Lao Der

4.7 (79 reviews)

Laotian

Closed • 4:00 pm - 9:30 PM

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Lao Der - Lao Pho Beef - Laotian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lao Der - Laotian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lao Der - Papaya Salad - Laotian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Lao Der - Khao Mun Gai Combo (Steamed & Fried Chicken) - Laotian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Michelle G.

I have had this place bookmarked forever and am happy to report that when I finally did go, I had such a delightful time. We got the nam khao, khao piek sen, a chicken ginger rice dish, the Lao beef jerky, Thai iced tea, and a coconut dessert. The nam khao was the absolute standout and favorite for our group and we agreed we would come back here just to have that. I was full but it was so good, I kept eating. The khao piek sen and coconut dessert (I forgot the name but you can look at the photo) were my other faves. The noodles were so bouncy and the soup was cozy. They also were so kind and the vibes were excellent. Love this place.

Susan W.

Wonderful family run business featuring extra kind service in a cozy space. We found street parking easy and free! The food was good, but some items not as authentic as we remember having in Laos. Still tasty - especially the ginger sauce. BYOB is a bonus, but it's a bit far from home so not sure we will be able to visit regularly. So glad we tried it.

Nolan F.

We shared: 1. Sai Ua Moo - Ground Pork, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, garlic, onion, chili powder, turmeric brow sauce 2. Khao Mun Gai Combo - steamed & fried chicken, ginger-garlic rice, homemade soybean-ginger-garlic chili sauce, sweet & sour dipping sauce 3. Khao Piek Sen - Homemade rice noodle, onion & cilantro, fried shallots, black pepper, home made chicken meatball served in flavorful chicken broth. 4. Lao Wings - fish sauce, sugar, tamarind 5. Lao Der jerky - Beef, Lemongrass, garlic, chili powder served with tomato jeow Easy 5/5. Lao sausage was not the juicy kind but super flavorful on its own and yummy with the sauce and sticky rice. The chicken noodle soup was light and flavorful, meats tender, and nice chewy noodles. Personally, I prefer longer noodles for slurping but this was so good overall, I didn't mind. The fried and steamed chicken were not only perfectly cooked but the rice is also seasoned which justifies the price more. Lao wings and jerky were also good and worth trying. Nothing I don't recommend trying. Service was good and friendly. Decent amount of seating for small groups inside.

Stephanie S.

There is not any other Lao restaurant in Chicago that I'm aware of so I was excited to try them even though the menu is small and the dishes resemble Thai dishes. My friend and I ordered 3 items 1. The sweet Lao jerky (sin savahn) was my least favorite. It was over fried to a crisp. It was crumbly and didn't taste like meat 2. Khao mun gai special (fried and steamed chicken) with comes with soup. It was bland. The crispy chicken was better than the steamed. 3. Nam Khao: jasmine rice with red curry paste, fermented pork, coconut shreds, cilantro, green onion, mint and lettuce. This was the highlight. I had never had anything like it and would order again. Service was fine. We had to ask for more water. We also got charged for a dish that we considered but didn't order but only noticed after our cards were charged but they offered to refund us cash or cancel the charge and charge the correct one. Another time a different friend ordered a few items for takeout. He got the spicy jerky which was not over fried. He thought the papaya salad and laarb gai were not spicy enough, not a level 5 spice, just a 3 even though he asked for 5. The papaya salad was sliced like thick wide noodles not strands like we were used to. Their wings were so so. We didn't expect them to be covered in a sauce. Also got their sausage which was good.

Ben J.

A nice, authentic Laotian and Thai restaurant with a simple and cozy atmosphere. I had the khao piek sen and my partner had the laab gai. Both were very flavorful and the spices came through nicely in the laab gai. The Chinese donuts (an add-on) were more like an unsweet croissant and tasted really good in the khao piek sen. We had the khanom tan for dessert and it was similar to lightly sweetened cornbread but with more of a homemade freshness. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. This is a great restaurant for authentic Laotian/Thai food.

Yining D.

