Lao Laan-Xang

The only way you can go wrong at Lao Laan-Xang is by skipping the curry squash—it’s made from three types of squash and cooked in a mix of coconut milk and spices until completely tender. While that dish is as comforting as a hug from Meryl Streep, tack on some khao tod nam som lettuce wraps, which are another menu standout. The restaurant has been around since 1990, and recently its two locations merged into a single spot on Atwood Avenue. It’s a popular pre-dinner spot for people going to the Barrymore Theatre next door, so expect it to be busy between 6-8pm on show nights.