandwich. yummy in my tummy! i also like their thai ice coffee. they have many vegetarian dishes so non meat eaters will find something they are able to eat. they have live jazz bands on sunday during brunch which makes for a cute brunch date.
(4)Katrina B.
now that i've tried non-thai selections here, i can say that DANG they make some good sammiches.
(5)Lisa H.
I love this little hole-in-the wall Old Irving restaurant. The food is great, and the menu is diverse. It's a very laid-back (and modest) atmosphere, but a great place to meet a friend for a inexpensive meal, whether you are looking for a quick bite, or to stay awhile. The menu includes both Thai and American choices.
(4)Andrea V.
This is a nice little cafe/restaurant with coffee shop standards like sandwiches and soups, but with a decent sized Thai menu in the evenings. The coffee is always good, you can always find someplace to sit. I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to come here (it's around the corner from my apartment), but especially with Dunkin Donuts opening up across the street (that's got to be like four now within a half mile radius of this place), I will make it a point to patronize Java Thai.
(4)ryan w.
One afternoon in here this caseworker lady was interviewing a mentally challenged guy at the table behind me. The caseworker girl kept trying to keep the conversation professional and therapeutic ("Michael, you have to go to work every day...") but the mentally challenged dude kept asking her out on dates and trying to find out about her taste in music ("Do you like classic rock?"). It was a rather bizarre conversation to overhear and at one point I laughed out loud at something the mentally ill guy said about his mother. Awkward silence ensued - you know, the kind that occurs when people figure out they're being spied on. Thankfully, right as things were getting tense, the waitress brought out my seafood sandwich. I wolfed it down with a latte and had some carrot cake afterwards for dessert. The carrot cake was pure creamy excellence. Lunch - that was o.k. Nothing special. The people watching? Superb, if anyone's in there. This place draws in a lot of wackos from the YMCA across the street as well as that scary apartment complex over on Keystone, making it a one-time must for fans of Charles Bukowski. Anyone else? You can skip it.
(2)jennyrose k.
One of my favorites. I first went here when it was called Java Jive. I love the mix of Thai and coffee shop. Beware, weekday lunches do not include Thai (checked, this may have change). Coffee is great and deserts are home made.
(5)Michelle S.
A friend of mine just moved into the area and we were looking for some great Thai restaurants. The reviews for this place were mixed so I decided to give it a try. I placed the order over the phone for pick-up. Since they didn't have a menu on-line I just ordered the typical Pad Thai dish. They said the order would be ready in 15 minutes and didn't ask for my name or number. I know everyone these days has caller ID but kind of odd not to even take a name. I am assuming many orders were not being placed. I would not recommend the Pad Thai at all. It lacked flavor and the ingredients were lacking as well - peanuts, bean sprouts, etc. I cannot comment on the other food at this restaurant but I will not be going back for a second time.
(2)Conor M.
Given the scarcity of Thai places of any kind on the NW side of Chicago I really wanted Java Thai to be a decent place. Unfortunately, it's not. My wife and I went there a few years back looking forward to some tasty Thai food. The waitress seemed like she'd rather have been doing anything other than taking our order at the time. Our food was served after a looong wait. Then, as we were just starting to dig in, we were horrified to see a cockroach walking across the dining room floor, with the carcass of another large insect in tow. We called the waitress over and pointed this out. Her reaction? She said "eww", walked back to her seat, sat down, and proceeded to watch the roach head toward the kitchen. My wife and I sat there, watched the critter go into the kitchen, watched the waitress turn back to her book, then pushed our plates away, paid our bill and left, never to return. I'm not surprised to read the other reviews that have indicated the place has been shut down for health code violations. Most I'd be willing to forgive if they were corrected, but I just cannot bring myself to try this place again.
(1)Nicole M.
I use to live a close walk from this little Thai place. It's a good place to go to if you live in the neighborhood & feel too lazy to cook or drive anywhere for some decent & reasonably priced food. Oh and they have good crab rangoon (not like other places where it's cream cheese and celery-grr!) Word of advice: Don't come here with high expectations. The food here is mediocre.
(3)Kelly Marie B.
This place has been my neighborhood hang out since 1999. If the walls could talk here, there would be novels about the lives of people coming and going in and throughout Old Irving Park. There have been a lot of changes over the years, but it's pretty much stayed the same. I'm a permanent fixture here...sometimes I think I should have a cot in the back. *Before we start, ALL food is prepared to order. *Almost everything (salad dressings, desserts, etc.) is homemade. Here's the rundown: *American lunch menu served all day every day, open until close. *American breakfast, every weekday morning 8am until 11:30am, including Saturdays. Don't try to order after breakfast is over or "The Boss" gets pissy. *Thai food, every weeknight after 4pm until close. Again, don't try to break the time constraint and order early. *Weekend "rules": There's a weekend breakfast menu, and it's only available on Saturday & Sunday. Special menu hours are also in effect. Again, a huge no-no is to order after menus are done...it's very strict on the weekends... -On Saturday, Thai food is served all day, and the regular & weekend special breakfast menu are served until 11:30am. -On Sunday, both the regular & weekend special breakfast menu are served until 2pm. Thai food is served all day. There is also a 'permanent' jazz band that plays every Sunday around noon until 2pm or close. There is NO cover. (I will mention this...they play for tips, they are not just background music...so be supportive of local musicians please!) *There is an espresso bar. Pretty much all of your typical espresso drinks are available. The coffee is from a local supplier, and it's pretty good coffee. There's also Thai iced coffee & tea, as well as bubble teas (not made with real fruit though). There's also a good selection of different teas. Keep in mind this place isn't Starbucks, so be mindful of a typical cafe style of ordering...there's single and double shot drinks, or more if you want (triple, quadruple, etc.), and there's 2%, whole, and soymilk here. There is chai concentrate most of the time, but there's chai tea bags which can easily be made into a tea au lait. On to my suggestions. *From the American menu, I adore the Jack & Avocado. The veggie chili is amazing. I also can't live without the bagel sandwich. There's a great selection of salads as well. There's a great mix of vegetarian-friendly foods (some can be considered vegan) as well as plenty of meaty sammiches. From the Thai menu, the pad thai is awesome, the spring rolls are delicious, and the tom yum kai/tom kha kai are to die for. I definitely recommend the Thai fruit salad, it's different & interesting. From the regular breakfast menu, the jack & avocado omelet is great, the biscuits & gravy are filling and tasty. If you're looking for something lighter, the fresh fruit bowl with yogurt and granola is what will hit the spot. From the weekend special breakfast menu, I recommend first and foremost the Thai omelette, which is a unique specialty like none other anywhere else. It's savory, tasty, and you'll crave it forever after you taste the first bite. The torta rustica, the spinach ricotta pie, and the frittata are amazing. A real treasure is also the oven pancake (only catch is that it takes 10-20 minutes to bake) which comes out of the oven hot and huge & it's served with blueberry sauce and fresh fruit. Some tips and tricks to Java Thai: *Don't be a jerk. This is a family owned business. You're remembered here if you're rude, and this doesn't work out in your favor. *TIP, TIP, TIP. The waitstaff relies heavily on tips. (This includes carryout...) If you don't tip or you're really cheap, then you're pretty much on the shit list until you prove otherwise. *Be patient. Be mindful of the fact that this place has 1 cook the majority of the time, and 1 waiter/waitress during a shift. On the weekends, Sundays especially, great patience is a must. Things can take awhile, but look around you...if it's packed, it's going to take a little longer to get your food. Otherwise, this place usually slings the plates out pretty quickly. This also applies to carryout orders. All in all, the waitstaff is friendly. The owner/cooks are shy at first but friendly. Just say hello! They'll remember you, and you'll get plenty of smiles and waves the next few times around. Once you walk in the door, you're practically a friend already...if you're nice ;) ! I gave 4 stars because while this place is great, there's always room for improvement. Be mindful of the newer & older menus...some of the older menus are in good shape and weren't reprinted with new prices, so always ask which price reflects the current cost. The place also needs a little help with aesthetics, but it's homey & it will grow on you. This place moves at a slower pace, so relax...slow down, and enjoy this special small little gem in the heart of Old Irving Park. You won't regret it.
