Basil Café - Feedback

Food some of the best I've had in many many years. Service order taken quickly, glass always full, boxed up my leftovers for me. Atmosphere lovely music playing... read more Food some of the best I've had in many many years. Service order taken quickly, glass always full, boxed up my leftovers for me. Atmosphere lovely music playing, well decorated. Greeted with smiles and felt very welcomed I will definitely be coming back with more guests, one of the best restaurants I've been to in a long time.

Basil Cafe in Appleton is an excellent place for tasty meals. I recently had their spicy basil dish, and it was bursting with flavor. The coconut water served a... read more Basil Cafe in Appleton is an excellent place for tasty meals. I recently had their spicy basil dish, and it was bursting with flavor. The coconut water served alongside it was a refreshing touch, and the staff were friendly and attentive. I will certainly return to explore more of their menu!

You can count on an awesome meal every time you eat here with great service. It doesn't look like much from outside, but it'll surprise you when you walk in. Ve... read more You can count on an awesome meal every time you eat here with great service. It doesn't look like much from outside, but it'll surprise you when you walk in. Very chill atmosphere.

I ordered the papaya salad with medium spice, but what I received was more like black pepper level. I had to request some chili flakes on the side, but even tha... read more I ordered the papaya salad with medium spice, but what I received was more like black pepper level. I had to request some chili flakes on the side, but even that didn’t provide any real heat. This place doesn't truly represent Asian cuisine due to its lack of authenticity and necessary ingredients. If you're going to serve Lao papaya salad, please use genuine ingredients like fermented spices! When I inquired about the papaya salad, the waitress confirmed it didn’t include fish sauce or fermented ingredients. That’s why I opted for the massaman curry instead, although I’ve had a spicier, more authentic Indian version before. You mentioned that I could have asked for chili oil or Bird's Eye peppers, but there was no indication that such options were available. If you want to be recognized as an authentic Lao restaurant, you need to ensure you include the right fermented ingredients and other essentials. Best of luck!

Best Lao and Thai we have had in such a long time! And we have had it in many states across the country. My partner and I were the only Asians in the establishm... read more Best Lao and Thai we have had in such a long time! And we have had it in many states across the country. My partner and I were the only Asians in the establishment. We thought maybe it was going to be a lil watered down or Americanized. But everything was flavorful, fresh and on point. My taste buds were dancing in heaven. In addition, the establishment was clean and beautiful. The staff was also very kind and friendly. I hope this place many years of business and success. I will be coming back!

Many vegan options and a friend, interesting staff! can not wait to eat here again! read more Many vegan options and a friend, interesting staff! can not wait to eat here again!

My spouse and I had the Vegan Banh Mi and Vegan Pho respectively. Both were delicious and hit the spot for what we were wanting. The pho had enough food for two... read more My spouse and I had the Vegan Banh Mi and Vegan Pho respectively. Both were delicious and hit the spot for what we were wanting. The pho had enough food for two meals, and was delicious both rounds! Since Coivd is ongoing, they are doing pick-up only, and will bring your food out to your car with a request to be wearing a masks when you do. They were extremely friendly and brought the food out quickly when we had arrived. They do also have non-vegan items, but there are a number items that are vegan or have a vegan option to the item. Highly recommend them! Updated from previous review on 2021-10-07

Most of the menu can be made vegan. Try the Pho, Pad Thai, or Crepe! The servers are very knowledgable about the menu and always very friendly. read more Most of the menu can be made vegan. Try the Pho, Pad Thai, or Crepe! The servers are very knowledgable about the menu and always very friendly.

Had the Vietnamese Spring Rolls to start. Added the avocado for an extra $1. Wow these things were delicious. For my main course I had the Pad Thai. They took t... read more Had the Vietnamese Spring Rolls to start. Added the avocado for an extra $1. Wow these things were delicious. For my main course I had the Pad Thai. They took the egg out of it and added veggies and tofu. It was also delicious. I only wish it were spicier. Ordered it at a spice level of 2 out of 4. Should have gone up to 3 or 4 as there was very little heat in mine. Everything at this place seems to be very fresh, and the atmosphere is great as well. It was a Wednesday evening around 7pm when we arrived and the place was packed. Waited ten minutes to sit down, and enjoyed a nice glass of wine at the bar while we waited.