Really cute restaurant around the Irving park area. It felt really homey and warm inside and the service was very friendly. My family came here for lunch on Sunday and arrived around 11:30 AM. The waitress put in our orders but it took about 25 min for the food to come out, so expect some waiting time. I ordered the chicken noodle soup, my dad got the beef pho, and my husband got the lunch special. Everything was delicious and tasted really fresh and healthy. They put seasonings on the table in case you want your food to taste more spicy or salty. For my soup, I enjoyed the chewy noodles and thought the chicken needed some sauces to dip it in. It tasted a bit bland by itself. I added fish sauce and chili oil to my soup which greatly improved it. Everything was pretty reasonably priced as well, about $15 per dish. Definitely give it a visit if you want to try Laotian dishes.

Annie S.

Ordered the khao min gai combo special, Nam Khao and a beef jerky that was on special. The narn khao was by far my favorite and you should order that. It has Jasmine rice, red curry paste, coconut shreds, lime leaves, cilantro, green onion, peanuts, pork snd is super flavorful and almost sweet. The khao min gai combo special is good if you are a chicken lover. It has some friend chicken and non fried with two different sauces. It was good, not spectacular. The jerkey was fine and a little spicy. We added the sticky rice with it. The inside is small and there aren't a ton of tables so you may have to wait. This is best for groups of 2 or 4. One waitress was working the entire restaurant by herself! Easy street parking.

Victoria F.

I was really excited to try Laotian food for the first time, and I definitely want to go back for more! The restaurant is on the smaller side but thankfully we had no wait for a party of three at 12:30 on a weekend. The service was warm and efficient! They patiently answered some questions we had about the food. The spice level is customizable from 1:00 to 5:00 and we picked which was a sufficient kick for me . One of my favorites was the nam khao - all of the punchy flavors and textures made me reaching back for more. The lao style beef vermicelli soup (Khao Poon Nam Seen) was also a hit. It was very comforting with good depth of flavor. Overall I'd recommend giving Lao Der a try if you like southeast Asian cuisine!

Khao Mun Gai Combo (Steamed & Fried Chicken)

Crystal Z.

Ambiance - casual, authentic Laotian food, small seating area Service - staff was super nice & food came out fairly quickly Food - love that their menu is small, Lao pho beef was great for a chilly cold day, wings were crunchy & flavorful with spices, khao mun gai combo (portion was huge & definitely sharable)

Phil S.

08/16/25 - Lao Thai located @ 3932 N Elston Ave. Lao Thai is a combination of Laotian & Thai Street Food that has been around for about 4 months. My wife & I went to dinner tonight & were treated to delicious meal. When we first went in a perused the menu we found it a bit confusing thinking it was a Thai restaurant. What we later found is a combination of Laotian &Thai food. We ordered a couple of dishes to be shared one was the Nam Khao. This dish was absolutely spectacular w/a delicious of flavors & textures, from crunchy bits of fermented pork, peanuts, lime leaves, cilantro, red curry paste, green onions & lime. Absolutely delicious. Laab Gai Chicken - Chicken w/red & green onions, cilantro, lime chili, fish sauce, cucumber & red radishes. This was very reminiscent of Thai garlic chicken. The Laab Gai Chicken came w/a cute little container of sticky rice. All the dishes can be custom ordered w/a level spiciness from 1-5 w/5 being the spiciest. One comment I had is the portion size are on the smallish size but make up for it w/outstanding flavors & textures The server was so friendly & cute but I had difficulty understanding her when she explained menu items. My wife and I both throughly enjoyed this restaurant from the ambiance to the service & will be back again. The restaurant is fairly small so if you want to plan for a family or larger event it's recommended that you get reservations. I Love this restaurant & will be back

June K.

Now this is what I call flavor. First time trying Laos food, and I'm worried the standard has been set too high. Nam Khao was SOOO good. I love texture, especially scorched rice, and the fried pieces of rice AND puffed rice and peanuts... gah texture heaven. The fermented pork wasn't salty but sour and with the fragant mint and lime, so so perfect. A level 4 spice wasn't bad at all, the waiter said it was "american spice" levels. If you don't like sour I wouldn't recommend, since i love squeezing too much lemon/lime on everything I eat, and honestly this didn't need much on top of everything else. Heartbreaking I couldn't try everything since I came solo. Waiter was so sweet as well, she genuinely cared about the customers. Definitely would recommend.

Annie Z.

We ordered the gai yang and the chicken soup - the gai yang chicken wasn't spectacular by itself but with the dipping sauce it comes with, amazing. The chicken soup was a solid chicken soup that hit the spot on a subzero day here in Chicago.

