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Discover The Secret To This Janesville Restaurant’s Panang Curry, A Family Recipe Passed Down From A Mother In Thailand

Sometimes lightning strikes in unexpected places. In downtown Janesville, culinary magic happens daily inside a beautifully transformed brick building that houses Wisconsin’s most authentic Thai dining experience.

Sandee’s Thai Fusion represents everything wonderful about family-owned restaurants: genuine recipes passed down through generations, fresh ingredients prepared with care, and a warmth that makes every guest feel like part of the family.

Opened in 2018 by Beer Fitzgerald, this remarkable restaurant showcases traditional Thai cooking techniques refined through her mother’s decades of restaurant experience in Thailand.

What makes this place truly special isn’t just the exceptional food—it’s the story behind every dish, crafted with love and named after Beer’s daughter Sandee.

Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights

Panang Curry: This creamy coconut masterpiece stands as the restaurant’s crown jewel. This curry has become a favorite among diners, featuring tender proteins simmered in rich peanut coconut broth with green beans, onions, and peppers. The depth of flavor comes from Beer’s mother’s secret sauce recipe developed during her restaurant years in Thailand.

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Shrimp Bacon Wraps: These crispy, savory appetizers perfectly balance textures and flavors. The sweet plum sauce provides the perfect complement to the crispy exterior, making them an ideal starter that showcases the restaurant’s fusion creativity.

Garlic Black Pepper Chicken: This dish delivers just the right kick and arrives beautifully presented with cucumber and tomato. The aromatic blend of garlic and black pepper creates layers of flavor that build with each bite.

Summer Rolls & Spring Rolls: The veggie and shrimp versions are particularly popular, featuring fresh rice paper wrapped around crisp vegetables and served with house-made peanut sauce. These light, refreshing appetizers showcase the kitchen’s attention to freshness.

House Fried Rice: This seemingly simple dish has earned devoted followers. The exceptional preparation makes every grain count, with some diners noting it sets a new standard for fried rice dishes.

Thai Iced Tea: This sweet, flavorful beverage has become legendary among regulars. The creamy, aromatic drink provides the perfect cooling complement to spicier dishes and represents authentic Thai beverage culture.

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Curry Selections: Beyond the famous Panang, the restaurant excels with green curry and massaman varieties. The yellow curry features potatoes, carrots, and onions in creamy coconut curry broth, while each curry can be customized for spice preferences from mild to their playful “Death” level.

Avocado Rolls: These unique fusion creations combine avocado and cream cheese in crispy fried wrappers, served with sweet and sour sauce that includes hints of chili peppers. They perfectly represent the restaurant’s creative fusion approach.

Atmosphere & Décor

Historic Downtown Setting: Located in the heart of Janesville’s charming downtown district, the exposed brick and cool, dark interior has been transformed into a calming and elegant restaurant with Asian décor that includes elephant motifs. The space successfully blends the building’s historic character with warm Thai cultural elements.

Cozy & Intimate Dining: The cozy and nicely decorated restaurant provides a warm atmosphere, making guests feel at home. The thoughtful interior design creates an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, perfect for everything from romantic dinners to family gatherings.

Exhibition Kitchen Energy: You’ll experience the liveliness and excitement of the exhibition kitchen, where fresh ingredients transform into aromatic dishes. The open kitchen concept allows diners to appreciate the care and skill that goes into every preparation.

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Window Seating: The restaurant offers lovely window seating that provides pleasant downtown views, creating an especially enjoyable dining experience for those who appreciate people-watching and street life.

Other Considerations

Pricing & Value: With most meals falling in the $10-20 range, Sandee’s delivers exceptional value for authentic Thai cuisine. The very affordable pricing and great specials make quality Thai food accessible to everyone.

Spice Level Customization: The restaurant accommodates all heat preferences with a spice scale ranging from 1 to DEATH (5). Some adventurous diners even request levels 7-10, while those new to Thai cuisine can enjoy completely mild preparations.

Wait Times & Fresh Preparation: Wait times normally range from 20-45 minutes but can exceed an hour during busy periods because everything is made fresh from scratch. The investment in time pays off with superior freshness and flavor that distinguishes every dish.

Family-Friendly Accessibility: The restaurant offers family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible amenities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the authentic Thai experience. They also provide a dedicated kids menu for younger diners.

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Takeout Excellence: While in-person dining can involve longer waits, takeout provides a faster alternative. The kitchen maintains the same quality standards whether you’re dining in or taking your meal home.

Beverage Program: Beyond the famous Thai iced tea, the restaurant offers beer, wine, and creative non-alcoholic options like ginger lemonade and hibiscus flower drinks. The thoughtful beverage selection complements the authentic Thai flavors perfectly.

Reservation Options: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easier to plan special occasions or ensure seating during popular dinner hours.


Sandee’s Thai Fusion
📍 12 S Main St, Janesville, WI 53545

Writer: Alicia Verville
Click to read bio

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.