Thai Basil - Madison

I had been wanting to try this restaurant since it opened, and while I had moderate expectations, it completely exceeded them. It truly is a hidden gem. The qua... read more I had been wanting to try this restaurant since it opened, and while I had moderate expectations, it completely exceeded them. It truly is a hidden gem. The quality of the ingredients was exceptional—very fresh—and you can tell they put a lot of love into the preparation. They offer a great mix of classic dishes alongside some unique options. We leaned towards the sweeter and spicier items on the menu. The atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant; we've returned several times and particularly enjoy sitting at the back to watch the chefs at work. The real standout is the staff—they're genuinely nice people who clearly care about the restaurant and its patrons.

After the renovation, the atmosphere has become inviting and relaxing. We ordered the Cashew Chicken and KRA PROW MOO KROB (Spicy Pork). The chicken was merely... read more After the renovation, the atmosphere has become inviting and relaxing. We ordered the Cashew Chicken and KRA PROW MOO KROB (Spicy Pork). The chicken was merely boiled and not very flavorful (3/5), although the gravy was quite good. The pork, on the other hand, was fried beautifully and was crispy (5/5). The portion sizes were generous, and I should note that they serve rice with every gravy dish. The hostess was incredibly helpful. Overall, I would rate the food a solid 4/5.

I visited this restaurant for dinner with a few friends, and it was our first experience since they recently relocated to University Ave. The ambiance was pleas... read more I visited this restaurant for dinner with a few friends, and it was our first experience since they recently relocated to University Ave. The ambiance was pleasant—clean and spacious. The waitress was attentive and friendly, which was a nice touch. Unfortunately, the food was quite bland. I ordered the Spicy Basil, which came with a side of rice. It tasted similar to a typical stir-fry from a fast-food Chinese place, but it was very lightly seasoned. It was decent, but not remarkable, especially for $18, depending on the meat choice. I expected the portions to be a bit larger. My friend ordered the Jungle Curry, and it was very plain with little curry flavor; it seemed like there might have been too much coconut milk or water. That dish was also $18. A couple of other friends tried the pad kra pao and steamed chicken, which they enjoyed, so it seems like some dishes are better received than others. The menu is extensive, with many items sounding appealing, though it would have been helpful to have more photos to visualize the dishes. Overall, the experience was just average.

Awesome Thai spot, and a mainstay for me. Food is excellent, prices are low, portions are big, service is great, atmosphere is nice. read more Awesome Thai spot, and a mainstay for me. Food is excellent, prices are low, portions are big, service is great, atmosphere is nice.

Very, very close taste to the authentic Thai food. The service was superb. Spicy level is still on the Midwest's standard, so ask for extra chilies if you reall... read more Very, very close taste to the authentic Thai food. The service was superb. Spicy level is still on the Midwest's standard, so ask for extra chilies if you really want it spicy.