Myra Y.

After volunteering today in the nature preserve, my girls and I ate at Lao Der in Irving Park. It was our first time there - and it definitely won't be our last. We ordered the beef jerky and the tamarind wings for our appetizers. For entrees, I had the khao min gai and my daughters had the khao min gai tod (fried version) and khao piek sin. Everything really was great and we even ordered to-go to bring home food for the hubby. We can't wait to come back again and try some of their other dishes. Service was quick and server was really nice. The restaurant itself is small but quaint and cozy.

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Andrew Z.

139

3 months ago

Wonderful sweet staff that serve really tasty food with a smile on their face. Will definitely return.

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Brent B.

1 year ago

It's delicious, what more do you need to know? As the wife half of the husband and wife that own and run it said to us, Lao food is typically more spicy than Thai. Worry not if you are heat-averse, they can make it mild for you. Tried several dishes, all were delicious, and we'll be back to try more of the menu that we didn't get this time. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you so much for your kind words!…

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Jenny V.

8 months ago

Found this little gem after my finding out the restaurant I originally wanted to go to is closed on Mondays. We were coming to town for a concert and wanted to find a place to eat beforehand. Everything we ordered off the menu was bomb dot com!!! The owners were so kind and service and food were top notch! We were literally in and out within 45 minutes, if even. We are from out of state but will definitely be stopping by the next time we're in that part of Chicago! read more

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Chris A.

100

10 months ago

First time eating Laoatian food. Was tasty and prices are reasonable. At least they don't have a million things on their menu so they can focus on quality. read more

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Gigi F.

11 months ago

Wow. I'm visiting from the Bay Area, California and this was a random stop because I saw Lao food. First off, the service and ambiance felt very homely and nice. Very small mom and pop vibes. The food was amazing. Best Nam Khao I have had in a really long time, it tasted refreshing and very flavorful. The server was nice enough to give me more lettuce when I requested. The papaya salad was the right spicy at level 3, definitely up there in papaya salads! First time trying Lao jerky and will definitely get it in the future when I get home. read more

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Settawoot S.

1 year ago

A Taste of Home in the Heart of Chicago This restaurant brought me right back to the flavors of my childhood. As a Thai person who was born and raised in a province bordering Laos, I grew up eating Lao food just as much as Thai food. While there are over a hundred Thai restaurants in Chicago, this is the only Lao restaurant in the city--and it truly stands out. The dishes here reminded me of the food sold in local markets when I was young, and even the home-cooked meals lovingly made by my grandmother, or the dishes I'd enjoy at friends' houses. Everything was fresh, delicious, and incredibly authentic. Today was their soft opening, so the menu was limited, but I'm definitely coming back to try more. This place is a hidden gem that brings the taste of tradition to the city. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you so much for this heartfelt review. Knowing our food brought…

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E D.

3 months ago

Loved the food. Good environment. Good ambiance and service. This post needs 85 characters idky

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Melody Y.

11 months ago

I got the Khao Piak to go and drove home 40 minutes, and it stayed so fresh; even though the noodles are homemade! I loved the soup, it tasted just like home. Very authentic and well done. The noodles were a great texture and cut very well as well. The chicken was nice and soft, and the chicken meatballs were well seasoned. The staff interaction was short but still sweet! I will be ordering again, and hopefully dining in soon! read more

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sid p.

1 year ago

Finally, a new Lao restaurant in the city!! It's been awhile since we've had a brick and mortar sit down Lao restaurant. The last being Sabaidee on Broadway which closed years ago. The food here is very authentic. Their papaya salad aka Tum Mak Houng Luang Prabang is exactly how I like mines made. With padaek (fermented fish sauce) and nam bpoo (crab paste) which gives it a nice umami flavor. Their sai kok Esan sausages are house made and has great flavor although I wish it had a little bit more fat in it. But that's just me. The owners Fah and Jack are super friendly and attentive. Will definitely be going back as they're adding more authentic Lao items to the menu. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Khop jai lai lai! We're so thankful for your support and excited that…

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Sarah C.