The food was absolutely delicious, the decor was very nice, and the staff was super friendly. I wish I had known of this place sooner! read more The food was absolutely delicious, the decor was very nice, and the staff was super friendly. I wish I had known of this place sooner!

My daughter and I went out for an early dinner. We arrived at 445pm and there were already tables of people! We ordered spring rolls to start. They are HUGE! Th... read more My daughter and I went out for an early dinner. We arrived at 445pm and there were already tables of people! We ordered spring rolls to start. They are HUGE! They came with a side of peanut sauce which was very tasty. Then we split the Vietnamese omelette and basil fried rice. The omelette was also huge (and $20), and it was extremely oily. It was really in a pool of oil. We could only eat the top half because of this. The basil fried rice was good. Rice was a little mushy, flavor was good. The coconut infused water was interesting and the service was really fast. I'd need to try 2 new dishes to be impressed.

This is my favorite restaurant! The service is wonderful and so is the food. I've been here many times over the last 10 years it's still a treat. My favorite is... read more This is my favorite restaurant! The service is wonderful and so is the food. I've been here many times over the last 10 years it's still a treat. My favorite is the Thai Lo Mein. The vibe inside the restaurant is really nice and chill, with plenty of speciality drinks. Highly recommended!

The food is pretty bad, not a god Asian place. We got pad thai, pad se ew and green curry. Everything was cooked in a gloppy syrup consistency, not normal. Pric... read more The food is pretty bad, not a god Asian place. We got pad thai, pad se ew and green curry. Everything was cooked in a gloppy syrup consistency, not normal. Price was also insane.

We visited Basil Cafe for lunch during our stop in Appleton. The atmosphere is quite cozy, and the food is slightly better than average. We ordered beef and chi... read more We visited Basil Cafe for lunch during our stop in Appleton. The atmosphere is quite cozy, and the food is slightly better than average. We ordered beef and chicken pho as well as pad kee mao. The pho broth was tasty and not overly salty, although it wasn't anything exceptional. The same goes for the pad kee mao; we requested it to be spicy, but it fell flat in that regard. Overall, it was a decent meal.

We tried to sample as much as we could, and I highly recommend making a reservation, as the restaurant gets very busy. We enjoyed the Tom Yum coconut soup, spri... read more We tried to sample as much as we could, and I highly recommend making a reservation, as the restaurant gets very busy. We enjoyed the Tom Yum coconut soup, spring rolls, and spicy lemongrass with rice noodles (with chicken among many meat options, as well as vegetarian and tofu choices). Our server, Kirk, was exceptional and greatly enhanced our dining experience. I can't think of anything that could have made our visit better; it exceeded my expectations and rivaled some of the finer restaurants in Loudoun County and even MeKong in RVA. Don’t forget to save room for the coconut mango sticky rice – it’s my daughter's favorite, though she regrettably didn't share! I’ll have to go back to take some photos. Everything was crafted with care, delicious, and beautifully presented. I put my phone away because the meal was simply too perfect to interrupt.

Basil Cafe serves exquisite Southeast Asian dishes at fantastic prices. It's an ideal spot for lunch, takeout, or an early dinner. Their extensive menu features... read more Basil Cafe serves exquisite Southeast Asian dishes at fantastic prices. It's an ideal spot for lunch, takeout, or an early dinner. Their extensive menu features numerous vegetarian and gluten-free options. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the Fox Cities!

Amazing food! Conor was an excellent server. I highly recommend the pad thai and the curry. We'll definitely be back! read more Amazing food! Conor was an excellent server. I highly recommend the pad thai and the curry. We'll definitely be back!

