Smiling Banana Leaf has some competition for best thai in this town ...
Admittedly, the first time I ordered from here I wasn't impressed (that seems to happen to me a lot?). I ordered the green curry with tofu, spice level 3. Yeah, I was being wimpy as I wasn't sure of how they handled their spices. It just tasted so very bland. I was a little disappointed as I had heard so many people call them the best thai in town.
Round 2: since I work in north side three days a week my immediate options are rather limited. Fast food or a handful of other places, most of which I do not want to visit. I decided Nicky's deserves another try. I ordered the same lunch entree, but this time spice level 6. Whenever I'm giving a restaurant another try I also reorder the same thing (unless I found it to be really disgusting) to see if maybe they were just having an off day or I really don't like it. This time it tasted absolutely phenomenal! I still should kick the spice level up to a 7 or 8, but I was pretty happy with what they did.
I've only ever done take-out so I can't speak to the waiters/waitresses, but the front of house people have been fantastic both times. Very nice and welcoming. Sitting and waiting for my food, I've noticed that they treat each person who walks in very well. Gotta love service with a smile. :D