Basil Thai Urbana
701 S Gregory St, Urbana, IL, 61803
Basil Thai Urbana Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Urbana for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Urbana for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Urbana for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
701 S Gregory St
Urbana, IL, 61803 - Phone (217) 344-8662
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
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Andrea B.
Every dish I've ever had from here has been excellent. My favorite is the Peanut Sauce Lover, for obvious reasons. I always ask for no onions, and for a place where it is kind of ridiculous to request that, they have never complained and have always left them out. It is a bit expensive, so I go there when I'm looking for a treat.
(4)Angela K.
Dear Basil Thai, here is a business tip: this group of 9 people that I just brought in is not the only large group I will ever take out to lunch. By making me wait for my itemized receipt while you (repeatedly) checked out single diners, you are telling me that you value their business more than mine. I will not trouble you with my business in the future, as you appear to be unprepared and unwelcoming to university (business) diners.
(2)Max V.
I went there with a friend and was kinda broke at the time so I only had the beef fried rice, but it was pretty good. From what I could tell, the rest of the patrons there seemed to be enjoying their meals as well. There's not much in terms of service or atmosphere and it's not really inexpensive either. Basil Thai isn't a restaurant I'd seek out if I'm looking for a great place to eat, but if you're in the mood for Thai food and you're in the area I'd recommend it. Otherwise I'd look elsewhere.
(3)Deanna C.
Definitely my place of choice to get some good Thai food on campus. I usually go for the Pad Thai or Pad See Ewe with chicken, but their other noodle dishes as well with their curries and rice dishes are also tasty. There is also a good selection for if you are vegetarian (you can replace any of the meat with tofu or mixed vegetables). Can't say I'm a big fan of their noodle soups though - I find them kind of bland. Price-wise, at $6/$7 a dish, it costs approximately the same as if you were to grab lunch on Green St., but this is definitely the place to go to sit back, relax, catch up with friends, study, etc. while grabbing a bite to eat if you have some extra time. While they do tend to err on the greasy side, I have never been dissatisfied with an order, and their friendly service coupled with the clean, open decor (much nicer than their sister location on Green St.) is very refreshing compared to many of the grungy feeling restaurants/cafes around campus and keeps me coming back.
(4)Rachel S.
I won't sugarcoat: the food here is just dreadful. It's a real shame to consider this real Thai food. On top of that, the service is pretty lousy. Trust me, you will get better food at Wendys.
(1)Tuyen T.
Stopped by this weekend while visiting some friends for Unofficial weekend. I got a Pad Kee Mao with beef. It was okay tasting, not the best I had though. There was plenty of noodles, but I didn't think there was enough veggies or meat. The price is decent though. And they are pretty quick about getting the food done. The cashier guy couldn't understand what I was saying when I wanted to get a bottle of water. Just be nice and patient.
(3)Dana B.
This place is bloody awful. I went here one time my freshman year at UIUC and ordered their specialty- basil chicken (with fellow yelper Dan T who reviewed this location as well). The dish was pricey at $8 dollars a plate, but I was willing to give something different a try. Instead, when I received my order I got vegetables with ground up chicken bits that were about the size of the beef you would find in ground beef. I was immensely disappointed so I went up to the front counter to ask for a refund as this is not the dish I expected it to be. Instead, in Engrish, the manager said to me, "you already pay. No refund." Uhm, excuse me?!?! If I paid for something and was unsatisfied, shouldn't I receive a fair refund? Not for this place apparently. Avoid at all costs and go somewhere else!
(1)William R.
Peanut Sauce Lover, Pork, Extra Spicy - it's the best and I can't find it anywhere else! Almost worth the road trip...
(5)Brent S.
Basil Thai has fast service, moderately cheap food, and a plain no-nonsense decor. There is no table service: diners order and pay up front, choose a seat, then the meal is brought to the table when it is ready The dishes, of which I've had a broad sampling, are prepared to order using fresh, cuisine-appropriate ingredients. My only complaint is that they seemed to have lightened up on the seasonings in my favorite dishes since they moved to Urbana. However, they provide fish sauce, soy sauce, and hot chile sauce for those who want to dress it up a bit. In spite of the plain decor I've given this restaurant four stars because it succeeds in being what it is-- a fast, fresh, tasty presentation of Thai food. I'd like to address a comment from other reviewers regarding the use of ground chicken in their Basil Chicken (one of my favorite dishes). Like it or not, ground chicken *is* appropriate in that dish; I make it at home using authentic recipes and that is what is called for. Furthermore, cuisines the world 'round feature ground meat, often but not exclusively in the form of sausage. To rant about ground meat, though mildly humorous, shows a distinct lack of familiarity with food in general and this Thai dish in particular. But I suppose that is one of the hazards of user-submitted reviews.
(4)Chelsea V.
If someone were to ask for a recommendation for Thai food in Champaign-Urbana, I would not send them here. That said, this is usually where I go when I'm looking to get Thai on campus. The staff is always extremely nice and the prices are not terrible. The food is not the best, but it's always edible (by college student standards, at least). The main issue I have with their food is the overwhelming greasy-ness. I've never had a pad thai so oily and "fried" tasting. It's good, but it's heavy. And it's not what I'd consider "pad thai", rather some sort of Basil Thai original creation. The other noodle dishes are all the same way. The main dishes with rice are better, but still nothing memorable. Salads are absolutely not recommended, with greasy meat thrown on top of chopped iceberg lettuce. I have heard good things about the soup, but never tried it myself. What I have enjoyed is their curries. I can't remember which specific one I got, but it is the only thing I remember ordering there that I felt fit in with all the other Thai food I've eaten in my life. The Urbana location is a nice place to sit and eat-in as well, as opposed to the one on Green Street which is far less classy.
(3)Jo B.
The Garlic Pork is very good. My family picks this as one of their favorite places to eat.
(4)Teej T.
Basil Thai would not make any one's top ten Thai list if they included places outside of C-U, but it's well worth a stop if you 're hungry in the area. The space is a bit sparse, yet it's pleasantly decorated. Decent is the watchword for Basil Thai. The place feels like a gussied up cafeteria with nice little touches. The curry was...okay. It was my fault for trying to be super manly and ordering it as extra spicy, and they delivered, but of course that obscured the full range of the curry's flavor for me. And I went through four glasses of water. But that's how things go. So if you've learned anything from this review, please remember: Basil Thai is decent, and masculinity is not safely garnered by eating super spicy stuff.
(3)Dan T.
I'm not the type of person who lets one bad experience ruin a restaurant, I know that sometimes people make mistakes and running a restaurant can't be easy. I went here 3 TIMES, and every time something bad happened. First time I went here, food was good if not expensive, but immediately afterwards I felt a sharp pain of sickness to my stomach. Let's end the story there. Second time, food was alright with no "incidents" until my friend discovered a long black hair in his food. That's flavour country! OK, so it's one hair - NOPE, there's another friendly hair in his food! The guy working there refuses to give a refund, only offering more of the same food that had made my friend feel like throwing up after his nice discovery. Good business! OK, Basil Thai - you get one more try. I go there and my other friend orders Basil Chicken which is made with "ground chicken." Upon receiving the order, we notice the chicken is "ground" into pieces of the size of bacon bits, not to mention there was barely any of these "chicken bits." So, we ask for more chicken, since it's a chicken dish, and the same douchebag refuses, saying we should pay for more chicken and that it's "our fault" for not reading the description. He refuses to give a refund because "we already paid for it." What the fuck? How exactly would you get a refund if you haven't paid for something in the first place? Genius! No reason to go here, if you crave Thai food - make it yourself and save yourself assholish service and high prices.
(1)Sarah E.
The food was quickly served and service was nice, but the food was a little eh. Had Pad Thai (eh) and Pad Kee Mao (spicy, but lacked significant protein). Easy spot close to campus, but there are probably better Thai places around the area.
(3)Michelle K.
This is a nostalgic review, since I used to live in the Gregory Place apartments above the restaurant and ate here ALLLLL the TIIIIIIIIIIME. And I really only have experience eating the chicken pad thai, so I can't speak too confidently about their other menu items. Nevertheless, I give them a solid 4 stars. Sure, their Engrish is not so good, and apparently they have a no-refund policy even when customers are furious (although one time, I asked for chicken pad thai and they misunderstood me and gave me chicken satay, and they quickly corrected their mistake when I said something and they didn't charge me, so it hasn't happened to me). It's quick, it's cheap, it's delicious, and it's guaranteed to cure your hangover. And the restaurant space is white, bright, and pretty! Sitting by the window is perfect for people-watching.
(4)ariel g.
My husband tried to change his order literally thirty seconds after he placed it and was told it was too late. When he went to pick up our food, the soup I had specifically requested be spicy was NOT spicy at all and they packaged it up totally carelessly so that most of it spilled out on the way home. When he told them he was never, ever coming back there because of his bad experience, they just shrugged. Since I'm currently home sick and most places are closing and I need spicy soup in order to live through the night I am seriously considering plastering their windows with fliers that say 'FUCKING RUDE ASSHOLES WITH BAD SOUP' after my recovery from the flu. Obviously, this is totally fucking unacceptable and extremely bad business. I order a ridiculous amount of thai food and will never be back to this place - this is my karmic retribution for trying to stray from Siam Terrace.
(1)Nevo B.
I really like their food but the price is a bit high for what you get. Golden Wok has much better value.
(2)Heather T.