(4)Loyda O.
Totally unpretentious little restaurant. Much more than just a cafe, it has a complete menu of delicious meals. I have had several different omelets, appetizers, and the pad Thai and everything is DELICIOUS. Not much to look at, decor wise, but great food at good prices. Highly recommended.
(5)Lynn W.
This place is awesome! We have been going on Sundays after we work out for brunch! The jazz music is a bonus and with the fantastic food we go almost every week....
(5)Tab S.
A wide selection of delicious and generous lunch, breakfast, and dinner options. This is a great place to hang out with a small group for a few hours. The Sunday live jazz music makes for a great atmosphere, and it's never too loud to talk over.
(4)Angelique R.
We've been meaning to hit up Java Thai since we moved to Old Irving Park since my fiance is Thai. We were lucky enough to go on a Sunday at Noon where we could choose from all three of their menus. There is quite a selection and lots of goodies for veggie heads. I settled on a Frittata since I wasn't in the mood for sweets (otherwise I was going for the blueberry pancake thingy). My companions both ordered the Thai Omelette and really liked it. The thai iced tea was yum. The wait was a little long, but manageable. We got to hear part of the Jazz band which was really nice, though it was a little loud for conversation. Our server was very nice. I did feel a little greasy after taking out my nephews rice (comes with omelette), but it was still good.
(4)Tita P.
So I had very high hopes for this place since they have gotten a lot of great reviews...sorry they were not fulfilled. I ordered breakfast this morning. I was the only customer in the restaurant. I ordered a waffle with a side of bacon. It took over 30 minutes for the food to arrive and it was warm. The waffle looked like the type of waffle that I would make with my waffle iron, if I had one. The bacon..was tasty but warm...just warm. I was just so dang disappointed!!! I am open to trying it again but I will not have high expectations at all!! WARM!!!!!
(2)Laura S.
I go to Java Thai as I regularly work out at the Irving Park YMCA. After a good workout, I want to eat healthy and if its too late and I don't have time to cook for myself this is probably the best option. I always order the tofu spring roll with peanut sauce and LOVE it! Its a good sized portion, its tasty and its cheap. Their coffee drinks are good too. Its not a particularly charming restaurant, it could be cleaner and the service is not very quick nor personable. I will continue to go here though. For a cheap and tasty tofu spring roll across the street from my gym this place just can't be beat!
(3)Donielle A.
I think I'm being gracious with the one star. For starters, who makes bubble tea without real fruit?! I saw the kid making my drink reach for a dusty bowl that has been around since before he was born! he lobbed in a couple scoops, threw in some water and bubbles and that was it. anti-climactic to say the least. I figured, no worries. Enjoy the drink and that's that. That wasn't it. There was an incredibly creepy guy that would not stop staring at me. Then, when I thought I couldn't be creeped out anymore, a ginormous ant crawled onto my table. I thought, I can handle this...just enjoy your drink, read your book and stop being high maintenance. Just then, a huge bug of some sort landed on my arm!!!!!! OMG!!!! That is it! I will never step foot in this place again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)BRANDI H.
My favorite work breakfast is definitely Java Thai's bagel sandwich. I'm by no means a vegetarian but for some reason this meatless sandwich is amazing without any meat. It's basically a toasted onion bagel, tomatoes, cucumbers (I tell them to take it out), and onions (love onions so much I ask for extra), and cream cheese. I know I could make this at home, but their cream cheese is awesome. For $3.30 w/tax and it includes a cup of mixed fruit, you can't go wrong for a quick breakfast. Only downside is they don't except credit cards for orders under $10.
(5)Mich G.
Came here on an early Sunday morning for the first time w/my boyfriend. Sure the store front doesnt look too extravagant but like they say "places that look shady have the best food!". You come in and the place has a cozy home feeling. Decor can be better but that's not important. We ordered the Thai Omelet, Thai Coffee and Thai Tea (both hot).. The Thai Omelet was huge!! Enough to share! Best of all .. The Thai coffee and tea were the BEST we ever had!!! We were sooo amazed and loved it .. we're definitely going back for more Thai coffee and tea! by the way, there's a sign on the front window that says Sunday Jazz Brunch .. we were thinking there was a live band or someone Thai playing their own rendition of jazz tunes .. nope not the case :( There was some jazzy music playing in the background but not the entire time. no worries, we still are a fan :)
(4)Liz S.
People I know rave about this place, but I'm not sure I get it. I've been there twice and I'm still not getting it. The first time was to get a pick up order, and they said 30minutes, but what they meant to say was an hour. So, I sat there for 30 minutes past the quoted time. The second time I went they got my order wrong, and honestly, is tofu pad thai all that difficult. However, the first time I went I had a triple cheese sandwich and it was delicious. So, maybe I just need to order the triple cheese everytime I go. I don't know....it's a good place to hit up if you're in the area and need something semi-healthy.
(4)Natalie A.