I have eaten here several times at lunch and was never disappointed with the food or the service. They are very good at explaining the menu which contains a wid... read more I have eaten here several times at lunch and was never disappointed with the food or the service. They are very good at explaining the menu which contains a wide variety of dishes.

The food is fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. We were very impressed during both of our visits. There are plenty of gluten-free options available too! read more The food is fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. We were very impressed during both of our visits. There are plenty of gluten-free options available too!

The food is amazing, the atmosphere is beautiful the service is top notch! I highly recommend Basil Cafe! One of my favorites! read more The food is amazing, the atmosphere is beautiful the service is top notch! I highly recommend Basil Cafe! One of my favorites!

This is one of my favorite restaurants ever i love their basil fried rice. also their coconut water and mango sticky rice are both really good. read more This is one of my favorite restaurants ever i love their basil fried rice. also their coconut water and mango sticky rice are both really good.

Authentic Laotian, Vietnamese, and Thai in a colorful and warm atmosphere. The flavors are balanced and vibrant. And the cocktail program is inventive. Currentl... read more Authentic Laotian, Vietnamese, and Thai in a colorful and warm atmosphere. The flavors are balanced and vibrant. And the cocktail program is inventive. Currently ranked #1 on my list of good food in Appleton.

Positively wonderful. We had never been here before and the staff were so informative and friendly. From the coconut water to the crispy quail, everything was f... read more Positively wonderful. We had never been here before and the staff were so informative and friendly. From the coconut water to the crispy quail, everything was fantastic. “Mom” as they call the owner was very hands on and came to check on us a couple times and give us great information on how to enjoy the food authentically (like how to eat the quail bones! . This is clearly a well run establishment with an owner that cares about her employees and guests.

The atmosphere is super laid back and chill. The Vietnamese and Thai menu is delicious! The restaurant is very clean, and the staff makes you feel right at home... read more The atmosphere is super laid back and chill. The Vietnamese and Thai menu is delicious! The restaurant is very clean, and the staff makes you feel right at home. My favorite place to eat Thai food in the Fox Vaeyb

The beef from the mansa was incredibly cheap not even the curry that comes with it could override the flavour however, the nuggets are so very delicious so that... read more The beef from the mansa was incredibly cheap not even the curry that comes with it could override the flavour however, the nuggets are so very delicious so that saved it from a 2/5 stars to a 3/5 stars. The purple drink I had (I can't remember the name) really didn't taste like anything but lime juice so that was a 2/10, being generous. The entrance was quite notably the worst, confusing and out of place to say the least. A pretty decent waiting area and really nice atmosphere only complaint here is the music they chose to play, I feel like an instrumental would be the best option instead on hip-hop music in a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant. Overall a 3/5 stars, it's decent but I probably wouldn't go there again.

Lunch with my daughter. Just the best food and atmosphere and service. Crab Rangoon, fried rice, Thai iced tea. So good!!! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 read more Lunch with my daughter. Just the best food and atmosphere and service. Crab Rangoon, fried rice, Thai iced tea. So good!!! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Amazing and special food. The type of cooking that’s got that extra soul or spirit that goes beyond the ingredients. I love the classics but love even more the... read more Amazing and special food. The type of cooking that’s got that extra soul or spirit that goes beyond the ingredients. I love the classics but love even more the chefs new takes and creations. Great service even in a busy setting. Destination spot. Order the whole menu. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $20–30

The food at this restaurant is amazing! I definitely recommend checking it out. However, I'm a bit confused because every time we pass by, regardless of the tim... read more The food at this restaurant is amazing! I definitely recommend checking it out. However, I'm a bit confused because every time we pass by, regardless of the time, it appears to be closed or there are no cars parked outside. Overall, I would rate the food a 4, the service a 3, and the atmosphere a 3.