108

9 months ago

I used to live in Vientiane and was super excited to try this place. I was so surprised there were effectively no vegetarian items on the menu! I had no problem being a vegetarian in Laos because there are so many practicing Buddhists. It's not a small part of the national cuisine, and there are many Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in the country. There's also a lot of vegetarian street food. I wish the restaurant were more veggie-friendly. read more

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Anna S.

1 year ago

I've been hunting for an authentic bowl of khao piek in Chicago for years--and I finally found it. This comforting Lao chicken noodle soup is a staple in Lao households but surprisingly rare on restaurant menus. Here, it's made just right: thick, chewy handmade noodles swimming in a rich, peppery chicken broth, topped with tender shredded chicken and fresh herbs. It's like a warm hug in a bowl--cozy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The rest of the menu is solid, but honestly, I'd come back for the khao piek alone. If you're craving something soulful and unique to Lao cuisine, don't miss it. A true hidden gem in the city. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Wow — thank you so much for this beautiful review!…

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Michael S.

1 year ago

Food was great, definitely recommend the wings and Thai coffee. Service was excellent. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you so much!…

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Mary C.

164

6 months ago

This was totally worth the winter hike. We loved their nam khao, khao piek sen, and papaya salad. They were so kind and friendly here! Food came out super quick read more

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Jason R.

11 months ago

I had the beef pho, very fresh and flavorful, friendly service, pleasant decor, good Lao music. I'll definitely be back with my family.

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Lori N.

144

1 year ago

Great food and very nice owner. Will visit again when we're in Chicago. They recently just open. Go support them!

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Nuttawut W.

Big thanks from all of us at Lao Der! So glad you stopped by and…

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Beth G.

5 months ago

Lovely small casual diner with delicious Laotian food. The first time I had this cuisine was in Wisconsin, and I had been craving it ever since. I was so happy to see that this new place opened in Old Irving, and I had to try it. The service was great; there were a number of gluten free options and the server was knowledgeable about them. I had the beef pho. Usually I have to doctor it up so much to suit my taste, but even the base soup was super tasty! Recommend. read more

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Nigei Q.

2 months ago

khao piek sen was so comforting, thick chicken broth with silky noodles and crispy fried garlic on top. service was quick but the place got busy and we waited a bit for our check. read more

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Jared R.

5 months ago

Get the Nam Khao! This place is excellent. Delicious food and reasonable prices. It's also great for a quick bite to eat.

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Connor R.

5 months ago

Terrific food, unique flavors, friendly service, and food came out very quick. Small but comfortable seating area with a friendly atmosphere. Will be returning soon, multiple menu items I'm looking forward to trying! read more

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Robert D.

10 months ago

Small menu, friendly service! Outstanding flavors! The sausage is amazing! Couldn't be happier read more

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Amanda L.

1 year ago

So great to have a Laotian restaurant in the area! We tried the Laotian pho, sausage, nam khao, and spicy beef jerky. All of them were excellent and made with care. The service and staff were also so kind and attentive. The restaurant is cute and a nice spot to dine in with pretty easy street parking around. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Wow, thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed everything—from the pho to…

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mary r.

1 year ago

Super cute. Small menu. Everything is made to order. Absolutely fresh and tasty. Can't wait to try everything on the menu. Im really excited to try their pho. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thanks so much from all of us at Lao Der! We’re so glad you enjoyed…

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Vanya C.

5 months ago

Fresh and flavorful lunch. Sauces were delicious , rice perfectly seasoned with ginger and cilantro. Tender chicken both steamed and fried. Light yet filling and satisfying! read more

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Danny F.

11 months ago

Smaller intimate restaurant. The staff had very great energy and was very attentive, even helped with explaining and recommending a couple items on the menu. The menu is short and to the point, which is great because I think it allows them to perfect the items on the menu. Highly recommend the jerky appetizer and also the Sai Ua Moo which was a flavorful pork sausage with sticky rice and a spicy sauce. Will definitely come back soon read more

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Tom D.

1 year ago

The food is truly exceptional, and I genuinely appreciate the quality. It would be great if the portions were a bit larger, but I can't really complain because it's so delicious! read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thanks so much from all of us at Lao Der! We're thrilled you loved…

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Arielle N.