Husband got 2 orders of chicken pad thai and some tom kha soup for takeout. By far the WORST thai food we've had in the city...and we've eaten many places. Sorry, Java- we did want to like you!
(1)sean d.
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.
(5)Davis J.
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!
(4)Howard F.
Proprietor has great stories related to life in Thailand. Lots of smoother, great prices, clean, quiet, and staff is friendly. I come here often!
(5)Alex S.
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.
(5)Jinx K.
Best Pad Thai in town. 100% my favorite place. Also wonderful curry rice. Good service, didn't have to wait long.
(5)Yadira D.
This quaint little café is awesome. The food is served in large portions and DELICIOUS!!
(5)Al D.
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.
(4)Charlotte P.
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.
(4)Audrey S.
Java Thai is a cute neighborhood eatery that serves American in addition to Thai dishes. I live nearby and have wanted to go here for some time. I really wanted to like the place, as it has a warm feeling and is definitely "mom and pop"ish. The specialized neon light sign used to work up until a few months ago. This adds to the appeal even though its broken. Each week there is a Sunday Jazz Brunch offered where two or three musicians play to a decent sized crowd. My first time here I ordered the Pad Thai dinner. It was good, but tasted just like any other Pad Thai I've had; wasn't really anything to brag about. The portion was large enough to have leftovers. The next time, I ordered the hummus and pita bread appetizer and was not impressed with neither the hummus nor bread. The hummus was not very substantial in thickness. I've had better tasting from the grocery store. The celery and carrots were fresh though. For my main dish I had a simple salad with all very fresh ingredients. My boyfriend got the chicken sateh appetizer: chicken seasoned with a delicious sauce served on shish kabob sticks. It was served with peanut sauce. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. I will definitely be going back to try some different dishes.
(3)Danielle P.
Wasn't expecting much from this place, and now it is one of my favorites! Pad thai was delicious, excellent Thai Tea, Bubble Tea is tip-top... and all the prices are extremely reasonable. Love the atmosphere, service was great, can't wait to make it to Sunday Jazz Brunch.
(5)Lynne F.
Good, fresh food for reasonable prices. And this place just feels comfortable in terms of atmosphere.
(4)Sara B.
THIS PLACE IS A-MAZ-ING. NOW, I know what all the hype is about. The food = awesome. The music on Sundays = awesome. The service = awesome. I am only disappointed in the fact I did not try this place sooner.
(5)Jeslyn J.
I don't see what the whole fuzz is about. The food was alright with reasonable prices. One thing I found disgusting was that the utensils were not clean. My water looked like it had oil residue. I tried the jack cheese omelette, which I liked. However, the BLT was mediocre at best.
(3)Kat L.
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.
(4)Liza S.
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 cafe/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.
(5)Philip M.
Good Thai dinner at very good prices. I will be returning to try all of the many veggie options.
(4)Jaime G.
"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.
(5)Robert H.
You will have a wonderfully prepared jazz brunch prepared for you each sunday that wi keep you coming back forore.
(4)dan p.
this cozy little funky restaurant on a non-descript northwest side corner has been a favorite of mine for years. i only know about it because my jazz playing friends have been holding down a sunday late morning/early afternoon there for years. the food has been very consistent over the years, from the delicious omlettes to the more than adequate pad thai. the desert and coffee selections are interesting and unique (black bottom cupcakes!!). the service quick and consistent. its a small little place with a counter to sit at and local color and character (and characters!) very reasonable prices too. check it out on sunday mornings around 11 and say hello to my buddy bruce mak, the great jazz guitarist who is a fixture at jave thai. thumbs up!!!
(4)Reyna M.
Be prepared to wait, every order is FRESHLY made- Thai pancake mmm
(4)Nick B.
Nom nom nom! Java Thai provides a great atmosphere, excellent food, tasty beverages, and friendly service! Not much more to say! Menu features traditional breakfast, creative lunch options, and Thai dinners. My favorite is the avocado, cream cheese, and tomato sandwich on raisin bread. Get a side of tortilla chips and sample the yummy salsa. Each dish is made with care. Their coffee drinks and bubble teas are above par. A great neighborhood stop.
(4)Stacey J.
I usually shy away from trying hole in the wall places especially by myself. But so happy I did! The service was great! The Chicken Pad Thai dare I say better then my usual go to place!!! And the Thai Iced coffee so good! Next time I'm in the area I WILL be back! And my BF works close so I may request a pick up for home! Don't let the exterior fool you, it's filled with goodness inside and a huge "American" menu as well! They open early and have a full breakfast menu, I was tempted!
(5)Marybell P.
I came here on a Sunday for brunch, I thought the jazz band was a nice touch! However, they try to mask their inefficiencies with the jazz band, and a waiter who was extremely slow? I really didn't get why a party of 6 was served before a party of 3?? We ordered their Java Chips for a starter, and while the idea is good, the ingredients they use are very warm, and it literally melted our chips?? We ended up with plate of mush? My husband and I shared a sandwich and ordered salads, the food itself was tasty and my salad was very good! The ingredients they use are surprisingly fresh... Reading other people's reviews I see that breakfast is the way to go. Last but not least, Please open up a window or crack a door! The smoke coming from the kitchen is overbearing!
(3)Matt S.
Great food. I especially recommend the Thai pancakes as a compliment to another breakfast choice. The iced Thai coffee is also great. Prices are also reasonable. Highly recommended, at least for breakfast.
(5)Carmen G.
It's a cafe and a restaurant- really good place to hunker down and study for the day with a coffee and intermittent delicious meals. Try the pad thai.
(4)Nelly M.
Love,love,love coming here! The guys are always so friendly. The food just delicious! A couple if my favorites are the spring rolls, the chicken pad Thai and sweet and sour soup when I'm sick. Exquisite!! :)
(5)Melissa K.
I want to give them business, but I don't want it to get crowded when I come in for a quiet feast and some great jazz. Just the coziest atmosphere. Servers are just wonderful. Just attentive enough and always refill your water at the perfect time. Never have I had anything from them in which I was disappointed. I've tried just about everything on their weekend special menu and the lox plate, crab rangoon, the omelettes, their baked goods (I recommend the turtle bar-before the meal). Yeah, I've been here a few times. The fruit salad is incredibly fresh and has a really nice mix of fruits: grapes, strawberries, blueberries, melons-not your typical "fruit on the side" situation. The price is ridiculously reasonable. I leave there feeling so full and still healthy for around $10 every time. You won't want to recommend this to anyone else either because you'll want to keep this place to yourself. But go here. I'll share if you will.
