Oliang Cafe

It’s easy to mistake Oliang Cafe for a plant store through the window. Or, on closer inspection, maybe a coffee shop. In fact, Oliang does serve coffee and boba tea, but this little cafe in Lincoln Park is actually a great Thai restaurant. Come for a solo meal of pad see ew with chewy noodles and crisp vegetables while you contemplate life and all its mysteries, like the existence of pickle-flavored lip balm. Or, order something from every section of the short menu—which has staples like pad thai, curries, and specials like a creamy yet light khao soi—for a low-key dinner with a small group.

photo credit: Veda Kilaru

photo credit: Veda Kilaru