1 year ago

I stopped in for lunch and was so happy with my experience! The food was exceptional. I had the Nam Khao. Every bite was the perfect combo of texture and spice. I had no trouble eating my entire plate. I also had the lemon tea which was just the right amount of sweetness and acidity to complement my meal. The service was also so good! They were friendly, kind, and prompt. I am so happy to have Lao Der as an addition to the neighborhood. I can't wait to come back and try more from their menu! read more

Lao Der - Nam Khao and Lemon Tea - Laotian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your wonderful review!…

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Jamie B.

7 months ago

My husband and really enjoyed Lao Der! We shared the Lao Der Jerky, the Nam Khao and the chicken noodle soup. All were delicious especially the Nam Khao. We also had a great and very attentive server. The ambiance sealed the deal. Definitely recommended! read more

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Shellie J.

1 year ago

Great new addition to our neighborhood!! The food was delicious and the service was amazing!!! Plus it is BYOB Can't wait to go back and try other menu items. read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you so much! We're so happy to be part of the neighborhood and…

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Tim L.

9 months ago

This is delicious food and wonderful hosts. We highly recommend the fresh dishes. All are amazing.

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Z V.

9 months ago

Service was great. Waters were always filled. Loved the Lao music in the background. The Nam Khao was our favorite. Thai Iced Coffee was also good. Can't go wrong with Khao piak. read more

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Kelley Lynn L.

9 months ago

This was our first experience with Laotia. The staff took the time to explain the menu and the ingredients. We enjoyed papaya salad and sweet beef jerky, then fell in love with the pandan dessert! Also, appreciated the Laotian paintings and music read more

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S T.

9 months ago

We had the Esan sausage, Sai Ua Moo Laos, Lab Beef, Larb Gai, and Nam Khao. All dishes were excellent. Efficient and friendly service. Looking forward to a return visit soon. read more

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J D.

9 months ago

Went there last night and absolutely LOVED this place. The food was delicious and tasty. However, the service was even better! My server helped me with the menu to ensure I ordered the right items and the right amount of spice. She was incredible helpful. I strongly recommend this place to anyone wanting to try amazing Laotian food. read more

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Emily Kutchins A.

11 months ago

Our first official Lao food experience. The ambiance is warm and welcoming. All of the food was exceptionally tasty, with varied seasonings and a ton of fresh herbs. Don't skip the pandan and coconut dessert. read more

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Justine C.

11 months ago

Great authentic Laotian food. We loved the tamarind wings and laab beef! And the service was also impeccable!

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Chris P.

11 months ago

I am so glad that Lao Der opened in the neighborhood. I just got takeout (Lao Der Jerky, Tum Luangphabrang, Khao Mung Gai, and Sai Ua) and will definitely be going back. The food is excellent - it's the type of food that has you shaking your head and smiling as you eat it. It's food that makes you happy. Next time, I'll dine in their cute space, and get that awesome looking Khao Piek Sen - and more. Thank you for opening! read more

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Alex K.

1 year ago

An excellent new place, Laotian cuisine (similar to northern Thai/Isaan), mostly meat centered, with pork, beef, and chicken dishes spiced to taste. Very clean, attentive service, easy parking on the street. And it is BYOB... read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're so…

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Mary J.

1 year ago

Shout Out to new Lao Der restaurant on Elston! Thrilled to see a new business open In Irving area. Run by a lovely woman, I was able to try experience a cuisine new to me. I had a delicious noodle soup with such a huge portion of chicken. I also tried a chicken salad that was unique and full of flavor. The restaurant opened end of April and aim hoping it takes off. Love supporting small businesses and this owner is so genuine and sincere in sharing her culture. I phoned in my order and it was ready in 10 minutes. When I arrived I realized this would be a cute place to just sit down and eat. The owner asked specifically my spicy level and as I was sharing the meal she set aside the spices separately to accommodate that. Nice attention to detail. I felt the love when I finished my meal. So delicious! read more

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Nuttawut W.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! It means the world to us…

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Zachary I.

10 months ago

was just in Laos for a work thing, and the the food was amazing. came here and it's the real deal. so good. The chicken soup is Beautiful

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More info about Lao Der

3922 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
Irving Park
Directions
(872) 241-4879
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.laoderchicago.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Lao Der open?

Lao Der opens at 4:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.Lao Der opens at 11:30 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Lao Der close?

