This neighborhood Thai favorite is relatively non-descript. But a friendly and efficient staff, diverse crowd, spacious room and good, inexpensive food make it a worthwhile spot. BYOB is a thrifty bonus, and a convenient one thanks to an adjacent liquor store. Two appetizers and two entrees (and a container of leftovers) came to a mere $22.72. Choose from an extensive menu of traditional dishes like pad thai, pad see eiw, curries and Thai fried rice. Vegetarians will have, if anything, too many options, including the famous Roong Petch salad, made with crisp fried tofu, onions, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted rice powder and cashews. Fried spring rolls filled with banana and coconut and seasonal sweet sticky rice with mango provide a satisfying finish.

For an even more skinflint-worthy meal, visit Roong Petch for printable coupons. A $2 delivery charge will bring cheap Thai to your door if you live between Belmont/Bryn Mawr and Kedzie/Lake Shore.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jennifer Wennig