**Dining Experience:** Dinner **Price Range:** $20–30 per person **Food Quality:** 5/5 **Service:** 5/5 **Atmosphere:** 5/5 I had an incredible dinin... read more **Dining Experience:** Dinner **Price Range:** $20–30 per person **Food Quality:** 5/5 **Service:** 5/5 **Atmosphere:** 5/5 I had an incredible dining experience at this restaurant. The food was outstanding, deserving a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Every dish was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The service was equally remarkable, with attentive and friendly staff who made us feel truly welcomed throughout our meal. The atmosphere was just right—inviting and pleasant, offering an ideal backdrop for a wonderful dinner. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for an exceptional dining experience!

From the refreshing coconut water to the main course, everything was fantastic! Vegetarian options: There’s an abundance of vegetarian and vegan selections, mak... read more From the refreshing coconut water to the main course, everything was fantastic! Vegetarian options: There’s an abundance of vegetarian and vegan selections, making it easy to place an order. Service: Dine-in. Meal type: Dinner. Price per person: $10–20. Ratings: Food: 5/5, Service: 5/5, Atmosphere: 4/5.

Passing by for business stay, sorry but you guys are not authentic and I should have noticed it’s catered to just white people taste buds. There was no Asian ex... read more Passing by for business stay, sorry but you guys are not authentic and I should have noticed it’s catered to just white people taste buds. There was no Asian except me lmao! I gave it a 2 star because i appreciated the waitress being honest about the flavoring and the authentic spice are not added. Pleas don’t call it authentic when you don’t have all the ingredients in there. Also I asked for medium hot spice and I got black pepper level. I had to get pepper flakes on the side and even that was not hot. It’s definitely not an Asian restaurant due to not being authentic and lack of ingredients. We Asian, please have real ingredients like the fermented spice if you gonna call it Lao papaya salad! LolIn response to your comment, I did ask what was in your papaya salad and it was from your waitress that it did not come with fish sauce or fermented ingredients which is why I choose to order the masaman curry, I’ve had Indian style before and it’s made with high spice level. You said I could have asked for chili oil or Birds Eye pepper but as I look around there was nothing in my visual that made me assume you had it. Nah, if you are 100% Lao fermented and other ingredients should be in there. Good luck!

EXCELLENT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more EXCELLENT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Try the Laab! read more Try the Laab!

I was quite disappointed with the beef from the mansa; even the accompanying curry couldn't really improve its flavor. On the other hand, the nuggets were absol... read more I was quite disappointed with the beef from the mansa; even the accompanying curry couldn't really improve its flavor. On the other hand, the nuggets were absolutely delicious, which helped me raise my rating from 2/5 stars to 3/5 stars. The purple drink I ordered (the name escapes me) mostly tasted like lime juice, and I’d give it a low 2/10 as a generous assessment. The entrance was definitely the weakest part of the experience, feeling confusing and out of place. On a positive note, the waiting area was decent, and the overall atmosphere was quite pleasant. My only issue with the ambiance was the music; I believe instrumental melodies would be a better choice for a Thai/Vietnamese restaurant than hip-hop. In summary, I’d rate it 3/5 stars—it's acceptable, but I probably won’t be returning.

I absolutely adore the food at Basil Cafe! It truly serves the best Thai and Laotian cuisine I've ever tasted. For the past four years, it's been my favorite re... read more I absolutely adore the food at Basil Cafe! It truly serves the best Thai and Laotian cuisine I've ever tasted. For the past four years, it's been my favorite restaurant, even though I have to drive an hour round trip to get there. However, over the last year, I've noticed a significant decrease in their portion sizes while their prices keep increasing. Moreover, the prices listed online are lower than what they actually charge in the restaurant. Due to these changes, I've decided not to return. With additional charges for items that were once included and the small portions leaving me unsatisfied, it's simply not worth it anymore.

The food and drinks were exceptional, showing great care in their preparation. The Tom Yum soup was simply fantastic! The diligent staff were not only helpful b... read more The food and drinks were exceptional, showing great care in their preparation. The Tom Yum soup was simply fantastic! The diligent staff were not only helpful but also extremely welcoming. They truly saved the day during what could have been an awkward moment, and I’m incredibly thankful for their assistance.