(4)Michelina D.
This use to be my morning breakfast place super quite and cozy I always get the chicken salad pita!!! Yummmmmmyyy it's almost al if this make the chicken salad when someone orders it! Try there farm cakes for dessert! Amazing!! My favorite dive in my neighborhood!
(5)Enkhgerel O.
Nice little place that is so close to my home. I had the Thai omelet and it was really delicious. Most definitely will come again.
(4)Brian R.
My BF and I frequent this place many times. Always enjoyed the food and the iced coffee here. But last week was not a good experience. We were waited on by a newer staff member. Took FOREVER to get the check. We were, as usual the only couple in the place. We ended up having to go up to the counter. We had noticed earlier two different prices on the iced coffee. So when we got to the counter she had charged us the higher price. We pointed out on the other menu the price difference. We wanted to be billed for the lower price, since we saw that one first. She said, they were updating some menus and must have forgotten some. Instead of discounting us for the difference she shrug it off and proceeded to charge my credit card. I brought to her attention and she said nothing. Sure, it was a 50 cent difference, times two. Sure, maybe I am bitching about a lousy 50 cents, actually a dollar. But the point is, she shrugged it all off like it was nothing. These days some of us are trying to save some money when eating out! Well. I guess I should have picked up that extra dollar I left for her on the table for tip!
(2)Candice P.
I have been going to this place for years!! I really like how friendly the staff is and consistent the food is. If you want a light sandwich/salad or some good Thai food, this is great place and is still kinda under the radar. I love the jive salad and the cream of spinach soup for lunch and for dinner the pad lar nar. YUM
(4)Annie W.
I love this place for what it is! A small, cute Thai place near the YMCA, it's got cheap, relatively healthy eats. Definitely a fan! Yum!
(4)Maureen T.
I just love this little neighborhood gem. I have been there twice recently on Sundays for their "Jazz Brunch" and both times I have left there happy and grateful that we have this cool restaurant here in Old Irving Park. On Sundays they feature a 3 piece jazz band playing, I had the quiche and my daughter had the lox plate. That's right, I said LOX. For a Thai restaurant they have a pretty eclectic menu. Another time I had a three cheese sandwich with avocado on toasted challah bread. Yummy. I love to patronize locally owned establishments and I will definitely be back to Java Thai soon!
(5)Laura S.
I go to Java Thai as I regularly work out at the Irving Park YMCA. After a good workout, I want to eat healthy and if its too late and I don't have time to cook for myself this is probably the best option. I always order the tofu spring roll with peanut sauce and LOVE it! Its a good sized portion, its tasty and its cheap. Their coffee drinks are good too. Its not a particularly charming restaurant, it could be cleaner and the service is not very quick nor personable. I will continue to go here though. For a cheap and tasty tofu spring roll across the street from my gym this place just can't be beat!
(3)Nick A.
I've only eaten here once, for breakfast, but my girlfriend and I thought it was pretty good. I had the Thai omelet and loved it for a change in pace. A little different filling then your typical "American" omelet. It was Sunday morning and they also had some nice live jazz music. I believe they do this every Sunday morning. We'll defiantly go back and try the traditional Thai dinner food. The coffee was good too.
(4)Donielle A.
I think I'm being gracious with the one star. For starters, who makes bubble tea without real fruit?! I saw the kid making my drink reach for a dusty bowl that has been around since before he was born! he lobbed in a couple scoops, threw in some water and bubbles and that was it. anti-climactic to say the least. I figured, no worries. Enjoy the drink and that's that. That wasn't it. There was an incredibly creepy guy that would not stop staring at me. Then, when I thought I couldn't be creeped out anymore, a ginormous ant crawled onto my table. I thought, I can handle this...just enjoy your drink, read your book and stop being high maintenance. Just then, a huge bug of some sort landed on my arm!!!!!! OMG!!!! That is it! I will never step foot in this place again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)BRANDI H.
My favorite work breakfast is definitely Java Thai's bagel sandwich. I'm by no means a vegetarian but for some reason this meatless sandwich is amazing without any meat. It's basically a toasted onion bagel, tomatoes, cucumbers (I tell them to take it out), and onions (love onions so much I ask for extra), and cream cheese. I know I could make this at home, but their cream cheese is awesome. For $3.30 w/tax and it includes a cup of mixed fruit, you can't go wrong for a quick breakfast. Only downside is they don't except credit cards for orders under $10.
(5)Mich G.
Came here on an early Sunday morning for the first time w/my boyfriend. Sure the store front doesnt look too extravagant but like they say "places that look shady have the best food!". You come in and the place has a cozy home feeling. Decor can be better but that's not important. We ordered the Thai Omelet, Thai Coffee and Thai Tea (both hot).. The Thai Omelet was huge!! Enough to share! Best of all .. The Thai coffee and tea were the BEST we ever had!!! We were sooo amazed and loved it .. we're definitely going back for more Thai coffee and tea! by the way, there's a sign on the front window that says Sunday Jazz Brunch .. we were thinking there was a live band or someone Thai playing their own rendition of jazz tunes .. nope not the case :( There was some jazzy music playing in the background but not the entire time. no worries, we still are a fan :)
(4)Liz S.
People I know rave about this place, but I'm not sure I get it. I've been there twice and I'm still not getting it. The first time was to get a pick up order, and they said 30minutes, but what they meant to say was an hour. So, I sat there for 30 minutes past the quoted time. The second time I went they got my order wrong, and honestly, is tofu pad thai all that difficult. However, the first time I went I had a triple cheese sandwich and it was delicious. So, maybe I just need to order the triple cheese everytime I go. I don't know....it's a good place to hit up if you're in the area and need something semi-healthy.
(4)Natalie A.
Husband got 2 orders of chicken pad thai and some tom kha soup for takeout. By far the WORST thai food we've had in the city...and we've eaten many places. Sorry, Java- we did want to like you!
(1)B S.
Looks are definitely deceiving... From the outside it doesn't look like much, but I was completely impressed! Great portions and even better prices. The amount of food you can get for less than $15 is unbelievable. Yes, it was a little on the toasty side and the food took a bit longer to arrive, but I had been advised that they make everything fresh and the wait was worth it. The Sunday jazz breakfast was a welcome change from the usual trip to Golden Nugget and McNamara's.
(4)Brian J.
Who knows how I'll feel after I try the lunch and dinner menu but there's no question breakfast kicks ass here. 3 eggs, toast, tasty potatoes (yum): $2.95. Cooked perfectly, no issues. Order this for two, add two great cups of coffee (free refills), a half order of biscuits and gravy (with turkey sausage - delicious): $11 and change. Great food CHEAP. I'm in.