Lao Der closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Lao Der is closed on Tuesday.Lao Der closes at 9:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon, Wed-Thu 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMTue ClosedFri-Sat 11:30 AM - 9:30 PMSun 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Lao Der have catering options?

Yes, Lao Der does have catering options.

Does Lao Der serve alcohol?

Yes, Lao Der serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Lao Der have parking?

Yes, Lao Der has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Lao Der have free WiFi?

Yes, Lao Der has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

In Chicago, there are still very few places — if any — that truly represent authentic Lao cuisine. That’s why I wanted to share this part of my heritage with everyone here. Lao food is more than just a meal; it’s warmth, community, and a sense of home.

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4.6 mi•Ukrainian Village, West Town

•$$

Small but cozy place. We were able to call ahead and make a reservation…read more Moo ping (pork skewers with sticky rice) - 10/10. My toddler devoured this. Could have easily done a second order. Papaya salad - 9/10. Really good. I loved the dried shrimp. Crispy chicken salad - 10/10. This was sooo good. Tiger cry - 5/10. Normally a favorite for me at Thai restaurants. This one was overcooked, which was unfortunate. Crab fried rice - 7/10. Solid. Chunks of crab. Mango with sticky rice - 8/10. Needed more mango but it was delicious.

So so good! My husband & I were craving Thai food and decided to come here for lunch. We got here…read morejust about a half hour opening and it was already pretty busy with people dining in and people waiting for takeout... always a good sign! Seating was a little tight like at Phodega, but not terrible. To view menu, you scan a QR code at the table. My husband & I ordered the following: - Grilled Squid This was really good! I thought it was going to come out like little calamari rings, but it was actually a decently sized whole squid, sliced with the tentacles on the side. It was cooked perfectly as it was not chewy or rubbery. The flavor was great, especially with the paired Thai-spicy seafood sauce. - Crab Meat Fried Rice Loved that this was with real crab! & not the imitation crab. There were bits of crab meat throughout the rice and then topped with a big lump of crab meat. It came served with a lime & yummy fish sauce with fresh Thai chili's. - Bamee Noodles with BBQ Pork without broth This bowl of egg noodles had a slightly sweet flavor to it, served with a fox amount of BBQ Pork which was also nice & tender! Slurped it all up! - Jina's Fried Chicken This was good, but not anything like out of this world. It was fried chicken leg quarter, served with black sticky rice. - Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango LOVED this! It was a great way to end our meal! I loved that it came with extra sweet sauce! - Taro Tapioca in Coconut Milk Cream This was great too! It was actually a warm dessert. The menu described it as "Tapioca pearls" so I was expecting the tiny little clear boba balls, but it was cubes of like glutinous rice. Which was not bad! I liked it a lot; it reminded me of Ginataang Bilo Bilo (#iykyk if you're Filipino)! Overall, a delicious experience! We would eat here again!

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King mushroom

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A9 Gui Chay Tod (tapioca dumplings with chive)

Spicy Thai Lao

4.2(350 reviews)

14.1 mi

•$$

Great food, friendly service. Very reasonable prices. We enjoyed the noodles. I would definitely…read morereturn.

Very disappointed by how I was treated by the owner's wife after ordering Pad See Ew. I called…read moreabout the food being overly salty, I was met with a rude and dismissive response instead of help. I was told by wife " she knew I was going to complain so she tasted it herself ," I was told not to eat the food, and wife hung up. The interaction felt disrespectful and unprofessional, it almost seemed like extra salt was added on purpose. I simply wanted to address a concern politely. I hope this is taken seriously so other customers do not have the same experience. Bad for business in Burbank. Rudeness doesn't pay off.

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Tom Yum Chicken Soup

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Khmai

4.6(100 reviews)