You are a solid place, Basil Thai. I am glad that you exist, particularly because you give the student population (read: not me) a decent Thai eatery. That's nice of you. Basil Thai, I walked in at Noon--the height of your busy time--but you just keep churning right through the line. People were getting their food quickly and no one looked dissatisfied. Granted, the harried girl taking orders did order me to WAIT UNTIL I GET MY SODA (I was waiting, mind you, I'd just stepped to the side for the next person to order), it was still all okay. The food was really nothing to write home about, though. The tofu was a little smushy for my liking (I know, I know. "It's tofu, Heather, is it supposed to be crunchy?"), and while it was spicy enough, it lacked flavor....given that it was red curry. I was happy with the amount of veggies you put in, though, Basil Thai. Thanks for an a-okay meal.
(3)The P.
Food was really bad -- they slather everything in corn syrup, so its incredibly sweet. I ordered the Pad Thai and didn't finish it.
(2)Sarah H.
I've only ever gotten one thing here, Pad Kee Mao. First time I got it, I'd been up until 3 (flight got delayed from OHare), had a med school interview at 9, and didn't eat much the whole day. I was exhausted and had no idea where to eat. I wandered around for a while, pausing at manolo's pizza and empañadas, before finding myself staring at BTU's vast menu. I needed something noodley and filling. I ordered the pad kee mao with chicken and walked back to the illini union, where I was staying. I opened the rectangular styrofoam container to find it packed completely full of noodles (this was right after they opened, since then they have raised the prices a tiny bit and the portions are a little smaller). They were greasy, and saucy, and there were a lot of vegetables (good ones too! broccoli, carrots, bell pepper). It was exactly what I needed. The chicken wasn't the best quality.. I haven't ordered it again. I've switched to the vegetables and tofu, which is much better. This is my go-to place when I'm feeling super hungry or a little under the weather. For $7 I get noodley goodness that perfectly fills my tummy! A tip: I think that when you order to-go you get a slightly larger portion than when you eat at the restaurant.
(4)Melissa M.
This location is much nicer than the one in Champaign- better lighting, a decent ambiance, and table service. Its a particular favorite for groups because you pay up front and don't need to worry about splitting the bill. The quality of food really depends on what you order. Chicken, except for the satay, is typically not high quality. Beef is the better choice if you like meat. Vegetarian dishes are quite good here though and they do use a lot of vegetables I like such as zucchini and bell pepper. I like the curries and they are pretty spicy, but lack a certain complexity in flavor present at other Thai places. The only truly atrocious curry, which you should avoid, is the panang, which is almost like vegetables in a thick sauce rather than a curry. Besides the curries, I love the Thai veggie egg roll appetizer- noodles and vegetables rolled in a rice pancake. Beats Chinese egg rolls any day. Unfortunately the spring rolls are not so good. They are assembled bizarrely so you can't really eat them without seeming just a little rude as they fall apart in your hands and you are forced to gobble each piece in one giant bite. The peanut spring rolls are the worst offender, as they are both improperly assembled and drenched in a sweet sticky sauce. Not the best Thai food, but a good choice for groups and vegetarians. Just to warn you, but their tray system is idiotic. You clear your own tray and the rack you put them on doesn't fit the trays well. Glass breakage and embarrassment ensue.
(2)Eric J.
If you're looking for a go-to thai place in CU or have never had thai food before then this is the place for you. Prices are right at the sweet spot of 6-11 dollars per dish. Whatever you order I recommend you have a glass of Thai Iced Coffee with it.
(4)Jerry S.
While there were some negative reviews, we assumed that the largely Asian clientele would a good sign. Nope! it's been years since we have had Thai food this bad. The chicken was at best dark meat, at worse - cat. I have not had Tom Yum soup screwed up until this place. Yuck!
(1)Alex C.
Quick. Good. Cheap. Pretty large menu. They used to have a location on Green street, but it wasn't as popular.
(4)Christa S.
Really great Pad-Thai! Clean restaurant and friendly service.
(4)Nathan D.
By non-CU standards, this is perfectly reasonable Thai food in a pleasant order at-the-counter setting. By CU standards, it's the best Asian place in town near as I can tell; it's better than Siam Terrace, anyway. Prices are reasonable, and the vegetarian dishes (which is all I've had) have many vegetables not just no meat. One weakness: they are sadly lacking an eggplant dish.
(4)Erin M.
I agree, way nicer decor than the vaguely scummy-looking one in Champaign. The price is right, but the food is extremely hit-or-miss - the fried tofu tends to be leathery, and everything I've ever ordered that came with a non-curry sauce has managed to be both bland and cloyingly sweet. The curries make up for it, but make sure you order it about twice as spicy as you think you should.
(3)Katie A.
I was prepared for mediocrity after reading the reviews, but was quite pleased, even surprised. I ordered a new menu item they had on a white board by the register. I can't remember what it was called, but it was very tasty! I got the dish with beef and my friend got it with tofu. She said the tofu was cooked well, and my beef was also very good. The sauce was flavorful, not too salty, and the vegetables were cooked nicely.
(4)Tianyuan Z.
The service is good. Like the pad Thai with ground chicken and veggie& tofu red curry. Prefer 4-star spicy.
(4)David W.
Alright, Sorry, but I would have to not recommend coming to this place. The problem with it is that 1) the portions are so small for such a mediocre price range, the couple times I've been the curry just has not been very good. I've ordered the Pad Thai and well, it's been alright, but the beef was overcooked, and honestly Golden Wok is pretty much a better padthai / pad see ew place.
(2)Ke Y.
Food is not bad. But staff is not friendly. Closed at 9:30 pm, but take out only after 9.
(1)Bhargav N.
I first discovered Basil Thai freshman year at the University, when I lived at Allen Hall. I'd eat there on weekends with friends before we headed out to hang out and have fun. The first dish I ordered there, Pad See Ewe, I instantly became a fan of. It remains unchanged on their menu, which keeps me going. For the price of their entrees (~$7), you're bound to leave the place happy and content. The thai iced tea, while a bit on the expensive side, is also a treat with any meal. Unfortunately it's price and the lack of free refills (~$2) makes me feel a bit unsatisfied. It's certainly not the best thai food I've had, but it's definitely not the worst either. I remain a fan.
(4)Hans H.
Don't know why all the hate, it's good cheap thai food. Don't get their peanut sauce dishes, and definitely don't get the spring rolls--they are not the vietnamese spring rolls you might be used to. Stick to the popular dishes and you'll be fine. Their sliced beef noodle soup is just as good as it was 6 years ago.
(3)Sarah B.
Going to a new lunch restaurant is always a stressful event but the woman who took my order was so helpful. She had a good sense of what gluten was and what I couldn't eat but to be certain she brought out all of the ingredients that go into the sauces of the pad thai (which I expressed interest in) and let me check everything! I asked for the dish with zero spicy-ness and it ended up being a bit too sweet. The portion was huge and aside from the sweetness it was delicious and better yet definitely celiac safe!! I'll definitely be going back to try some other dishes.
(4)Srijan S.
This is pretty good Thai food. I usually have the Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken Satay, both of which are prepared very well. The ambiance is something they could work on a little. As of now, the seating area is very simple.
(4)Michelle L.
Came here for lunch with my sisters and a close friend. Most of us ordered pad thai and I ordered a pad see ew because it's my favorite. I was surprised that they didn't ask me for a spicy-ness level because I like my food spicy. Food came out fairly quickly and the staff was very friendly. I liked their pad thai but the pad see ew was a disappointment... I ended up eating my sisters food instead and barely ate my pad see ew. So I would recommend just getting their popular dishes (there's a page in their menu for popular items) because their other dishes are not up to par..
(3)Sarah T.
I'm sorry. I see all the good reviews on here, but I just can't agree. My food was cold, bland and overall yuck. They had it in the picture with fresh herbs and veggies, but I didn't get any of that with mine. So I felt ripped off. The coffee and tea are the only things I will order again. I have been 3 times and I'm just not impressed. Having been to a few thai places, this is my least favorite. Sorry guys. But this place needs an upgrade.
(1)Kenan T.
Place went downhill since it first opened. Got the chicken pad thai to go. The employee didn't ask for spice level (I forgot to specify) and food was bland, no lime, no spices, only cabbage, onion, tofu (small bits), small amount of egg and chicken. Glad I at least got some crushed peanuts. Could have asked if I wanted it spicy and threw in a slice of lime...neither the quality nor the amount was worth the $9.80 I paid. Employees are nice, place is clean. Food was better when they had first opened. I will give it one more midwestern try in the future.
(2)Jessica K.
I love Basil Thai. It's a bit a ways from Green Street but I'd trek here for Thai over Bangkok Thai. That said, Basil doesn't belong in the better Thai food category. But it's pretty damn good. A bit too salty, but I love it for being dry rather than sloppy. The only thing that nags me is that their alleged rewards program is... nonexistent? They advertise one... and I eat here a lot and would love to participate, but they seem to have no idea what I'm talking about when I point to the rewards program sign/they're always out of rewards cards............
(3)Tanvi V.
I work nearby and needed something quick for dinner, so I decided to stop in again. It was a bit more expensive than I remembered it being at $9.80 for a tofu pad thai. You can definitely get a larger portion for a lower price elsewhere. Also, be sure to specify the spice level!!!! I forgot to mention that I would have liked my pad thai to be spicy, and the person taking my order never asked, so I guess they made it as mild as possible...which was pretty bland. I had to add some sauce of my own to add flavor. I was hoping to have a better experience at my second visit, but I guess I should have known better. It's very possible that their other items are better, but I have not had any luck with their most popular dish, the pad thai.
(2)Rachael C.
Don't do it. We were sorely disappointed. I love me some panang curry- this tasted nothing resembling panang curry. The service was abominably slow for a place where you order at the counter. My husband had sweet and sour chicken - or at least that's what they called it. There are better places in town with better food, service and prices.
(1)cookie m.
