ZipPicks Awards
Best Thai in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Busaba Garden Thai Cuisine
7.8
A newer North Park-area Thai dining room that’s quickly building a reputation for regional touches and careful cooking. The menu has higher-aiming swings than most neighborhood spots—especially the Korat-style pad Thai and richer curry plates—making it a smart “try something new” rotation add.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korat-style pad thai, Soft-shell crab green curry, Claypot jumbo shrimp with noodles
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Newer Thai spot with Korat-style pad Thai and claypot specialties.
Who should go: Neighborhood diners craving something different
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best pacing
What to order: Korat pad Thai, soft-shell crab curry, claypot shrimp noodles
Insider tip: Go regional: pick one specialty dish, not three standard noodles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable midday, tighter during evening dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak times but still workable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; shorter earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — vegetable dishes without fish sauce can usually be accommodated if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice-based dishes work, but soy sauce and cross-contact are likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual first date than a formal one — the food is interesting and conversation-friendly, but the room leans relaxed rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are usually fine, especially at lunch or early dinner; peak weekend hours may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable flavors, flexible spice levels, and a relaxed dining room make it workable for elementary-school–age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Regional Thai specialties and trying something beyond standard pad Thai and basic curries.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast takeout, a polished date-night atmosphere, or a very broad vegan or gluten-free menu.