One glance at P.S. Bangkok's interior and you might mistake it for a traditional Thai art museum. But one bite of your meal reveals that the quality of the food matches the restaurant's ability to transport its visitors from surrounding Lakeview to Thailand.

As you enter the restaurant, you'll effectively travel back in time via a long, wooden hallway, in which artifacts and detailed paintings dot the walls. The artistic theme is featured throughout the space, but it’s not overbearing or too distracting. Rather, it's a complement to the exceptional decor and feels refreshingly authentic. Considering the surroundings, one would expect genuine, high-quality Thai food. And P.S. Bangkok does not disappoint. The enormous menu offers more than 60 dishes and has everything from Thai soups to salads, to noodle and specialty dishes as well as curry and rice meals. Appetizers like the Dreamy, Creamy, Crispy Crab start the meal off right, and most are about five bucks. After that, enjoy traditional favorites like pad thai ($6.95) and Thai-style chicken cashew ($9.95) or branch out to try new eats. The shrimp coconut salad ($9.95) and Thai roasted duck ($10.95) are sure to tickle the taste buds. You can add everything from mixed veggies and tofu to several meat options to your meal for $1-$7, depending on the selection. If something's not up to snuff, you can make substitutions. The lunch menu features the best of the dinner menu at a lower price; most dishes are about $5-$7.

If you're in the mood for Thai in Lakeview, it's a great spot for couples or a group of friends. There's also a sister location in Lincoln Park.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: John Kristoff