Sisters Thai Cafe — Restaurant in Rockford Township

Sisters Thai Cafe: A Cozy Gem Near Rockford Airport

We stopped by Sisters Thai Cafe on East State Street during a quick trip to Rockford, and I’m so glad we did!

This spot is less than 10 minutes from the airport, super easy to get to, and has both street parking and a small private lot. There’s also a cute little patio area for outdoor dining, which I can imagine is perfect on a warm day.

I came during lunch with my 9-month-old and didn’t have a reservation, but we were seated right away. The inside is small but cozy, with smooth jazz playing in the background and a really relaxed vibe.

The staff were amazing. I was greeted right away by two team members, and our server—Douangsone, was especially kind. She asked if we needed a high chair (they had one!), interacted with our baby, and was just so warm and thoughtful the whole time.

I asked about vegan options, and she mentioned that many of the dishes can be made vegan, including their Penang curry. I ended up going with the Pad See Ew with tofu and veggies, and it came out beautifully presented.

The first version I received had a more charred flavor, some folks love that, but personally I’m not a fan of burnt-tasting food. I didn’t even have to ask, Douangsone noticed and immediately offered to replace the dish. The second one came out perfect, fresh, flavorful, and just really well balanced. The tofu was nicely cooked, and the noodles had just the right texture. My baby even loved it!

One thing to note: the dish didn’t come with a traditional mixed veggie medley, but the bok choy or greens they used were fresh and tasty, and I actually preferred it that way.

Before leaving, I asked for a cup of water to go (I was still traveling), and without hesitation she happily packed it up for me. Just one of those little things that made me feel taken care of.

Also worth noting: they do not have a specific lunch menu, but their prices are reasonable—similar to what you’d expect from a good Thai spot. Most dishes run about $12 to $20 depending on what you get. I only ordered one entrée for myself, and it was filling and worth it.

A couple things to know: • There’s no changing table in the restroom (it’s a small space), but I expected that and just changed my son in the car. • The restaurant has a chill, intimate feel. Definitely a good date night spot or a peaceful lunch outing. • I did see a family of 5–6 nearby, so it’s family-friendly, but not overly loud or crowded during lunch. • You might want to call ahead for dinner or weekends—it’s small, so I imagine it fills up fast.

Overall, this place absolutely earns its 4.5 stars on Google, if not 5. The food was flavorful and fresh, and the service was top-tier. Would 100% come back the next time I’m in Rockford.

P.S. I have videos of both Pad See Ew dishes (the charred one and the corrected one), and let’s just say… you can see my baby’s little hand going straight in because it...

Horrible service. I mean, seriously horrible service. I have never had such an experience and I'd give zero stars but the food deserved two stars. This was my first and last visit to Sister's Thai Cafe. The following review can be summed up with just this one simple sentence: Get your food to go and you will be anxiety free and enjoy your dinner much better. To their credit, they were quick to seat me and take my order, offer water, but that's where the service ended. First, appetizer was served with food, not before. When placing plates, server (and there were two helping me) noted I didn't have utensils or napkins. Said she'd bring right back. 15 minutes later I am having to flag down someone--more than once-- because no one was paying attention and the servers would go to the tables located near the bar and then turn around and walk back to the kitchen. This happened five times before I finally began waving like a crazed woman trying to get their attention (looks and mere smiles waves of the hand did not work.) I turned to the newly-seated couple next to me and suggested they begin early asking for napkins and silverware. They were served their food and never received theirs, either. They had to get up to go to the bar to get them and didn't wait like me (thought I was being polite) because the man said, "Life's too short to let your food get cold." Good point, but never should happen in the first place. I held my breath as I asked for to-go boxes. Those never came, and again I waited..and waited... finally came with boxes and the check. Boxes too small. "Will bring you a bigger one," server said. And I waited, and waited, and waited.. my money is on the table, I am ready to go (over a half hour plus at this point), and yet am held hostage..Even standing up didn't make them come over any faster. The worst part is the place was NOT busy- four tables seated- and yet not one person came over to help me, though the owner was visiting another table adjacent to me. I guess people must stand up a lot in this restaurant and stare at the waitstaff for it not to be alarming. When this didn't work, I finally had to go up to the bar with my check, my plate of food, and only THEN was I greeted AGAIN and asked what I needed by one of the two servers supposedly helping me. NEVER again. The food is good, but NOT worth the frustration and anxiety I felt during this most horrendous, unprecedented...

These service is terrible. I came in with a friend and the food we were served was old when it was brought to the table. I’ve worked with this type of food before so I know when something is completely fresh and when it has been sitting out for some time. My friend and I got the same dish. We took one bite of it and it was not to our satisfaction. We asked the waiter if we could exchange if for something else and he responded and said that we could with no charge. He returned a few minutes later and said that he in fact is going to charge us but we can order something else off the menu. He obviously contradicted what was previously stated but responded as if he could care less, so we asked to speak to the manager. As soon as the manager came to our table she was rude. She told us that she did not want to take our food back because it was a waste and that we should not come to a restaurant to order something and expect for them to just change it because we did not like it. We responded in saying that if the food is not to our satisfaction then we should be able to get what we paid for. She was not accommodating. I never saw any other customer in the restraint get treated as rudely as we did. I will not be returning. You do not speak to your customers or anyone in such an unprofessional manner. Even the waiter came back with an attitude afterward. If I were you, I would not spend...