(4)Betty S.
This was my first time to Java Thai. I had passed it a million times driving up and down Irving Park Rd. I met a friend here and there wasn't a lot of people here, although there were a few people who came in and out-mainly couples, but I am guessing this was due to the snow and freezing weather. I ordered a chai tea and not only did it cost less at Starbucks or any similar place (paid $3.03 for a nice big cup), it was really, really good. The interior isn't fancy. It's just your independence neighborhood coffee shop. The service was friendly and I learned they also have a menu full of items so maybe I'll check out that next time I stop by. Interestingly enough, there is a Starbucks very close across the street to this place that's always crowded. Folks should really give this one a try. It's nice and quiet for a conversation and there was plenty of parking on the street.
(4)Dane K.
Went here for lunch... had a really great turkey sandwich and veggie chili. Normally wouldn't have gone for the veggie chili, but it was great. The breakfast is supposed to be fantastic and a really great value. The coffee drink I had was good. Their menu is mixed... there's a page of thai food, then or two a page of american food... I think grandma is in back cooking or something. Everything is very reasonably priced. They seem to have a good dessert selection that looked pretty good.
(4)Chrissy B.
I live nearby and had always meant to check this place out, and I'm very glad I finally did. It's a great little nook- though the atmosphere is a little on the industrial side, the drinks were delicious (and cheap!) and the wait staff were extremely friendly and attentive. I'm looking forward to going back to check out the food.
(4)Melissa M.
I love this place and go here at least once a month nowadays. :) Beautifully reasonable prices for lots of delicious things. My friend and I have made it our regular meet to grab lunch place! :)
(5)GLOE c.
This place has one of the best Pad Thai beef I've tried. No high chairs was a minus but hey it was okay we worked around it well.
(4)Dann B.
This is one of my go-to hang outs, which is what I would recommend it for. Not necessarily the quickest of service so attend with leisure in mind. Good breakfast, Great lunch, great dinner. Best Iced Tea in the city or BYOB. Live music Sunday afternoons. My personal fave is the Avocado Jive, you won't find it anywhere else. This place is far from perfect but it's home. p.s. Somebody should fix that bird clock
(4)Megane Y.
After reading the reviews I had to check this place out. They don't have a menu on the web so we were content to place our take-out order at the restaurant. The menus were dirty and moldy, like the restaurant. The waitress was impatient with us while we decided. We asked if we could pay extra to substitute fried rice for the white rice and they refused. Despite the fact that the restaurant was dead, our take-out order took 45 minutes; I'm not sure why because the Thai food we ordered was nasty! The ingredients were of poor quality, the mushrooms had gone bad, the chicken was dry, and the sauce tasted like overcooked sugar solution. I would use the excuse that you get what you pay for but the bill was typical for casual Thai cuisine - $28 for two. The young waitress had a couple of friends stop by about a half an hour after we'd ordered and she was complaining about the other customers in the restaurant to them. Her friends' food arrived at the same time our order did even though we'd ordered it 30 minutes before they had. WOW. By the time this had all transpired, I regretted putting money into the tip jar.
(1)Ryan P.
So, here's the deal about Java Thai... They're my neighbors. Literally. If I look out my little floor level apartment, there's Java Thai. Right there. Everyday. In the same exact building as me. Looking straight back at me... And that little guy is wondering why I've only been there once. He is sad that our relationship has been so, well, frigid. Java Thai, let me explain why... First of all, I gave your restaurant a try back in the Fall of 2006, only to find a massive neon green sticker on your front door telling me you had been shut down because of health code violations. 'Cool,' I thought. 'It happens to the best of us.' To be honest, Java, I felt a little disgusted. I needed a year to recover and regain trust in your little establishment. So, one year later, I took the fifteen foot walk over to your front door and what did I find but another health code violation sticker. This time it was neon orange. I almost wept, except that I didn't. I laughed. The second you guys re-opened, I had to try your place because I really do like persistence. I was cut from my Jr. High basketball team like 4 times. So we have that in common. However, what I found was that your food was O.K. and thank God it contained about half as many bugs as I thought it would. What I didn't like was smelling like a used wok after I left. Especially since I sat through a two and a half hour long movie afterwards. I'd rather not have to take a shower after dinner. Unless it's the meat sweats from Fogo.
(2)Dante G.
Amazing!! Everything is fresh. Some favorites include the chicken salad sandwich, thai omelette, and thai pancake. Atmosphere is cozy....and jazz brunch on Sunday is awesome. Be fore-warned....this is not 'fast food.' You won't wait in line on the weekends (or anytime for that matter), but you will wait for the food. If you're going for a relaxing meal with friends or by yourself, get a coffee, grab a paper and chill. The food is fresh, tasty and worth it.
(5)Eric B.
I've never ordered food from here, but I have on three separate occasions over three years ordered coffee drinks from here. I assumed based on the front window with "cappuccino, espresso, thai coffee" written on it that they would serve different coffee drinks. First off, they never have skim milk on hand, which for me is a big no-no for a place that serves coffee. And the last and final time I was there I ordered a small mocha. What I got was a cup of steamed 2% milk. No espresso. No chocolate. The food might be good, but I won't waste my time trying it.
(1)L J.
Have only been here for breakfast but it is really good and really cheap! Sunday mornings a small jazz group comes in and plays nice background music. The place is tiny but the service is fast and have I mentioned how inexpensive it is? Breakfast for two is around $10, same cost as breakfast at McDonald's. Come in and support small business!
(4)Miss M.
It's cheap. It's fast. And for such a dinky place the Thai food and cafe treats are really tasty and it's a good place to talk it up with friends--- I can eat and yet feel as if I some privacy in this little local place. I've been noshing here for years. Yum!
(4)joanne y.
i love this lil' place. i always get their chicken salad sandwich or their jack and avocado sandwich. yummy in my tummy! i also like their thai ice coffee. they have many vegetarian dishes so non meat eaters will find something they are able to eat. they have live jazz bands on sunday during brunch which makes for a cute brunch date.
(4)Katrina B.
now that i've tried non-thai selections here, i can say that DANG they make some good sammiches.
(5)Lisa H.
I love this little hole-in-the wall Old Irving restaurant. The food is great, and the menu is diverse. It's a very laid-back (and modest) atmosphere, but a great place to meet a friend for a inexpensive meal, whether you are looking for a quick bite, or to stay awhile. The menu includes both Thai and American choices.