Unpleasantly surprised by the mushiness of my pad Thai. I've never had bad pad Thai before. A little pricey (over $9) for such untasty food. Abrupt service, but it came out quickly and is convenient for study grub.
(1)Sara G.
I have only ever had the tom yum soup and a couple of appetizers, but they were all delicious! I love everything about this place except that you bus your own table. Cleaning up after myself is not the problem- other peoples messes are. Usually they get cleaned up quickly, but not always. Overall, I would recommend.
(4)Julie K.
I have given Basil Thai a fair chance, eating there half a dozen times even though I don't think the food is excellent. All the stir fry's taste the same. The rice is good. Noodle soup servings are on the smaller side. The service is horrible. It basically comes down to cultural differences. The customer is almost never right. My last trip, my friend and I decided to share a dish. I asked for extra rice. I opened up the menu to the list of "sides", pointed at it, and said "extra jasmine rice". The cashier wrote our order on the receipt and wrote something in Thai under our. I assumed it was an extra plate of rice. Our order came with one plate. I told the Hispanic server that we didn't get our extra rice. He nodded and went away. It was apparent the rice wasn't coming, so I talked to another lady at the counter. She said I had to pay for the rice. I said I had ordered it. She said I didn't. We figured out that the cashier thought I wanted MORE rice (we didn't get more than a normal serving though), not a separate side order of rice. This misunderstanding is fine, but she insisted I pay for the rice. Rice is very cheap! It wasn't my fault the cashier didn't understand my order for "extra rice". I was turned off by the whole exchange. To top it off, the rice we had and were eating had a small strand of hair in it! On our way out, I told the cashier that I found hair in our rice. I thought they should know. The lady didn't respond at all to me. She just turned around and walked into the kitchen. If you want excellent Thai food and good service, go to Nitaya in downtown Champaign instead.
(1)Joseph P.
The restaurant itself is well decorated and very clean. It is located on the border if Urbana and Champaign, which may be a little far for some students. However, there is always a dinner rush. That itself speaks volume of it's food quality. The speed of which they prepare your food is pretty fast, considering how each dish is freshly made. Though it may appear slightly princely compare to other restaurants on UIUC campus, it is well worth the extra dollar or two, especially if you like spicy Asian cuisine. I almost always get their Thai ice tea, which still taste sweet upon dilution with a cup if water. My personal favorite is their Tom Yum noodle soups since I am a sucker for noodle soups. Their deserts are also delicate in comparison to other places nearby and will not disappoint! I highly recommend coming here!
(4)Meredith S.
I won't say this place has amazing Thai food, but it's cheap and quick and good. I like the peanut sauce lover's dish, as well as their curry. And try the pad kee mao! Come here when you're craving Thai but don't feel like going fancy. You'll be satisfied, if not overly pleased.
(4)William W.
We were in Urbana for our son's violin lesson, and decided to stop here. I'm frankly in no hurry to come back. This is a very "do it yourself" sort of place. I'd rate the service, but the only thing exceptional about it was its absence. You order and pay up front and bus your own table, which is kind of at odds with the menu and prices. I ordered the Mussamun curry, which is my favorite Thai dish. I've never been disappointed until today. It was weirdly tangy, and missing both the sweetness and spiciness I generally expect. My wife enjoyed her Pad Thai, but it tasted really oily to me, with too much cabbage. There's no kids' menu, so we had to improvise. We got them chicken fried rice to share. Funny enough, this was far and away the best dish we tasted tonight. It was legitimately good, and about the only thing saving it from 1-star. It's disappointing... I expected to get much better Thai food in Champaign/Urbana than I get in Bloomington.
(2)Samantha L.
The classic Pad Thai is really good (and makes excellent leftovers), some people say it is a little sweet and it is but still really tasty. The thai tea with milk though is super delicious, I recommend everyone try it!
(4)Jason Z.
Best restaurant in Urbana. Because of the fried rice! Every fried rice is great here. I love the pine Apple fried rice.
(5)Samuel L.
If you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner, I would recommend this place. It's not the best restaurant on campus but fairly good to try out. I would recommend the bail fried rice or any fried noodles.
(3)Yanhua S.
Food is okay. Relatively cheap and also quick. Location is good within walk distance for a lot of department
(3)Anna W.
Pretty lack-luster on all fronts and not worth the trip. I've eaten here probably a dozen times as it's close to where I work, but it's always a disappointment. Depressing atmosphere that smells strongly of the Subway next door. It's not particularly appetizing, unless you're really into subway (and in that case, just go to the subway). Be prepared to wait for a long time for your food during peak hours--despite being a walk up and order kind of place, it's definitely not fast food. Curry is the worst with very little flavor. Pad Thai is so oily. Two high points: Cashew chicken and vegetable noodle soup. The veggie noodle soup is bland (kind of my expectation for noodle soup...) but it's reliable, filling, and cheap! And the cashew chicken has pineapple. Yum.
(2)Tunaidi A.
Basil Thai is a decent Asian eatery on campus. It's very convenient for the Urbana-side dormers or residents as it is right between the Allen and the ISR dormitories. They've got most of the staple Thai items, from the egg/spring rolls, to the pad thais/pad se-ews, to the curries and salads. Thai iced tea is always a great to-go option as well. I think Basil Thai offers quick turnaround times for your orders, convenience, and affordable prices for the college kids. It really deserves four stars if Golden Wok had not existed.
(3)Vissy R.
Complicated promotion stamps make people annoyed. You have to pay by cash, with TAX, each time, to get the stamp (mostly, they don't report their cash income). I'd rather get 10% off paying by cash each time from other similar restaurants. And they reject American Express and require a minimum of $5 payment by card. Used up all these stamps today, and may not come back again.
(1)Suzanne T.
Picky American girl who spent three months in rural Thailand. I came here on a whim. I always get pad thai the 1st time I eat at a Thai place to see how they manage this standard dish. Many complaints. While I am thrilled that they actually offer spicy food (you can pick from 5 levels, I chose 4), I expect the various elements of the dish to retain individual flavors, and this dish, as served to me, failed. Every bite tasted exactly the same. Egg tasted like tofu tasted like carrot tasted like broccoli. No lime came with it. This is an order at the counter place with no table service once they bring your food so I had to get up and ask. There were ground peanuts on my plate, but despite a table offering the traditional granulated sugar, hot green peppers, and a red hot pepper sauce, there was no option for more ground peanut. The tofu was cut into tiny bits which made them hard to find. The veggies on the other hand were roughly cut and much larger. Cooked well, though. Texture was right, but all one flavor. Once I was able to squeeze lime juice on it the meal improved somewhat, but I really didn't want to eat this once I took first few bites. I actually wondered where the last homeless person I saw was so I could pass this on. I'm taking the leftovers to go. Maybe I'll update this to say what I do with them. I expect they'll end up in the garbage. Disappointed.
(3)Zach C.
Mediocre restaurant for the wait...ordered takeout Pad Thai and had to wait 20 minutes. Be warned.
(2)Paige M.
I discovered Basil Thai on a visit to UIUC in high school. At the time, I was just getting into Thai food, so I had very little experience with it. I got the pad thai and thought, "Wow this is really good!" Well, over the years, I've eaten a lot more Thai food and my opinion of Basil Thai has gone down. But don't get me wrong, I'm not a Thai food elitist (I save that for sushi) and I still do enjoy eating here. I used to only get the pad thai here, but now my go-to dish is one of the salads, yum moo I believe it's called. Lots of lettuce, topped with thinly sliced pork, with a delicious and somewhat spicy dressing. I definitely recommend it. I've sampled other dishes as well, and they're all pretty tasty. Not the best Thai I've had, but I still keep going back. It helps that it's cheap! In general, I've always had a good experience here. The food is made relatively quickly and it's always come as I've ordered. I've come a few times with large groups (12-14 people) and it's actually pretty nice to not have to deal with waiter service. There's no wait for a table (assuming you can push some together, but you usually can) and no issues with getting separate checks or dealing with tips. If you're looking for top of the line Thai food, you should probably keep looking. But if you're looking for a quick Thai fix, definitely give Basil Thai a try.
(4)Sarah B.
I go to this place with my friends all the time. :) My favorite dish is their Lad Nar with beef, and I always get a glass of their Thai iced tea.
(4)Stephanie D.
I really love to eat at Basil Thai. I could eat here several times a week. Tom Yum Noodle soup with vegetables and tofu is simply delicious. I love Pad Kee Mao and many other dishes
(5)Shantanu D.
I ordered the Pad Thai here. While the food was by no means awful, it certainly was not the best Thai food I have had. Frankly, the food tasted somewhat bland.
(3)Eli H.
So good and so cheap. Only downside is that you have to bus your own tables, but that comes with any college town restaurant. I recommend the pad see ew.
(4)Tim B.
Good place because its easy to find a table here. I order rice and curry dishes which are good. My girlfriend orders thai dishes and likes them. She is thai and likes the place because it reminds her of her mom's cooking. The dishes are average priced and sometimes the lunch rush is crazy.
(4)Tina C.
AWFUL. I used to go here as an undergrad and recently paid them a visit. I was going to Krannert for a play and was running a bit late for a full fledge sit down restaurant, and I thought Basil Thai would be a fair compromise given their proximity and relatively quick serve. I ordered their Massaman Curry and it was just plain awful. The rice was cooked too long and was on it way to becoming congee. The curry itself was tasteless, way too salty, and over spiced to the point of being bitter. The pork was over cooked. I took about two bites and tossed the entire thing. Complete waste of like $9.
(1)Lauren C.
I loved the pad thai from this place. It was little too saucy, but the taste was awesome. And I love the amount of peanuts you got with this. They were a little expensive, so that's why I took away one star. Good place to go for lunch though. I frequented this place a lot when I worked at UIUC. The decor is also really cool and they definitely have a lot of room for people to sit inside.
(4)I M.
I love this place! I remember I used to come here for Thai food at least once a week. I bet my roommate thought I was a little too crazy, haha. I tried their curry dishes before but they weren't my cup of tea. Pad See Ewe with chicken was one of my favorites during freshman year. Ever since then, I would order their Pad Kra Paow (sp?) with chicken, which is the basil chicken (ground). The portion is very good in my opinion - one order would normally last me two meals. I *always* order my food from there with 2 stars when it comes to spiciness. I love my food spicy! No Thai restaurants in Chicago makes their Pad Kra Paow like them! I've tried at least 7 different restaurants already and it disappoints me every time. Sometimes I feel like driving at least 2 hours down to Chambana *just* for this dish. The wait is not too bad but if it's during lunch time, it can get pretty ugly. Grab one of their menu, phone in your order, and get it to-go so you won't have to wait more than 10 minutes for your meal. I used to call in a lot and pick it up when I walk in. Also, they do cater food so make sure you ask them about that. I took my siblings and 2 friends here post-graduation. I did call in beforehand to reserve a table. They're pretty good with this! They have another restaurant on Green St. but I think the food tastes a lot better here. I believe they have the same owner for these two Thai restaurants on campus.
(5)Vivian W.
This is the place to go if you're looking for a depressing atmosphere and an excuse to miss class because you're too busy nursing your GI tract. It's a cafeteria style 'restaurant' (I use that term loosely), with cleaning carts visible stacked in the dining area. The food in my opinion is overpriced, overcooked, and well dangerous to eat (I got sick after my first and only trip to this place). Not to mention the small portion size for the price you pay - I mean at most Thai places, you can get another meal out of your leftovers, but not here...I also want to mention how empty this place always is when I walk by (on my way to the Subways, or BBQ joint next door) - never a good sign.
(1)Katherine C.
Without much competition close to campus, Basil Thai is pretty much the only viable lunch-time option for students craving a bit of southeast Asia. The setup of the restaurant is obviously catered towards students; much like other campus restaurants, there is no wait staff and customers are expected to clean up their own dishes when finished. I've sampled a broad range of dishes at Basil Thai, and my favorites are the tom yum noodle soup and egg noodle/BBQ pork soup (particularly comforting in winter). While the pad thai and pad see ewe are good enough to sate a noodle craving, they are somewhat mediocre. I also dislike the tofu used in their curry dishes as it is plain cubed tofu (soft-ish and flavorless), whereas many places often choose a hearty, smokey bean curd instead. I attend student lunch meetings that are frequently catered by Basil Thai. The employees are very familiar with our group and the protocols associated with the university (including tax-exemption policies), and they now throw in free appetizers (usually fried spring rolls) when we order. Many of the complaints from other reviewers seem to be primarily associated with food poisoning and (strangely) the basil chicken. I've eaten at Basil Thai well over 50 times in the past 3 years, and I've never personally encountered food poisoning (fingers crossed?). As for the basil chicken, I am sure that there are all sorts of regional variations of this dish, but I am mostly familiar with the ground chicken version that seems so revolting to my fellow reviewers. Google a recipe for the dish and you'll see that Basil Thai isn't using ground chicken just to be offensive.
(3)A W.
Basil Thai: where good Thai goes to die. It is THAT bad, in terms of service, taste, and cost.
(1)Jes K.
Love their noodle soups and their "ice milk green" drink! Small portion size though.
(4)The P.
Food was really bad -- they slather everything in corn syrup, so its incredibly sweet. I ordered the Pad Thai and didn't finish it.
(2)ariel g.
My husband tried to change his order literally thirty seconds after he placed it and was told it was too late. When he went to pick up our food, the soup I had specifically requested be spicy was NOT spicy at all and they packaged it up totally carelessly so that most of it spilled out on the way home. When he told them he was never, ever coming back there because of his bad experience, they just shrugged. Since I'm currently home sick and most places are closing and I need spicy soup in order to live through the night I am seriously considering plastering their windows with fliers that say 'FUCKING RUDE ASSHOLES WITH BAD SOUP' after my recovery from the flu. Obviously, this is totally fucking unacceptable and extremely bad business. I order a ridiculous amount of thai food and will never be back to this place - this is my karmic retribution for trying to stray from Siam Terrace.
(1)Nevo B.
I really like their food but the price is a bit high for what you get. Golden Wok has much better value.
(2)Angela K.
Dear Basil Thai, here is a business tip: this group of 9 people that I just brought in is not the only large group I will ever take out to lunch. By making me wait for my itemized receipt while you (repeatedly) checked out single diners, you are telling me that you value their business more than mine. I will not trouble you with my business in the future, as you appear to be unprepared and unwelcoming to university (business) diners.
(2)Heather T.
You are a solid place, Basil Thai. I am glad that you exist, particularly because you give the student population (read: not me) a decent Thai eatery. That's nice of you. Basil Thai, I walked in at Noon--the height of your busy time--but you just keep churning right through the line. People were getting their food quickly and no one looked dissatisfied. Granted, the harried girl taking orders did order me to WAIT UNTIL I GET MY SODA (I was waiting, mind you, I'd just stepped to the side for the next person to order), it was still all okay. The food was really nothing to write home about, though. The tofu was a little smushy for my liking (I know, I know. "It's tofu, Heather, is it supposed to be crunchy?"), and while it was spicy enough, it lacked flavor....given that it was red curry. I was happy with the amount of veggies you put in, though, Basil Thai. Thanks for an a-okay meal.
(3)Teej T.
Basil Thai would not make any one's top ten Thai list if they included places outside of C-U, but it's well worth a stop if you 're hungry in the area. The space is a bit sparse, yet it's pleasantly decorated. Decent is the watchword for Basil Thai. The place feels like a gussied up cafeteria with nice little touches. The curry was...okay. It was my fault for trying to be super manly and ordering it as extra spicy, and they delivered, but of course that obscured the full range of the curry's flavor for me. And I went through four glasses of water. But that's how things go. So if you've learned anything from this review, please remember: Basil Thai is decent, and masculinity is not safely garnered by eating super spicy stuff.
(3)Dan T.
I'm not the type of person who lets one bad experience ruin a restaurant, I know that sometimes people make mistakes and running a restaurant can't be easy. I went here 3 TIMES, and every time something bad happened. First time I went here, food was good if not expensive, but immediately afterwards I felt a sharp pain of sickness to my stomach. Let's end the story there. Second time, food was alright with no "incidents" until my friend discovered a long black hair in his food. That's flavour country! OK, so it's one hair - NOPE, there's another friendly hair in his food! The guy working there refuses to give a refund, only offering more of the same food that had made my friend feel like throwing up after his nice discovery. Good business! OK, Basil Thai - you get one more try. I go there and my other friend orders Basil Chicken which is made with "ground chicken." Upon receiving the order, we notice the chicken is "ground" into pieces of the size of bacon bits, not to mention there was barely any of these "chicken bits." So, we ask for more chicken, since it's a chicken dish, and the same douchebag refuses, saying we should pay for more chicken and that it's "our fault" for not reading the description. He refuses to give a refund because "we already paid for it." What the fuck? How exactly would you get a refund if you haven't paid for something in the first place? Genius! No reason to go here, if you crave Thai food - make it yourself and save yourself assholish service and high prices.
(1)Sarah E.
The food was quickly served and service was nice, but the food was a little eh. Had Pad Thai (eh) and Pad Kee Mao (spicy, but lacked significant protein). Easy spot close to campus, but there are probably better Thai places around the area.
(3)Michelle K.
This is a nostalgic review, since I used to live in the Gregory Place apartments above the restaurant and ate here ALLLLL the TIIIIIIIIIIME. And I really only have experience eating the chicken pad thai, so I can't speak too confidently about their other menu items. Nevertheless, I give them a solid 4 stars. Sure, their Engrish is not so good, and apparently they have a no-refund policy even when customers are furious (although one time, I asked for chicken pad thai and they misunderstood me and gave me chicken satay, and they quickly corrected their mistake when I said something and they didn't charge me, so it hasn't happened to me). It's quick, it's cheap, it's delicious, and it's guaranteed to cure your hangover. And the restaurant space is white, bright, and pretty! Sitting by the window is perfect for people-watching.
(4)Andrea B.
Every dish I've ever had from here has been excellent. My favorite is the Peanut Sauce Lover, for obvious reasons. I always ask for no onions, and for a place where it is kind of ridiculous to request that, they have never complained and have always left them out. It is a bit expensive, so I go there when I'm looking for a treat.
(4)Tuyen T.
Stopped by this weekend while visiting some friends for Unofficial weekend. I got a Pad Kee Mao with beef. It was okay tasting, not the best I had though. There was plenty of noodles, but I didn't think there was enough veggies or meat. The price is decent though. And they are pretty quick about getting the food done. The cashier guy couldn't understand what I was saying when I wanted to get a bottle of water. Just be nice and patient.
(3)Dana B.
This place is bloody awful. I went here one time my freshman year at UIUC and ordered their specialty- basil chicken (with fellow yelper Dan T who reviewed this location as well). The dish was pricey at $8 dollars a plate, but I was willing to give something different a try. Instead, when I received my order I got vegetables with ground up chicken bits that were about the size of the beef you would find in ground beef. I was immensely disappointed so I went up to the front counter to ask for a refund as this is not the dish I expected it to be. Instead, in Engrish, the manager said to me, "you already pay. No refund." Uhm, excuse me?!?! If I paid for something and was unsatisfied, shouldn't I receive a fair refund? Not for this place apparently. Avoid at all costs and go somewhere else!
(1)William R.
Peanut Sauce Lover, Pork, Extra Spicy - it's the best and I can't find it anywhere else! Almost worth the road trip...
(5)Brent S.
Basil Thai has fast service, moderately cheap food, and a plain no-nonsense decor. There is no table service: diners order and pay up front, choose a seat, then the meal is brought to the table when it is ready The dishes, of which I've had a broad sampling, are prepared to order using fresh, cuisine-appropriate ingredients. My only complaint is that they seemed to have lightened up on the seasonings in my favorite dishes since they moved to Urbana. However, they provide fish sauce, soy sauce, and hot chile sauce for those who want to dress it up a bit. In spite of the plain decor I've given this restaurant four stars because it succeeds in being what it is-- a fast, fresh, tasty presentation of Thai food. I'd like to address a comment from other reviewers regarding the use of ground chicken in their Basil Chicken (one of my favorite dishes). Like it or not, ground chicken *is* appropriate in that dish; I make it at home using authentic recipes and that is what is called for. Furthermore, cuisines the world 'round feature ground meat, often but not exclusively in the form of sausage. To rant about ground meat, though mildly humorous, shows a distinct lack of familiarity with food in general and this Thai dish in particular. But I suppose that is one of the hazards of user-submitted reviews.
(4)Max V.
I went there with a friend and was kinda broke at the time so I only had the beef fried rice, but it was pretty good. From what I could tell, the rest of the patrons there seemed to be enjoying their meals as well. There's not much in terms of service or atmosphere and it's not really inexpensive either. Basil Thai isn't a restaurant I'd seek out if I'm looking for a great place to eat, but if you're in the mood for Thai food and you're in the area I'd recommend it. Otherwise I'd look elsewhere.
(3)Deanna C.
Definitely my place of choice to get some good Thai food on campus. I usually go for the Pad Thai or Pad See Ewe with chicken, but their other noodle dishes as well with their curries and rice dishes are also tasty. There is also a good selection for if you are vegetarian (you can replace any of the meat with tofu or mixed vegetables). Can't say I'm a big fan of their noodle soups though - I find them kind of bland. Price-wise, at $6/$7 a dish, it costs approximately the same as if you were to grab lunch on Green St., but this is definitely the place to go to sit back, relax, catch up with friends, study, etc. while grabbing a bite to eat if you have some extra time. While they do tend to err on the greasy side, I have never been dissatisfied with an order, and their friendly service coupled with the clean, open decor (much nicer than their sister location on Green St.) is very refreshing compared to many of the grungy feeling restaurants/cafes around campus and keeps me coming back.
(4)Rachel S.
I won't sugarcoat: the food here is just dreadful. It's a real shame to consider this real Thai food. On top of that, the service is pretty lousy. Trust me, you will get better food at Wendys.
(1)Chelsea V.
If someone were to ask for a recommendation for Thai food in Champaign-Urbana, I would not send them here. That said, this is usually where I go when I'm looking to get Thai on campus. The staff is always extremely nice and the prices are not terrible. The food is not the best, but it's always edible (by college student standards, at least). The main issue I have with their food is the overwhelming greasy-ness. I've never had a pad thai so oily and "fried" tasting. It's good, but it's heavy. And it's not what I'd consider "pad thai", rather some sort of Basil Thai original creation. The other noodle dishes are all the same way. The main dishes with rice are better, but still nothing memorable. Salads are absolutely not recommended, with greasy meat thrown on top of chopped iceberg lettuce. I have heard good things about the soup, but never tried it myself. What I have enjoyed is their curries. I can't remember which specific one I got, but it is the only thing I remember ordering there that I felt fit in with all the other Thai food I've eaten in my life. The Urbana location is a nice place to sit and eat-in as well, as opposed to the one on Green Street which is far less classy.
(3)Jo B.
The Garlic Pork is very good. My family picks this as one of their favorite places to eat.
(4)Sarah H.
I've only ever gotten one thing here, Pad Kee Mao. First time I got it, I'd been up until 3 (flight got delayed from OHare), had a med school interview at 9, and didn't eat much the whole day. I was exhausted and had no idea where to eat. I wandered around for a while, pausing at manolo's pizza and empañadas, before finding myself staring at BTU's vast menu. I needed something noodley and filling. I ordered the pad kee mao with chicken and walked back to the illini union, where I was staying. I opened the rectangular styrofoam container to find it packed completely full of noodles (this was right after they opened, since then they have raised the prices a tiny bit and the portions are a little smaller). They were greasy, and saucy, and there were a lot of vegetables (good ones too! broccoli, carrots, bell pepper). It was exactly what I needed. The chicken wasn't the best quality.. I haven't ordered it again. I've switched to the vegetables and tofu, which is much better. This is my go-to place when I'm feeling super hungry or a little under the weather. For $7 I get noodley goodness that perfectly fills my tummy! A tip: I think that when you order to-go you get a slightly larger portion than when you eat at the restaurant.
(4)Melissa M.
This location is much nicer than the one in Champaign- better lighting, a decent ambiance, and table service. Its a particular favorite for groups because you pay up front and don't need to worry about splitting the bill. The quality of food really depends on what you order. Chicken, except for the satay, is typically not high quality. Beef is the better choice if you like meat. Vegetarian dishes are quite good here though and they do use a lot of vegetables I like such as zucchini and bell pepper. I like the curries and they are pretty spicy, but lack a certain complexity in flavor present at other Thai places. The only truly atrocious curry, which you should avoid, is the panang, which is almost like vegetables in a thick sauce rather than a curry. Besides the curries, I love the Thai veggie egg roll appetizer- noodles and vegetables rolled in a rice pancake. Beats Chinese egg rolls any day. Unfortunately the spring rolls are not so good. They are assembled bizarrely so you can't really eat them without seeming just a little rude as they fall apart in your hands and you are forced to gobble each piece in one giant bite. The peanut spring rolls are the worst offender, as they are both improperly assembled and drenched in a sweet sticky sauce. Not the best Thai food, but a good choice for groups and vegetarians. Just to warn you, but their tray system is idiotic. You clear your own tray and the rack you put them on doesn't fit the trays well. Glass breakage and embarrassment ensue.
(2)Eric J.
If you're looking for a go-to thai place in CU or have never had thai food before then this is the place for you. Prices are right at the sweet spot of 6-11 dollars per dish. Whatever you order I recommend you have a glass of Thai Iced Coffee with it.
(4)Jerry S.
While there were some negative reviews, we assumed that the largely Asian clientele would a good sign. Nope! it's been years since we have had Thai food this bad. The chicken was at best dark meat, at worse - cat. I have not had Tom Yum soup screwed up until this place. Yuck!
(1)Alex C.
Quick. Good. Cheap. Pretty large menu. They used to have a location on Green street, but it wasn't as popular.
(4)Christa S.
Really great Pad-Thai! Clean restaurant and friendly service.
(4)Nathan D.
By non-CU standards, this is perfectly reasonable Thai food in a pleasant order at-the-counter setting. By CU standards, it's the best Asian place in town near as I can tell; it's better than Siam Terrace, anyway. Prices are reasonable, and the vegetarian dishes (which is all I've had) have many vegetables not just no meat. One weakness: they are sadly lacking an eggplant dish.
(4)Erin M.
I agree, way nicer decor than the vaguely scummy-looking one in Champaign. The price is right, but the food is extremely hit-or-miss - the fried tofu tends to be leathery, and everything I've ever ordered that came with a non-curry sauce has managed to be both bland and cloyingly sweet. The curries make up for it, but make sure you order it about twice as spicy as you think you should.
(3)Michelle L.
Came here for lunch with my sisters and a close friend. Most of us ordered pad thai and I ordered a pad see ew because it's my favorite. I was surprised that they didn't ask me for a spicy-ness level because I like my food spicy. Food came out fairly quickly and the staff was very friendly. I liked their pad thai but the pad see ew was a disappointment... I ended up eating my sisters food instead and barely ate my pad see ew. So I would recommend just getting their popular dishes (there's a page in their menu for popular items) because their other dishes are not up to par..
(3)Sara G.
I have only ever had the tom yum soup and a couple of appetizers, but they were all delicious! I love everything about this place except that you bus your own table. Cleaning up after myself is not the problem- other peoples messes are. Usually they get cleaned up quickly, but not always. Overall, I would recommend.
(4)Tanvi V.
I work nearby and needed something quick for dinner, so I decided to stop in again. It was a bit more expensive than I remembered it being at $9.80 for a tofu pad thai. You can definitely get a larger portion for a lower price elsewhere. Also, be sure to specify the spice level!!!! I forgot to mention that I would have liked my pad thai to be spicy, and the person taking my order never asked, so I guess they made it as mild as possible...which was pretty bland. I had to add some sauce of my own to add flavor. I was hoping to have a better experience at my second visit, but I guess I should have known better. It's very possible that their other items are better, but I have not had any luck with their most popular dish, the pad thai.
(2)Sarah T.
I'm sorry. I see all the good reviews on here, but I just can't agree. My food was cold, bland and overall yuck. They had it in the picture with fresh herbs and veggies, but I didn't get any of that with mine. So I felt ripped off. The coffee and tea are the only things I will order again. I have been 3 times and I'm just not impressed. Having been to a few thai places, this is my least favorite. Sorry guys. But this place needs an upgrade.
(1)Kenan T.
Place went downhill since it first opened. Got the chicken pad thai to go. The employee didn't ask for spice level (I forgot to specify) and food was bland, no lime, no spices, only cabbage, onion, tofu (small bits), small amount of egg and chicken. Glad I at least got some crushed peanuts. Could have asked if I wanted it spicy and threw in a slice of lime...neither the quality nor the amount was worth the $9.80 I paid. Employees are nice, place is clean. Food was better when they had first opened. I will give it one more midwestern try in the future.
(2)Jessica K.
I love Basil Thai. It's a bit a ways from Green Street but I'd trek here for Thai over Bangkok Thai. That said, Basil doesn't belong in the better Thai food category. But it's pretty damn good. A bit too salty, but I love it for being dry rather than sloppy. The only thing that nags me is that their alleged rewards program is... nonexistent? They advertise one... and I eat here a lot and would love to participate, but they seem to have no idea what I'm talking about when I point to the rewards program sign/they're always out of rewards cards............
(3)Sarah B.
Going to a new lunch restaurant is always a stressful event but the woman who took my order was so helpful. She had a good sense of what gluten was and what I couldn't eat but to be certain she brought out all of the ingredients that go into the sauces of the pad thai (which I expressed interest in) and let me check everything! I asked for the dish with zero spicy-ness and it ended up being a bit too sweet. The portion was huge and aside from the sweetness it was delicious and better yet definitely celiac safe!! I'll definitely be going back to try some other dishes.
(4)Srijan S.
This is pretty good Thai food. I usually have the Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken Satay, both of which are prepared very well. The ambiance is something they could work on a little. As of now, the seating area is very simple.
(4)Joseph P.
The restaurant itself is well decorated and very clean. It is located on the border if Urbana and Champaign, which may be a little far for some students. However, there is always a dinner rush. That itself speaks volume of it's food quality. The speed of which they prepare your food is pretty fast, considering how each dish is freshly made. Though it may appear slightly princely compare to other restaurants on UIUC campus, it is well worth the extra dollar or two, especially if you like spicy Asian cuisine. I almost always get their Thai ice tea, which still taste sweet upon dilution with a cup if water. My personal favorite is their Tom Yum noodle soups since I am a sucker for noodle soups. Their deserts are also delicate in comparison to other places nearby and will not disappoint! I highly recommend coming here!
(4)Meredith S.
I won't say this place has amazing Thai food, but it's cheap and quick and good. I like the peanut sauce lover's dish, as well as their curry. And try the pad kee mao! Come here when you're craving Thai but don't feel like going fancy. You'll be satisfied, if not overly pleased.
(4)William W.
We were in Urbana for our son's violin lesson, and decided to stop here. I'm frankly in no hurry to come back. This is a very "do it yourself" sort of place. I'd rate the service, but the only thing exceptional about it was its absence. You order and pay up front and bus your own table, which is kind of at odds with the menu and prices. I ordered the Mussamun curry, which is my favorite Thai dish. I've never been disappointed until today. It was weirdly tangy, and missing both the sweetness and spiciness I generally expect. My wife enjoyed her Pad Thai, but it tasted really oily to me, with too much cabbage. There's no kids' menu, so we had to improvise. We got them chicken fried rice to share. Funny enough, this was far and away the best dish we tasted tonight. It was legitimately good, and about the only thing saving it from 1-star. It's disappointing... I expected to get much better Thai food in Champaign/Urbana than I get in Bloomington.
(2)Samantha L.
The classic Pad Thai is really good (and makes excellent leftovers), some people say it is a little sweet and it is but still really tasty. The thai tea with milk though is super delicious, I recommend everyone try it!
(4)Jason Z.
Best restaurant in Urbana. Because of the fried rice! Every fried rice is great here. I love the pine Apple fried rice.
(5)Samuel L.
If you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner, I would recommend this place. It's not the best restaurant on campus but fairly good to try out. I would recommend the bail fried rice or any fried noodles.
(3)Yanhua S.
Food is okay. Relatively cheap and also quick. Location is good within walk distance for a lot of department
(3)Julie K.
I have given Basil Thai a fair chance, eating there half a dozen times even though I don't think the food is excellent. All the stir fry's taste the same. The rice is good. Noodle soup servings are on the smaller side. The service is horrible. It basically comes down to cultural differences. The customer is almost never right. My last trip, my friend and I decided to share a dish. I asked for extra rice. I opened up the menu to the list of "sides", pointed at it, and said "extra jasmine rice". The cashier wrote our order on the receipt and wrote something in Thai under our. I assumed it was an extra plate of rice. Our order came with one plate. I told the Hispanic server that we didn't get our extra rice. He nodded and went away. It was apparent the rice wasn't coming, so I talked to another lady at the counter. She said I had to pay for the rice. I said I had ordered it. She said I didn't. We figured out that the cashier thought I wanted MORE rice (we didn't get more than a normal serving though), not a separate side order of rice. This misunderstanding is fine, but she insisted I pay for the rice. Rice is very cheap! It wasn't my fault the cashier didn't understand my order for "extra rice". I was turned off by the whole exchange. To top it off, the rice we had and were eating had a small strand of hair in it! On our way out, I told the cashier that I found hair in our rice. I thought they should know. The lady didn't respond at all to me. She just turned around and walked into the kitchen. If you want excellent Thai food and good service, go to Nitaya in downtown Champaign instead.
(1)Tianyuan Z.
The service is good. Like the pad Thai with ground chicken and veggie& tofu red curry. Prefer 4-star spicy.
(4)David W.
Alright, Sorry, but I would have to not recommend coming to this place. The problem with it is that 1) the portions are so small for such a mediocre price range, the couple times I've been the curry just has not been very good. I've ordered the Pad Thai and well, it's been alright, but the beef was overcooked, and honestly Golden Wok is pretty much a better padthai / pad see ew place.
(2)Ke Y.
Food is not bad. But staff is not friendly. Closed at 9:30 pm, but take out only after 9.
(1)Anna W.
Pretty lack-luster on all fronts and not worth the trip. I've eaten here probably a dozen times as it's close to where I work, but it's always a disappointment. Depressing atmosphere that smells strongly of the Subway next door. It's not particularly appetizing, unless you're really into subway (and in that case, just go to the subway). Be prepared to wait for a long time for your food during peak hours--despite being a walk up and order kind of place, it's definitely not fast food. Curry is the worst with very little flavor. Pad Thai is so oily. Two high points: Cashew chicken and vegetable noodle soup. The veggie noodle soup is bland (kind of my expectation for noodle soup...) but it's reliable, filling, and cheap! And the cashew chicken has pineapple. Yum.
(2)Tunaidi A.
Basil Thai is a decent Asian eatery on campus. It's very convenient for the Urbana-side dormers or residents as it is right between the Allen and the ISR dormitories. They've got most of the staple Thai items, from the egg/spring rolls, to the pad thais/pad se-ews, to the curries and salads. Thai iced tea is always a great to-go option as well. I think Basil Thai offers quick turnaround times for your orders, convenience, and affordable prices for the college kids. It really deserves four stars if Golden Wok had not existed.
(3)Vissy R.
Complicated promotion stamps make people annoyed. You have to pay by cash, with TAX, each time, to get the stamp (mostly, they don't report their cash income). I'd rather get 10% off paying by cash each time from other similar restaurants. And they reject American Express and require a minimum of $5 payment by card. Used up all these stamps today, and may not come back again.
(1)Katie A.
I was prepared for mediocrity after reading the reviews, but was quite pleased, even surprised. I ordered a new menu item they had on a white board by the register. I can't remember what it was called, but it was very tasty! I got the dish with beef and my friend got it with tofu. She said the tofu was cooked well, and my beef was also very good. The sauce was flavorful, not too salty, and the vegetables were cooked nicely.
(4)Suzanne T.
Picky American girl who spent three months in rural Thailand. I came here on a whim. I always get pad thai the 1st time I eat at a Thai place to see how they manage this standard dish. Many complaints. While I am thrilled that they actually offer spicy food (you can pick from 5 levels, I chose 4), I expect the various elements of the dish to retain individual flavors, and this dish, as served to me, failed. Every bite tasted exactly the same. Egg tasted like tofu tasted like carrot tasted like broccoli. No lime came with it. This is an order at the counter place with no table service once they bring your food so I had to get up and ask. There were ground peanuts on my plate, but despite a table offering the traditional granulated sugar, hot green peppers, and a red hot pepper sauce, there was no option for more ground peanut. The tofu was cut into tiny bits which made them hard to find. The veggies on the other hand were roughly cut and much larger. Cooked well, though. Texture was right, but all one flavor. Once I was able to squeeze lime juice on it the meal improved somewhat, but I really didn't want to eat this once I took first few bites. I actually wondered where the last homeless person I saw was so I could pass this on. I'm taking the leftovers to go. Maybe I'll update this to say what I do with them. I expect they'll end up in the garbage. Disappointed.
(3)Zach C.
Mediocre restaurant for the wait...ordered takeout Pad Thai and had to wait 20 minutes. Be warned.
(2)Rachael C.
Don't do it. We were sorely disappointed. I love me some panang curry- this tasted nothing resembling panang curry. The service was abominably slow for a place where you order at the counter. My husband had sweet and sour chicken - or at least that's what they called it. There are better places in town with better food, service and prices.
(1)cookie m.
Unpleasantly surprised by the mushiness of my pad Thai. I've never had bad pad Thai before. A little pricey (over $9) for such untasty food. Abrupt service, but it came out quickly and is convenient for study grub.
(1)Bhargav N.
I first discovered Basil Thai freshman year at the University, when I lived at Allen Hall. I'd eat there on weekends with friends before we headed out to hang out and have fun. The first dish I ordered there, Pad See Ewe, I instantly became a fan of. It remains unchanged on their menu, which keeps me going. For the price of their entrees (~$7), you're bound to leave the place happy and content. The thai iced tea, while a bit on the expensive side, is also a treat with any meal. Unfortunately it's price and the lack of free refills (~$2) makes me feel a bit unsatisfied. It's certainly not the best thai food I've had, but it's definitely not the worst either. I remain a fan.
(4)Hans H.
Don't know why all the hate, it's good cheap thai food. Don't get their peanut sauce dishes, and definitely don't get the spring rolls--they are not the vietnamese spring rolls you might be used to. Stick to the popular dishes and you'll be fine. Their sliced beef noodle soup is just as good as it was 6 years ago.
(3)Lauren C.
I loved the pad thai from this place. It was little too saucy, but the taste was awesome. And I love the amount of peanuts you got with this. They were a little expensive, so that's why I took away one star. Good place to go for lunch though. I frequented this place a lot when I worked at UIUC. The decor is also really cool and they definitely have a lot of room for people to sit inside.
(4)I M.
I love this place! I remember I used to come here for Thai food at least once a week. I bet my roommate thought I was a little too crazy, haha. I tried their curry dishes before but they weren't my cup of tea. Pad See Ewe with chicken was one of my favorites during freshman year. Ever since then, I would order their Pad Kra Paow (sp?) with chicken, which is the basil chicken (ground). The portion is very good in my opinion - one order would normally last me two meals. I *always* order my food from there with 2 stars when it comes to spiciness. I love my food spicy! No Thai restaurants in Chicago makes their Pad Kra Paow like them! I've tried at least 7 different restaurants already and it disappoints me every time. Sometimes I feel like driving at least 2 hours down to Chambana *just* for this dish. The wait is not too bad but if it's during lunch time, it can get pretty ugly. Grab one of their menu, phone in your order, and get it to-go so you won't have to wait more than 10 minutes for your meal. I used to call in a lot and pick it up when I walk in. Also, they do cater food so make sure you ask them about that. I took my siblings and 2 friends here post-graduation. I did call in beforehand to reserve a table. They're pretty good with this! They have another restaurant on Green St. but I think the food tastes a lot better here. I believe they have the same owner for these two Thai restaurants on campus.
(5)Vivian W.
This is the place to go if you're looking for a depressing atmosphere and an excuse to miss class because you're too busy nursing your GI tract. It's a cafeteria style 'restaurant' (I use that term loosely), with cleaning carts visible stacked in the dining area. The food in my opinion is overpriced, overcooked, and well dangerous to eat (I got sick after my first and only trip to this place). Not to mention the small portion size for the price you pay - I mean at most Thai places, you can get another meal out of your leftovers, but not here...I also want to mention how empty this place always is when I walk by (on my way to the Subways, or BBQ joint next door) - never a good sign.
(1)Katherine C.
Without much competition close to campus, Basil Thai is pretty much the only viable lunch-time option for students craving a bit of southeast Asia. The setup of the restaurant is obviously catered towards students; much like other campus restaurants, there is no wait staff and customers are expected to clean up their own dishes when finished. I've sampled a broad range of dishes at Basil Thai, and my favorites are the tom yum noodle soup and egg noodle/BBQ pork soup (particularly comforting in winter). While the pad thai and pad see ewe are good enough to sate a noodle craving, they are somewhat mediocre. I also dislike the tofu used in their curry dishes as it is plain cubed tofu (soft-ish and flavorless), whereas many places often choose a hearty, smokey bean curd instead. I attend student lunch meetings that are frequently catered by Basil Thai. The employees are very familiar with our group and the protocols associated with the university (including tax-exemption policies), and they now throw in free appetizers (usually fried spring rolls) when we order. Many of the complaints from other reviewers seem to be primarily associated with food poisoning and (strangely) the basil chicken. I've eaten at Basil Thai well over 50 times in the past 3 years, and I've never personally encountered food poisoning (fingers crossed?). As for the basil chicken, I am sure that there are all sorts of regional variations of this dish, but I am mostly familiar with the ground chicken version that seems so revolting to my fellow reviewers. Google a recipe for the dish and you'll see that Basil Thai isn't using ground chicken just to be offensive.
(3)A W.
Basil Thai: where good Thai goes to die. It is THAT bad, in terms of service, taste, and cost.
(1)Jes K.
Love their noodle soups and their "ice milk green" drink! Small portion size though.
(4)Paige M.
I discovered Basil Thai on a visit to UIUC in high school. At the time, I was just getting into Thai food, so I had very little experience with it. I got the pad thai and thought, "Wow this is really good!" Well, over the years, I've eaten a lot more Thai food and my opinion of Basil Thai has gone down. But don't get me wrong, I'm not a Thai food elitist (I save that for sushi) and I still do enjoy eating here. I used to only get the pad thai here, but now my go-to dish is one of the salads, yum moo I believe it's called. Lots of lettuce, topped with thinly sliced pork, with a delicious and somewhat spicy dressing. I definitely recommend it. I've sampled other dishes as well, and they're all pretty tasty. Not the best Thai I've had, but I still keep going back. It helps that it's cheap! In general, I've always had a good experience here. The food is made relatively quickly and it's always come as I've ordered. I've come a few times with large groups (12-14 people) and it's actually pretty nice to not have to deal with waiter service. There's no wait for a table (assuming you can push some together, but you usually can) and no issues with getting separate checks or dealing with tips. If you're looking for top of the line Thai food, you should probably keep looking. But if you're looking for a quick Thai fix, definitely give Basil Thai a try.
(4)Sarah B.
I go to this place with my friends all the time. :) My favorite dish is their Lad Nar with beef, and I always get a glass of their Thai iced tea.
(4)Stephanie D.
I really love to eat at Basil Thai. I could eat here several times a week. Tom Yum Noodle soup with vegetables and tofu is simply delicious. I love Pad Kee Mao and many other dishes
(5)Shantanu D.
I ordered the Pad Thai here. While the food was by no means awful, it certainly was not the best Thai food I have had. Frankly, the food tasted somewhat bland.
(3)Eli H.
So good and so cheap. Only downside is that you have to bus your own tables, but that comes with any college town restaurant. I recommend the pad see ew.
(4)Tim B.
Good place because its easy to find a table here. I order rice and curry dishes which are good. My girlfriend orders thai dishes and likes them. She is thai and likes the place because it reminds her of her mom's cooking. The dishes are average priced and sometimes the lunch rush is crazy.
(4)Tina C.
AWFUL. I used to go here as an undergrad and recently paid them a visit. I was going to Krannert for a play and was running a bit late for a full fledge sit down restaurant, and I thought Basil Thai would be a fair compromise given their proximity and relatively quick serve. I ordered their Massaman Curry and it was just plain awful. The rice was cooked too long and was on it way to becoming congee. The curry itself was tasteless, way too salty, and over spiced to the point of being bitter. The pork was over cooked. I took about two bites and tossed the entire thing. Complete waste of like $9.
(1)Michelle L.
Came here for lunch with my sisters and a close friend. Most of us ordered pad thai and I ordered a pad see ew because it's my favorite. I was surprised that they didn't ask me for a spicy-ness level because I like my food spicy. Food came out fairly quickly and the staff was very friendly. I liked their pad thai but the pad see ew was a disappointment... I ended up eating my sisters food instead and barely ate my pad see ew. So I would recommend just getting their popular dishes (there's a page in their menu for popular items) because their other dishes are not up to par..
(3)Tanvi V.
I work nearby and needed something quick for dinner, so I decided to stop in again. It was a bit more expensive than I remembered it being at $9.80 for a tofu pad thai. You can definitely get a larger portion for a lower price elsewhere. Also, be sure to specify the spice level!!!! I forgot to mention that I would have liked my pad thai to be spicy, and the person taking my order never asked, so I guess they made it as mild as possible...which was pretty bland. I had to add some sauce of my own to add flavor. I was hoping to have a better experience at my second visit, but I guess I should have known better. It's very possible that their other items are better, but I have not had any luck with their most popular dish, the pad thai.
(2)Sarah T.
I'm sorry. I see all the good reviews on here, but I just can't agree. My food was cold, bland and overall yuck. They had it in the picture with fresh herbs and veggies, but I didn't get any of that with mine. So I felt ripped off. The coffee and tea are the only things I will order again. I have been 3 times and I'm just not impressed. Having been to a few thai places, this is my least favorite. Sorry guys. But this place needs an upgrade.
(1)Kenan T.
Place went downhill since it first opened. Got the chicken pad thai to go. The employee didn't ask for spice level (I forgot to specify) and food was bland, no lime, no spices, only cabbage, onion, tofu (small bits), small amount of egg and chicken. Glad I at least got some crushed peanuts. Could have asked if I wanted it spicy and threw in a slice of lime...neither the quality nor the amount was worth the $9.80 I paid. Employees are nice, place is clean. Food was better when they had first opened. I will give it one more midwestern try in the future.
(2)Jessica K.
I love Basil Thai. It's a bit a ways from Green Street but I'd trek here for Thai over Bangkok Thai. That said, Basil doesn't belong in the better Thai food category. But it's pretty damn good. A bit too salty, but I love it for being dry rather than sloppy. The only thing that nags me is that their alleged rewards program is... nonexistent? They advertise one... and I eat here a lot and would love to participate, but they seem to have no idea what I'm talking about when I point to the rewards program sign/they're always out of rewards cards............
(3)Sarah B.
Going to a new lunch restaurant is always a stressful event but the woman who took my order was so helpful. She had a good sense of what gluten was and what I couldn't eat but to be certain she brought out all of the ingredients that go into the sauces of the pad thai (which I expressed interest in) and let me check everything! I asked for the dish with zero spicy-ness and it ended up being a bit too sweet. The portion was huge and aside from the sweetness it was delicious and better yet definitely celiac safe!! I'll definitely be going back to try some other dishes.
(4)Srijan S.
This is pretty good Thai food. I usually have the Panang curry with Chicken and Chicken Satay, both of which are prepared very well. The ambiance is something they could work on a little. As of now, the seating area is very simple.
(4)Joseph P.
The restaurant itself is well decorated and very clean. It is located on the border if Urbana and Champaign, which may be a little far for some students. However, there is always a dinner rush. That itself speaks volume of it's food quality. The speed of which they prepare your food is pretty fast, considering how each dish is freshly made. Though it may appear slightly princely compare to other restaurants on UIUC campus, it is well worth the extra dollar or two, especially if you like spicy Asian cuisine. I almost always get their Thai ice tea, which still taste sweet upon dilution with a cup if water. My personal favorite is their Tom Yum noodle soups since I am a sucker for noodle soups. Their deserts are also delicate in comparison to other places nearby and will not disappoint! I highly recommend coming here!
(4)Meredith S.
I won't say this place has amazing Thai food, but it's cheap and quick and good. I like the peanut sauce lover's dish, as well as their curry. And try the pad kee mao! Come here when you're craving Thai but don't feel like going fancy. You'll be satisfied, if not overly pleased.
(4)William W.
We were in Urbana for our son's violin lesson, and decided to stop here. I'm frankly in no hurry to come back. This is a very "do it yourself" sort of place. I'd rate the service, but the only thing exceptional about it was its absence. You order and pay up front and bus your own table, which is kind of at odds with the menu and prices. I ordered the Mussamun curry, which is my favorite Thai dish. I've never been disappointed until today. It was weirdly tangy, and missing both the sweetness and spiciness I generally expect. My wife enjoyed her Pad Thai, but it tasted really oily to me, with too much cabbage. There's no kids' menu, so we had to improvise. We got them chicken fried rice to share. Funny enough, this was far and away the best dish we tasted tonight. It was legitimately good, and about the only thing saving it from 1-star. It's disappointing... I expected to get much better Thai food in Champaign/Urbana than I get in Bloomington.
(2)Samantha L.
The classic Pad Thai is really good (and makes excellent leftovers), some people say it is a little sweet and it is but still really tasty. The thai tea with milk though is super delicious, I recommend everyone try it!
(4)Jason Z.
Best restaurant in Urbana. Because of the fried rice! Every fried rice is great here. I love the pine Apple fried rice.
(5)Samuel L.
If you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner, I would recommend this place. It's not the best restaurant on campus but fairly good to try out. I would recommend the bail fried rice or any fried noodles.
(3)Yanhua S.
Food is okay. Relatively cheap and also quick. Location is good within walk distance for a lot of department
(3)Sara G.
I have only ever had the tom yum soup and a couple of appetizers, but they were all delicious! I love everything about this place except that you bus your own table. Cleaning up after myself is not the problem- other peoples messes are. Usually they get cleaned up quickly, but not always. Overall, I would recommend.
(4)Julie K.
I have given Basil Thai a fair chance, eating there half a dozen times even though I don't think the food is excellent. All the stir fry's taste the same. The rice is good. Noodle soup servings are on the smaller side. The service is horrible. It basically comes down to cultural differences. The customer is almost never right. My last trip, my friend and I decided to share a dish. I asked for extra rice. I opened up the menu to the list of "sides", pointed at it, and said "extra jasmine rice". The cashier wrote our order on the receipt and wrote something in Thai under our. I assumed it was an extra plate of rice. Our order came with one plate. I told the Hispanic server that we didn't get our extra rice. He nodded and went away. It was apparent the rice wasn't coming, so I talked to another lady at the counter. She said I had to pay for the rice. I said I had ordered it. She said I didn't. We figured out that the cashier thought I wanted MORE rice (we didn't get more than a normal serving though), not a separate side order of rice. This misunderstanding is fine, but she insisted I pay for the rice. Rice is very cheap! It wasn't my fault the cashier didn't understand my order for "extra rice". I was turned off by the whole exchange. To top it off, the rice we had and were eating had a small strand of hair in it! On our way out, I told the cashier that I found hair in our rice. I thought they should know. The lady didn't respond at all to me. She just turned around and walked into the kitchen. If you want excellent Thai food and good service, go to Nitaya in downtown Champaign instead.
(1)Tianyuan Z.
The service is good. Like the pad Thai with ground chicken and veggie& tofu red curry. Prefer 4-star spicy.
(4)Anna W.
Pretty lack-luster on all fronts and not worth the trip. I've eaten here probably a dozen times as it's close to where I work, but it's always a disappointment. Depressing atmosphere that smells strongly of the Subway next door. It's not particularly appetizing, unless you're really into subway (and in that case, just go to the subway). Be prepared to wait for a long time for your food during peak hours--despite being a walk up and order kind of place, it's definitely not fast food. Curry is the worst with very little flavor. Pad Thai is so oily. Two high points: Cashew chicken and vegetable noodle soup. The veggie noodle soup is bland (kind of my expectation for noodle soup...) but it's reliable, filling, and cheap! And the cashew chicken has pineapple. Yum.
(2)Tunaidi A.
Basil Thai is a decent Asian eatery on campus. It's very convenient for the Urbana-side dormers or residents as it is right between the Allen and the ISR dormitories. They've got most of the staple Thai items, from the egg/spring rolls, to the pad thais/pad se-ews, to the curries and salads. Thai iced tea is always a great to-go option as well. I think Basil Thai offers quick turnaround times for your orders, convenience, and affordable prices for the college kids. It really deserves four stars if Golden Wok had not existed.
(3)Vissy R.
Complicated promotion stamps make people annoyed. You have to pay by cash, with TAX, each time, to get the stamp (mostly, they don't report their cash income). I'd rather get 10% off paying by cash each time from other similar restaurants. And they reject American Express and require a minimum of $5 payment by card. Used up all these stamps today, and may not come back again.
(1)Suzanne T.
Picky American girl who spent three months in rural Thailand. I came here on a whim. I always get pad thai the 1st time I eat at a Thai place to see how they manage this standard dish. Many complaints. While I am thrilled that they actually offer spicy food (you can pick from 5 levels, I chose 4), I expect the various elements of the dish to retain individual flavors, and this dish, as served to me, failed. Every bite tasted exactly the same. Egg tasted like tofu tasted like carrot tasted like broccoli. No lime came with it. This is an order at the counter place with no table service once they bring your food so I had to get up and ask. There were ground peanuts on my plate, but despite a table offering the traditional granulated sugar, hot green peppers, and a red hot pepper sauce, there was no option for more ground peanut. The tofu was cut into tiny bits which made them hard to find. The veggies on the other hand were roughly cut and much larger. Cooked well, though. Texture was right, but all one flavor. Once I was able to squeeze lime juice on it the meal improved somewhat, but I really didn't want to eat this once I took first few bites. I actually wondered where the last homeless person I saw was so I could pass this on. I'm taking the leftovers to go. Maybe I'll update this to say what I do with them. I expect they'll end up in the garbage. Disappointed.
(3)Zach C.
Mediocre restaurant for the wait...ordered takeout Pad Thai and had to wait 20 minutes. Be warned.
(2)David W.
Alright, Sorry, but I would have to not recommend coming to this place. The problem with it is that 1) the portions are so small for such a mediocre price range, the couple times I've been the curry just has not been very good. I've ordered the Pad Thai and well, it's been alright, but the beef was overcooked, and honestly Golden Wok is pretty much a better padthai / pad see ew place.
(2)Ke Y.
Food is not bad. But staff is not friendly. Closed at 9:30 pm, but take out only after 9.
(1)Rachael C.
Don't do it. We were sorely disappointed. I love me some panang curry- this tasted nothing resembling panang curry. The service was abominably slow for a place where you order at the counter. My husband had sweet and sour chicken - or at least that's what they called it. There are better places in town with better food, service and prices.
(1)Christa S.
Really great Pad-Thai! Clean restaurant and friendly service.
(4)cookie m.
Unpleasantly surprised by the mushiness of my pad Thai. I've never had bad pad Thai before. A little pricey (over $9) for such untasty food. Abrupt service, but it came out quickly and is convenient for study grub.
(1)Paige M.
I discovered Basil Thai on a visit to UIUC in high school. At the time, I was just getting into Thai food, so I had very little experience with it. I got the pad thai and thought, "Wow this is really good!" Well, over the years, I've eaten a lot more Thai food and my opinion of Basil Thai has gone down. But don't get me wrong, I'm not a Thai food elitist (I save that for sushi) and I still do enjoy eating here. I used to only get the pad thai here, but now my go-to dish is one of the salads, yum moo I believe it's called. Lots of lettuce, topped with thinly sliced pork, with a delicious and somewhat spicy dressing. I definitely recommend it. I've sampled other dishes as well, and they're all pretty tasty. Not the best Thai I've had, but I still keep going back. It helps that it's cheap! In general, I've always had a good experience here. The food is made relatively quickly and it's always come as I've ordered. I've come a few times with large groups (12-14 people) and it's actually pretty nice to not have to deal with waiter service. There's no wait for a table (assuming you can push some together, but you usually can) and no issues with getting separate checks or dealing with tips. If you're looking for top of the line Thai food, you should probably keep looking. But if you're looking for a quick Thai fix, definitely give Basil Thai a try.
(4)Sarah B.
I go to this place with my friends all the time. :) My favorite dish is their Lad Nar with beef, and I always get a glass of their Thai iced tea.
(4)Stephanie D.
I really love to eat at Basil Thai. I could eat here several times a week. Tom Yum Noodle soup with vegetables and tofu is simply delicious. I love Pad Kee Mao and many other dishes
(5)Shantanu D.
I ordered the Pad Thai here. While the food was by no means awful, it certainly was not the best Thai food I have had. Frankly, the food tasted somewhat bland.
(3)