Best Hidden Treasure
Located in a strip mall next to an adult book store, this is one of the best insider secrets in Vegas. In one of the most ego-free settings in all of Vegas, a full mile off the strip, lies some of the best Thai food in the country. And at such reasonable prices, it’s no wonder you see chefs from every major casino winding down here. Watch the heat in some dishes though: If you’re sensitive to spice, what they call mild, you’ll probably call unbearable.
www.saipinchutima.com

Lotus of Siam, or LOS to the locals, is a small but very busy Thai restaurant. It’s been named by several publications, as the best in the country.

Located in a nondescript strip mall called Commercial Center, LOS has some great dishes at very reasonable prices. I’ve eaten here many times, and I have never been disappointed. A casual place with little ambience inside, but that’s not why you’re there. You’re there for the food, baby! The entry way walls are covered with newspaper and magazine reviews from all over the country, even the Food Network loves it here.
They have a lunch buffet, but I recommend skipping it and ordering off the dinner menu instead. You’ll be happy you did! Among my favorite dishes are the sour sausage and crispy rice salad, which has so many flavors and textures going on—your mouth is sure to get excited! It's very cilantro-ey and crispy and minty...it's hard to explain. The duck curry is so wonderful, I almost moved right next door to the restaurant so I could have it every day! The Pad Thai is so-so—the sauce isn’t all that great—but the steamed fish with sweet and sour sauce is a must! I know it sounds weird, but it’s GOOD! Tom yum goong is great, but ask for it to be ‘not spicy’; otherwise, you may not be able to eat it. Don't forget to have a Thai iced tea...yummy!

LOS is a great little place, and it’s always packed. They’re closed between 2:30 and 5pm. It's located East of The Strip on Sahara, four lights past Las Vegas Blvd in the 'Commercial Center'. It's right next to a Korean place.

"The best Thai restaurant in North America"? According to Gourmet magazine and throngs of worshipful fans, among whom I count myself, the answer is a resounding YES. Located in a modest strip mall that houses some other ethnic restaurants and businesses, you might overlook it if you were unaware of the quality of the food here.

Decor is modest, like a mom-and-pop place should be, though with nice wood tables, gleaming and polished. Photographs of family, celebrities, and friends adorn the walls; remember you are there for the food.

Ignore the buffet, though it's reputed to be good enough. If you've done your research (a simple Google should suffice), you will know the cult status of the Northern Thai menu. Stand-out dishes include Nam Kao Tod ($7.95; crispy rice with sausage, lime, ginger, peanuts, chili, and lots of fresh herbs), Nua Dad Draw (marinated beef, fried and succulent), Tom Kha Gai soup ($8.95 serves two; chicken with coconut, lemongrass, etc.—the best I’ve ever had), and anything with catfish. You cannot go wrong.

If you are brave, you can merely ask owner Bill Chutima for guidance. The wine list is particularly well-suited to the spicy dishes, with plenty of German and Austrian wines, though I do wish they would include some Gruner Veltliners, the mineraliness of which complements spicy dishes very well. There is also a good selection of beers, which my husband prefers.

This is amazing, flavorful, aromatic, bright, intense, gorgeous food. It is made with love and served with delight. The wait staff has been uniformly well-informed (Tony, in particular, should you be lucky enough to sit in his station) and will guide you through the menu.

Huge thumbs up. Go there. Go now. We never leave Las Vegas without eating there at least once.

Lotus of Siam is located on East Sahara, nearest to the Sahara and the Hilton. Take a cab.