(4)Andrea V.
This is a nice little cafe/restaurant with coffee shop standards like sandwiches and soups, but with a decent sized Thai menu in the evenings. The coffee is always good, you can always find someplace to sit. I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to come here (it's around the corner from my apartment), but especially with Dunkin Donuts opening up across the street (that's got to be like four now within a half mile radius of this place), I will make it a point to patronize Java Thai.
(4)ryan w.
One afternoon in here this caseworker lady was interviewing a mentally challenged guy at the table behind me. The caseworker girl kept trying to keep the conversation professional and therapeutic ("Michael, you have to go to work every day...") but the mentally challenged dude kept asking her out on dates and trying to find out about her taste in music ("Do you like classic rock?"). It was a rather bizarre conversation to overhear and at one point I laughed out loud at something the mentally ill guy said about his mother. Awkward silence ensued - you know, the kind that occurs when people figure out they're being spied on. Thankfully, right as things were getting tense, the waitress brought out my seafood sandwich. I wolfed it down with a latte and had some carrot cake afterwards for dessert. The carrot cake was pure creamy excellence. Lunch - that was o.k. Nothing special. The people watching? Superb, if anyone's in there. This place draws in a lot of wackos from the YMCA across the street as well as that scary apartment complex over on Keystone, making it a one-time must for fans of Charles Bukowski. Anyone else? You can skip it.
(2)jennyrose k.
One of my favorites. I first went here when it was called Java Jive. I love the mix of Thai and coffee shop. Beware, weekday lunches do not include Thai (checked, this may have change). Coffee is great and deserts are home made.
(5)Lauren J.
I have to say, I'm not a fan. I've been here a few times as a matter of circumstance but at this point, I would rather eat at the Golden Nugget down the block--and that's saying something. I've had a variety of both the Thai food and the non-Thai food. The thing is: sometimes it's decent, but often it just falls short. Ultimately, the food is really inconsistent--stale chips accompanying the guacamole, very remarkably bland fried rice. A ham sandwich made barely edible because the bread is soggy as a result of water draining off of the ham and the excessive amount of salad dressing used as a sauce. Again, sometimes it's fine, sometimes not. I've had enough bad experiences to not want to go back. Plus (and I'm sorry to be the one to say it, but...) it just feels dirty in there.
(2)Molly B.
I adore this place! I've only ever had the carry-out and it's been excellent. They are vegetarian friendly for sure and their veggie chili is awesome! Anything with tofu and noodles that they produce, I'm signing up for. I've substituted ingredients without problem here and the staff is always very nice. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of stuff to read while you wait for your take-out. Also, I've heard their Sunday stuffed French Toast is excellent, though I've never had it myself.
(5)Stella S.
I love Java Thai! I work at a resturant down the street and we order from there at least once a week. I love the fruit salad, for some reason fruit always tastes better when someone else cuts it up. And the chicken salad on pita is great too, I like it with fresh avocado. The vanilla latte is good, and just sweet enough. I've heard they have awesome thai, I've never had the pad thai but I have had the spring rolls w/the peanut sauce and they were super good. And a friend of mine says they have the best crab rangoon, which are homemade.
(5)Loyda O.
Totally unpretentious little restaurant. Much more than just a cafe, it has a complete menu of delicious meals. I have had several different omelets, appetizers, and the pad Thai and everything is DELICIOUS. Not much to look at, decor wise, but great food at good prices. Highly recommended.
(5)Lynn W.
This place is awesome! We have been going on Sundays after we work out for brunch! The jazz music is a bonus and with the fantastic food we go almost every week....
(5)Tab S.
A wide selection of delicious and generous lunch, breakfast, and dinner options. This is a great place to hang out with a small group for a few hours. The Sunday live jazz music makes for a great atmosphere, and it's never too loud to talk over.
(4)Davis J.
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!
(4)Howard F.
Proprietor has great stories related to life in Thailand. Lots of smoother, great prices, clean, quiet, and staff is friendly. I come here often!
(5)Alex S.
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.
(5)Jinx K.
Best Pad Thai in town. 100% my favorite place. Also wonderful curry rice. Good service, didn't have to wait long.
(5)Yadira D.
This quaint little café is awesome. The food is served in large portions and DELICIOUS!!
(5)Kat L.
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.
(4)Liza S.
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 cafe/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.
(5)Philip M.
Good Thai dinner at very good prices. I will be returning to try all of the many veggie options.
(4)sean d.
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.
(5)Al D.
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.
(4)Charlotte P.
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.
(4)Jaime G.
"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.
(5)Robert H.
You will have a wonderfully prepared jazz brunch prepared for you each sunday that wi keep you coming back forore.
(4)Jeslyn J.
I don't see what the whole fuzz is about. The food was alright with reasonable prices. One thing I found disgusting was that the utensils were not clean. My water looked like it had oil residue. I tried the jack cheese omelette, which I liked. However, the BLT was mediocre at best.
(3)dan p.
this cozy little funky restaurant on a non-descript northwest side corner has been a favorite of mine for years. i only know about it because my jazz playing friends have been holding down a sunday late morning/early afternoon there for years. the food has been very consistent over the years, from the delicious omlettes to the more than adequate pad thai. the desert and coffee selections are interesting and unique (black bottom cupcakes!!). the service quick and consistent. its a small little place with a counter to sit at and local color and character (and characters!) very reasonable prices too. check it out on sunday mornings around 11 and say hello to my buddy bruce mak, the great jazz guitarist who is a fixture at jave thai. thumbs up!!!
(4)Reyna M.
Be prepared to wait, every order is FRESHLY made- Thai pancake mmm
(4)Nick B.
Nom nom nom! Java Thai provides a great atmosphere, excellent food, tasty beverages, and friendly service! Not much more to say! Menu features traditional breakfast, creative lunch options, and Thai dinners. My favorite is the avocado, cream cheese, and tomato sandwich on raisin bread. Get a side of tortilla chips and sample the yummy salsa. Each dish is made with care. Their coffee drinks and bubble teas are above par. A great neighborhood stop.
(4)Stacey J.
I usually shy away from trying hole in the wall places especially by myself. But so happy I did! The service was great! The Chicken Pad Thai dare I say better then my usual go to place!!! And the Thai Iced coffee so good! Next time I'm in the area I WILL be back! And my BF works close so I may request a pick up for home! Don't let the exterior fool you, it's filled with goodness inside and a huge "American" menu as well! They open early and have a full breakfast menu, I was tempted!
(5)Marybell P.