4.5 mi•Rogers Park

2026: A new year & Chef Mona is bringing all the flavor from different provinces of Cambodia. My…read morehusband and I came in for dinner, and as always, Khmai blew us away again! The drinks at the bar are always so good, with complementing and light flavors that deceptively cloy the taste of alcohol, which is surprising because they are strong. We had the Love Island and I forgot the name of the second drink, but it had strawberries with a light spiciness at the end, and they were delicious. For apps we always go with our favorites: Mai's Eggrolls, Sach Ko Ja Kak (Steak skewers), and Sach Morn Ampil (Lemongrass & Tamarind fried wings). When I see ANY of these items on the menu, I don't hesitate to order ESPECIALLY the wings.... crispy whole wings and that sauce is to die for! On to the entrees! - First up was the Sach Ko Ang, which are beef ribs of Flinstones proportions that have been braised for 10 hours.... Let me tell you, the meat is fall off of the bone with crispy end bits, and the sauce was also soooo good. Don't let me lie, we were slightly intimidated when they came out, but all reservations were gone once we dug in, and asked for extra napkins (you'll need them, lol). We also had the Sach Chrouk Ampil (pork ribs), which were tender, but also with an extra crispy bite and a sauce that is sweet and spicy. We also tried one of the soups, Somlor Machu, that contained chicken, shrimp, and veggies in a light but highly flavorful broth. Dessert came around, and we got to try a hand-whipped Ube mousse, a durian brownie, and a sweet black-eyed pea dessert. Do not let me lie, that black eyed pea dish was REALLY good, and I kept going back for more, but my absolute favorite was the Ube mousse. Good flavor without being crazy oversweet, and super creamy. We also enjoyed the Durian brownie, which is not a mix I thought would go together, but surprisingly complemented one another beautifully. As always the ambiance is great, and the wait staff are very knowledgeable, kind, patient, and helpful. Chef Mona is always a treat to see, and makes sure that all of her patrons leave full and happy with a smile on their faces. Khmai is always a special and welcoming restaurant with a menu that rotates, and does a phenomenal job at showcasing the bold and funky flavors of Cambodian food!

Had a wonderful Mother's day dinner here with the family. There are two dining spaces at this…read morerestaurant: normal ala carte area and the fine dining space. There was only availability for the fine dining seating so we opted to get 2 family meals and try one of each dish. First off, I loved that each dish was unapologetically flavorful. I have never had Cambodian cuisine but the incorporation of fresh fruits, raw and soured veggies, and funky fish paste made everything taste authentic. The only thing that could use some improvement would be the organization. There were maybe 2 or 3 dishes not available so we had to double up on things. In my experience with coursed meals especially with a reservation made in advance, I think this needs to be accounted for. I would understand if I were ordering ala carte. Also, the pacing of the courses felt a little awkward. At times many of the empty dishes were not promptly cleared from the table. Our utensils were cleared and we still had one course remaining, which was fine because we were all so full anyways. They were nice enough to pack it to go. Overall, the family meal was HUGE. Definitely worth the price. I will be returning for the ala carte experience and happy hour to enjoy some more traditional Cambodian food. My favorite was the nyom svai, mango salad with chili fish sauce, topped with a fried tilapia.

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Nyam Svai

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Amok

Immm Rice and Beyond

4.2(382 reviews)

3.3 mi•Uptown

•$$

Came twice, first time was just for drinks and then had to go back and try food…read more Drinks were excellent, and my friend had the special mango sticky rice which was excellent! A bit unexpected but worth the try! We came back for food, and got the spicy chicken egg rolls. So good, and then I had the panes curry which was excellent. Tons of chicken, great flavor, and excellent service! Cute little atmosphere and a great lunch or date spot!!

The boat noodles and mango sticky rice were both delicious. The broth of the boat noodles was…read morereally flavorful. The mango sticky rice had the perfect ratio of mango, rice, and coconut sauce. The service wasn't the best today though. I had to notice there was a separate dessert menu and ask for it myself. The employee was also a bit persistent about seating me at a smaller table under direct sunlight. I get it, since I was just one person, but being in direct sunlight was also quite uncomfortable.

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Khao Mun Gai

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Poh Pia Krapao (Thai basil chicken eggrolls) Spicy and delicious!

Real Thai Restaurant

4.5(148 reviews)

4.9 mi•Dunning

•$$

Always enjoy our meals there. Not sure how people can deal…read morewith hot level 5 Love how fast pickup orders are ready.

Was there Saturday. Sad to say it needs a Good cleaning…read more The windows are disgustingly dirty. Floor sticky. Please fix it was good. Smells inside

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Spicy Basil (Pad Ka Pow)

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Northeastern Thai curry ( Kang Om)

Anna's Thai Kitchen

4.6(139 reviews)

2.2 mi•Ravenswood, Lakeview

•$$

I just wanted to update my review. I came here for the first time three years ago. Since then,…read morenearly every time I go to Chicago I stop by. Anna is always there to greet me. She is incredible and the food is consistently an A+. I wish I could take her to Milwaukee with me to teach the "Thai" restaurants how to cook. I couldn't recommend this welcoming place more.

