Pad Thai Inc Highland Park

HE WARNED US: I came here with my bf because I desperately wanted Tom Yum soup and Green Curry. When the waiter came to take our order, we asked for a Thai Iced tea, a Pineapple Bomb (alcoholic), Fried Pork Dumplings and a Tom Yum with white meat chicken (spicy level, large enough to share with 2-4 people). For entrees, I got Green Curry (spicy level) and he got something from the fried rice menu (also spicy). Our waiter asked if we were sure about the spice, since their food is spicier than most. My bf and I both feel like we’re amazing at handling spice. So, we were both feeling equally cocky about the spice level and excitedly told the waiter that we wanted it. Tom Yum (spicy): It hurt to eat, but we both thought it was still yummy. The soup coated our tongue and lips, providing a lasting burn. I don’t sweat when eating spice, but my bf started sweating thick bullets immediately. I had to slow down with eating the soup. We were only able to finish half the soup, whereas I know I could finish the whole thing by myself if the spice was more tolerable. The waiter/bartender was nice enough to give my bf a Mai Tai (unsolicited) since he was sweating and eyeshot from the soup. The waiter explained that the Mai Tai helps with the burn. It did. And it was good. Pork Fried Dumplings: 6 pieces per order, the dumpling skin was thicker than I anticipated and reminded me of Bao that has been fried. I still liked it. Green Curry (spicy): By the time I got to eating my entree, my mouth was still in slow burning pain from the soup. The green curry, which had a red color, was incredibly spicy too. I ate it very slowly. The waitress got us another pitcher of water and asked if I wanted to make my curry less spicy (by diluting it with coconut milk). Defeated, I say “yes please.” While I wait for my entree to return, the waiter/bartender kindly gave me another iced tea and my bf another sample/half glass of Mai Tai, unsolicited! He’s so amazing. The waitress came back with my green curry, and now it’s actually green! It was so much more tolerable and so delish. When the waiter came around again, I asked what the new spice level was on this. He said mild to medium, or “mild plus.” We took the rest our entrees and the soup to go. We were full from all the liquids it took to quench the fire. At this point, I was full and super happy with their service. We were treated well and loved the complimentary drinks. The food was delish, even though we should’ve got the medium spice level from the get go. We were humbled this experience and we’ll be back. We’ll be ordering mild-medium.

The fried rice here is impressive. I have been back multiple times for this one dish. The prices are reasonable. The staff is helpful and pleasant. The restaurant does not have designated parking, but free street parking was readily available during each of my visits. I highly recommend this restaurant.