I came here on a Sunday for brunch, I thought the jazz band was a nice touch! However, they try to mask their inefficiencies with the jazz band, and a waiter who was extremely slow? I really didn't get why a party of 6 was served before a party of 3?? We ordered their Java Chips for a starter, and while the idea is good, the ingredients they use are very warm, and it literally melted our chips?? We ended up with plate of mush? My husband and I shared a sandwich and ordered salads, the food itself was tasty and my salad was very good! The ingredients they use are surprisingly fresh... Reading other people's reviews I see that breakfast is the way to go. Last but not least, Please open up a window or crack a door! The smoke coming from the kitchen is overbearing!
(3)Matt S.
Great food. I especially recommend the Thai pancakes as a compliment to another breakfast choice. The iced Thai coffee is also great. Prices are also reasonable. Highly recommended, at least for breakfast.
(5)Carmen G.
It's a cafe and a restaurant- really good place to hunker down and study for the day with a coffee and intermittent delicious meals. Try the pad thai.
(4)Nelly M.
Love,love,love coming here! The guys are always so friendly. The food just delicious! A couple if my favorites are the spring rolls, the chicken pad Thai and sweet and sour soup when I'm sick. Exquisite!! :)
(5)Lynne F.
Good, fresh food for reasonable prices. And this place just feels comfortable in terms of atmosphere.
(4)Sara B.
THIS PLACE IS A-MAZ-ING. NOW, I know what all the hype is about. The food = awesome. The music on Sundays = awesome. The service = awesome. I am only disappointed in the fact I did not try this place sooner.
(5)Melissa K.
I want to give them business, but I don't want it to get crowded when I come in for a quiet feast and some great jazz. Just the coziest atmosphere. Servers are just wonderful. Just attentive enough and always refill your water at the perfect time. Never have I had anything from them in which I was disappointed. I've tried just about everything on their weekend special menu and the lox plate, crab rangoon, the omelettes, their baked goods (I recommend the turtle bar-before the meal). Yeah, I've been here a few times. The fruit salad is incredibly fresh and has a really nice mix of fruits: grapes, strawberries, blueberries, melons-not your typical "fruit on the side" situation. The price is ridiculously reasonable. I leave there feeling so full and still healthy for around $10 every time. You won't want to recommend this to anyone else either because you'll want to keep this place to yourself. But go here. I'll share if you will.
(4)Michelina D.
This use to be my morning breakfast place super quite and cozy I always get the chicken salad pita!!! Yummmmmmyyy it's almost al if this make the chicken salad when someone orders it! Try there farm cakes for dessert! Amazing!! My favorite dive in my neighborhood!
(5)Audrey S.
Java Thai is a cute neighborhood eatery that serves American in addition to Thai dishes. I live nearby and have wanted to go here for some time. I really wanted to like the place, as it has a warm feeling and is definitely "mom and pop"ish. The specialized neon light sign used to work up until a few months ago. This adds to the appeal even though its broken. Each week there is a Sunday Jazz Brunch offered where two or three musicians play to a decent sized crowd. My first time here I ordered the Pad Thai dinner. It was good, but tasted just like any other Pad Thai I've had; wasn't really anything to brag about. The portion was large enough to have leftovers. The next time, I ordered the hummus and pita bread appetizer and was not impressed with neither the hummus nor bread. The hummus was not very substantial in thickness. I've had better tasting from the grocery store. The celery and carrots were fresh though. For my main dish I had a simple salad with all very fresh ingredients. My boyfriend got the chicken sateh appetizer: chicken seasoned with a delicious sauce served on shish kabob sticks. It was served with peanut sauce. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. I will definitely be going back to try some different dishes.
(3)Danielle P.
Wasn't expecting much from this place, and now it is one of my favorites! Pad thai was delicious, excellent Thai Tea, Bubble Tea is tip-top... and all the prices are extremely reasonable. Love the atmosphere, service was great, can't wait to make it to Sunday Jazz Brunch.
(5)Enkhgerel O.
Nice little place that is so close to my home. I had the Thai omelet and it was really delicious. Most definitely will come again.
(4)Brian R.
My BF and I frequent this place many times. Always enjoyed the food and the iced coffee here. But last week was not a good experience. We were waited on by a newer staff member. Took FOREVER to get the check. We were, as usual the only couple in the place. We ended up having to go up to the counter. We had noticed earlier two different prices on the iced coffee. So when we got to the counter she had charged us the higher price. We pointed out on the other menu the price difference. We wanted to be billed for the lower price, since we saw that one first. She said, they were updating some menus and must have forgotten some. Instead of discounting us for the difference she shrug it off and proceeded to charge my credit card. I brought to her attention and she said nothing. Sure, it was a 50 cent difference, times two. Sure, maybe I am bitching about a lousy 50 cents, actually a dollar. But the point is, she shrugged it all off like it was nothing. These days some of us are trying to save some money when eating out! Well. I guess I should have picked up that extra dollar I left for her on the table for tip!
(2)Candice P.
I have been going to this place for years!! I really like how friendly the staff is and consistent the food is. If you want a light sandwich/salad or some good Thai food, this is great place and is still kinda under the radar. I love the jive salad and the cream of spinach soup for lunch and for dinner the pad lar nar. YUM
(4)Annie W.
I love this place for what it is! A small, cute Thai place near the YMCA, it's got cheap, relatively healthy eats. Definitely a fan! Yum!
(4)Maureen T.
I just love this little neighborhood gem. I have been there twice recently on Sundays for their "Jazz Brunch" and both times I have left there happy and grateful that we have this cool restaurant here in Old Irving Park. On Sundays they feature a 3 piece jazz band playing, I had the quiche and my daughter had the lox plate. That's right, I said LOX. For a Thai restaurant they have a pretty eclectic menu. Another time I had a three cheese sandwich with avocado on toasted challah bread. Yummy. I love to patronize locally owned establishments and I will definitely be back to Java Thai soon!
(5)Angelique R.
We've been meaning to hit up Java Thai since we moved to Old Irving Park since my fiance is Thai. We were lucky enough to go on a Sunday at Noon where we could choose from all three of their menus. There is quite a selection and lots of goodies for veggie heads. I settled on a Frittata since I wasn't in the mood for sweets (otherwise I was going for the blueberry pancake thingy). My companions both ordered the Thai Omelette and really liked it. The thai iced tea was yum. The wait was a little long, but manageable. We got to hear part of the Jazz band which was really nice, though it was a little loud for conversation. Our server was very nice. I did feel a little greasy after taking out my nephews rice (comes with omelette), but it was still good.
(4)Tita P.
So I had very high hopes for this place since they have gotten a lot of great reviews...sorry they were not fulfilled. I ordered breakfast this morning. I was the only customer in the restaurant. I ordered a waffle with a side of bacon. It took over 30 minutes for the food to arrive and it was warm. The waffle looked like the type of waffle that I would make with my waffle iron, if I had one. The bacon..was tasty but warm...just warm. I was just so dang disappointed!!! I am open to trying it again but I will not have high expectations at all!! WARM!!!!!
(2)Michelle S.
A friend of mine just moved into the area and we were looking for some great Thai restaurants. The reviews for this place were mixed so I decided to give it a try. I placed the order over the phone for pick-up. Since they didn't have a menu on-line I just ordered the typical Pad Thai dish. They said the order would be ready in 15 minutes and didn't ask for my name or number. I know everyone these days has caller ID but kind of odd not to even take a name. I am assuming many orders were not being placed. I would not recommend the Pad Thai at all. It lacked flavor and the ingredients were lacking as well - peanuts, bean sprouts, etc. I cannot comment on the other food at this restaurant but I will not be going back for a second time.
(2)Conor M.
Given the scarcity of Thai places of any kind on the NW side of Chicago I really wanted Java Thai to be a decent place. Unfortunately, it's not. My wife and I went there a few years back looking forward to some tasty Thai food. The waitress seemed like she'd rather have been doing anything other than taking our order at the time. Our food was served after a looong wait. Then, as we were just starting to dig in, we were horrified to see a cockroach walking across the dining room floor, with the carcass of another large insect in tow. We called the waitress over and pointed this out. Her reaction? She said "eww", walked back to her seat, sat down, and proceeded to watch the roach head toward the kitchen. My wife and I sat there, watched the critter go into the kitchen, watched the waitress turn back to her book, then pushed our plates away, paid our bill and left, never to return. I'm not surprised to read the other reviews that have indicated the place has been shut down for health code violations. Most I'd be willing to forgive if they were corrected, but I just cannot bring myself to try this place again.
(1)Nicole M.
I use to live a close walk from this little Thai place. It's a good place to go to if you live in the neighborhood & feel too lazy to cook or drive anywhere for some decent & reasonably priced food. Oh and they have good crab rangoon (not like other places where it's cream cheese and celery-grr!) Word of advice: Don't come here with high expectations. The food here is mediocre.
(3)Kelly Marie B.
This place has been my neighborhood hang out since 1999. If the walls could talk here, there would be novels about the lives of people coming and going in and throughout Old Irving Park. There have been a lot of changes over the years, but it's pretty much stayed the same. I'm a permanent fixture here...sometimes I think I should have a cot in the back. *Before we start, ALL food is prepared to order. *Almost everything (salad dressings, desserts, etc.) is homemade. Here's the rundown: *American lunch menu served all day every day, open until close. *American breakfast, every weekday morning 8am until 11:30am, including Saturdays. Don't try to order after breakfast is over or "The Boss" gets pissy. *Thai food, every weeknight after 4pm until close. Again, don't try to break the time constraint and order early. *Weekend "rules": There's a weekend breakfast menu, and it's only available on Saturday & Sunday. Special menu hours are also in effect. Again, a huge no-no is to order after menus are done...it's very strict on the weekends... -On Saturday, Thai food is served all day, and the regular & weekend special breakfast menu are served until 11:30am. -On Sunday, both the regular & weekend special breakfast menu are served until 2pm. Thai food is served all day. There is also a 'permanent' jazz band that plays every Sunday around noon until 2pm or close. There is NO cover. (I will mention this...they play for tips, they are not just background music...so be supportive of local musicians please!) *There is an espresso bar. Pretty much all of your typical espresso drinks are available. The coffee is from a local supplier, and it's pretty good coffee. There's also Thai iced coffee & tea, as well as bubble teas (not made with real fruit though). There's also a good selection of different teas. Keep in mind this place isn't Starbucks, so be mindful of a typical cafe style of ordering...there's single and double shot drinks, or more if you want (triple, quadruple, etc.), and there's 2%, whole, and soymilk here. There is chai concentrate most of the time, but there's chai tea bags which can easily be made into a tea au lait. On to my suggestions. *From the American menu, I adore the Jack & Avocado. The veggie chili is amazing. I also can't live without the bagel sandwich. There's a great selection of salads as well. There's a great mix of vegetarian-friendly foods (some can be considered vegan) as well as plenty of meaty sammiches. From the Thai menu, the pad thai is awesome, the spring rolls are delicious, and the tom yum kai/tom kha kai are to die for. I definitely recommend the Thai fruit salad, it's different & interesting. From the regular breakfast menu, the jack & avocado omelet is great, the biscuits & gravy are filling and tasty. If you're looking for something lighter, the fresh fruit bowl with yogurt and granola is what will hit the spot. From the weekend special breakfast menu, I recommend first and foremost the Thai omelette, which is a unique specialty like none other anywhere else. It's savory, tasty, and you'll crave it forever after you taste the first bite. The torta rustica, the spinach ricotta pie, and the frittata are amazing. A real treasure is also the oven pancake (only catch is that it takes 10-20 minutes to bake) which comes out of the oven hot and huge & it's served with blueberry sauce and fresh fruit. Some tips and tricks to Java Thai: *Don't be a jerk. This is a family owned business. You're remembered here if you're rude, and this doesn't work out in your favor. *TIP, TIP, TIP. The waitstaff relies heavily on tips. (This includes carryout...) If you don't tip or you're really cheap, then you're pretty much on the shit list until you prove otherwise. *Be patient. Be mindful of the fact that this place has 1 cook the majority of the time, and 1 waiter/waitress during a shift. On the weekends, Sundays especially, great patience is a must. Things can take awhile, but look around you...if it's packed, it's going to take a little longer to get your food. Otherwise, this place usually slings the plates out pretty quickly. This also applies to carryout orders. All in all, the waitstaff is friendly. The owner/cooks are shy at first but friendly. Just say hello! They'll remember you, and you'll get plenty of smiles and waves the next few times around. Once you walk in the door, you're practically a friend already...if you're nice ;) ! I gave 4 stars because while this place is great, there's always room for improvement. Be mindful of the newer & older menus...some of the older menus are in good shape and weren't reprinted with new prices, so always ask which price reflects the current cost. The place also needs a little help with aesthetics, but it's homey & it will grow on you. This place moves at a slower pace, so relax...slow down, and enjoy this special small little gem in the heart of Old Irving Park. You won't regret it.
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