Great food, great experience and excellent service! Had an amazing time. Everything had their each…read moreand unique flavor! Definitely would get the same dishes again and change the meat.

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Looking for a private event space? Contact us to arrange your special event.

New item! Crab meat Curry with Wild Betel Leaves served with vermicelli noodle and snow crab legs. Available today!

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Fried Oysters

Kinnaree Thai Kitchen

4.1(142 reviews)

3.1 mi•DePaul, Lincoln Park

•$$

Excellent experience. Me and my friend tried this local…read moreplace and were very pleased with everything from the service, to the ambience and food. Highly recommend this local gem, it is a place we'll be frequenting!

Food was very good. Pad Thai and red curry dish. Had take out. I will try it again in the future…read more There's lots on the menus I'd like to try. I'd like to support this neighborhood restaurant.

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Chicken Pot Stickers Catering

Fresh Rolls

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Thai Iced Coffee

AO Hawaiian Hideout

4.2(757 reviews)

7.6 mi•Near Southside

•$$

Great experience, and kid friendly as well. The drink are good as well. We have attended with…read morefriends visiting from out of town and they also enjoyed it.

When Chicago wakes you to a hurricane, you go find a hidden paradise @aohawaiianhideout! Immediate…read morerelief is my favorite lychee martini, repeats of their superb steamed fish bathed in a delicate sweet soy garlic sauce and stirfry mixed vegetables with oyster sauce! Always ohana vibes by owner Betty and staff. Yeah, in noooo hurry to leave

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Inside

Island Nachos

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Pupu Platter

Paula's Thai Kitchen

3.9(178 reviews)

3.9 mi•Lincoln Park

•$$

I was looking for a dinner spot before a concert at DePaul, and Paula's Thai Kitchen ended up being…read morea great choice. It's a very small place for dine-in, although I saw a steady stream of people coming in for takeout. The inside is unpretentious, and from the look of it, you'd never suspect that the food is so great. We got pineapple fried rice (asked them to make it extra spicy, and they certainly delivered) and pad see ew. Both arrived fresh from the wok, still steaming. I've tried many Thai restaurants, and this certainly ranks among the best. The service was fast. Nothing special, but no complaints either. If you're tired of eating the Sysco food imposed on us at more and more restaurants, try Paula's where they actually cook the food from original recipes.

Great, quick service! Food came out very quickly and hot…read more Really enjoyed, will be back for the lunch special. Would recomend the Thai ice tea for a sweet treat

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Short Ribs Massaman

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Cute yard, not too hot when it's 80 outside

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Grace Z.

280

11 months ago

Visited Lao Der last night with a few friends and already can't wait to go back! This place is a breath of fresh air in the local dining scene. Here's why Lao Der stands out: * Small, Curated Menu: I absolutely loved how easy it was to order. The menu isn't overwhelming--perfect for newbies to Laotian food like me. Every dish sounded tempting, but not so many options that you get paralyzed with indecision. * Perfect for Sharing: The small dishes are made for sharing. We ordered a bunch, spread them out over the table and dug in--every single bite was a win. If you love trying a bit of everything, bring your foodie crew! * Friendly, Helpful Staff: Had a couple questions and our server was all smiles, happy to suggest favorites and explain the dishes. * Great for Groups: Their setup totally encourages sharing and conversation. It felt casual, communal, and fun. Pro tip: Don't miss out on asking for staff recommendations--there are gems on the menu you might otherwise overlook! If you're looking to break out of your dining routine and discover something special, Lao Der offers a warm atmosphere and a menu that makes exploring Laotian cuisine simple and delicious. I left full, happy, and already plotting my next visit! read more

Lao Der - laotian - Updated June 2026

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Lao Der - laotian - Updated June 2026

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Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food

JJ Thai Street Food

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Paula's Thai Kitchen

1 Lao Der review that is not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

1 review that is not currently recommended

Lao Der - laotian - Updated June 2026

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People found Lao Der by searching for…

Trending Searches in Chicago, IL

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