Snail Thai Chicago
Authentic Thai food
Sydney from Chicago
To visitors, Hyde Park is known for its proximity to Museum Campus and the University of Chicago. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this south side neighborhood, though, is the outstanding array of food options – specifically my favorite spot in the area, Snail Thai.
I was introduced to this gem by my sister who was studying at the University of Chicago. After she fell in love with Snail Thai and continued to rave about it, I knew it would be worth the commute from my Lincoln Park confines. After my first visit I bought a Metra card, knowing that I would be making the trip southbound far more frequently.
Offering an array of authentic Thai delicacies mixed with traditional favorites, Snail Thai offers a different dining experience every time. While my order varies with each visit, my meal has always started with one of their delectable soups. My favorite was the wonton soup (USD 5.75), while my sister favored the Potak Hot and Sour Soup (USD 6.50) and the Scholar’s Noodle Soup (USD 5.75). As for our main dishes, we usually split one of the fried rice plates and a seafood entrée – always eager to try a new dish every time, yet having a hard time deviating away from our favorites (specifically, the Seafood and Vegetables entrée). Either way, every dish I have tried has exceeded my expectations, thereby ensuring that I remain a devoted regular to this Thai gem.
Chicago Spotter Sydney
About this spot
Our Chicago City Guide
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago
Dearborn Denim
Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans
"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!
by
Erin
Stevens
Chicago Magic Lounge
Serious magic... & cocktails
"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!
by
Erin
Stevens
Lickity Split
Perfect treats!
"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...
by
Claire
Conway
Hopleaf
Beer enthusiast's delight
"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...
by
Erin
Stevens
Int'l Museum Surgical Science
Medicine then & now
"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Bar Roma
Authentic Roman cuisine
"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Sacred Art
Local art lover's paradise
"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...
by
Erin
Stevens
Marty's Martini Bar
MAR-teeny-tiny bar
"Marty's Martini Bar" in Chicago is the kind of bar where you know you're among adults. The atmosphere's great but what's even greater are the drinks...
by
Erin
Stevens
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Specialty ice cream shop
"Cone Gourmet Ice Cream" is a Chicago boutique ice cream parlor with truly unique flavors, known for its soft serve, hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches...
by
Sydney
Epstein
La Scarola
Cozy local Italian favorite
"La Scarola" Chicago: a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with some of the most flavorful & filling authentic fare in the city. Fancy some limoncello?
by
Sydney
Epstein
Cornelia Arts Building
Local artist studios
"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...
by
Erin
Stevens
Diversey Harbor
Beautiful scenic views
"Diversey Harbor" is a spot in Chicago that offers both the luxury of seclusion and the quality iconic views of the city's towering skyline. Really serene.
by
Sydney
Epstein
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Chicago
Our team loves Chicago
Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago
As featured on:
