Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: The Smiling Elephant
Address: 2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37204
Telephone: (615) 891-4488
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.04

The Smiling Elephant

2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37204

(615) 891-4488
Store is closed

The Smiling Elephant Menu

Small Soup

Tom Yum / Lemongrass Soup

Tom Kha / Coconut Soup
Steamed Dumplings

Veggie

Chicken

Shrimp
Rice Paper Rolls

Fresh Roll

Basil Peanut Roll

Winter Roll

Steamed Vegetables with Peanut Curry Dip

Medium Shrimp and Seafood Sauce

Live Mussels Steamed with Basil and Lemongrass
Small Salad

Side Salad

SomTum / Papaya Salad
Signature Menu

Smiling Elephant Pad Thai*

Khao Kai Ra-bert

Pad See-Ew

Chicken Cashew Stir Fry

Gai Jee*

Thai Vegetable Stir Fry*

Smiling Elephant Salad

Pad Kra Pao

Daily Curry with Rice

Pad Woonsen

Gai Yang*

Tamarind Pork-Moo Sahm Rhot

Thai Fried Rice

Larb Lettuce Wraps*
Specials

Seafood Hot Pot
Desserts

Coconut Custard

Sticky Rice in Banana Leaf

Coconut Almond Fudge Ice Cream

Homemade Gelato

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Smiling Elephant

Small Soup

Tom Yum / Lemongrass Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tom Kha / Coconut Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Steamed Dumplings

Veggie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Rice Paper Rolls

Fresh Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Basil Peanut Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Winter Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Vegetables with Peanut Curry Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Medium Shrimp and Seafood Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Live Mussels Steamed with Basil and Lemongrass [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Small Salad

Side Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SomTum / Papaya Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Signature Menu

Smiling Elephant Pad Thai* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Khao Kai Ra-bert [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad See-Ew [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Cashew Stir Fry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gai Jee* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Vegetable Stir Fry* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smiling Elephant Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Kra Pao [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daily Curry with Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Woonsen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gai Yang* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamarind Pork-Moo Sahm Rhot [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Fried Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Larb Lettuce Wraps* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Specials

Seafood Hot Pot [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Coconut Custard [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sticky Rice in Banana Leaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Almond Fudge Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Gelato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Bridget H.

What I liked: 1. Pad Thai - Not "American" pad thai, but actual Thai cuisine. Fresh and delicious. I also recommend the Pad See Ew 2. Service with a smile- The owner always comes by to thank us for stopping in. The service is quick, but you don't feel rushed What I didn't like: 1. The lemon grass soup is essentially just broth, pretty spicy but a little boring due to texture. 2. Menu last time we were in (April 2014) was somewhat limited as chef was out of town "searching for new recipes".
(5)
Lynn O.

Decided to come out and try it after reading rave reviews online and am sad to say that it did not live up to it's hype at all! The place itself is very quaint and the staff are so incredibly friendly and it really makes me wish that I'd liked the food more. Having said that, the restaurant was quite cramped and I found myself squeezed between a wall and another patron, which was not fun. Onto the food, my friend and I ordered three things to share: Fresh Rolls - These come out immediately because they've been pre-prepared and are just chilling in a little glass case. I was disappointed that they didn't come with any shrimp or pork filling and they were just stuffed with bean sprouts. This is a personal thing, but I hate bean sprouts! And they cost $4! Definitely not worth it. Pad Thai with Shrimp - Ah, the famous pad thai. I've been to Thailand on numerous occasions as my family lives in Malaysia currently and I've had pad thai dishes in Bangkok and Phuket a number of times so I had high expectations for this particular dish. But it really didn't deliver. It's very obviously stated on the menu that this was going to be "authentic" and "not-Americanized" but compared to actual pad thai that I've had in Thailand, this is not authentic by any means. It is quite bland and filled with bean sprouts to the point where it has me questioning the $18 price tag. Also the bean noodles are so weird texturally and they don't soak up flavor as well as rice noodles would have. The dish was just so whatever. There's no other way to describe it. It's not good but I wouldn't say it's horrible. It's just whatever. It doesn't do anything for me. Green Curry with Chicken - This dish was again, bland and very diluted. I didn't get hit with a mouthful of intense flavor or spices or anything. It was just very milky and the rice on the side was a bit dry and clumpy. The best thing about the dish was that it was filled with beautiful, colorful, crisp vegetables. But the curry itself just wasn't as good as I'd hoped. I really don't think that I'll be coming back here again. It is so overpriced for such bland food and in my opinion, incredibly overhyped. I know Thai food quite well. I've traveled to Bangkok twice and to Phuket every year since I was 12 years old. Thai food is supposed to be flavorful and rich and spicy and this place was not any of that at all.
(2)
Karen D.

The Smiling Elephant is, hands down, the best Thai restaurant in Nashville. Everything on their menu is made to order and absolutely delicious. You must try their pad Thai and pad kra pao with jumbo lump crab! Their cashew chicken is also a big crowd pleaser. I usually just order take-out from them, but if you plan on eating at Smiling Elephant for dinner, expect a bit of a wait- especially on Fridays/ Saturdays- but I assure you that it'll be worthwhile.
(5)
Courtney H.

Mmmm! My friend and I got lucky finding this place as well through the magic of Yelp. It's small and has the oddest decor, but the food was scrumptious and has one of the best restaurant names I've seen in awhile. I was worried that by ordering my dish at a 6-7 heat that it'd be too spicy but it turned out perfectly. They have good menu choices and a curry of the day and it's really low key and friendly, but busy. It's right down the street from Gruhn Guitars, a fun place we got to explore as well.
(5)
leslie a.

i like thai food, and since i've spent more than two years living in thailand, i'm pretty much a pro at thai restaurants. i went to smiling elephant with a friend who lives in the neighborhood, and when we arrived at 7:30 on a thursday evening, we were lucky to be able to sit down right away. the place is small, and has been done with thai wood carvings so it feels cozy and comfortable. instead of chairs, they have stools, which is fine with me, but for some might be a little uncomfortable. it was immediately apparent that what i'd read on yelp was true, and that the challenge here is the service. the young woman waiting on us was clearly a member of the family, which is to be expected, but i'm guessing she never worked in a restaurant before. while we were having to ask for stuff that was pretty obvious (like utensils), i started thinking a great business idea would be to be a mobile server training company -- so you can come into a place like this and give a crash course in how to wait tables to inexperienced waiters. here, that training would include cleaning the table before someone sits down, bringing water the way the customer requested, remembering their drink order, bringing the aforementioned utensils before, or at least at the same time, as the food, not trying to clear away a plate that people are still clearly eating from, and remembering to clear the dinner plates before bringing dessert. yes, the service was that haphazard. but wait, because there is good news... the food was great. we started with tod mun, which is fish cakes and one of my favorites, and they were as good as any i've had in thailand on the street or in a restaurant. not a huge portion, but delicious. then we had pad ka prao, which is sauteed pork with fresh basil, also delicious and perfectly spiced, and a noodle and prawn dish, also perfect, with huge perfectly cooked prawns. one thing i wasn't crazy about is that the main dishes were served over rice -- next time i will request the rice be served separately. the lovely owner, a sprite of a guy with a twinkle in his eye, suggested we try their sticky rice with coconut milk and black beans dessert and it was so right on it gave me flashbacks of a food festival during thai new year in chiang mai, or those long bamboo sticks with this delicious goodness inside that women sell at the train station. it's not cheap, and all the entrees cost the same, but it's not expensive either. i'll definitely go back, and will experiment to try all their specialties. because in the end, the food rules, and i'll just make sure to ask for my fork/spoon and water with no ice waaay in advance.
(4)
Eryn F.

I love Thai food and am glad to know that I can find it in Nashville. Everything is fresh and light.
(4)
Mark W.

I had the Smiling Elephant Pad Thai for lunch and it was excellent. I tried to finish the entire plate but it was a large lunch portion. Hope it makes a good leftover. While the food is excellent the place is very small and the parking is poor. I will be going back again to try something else.
(4)
Jennifer M.

The best Thai we have ever eaten. We are foodies and travelers and by far were blown away by the flavor and freshness of the ingredients. Great service and atmosphere too. The place is a must.
(5)
Will Y.

On an otherwise inconspicuous stretch of 8th South is The Smiling Elephant, where they serve up some of the best pad thai in town. The peanut, noodle, tofu and egg dish they are so proud of is savory, filling and noticeably fresh. The kitchen is exposed, which surely gives diners a little peace of mind. Their pad thai is different from really any I had eaten before. It is wetter, probably from the freshness of the ingredients. There is subtlety in the dish that calls diners back for more; we keep asking, "What is it about this that makes it so good, so unusual?" The tofu is plentiful and cooked quite well. If I were to improve the dish the restaurant is so known for, I would add more heat. I usually request "Thai spicy" at Thai restaurants; my palate is not western blandness. The Thai spicy here is not much. Maybe ask for extra native Thai spicy? Their dinner prices are a bit high for what it is, as delicious as their pad thai is. The atmosphere is cozy but not romantic.
(4)
Michelle P.

Always delicious. Been here so many times and never once disappointed. My mom ate pad Thai and finished the whole thing and she rarely finishes the whole meal on one sitting! Will definitely be back.
(5)
Alison V.

I've been going here for years, but am just now writing a review because I love this place! First, the owner is AWESOME! I love him. He is sweet and funny. Second, the food is amazing and fresh. I always get the pad thai with tofu. I love it. Last, the place is tiny and parking is a pain.
(5)
Jennifer P.

I've been wanting to try the Smiling Elephant for awhile now. So when the opportunity arose on Friday, I had to snatch it up! Any restaurant that advertises their mission is to serve you healthy, authentic Thai cuisine at a reasonable price has a direct path to my heart. My friend and I went to dinner around 8PM on Friday and it... was... slammed. I highly recommend making a reservation if you can. The restaurant is about half as big as I had expected. I ordered the Smiling Elephant Tofu Pad Tai and an unsweetened Thai Tea. The tea was very rich in flavor.. you didn't even notice the lack of sugar! The Pad Tai was also some of the best Pad Tai I've ever had. However, my friend ordered the curry and it was NOT good. It was uncomfortably spicy and there was just something about it that did not smell nor taste right. We never could put our finger on it exactly. She thought it smelt of cat liter and I thought it tasted like flowers and dirt. haha. Despite her failed dish, I will definitely be returning to this place. It was oh so delicious.
(4)
Caitlin S.

Super cute. Fantastic wait staff. There are a ton of chefs so your food will come out fast. It's a small building and popular, so there might be a wait. They don't have a good waiting area, so hope you get lucky. They were super accommodating and pushed together two smaller tables for our group to get us seated quickly. The plates they serve you with are small, white and rather trendy (unique shapes), but they come heaped with your food - it's pure comfort all the way. I rather like The Smiling Elephant. The food is good and the people can't be beat. Recommend.
(4)
Amanda M.

Word of mouth is the greatest advertisement. If you don't believe me... check out these Yelp reviews. Like everyone else, I'd heard amazing things about The Smiling Elephant, so I finally marched my happy self (along with my parents and significant other) to the front door and requested a table for four. It was dinnertime, so the place was packed. Although, the location is teeny, so this wasn't a big surprise. Without having a reservation (they don't take them, unfortunately), we put our names down and sat outside to wait, hoping the turnover would be fairly quick. A small oversight... it was freezing outside! As happy as I was to have remembered my coat, I was even happier to see an attentive waitress come outside with four piping hot mugs of tea. That's service! Thankfully, the wait wasn't long and we were seated right away. We ordered Fresh Rolls and Steamed Vegetables with Satay Sauce as appetizers. The veggies were very fresh and a little crispy (which I liked)! We continued with our entrees: Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao (stir-fried noodles with lime leaves and veggies), Kai Jew Pra (tilapia), and Lettuce Wraps. I adored the Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mao. I didn't try the tilapia, though it looked delicious... and I think my mom will order something besides the Lettuce Wraps next time. (She thought they tasted mostly like sauerkraut.) Don't skip dessert - their coconut custard and coconut ice cream is DELICIOUS. (Obviously, just make sure you like coconut.) Overall, the flavors were outstanding and I was pleased to see a local restaurant be so upfront with a mission to serve healthy, authentic cuisine at a reasonable price.
(4)
Hannah B.

This place is my Nashville Thai go-to. Why? Answers simple: their PAD THAI. Smiling Elephant's Pad Thai is out of this world- layers of flavors, fresh, fragrant, not oily- everything you want in a Pad Thai. The ambience of the place also adds to the experience. I feel like I'm entering a shrine to Thai food every time I walk in and I never want to leave. Yes, the prices are on the steep side for this type of Thai dining, but it's worth it.
(5)
Bill D.

If all they had on the menu was "curry of the day," this would still be one of my favorite restaurants in town. But of course, there's so much more. Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, Lettuce Wraps, Tom Yum Soup . . .everything here is delicious. There are several very good Thai restaurants in town, but Smiling Elephant stands out for their rustic, family style cooking, heaped with fresh, flavorful ingredients. And don't forget to bang the gong on the way out!
(5)
Derek K.

From the 3 dishes I've eaten there so far, here are my thoughts: * Great flavors on their stir fries. * The coconut soup was very unique and tasty. * It's very crowded in there so I just get orders to go. * The $13 price tag for dinner dishes seems a bit steep for some chicken and veggies over a bed of rice. * I can't stand when I'm eating chicken and bite into that chewy fat stuff. When I cook at home I cut all that out, but apparently it's not cost effective for eateries to do the same. The quality of meat leaves something to be desired.
(4)
Stephanie D.

Amazing pad thai!!!!! Ive tried a few different thai places in the nashville area and this was by far my favorite. Rice noodles for the gluten free types and the sauce is not too sugary so you dont feel overfull after the meal.
(4)
Jason B.

The Smiling Elephant is the closest thing to authentic Thai food in this city. While the food is delicious, the dining experience isn't exactly authentic Thai. I've never seen anyone eating sticky rice with their fingers while taking shots of homemade rice whiskey at the Smiling Elephant. They offer a wide variety of noodle and rice dishes, along with a rotating curry of the day. The Pad Thai is exceptional, but if you are expecting a sweet, overly peanutty pad thai, you are at the wrong place. The Kao Khai Raberd (spelling?) is my favorite dish on the menu. I request the dish spicier than normal, and with an over easy egg instead of a fried egg. There's something orgasmic about a runny yolk coating rice and minced pork. Go early for lunch. Parking in the main lot is tight, and there are only about 12 tables inside.
(4)
Dylan F.

Can't say enough about this place. It's real little so don't be scared when your food takes a little while.....but man, they make some good food! You can tell it's mom and pop status, and they put a lot of tlc into it. You can taste it.... I got Thai spicy phad Thai and it was excellent. Perfect heat(though I could have done a little more) and excellent nooses, fresh ingredients, etc. They have reasonably priced apps(fresh rolls, dumplings, lemongrass soup, salads, etc), bubble tea, great Thai tea(first time, wow). Basically everything you need. Will be going back asap to try more stuff!
(5)
Maranda M.

Smiling Elephant is so close to my place of work which is great for my belly and not so great for the pocketbook. I very rarely stray from my favorite item on the menu - pad thai with shrimp, but I may start to explore more dishes soon. (Maybe). Whether eating in or taking out, service is always great and food delicious. The only thing keeping me from a 5 star is the shrimp in the pad thai is $5.95 extra. That's an $18.95 lunch - and you only get three (albeit decently large) shrimp.
(4)
Chelsie L.

The Thai Iced Tea is delicious! Super sweet and creamy but still has a distinct tea taste. It was definitely the best part of the meal. I ordered Pad Kee Mao aka drunken noodles, but I'm pretty sure that's not what I got - no spice and no basil. It was still good, but not anything like what I wanted. I thought the waiter had gotten my order wrong. My fellow luncher ordered pork fried rice, it was missing basil and lemon grass. Maybe those things are hard to get in Nashville - I don't know, I'm new to Tennessee - but it was disappointing all the same. I'll definitley come back to try the Pad Kra Pao and Pad Thai sometime. I still have hope for this place!
(3)
Michelle S.

A cute Thai place with lots of unique energy and character. It was packed and the hostess said it wasn't unusual. We got the veggie pad Thai (with original green bean noodles I never had anywhere else - really nice texture) and the curry of the day (green) which was as spicy as they promised. Our sinuses are clear! We'll be hitting the gong by the door on our way out to tell the chefs how yummy the food was.
(4)
James J.

I've tried Thai everywhere I go and this is good Thai. It can be very busy so I recommend arriving just after work. Never disappointed with the food and service.
(5)
Sam L.

The food is very good at this place; depending on when you get there it could be a wait. The spring roll was full of different textures and flavors, though the wrapper was a little too sticky to separate the pieces. The cashew chicken was the highlight of the dishes; it was well flavored, and had good spice and acidity. The vegetables/chicken were well cooked and tender. The pad thai was also very good with glass noodles/shrimp. We also ordered the Khao soi not on the menu; the pork was overcooked/tough, and needed more flavor besides the coconut milk.
(4)
Ning A.

When we walked in we smelled wonderful aromas since the restaurant is quite small and kitchen very close to the dining area. Service is very attentive and polite. We ordered one papaya salad, steamed mussels, fresh roll, masaman curry with duck, gai yang chicken and the garlic minced pork over rice. Everything was good but not great. Papaya salad was one note meaning it was just sour. Not enough spice or any other flavors to balance. Steamed mussels were basically steamed mussels. Nothing special. Fresh roll was basically a vegetable roll but was refreshing. The masaman curry was too watery and at first I thought bland but there was a good bit of spice to save it. Still the duck was very dry and with the watery curry it was a big disappointment especially since they only make one type of curry each day. The two more successful dishes were the pork with very nice garlic notes and the chicken which was the first time I had tender chicken in an American Thai restaurant and both dishes were delicate with good herb flavors. I do need to say I have been to Thailand and eaten much over there but also realize that Thai food is very different here in our homeland. Yet I have also been to Lotus of Siam in Las Vegas and know what American Thai food could be. This ran short of all the raves from Yelp but still solid.
(3)
A O.

Best Thai in Nashville. The curry specials and thai fried rice with tofu are simply divine.
(5)
Lesley K.

Absolutely amazing!!! The food was so worth the wait. (Went on a Friday at 7pm...very crowded) I would suggest everyone Must try dumplings!!!! Perfectly steamed and sticky Shrimp pad Thai was outstanding..... Will most def be going back to this little gem!!! Best Thai tea (iced) around! Portions are hearty and price is moderate. Love it!
(4)
Tif S.

Have been here several times for lunch and dinner and the food is always exceptional. Today, however, the first glitch. Without going into detail I'll just say that the waitstaff needs a little training on how to handle the iteration when a customer finds a long, black hair in their Pad Thai.
(3)
Lauren W.

The Smiling Elephant has been on my radar for a while, but for one reason or another I just never made it there until recently when a sweet friend of mine wanted to have her birthday dinner there. Good food and good birthday celebration = win-win! This was really a kick in pants for me that made me re-evaluate everything. What have I been doing wrong for the last five years that caused me to miss eating at the best Thai place in Nashville? WHY DIDN'T Y'ALL TELL ME I WAS WRONG!? Smiling Elephant is, in my humble opinion, the best Thai food I have had in the south. Located on 8th Ave South, the Smiling Elephant feels like a retreat. The front is adorable and there's a little patio where you can enjoy your curry al fresco. Inside, the dining room is small and heavily decorated with wood. I was surprised by how small this place truly is. We were there pretty early, about 5:30pm and the place filled up quickly, and it was just a Tuesday. This is a sign that you are on the right track for a good meal. To start, we ordered the fresh rolls. I love these things, but you would be surprised how many places mess them up. These rolls were great; sticky on the outside but crunchy and fresh on the inside. The chili sauce gave a nice little spice to balance out the mild vegetables. For my meal I ordered the "set" which comes with soup and dessert. I chose the Tom Yum lemongrass soup and I was impressed by its mild and pleasing taste. It was full of fresh vegetables that were still crunchy. I love that they threw the spinach in at the last minute so it was just barely cooked. For my entree I ordered tofu pad thai. I know it's boring and the typical Thai food go-to but hey, it's a good way to find out if a Thai place is solid. They warn you in the menu that this is not the sweet/sticky "Americanized" pad thai that you are are used to, so I was intrigued. Their pad thai is prepared how true pad thai is supposed to be. It was filled to the brim with bean sprouts and egg and I could taste the vinegar in it. The best part was the wider-than-average green bean noodles. The texture of these was sublime and makes me never want to go back to regular rice noodles. Steve ordered the Karee curry, which was the curry of the day. The Smiling Elephant only does one type of curry a day to ensure the freshest and best taste. This is an idea I can get totally behind. The Karee was a variation on a red coconut curry and it was delightful. The sauce was smooth and the vegetables once again were crisp- not soggy and overcooked. I really enjoyed the pickled cucumber and red onions that accompanied the spicy curry. For dessert we both had coconut custard. At first I was surprised because it was really tiny, but it was so rich I don't think I could have eaten more than one. It was full of coconut flavor and very creamy and sticky- the perfect consistency where it sticks to the spoon and your tongue. Overall, I was very impressed with the Smiling Elephant. The staff was friendly and the food came out super fast. Everything that we had was delicious, the best Thai I've had in Nashville. I can tell that this is the beginning of a long love affair with the Smiling Elephant.
(4)
Ashley K.

Very busy most of the time and hard to get a seat, however their Pad Thai is the best in town and worth the wait!
(4)
Charles S.

I'm a huge fan of The Smiling Elephant. Not only is the food delicious, the service is prompt and friendly, and the atmosphere is unique and entertaining. I almost always start with some steamed dumplings and get the Pad Kra Pao with Lump Crab when I go. I've branched out some and tried the Pad Thai, the Thom Yum soup, and a smattering of other dishes. I've enjoyed them all, but the Pad Kra Pao is my favorite by far. I've tried several of their teas, but I must admit, I'm not really a tea drinker. The hot teas all appear to be purchased from a vendor (albeit a good one), and the only cold tea that is memorable to me was the honey hibiscus. Just from a price standpoint I'll usually just stick to water unless it's cold outside and I need a hot tea to warm me up. I recommend going either as soon as they open, waiting until after the typical meal times, or ordering your food to go; this tiny place can get seriously busy. Also, parking can be a beast. The front lot is tiny and the back lot is only accessible down a seriously narrow alleyway on a steep hill. A bonus from parking in the back (at least during the spring and summer months) is you can see where they get all those fresh ingredients; they've got a veritable farm going in pots and planters back there with everything from thai peppers to harder-to-find herbs. In short, The Smiling Elephant is one of my favorite Thai places in Middle Tennessee. It's not the least expensive, but the quality, friendliness, and attention to detail make it worth the trip.
(5)
Shelby N.

The most authentic Thai food in Nashville, without a doubt. Everything I've had so far has been amazing. The place is a bit small on the inside, so carry out may be a good option for busy nights.
(4)
Christa P.

I really love thai food- this is more traditional and really good. Go on Thursday when they have Massaman curry - which you can get with duck. It is so good- thick and flavorful. They do not serve beef, which is traditional for thai. I love the duck option and it goes well with any of their options. All of their rice dishes are spot on- packed with flavor and really are traditional. They even do thai hot.
(4)
Will H.

The Smiling Elephant is a delicious spot for Thai food. I've been several times, and the service has always been friendly and quick. The food is scrumptious. Start with the fresh rolls; they're a fabulous experience in both texture and taste. My favorite entree is the Thai fried rice, but you can't go wrong with any of them. The reason they don't get five stars, in my book, is that in certain ways they're a victim of their own success. When the place is busy (and it often is) parking is stressful and there isn't much room to wait. So be strategic, don't go at obvious rush times, and enjoy.
(4)
Mary V.

Warning - I actually know what I'm talking about when it comes to Thai food. This review may offend those who don't. My parents are from Laos, whose cuisine is very similar to Thai food. We have cooked, eaten and continue to eat a lot of traditional Thai cuisine. We like to eat around town at different Thai restaurants because for us it's like going to our friend's mom's house for dinner. There is a lot of hype about the Smiling Elephant and we had an afternoon to kill so we made our trek across town to check it out. The area is an up-and-coming part of Nashville close to downtown. Trendy little shops, restaurants, and condos are popping up all over this part of town. The restaurant was small and quaint, very homely and comfortable. The employees greeted us with warm smiles as soon as we stepped in, and made sure service was exceptional throughout our lunch. Thumbs up. We ordered the fresh rolls, tofu Pad Thai with green bean noodles, and Pad Kra Pao. The fresh rolls were fresh, but we prefer ours with either shrimp or pork or both like a lot of other places give you - especially for that price. The Pad Thai was interesting. The menu says it's not like the "Americanized" Pad Thai you get at other restaurants, but maybe it should be. People read that from the menu and put it in their review like they actually know the difference between traditional and Americanized Thai food. Some might have an idea, but most - no. The low-carb green bean noodles were actually pretty good, but the dish as a whole was not satisfactory - again, especially for the price. Our other lunch entree was the Pad Kra Pao with jumbo lump crab, served with a fried egg and white Jasmine rice. Meh. This restaurant has been voted in the Nashville Scene as Best Thai, but the only ones who vote on these surveys are the same group of people every year who live in their bubble they perceive as Nashville. There is so much more to Nashville than what the Nashville Scene chooses to display. Best Thai in Nashville? Far from it. Location - Good. Service - Great. Parking - Good. Quality - Great. Food - Fair. Authenticity - Questionable. Pricing - Fair. So our overall first impression of the Smiling Elephant is this: Although the owners may be Thai or Lao, they cater to the area and its market. Their menu says "not Americanized" but to us it is just that. They have altered some of their items to meet the needs of a gluten-free or low-carb diets. This may be good for people on those diets, but not for people who want a simple, authentic meal. Don't get me wrong - the food was not horrible, it just wasn't what we expected. I will say it again - the food is way overpriced. Maybe we should give it another chance and try more of their menu items, but I highly doubt that will happen anytime soon.
(3)
Joy S.

Oh, Smiling Elephant, why don't you have better hours?! I love your food so much that I'd marry it, but it seems like every time I have the hankering, you're closed. Five stars for food, but loses a star due to the limited hours and cramped interior.
(4)
Ali S.

I really enjoyed my experience here. They had a great pad Thai and red curry chicken. The staff and service were excellent. Would recommend this place for all Thai lovers.
(4)
Lacey F.

My, the things I have missed since I left Nashville! My cousin brought me here for lunch on Christmas Eve and the place was hopping. (Maybe because so many other restaurants were closed?) I took the signed photo of Ben Folds posing with the owner as an excellent omen of the meal to come. The interior is small but cozy. Though we had to squeeze past tables to get to our own, we had plenty of room at our table and I didn't feel like we'd been packed in like sardines. The menu said their pad thai was nothing like the crappy, sticky, sweet American version, which I detest, so I figured I'd better give it a go. I ordered the tofu-only version in spicy form, and it delivered. I can't claim to really know Thai food, but this pad thai was fantastic in my book. It was spicy, perfectly fishy, and flavorful. And the noodles were cut to a perfect size, greatly facilitating the plate-to-mouth-with-chopsticks maneuver, something I'd always quietly wished for but never had received. I had to beg myself to save half the meal in anticipation of my family's Christmas feast, but had no large fooding events been on the horizon, I would have happily inhaled the entire plate. The place was extremely busy and it wasn't clear to me how many servers were on the floor, but ours was rather lackadaisical in his approach. He wasn't rude or anything, just infrequently present, and I had to grab my own to go box. That said, my water glass was never empty (filled by the man who I believe is the owner), and I'm sure any needs or concerns I couldn't address by myself would have been taken care of if asked.
(4)
Mike S.

Used to live in Nashville... and only found the Smiling Elephant in my last year. The fact I'm still talking about it now and I encourage everyone who comes even close to Music City to find this place. If I had to describe it... it's like "home style" Thai, pretty simple flavors all around but Sooooooooo much better than most the cookie cutter, too sweet varieties that you normally get in the area (and by area I mean from Houston to Atlanta) . I've had the Pad See-Ew, Kao Khai Ra-Bert, and the Hot pot. The pad see-ew was, to me, as simple as it gets. the seafood hot pot was my heavily biased favorite but that's because it was that all in one dish paired with Tom Yum. The whole place with its eclectic wood-every-damn where decor gives off a hipster feel... but to me seems appropriate for Nashville, which has a funny spin on the strangest things at times. I prefer to eat at off-peak hours so the two and a half parking spaces never really bothered me (actually there are more than 2.5...but not many) and I'm sure that there's at least 10% of the reviewers who will swear their grandma could cook these guys unto a coma but I don't... and if I did, I'd be at nana's house right now. In other words, try the Smiling Elephant out. You can argue on authenticity all day, but taste is everything else that matters. Smiling Elephant is a divergent take on Thai in a 100mi radius worth the wait.
(4)
Celeste F.

Best and most authentic Thai food in Nashville! Coming from Southern California , where part of Hollywood Blvd has a whole bunch of excellent Thai restaurants I had not gotten to experience any great Thai food until I went to the smiling elephant . The Pad See Ew is excellent, so is the ground pork Pad Kra Prao (I think that's how it's spelled. Their Pad Thai is like none other it's not the typical sticky and super sweet dish that you would get at a run of the mill Thai restaurant. It has a hint of sweetness but it's not over done. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Yaasmeen D.

It's been several years since I called Nashville home, but I must say that I've been pleasantly surprised by the food offerings during my recent visits. This latest trip 'home' didn't disappoint. After introducing my Mom to Thai food during my college days, she graciously repaid me by suggesting that we visit this hidden gem. Who knew that Nashville had decent Thai food? Go figure...My Mom had never dined there before but said she'd heard rave reviews from friends and co-workers. Once I read some of the positive reviews on Yelp, that was enough for me! Thanks to my fellow Yelpers I was prepared for a long wait. Suffice to say, it was a seriously long wait, even though it was raining buckets outside and you'd expect people to 'stay in' for the evening. I had called ahead and confirmed that this was a strictly 'No Reservations' establishment, so there was really no avoiding the wait. I was also prepared for the fact that the dining area was small. I mean seriously SMALL. If you're claustrophobic, then you'd best get your order 'To go'. Being the friendly folks that we are, we didn't mind rubbing elbows with our neighboring diners too much. Despite the long wait to be seated, our burly (but super friendly) server took our order quickly and patiently answered our questions and offered decent recommendations (i.e., go with the Lump Crab). After placing our order, I must say the food came out pretty fast. As for the food, we ordered Fresh (spring) Rolls, Pad Thai w/Shrimp, Pad Kra Pao (basil) Chicken and Thai Fried Rice w/Lump crab. Had our tiny table not already been overflowing with food, I would've ordered Panang Curry, which was their 'Curry of the Day' Fyi - We dined on a Saturday night. Overall the food was very tasty. Although the place is famous for their 'non-Americanized' Pad Thai, the Thai Fried Rice w/Lump Crab was the true star of the night. The entree was truly overflowing with Lump Crab. I mean it seriously came with TONS of crab. It was really delish. I also liked that the Pad Kra Pao came with a fried egg - I thought it was a unique touch that I'd not experienced in a 'basil chicken' dish before. Plus, it was darn tasty. My Mom wasn't crazy about the fried egg component. C'est la vie. I must admit to one serious error in judgement. Against the sound advice of other Yelpers, I made the unfortunate decision to order Gelato for dessert. I have no excuse. On some deep level, I knew better. I blame the quasi food coma state that I was in. Suffice to say that I must echo other Yelpers and warn against trying their Gelato. Really, just stay away from it, please. It reminds me of what would happen if someone accidentally spilled corn meal into their lowfat ice cream. It had a mealy consistency and the flavor (or lack there of) just couldn't compensate. If you must have ice cream for dessert, you should venture elsewhere. Mealy ice cream/gelato aside, I do recommend this place. Although it wasn't the 'best' Thai food I've ever had, it was pretty tasty and I left with a happy, full belly.
(4)
Bonnie S.

One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. Build your own soup is perfect on a rainy April night and the Pad Thai is authentic with both chicken and tofu! Don't skip on the mango sticky rice, it's divine..Eat here!!
(5)
Eliza L.

Absolutely the best Thai food! Their garden rolls are amazing, they have this delicious radish on them. Cashew chicken is my favorite or their curries. Plus their Thai ice tea is really good, sweeter than usual. Parking is hard and the crowd is big so get there early.
(5)
Caroline H.

I was totally psyched to try out the Smiling Elephant because I've heard great things. Maybe my expectations were too high. We came on a Monday night and it was pretty packed, but didn't take too long to get a table. The two waiters seemed pretty attentive. The decorations and wood carvings were really cute. I liked how you could see the chefs through a glass panel. We started with some rolls, which were OK. I had the Pad See Ew with chicken. I had asked the waiter for medium-spicy, but I think he forgot to specify this to the chefs because it had no hint of spice. No biggie. The noodles were all right, the chicken tasted a little dry and there wasn't much sauce. Good ratio of veggies:noodles, though! Because it was crowded, it did sort of seem like the waiters were lurking to get us out of there, which I definitely understand, but still makes me feel awkward. I also felt a little awkward that there wasn't a table cloth or place mat? Not sure why this made me feel strange, but with the bare table, there wasn't really anywhere to put your silverware / chopsticks down but on your plate (or the chopsticks wrapper). For the price and the lack of wow-factor I'm not sure Smiling Elephant is my #1 Thai place in Nashville, but if my friends invited me, I'd definitely go.
(3)
Sandy T.

I was bragging to my mother about this restaurant being my favorite in Nashville, we ordered tofu curry of the day to go and it sure did not disappoint us! I also met a former employee from there which she said she has been a cook for many local restaurants and this by far tops them all in the area of cleanliness and proper handling food prep! Oh Smiling elephant how I love thee!
(5)
Mike J.

We tried the Smiling Elephant tonight, its close to where we live, and the reviews are pretty good. First, I must confess that the food we had was a solid three stars. We had Pad Thai and the Cashew Chicken. Both were tasty, neither was exceptional. Dropping this to a two star review is the fact that the tables are tiny, the stools are hard, the service is slow, and we sat right next to those two twenty-something chubby girls who spoke loudly and prefaced almost every word with "like." "Like, this soup is good, but like, do you think they could like put a few more veggies in it? I'm like stirring it and I'm like REALLY?" Oh, and the parking lot is "like" a real pain in the ass...
(3)
CC S.

If you are wanting to enjoy your dinner with the company you chose to eat with, then DO NOT go here. As soon as we were done, they asked us to leave because they had people waiting. We just spend $50 for 2 people with no alcohol and they're kicking us out. It was embarrassing. The people at the next table even asked us if we just got kicked out. For medicore Thai, I will definitely not return. If I want good Thai with good service and plenty of time to enjoy my dinner, I will go to Thai Phooket every time.
(1)
Kimberly T.

THe Papaya salad was ridiculously good! The Pad Thai was amazing as well. The service was great and the prices were very reasonable. I absolutely loved it and will go back very soon!
(5)
Samantha Y.

So I was nervous about coming here because I didn't know if I liked Thai food.. turns out I love it! At least from the Smiling Elephant. I've been here 3 times and none has disappointed. I could eat the cashew chicken every day for the rest of my life. That sauce.. yum. I've also had the Pad Thai which is delicious. It is a really small restaurant with such a cute decor. I noticed they have added a few tables outside which would be nice on a day when it''s not 95 degrees out. I surprisingly have never had to wait which is a plus, even the time I came with a group of 10! When I've been there, many people come in and get take out orders so I may need to try that soon. I cannot say enough about the service and employees. Everyone is so nice & friendly! Bang the gong when you leave! Hmm Moment: The first time I went there the portion size was great for one meal but the second time the portion was way bigger & was enough for 2 big meals.. not that I'm complaining! & no wine.
(5)
Jessica M.

Delicious, authentic Thai food! The Smiling Elephant is a small restaurant, so there is sometimes a wait, but it's so worth it. When I came here my boyfriend and I split the Panang Curry and Pad Thai, both of which were incredible. The curry was a bit spicy, but not too much, and the Pad Thai was some of the best I've had. You can really tell they use good quality ingredients for everything. All of the food is very authentic as well, which isn't easy to come by. Too often I get dragged into places like PF Chang's where the food is all so Americanized. The Smiling Elephant is so much better! They also have numerous gluten free and vegetarian options, so it's a great place for everyone.
(5)
Colin C.

This is a nice little sport. Enjoy our dinner at the Smiling Elephant. Tamarind Pork was a little dry, Tamarind sauce was very flavorful. Service was good.
(3)
Chris B.

As good of Thai food as you get in Nashville. If you are used to food from somewhere with larger Thai population then this will not thrill you but you won't go home disappoint with the right expectations.
(4)
Yanik C.

really great food. this place is always packed and has very limited seating so be prepared to wait in line. menu is also small but it extremely worth the wait. highly recomend going
(5)
Ryan B.

I chose this spot based solely on reputation. It has been one of those days when nothing really jumps out as being overtly appetizing. So why not try the place with the best rating within one mile of tonight's venue? I ordered the curry of the day in the interest of freshness. It was a pineapple dish with pork tenderloin. I also got a fresh roll to get the ball rolling. (pun completely and unapologetically intended) The food was delicious and arrived at my table fairly quickly, the service was attentive and the restaurant was clean. It seems picky, but the only thing that held me back from a full-on, double-barrel 5-star rating was the temperature. Older building = quaint and adorable. But does that necessarily mean we can't get some central air as well? Hot. As. Balls.
(4)
Brittany P.

Very friendly, and the food was great. My only complaint would be it's small, the tables are really crammed together.
(5)
Katie W.

Me and my boyfriend have tried this place twice. The first time it was AMAZING. I got the pad thai with tofu and he got the pad see ew with chicken. His chicken was perfectly cooked and there was so much good flavor. We decided to get it again for Valentine's Day. This was a mistake - it was an hour wait for pick-up food and the food wasn't as good. It tasted like it was rushed and it didn't have the same flavors we loved the first time. I'll try it again and hope it is as amazing as the first time!
(4)
Jonathan V.

The cashew chicken and chicken dumplings are truly a gift from the gods. The almond fried rice comes in a close second. Don't judge this place wrong until you try one of those three dishes. I could quite literally eat a million of their chicken dumplings. Their soy sauce has a sweet and spicy kick to it, not just that unflavored low sodium garbage that comes out of a bottle. The cashew chicken in particular is the perfect savory blend of meat, nuts, topped with a tang of sweetness from the fried onion, pineapple, and side of peanut sauce. For as long as I have lived in Nashville, I have ordered the cashew chicken, and not once have I been let down. This place is that consistent. I've been to the catbird seat, etch, et al - no dish in Nashville comes close to how good this dish tastes. The only downside to this place is 1) the lack of parking and 2) how crowded it can get over the weekends. The owner has a strict policy of going in line, regardless of how large your party is, which can make the wait that much more frustrating. Fortunately, that's what you have takeout for. Owner is also the most pleasant guy in the world to talk to while you're waiting. Places like this truly make Nashville a city worth living in.
(5)
Britt T.

I love Thai food. I'm a hard sell on a new Thai place. This place definitely impressed me though. It's small so be warned. But so worth it. Everything is fresh and delicious. If you're going on a weekend is recommend getting there early! This is fast becoming one of my fave Nashville spots.
(4)
Sandy W.

When I got here to meet a friend for dinner, I made it here first and sat on my trunk in the parking lot waiting. This turned out to be a beneficial detail, since I noticed outside the restaurant, they have their own garden full of various spices and vegetables used in their recipes. When we looked over the menu, it made even more sense, because I saw their "Curry of the Day" section. This is an awesome idea- serving up one kind of curry each day to ensure freshness of the ingredients. While it might have been an inconvenience if your heart was set on a certain type of curry, I was in luck because Wednesday happened to be green curry day. Green curry is the spiciest, and therefore my favorite. The food exceeded our expectations. Mine was super-spicy, but still edible. It would have been more enjoyable paired with an Asian beer, but alas, they don't serve alcohol. We had laughed at the pad thai description on their menu.. it said something about how their pad thai was prepared traditionally, and not in the sticky-sweet American style. I kind of like this detail, and it might explain why some were unimpressed with this dish, since it's not the typical pad thai we're used to eating. It's on my agenda to try next time I'm here.
(4)
Leslie R.

We ate at the Smiling Elephant with my parents who were visiting and who are vegan. The woman waiting on us was very accommodating to their diet preferences and was very pleasant, even joking around with my kids. The whole family was thrilled with the meal, from my kids to my parents, and my dad who has visited Thailand several times proclaimed it the most authentic Thai restaurant he's experienced in the States. (And he's eaten at a lot of them.) The restaurant is small and homey - nothing fancy - but charming. And the food is outstanding.
(5)
Sarah A.

Good Thai! I would say this is more like Thai Street food (from my experience) with a bit of american fusion. I can say my husband would have given this more of a 4 star and I was more of a 3, but I'll bump it up for the freshness of their ingredients. The place IS small - but our wait was short. The staff was *Flying* around the place making sure everyone was getting their food out fast. But I never felt rushed, it was a good vibe. * The Pad Thai is good - very much like Thai Street food I have had in the past. Can I say it's the *best*? I'll leave that up to preference * The Tom Kha soup was good, but different than I've ever had. It was more of a broth based, less creamy than I'm used to with coconut milk being primary. There were lots of fresh veggies and a great cauliflower taste to the broth. * Husband had the Pad Kee Mao. He liked it - it was too spicy for me (wuss) A few things that were odd to me. First of all, there's no mention of spice level. I've never been to a Thai restaurant where they didn't ask me how many stars I wanted my meal prepared. Mine ended up being a bit spicier than I would prefer (Yes, yes, I know I am a wuss) but for most people I would wager it would be much too mild. They only do a daily curry. This was HUGELY disappointing for me because the whole reason we went was I was craving panang curry. Which they weren't making on the day of the week we were there. So it looks like I'm going to have to plan my visits based on what kind of curry they are making on which day. Of course this means I probably won't go as often, so that's a big bummer. Overall, they have a great fresh take on their food, and use great ingredients. I haven't had any other thai in Nashville to compare with, but this spot was good!
(4)
Karen J.

Amazing!! Have eaten Thai food all over (even Thailand) and this is our absolute best EVER!!! We had Tom Kha Kai soup, salad with peanut sauce and Pad See Ew. We are over 2 hrs away but will definitely come back when in Nashville.
(5)
Tifanny E.

Ok so I'm spoiled and my best friend was Thai. Needless to say I've been introduced to what real Thai cooking is about. I've been here multiple times and waited to write this review. I'm never disappointed. The staff is amazing and attentive. The atmosphere is homey and has wood accents and lots of live plants, very traditional to what a real Thai home is like. I can't say enough about the food...but I will. This place is spot on. The food is always fresh and always made to perfection. Not one time have I been disappointed to with what I've ordered. Every time I've tried a new entree. My staple is always the appetizer rolls and thom kha..coconut soup. Don't expext anything less than freshness and perfection out of them. The owner is always watching and making sure the patrons have what they need. The attention to detail ia something to really be appreciative of. Come here and explore the wonders of one of the tastiest places Nashville has to offer. Not a single bad thing to say .
(5)
Katie K.

This is a must for Thai in Nashville. We always try something different, so I couldn't list everything we've had, but we've loved it all. The staff is always very attentive every time we go. Yes, it is very small, but that seems to lend to the staff's ability to give you individualized attention. When we've had to wait for a table, we're always greeted when we come in, and I've never had to wait longer than 20 minutes. The food comes out pretty quickly after ordering. My best advice would be to get outside of your comfort zone. Try something you wouldn't think of trying. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Jenny A.

This is by far the best Thai restaurant in Nashville! The food is always hot, fresh and tasty. Plus, the staff is always warm & friendly!
(5)
Sarah C.

I'll be the first person to admit that I am lame. With a capitol L.A.M.E. Before this encounter with the 'elephant that smiles' I had never had Thai food from a Thai restaurant. Gasp! A catered feast was called in from the Smiling Elephant and we certainly got everything besides the kitchen sink. There were dumplings (which were a hit), fresh rolls (which were delightfully delicious), chicken or vegetable pad Thai (my favorite), pad kra pao and more rice than one could even attempt to eat! Overall it was da bomb dot com. After having that first Thai experience, however authentic you may feel it is, I know it won't be my last!
(4)
Agnes B.

I went based on a recommendation from a bartender in another restaurant. My overall experience....1. Parking is HORRIBLE 2. The place is small and crowded 3. Though very good, my meal ( Red Curry Tofu) contained little Tofu. 4. Cashier was very nice 5. No place to wait for to go orders 6. They were a bit pricey. If you ride the bus and don't mind overly crowded places, you should enjoy yourself. I will go back, but, I'll call in my order!
(3)
chocovore s.

This was a mixed bag for me - some good, some "eh," and a little bad. Yes, the parking lot is tiny -- we got there shortly after 5 and it wasn't a problem, but it was already getting nuts by 6. It's a lot brighter inside than I would have guessed. No booze here, and I'm not sure if they allow BYOB (there is a sign on the door indicating no outside food or drink . . .). My husband and I each ordered a honey-lime iced tea. It was heavy on the honey, not so much on the lime. Too sweet for my tastes. We also ordered some chicken dumplings for an appetizer, and those were good. There's no kids menu or even an option to order a smaller portion for a child, so keep that in mind if you are bringing the little ones. Our 5-year-old is a reasonably adventurous eater, so I don't expect to be able to order chicken fingers and fries everywhere we go, but he isn't going to come close to eating a full restaurant portion of food. Even an option for a half-portion for kids under 12 would be nice. The kid decided he wanted pad thai with chicken -- I am not a pad thai expert, but the few bites I had were tasty. The chicken was tender and he enjoyed the crunchy bean sprouts. My husband ordered some rice dish with lump crab meat in it -- he said it was pretty good but on the bland side (I don't think they asked for spice level when I ordered, though i did request mild for the pad thai). I ordered the curry set with tofu-- the "set" is $5 more and adds a small bowl of soup and a "small dessert." I chose the Tom Yum soup and it had a nice flavor and spice level with lots of fresh veggies. I asked how their tofu was prepared -- I am a fan of the chewy fried triangles of tofu found in many Thai and Chinese restaurants. It is probably not authentic in any way, but that's how I like it. Our server described it as sauteed and told the kitchen to make it extra crispy. Which was nice of him to do, but their tofu is in these little inch-long pieces about the shape of a McDonald's french fry. It isn't bad or anything, but not the tofu experience I was craving. The curry sauce is the thin/watery kind, but it had a nice lemongrass flavor and again lots of fresh veggies. For the "small dessert" I was hoping I'd get to choose a flavor of their homemade gelato (two that looked tempting were ginger and coconut-pineapple). But after I finished my meal, the server said "oh, I'll go heat up your coconut custard." Huh. I thought it might be along the lines of flan, but heated? After a few minutes he brought out this tiny ramekin of obviously-microwaved . . . something. It tasted a little like coconut and a little like flour and whatever the bottom layer was had adhered to the bottom of the ramekin, probably from being nuked too long. It might have been better before it was microwaved, but I have a feeling it was just not my thing. After a couple tiny bites the server asked me if it was good and I gave him the "eh, not so much" face. I think he was a little taken aback, but I can't be the first person let down by a promised dessert that amounts to two tablespoons of microwaved coconut goo? The service was friendly enough, and as we were leaving the server let my son pick out a temporary tattoo, which was cute. One thing that bugged me was when he came by to clear a dish, he stacked a dirty dish from another table on ours for a moment so he could pick both dishes up. Another small gripe -- many places will offer to bring out a little container of extra rice for you if you are packing up leftovers, but they didn't. On a tangent, the 5-year-old Ben Folds fan was excited to see him on the "pictures of famous people who ate here" wall!
(3)
Greg T.

The Smiling Elephant...what a charming name for a thai restaurant. Loved the attempt to really vibe the dining room out with all the wood detail and a food cart...I dig the small dining room vibe (1 smile). It gives you the feeling that these guys are all about cranking out some killer thai food. Unfortunately the food was really average and took a lot longer than expected. Ordered the dinner pad kra pao set for $14.95 which included a vegetarian soup (either tom yun or kha) and a dessert. My dining guest went with the pad thai because their signs say they have to best pad thai. so bring it...let's check out what the Smiling Elephant can do with this thai food staple. pad kra was average at best. not enough basil in my opinion and missed not having green and red peppers. flavor was really one dimensional...just soy and some sugar. really needed more basil....soup was decent but wish the serving was a bit larger..as well as my entree. their pad thai is really just ok...not terrible..not stellar. def. not the best. I do appreciate the fact that they use olive oil and no MSG. BIGGEST GRIPE: the use of small plates for everything..i feel like this spot if trying to use tiny, square plates to try to be hip. the small size of the dishes made it impossible to enjoy my meal. food kept falling off the sides...I couldn't mix my fried egg over the rice...I had to ask for a large bowl. I recommend not going with the dinner set...it's just not worth it. you barely get any soup and the dessert is a joke. it's one bites worth of coconut custard which really is just a bunch of tapioca starch. our server was friendly and attentive! (1 smile).
(2)
Stephanie K.

They really do have an amazing Pad Thai. I've tried a number of other dishes here, but I keep returning to this old favorite. Of the entrees, I've tried the Pad Kee Mao, Pad See-Ew, and Tamarind Pork. I was thrown off by the lime leaves in the Pad Kee Mao; the Pad See-Ew was good, but not amazing; and the Pork was a little dry and unflavorful. But that Pad Thai is something I could eat every week. Of the appetizers, I've had the fresh rolls and dumplings and enjoyed both, although I preferred the dumplings. Their teas are delicious - but you get charged for every refill so be aware. This is my favorite Thai place in Nashville, and I love the ambience. One of the negatives is the size, however. The restaurant is small - so you may have a long wait on a weekend evening. And, the parking lot is small to match. I recommend calling your order in and picking it up for some delicious Thai at home.
(4)
Dee a.

The pad kra pao is amazing! Was so excited to find a place in town that had it on the menu and they did not disappoint. Ordered it medium since I didn't know their spicy scale, fearing I may have screwed myself over but was pleasantly surprise at the level of good for your soul burn. Servers were friendly enough, mine was take out so can't give a very throughout review on the service but I was pleased with the meal. Parking looked like a hassle, but they have a marked spot for people dipping in for pick up orders. Will definitely be hitting this place up again.
(4)
Scott B.

Very impressed with the quality of food. The place itself is a cool spot where you can sit outside and service is very good! Highly recommend!
(5)
Tinsley D.

So fresh, spices smelled awesome even outside on the patio. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Steve S.

UPDATE: I came back and had a much better experience sitting outside. The curry is amazing. Maybe take-out's just not their thing. I really want to like this place. I've eaten at a ton of different Thai restaurants, and I've also heard that this was the best Thai in Nashville. Unfortunately, I have yet to see any sign of that. The first time I came to the Smiling Elephant, we ate in the restaurant. The service was great, but there were four of us and each person's dish was lacking - either not flavorful or missing some key ingredient. This wouldn't normally put me off of a restaurant, so I decided to give it another shot. The second time I ordered takeout. I got the Gai Jee and the Pad See Ew. The See Ew was fine, a bit bland, but fine. The Gai Jee, however, was literally a plate of plain Jasmine rice and chicken. No marinade, no vegetables. I even took a photo of it because I was so amazed. Here is the description of the dish from the menu: "Grilled Marinated Chicken served with fresh and steamed vegetables and Jasmine Rice." There was one piece of cauliflower in my dish, and not one other vegetable. I called to complain, and the woman who answered said that that dish doesn't come with vegetables and that the menu is wrong.
(3)
Joshua G.

As soon as you walk into this small building you are surrounded by wood. everything is wood paneled which isn't bad makes the whole place bright and clean. I was impressed with the friendliness of the owner and staff. My family felt extremely welcome and taken care of. We all ordered the Thom Ka soup which was excellent just the right amount of heat and flavor. They have a special everyday and for Friday was the red curry. I of course went with that. It was superb. I love curry and this one had the depth of flavor and the right amount of heat that didn't take away from the dishes real flavor. Very few places can do that. I would reccomend here in a heart beat.
(5)
Jon Anne D.

Oh, my goodness! Can we just talk for a minute how fantastic the ginger chicken is?! I met a friend here for lunch. The restaurant is small and a little noisy, but the food is so good, I totally don't care!
(4)
Andrea R.

My husband and were looking for good Thai in Nashville and The Smiling Elephant delivered! I appreciated all of the detailed descriptions in the menu and the strict adherence to traditionally prepared dishes. Everything we ordered was amazing, service was good, and we would definitely return!
(5)
Thomas L.

Great Thai and it definitely delivers this great taste without such a heavy feeling in the tummy. My wife and I came on a Monday evening for dinner and were surprised that there was even a small wait around 7:30-7:45. We were pretty hungry so the wait especially on a Monday night was little disappointing. It's not a huge place so that's understandable though. After being seated, it took a little while to get attention from our waitress. I decided to get the BBQ chicken entree and my wife got the Pad Kee Mao dish. We both also got some Thai Iced Coffee too. The BBQ chicken entree appeared in front of me different than I was expecting but it turned out to very very tasty. My wife really enjoyed her dish as well. The Iced Coffee was very good too and wasn't as sweet as usual from Thai restaurants, which was a definite plus.
(4)
Rahel K.

Atmosphere - minus 2 stars No wine - minus 2 stars Thai food - plus 8 stars Total = 4 stars Don't check my math but you get the idea......
(4)
Lu X.

Great food plus wonderful service. You must order the dinner/lunch set coz the coconut dessert is the best!
(5)
Bob D.

3.5/5.0 Stars Nice, cozy (read: small) atmosphere and friendly staff. We are off to a great start. First let me mention that I'm from Wisconsin. And that people from Wisconsin like beer. So I was a little disappointed that there was no alcohol on the menu. I'm not an alcoholic or anything so this wasn't a deal breaker. This place is small, but the wait for a table wasn't too bad--and that is considering we showed up with a party of 8+. Reviewers have mentioned the small plate size. I noticed this as well, but upon completion of the meal I was satisfied with the portion size. The price of the meal was a little spendy on my grad school budget--good thing they don't serve beers or it could have been a lot worse. Prices also differ at different times of the day, which I think is a little lame. The menu is the same, the prices change. Hmm. All in all, a decent joint; and being in 12 South, I didn't feel out of place not wearing my skinnies.
(4)
Cortney L.

Awesome food. Love that's its in my hood. Kind of overpriced...
(4)
Will M.

Really love the atmosphere. It's really charming and the food is good. Cons are wait times, and long wait times. Basically you hang out and smell all the good food to get a seat because It is a tiny family restaurant. Everyone is nice and could be spicier for my tastes as well. However, everything seems to made from scratch, I am excited to come here because it is a nice setting, and delightful place to get your thai on.
(4)
Linda B.

Teeny tiny place. Crazy busy during the lunch rush. We got there a little after 12 and waited maybe 20 minutes for a table. Very good Thai food. Full and happy, we will be back!
(4)
Ashley P.

Oh my goodness-best curry EVER! The ingredients were fresh, service was quick (once you get a table) and the staff are all very friendly. You must eat here!!
(5)
Whit W.

There are those nights when I need take out thai and a friend and a terrible rom-com and some red wine. And those nights I always call Smiling Elephant and order their Chicken Pad Thai. Not only is it magical, with its wide, glassy noodles and perfect spicing, it also has big chunks of chicken breast and tofu and egg and a sprinkling of love. And they never judge my workout clothes when I come in and pick it up. In fact, sometimes they even give me a small smile, as if they know I'm about to watch "P.S. I Love You" and tear up a little, though I'll deny it vehemently afterward.
(4)
Kimberly S.

The Smiling Elephant is one of my favorite places to get take out. Their Pad Kra Pao with ground pork is mind-blowing. It's a spicy pork stir fry with basil, garlic, and chili peppers served with a fried egg over rice. I particularly like the egg to be runny so that it oozes all over the dish. With a little bit of the spices that they pack on the side, the PKP is the perfect amount of heat with an amazing punch of flavor. Eating in at the Smiling Elephant can be a bit of a hassle. It's a tiny restaurant with only about 12 tables. It's a bit cramped on the inside. The parking lot is also a huge cluster. The parking lot in the back is about as treacherous as it gets after a steep drop back there. This is why take out is the way to go. It's always ready within 10 minutes and served with a smile. Every time I check out the sweet owner always jokes with me about my total being $200 and then just giggles and giggles. It never fails to put a smile on my face.
(5)
Emily T.

The Smiling Elephant is my favorite Thai in Nashville - thus far. I say "Thus far" because I've only ever visited two other establishments and I probably won't visit anymore. Because Smiling Elephant has my heart. The location is centralized and easy to find. The atmosphere is quaint with a small amount of seating. The service is usually decent but not overly attentive by any means. I typically end up flagging a few people down but no one seems to mind and they are quick once you place a request for more water, silverware, etc. The food is the winner. Everything is deliciously fresh. I have been to other Thai places that make the same vegetables for every dish and just change the sauce. Smiling Elephant keeps to traditional flavors and keeps the right fruits, nuts and veggies in the right dishes. Their Tom Kha is the perfect balance of lime, fish sauce and coconut milk. I've never been disappointed by a dish there but I keep returning to the Cashew Chicken. The portions are large and I always have plenty to take home. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get.
(5)
Mckenzie M.

I have heard so many great things about The Smiling Elephant, but left a little disappointed. First of all, I didn't expect such a long wait on a weeknight. But the place is pretty small, so I get it. The waitress was very helpful in recommending dishes. For some reason, I went with the Cashew Chicken, which was just OK. Wish I had gotten the Pad Thai - that's what they're known for. Definitely would come back to try another dish. Sadly, the dish I had just wasn't that great.
(3)
Rudy S.

This place never disappoints! Great flavors and service. I always stop when I am in Nashville.
(5)
Dene L.

Possibly the best and freshest food for lunch we have in Nashville. He grows his herbs in pots around the perimeter. Get the pad thai with crab on it. So good I've had it every time I've been there and I go here often. Get there by 11:30 or after 1 or you will stand in line.
(5)
Kina L.

I've driven by Smiling Elephant a dozen times, staring at their garish sign proclaiming "Best Thai in Nashville." I figured if they were really that good, they wouldn't need a sign. Anyway, stopped by tonight to see for myself. I called ahead at 4:30pm to figure out the ideal time as reviewers mention the wait is horrible (spoiler: it is). Hostess mentioned that any time before 7 is good. I went at 5:45pm on Saturday. We waited for 35 minutes to be seated at a two person table (we had 3). When I arrived, I had already heard that they were no longer taking to go orders-- it was that busy, so don't think you can escape the wait from ordering it to go. Given the solid wait time I had... I had plenty of time to visually explore the entire restaurant. Granted I could see the entrance, exit, bathrooms, kitchen and parking lot within my range of vision... anyway, the place is adorably and dare I say.. sustainably decorated (minus the ginormous statue that greets you at the door). Imagine succulents galore-- in reused pepsi bottles. I thought I was in East Nashville for a second. Food (all dinner entrees were $12): 1) Favorite was the Pad Makea: A "Spicy, Sour Stirfry with Minced Pork, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Bamboo Shoots, and Thai Basil" Easily agreed amongst us as the best dish. It was definitely both spicy and sour. The tomato base was a perfect twist to the dish. The eggplant was perfectly soft and soaked up the tomato flavor well. Bamboo shoots completed the dish with unexpected snap and crunch. *Kind of disappointed our server did not ask us what level of spice we wanted for this dish, or any at that. Cause I woulda gone for "thai spicy." 2) Of course we had to try the said "traditional" Pad Thai with Tamarind sauce (my favorite) and green bean noodles (which on the menu reportedly has half the carbs as regular rice noodles). Definitely thought the noodles were delicious and surprisingly had more chicken to noodles. Unlike Pad Thai that you would be more accustomed to.. this version is not as wet and over drenched in sauce..which I found quite pleasant. Had a distinct lime taste that I appreciate, although I wish they had more slices of lime on the side. 3) Larb Lettuce Wraps with minced pork- came with probably 6 lettuce boats. Definite sizable portion of meat. Way more then what you would construct with 6 boats. One thing I noticed was that they were quite heavy handed on the fish sauce. AND this is coming from a person that grew up near an island where their chief export was fish sauce... Definitely would not recommend this for someone who is sensitive to fish sauce/odor. 4) Mango sticky rice-$6: Essentially half a mango with sweet sticky rice- Hey its vegan with coconut milk and I believe palm sugar. Definitely over priced. Stick to the food truck version. I believe Deg Thai has one. Tidbits: 1) Parking- 27 spots (total including the back space) 2) Tables- 14 3) To escape the rush (4:30 pm to 5:30) 4) To go orders = 5% surcharge 5) They are great for splitting checks- do it at the cash register 6) Its a horrible idea to eat here with more then 4 people- you will get the one big table by the door where there is always someone standing waiting for a table in your "safe space." 7) Interesting observation- the restaurant has 4 parking spots for employees. Have you guys seen the ridiculously tight kitchen cook line? The chefs are literally there all day every day. (as evidenced by their parking- end to end). Hey, consistency right? Overall, food was pretty good. However, coming from Atlanta, Im not sure if this place would hold a candle to some of my haunts. But hey, a $12 pad thai is still cheaper and less time consuming then a 4 hr drive. Well maybe not on a Saturday night.
(4)
Katie W.

Happened upon this place when every other place in the area we tried to go to was for some reason closed on a Saturday night, as so glad we did. I knew it was a good sign when I saw the Masters degree in Nutrition from Columbia University hanging in the lobby. We had a seat on the small patio - it was a lovely night. Lemongrass tea was warming and flavorful. Steamed veggie dumplings with garlicky dipping sauce were wonderful. Tom Kha soup was good. But the highlight of the meal was the Panang Curry. The waitress brought out a sample of the curry sauce for my husband to ensure it wouldn't be too spicy for him. I tasted it too, and we ended up both ordering it. I NEVER order Thai curry. I always opt for noodles. And I hate ordering the same thing as my dining companion. That's just how good this one was. Overall the service was excellent. We will definitely be saving this place to return to when our Thai craving strikes!
(5)
Asma A.

We were in town for a few days and were craving Thai. This is back in April. This was not only top rated on yelp but also a few locals recommended it. We got beef pad kee mao and pad thai. It was good but I was expecting more given the hype. I have had better. . However their coconut custard dessert was so delicious. Do try that if they have it under the special. It's good I think given the area and there aren't lots of Thai places.
(3)
Josh H.

Smiling Elephant: other Thai restaurants in Nashville do it well, but Smiling E does it the best. Their pad kra pao with pork (Thai spicy) is simply delicious. Do yourself a favor and try this masterpiece ASAP. It's so perfect in its simplicity. (It's barely 9 a.m. as I'm writing this, and I'm already craving it.) You can't go wrong with playing curry of the day roulette either. I've never had a bad curry here. It comes with your choice of protein, or go veggie-only. Their veggies are so fresh and crisp. The 8th Avenue South store front is quaint and cute, and the staff here are so friendly. They strike a nice balance between homey/traditional ambience and modern/fresh plating. I usually call in for carryout, but if you're planning to dine in, either go at off peak hours or expect to wait. The dining room is on the tiny side. Enjoy!
(5)
Brandon E.

Great place! Small but cozy atmosphere. BUSY but only waited about 15 minutes for a table. Had the steamed shrimp dumplings for an appetizer and green curry chicken for entree. Both were delicious. Green curry was very flavorful (and hot!) and the vegetables were fresh. My only complaint might be the curry sauce was just a little thin but that's really nitpicking. It was awesome.
(5)
Katharina H.

If you are looking for delicious Thai food come here! Just be aware that they do not take reservations and you can expect a wait during dinner times. The place is small and always packed! However, the wait is worth it! Their Pad Thai is delicious and we have never been disappointed with any of their curries. We will come back!
(5)
Tara S.

As far as Thai goes the food doesn't get much better than this. Everything is fresh and made to order. Their vegetables are crunchy, not soggy. We've tried a different dish each time we come and have yet to be disappointed. Everything is packed with flavor. I usually stick with water when out for Thai but I can't resist their pomegranate juice. My only gripes with the place are the prices are a bit on the high end and their parking lot is scary small. I don't even bother with the front lot because it might fit maybe 5 cars and it's fun to watch from the inside all the cars trying to get in and out at the same time. The back lot is bigger but you have to fit down a very narrow alley. If there's another car coming while you're trying to get in then you're kind of screwed. Imagine playing chicken with cars because NO ONE wants to be the person to back up! Other than that, DELICIOUS!
(4)
Steven P.

what a treat....the best thai i have found in the nashville area...the food was wonderful and the service was excellent
(5)
Shaina L.

Being new to town and from Seattle where Thai food is king, I've been anxious to find good go-to pad thai. Happy to say I found it :) I got chicken pad Thai to go, and the portion was generous (especially the chicken!), the noodles perfectly cooked and the balance between sweetness and acidity excellent. While I waited I had a nice chat with one if the owners, who was incredibly sweet. I tried to talk her in to opening a location in east nashville ;) I will definitely be back!
(5)
Katie I.

extremely authentic. my pad thai was good, not fabulous in my opinion. I didn't care for the fresh peanut roll- what was supposed to be basil tasted like a plethora of cilantro and I LOATHE cilantro. I may try it again and get something different next time. parking is tough at lunchtime.
(3)
Jeff L.

100% this is the best thai place in nashville. Feels very authentic and has great quality food. The ambiance and the staff are very accommodating to a great thai meal. Although a little bit more expensive than other places (Golden Thai, Esane) the food here is definitely better and worth it. I would recommend Smiling to a friend.
(5)
Stephanie C.

I love the pineapple cashew chicken so much that I crave it and want to drive across town and get it almost every day. But alas, I do not drive across town to get it because I know I will have to wait for seat. This place is tiny, it seats perhaps 25 people. Not only that, the seats are uncomfortable. Many do not have backs. You certainly can't go with a group of friends. If the smiling elephant had a larger space (and maybe a few cocktails) , I would be a raving fan.
(4)
Jay W.

We had thai food last week here, sadly the food quality was terrible. We go to Thailand 2 times a year and this is NOT AUTHENTIC. The meat was chewy and brown rice so wet and sticky. In Los Angeles we love to go to Thai Town and the food is amazing...we were hoping to have the same experience here but sadly we did not. They take advantage of people who do not understand international cuisine.
(1)
Amanda D.

Great food and bad parking! I once parked four blocks away. Try to visit this place in between lunch and dinner! The cashew chicken and the spring rolls are excellent! Best Thai in Nashville!
(5)
Sugar X.

You will leave smiling! The Gai Yang is heaven on an elephant absolutely delightful! The garlic and cilantro burst with exotic flavor. The teas are amazing as well and taste like an orange cream sickle. The summer rolls are refreshing and light! This eatery sits in a tiny house with plenty of parking. The tables are huge dining room style that incase a great room. The humble appearance of the place set a clean palette for a surprising luxurious meal! Your inner Thai will be rolling in gratitude for the visit!
(4)
Corey G.

I'm a big fan of Thai food and the Smiling Elephant is as good as it gets for Thai food in Nashville. You can smell the amazing food from a block away. They have amazing pad thai and spring rolls! I prefer this place better for dining in over take out but it's win win either way.
(5)
Gene C.

Best Thai food ever! Staff was great and the food was fast and delicious. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Daniel H.

After living in Nashville for 7 years, I finally ate at The Smiling Elephant. Why have I wasted the past 7 years eating anywhere else? My girlfriend and I ordered the fresh rolls and the Pad Thai. Excellent service and excellent food. The atmosphere is nice and clean. I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)
Phil D.

Very good food and great service. Our waitress even offered us a sample of the curry to gauge how spicy their spicy was.
(5)
Cameron F.

While the food and service are excellent (loved the chicken pad thai, mango rice + a very friendly & humorous waitress), the parking & location was a total nightmare. The restaurant is often overcrowded (the size of the restaurant is small) and waits can be an issue. Also, they leave the front door open, which allows cold air to fill the restaurant. Basically, once inside, it's easy to feel claustrophobic and chilly. Overall, the location isn't good at all. I'm sure college students love it close to their respective campuses, but it has a negative effect on the restaurant's ambiance and culture. However, the experience (once inside) is appreciable. A four-star rating if not for sub-par external criteria.
(2)
Tennessee P.

Ordered the BBQ chicken entree for take out. Also got an order of the vegetable dumplings. Must say, the service is super friendly! The originally told me 30 min, then called me back 10 minutes later to let me know the food was already ready. I appreciated that. The entree was definitely enough to share, but the taste and quality was just "eh". I will say that the friendly service is enough for me to give it a second try on a different dish.
(2)
Alex P.

Their Chicken pad thai is delicious. I could eat is everyday. And they're across from Belmont University and central to a bunch of things. They also have sweet desserts and bubble tea!
(4)
Leslie W.

Quite possibly my favorite place to eat every day for the rest of my life if I could hack it. This is the only restaurant I have visited 4 times since moving to Nashville, and still can't get enough. I've tried something different every time I go, and it's always been PERFECT! Don't worry about the small space or the wait time, because the food is to die for! My favorites are the cashew chicken, chicken pad ew, and the pad su wen (probably misspelt) along side a hot cup of honey hibiscus tea. Amazing! I will take every friend and family member I have to this restaurant every chance I get!
(5)
Danny N.

As described on the menu the Pad Thai was less saucy than than most other Pad Thai I have had. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The noodles are much thinner which was not a negative. It was a mistake to order shrimp which was great, but I didn't realize it was a $6 up charge. Overall I was very pleased. There was a lot of egg, tofu, and peanuts which were to my liking. The lemon grass soup was amazing as an appetizer. Overall a great experience and highly recommended.
(5)
Bobby Y.

The epitome of another overrated Nashville restaurant. Have eaten food from here twice while in the area for work. SO disappointing. Shockingly bland and watery curries, and one of the least appealing versions of Pad Thai I have ever seen/tasted. Basically, you don't take your chances on Thai food in Nashville, you go with BBQ. I go to Nashville for work, so I am at the mercy of Nashville's restaurants for days on end. The Smiling Elephant is way below average. Some of the worst Thai food I've experienced. If you need food to get full on, it won't hurt you. And sometimes that's the best you can hope for when you're on the road :)
(2)
Matthew V.

I came here yesterday with my girlfriend because she's from here and has yet to try it and has heard nothing but great things about it. I got the pad see ew and tom yum soup (my favorite) and she the pad Thai and Tom kha. The soup was amazing. Great flavor, tons of veggies which weren't over cooked and still slightly crispy. I strongly suggest the tom yum to anyone. Once the main entrees came out I was very excited to try mine. After the first bite I was severely disappointed. Although everything was cooked quite well there was absolutely no flavor. The most flavor in the whole dish were the eggs and tofu. This is a great restaurant had great service and all around awesome to be at, but I don't see all the hype.
(3)
Ana G.

I've been to the corners of Thailand and know the food and I can safely say this is the closest thing to the original. I loved dining here. I didn't have major expectations because usually it's adapted to suit the market it's aiming for. It was so authentic I actually forgot that most of the real Thai dishes have chilli flakes in them. I got a nice spicy surprise upon first bite and remembered exactly how it had tasted in Thailand. Love it and going back for sure!!
(5)
Shafi K.

I love the Smiling Elephant. No really. There's nothing here that is not good and I'm pretty sure I've tried them all! We have been coming here since we first moved here. We strongly believe this is one of the best Thai restaurants in town (and surprisingly, Nashville does have quite a few). Last week, I was sick and I forced my boyfriend to come here with my after school. I wanted some thai soup. I bought their customized soup with bean noodles (had never heard of it before but yum!), vegetables and lemograss soup. Ah-mazing! We also tried their daily curry and it's great. Finally, we always get their vegetable appetizer with peanut sauce dip. That sauce is awesome and one of a kind. Must try! Overall, great place. It is quite small and gets packed. TIP: Come here exactly at 5:00 p.m. for dinner and you'll quickly be seated without having to wait outside.
(5)
Kristen D.

If you are in Nashville you must check this place out! My boyfriend and I were visiting and were told by several people to dine here. Such a cute local hole in the wall. I got the pad Thai, dumplings, & bubble tea and was extremely pleased!!! Hands down best Thai food I have had. I'm very sad I won't be able to hit this place up when ever I want considering I'm 400 miles away :/
(5)
Moira R.

The wait was really long, and it was freezing outside. They only had one heater going, which seemed like a mistake -- and it's entirely possible one of the folks I was waiting with is the one who ultimately turned it on. They were out of all but one kind of roll when we did get seated, the ones we had were fairly standard fare. I did love my food, as did my most charming date, but the place is small and cramped and not necessarily in a good way. The prices were kind of high considering serving size and my previous experience with Thai food elsewhere. (I'm used to two meals from one serving in these kinds of restaurants.) Ultimately I'd come back, because the food really was good, but I'm not sure the value was really 1000% there.
(3)
Melanie C.

Best thai food in the city! Don't expect the traditional americanized version of this cuisine though. This is as authentic as you'll find around here. I've only had it to go; never actually sat there to eat, and I can't say I would want to. Every time I come in to get my food, it is extremely hot and dampy. But in any case, this is fantastic thai food!
(4)
Russell M.

I had the Pad Thai and my girlfriend had the Gai Yang. We also ordered the Fresh Rolls and Tom Yum soup. This place was excellent. Food outstanding, service great, and the place was super cool. I will tell people about this all the time. I look forward to going back.
(5)
Cara S.

I guess we got spoiled in Seattle on Thai food. I was very excited about eating here based on the reviews. They are always busy. My taste buds for Thai are much different to what I have had in Michigan, California and Washington State compared to here. Many Thai restaurants have a different flare. Their is a great Thai population in WA, maybe that's why. The reason for the low stars, I gave was based only on how cute this place is and my husband did enjoy his Pad See Ew. He however did say they go a little over board on the garlic, and had slight heart burn. I however had the Pad Thai. It was very good going down, but a hour later I started getting hot, stomach ache, horrible heartburn and then spent the last 6 hours running to the bathroom. NOT A PRETTY PICTURE! I am sorry but this was a big turn off for me. The food wasn't to spicy it was just over powered with garlic. Good thing I am not a vampire. I think this place is dang cute so I am SO upset that our experience was a dud here (sad face).
(2)
Chip B.

By far the best Thai cuisine that I've ever experienced. This is one of those places that makes you feel clever for just being aware of it's existence.
(5)
Aimee B.

The best Thai food I think I've ever had! The service is great. Be prepared to wait for a table!
(5)
Ven S.

The food was pretty good here. The Green bean Noodles were good too and prettyinteresting change. The thai tea is okay but I've easily had better. The customer service needs some improvement. First time we were there my date and I were forced to sit at a table with other strangers in front of the door which when everyone would walk in holding the door open for extended periods for no reason we would freeze. The wait is a little tedious so make sure you got some time to wait in line.
(4)
Piyush S.

I was going to give a 3 star but I gotta go 2. See, there are some really good thai joints in Nashville ( King market, thai phooket and ginger thai come to mind immediately). Smiling elephant is a big hype, typical hipster friendly, a little pricey, a little bland, a little something missing in the food ( Just like Baja burrito on Thompson lane ( another hyped joint) Thai food is supposed to be full of flavor. They might be using top notch organic stuff here, but if you cant make flavorful food, I am not wasting my money on you. (Btw, you don't see any Asians eating here, ever wondered why, because it is not authentic food!!)
(2)
Chelsea J.

This was one of the first places I tried when I moved to Nashville, and I immediately knew I would be coming back. Admittedly I am not too adventurous when it comes to Thai food so I stuck with the pad thai. One order to-go with a side of the tom kha soup (soup was just OK) put a $25 dent in my wallet. The serving was so big that the pad thai leftovers lasted me 3 more meals so the price is fair in my opinion. The pad thai was packed with tofu, peanuts, sprouts, noodles, etc. I ordered double tofu so it was a tofu explosion as one could imagine, and I mean that in a good way. My mom came to visit and we went to Smiling Elephant again, this time for dine-in and even at 9:00pm on a Thursday night there was a 30 minute wait. Pretty crazy, but I'll take it as a sign of how good it is. One thing that irks me is all the pictures of the owner and various celebrities that adorn the entry way. It reminds me of a Buca di Beppo style of decorating but of local celebrities instead of cheesy italian-inspired art. Thats cool that celebs go to Smiling Elephant to eat, but I dont need to see a chummy picture of Taylor Swift and the owner immediately upon walking in the door. The crab dumplings were also very good, with real and flavorful crab. I would give Smiling Elephant 5 stars but the ambience is lacking for me to grant them the full 5. If you do have to wait for a table you are crammed in to the entry way again looking at pictures of Taylor Swift (see above) or huddling for near a heat lamp outside. The actual restaurant tables are really close together so you can be a part of your neighbors conversation if you're feeling particularly nosy. BUT if you are just in the market for some really good Thai and don't care what the setting is like, then Smiling Elephant is great. Highly recommend them for takeout, usually does not take more than 20 minutes for them to make your food which can be a great alternative for the busier nights at the restaurant.
(4)
Joan B.

This is my favorite restaurant! I will not eat Thai food anywhere else. The food is amazing, and the staff is very friendly. Their Pad Thai is off the charts!
(5)
Carissa O.

I love the smiling elephant. I've eaten here a couple times (I normally do before I write a review) Everything is good but the real standout in my opinion is the pad Thai. I normally do not like pad Thai because I find the American version is really sweet... This is not like the pad Thai you've had before in the very best way!!
(5)
Jamie F.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. I love Thai food and love their unique take on popular Thai dishes (especially the cashew chicken). Whenever I have friends come to Nashville from out of town i almost always take them here and I always recommend this place to my clients. However, as a regular customer that brings this place a lot of business, I was very offended by what happened today. My husband and I met my mother-in-law here for lunch and soon after receiving our check the owner came over to our table and asked us if we were done. ( We were still finishing up our teas, digesting, and catching up with each other so we hadn't laid down our card yet.) The owner said "if your done, can you give us the table?" so RUDE! We basically had to rush out of there after that and my mother in law (who treated us to this lunch) said she never wants to come back. Very disappointing. No paying customer should be rushed out the door like this.
(3)
Caterina H.

I can see why a lot of people like this place. It's small, the ambience is very "hole-in-the-wall", and it makes you feel like you've discovered a nice little gem in the restaurant world in Nashville. In my opinion, it's a bit overrated. Now this is coming from a Laotian girl, (for those who don't know, Laos is next to Thailand) and the cuisine is very similar. So my entire body is constructed of food from Southeast Asia, and this place just doesn't do it for me. It SEEMS hole-in-the-wall, but there seems to be a lot of trendiness that makes it feel inauthentic to me. And from what I've been told, The Smiling Elephant is supposed to have the "most authentic" Thai food in Nashville. When I arrived at the restaurant, there was already a wait, which was no surprise because the place is quite small, and it made me excited to see that so many people were waiting to eat there. I was seated fairly quickly, and as I flipped through the menu, I noticed the lower-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian options--which is good for people with those dietary restrictions because it's not common for many Thai places--and I was familiar with most of the dishes. So my date and I ordered the Fresh Rolls as an appetizer and the Pad-kee-mao and BBQ Curry Chicken for entrees. When the Fresh Rolls came out, I was super disappointed just looking at them. The rolls I was looking at were filled 60% with carrots, and I was confused. Usually the fresh spring rolls are filled with shrimp or some kind of pork, and I knew that their version was vegetarian, but I've had vegetarian spring rolls before, and they usually have more herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles. They came pre sliced which looked nice, but made it very hard to pull the cut sections apart. The sauce it came with was kind of bland, and the chunk of shredded carrots in the center made it very hard to chew and swallow. It was just dry, and the caramelized radish made it way too sweet. I ordered my Pad-kee-mao extra spicy, like native Thai spicy, and it definitely was not so. When I asked the waiter for some chili sauce or Sriracha sauce, he brought me sweet chili sauce and chili flakes and told me it was all they had. What kind of Thai restaurant doesn't give you Sriracha?! I mean, usually they have that stuff already on the table. Also, I didn't enjoy the bits of kaffir lime leaves all throughout my noodles. Usually those things are taken out after the flavor is infused, like a bay leaf. And those hard little bits of leaves were not pleasant to chew. The green bean noodles were...interesting. A different texture I'm just not used to. I prefer the fresh rice noodles. The BBQ curry, according to my date, was just okay. It was fine to eat, but it lacked vegetables or something else to add to the dish. It was just shredded chicken on some rice. It sounded better on the menu than it tasted, and he said he probably wouldn't order it again. I wanted this place to be good so badly. I really did. It's close to my house, so I thought I'd be able to come often, but I know of better Thai places in Nashville. If you're looking for a cute little Thai place and don't care about the authenticity too much, then this is the place. Unfortunately, it just didn't meet my expectations for good Thai food, but then again, my expectations are pretty high.
(3)
Caitlin D.

I stopped in for lunch yesterday and ordered a "new" dish (first item listed on the menu). I wish I could remember the name. It came with eggplant, vegetables and rice. I substituted tofu for pork. I made it the special lunch, which comes with soup and a dessert. The soup was fine, although you have to pay extra if you want any meat/shrimp. Other restaurants at least throw a shrimp in there. When my main dish came, while it had lots of flavor, it was way more spicy than I had anticipated, considering the waiter never asked me how spicy I wanted it. I can handle some spice, but I just wasn't expecting it without requesting it. The dish itself was probably better than most Thai restaurants in Nashville, it had more flavor. The dessert was the tiniest little dish (about the size of a ketchup serving) of custard. It tasted great, but there was so little of it, it left me wanting more. The reason I won't be running back is that although the food is good, it's semi overpriced in my opinion. I spent $15 (before tip) on lunch, and wasn't quite dazzled enough for that price tag.
(3)
Chris W.

Do you want the BEST Thai in the city? Do you want the best Thai in the state?? This is your place. I've eaten everything on the menu, in varying degrees of spiciness, and I have not had one, single, bad, dish. NOT ONE!! This place is simple, basic, BUSY, and the owners really care about the food they serve. I mean, the man has a masters degree in nutrition from Cornell. CORNELL!! Seriously, how do you knock a restaurant that grows their own herbs? And the ginger/lemongrass tea will blow you away, hot OR cold. Run, don't walk, to get to this place, but get there EARLY. If you don't, you'll be waiting in line for a while.
(5)
Emily S.

In my opinion, one of the best kept secrets in Nashville! Some of the best Pad Thai I've ever tasted!
(4)
Rachel L.

awesome food! restaurant is too small for the crowd & parking was horrible. the food was so good and fresh that it was worth it!
(4)
Jesse M.

So many great options here! Everything made fresh when you order. Love the fresh rolls, veggie dumplings, and noodle soup! The owner is very engaged in his business and it shows.
(5)
Molly B.

I love Smiling Elephant. I may even dream of Smiling Elephant. When I moved from NYC to Nashville my number one main concern is where I would eat traditional asian food, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai. (I'm not kidding, that was my biggest concern.) When I found Smiling Elephant it was a taste of home, it was a sign that yes, I could live in this city. Their Chicken Cashew Stir Fry is so good. Their fresh rolls are fantastic. Their Pad Kra Pao is my favorite. (I'm a sucker for anything with a fried egg.) I've actually never had anything there that I didn't think was excellent and flavorful. Here is the deal though, Smiling Elephant servers very traditional thai food. It is not Americanized Thai food. That means they aren't using granulated sugar they're using palm sugar, etc. Most of the negative reviews I read on here make me think that most people were expecting the American version of Thai food that they're used to and that this wasn't it. Yup. This isn't it. If you're looking for traditional Thai this is the place. Hollar at me if you know of some awesome traditional Japanese in the Nashville area, I'm still searching.
(5)
Daniel B.

Pad Kra Pao is the most exceptional dish that I have experienced in Nashville's Thai offerings! Fresh ground spicy pork with the right amount of freshly grown (in house) basil with a few fresh vegetables served with rice and a very tasty fried egg. I am addicted and when I am entertaining guests, I feel compelled to bring them to this wonderful treasure of a place. The service is prompt encouraging a diner to enjoy a meal, but to make way for other guests standing at the door. It's not a rushed experience...but let's keep it moving so that others can enjoy this fresh and tasty spot!
(5)
Augusta P.

I love this place! It is by far my favorite place to eat in Nashvile! Everytime I have "out-of-town" friends come visit, I always take them to the Smiling Elephant. It has a great ambiance, food and service. It is small, but very quaint and inviting! If you go, be prepared to wait! If you patient, you soon will realize that it is well worth the wait time! I promise you will leave with a full belly and a smile!
(5)
Sarah M.

My brother sold me at best pad thai in Nashville (or so they advertise). Super cute interior - very bright and fun. Our server was perfectly charming and attentive. For an app we ordered the fresh roll. Amazingly tasty, but small portion - there were three of us and definitely not big enough for us to share. For our entrees, I had to order pad thai. They clearly advertise the fact that their pad thai is likely not what you would eat (meaning more traditional than the usual Americanized pad thai) - not served with rice noodles (although it is an option). I liked it, but didn't love it, and would likely not go with best pad thai in Nashville.... but then again I don't live in Nashville soooo... Biggest mistake though was ordering the homemade gelato. I think gelato, I think creamy. They think gelato, you get two scoops of flavored ice (think snow cone). Very disappointing. Overall, we agreed that it wasn't bad, but that we probably wouldn't make it our first choice of places to go. note - very gluten-free friendly!
(3)
Shannon W.

Bad service. Second time they missed to place my To Go Order on the phone. I went to the restaurant to pick the food up and they told me the order has not been placed at all. Today is the second time. Their attitude make me feel that since they are so popular they don't care about losing one customer.
(1)
Mai H.

I need to go back to this lovely place! I had an order of Pad Thai and it was beyond my expectation - light, fresh and delicious. Compare to more authentic Thai food I've had before, The Smiling Elephant is milder in seasoning, the menu is limited (which corresponds to the size and capacity of the restaurant anyway). Nevertheless, I love the food, service is good, and it's definitely the best Thai restaurant in Nashville.
(4)
Sarah H.

If this place had alcohol and better parking I'd give them 5 stars. The pineapple cashew chicken is absolutely delicious. It's a very large, moderately priced portion. The food is very fresh, and I love that it is cooked without MSG. The atmosphere is quaintly pleasant, but good luck getting in here on a Friday night. They only have 10 or 12 tables. There is no where to wait for a table inside, so you're at the mercy of the weather. Parking can be a bit of an issue if the upper lot that holds about 8 cars is full. (Note, there is parking in the back, but it's shared with some type of car repair place and the spaces are tight!) The staff are very friendly, and their take out is pretty quick. My friend who studied abroad in Thailand said the food is pretty authentic. It would be considered "street food" in Thailand. If you're looking for authentic, fresh, moderately priced Thai food in a "dive-y" atmosphere- give it a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
(4)
Michael S.

I know this place get best of everything but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I had the pad Thai and their Krap pao. The pad Thai was just too sour for me and seemed to be all chicken and bean just a few noodles I been to Thailand like 20 times and I never seen pad Thai like this before honestly it reminds more of Laotian food than Thai food. The Krap pao used ground pork ok and a fried egg again ok but there seemed be no sauce and tasted only of basil and was actually a little bitter. We got lunch and with 2 drinks are tab was almost 30 at the other thai restaurants in town I usually get a lunch combo and drink for two comes to 22. So I felt like I was paying more for below average food.
(2)
Tom H.

Very welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Clean, well-lite and active. Being a Thai-novice, I asked for advise on menu and got it. Pad Kee Mao with chicken. Asked for hot. Perfect temperature. Go see them...
(4)
Danxia Y.

Love pad Thai and daily curry
(4)
Loralyn D.

This is my favorite Thai in Nashville. They don't have as many items on their menu as other Thai restaurants I've been to, but I love their Pad Thai and Green Curry. I've always taken food to go but it's a cozy feel inside the restaurant if you eat there.
(5)
Melanie B.

Definitely the best Pad Thai in Nashville. It has many awards to back up that claim. I love their noodles which are thinner and wider than other pad thai dishes I have had in the past. The parking is limited and tight especially in the back lot. The inside of the restaurant is quite cozy which contributes to long wait times. I highly suggest visiting outside of typical busy restaurant hours (6:30pm-8:00pm). As you enter, the smells are intoxicating. Thankfully, smells are free, because I let my nose binge on those delicious spices that fill the air. You can even sneak a peek into the kitchen. Every time I go there, I dance in my chair with excitement, because the food and service is consistently good. I also wince when I see the bill. The pad thai is amazing, but quite expensive if you order prawns or some other premium meat/seafood. However, out of loyalty to this glorious establishment, I don't order pad thai anywhere else in the WORLD except at The Smiling Elephant.
(4)
Jacqueline C.

Hands down the best thai food in Nashville, or maybe that I have ever had. My brother lives in Thailand and he said first hand it was VERY authentic! Also, don't even hesitate what you're going to order - get the Pad Thai. It's not the Pad Thai you're probably used to, which is a GREAT thing. This dish leaves out the Americanized "doused with sauce" style, yet keeps all of the flavor. You may want to get there earlier because there will be a wait, as the inside only seats about 25 people. Worth the wait if there is one, the staff is also VERY kind!
(5)
Hannah W.

Two filling and delicious bowls of curry and stir fry, and two iced teas, made for a delicious lunch! The price was great, the employees were friendly and welcoming, and the decor was lovely. I like how it looked like a garden nursery outside. ^^ it was very welcoming and friendly!
(5)
Tony H.

Heard this was the spot in Nashville for some top tier Thai food. We stopped in around 5:30 or so on a Friday and were seated right away. The interior is pretty tight but it's more cozy than crowded, nice atmosphere and homey. The staff was friendly and pleasant. I had a tofu curry. The tofu wasn't anything special but the curry was tasty and had plenty of spice without overpowering it. They give you plenty of rice. Overall it was a good experience and I wouldn't hesitate stopping in again when I'm in the area.
(4)
Jacoby D.

My boyfriend and I had a great first experience here! We had excellent customer service and the food was great. The place was quite small, however we were able to get a table right away. They got us in and out quite quickly, and the timing of our appetizers, soups, entrees, and deserts came out perfect. Highly recommend!
(5)
David R.

It was good that I called ahead; I was told it would be a 45 minute wait for my take out order. I had the Thai fried rice with chicken. It was good! From what I can tell it has onions, tomatoes, cilantro, cucumbers, bok choy and egg prepared with chicken and jasmine rice. The only thing I did not like about this restaurant was the car park. When I arrived there was a space available, but I had to drive into it and back out of it at an angle! The Smiling Elephant is worth trying!
(4)
Shane M.

Several of us ate here for my mother-n-law's birthday. WOW - great food. Everything was fresh and delicious. I'm a big fan of Thai food and this may be as good as it gets.
(5)
Kyna M.

Really good food. Really accommodating servers & cooks. Very friendly. A bit of a wait. No where to really wait. Small but very cute place. Will go back!!
(4)
Misty M.

I have no idea why people are so obsessed with this place. Maybe it's the location because it definitely isn't the food. I had the pad thai and it tasted like it was soaked in vinegar. It was so bad I couldn't finish it. I will not ever be back.
(1)
Daniel P.

I've heard several people claim that The Smiling Elephant is the best Thai restaurant in Nashville, and I just cannot agree with that. The food was barely mediocre, please see my reasons below: 1) They do not offer spring rolls. I enjoy spring rolls from Thai restaurants. I don't know how traditional they are in Thailand, but they are very common in American Thai restaurants, and TSE does not serve them. 2) I order Pad Kra Pao with pork as my standard Thai dish when I go out. It almost always comes with sliced trips of pork, you know, "stir fry" meat. I ordered it at TSE, and the meat came as ground pork. It was not enjoyable. 3) I ordered Pad Thai, and it was not Pad Thai! The menu says that their Pad Thai comes with "green bean noodles" and I asked our server about that because I was a bit unsure. She said that they are "the same as rice noodles, but healthier," so I decided to give them a try. They are not the same as rice noodles! I've eaten Pad Thai at probably 20 different restaurants, as well as made my own from recipes, and the stick noodles are always about the same. The noodles that came in their "Pad Thai" were the kind I would expect in Pad See Ew, wide noodles with a TON of been sprouts. What's more, it didn't taste like Pad Thai. All I could taste while eating it was cilantro and bean sprouts. Don't get me wrong, I love cilantro and sprouts in general and on Pad Thai, but neither of those should dominate Pad Thai. 4) The service was not right. My wife and I each ordered an entrÃ©e, and the Pad Thai to share. They brought out the entrÃ©es, together and said that they were "still working on the Pad Thai." It took several minutes for the Pad Thai to come out, and by the time it did, I was half way finished with my entrÃ©e. It's not like we were a huge party, and they serve tables of 4 and more, so serving three dishes within a minute of each other should not have been difficult. To sum up, I've eaten Thai food all across the United States, including several places in Middle Tennessee. I'm not sure if I'd call TSE the worst I've ever had, but certainly toward the bottom. Maybe I was there on a bad night, but I have no plans to ever return.
(2)
Leah M.

Tom "not so" Yum: This is my 3rd and last time having dinner at The Smiling Elephant. Although the service was good, the food was bland and way too Americanized. I ordered Tom Yum , typically a flavorful Lemongrass-based soup with flavors that explode in your mouth. Instead, I was presented with a tasteless bowl of vegetables submerged in what looked like hot dish water. Disappointed once again.
(1)
John L.

Best Thai food I've had so far. The tom kha (coconut soup) is phenomenal. Give me a gallon to go please. I enjoyed the Pad Kra Pao with lump crab meat.
(4)
Sheena T.

I have been to the Smiling Elephant 3 times, and the first 2 visits were excellent- they have a great Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup was outstanding. While the decor and building is simply charming, the last time I went it was so busy that we ordered our food to go and one of the dishes was mostly rice with a small amount of meat. It was very disappointing because in the past the food has been excellent despite how busy they were. I would recommend going but with reservations. I won't go back until they get a larger facility or it is at a dead time (3:00 in the afternoon) when there are less customers there.
(3)
Josh M.

Tried dinner here with my boss while she was visiting Nashville. Atmosphere was awesome. Felt just at home in a small room full of tables and cheerful and welcoming people. The tea was amazing. Lemongrass. Delicious. We tried all of their appetizer rolls that were phenomenal and the sauces. O M G! Take my word on them. We all ordered different variations of the house Pad Thai. It was really goo as far as flavor. Not your typical sweet and sticky pad Thai. They sauce is different, they noodles are different. Its just bomb-diggity! My only complaint was the heat factor. We were so into our conversation we forgot to request a heat level. I would normally order "native" and expect a nice burn on the tip of the tongue. So if you don't like the heat or are sensitive to it, this is a great option for you. I will be back. Can't wait to take my wife. mmmmmm
(4)
Kristin Marie S.

So. Hard. I really love the atmosphere at the Smiling Elephant. It brings me back, especially that little bike cart. When I was in China, I know different country but the story is related, a man pulled up on one of those little bikes and said, "Shish Ka-Bob?" He had mounted a small grill onto the back. When I saw the bike at the Smiling Elephant I laughed, hard, to myself, since the only other person who was there lives in Oakland. Anyway, this establishment brings me to a happy place. On the other hand the food is a little pricey for the amount. We both ordered a set for $16? The lemongrass soup was great and not too big, but the main course was a little on the smaller side. Mine I actually got two meals out of but my main squeeze only got one. Also the dessert was a small flan, I was hoping for ice cream. I think I'd go back because of the feeling I get when in there, I also need to try the pad thai, but I'm not exactly racing out the door.
(3)
Andrew M.

I love Thai food. After reading reviews I thought we'd check this place out but I'm sorry to say that it missed the mark for me. I ordered a dish that came with pork but it also said that they " recommend lump crab" but I guess (after asking waitress what she recommended) she just assumed I wanted the crab and so that's what I got. I didn't even get past 4 bites, the flavor profile didn't go at all. I have a culinary background and know what works and the crab completely threw off the dish. It didn't help that there was a $6.50 up charge for said crab meat. Can't say that I'll be back.
(2)
Tnvd C.

Oh. Evidently I didn't know what pad thai was supposed to taste like until I wandered in to The Smiling Elephant. Thinking I had awarded myself the title of Level 3: "thai-food-enthusiast", I was blown through the roof when 'mouth-met-noodles'. You can taste the love in every dish. Really! Try it. From appetizer to dessert, this was not the typical thai menu. This food was detailed! Normally, I can breeze through some coconut curry and think to myself: Yeah. Coconut. Spicy. Veggies. I get it. Not with this food. This was the "layer-cake" of a meal. This wasn't just an agreeable entreÃ© for a hungry-person; serious thought went into this food. Delicate notes lingered in every bite. Different spices made themselves known. This wasn't 'eating' pad thai. I was 'experiencing' my pad thai! If you want some real food-love in your belly and want to "smile", might I suggest some Smiling Elephant? Some may snub their noses at the slightly higher prices, but again: you get what you pay for. If you want cheap thai- it will taste that way. Treat yourself to the real thing!
(5)
Marian C.

YES! This place is authentic, comfortable, accommodating, and delicious!!! My bf and I love this place. Just beware of the smell of thai food on your clothing all day after coming here and eating inside. Had the Pad Thai and a curry dish. Both were so amazing. I will be back many, many times more.
(5)
B C.

Eh, I found The Smiling Elephant to be a bit of a contradiction. The decor is very traditional with the scent of fish sauce and lemongrass permeating the entire restaurant. Feels like you walked into a little hut. The food, however, I would classify as contemporary Thai. First, most dishes are vegetarian. Which is great, but not traditionally a Thai offering. Secondly, all dishes are served on small, white modern plates. The place is not bad, if you are a vegetarian looking for some Thai flavors, but not if you are looking for some hearty, flavorful Thai food. Also, kind of overpriced in my opinion.
(2)
Grace L.

If I could, I would give this place a 3.5/5, but will give it the benefit of 4/5. Atmosphere: The inside was small, only a few tables; probably not good for large groups. Besides the size, it is very cute with Thai decorations. I thought it was neat they did all the cooking behind a glass window. Parking is limited in the front, but there is parking in the back. Service: The service was fast and waiters seemed very familiar with the menu, which is always helpful. Because of how small the place is, we felt rushed to leave assuming they wanted to fill the tables - otherwise no other complaints. Food: We ordered the Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and a spicy pork dish (cant remember whats it called). I've had better pad thai and drunken noodle dishes, but compared to other Thai restaurants in Nashville, I would say this place tastes the best...so far.
(4)
Corie K.

I don't frequent here often because all the chicken dishes are dark meat chicken, which I do not prefer. I do however admire the fresh ingredients they use otherwise; it is certainly one of the most fresh tasting Thai I've had in town. If there was a white meat option I would likely eat there over other Thai options. If you like dark meat, seafood or tofu though, I would recommend it!
(3)
Leah V.

We ve been here a handful of times and I'm just now getting around to a much deserved 5 star review. This place is tiny so be prepared to wait if you're going out on the weekend , but don't let that deter you! Start with their fresh rolls and sweet chili sauce, delicious. Next order the Pad Thai. The chicken pad Thai has an amazing flavor, perfectly seasoned and probably the best I've ever had. For the grand finale... ORDER THE MANGO STICKY RICE. This subtly sweet yet oh so delicious dessert will make a believer out of anyone. I probably go here just for this dessert alone. Great service , great Thai food and an authentic cute space= a must try.
(5)
Shachi B.

A-OK! The fresh basil peanut spring rolls were the standout dish of the evening, I would order them again in a heartbeat. The pad see ew was good, but my friend and I weren't used to eating the thin, dried rice noodles, so it was a slight flavor adjustment. No biggie. They cut the tofu up into really small pieces which was helpful to eat. The panang curry had a nice amount of spice, but the veggies were pretty mushy and the curry itself was quite watery. Prices were super reasonable, and service was pretty quick. Thumbs up!
(3)
Rich D.

Thai Mondays have been a staple at my house since I moved to Nashville earlier this year. I've tried all of the Thai places around town a few times -- and they're all pretty good -- but Smiling Elephant is just better. I've never actually eaten in the restaurant because we're always getting it to-go but LAWD their Pad Thai is the best. Do yourself a favor and adopt a Thai whateverday and order from the Elephant.
(5)
Jeremy E.

Love this spot. I have only had take out, but have done so probably 10 times. The curry of the day is my go to. Always fresh and outstanding. Would also highly recommend the Pad Kee Mao. Get an extra side of sauce and thank me later.
(4)
Brittney D.

After reading tons of positive reviews and driving by this place a couple times a week, we decided to give it a try. We've tried quite a few Thai restaurants and wanted to see if this really was the "best in Nashville". We were incredibly disappointed. Most importantly, our food had very little flavor/spice. I ordered the Pad Kree Mao after seeing that it said something like, "order this if you're looking for something spicy!" My cellophane noodles, aka green bean noodles, were rubbery and the dish overall was very bland. My tofu was completely flavorless and lacking in the spice the menu had promised me. My boyfriend's wasn't much better in terms of flavor but it had a little more than mine. He ordered the Pad Kra Pao with chicken. Within it he found at least 6 pieces of gristle and again the dish was pretty bland. We both got the "set" so our entrees came with a soup and dessert as well. We both ordered the Tom Kha soup. It tasted like a traditional Tom Kha but they had Americanized it by throwing a handful of mixed vegetables in it rather than the traditional mushrooms, onions and peppers. We were surprised since their menu and website brag about how traditional their food is. We also ordered a four-piece steamed dumplings with chicken. They were soggy and the filling tasted like they had come from a bag in the freezer. The dessert was pretty delicious. It was simple and sweet but incredibly tiny! The serving was smaller than a shot glass. If it were only a little bit larger than we would have been satisfied with the final piece of our meal. To top it all off, it wasn't cheap. A single cup of green tea (no refills) was $1.50 and those four dumplings were a dollar each. We'll never go there again. We'll stick to the nearby Thai Star, where the food is packed with flavor and (if you want it) spice and you can get significantly more for the money.
(1)
Stefanie S.

My partner and I went here on a date two weekends ago. The little restaurant was packed to the brim and we were forced to wait outside. This didn't bother me at all, but if it were much hotter or cooler, I would have been annoyed. We sat outside and started with the Winter Roll. It has great flavor but was a bit bitter from one of the fresh herbs. It was good, not great. For my entree I had the Chicken Satay, and it was awesome. Quality was fresh and the portion was good for the price. The heat/spice of the dish was perfect for Thai. I really enjoyed the peanut sauce and would definitely go back for this dish. My partner had the cashew chicken and I could tell he was enjoying it thoroughly, as he smiled for most of the meal. We will definitely be going back to the Smiling Elephant for Thai food.
(4)
Eddie D.

It's good food. Maybe not original Thai but it is good. I saw that someone says its not flavorful. I call BS. I always ask them to make my food Thai spicy which is something you have to do at most Thai restaurants anyways because most Thai restaurants try to cater to Americans that don't have the spicy taste bud. I don't know about them having the best Pad Thai though. Growing up on Thai food this place does have a Thai flavor.
(4)
Caitlin C.

I made it back, it only took a year! My boyfriend came to get me for a lunch on a Friday and we decided Thai food sounded amazing on a blustery winter day.Their Pad Thai is probably the best I have ever had to be honest with you and I don't even order Pad Thai at Thai places. I still haven't gotten around to trying many Thai places in Nashville, but I think it's safe to say Smiling Elephant is going to be my go to Thai place. It's ridiculously convenient for me when I'm down here working, and everyone is just so friendly and efficient and you can tell they just care, I think that's what makes the difference. Cheers to you Smiling Elephant and here's hoping for increased visits in 2013!
(4)
Janet Y.

I heard amazing things about The Smiling Elephant from friends, but I wasn't blown away with my experience. Let me explain: It was definitely unique and flavorful Thai food, but it didn't seem too authentic. I was also surprised that beef wasn't a meat option in the dishes. Though there is a lunch special, it will set you back about $13 which.. I found to be a little pricey for lunch. The "dinner set" is $15. You might see this as a positive or negative, but the menu is limited and the restaurant only offers the Thai food staples.. nothing that really veers off the beaten path. My friends and I came during the busy lunch hour, and we were practically pushed out of the restaurant when we were done eating. While it was understandable since it's a small space, I still found it to be a little annoying. But all in all, the food was tasty and the menu piqued my interest enough to give it another go around.
(3)
Carolyn M.

We wandered here after a great show at Zanies (just a couple of blocks away) and had a great meal. The hot basil chicken and pad Thai were both awesome. The place looked spotlessly clean and the service was fast and mad friendly. No alcohol, but they do make a heck of a Thai tea.
(4)
Blair S.

The first thing you notice when you walk in - aside from maybe the crowd on a weekend night - is the cute atmosphere. There's a bike food cart right in the front, pepper plants in all of the windows, and various Thai touches along the walls and entryway. The staff is friendly and even on busy evenings. The restaurant is small, so everyone chips in to helping with tables. Because of the size of the dining area, groups of more than four can expect longer waits on weekend nights. Some of the food left me a little disappointed. The coconut soup was good, but the pad kee mao was heavily Americanized. Instead of chili peppers ground black pepper was used liberally. Looking around my table, this seemed to be a default substitution. Next time I visit I'll ask for authentic spice and come on a weeknight. Judging by the crowds, the Americanized versions are popular here.
(3)
Jaqueline W.

I love this place. I've never ate inside and always use takeout. This is a place that's consistent. Whichever entree you enjoy will taste the same each time you order it. It really frustrates me going to places and having a favorite entree and it's not consistently good. No worries here! I love the shrimp steamed dumplings, Thai fried rice, pad woonsen, Tom yum vegetable soup, and gai yang. The food is so fresh and tasty.
(5)
Lindsay J.

I'd like to weigh in on the contentious Smiling Elephant. I sifted through the 5-star raves, sprinkled with angry unimpressed 1-star rants and decided to go for it. So glad we did. My husband and I grabbed dinner pre Preds game one Wednesday, and found the small, charmingly decorated restaurant to be about full, but we were seated and greeted quickly. I've recently cut gluten out of my life and checked the menu on-line to see if I would be able to safely pick something (PSA: I am not allergic to gluten, just sensitive, so if you're reading this review for Celiac-friendly places, I can't speak to that). They do designate some items can be made GF by request, so we took them up on that offer for the famous Pad Thai as well as Chicken Fried Rice. So good! Both were lighter than the standard strip mall generic oriental cuisine, and had great flavor. The portions were plentiful--and we are EATERS so that's saying something. I believe both entrees were $11.95 (each). I had an iced Thai tea which was a reasonable $1.50, except there are no refills. Fine with me, they bring water to the table when they seat you. So, I get the hype. This food was good, and the place was charming and fun. We'll be back again. And again. And...
(4)
Sarah M.

On a rainy, chilly evening, I went with friends to this Thai gem. Seating is tight, as is parking- that is the ONLY reason that this was not a 5 star experience. We waited about 20 minutes for a table and were seated. I ordered tofu Pad Thai. So light! So fresh! The noodles were translucent and silky in texture. The peanuts were finely chopped, the egg was cooked well and flavorful- it was a mouth party. I consumed half of the dish and had plenty for the next day. However, if I had finished the entire dish, I would not have felt gross or overly full since the dish was just so light and almost delicate in nature. HIGHLY recommend this gem to anyone in the area or stopping through:)
(4)
Jeff O.

Great food and great atmosphere! I had the karee curry (sp?) - Tuesday special, and my colleague had the pad woonsen (glassy noodles). Both were excellent! So glad I tried a new Thai place over some of the other places I had been to regularly, in the past. This place is quite small, so you probably want to get there relatively early or plan to wait. We arrived about 1140a, or so. The server also said the pad thai and the cashew chicken were the most popular dishes.
(5)
Alisha S.

Oh.. My... God!!! So delicious. My favorite was the shrimp dumplings. If you want something exotic and delicious, go there!
(5)
Ashley T.

The pad thai with tofu was quite possibly the best pad thai I've had anywhere. Fresh peanut basil spring rolls were also delicious. Maybe a little steep at an additional $5.95 for 6 small pieces at lunch ($17 total... Way above my lunch budget). However, I had enough leftovers for dinner and this place was so so good. I'll be back for sure.
(5)
Austin G.

After reading so many glowing reviews about Smiling Elephant, my husband and I decided to give it a try. Our experience was so awful, I don't think we would ever consider returning. I had the Pad Thai, which is what I always order at Thai restaurants, and they are known for having the best Pad Thai in Nashville. I have to respectfully disagree. My Pad Thai was severely lacking in flavor, other than the overwhelming sour taste. It had no sweet or spicy flavor at all. The noodles were also overcooked and mushy. Our server stopped by to ask how everything was after my husband had finished half of his dish (also bland, but edible), I explained that my dish was very sour in flavor, and the noodles were overcooked. The server asked if I'd like some chili paste to spruce it up. I declined, saying the noodles were overdone, and the sour flavor was so strong, I didn't care for any chili paste to try and fix it. He just said ok and walked away. No offer to replace the dish with at least properly cooked noodles, or offer another dish off the menu. Fine. He later came back and asked if we'd like to take home the Pad Thai and if my husband would eat it. I replied that he didn't like it either, so no, we would not like to take it home. Imagine my surprise and annoyance when we received the bill and had been charged for the Pad Thai that I not only did not like the taste of, but was overcooked. No apology from the server or anything, just- here's your bill. Next time, I'll return to less acclaimed Thai restaurants in Nashville where I've had much better Pad Thai, and superior service- Thai Satay or Thai Phuket. So disappointed in Smiling Elephant. If the server had offered to fix the issue, I might consider returning. However, neither mine nor my husband's food were anything to write home about.
(1)
Rachel S.

I'm disappointed to be writing a less than stellar review of this place. I have heard SO many highest of high praises since it opened, and even before it opened I drove past it and thought, "Oh my God, what is that and when can I go?!" I really have no issue with parking or the size of the restaurant. My issue is with the food itself. My family and I thought that though everything was well presented and well cooked, flavor was SERIOUSLY lacking in all departments. My dish, the woonsen noodles with pork, probably contained the most flavor of the three dishes we ordered. The Smiling Elephant boasts the best Pad Thai in Nashville, and I've heard several reviews exclaiming the same things. Maybe I need to try that, or the daily curry. I can't say I'd return anytime soon, and I'd head elsewhere first. FYI - no liquor, beer, or wine at The Elephant. And you are not allowed to even bring your own IN.
(2)
Alyssa H.

If I could, I would eat The Smiling Elephant's Cashew Chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Every time we've dined there, the service has been fast and friendly. The food comes out quickly and is consistently delicious! We're so glad we FINALLY found a Thai place we love!
(5)
Nikki N.

Just had lunch with my honey! Salmon: Delish. Tom K: Delish Sticky Rice w/Mango: Yum-my. Will go back again, and again, and again! Small, intimate setting.
(4)
Lyndi G.

For me, this is THE BEST Thai food in Nashville. Lots of flavor and everything is really good. So many of the other Thai restaurants over sauce the food and drown it in goo...not these guys. One of my favorite places to go on a "Date Night" with the hubby when our little boy is the grandparents!
(5)
Carey James B.

The food is great! They DON'T deserve a bad review... BUT 2 things... 1. They do twists on Thai, so don't expect your Pad Thai like you are used to. 2. the little hot sauces at the table is VERY important to me, theirs is like some crappy water with a few peppers in it.. BLAH!!! If you want the BEST Thai in TN go to jasmine in cool springs! They have picture perfect and taste perfect traditional Thai AND ALL FOUR TRADITIONAL SAUCES ON THE TABLE.... Sorry I'm a hot sauce guy but like I said, Im not dissing this place, its just not for traditional thai lovers.
(3)
C W.

Okay, this is my first ever Yelp review, but I felt compelled to write this. Wow, as a person with Thai heritage, this place is amazing. Excellent dishes with unique twists, like crab with Thai basil and garlic and pad Thai with green bean noodles. Definitely would come back again. Good service too.
(5)
Kristen D.

Amazing food. The vegetables are fresh. The staff is friendly and happy! We have been to Thailand and this food is authentic. Try the curry
(5)
Joanna F.

I came here on a recommendation from my neighbor, and I've been back 3 or 4 times since. Let's get all the non-food related aspects out: First, I like that it's small and cozy, but that's a problem when you have a lot of people in there. Second, this leads me to the parking situation. I've never been there when it was extremely busy, but there isn't a lot of parking there. When I do go, I've made it a note to go when it's not busy at all. Third, I love the decorations and the way it's set-up. If I sit in a stool, I like to be by the wall so I can lean. Fourth, the service is absolutely excellent! As for the food, it just did not please my palate. I've had the Pad Thai, Pad See-Ew, and the Prik Khing Curry Fried Rice. They had flavor, but it wasn't tasty. I felt like it was missing something. And it's not the lack of MSG, people. I've also had the pomegranate juice and the sticky rice in banana leaves -- both were very, very good. Maybe I'm just a messy eater (which I am), but the food was served on these little plates. I have the hardest time keeping my food on it. I think the serving size is good, it's more than enough for me. But the price is a tad bit too high. I look to pay about $14 while I'm there for dinner and that includes a tip. I wanted to really like it, so I came back trying different dishes, but it was just ok. My favorite thing to eat so far was the sticky rice.
(3)
Vanessa G.

My first visit was yesterday for lunch. WHY have I waited so long to go to this place!? It was packed and we had a short wait to be seated. I've heard the Pad Thai is the best, so I went with it. No lie, it IS the best! I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Mjg Y.

I LOVE THEIR FOOD! The only reason I am not giving the restaurant 5 stars is because the building is very small so there is usually a wait for a table. Also, the parking is horrendous, unless you park behind the building. The food is worth it. The tofu pad thai is to die for & the portions are large. Everything is authentic and fresh.
(4)
Phillip G.

Wow! Love the decor and food! A must...will be back again! Love Thai food...they knocked it out of the park
(5)
James William Otto Z.

Very nice Atmosphere. The Location is very easy to find. The Food Is very Tasty
(3)
Meagan G.

My fiance and I ate here recently, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard often enough that it was excellent, but I usually take others' high praise with a grain of salt. However, the Smiling Elephant definitely lived up to the hype. Both of our entrees were incredibly delicious - the best Thai food we've had in Nashville, by far. However, our appetizer (the spring rolls) were NOT very good, hence the four stars instead of five. Overall, though, I'd say a great place to go!
(4)
Robin L.

Finally got some take-out from this place which is thisclose to my house. Thai fried rice with chicken: Nice and moist, fragrantly stir-fried, but there really was no 'thai' aspect to the dish. Expected some thai basil and fish sauce flavors, but this was just kinda standard fried rice. Pad thai with chicken: As others have mentioned, they don't use the standard thin rice vermicelli noodles but rather use a broad noodle more similar to but not quite glass noodle like. In either case, still good. The flavors were good though, and there was a good amount of chicken and egg. I generally do like my pad thai a little more saucy though... My order was ready in 15 mins and getting in and out was pretty quick on a Friday night. The interior is cute, but reeeallly tiny. Having lived in major cities and having enjoyed great Thai food, this place does a good job. All in all, I would go back!
(4)
Larry S.

I've eaten here 4 times and have enjoyed it for the most part. But last night was terrible. The pork tasted like leather, the $17 shrimp curry came with 3 shrimp and the cashew chicken had almost no chicken. Very, very disappointed. I won't be going back anytime soon.
(1)
Kim H.

This place is extremely pricey at dinner ($12/dish) and the portions are tiny. They come on a small rectangular plate that left my husband stopping by the grocery store later to satiate his remaining appetite. I also didn't quite care for the pad Thai, and I've had my fair share of pad Thai in my life. It was pretty dry and the only sauce they have on the tables is fish sauce, bleh. The parking is also TERRIBLE! There are about 10 spots and the place was packed so we had to park in some dark alleyway. I probably wouldn't go back here.
(2)
Megan S.

this is the best, freshest thai food i've ever had. i ordered a simple dish; the vegetarian stir fry and found the well, but lightly seasoned dish to be delicious. i also really enjoyed my thai iced coffee. our server was friendly and the service was efficient. i will definitely return the next time i visit nashville. i want to try some appetizers and the curries - as well as another iced coffee.
(5)
Hoa T.

This was my first Thai restaurant in Nashville. The place is tiny and packed during lunch hour. I had the pad thai b/c that's what my friend told me that they were known for, and the sign said so too. It was very flavorful, the noodle is not what one typically would see in pad thai but that did not change the taste any. I was impressed.
(4)
Sean W.

This is definitely a cool spot, the dining area is nice and light, albeit the chairs are a bit hard. They have a pretty good selection of items as well as a daily special that is hard to go wrong with. They are very attentive, even when the place is packed, which seems to be always, so that is a big plus, The food was fresh and was prepared quickly, will definitely be back soon!
(4)
Stefanie P.

This is Review from someone that is not a fan of Thai Food. This place is super adorable, quaint, all light wood interior, very bright sunny location. There are about 8 tables, mostly seating for two. I got the fried rice. It took forever to make it to my table, but when it got there, it was soo good. How can fried rice just be great? It was flavorful, perfect amount of seasoning, fresh veggies. Things to note from your non-Thai food reviewer: They don't take Amex but they do take Discover, Visa and Mastercard. The parking lot is tiny with about 5 spots for people who drive mini coopers The servers and cooks are friendly but the service is slow at lunchtime. Refills on water, but not on other drinks so be careful how much spice. Very clean. You will smell like Thai food when you leave. An entree is from $8.95-$12.00 per dish. Lots of folks placed carry out orders. All in all a great little Thai gem in Nashville. Hooray for local business!
(4)
Rich R.

Good goooooood. Everything we had was just wonderful for Nashville. Parking was not a problem (of course I drive the world's smallest car) service very friendly and helpful. Appetizers of Tom Kai and Spring Rolls were excellent some of the best I have ever had. Main course of Pad Thai and Curry dishes were equally great! This is a fun Nashville institution, Ben Fold's Five recently posted a photo here. The nice mix of patrons and great food make me smile as well!
(5)
Nikke R.

This restaurant is very small and they do not take reservations. Go with a small group and your wait should not be long. The tea with milk is AMAZING! The veggie dumplings are great too. I ordered the Pad Kee Mao with chicken which is delicious but not spicy so be sure to ask for the sauces to add. I do not remember what they are called but the waiter will know what you are asking for. I'm getting hungry thinking about it! 4 stars only because of how tight the dining room is.
(4)
Marcia M.

Finally. I gave in to all of the hype surrounding this little Thai spot on 8th Avenue. So happy that it lived up to my expectations although their idea of "Thai Spicy" left a little to be desired! There is nothing spectacular about the location or interior of this little dining gem but the service and healthy menu are worth a trip back! Dinner for 2 set me back around $25 and included a refreshing Pomegranate juice ($2) and Smiling Elephant Pad Thai dish ($10.95) that consisted of stirfried green bean noodles with tofu, bean sprouts, ground peanuts and a choice of meat. I doubled up on the tofu and was very happy with the texture and flavor although when I requested Thai Spicy, I was expecting more punch? The server even warned that it would be extra spicy but it was underwhelming on the spice meter for me. This is a great spot for lunch or dinner but be warned that no wine or other booze is served here! I got over that quickly as the food was truly delicious.
(4)
Steph H.

Given all of the rave reviews regarding this place, I hate to be one of the few voices of apathy with respect to The Smiling Elephant, yet apathy is all I can muster when I think of this restaurant. On the most recent season of Project Runway, Michael Kors said that the kiss of death for a designer was for people to say, "Oh... his clothes are nice." I feel like the same can be said for a lot of restaurants. The ambiance is nice, the food is nice... but nothing wows and nothing is really memorable. For the price (and the hype), I expected so much more. Compared to other Thai restaurants in Nashville I feel like the flavors here are actually a lot more simplistic and one-dimensional. I also felt like the prices are steep considering the amount of food you get. I normally feel like Thai food is a bit of a splurge in this town, but you at least tend to have leftovers to nosh on the following day. Not so with The Smiling Elephant. There's certainly nothing wrong with this place, but I also don't think it's very special either. Sure if someone said they wanted to go to dinner here I wouldn't object and would probably even come along, but for my hard-earned dinero, I'd much rather hit up Siam Cuisine on White Bridge or Thai Phooket.
(3)
Allie W.

Get there early or get it to go as this place gets packed quick. Best pad Thai in Nashville! Very authentic and light compared to most Americanized Thai. Order with chicken and go heavy on the lime!
(5)
Sean C.

I really enjoyed this place. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars, but couldn't give it 5. Had steamed vegetable dumplings, which were very good. For my entree, it was the pad kra pao. I ordered it "Thai Hot", but I don't think they really believed me. Good thing they brought extra hot pepper flakes. I hate to leave a Thai restaurant when my mouth isn't on fire. The dish was good, but just a bit dry. I really did enjoy it, but it couldn't earn top marks.
(4)
Lyndi S.

After many attempts at trying new restaurants out of the West End bubble, we finally made it to The Smiling Elephant! They must have dubbed it that after hiring their staff, because they were all happy and smiling, and remembered everything we requested! I ordered the Thai Stir-fry Chicken & Veggies - so fresh and delicious! I spoiled myself and got the fried rice, and I'm so glad I did. It wasn't too salty, filling, or overpowering, and it was the perfect segway between the veggies and the chicken. And while the plate seemed small, my meal was piled high and filled with flavor. Yum! Boyfriend got the infamous Pad Thai (so good!), and my mom got the Cashew Chicken, which was phenomenal as well. We all ordered Thai tea: some hot, some cold, some with milk, some without. But ALL were absolutely spectacular. The waiter was especially attentive and thoughtful, and offered sound advice when needed. We all left with full, happy bellies. I definitely want to come back and try some curry!
(4)
Arlene M.

Cozy space and delicious food. Many of the herbs are picked fresh from their garden next to the restaurant. The fresh rolls are fresh and the Pad Thai always delicious. And if you are a little sensitive to spicy food, their hot ginger tea will settle you down.
(4)
Justin H.

Great food. Small restaurant with no parking.
(4)
Scott R.

This is THE best Thai food in Nashville, hands down. Clean as a pin, pleasant atmosphere and the people who work there, from chefs to wait staff, are top notch and understand the intricacies of real Thai food. The ingredients the chefs use are top of the line so you don't have that nasty, bogged down feeling you get when after eating Thai food of less quality. The Smiling Elephant is a Nashville, 5 Star treasure. Try it, you'll love it.
(5)
Tina M.

Wowsers!! Ate there with 2 friends on a Friday night and waited at most 10 min for a table. Quaint atmosphere with friendly service. Steamed mussel special was amazing!! The dipping sauces they make are orgasmic. Thai tea was great too. I ordered Pad Kee Mao and the flavors were unique, no need to add chili paste. I'll most definitely be back next time I'm in NashVegas!
(5)
Collin K.

Place was to small .. menu was plain.. pork was dry.. don't offer beef ... Pad Thai was bland I don't know why people come here.. nothing special about this place
(2)
Greg S.

I ate here this evening. Have done eat in and take out. The food is excellent, but the space inside is tight and parking can be a bear. The standbys of Pad Thai and Lemongrass Soup are very good. Negatives? too easy to run up a big bill. All dishes are priced at a given price, with an upcharge for your choice of meat. One price for lunch, and another for dinner. Bottom line - It has to have some of the better Asian food in Nashville!
(4)
Joey D.

I think The Smiling Elephant is just great! Everything I've tried has been very fresh and not greasy at all. The meats are lean and cooked perfectly. I'm not a vegetarian, but the tofu is excellent. I must admit I don't eat Thai food often. I was expecting spicier dishes, but the flavors were still good. Oh, and awesome lemongrass tea! The vibe is very cool as well. Quite small, so waiting on tables can make one claustrophobic, but the stained wood is a nice touch. It really does feel like hut - a nice, new, clean hut. I usually just call ahead for pick up since I am close by. The staff is also very friendly. The prices aren't the most inexpensive, but you get a quality product. When I'm in the mood for Asian food, I would much prefer The Smiling Elephant over any cookie-cutter Chinese restaurant.
(4)
Bridgette C.

My biggest complaint: this place is too small. That's it. And I say that because when I crave this place, I desperately want to sit down and chow down on their AMAZING dumplings...and I have to wait because the space is too small and always packed. When the weather's nice, I suggest getting one of the few tables outside on their small patio. I love that they serve a different curry every day...you know its made fresh then. The spice level is perfect and the service was fantastic. I also love that you can see into the kitchen and watch them make your food. The mango rice was the BEST I've ever had and the perfect dessert (I'm not a chocolate cake kind of girl so things like that are up my alley). I actually ordered more dumplings after downing a plate on my own not because I was hungry but because they were that good. I would recommend this place for a date or a night with friends, but always a small group because again, the only downside, is that its so small.
(4)
Eliza R.

Thai food is one of my favorite types of ethnic food and of course, Pad Thai is a tried and true favorite dish at any restaurant I'm at. I'm am serious when I say that the Smiling Elephant truly does have the BEST Pad Thai ever! There are no words to describe how fresh, flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth delicious it is. I could taste and savor all of the herbs and spices and sauces individually, but at the same time, they all combined beautifully. I also go the lemongrass hot tea which was relaxing and refreshing at the same time. As an appetizer, we ordered lightly steamed vegetables with an incredible peanut sauce - this was just as good as the Pad Thai! The staff is genuinely sweet and you can see all of the cooks doing their thing - I caught the eye of a cute little old Thai lady in the kitchen and she waved and smiled enthusiastically at me. The only downside is that the place is *tiny* and gets really crowded fast - so get there early! I can't recommend this place enough. :)
(5)
Zeb M.

I LOVE the Smiling Elephant! The place sure is small, but that's what makes it cozy inside! The staff is so friendly, and the menu has healthy options. Definitely recommended!
(5)
Pickiest Eater A.

Good but portions arent worth the high prices
(4)
Erin M.

We walked in at 9 PM on a Saturday night and the place was empty save for 2 other diners (it eventually filled up a little bit more). It was a huge relief, as I get slight anxiety every time I'm super hungry and think about going somewhere to eat late on any given night. In San Francisco, where I lived for the last several years, it's virtually impossible to get a table anywhere without a 2 hour wait past 5:30 PM until close at almost any place remotely popular. So annoying. Nashville is a beautiful change in that area. I have a million food allergies. I asked if I could have the pad thai sans tofu, egg, and soy sauce. The laid-back, congenial waiter went and asked the folks who I assume run the place and they repeated after him my list of allergies "No eggs..." "No tofu...." "No soy sauce...." "No life!!!" Haha, I agreed wholeheartedly from across the room. The wonderful thing is that they easily made me pad thai without any of those things and it was delicious. Incredibly flavorful and peanut covered, with delicious slippery noodles, fresh snow peas, and huge, fresh, juicy shrimp. It's the first plate of one of my favorite foods that I've had in several years. So good. I love that Smiling Elephant is casual, bright, and pleasant, and everyone is super nice. That kind of conviviality is often a rarity.
(4)
Laurie S.

Oh my goodness. I have been reluctant to go to Smiling Elephant because they don't serve alcohol. I have been missing out! We arrived shortly after 5 on Saturday and were the only ones there for a bit. My husband asked for some recommendations and we were told about a couple of dishes that paired together well. We chose the daily curry special which was red curry and the tamarind pork. Wow. Our server brought a bit of the curry out so I could test the spice (I like spicy but can't handle native Thai) and it was perfect. I wanted to lick my plate clean but a couple with some kids came in and I didn't want to set a bad example. I will definitely return!
(5)
Brad B.

Nice light Pad Thai made from handmade rice noodles. Not greasy like the standard fare about town. I also enjoy the daily curries. Hot seems perfect (and it is HoT), mild too much so. Can't advise on Native at this time. Never had an issue with getting seated the two times visited, and the staff are friendly albeit perhaps slightly forgetful. All is forgiven as the food is mana. I think this is currently the best Thai place in Nashville. It approaches the quality of some of the great restaurants of Seattle, and that makes me very happy indeed. Bang the gong!
(4)
Susan W.

I loved it! I would definitely come back here again.
(5)
Steven M.

Tasty, spare little Thai dishes with a cozy vibe. The spices are great, I like seeing the kitchen, and I like the family feel. Wife and me were driving between shows (third man and the basement) with some friends and needed some dinner - we saw this place and decided to try it. We liked it so much now we've driven down from Clarksville just for dinner here. Highly recommend.
(4)
Simply S.

I have to admit that I was a little bit of a "negative nancy" going in, because I already have my favorite Thai place .. which also has my favorite server. I heard that they have rice noodles and are semi-knowledgeable when it comes to Gluten Free .. it's also one of my boyfriends fave places .. so I gave it a shot. We first went one afternoon .. but they were closed. They have a split shift type schedule. Lunch - close - Dinner. Went last night. From first observation it's very small and had it not been recommended I would never have gone based on experience. Service was a tad slow at first. Then I was given hot tea when I asked if they had any degaf-unsweet ice team. That's okay, it was good and it was a tad chilly inside. I was starving so I ordered spring rolls as an app. YUCK. They were horrible! All three people in my part ordered some and each of us hated them. For my meal I got the Curry of the day. She forgot to ask me how hot I wanted it .. so I had to request some extra spices .. but overall it was great. I love that they let you substitute brown rice (for extra)! Bottom line. It's not the best Thai food in Nashville by a long shot. I probably won't go back ... but I didn't leave unsatisfied!
(3)
Michael H.

Had dinner at an old faithful favorite Saturday night after a horrible experience at The Pavilion Kitchen & Bar. As usual, simply the best most authentic Thai food in the city! Basil Peanut Rolls, Tom Kha Gai, Ka Jew Pra, Pad Thai and ended with coconut custard, just heavenly. Fantastic staff, very very friendly, great owner who speaks every time and just outstanding food!
(5)
Dan D.

Nashville has an abundance of great Thai restaurants, but their menus largely overlap, so you get a lot of competition. This competition, however, leads to homogeneity, as a lot of these restaurants seem scared to try new things. This means that if you want a good Hung Ray, you won't go wrong by going to the closest Thai place, but if you want to branch out from the usual fare, it's quite difficult. I was riding down 8th yesterday and smelled the most amazing smell. I looked around and saw this little restaurant. I knew I had to try it. I went there that night and was very impressed. It's quite a small restaurant. There are about ten tables, and the chairs don't have backs so there's no place to put your jacket or coat, unless I missed seeing the rack. We were served by one of the owners, who was very sweet and recommended the Khao Kai Ra-bert after I told her I was looking for something totally new. It ended up being the most amazing Thai dish I've ever tasted--an abundance of spicy and umami, with a little tangy sweetness underneath it all. The portions in my opinion were right-sized. I was satisfied, not stuffed, after I finished. The plates are unfortunately barely able to contain the meal, so I tragically lost a bite of my delicious dinner. If you're willing to sacrifice a little personal comfort for a great, inspired Thai meal, this is where you want to go. I can't wait to go back! There are lots of dishes on the menu that were new to me, and a lot of the other customers had some delicious-looking teas and juices.
(5)
Taylor Ann D.

Great pad thai and service. We came in late one night and the woman was more than happy to take our order. We had some drinks and enjoyed our food in an intimate corner. The decor is fitting and the staff is super sweet. We shall be back. TA
(4)
Robin S.

I have heard about this place for the past month and a Thai food-loving friend and I decided to give it a shot. It rocked! It's a small place, and we went during prime lunchtime on a weekday, so we had to wait about 15 minutes but it was definitely worth it. Once we sat down, however, our waiter was efficient and funny and nice. Our food was out within 10 minutes. We both got what the waiter suggested (I can't remember the name) and it didn't disappoint. They have 3 levels of spice--mild, hot, and native Thai. I went with hot, but next time I'll go with Native. Wasn't quite spicy enough for me! Apparently they are known for their Pad Thai so I'll try that next time. Maybe like tomorrow. Because I'm already dreaming about my next meal there!
(4)
Joshua B.

Smiling Elephant is my new favorite Thai place in Nashville... delicious food and good service. I went for the "set". $14.95 for entrÃ©e with soup and desert. The lemongrass soup with had a wonderful bright and spicy taste. The Pad See-Ew was delicious... very hot (temperature) when it arrived, tasty flavor with lots of chicken and Chinese broccoli. The dessert was a very small, but good, coconut custard. The service was great. Within 15 minutes of sitting down we had ordered, gotten drinks, then soup, then entrÃ©e. We weren't rushed... just the server was very watchful and would immediately clear dishes and move to the next thing. Will be going back soon.
(5)
Travis A.

So I'm sitting here trying to think of a good way to write this. While contemplating, I read Steph H.'s review. It was exactly spot-on with what I was thinking. Maybe I expected too much? The tastes were simple and semi-confusing at times. The tofu was good... the pad thai was... well, I expected a lot more from "The best pad thai in Nashville," as their sign and menu boasted. I've also never seen pad thai made with the wide noodles? I also feel like there were more sprouts than noodles in the dish. Very, very dry as well. The weirdest part was what my friend Jo ordered. She got the pork lettuce wraps which was supposedly new to the menu. I tried them, and still today I'm scratching my head about them. When I put the wrap in my mouth, the filling immediately tasted like I was eating meaty spaghetti. I have no idea why because it didn't seem to have any likeness to that with the exception of the vermicelli and pork. Where on earth was the tomato flavor from? Jo said she could taste it too, so I know I'm not crazy. Weird experience. The fresh rolls were average... not a fan of them being cut up like sushi, but that's me being picky. I too think this place is overpriced for what you get. I could have ordered twice as much food from Thai Star and it would have tasted better as well for what I paid at TSE. I'm not ready to write them off just yet... I need to try a few more dishes first. Then I'll write a follow up review. Rounding up to 3 stars from a 2.5.
(3)
Laura T.

won best of nashville for a reason!!!! delish!!! friendly service!!! so so so much good
(5)
Joey H.

Friendly service, very willing to offer suggestions. Ordered the Pad Thai, which held its own against the oily carb-heavy pad thai that I lived on in college. Yet it didn't seem like I was getting much food for my $13. The bed of noodles my plate was very sparse. In fact it wasn't even a bed, but more or a sprinkling. The Fresh Roll appetizer tasted... fresh. But it is literally two tiny rolls cut up. A little pathetic if you were hoping to share that with anyone else. Also, if you have any experience with spiciness, I suggest that you ignore their warnings about "thai spicy." I ordered medium and could barely taste any heat. They will bring you a jar of crushed peppers though if you ask for it.
(4)
Jamie M.

I went with the pad thai. The smiling elephant has green bean noodles for the pad thai. At first I was hesitant to try the green bean noodles as I know rice noodles are a solid choice. However these noodles were less heavy but still were amazing. They were lighter and healthier and I left feeling good,and not being weighted down by a greasy thai meal. I would recommend the rice dishes too, I tried my friends and the ingredients are fresh. You can't go wrong here, I would return for sure.
(5)
Gloria H.

Service was great and the mango salad was awesome. Prices reasonable. Good food. Would eat there again given the opportunity.
(5)
Jessica H.

We were visiting Nashville and so glad to find this little place on Yelp! They were delicious! Best pad Thai I have ever had! We got there at a great time- if we wanted to eat inside we would have had to wait, but we were good eating outside. I was surprised how many people wanted to wait, by the time they got seated to eat they would have already had their food! Amazing food! I had their homemade ice-cream too! Delicious. Would definitely visit again next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)
Tim A.

I have been harangued for months (pushing years) to stop by Smiling Elephant. Certainly, it seems to be perpetually inhabited by devout followers who laugh when Thai Phooket gets nominated as the best Thai food in town. Well, the Smiling Elephant may be the best Thai in the immediate neighborhood (more or less by default), but I am not yet sold on this place's allegedly exaltation-worthy status. One thing that bugs me right off the bat: the price range. Given the neighborhood and the dishes, everything is expensive: not alert-the-media pricy, but about $2-3 over for every item. Is this for some enhanced quality relative to other Thai dining establishments? Not that I can tell. The assortment of vegetables in my fried rice was pretty mundane. However, I do acknowledge that the flavors/spices were assembled well (although the dish was just a tad dry). A solid (if slightly pricy) dining establishment? Sure. But I don't think the label "best Thai in Nashville" is fair to what this city has to offer elsewhere.
(3)
Jill N.

I gave them only 5 stars because that's all I'm allowed. I LOVE this place. I have been to Thailand and this is the most authentic Thai place in the US that I have had the privilege of experiencing!! Parking is difficult, but it's worth the struggle.
(5)
Ruth K.

Everything we tried was awesome. Pad Thai, soups, papaya salad. They have a fantastic chili line sauce if you ask for it. Super nice service. Great portions.
(5)
marissa l.

Honestly Yelp you always steer me right. In the mood for some Thai food I decided to consult my yelpers and it was right on. First of all can you say cute! This little house turned restaurant is just adorable. The inside of this place surprises you as soon as you walk in. The dumplings were pretty standard but still good. I decided on the coconut soup w my dinner and it was fantastic! I would almost go back just for that soup- seriously. For my main I ordered the Pad Kra Pao which was a spicy pork stir fry with a fried egg and jasmine rice. So Ill be honest here I usually like to have soy sauce on everything rice but in this instance it was just perfect w/out it. This is definately one of the best Thai places I have been to and Im happy its in my new city. Ill be back again for sure!
(4)
Stephanie L.

My boyfriend and I decided to go to The Smiling Elephant on a Friday night. We had about a 30 minute wait. Once we got inside we ordered. I got the Gai Jee and asked for it to be "hot". They gave me a sauce on the side. I poured it on top of my grilled chicken and white rice. I ate it and the sauce tasted awful. I thought maybe I was being picky so I let my boyfriend try. He thought it smelled and tasted awful. The only part of my meal that I could eat was the grilled chicken which was good, but not worth the price. Also the next day I was sick with food poisoning the entire day. I have never had food poisoning in my life and that was the only thing I had eaten differently in the past two days. On the other hand. My boyfriend had the Pad Thai and he loved it. I tried it and it tasted pretty good. No matter how good the Pad Thai was, I am not going to risk getting sick or getting a terrible meal again.
(1)
Tom W.

It's the perfect neighborhood gem -- inexpensive, fresh, and great-tasting. They make the curry, fresh, every day. If you've ever made your own curry, you know that it is 100x better than any of the jarred paste or anything you are getting at other generic, run-of-the-mill Thai places. This stuff is bursting with flavor. So go and enjoy real food. I also had a minced pork dish, which was also great. My only complaint? The dishes are too small! I had rice everywhere.
(5)
Big B.

Smiling Elephant (much like Lady Gaga) did not impress, due to some "different" Pad Thai, and some very hot red curry. I can't say I'd go back. I just moved to Nashville, and one of my top priorities is to find a go to thai place. I judge thai restaurants based on their Pad Thai, it's like judging a steakhouse on their ribeye. The pad thai was made with a strange wide noodle, I'm not used to this. It also didn't carry a rich flavor, some pad thai's are rich, some are sweet, this was just bland. It was also the same price as everything else on the menu, I'm accustomed to it being a few dollars cheaper. $8.95 sounds about right. The special was the red curry, which we ordered, and it was viciously hot. I respect truly hot thai, but I want to ask for it, not just have it happen automatically. I hate to say it, but I couldn't wait to get out of this place towards the end of the meal. I've apparently been spoiled by other thai places. The search for Nashville's best Thai continues...
(2)
Adam M.

The good news: the best Pad Thai I've ever had. Everything else: what I had heard about the small size of this restaurant could not have prepared me for what I saw when I got there. After waiting 5+ minutes for a table -- not because there were no tables but because everyone was apparently too busy to notice/acknowledge that I was interested in sitting at one of them -- I took a quick glance at the menu but already knew I would have the much-hyped Pad Thai. My server was friendly and expeditious. I opted for the dinner "set" that included soup and dessert. The Tom Kha Gai is apparently $1 extra, which is fine I suppose, but would have been nice to have been noted somewhere on the menu or have been advised by my server. There's no need for a play-by-play here. The Tom Kha Gai was nice with the addition of fresh broccoli, carrot, spinach, and squash. A word about the plates. They are infuriatingly small. I don't know if tiny kitchen = tiny dishwasher = tiny plates, or if they're just trying to be posh...but it doesn't really matter. The plate at approx. 8.5" x 5.5" was too small to hold the noodles and it was impossible to eat the dish without half of the crushed peanuts falling off as well as some other casualties. I can't really complain about the portion size...it COULD have been a little larger (although certainly not on those plates) but it contained a lot of meat and was pleasantly filling without overstuffing. But I do resent having to dance my way around eating $14 Pad Thai because of the size of the plate they choose to serve it on. GOD'S HONEST TRUTH: if I hadn't ordered the "set" that included dessert, I was completely ready to ask for a to-go box, pay my check, and eat the rest of my dinner in my car listening to the radio. Having said that, I still think overall that this place is a little bit too proud of itself in terms of the value proposition. I don't believe that adding a few fresh vegetables to dishes that don't normally have them justifies the higher price. And they're not fooling anybody serving smallish portion sizes on tiny plates to make them look bigger. I was embarrassed for the table of 4 next to me who ordered a dumpling appetizer (I believe it was $3.95) and found themselves "one dumpling short of an order" when their server delivered the teeniest of plates with three small (if nicely garnished) dumplings that couldn't have contained more than 3/4 of an ounce of filling between them. I may be back at some point for the Pad Thai but will ONLY consider carryout.
(3)
Todd B.

I live in Los Angeles where there are a lot of great Thai restaurants, and this beats them all. There is more variety and unique dishes than I've ver seen on a Thai menu in the US, and it is artful in its presentation. Loved it. (If you're just looking for some good American style Pad Thai, this isn't your place. It's much more creative.)
(5)
Dusty K.

This is the first restaurant I've been to where the appetizers left expectations about dinner that completely missed the mark. So what do I mean? Well the appetizers were dull. So dull that I was afraid this would be one of the worst dinners I've had in a while. Boy was I wrong. For starters, the dumplings and vegetable rolls were left half uneaten. At first everyone was trying to play nice allowing others to go for seconds but we later realized that nobody on the table wanted seconds. So much for being nice. My entree soon arrived with expectations near the bottom. We couldn't possibly be in for an amazing meal after those appetizers. What arrived was a hot plate of deliciously grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, Jasmine rice and a small serving of the most delicious dipping sauce I've ever tasted. And I stand by that. So what did I order? The Gai Jee. I'll be honest, it didn't sound that appetizing from the menu. It was my third choice but I wanted something lighter, something fresh. So I tried something different and it paid off in a big way. But let's be honest, any entree reading "Grilled Marinated Chicken served with fresh and steamed vegetables and Jasmine Rice" doesn't make you do the happy dance. It sounds boring. Like the kind of dish people make at home during the week because they don't have enough time to cook. Fortunately for me, the flavors were anything but boring. The chicken was bright and lemony without being overly acidic. Simply divine. The vegetables were fresh and clean in flavor with the rice providing a nice backbone to the dish. And the dipping sauce...heaven. I was ready to head back to the kitchen and marry whoever was working back there. Ok I'm joking but I did want to load up a gallon sized jar with the sauce. I kid you not that my mouth is watering right now thinking about this sauce. It was lemony, fresh, with the ever so slight heat that creeps up in your throat while eating. It was perfect. We closed with a coconut pudding that was odd in texture but tasty in flavor. Very different for sure. The Smiling Elephant is a great place. Skip the appetizers to save room for the amazing entrees. I'll be back for the secret dipping sauce.
(4)
Brooke S.

Had the pad see-ew last night. About two hours later it was evident I had food poisoning. It's been a miserable 24 hours........ never, ever again.......
(1)
Christopher P.

The food was delicious. I ordered Pad Kra Pao, and I want it again. The owner is very friendly. Other folks' reviews (on this site and others) have said the service was slow, but that wasn't our experience. The food is definitely prepared to order. The entire kitchen is in plain view, so it's cool to watch the chefs prepare your dish. ---Christopher
(4)
Jason G.

I think you can order anything & it will be great. Lots of flavor !
(5)
Ben C.

The Smiling Elephant is great! I have not had a bad meal here! A favorite around town and easy to access from any part of the city.
(5)
Taylor M.

Come here!!! This is delicious. I got the hibiscus tea, pad thai, and the sticky rice with mango. All of it was so good. The pad thai took a while to cook, but it was worth it. My mom also got the coconut custard for dessert, which was amazing. I highly recommend trying everything on the dessert menu. The building is tiny, so come before the dinner rush. I also suggest not going in large groups, it will take a long time to get seated. This is better for 2-4 people. Whenever my friends visit Nashville, this is the place I recommend to them!
(5)
Melissa G.

We went to the Smiling Elephant for the first time last night and thought it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were much more complex than the typical thai flavors and not greasy at all. The Pad Thai was particularly delicious. Our only complaint is that it seemed a bit expensive for the quantity that they gave. However, that is unlikely to keep us away!
(4)
L G.

After spending a vacation in Thailand, this is where I come to get my Thai-fix. The staff are so friendly and kind and the found is fantastic :)
(4)
Rajan K.

This place is amazing. Tasty soups. Really tasty food. Very reasonably priced
(5)
B L.

Disappointing. After all the good reviews I was excited to try this place. After negotiating the small parking lot where a dozen people were loitering, I finally negotiated a parking spot. Inside is cozy and quaint, some people might find it a bit claustrophobic, but that didn't bother me. I ordered the cashew chicken. The chicken and the rice were completely dried out and the sauce they served with it was cold. It is supposed to come with broccoli, but I only got 2 tiny pieces in my whole meal. I went for dinner, and thought that for the portion, it was a bit overpriced. Maybe for lunch it's a better bargain. I don't think I will be returning.
(2)
Peter C.

Had the pad thai with extra chili powder, and had an episode of sensory overload such that everything else tasted bland for two straight days. This is a serious joint with seriously good food. Besides the taste, the exotic smell, the sight of a choreographed kitchen routine and sound of chattering, this is a total immersion experience. Come early and hungry, and be ready to be dazzled in ways you never thought possible. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
(5)
Gabriela L.

Delicious, authentic, great atmosphere. Only con is no booze.
(5)
Faithe D.

I was pretty disappointed after hearing so much hype about this place. I've tried it three times now and have had the same experience every time. Not a fan of their entrees, flavor is low and quality is eh. However, they do have a delicious Tom Kah soup with Jasmine rice but for 11 bucks?? Unless a soup has flakes of gold in it... it isn't worth 11 bucks. My favorite thing actually is their ginger tea its really amazing. The services has alway been poor, they have to take my order a million times and I have to repeat myself alot. I'd go again for the tea and maybe if my gfs twist my arm and offer to pay, not on my own will that's for sure.
(3)
Justin R.

The food here is just OK. I went for lunch today with a coworker and had Pra Jee and the tom yum soup. Most tom yum I've had was sour and spicy and delicious. This was more like spicy broth without the sourness. Oh, and they charge extra to add shrimp. wtf? Don't bother asking for Squid. The Pra Jee was alright, but there was not enough fish in it for the price. My total for those two items (I drank water) was $14 and some change and $17 after tip. Completely overpriced if you ask me...
(2)
Aaron D.

Pros - Very nice service from waiter who may or may not have been named Jeremy. - Yellow curry special was very tasty with lots of fresh veggies and a decent amount of chicken. - Interesting wood paneling on interior decor - Fun restaurant name Cons - Parking isn't just tough, it's actually dangerous. I arrived around 12:30 for a lunch meeting and pulled in off 8th avenue to find the front lot entirely full with no room to really turn around. I put the car in reverse, but found myself blocked by another car that had pulled in behind me off 8th avenue and now had no room to go anywhere either. With great difficulty, I managed to turn my (little) car around and escape from the front lot while the other driver pulled off to the side to let me pass. I then negotiated a steep narrow hill next to the building to get into the back parking lot, which is also partially filled with junk from the auto mechanic business that fills the lower floor of the Smiling Elephant building and the adjacent building. Pulling out onto 8th avenue wasn't so easy either, particularly with a UPS truck blocking half my vision. The narrow entrance to Smiling Elephant and the fast traffic meant that I probably would have been creamed if anyone else had tried to pull into the lot while I was pulling out. Luckily that didn't happen and I survived to eat another day. So...while I hate to bitch about parking, this lot actually surpasses (or at least rivals) the Gigi's near Vanderbilt for having the Worst Parking Situation in Nashville. - Our food took a while. Drinks and the appetizer arrived quickly, but it took a while for our entrees to arrive. Not a huge deal, but a noticeable delay for a place with a relatively short menu and several cooks working an open kitchen for the small dining room. I appreciate a restaurant that makes everything fresh and takes time to get the food right, but you might want to think twice about coming here for lunch if you only have a tight window for lunch. Or maybe call ahead and do take-out? (And find somewhere else to park.) - As others have mentioned, the prices seem a bit steep. My food was tasty, but the portion was not very large (compared to other Asian restaurants in Nashville and elsewhere). With a tasty Thai iced tea and a tip, I paid $15 for lunch. For comparison, I think I paid around $15-16 for my own lunch and my wife's lunch at a meat-and-three earlier this week. - The restaurant is tiny and the stools (they're not chairs) are interesting, but pretty uncomfortable for any length of time. Stools are defensible at a diner or other quick-service location where you can lean on the bar and be in-and-out in 15 minutes. But if you're going to be spending an hour at a table, it's nice to be able to lean back and relax. A booth is awesome, but even a chair with a back is better than a stool. Plus, in the winter time, it's nice to be able to drape your coat over the back of a chair - unless a restaurant has a coat rack, and I didn't see one at Smiling Elephant. So I ate with my coat on. So...the negatives take up more space than the positives, but Smiling Elephant really is an A-OK experience (ergo, 3 stars). The food is fresh and tasty. My two dining companions both enjoyed their meals. Service was great. But for all the cons listed above, I doubt I'll be back. What would make me a repeat customer? 1) Different location with better parking lot (or street parking) 2) Actual chairs or booths instead of stools 3) Slightly lower prices and/or bigger portions Serving great food is the hard part - but the whole experience matters a lot in a restaurant market as competitive as Nashville. I realize it sounds like a lot to ask, but if Smiling Elephant is interested in taking its business to the next level and attracting an even larger audience, I think nailing points 1, 2 and 3 above would do the trick. If it covered 1 and 2 and made itself a bit more upscale, it might be able to get by without changing 3. Then again, Smiling Elephant seemed pretty crowded at lunch, so the restaurant must be tapping into an unmet need, and there must be plenty of folks who don't care about 1, 2 or 3 who will be happy to come back. (PS - I used to live in NYC for 10 years and sometimes frequented a Thai restaurant there in the East Village called Holy Basil - menupages.com/menuprocesâ€¦ . Holy Basil had pretty good food, nicer decor, actual chairs and slightly lower prices than Smiling Elephant. There is no way that a restaurant on 8th Ave over a mechanics shop in Nashville should cost more for the same type and quality of food than a restaurant on 2nd Ave in NYC. On the other hand, Holy Basil did serve alcohol, which might have enabled it to lower its food prices. Perhaps Smiling Elephant could get a license to serve beer and wine and thereby drop its food prices by $1-3)
(3)
Liz D.

Sorry, I just can't love this place as much as everyone else. I eat a lot of Thai food, and this place just doesn't quite measure up. The prices are higher than typical Thai restaurants. The restaurant is small, so the wait is long for dinner. The pad thai, with it's clear noodles and fish sauce base, is blander than what I'm used to with pad thai. I usually get the Khao Kai Ra-bert, which is minced pork with garlic with fried egg and rice. The egg is usually overdone and the garlic pieces are chopped too large. The flavors are strong in this dish, which is why I like to order it when I come here rather than the noodle dishes. Perhaps it's a favorite because it seems to have the reputation of being a more healthy Thai place. But for better flavors and cheaper prices, I'd go elsewhere.
(2)
Destiny E.

we just moved to nashville and this place is close to our house so we decided to check it out. it was awesome! we will definitely be making this our new spot for thai! the waiter suggested i get the cashew chicken and sub tofu so i did. i would eat that everyday for the rest of my life! he also gave us the house made chili garlic vinegar and home crushed pepper. it put the dish over the top. being from houston, we have amazing thai food. this place would fit in perfectly! great service and friendly owners!
(5)
Kiran G.

I have not dined at the smiling elephant but my office folks ordered some for our monthly meeting. I did order some fried rice. It was good but not as spicy as I expected it to be. Rest of the colleagues said the food tasted good. They are pretty good. I cannot say much about it. I will update my review soon as I have a plan of going to this place.
(3)
Elise W.

Ate dinner here with a few friends last week and everyone enjoyed their meals. The Pad Thai isn't the 'normal' Pad Thai you'd find at other Thai restaurants but the Smiling Elephant's take on the dish is still great! Also had one of the flavored teas and it was very good with the meal.
(4)
Sarin K.

Best authentic Thai in Nashville period!! Pad thai is amazing!! And I never order pad Thai at Thai restaurants...a friend of mine who goes to Thai land a lot tried this place and said it tastes just like food from Thailand
(5)
A L.

Unique Thai place, food is very healthy nothing fried and no red meat. Had the pad kea mo with pork, overall good meal but it lacked the pad stuff that I'm used to.
(3)
Drew R.

Got some fresh rolls and pork Pad See-Ew. Best Thai food I've ever had. In fact it might be the only Thai food I've had. Not sure what that other stuff is I've been eating.
(5)
Aisha M.

Went to lunch here with 8 people and everything about this experience was great. The service was attentive, food was fresh and arrived promptly. I will be back soon.
(4)
Lashona M.

I had the spring rolls, tom yum soup, gai yang dish, with thai tea. The food was delicious and the service was awesome!!! The food was rich all the way through and the last bite tasted as good as the first. Will be back again and again!
(5)
Joe B.

Great lunch. Gai Jee/hot with rice. Service was good and the staff friendly. A bit pricier than other Thai restaraunts but everything was very good and fresh. Try it!
(4)
Jeff H.

I'm really glad that I happened to spy Smiling Elephant in my travels on 8th Avenue yesterday. After reading the reviews below, my friends and I decided to give it a shot and we were not disappointed. Nashville is a great place for fans of Thai food, and I've truthfully never had a bad Thai meal in this town. There are several options around the city, but I may have a new favorite in Smiling Elephant. The decor is as warm and open as the family that runs the restaurant, and I enjoyed spying on the kitchen from my seat. Plates and plating are quirky and fun, but the real star of the show is the food. I actually appreciated the limited menu -- too often I get overwhelmed by the pages of choices at other Thai restaurants, but here there are a dozen or so options that allow for some customization with your choice of meat and spice level. I opted for the Khao Kai Ra-bert, which I quickly decimated while my friends enjoyed the Pad Thai, Moo/Gai Jee, and Pad See-Ew. Everyone was thrilled. The price is a LITTLE higher than other Thai restaurants (I paid $15 with tax and tip), but I'd say the food and service are worth the price. The owner even graciously jumped off our car when the battery died! Kudos should also be given to the Kopsombut family for their social media savvy -- the restaurant's Twitter ( bit.ly/6d3heJ ) and Facebook ( bit.ly/59ix0Q ) pages will certainly help to remind me to visit often!
(5)
Marilee S.

I know this place has a huge following, but I think it's important to know they charge by the shrimp. We paid $45 for two pad thai and two Tom Yum soup. That was TO GO! It was delish, but next time we'll forget the shrimp - maybe pick some up at Costco or Publix - and stick to the basics. Oh and the soup, while it was tasty, there wasn't enough broth. The container was the size for sauce on the side. Come to think of it, they needed to add a few more noodles to their pad thai. We liked it, we'll be back. BUT, we won't order the shrimp. WAY TOO EXPENSIVE for thai in Nashville!
(3)
Jean W.

The food here is good, but I had a bad experience. There's very little parking out in front of this place and a sign directs patrons to the back parking lot. What the sign doesn't mention is that the back lot - shared with an auto repair shop - is closed with a big gate and locked at 9 PM. I had dinner here on a Saturday night, then ran an errand with a friend. Came back about 10 to find my car behind a padlock and razor wire, in an area with a high fence (also razor-wired). Messages left on the voice mail, Facebook posts, even a note taped to the front door went unreturned and I wound up being without my car for over 36 hours (the restaurant isn't open Sunday and doesn't open Monday until 11 AM.) To make matters worse, I had parked near a dumpster and now the smell of spoiled food is pretty bad inside the car. Hopefully it'll wear off soon. If you eat here, keep both eyes on your vehicle! I thought the Pad Thai was excellent, but based on my experience I won't be back soon. Nobody even apologized, which I thought was the least they could do.
(2)
Andrea F.

Great food! We had the Curry special and the Pad Thai. Both were probably the best we have had in Nashville. The restaurant is a little small and the parking is a bit cumbersome, but worth it. We will definitely be back, but may consider take-out.
(4)
Christian S.

$8 Pad Thai for lunch - quite tasty. Great to have a Thai restaurant in the Melrose neighborhood. Service was a bit slow, but everyone is super nice.
(4)
Molly K.

I wish I still had the photo of the dish I had for lunch, it was so beautiful I had to take a phone picture. By far the best Thai restaurant I've been to. The interior is small, but interesting and clean.
(5)
Matt E.

Definitely a fan, best Thai in Nashville. The place has many fine touches in decor particularly the wood paneling all done by the owner himself. That personalized touch is carried over in the food as well. My wife got the Pad Thai as she always does on the first visit to any Thai place. She loved, so did I. I had the Pad Kra Pao, which is a spicy pork dish with a fried egg. The pricing is reasonable, for $14.95 your entree comes with soup and dessert.
(4)
Robert O.

We arrived on a Monday night unannounced with a big group maybe. We weren't sure how many people were going to make it because it was early for dinner (5:15) but we had a graduation at 7 so the time was set. They moved tables in anticipation of people and everyone was smiles and helpful. After everything we had 12 people show up. I looked at the pictures on yelp before we chose this place and I thought big place but in reality this is not a very big place because we had at least 1/3 of the restaurant covered. The wait staff was patient since everyone arrived at different times and the food came out as expected in waves. The food. It was Thai food and very tasty but I think they need convincing about how much heat an American can take. I asked for hot and I got hot for my mother. Next time I will spend more time explaining what my level of hot is and you should too. The food was tasty and high quality. It was a little different than Thai I have had in the past and I am not sure if that was because they were taming it down for me or if it is more true to the original. I noticed a kitchen staff going outside and coming back with a large bunch of fresh mint. Btw their parking lot is surrounded with with container gardens of mint, lemon grass, basil and a host of other fresh ingredients. Tdlr good food decent prices nice service and the restaurant is an experience just to visit.
(5)
Olivia W.

Pad Thai was a lot better then some of the comments on here. I enjoyed it a lot. Service is really laid back as well.
(5)
Kelly B.

So good. Yum. Very small inside, tight quarters, but worth it!
(5)
Melissa A.

Gluten free option for those of us who are limited. Great little joint that I can't wait to eat at again. I carried out the daily curry and it did not disappoint! Delicious vegetables, cooked to perfection. Served with jasmine rice, coconut vegetable soup and dessert for about $16. I'll be returning for the pad thai next week.
(5)
Chris S.

Had the Dumplings, Coconut Soup, Pad Thai w/chicken, and Coconut Custard for desert. The food was amazing and the service was great. As has been mentioned, parking can be rough.
(5)
Elizabeth M.

My pad thai was mediocre. I much prefer the International Market, which is cheaper, tastier, and has huge portions as long as you order fresh from the kitchen. I did like the ambiance of the place - I went there on a first date - but overall I was disappointed considering the hype.
(3)
Tracey M.

We tried the Smiling Elephant on a busy Friday night after rave reviews from friends that this was the place to go for Thai in Nashville. The restaurant is super small so we ended up waiting about 30 - 40 minutes for a table which was alright since we came at peak dinner time on a Friday night. Sad to say, we were seriously disappointed in the food. None of it was very tasty. Not sure if we're just used to a different style of Thai, having moved to Nashville from Southern California. Be that as it may, the taste of the food still was not to our liking. Our search for good Thai in Nashville continues!
(2)
Suz J.

"Best Pad Thai Restaurant," according to the owners sign. It is good, but since I haven't tried the other fifteen plus Asian restaurants which offer pad thai I can't say conclusively. The ambience is beautifully subdued. Cool is the cute tricycle mobile food cart like you might see in Bangkok. They recently opened and the menu is limited, so you could wait to go (besides I don't want it to get too crowded!)
(5)
Myra M.

This place is unforgettable. Fresh delicious food. We ordered the Tom Yum (Lemongrass Soup) and Tom Kha Kai (Coconut Soup. The Gai Yang was absolutely flavorful. I ordered the Daily Curry with Rice which was green curry (it was spicy hot) but it was still good, maybe too hot for me. The service is friendly and attentive. Loved it!
(5)
Elle A.

I went today and had the Daily Curry, which was peanut based with potatoes, pineapple, chicken, water chestnuts, and different vegetables. More "Indian" and less "Thai" - I'm glad I went with my choice! I absolutely loved it. My friend got the Phad Thai with tofu. She was hoping for a little more "oomph", so make sure you request your level of spiciness before ordering. Being a little more pricey that most local Thai restaurants, I would hope they would make up for it with some kind of roll or soup with the lunch special, but it is an additional charge. Had that had been part of the deal, I would've definitely given 5 stars. Very friendly staff as well.
(4)
Sara C.

My boyfriend and I were so disappointed with this restaurant. After hearing so many good things about this place we decided to give it a try. It is in a very nice setting-cozy house-and smelled wonderful, but the food was inedible. My pad see-yew was flavorless with noodles that were both rubbery and crunchy. The dish my boyfriend ordered sounded promising-chicken cooked with fresh cilantro and garlic-but the taste of powdered garlic was so overwhelming he could only eat about two bites. There is also no alcohol served and BYOB is not allowed. The people there were super nice, but we will never go back. The only place to go for Thai food in Nashville is Thai-Phooket.
(1)
Megan C.

Thai food is something that I hold near and dear to my heart. And, as a result I find that I have very high standards. The Smiling Elephant without a doubt met and exceeded my expectations. To start out, the restaurant has a very cozy feel...some may call it small...but I prefer to think that the owners invited me over for dinner. Whenever I try a new Thai place, I always get curry. This may be because it's my favorite...but I also find it to be a useful measure of the quality and authenticity of e restaurant. The Smiling Elephant has a charming 'curry of the day' (Massaman the day I was there) that did not disappoint. They also off the 1-5 spicy scale and the tray of extra spiciness (re: fish oil) for those that want to pack some extra heat. The spring rolls are also very tasty and served with a delectable sweet sauce. One con: parking is nearly impossible. Food wise, though, it's a tie for my favorite Nash Thai and definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Michaela M.

The food is definitely authentic. Even the "mild" version is really, really hot... so be prepared. But regardless, their curry dish was excellent. Soups and dessert were excellent too. However, stay away from the crab cakes - WHAT ARE THOSE? Looks like fish/tofu sausage sliced in pieces and fried. Disgusting. And they taste like fish not crab. Fishy fish. Their fish cakes tasted and looked more like crab cakes. Still weird spongy texture, too. Lemon grass tea was super delicious. Staff is very friendly - but they need more servers. Service was not very good since our waitress was the only one handling the entire restaurant. Hopefully those are quirks they'll work out. I would like to go back there, though.
(3)
erin s.

Someone told my husband and I about The Smiling Elephant about one year ago- he actually commented that it was his FAVORITE restaurant in Nashville. Needless to say we were intrigued! Obviously, though, not that intrigued because we didn't actually go try it out until one year later- and boy are we disappointed that we didn't! It's a small place, but there was no problem on a Wednesday night at 6, it was getting full, but they still had a couple tables open. The service was very prompt- almost too prompt, and the one negative thing I'll say is that the seats (basically short bar stools) are pretty uncomfortable. Zak pointed out that they got a really great score on their health inspection which always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Now to the food: we ordered the "fresh rolls" as an app- which were veggie spring rolls. They were the most fresh, flavorful spring roll we've ever had. I got the pad thai as I often do at any thai restaurant and this was hands down the best I've ever had. Not too noodle-y, great flavor, perfect portion size, it was piping hot and I can not wait to go back. Zak got the cashew chicken and he loved it as well. The price point is just right- we also both got some delicious thai tea and our bill was around $33. In the end, The Smiling Elephant certainly left this couple smiling. We can't wait to return!
(5)
Carly K.

This food is really wonderful and authentic. They make a papaya salad (have to ask for, not on the menu) that is so good and fresh. This place is tiny, and seating can sometimes be an issue. The staff is very helpful and very friendly.
(4)
Lauren F.

May 28, 2010 - Ilove the smiling elephant! We went this week for dinner at 630 and our service was great. Food in less than 10 min! The decor is very quaint but still neat and maintained. I had a bean noodle dish flavored with kaffir lime and it was very flavorful, and not oily. It was mild/moderately spicy even though I requested not spicy, whcih was fine w/me but beware if you're sensitive. I love that it was steaming and straight from the kitchen. Must get lemongrass tea, too. I can't wait to go here when its cold outside- tea and spicy food a wonderful combo for warming up. Also excited ab trying the pad Thai!
(4)
Jamie J.

I'll be the first to say that I'm not exactly an expert on Thai food, but I certainly want to be! This pad thai was a bit different than other pad thai I've gotten at other places, but it was good! I went in for a to-go order at lunch and I got my food in less than 10 minutes. A server even brought me a cup of tea while I waited. Extremely nice staff as I had two different people ask me if I'd been taken care of while I was waiting for my order. The pad thai might have been a bit heavy on the onions, but I suppose that's probably a personal preference (although I really like onions.) The gentleman who took my order didn't ask me what heat level I would like, so I'm assuming I got mild. It wasn't THAT hot, which is good, because I can be a big ole weiner when it comes to spice (I know what you're thinking. "And you want to be a pro at Thai food? Pfft." I know, I know.) Anyway, I will definitely be going back and trying some things on the menu that I can't even pronounce and from these reviews, I'm anxious to try the curry. It's close to work, so I see myself getting a quick bite here quite often. Cute atmosphere, good food, and great service. I'm not sure what else one would want in any kind of cuisine!
(4)
kimbe m.

Oh yum! And clean!! Friendly and efficient, too - I've been there four times so far. The third time, my wife wanted green curry, but they'd featured it the day before. We were very disappointed, until the chef (a lovely older woman) said she would go ahead and make it for us. Amazing. You have to be careful to really specify "Thai hot" if that's what you want - otherwise, they're prone to under-spicing (though they'll bring you more spice on request.) They even chopped up a bunch of Thai chili peppers for my wife. As for me, I'd been told the Pad Thai was unusual, and great. It was no disappointment. For years, I thought I didn't like PT -- what I discovered here is that I'd just been having bad Pad Thai. This was a revelation -- not sweet, not sticky, full of bean sprouts and yum. Smiling Elephant really does their own versions of classic Thai dishes. Their Yum Woon Sen is completely different from any I've had before - more a cross between a Yum Woon Sen and a Larb Gai (which, sadly, they do not have.) Like I said, I've been four times, and each time was as good as the last. My only criticism would be that the restaurant really needs a few basic salad choices - cold vegetables, something crunchy and plain to cut through the heat!
(5)
Patrick S.

I have to say first, that I'm a big fan of Thai food, and spent about a month in Bangkok and Chiang Mai a couple of years back. I figured since it's labeled itself the "best pad thai" then naturally i would try that right off the bat. It was very flavorful and the thicker rice noodles really added a nice touch. I ordered it hot, but it didn't seem to have the intense heat that i like; so next I'll opt for "native heat". The ambiance was nice and had definite Asian vibe. I'm a stickler for details so i noticed a few minor things. The plates were small so that stack a bunch of food on it (looks more impressive), but probably 10% of the food ended up on the table. Secondly we sat next to the window and there were two dead flies not 18 inches away from our food. Again, maybe something they can't prevent 100% of the time, but still needed to be noted. My girlfriend ordered the fried rice dish that really lacked in flavor, but after all the thai are not known for their fried rice, so I'll issue a pass. Overall the meal was OK, the ambiance was nice, the price a little higher but it's good place for a more intimate dining experience....
(3)
Laura S.

Such a cute Thai place in the middle of town! Seems like it's family owned and has an eclectic feel. I got the smiling elephant pad Thai and it was amazing! They use this special green bean noodle or something it was different than any other Thai noodles I've had before. I liked their version so much better!
(5)
Justin W.

Delicious food. I do not remember what I got but it was recommended by the (very helpful) waiter. Nice amount of spice and the side spices added even more! My in-laws both got pad-thai and were blown away. I do not recall what my wife got either but it was also delicious. Also, So. Much. Food. The plates were huge. Almost too much (is there such a thing?). We went for weekday late lunch and didn't have to wait. Friends tried to go on the weekend and couldn't get in.
(5)
Joshua G.

I had this. Get it. Wooooow People were friendly. Service was fast. Flavorful x1000
(5)
Christa P.

I really love thai food- this is more traditional and really good. Go on Thursday when they have Massaman curry - which you can get with duck. It is so good- thick and flavorful. They do not serve beef, which is traditional for thai. I love the duck option and it goes well with any of their options. All of their rice dishes are spot on- packed with flavor and really are traditional. They even do thai hot.
(4)
Will H.

The Smiling Elephant is a delicious spot for Thai food. I've been several times, and the service has always been friendly and quick. The food is scrumptious. Start with the fresh rolls; they're a fabulous experience in both texture and taste. My favorite entree is the Thai fried rice, but you can't go wrong with any of them. The reason they don't get five stars, in my book, is that in certain ways they're a victim of their own success. When the place is busy (and it often is) parking is stressful and there isn't much room to wait. So be strategic, don't go at obvious rush times, and enjoy.
(4)
Mary V.

Warning - I actually know what I'm talking about when it comes to Thai food. This review may offend those who don't. My parents are from Laos, whose cuisine is very similar to Thai food. We have cooked, eaten and continue to eat a lot of traditional Thai cuisine. We like to eat around town at different Thai restaurants because for us it's like going to our friend's mom's house for dinner. There is a lot of hype about the Smiling Elephant and we had an afternoon to kill so we made our trek across town to check it out. The area is an up-and-coming part of Nashville close to downtown. Trendy little shops, restaurants, and condos are popping up all over this part of town. The restaurant was small and quaint, very homely and comfortable. The employees greeted us with warm smiles as soon as we stepped in, and made sure service was exceptional throughout our lunch. Thumbs up. We ordered the fresh rolls, tofu Pad Thai with green bean noodles, and Pad Kra Pao. The fresh rolls were fresh, but we prefer ours with either shrimp or pork or both like a lot of other places give you - especially for that price. The Pad Thai was interesting. The menu says it's not like the "Americanized" Pad Thai you get at other restaurants, but maybe it should be. People read that from the menu and put it in their review like they actually know the difference between traditional and Americanized Thai food. Some might have an idea, but most - no. The low-carb green bean noodles were actually pretty good, but the dish as a whole was not satisfactory - again, especially for the price. Our other lunch entree was the Pad Kra Pao with jumbo lump crab, served with a fried egg and white Jasmine rice. Meh. This restaurant has been voted in the Nashville Scene as Best Thai, but the only ones who vote on these surveys are the same group of people every year who live in their bubble they perceive as Nashville. There is so much more to Nashville than what the Nashville Scene chooses to display. Best Thai in Nashville? Far from it. Location - Good. Service - Great. Parking - Good. Quality - Great. Food - Fair. Authenticity - Questionable. Pricing - Fair. So our overall first impression of the Smiling Elephant is this: Although the owners may be Thai or Lao, they cater to the area and its market. Their menu says "not Americanized" but to us it is just that. They have altered some of their items to meet the needs of a gluten-free or low-carb diets. This may be good for people on those diets, but not for people who want a simple, authentic meal. Don't get me wrong - the food was not horrible, it just wasn't what we expected. I will say it again - the food is way overpriced. Maybe we should give it another chance and try more of their menu items, but I highly doubt that will happen anytime soon.
(3)
Joy S.

Oh, Smiling Elephant, why don't you have better hours?! I love your food so much that I'd marry it, but it seems like every time I have the hankering, you're closed. Five stars for food, but loses a star due to the limited hours and cramped interior.
(4)
Ali S.

I really enjoyed my experience here. They had a great pad Thai and red curry chicken. The staff and service were excellent. Would recommend this place for all Thai lovers.
(4)
Lacey F.

My, the things I have missed since I left Nashville! My cousin brought me here for lunch on Christmas Eve and the place was hopping. (Maybe because so many other restaurants were closed?) I took the signed photo of Ben Folds posing with the owner as an excellent omen of the meal to come. The interior is small but cozy. Though we had to squeeze past tables to get to our own, we had plenty of room at our table and I didn't feel like we'd been packed in like sardines. The menu said their pad thai was nothing like the crappy, sticky, sweet American version, which I detest, so I figured I'd better give it a go. I ordered the tofu-only version in spicy form, and it delivered. I can't claim to really know Thai food, but this pad thai was fantastic in my book. It was spicy, perfectly fishy, and flavorful. And the noodles were cut to a perfect size, greatly facilitating the plate-to-mouth-with-chopsticks maneuver, something I'd always quietly wished for but never had received. I had to beg myself to save half the meal in anticipation of my family's Christmas feast, but had no large fooding events been on the horizon, I would have happily inhaled the entire plate. The place was extremely busy and it wasn't clear to me how many servers were on the floor, but ours was rather lackadaisical in his approach. He wasn't rude or anything, just infrequently present, and I had to grab my own to go box. That said, my water glass was never empty (filled by the man who I believe is the owner), and I'm sure any needs or concerns I couldn't address by myself would have been taken care of if asked.
(4)
Mike S.

Used to live in Nashville... and only found the Smiling Elephant in my last year. The fact I'm still talking about it now and I encourage everyone who comes even close to Music City to find this place. If I had to describe it... it's like "home style" Thai, pretty simple flavors all around but Sooooooooo much better than most the cookie cutter, too sweet varieties that you normally get in the area (and by area I mean from Houston to Atlanta) . I've had the Pad See-Ew, Kao Khai Ra-Bert, and the Hot pot. The pad see-ew was, to me, as simple as it gets. the seafood hot pot was my heavily biased favorite but that's because it was that all in one dish paired with Tom Yum. The whole place with its eclectic wood-every-damn where decor gives off a hipster feel... but to me seems appropriate for Nashville, which has a funny spin on the strangest things at times. I prefer to eat at off-peak hours so the two and a half parking spaces never really bothered me (actually there are more than 2.5...but not many) and I'm sure that there's at least 10% of the reviewers who will swear their grandma could cook these guys unto a coma but I don't... and if I did, I'd be at nana's house right now. In other words, try the Smiling Elephant out. You can argue on authenticity all day, but taste is everything else that matters. Smiling Elephant is a divergent take on Thai in a 100mi radius worth the wait.
(4)
Celeste F.

Best and most authentic Thai food in Nashville! Coming from Southern California , where part of Hollywood Blvd has a whole bunch of excellent Thai restaurants I had not gotten to experience any great Thai food until I went to the smiling elephant . The Pad See Ew is excellent, so is the ground pork Pad Kra Prao (I think that's how it's spelled. Their Pad Thai is like none other it's not the typical sticky and super sweet dish that you would get at a run of the mill Thai restaurant. It has a hint of sweetness but it's not over done. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Yaasmeen D.

It's been several years since I called Nashville home, but I must say that I've been pleasantly surprised by the food offerings during my recent visits. This latest trip 'home' didn't disappoint. After introducing my Mom to Thai food during my college days, she graciously repaid me by suggesting that we visit this hidden gem. Who knew that Nashville had decent Thai food? Go figure...My Mom had never dined there before but said she'd heard rave reviews from friends and co-workers. Once I read some of the positive reviews on Yelp, that was enough for me! Thanks to my fellow Yelpers I was prepared for a long wait. Suffice to say, it was a seriously long wait, even though it was raining buckets outside and you'd expect people to 'stay in' for the evening. I had called ahead and confirmed that this was a strictly 'No Reservations' establishment, so there was really no avoiding the wait. I was also prepared for the fact that the dining area was small. I mean seriously SMALL. If you're claustrophobic, then you'd best get your order 'To go'. Being the friendly folks that we are, we didn't mind rubbing elbows with our neighboring diners too much. Despite the long wait to be seated, our burly (but super friendly) server took our order quickly and patiently answered our questions and offered decent recommendations (i.e., go with the Lump Crab). After placing our order, I must say the food came out pretty fast. As for the food, we ordered Fresh (spring) Rolls, Pad Thai w/Shrimp, Pad Kra Pao (basil) Chicken and Thai Fried Rice w/Lump crab. Had our tiny table not already been overflowing with food, I would've ordered Panang Curry, which was their 'Curry of the Day' Fyi - We dined on a Saturday night. Overall the food was very tasty. Although the place is famous for their 'non-Americanized' Pad Thai, the Thai Fried Rice w/Lump Crab was the true star of the night. The entree was truly overflowing with Lump Crab. I mean it seriously came with TONS of crab. It was really delish. I also liked that the Pad Kra Pao came with a fried egg - I thought it was a unique touch that I'd not experienced in a 'basil chicken' dish before. Plus, it was darn tasty. My Mom wasn't crazy about the fried egg component. C'est la vie. I must admit to one serious error in judgement. Against the sound advice of other Yelpers, I made the unfortunate decision to order Gelato for dessert. I have no excuse. On some deep level, I knew better. I blame the quasi food coma state that I was in. Suffice to say that I must echo other Yelpers and warn against trying their Gelato. Really, just stay away from it, please. It reminds me of what would happen if someone accidentally spilled corn meal into their lowfat ice cream. It had a mealy consistency and the flavor (or lack there of) just couldn't compensate. If you must have ice cream for dessert, you should venture elsewhere. Mealy ice cream/gelato aside, I do recommend this place. Although it wasn't the 'best' Thai food I've ever had, it was pretty tasty and I left with a happy, full belly.
(4)
Bonnie S.

One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. Build your own soup is perfect on a rainy April night and the Pad Thai is authentic with both chicken and tofu! Don't skip on the mango sticky rice, it's divine..Eat here!!
(5)
Eliza L.

Absolutely the best Thai food! Their garden rolls are amazing, they have this delicious radish on them. Cashew chicken is my favorite or their curries. Plus their Thai ice tea is really good, sweeter than usual. Parking is hard and the crowd is big so get there early.
(5)
Jessica M.

Delicious, authentic Thai food! The Smiling Elephant is a small restaurant, so there is sometimes a wait, but it's so worth it. When I came here my boyfriend and I split the Panang Curry and Pad Thai, both of which were incredible. The curry was a bit spicy, but not too much, and the Pad Thai was some of the best I've had. You can really tell they use good quality ingredients for everything. All of the food is very authentic as well, which isn't easy to come by. Too often I get dragged into places like PF Chang's where the food is all so Americanized. The Smiling Elephant is so much better! They also have numerous gluten free and vegetarian options, so it's a great place for everyone.
(5)
Colin C.

This is a nice little sport. Enjoy our dinner at the Smiling Elephant. Tamarind Pork was a little dry, Tamarind sauce was very flavorful. Service was good.
(3)
Chris B.

As good of Thai food as you get in Nashville. If you are used to food from somewhere with larger Thai population then this will not thrill you but you won't go home disappoint with the right expectations.
(4)
Yanik C.

really great food. this place is always packed and has very limited seating so be prepared to wait in line. menu is also small but it extremely worth the wait. highly recomend going
(5)
Ryan B.

I chose this spot based solely on reputation. It has been one of those days when nothing really jumps out as being overtly appetizing. So why not try the place with the best rating within one mile of tonight's venue? I ordered the curry of the day in the interest of freshness. It was a pineapple dish with pork tenderloin. I also got a fresh roll to get the ball rolling. (pun completely and unapologetically intended) The food was delicious and arrived at my table fairly quickly, the service was attentive and the restaurant was clean. It seems picky, but the only thing that held me back from a full-on, double-barrel 5-star rating was the temperature. Older building = quaint and adorable. But does that necessarily mean we can't get some central air as well? Hot. As. Balls.
(4)
Brittany P.

Very friendly, and the food was great. My only complaint would be it's small, the tables are really crammed together.
(5)
Katie W.

Me and my boyfriend have tried this place twice. The first time it was AMAZING. I got the pad thai with tofu and he got the pad see ew with chicken. His chicken was perfectly cooked and there was so much good flavor. We decided to get it again for Valentine's Day. This was a mistake - it was an hour wait for pick-up food and the food wasn't as good. It tasted like it was rushed and it didn't have the same flavors we loved the first time. I'll try it again and hope it is as amazing as the first time!
(4)
Jonathan V.

The cashew chicken and chicken dumplings are truly a gift from the gods. The almond fried rice comes in a close second. Don't judge this place wrong until you try one of those three dishes. I could quite literally eat a million of their chicken dumplings. Their soy sauce has a sweet and spicy kick to it, not just that unflavored low sodium garbage that comes out of a bottle. The cashew chicken in particular is the perfect savory blend of meat, nuts, topped with a tang of sweetness from the fried onion, pineapple, and side of peanut sauce. For as long as I have lived in Nashville, I have ordered the cashew chicken, and not once have I been let down. This place is that consistent. I've been to the catbird seat, etch, et al - no dish in Nashville comes close to how good this dish tastes. The only downside to this place is 1) the lack of parking and 2) how crowded it can get over the weekends. The owner has a strict policy of going in line, regardless of how large your party is, which can make the wait that much more frustrating. Fortunately, that's what you have takeout for. Owner is also the most pleasant guy in the world to talk to while you're waiting. Places like this truly make Nashville a city worth living in.
(5)
Britt T.

I love Thai food. I'm a hard sell on a new Thai place. This place definitely impressed me though. It's small so be warned. But so worth it. Everything is fresh and delicious. If you're going on a weekend is recommend getting there early! This is fast becoming one of my fave Nashville spots.
(4)
Sandy W.

When I got here to meet a friend for dinner, I made it here first and sat on my trunk in the parking lot waiting. This turned out to be a beneficial detail, since I noticed outside the restaurant, they have their own garden full of various spices and vegetables used in their recipes. When we looked over the menu, it made even more sense, because I saw their "Curry of the Day" section. This is an awesome idea- serving up one kind of curry each day to ensure freshness of the ingredients. While it might have been an inconvenience if your heart was set on a certain type of curry, I was in luck because Wednesday happened to be green curry day. Green curry is the spiciest, and therefore my favorite. The food exceeded our expectations. Mine was super-spicy, but still edible. It would have been more enjoyable paired with an Asian beer, but alas, they don't serve alcohol. We had laughed at the pad thai description on their menu.. it said something about how their pad thai was prepared traditionally, and not in the sticky-sweet American style. I kind of like this detail, and it might explain why some were unimpressed with this dish, since it's not the typical pad thai we're used to eating. It's on my agenda to try next time I'm here.
(4)
Leslie R.

We ate at the Smiling Elephant with my parents who were visiting and who are vegan. The woman waiting on us was very accommodating to their diet preferences and was very pleasant, even joking around with my kids. The whole family was thrilled with the meal, from my kids to my parents, and my dad who has visited Thailand several times proclaimed it the most authentic Thai restaurant he's experienced in the States. (And he's eaten at a lot of them.) The restaurant is small and homey - nothing fancy - but charming. And the food is outstanding.
(5)
Sarah A.

Good Thai! I would say this is more like Thai Street food (from my experience) with a bit of american fusion. I can say my husband would have given this more of a 4 star and I was more of a 3, but I'll bump it up for the freshness of their ingredients. The place IS small - but our wait was short. The staff was *Flying* around the place making sure everyone was getting their food out fast. But I never felt rushed, it was a good vibe. * The Pad Thai is good - very much like Thai Street food I have had in the past. Can I say it's the *best*? I'll leave that up to preference * The Tom Kha soup was good, but different than I've ever had. It was more of a broth based, less creamy than I'm used to with coconut milk being primary. There were lots of fresh veggies and a great cauliflower taste to the broth. * Husband had the Pad Kee Mao. He liked it - it was too spicy for me (wuss) A few things that were odd to me. First of all, there's no mention of spice level. I've never been to a Thai restaurant where they didn't ask me how many stars I wanted my meal prepared. Mine ended up being a bit spicier than I would prefer (Yes, yes, I know I am a wuss) but for most people I would wager it would be much too mild. They only do a daily curry. This was HUGELY disappointing for me because the whole reason we went was I was craving panang curry. Which they weren't making on the day of the week we were there. So it looks like I'm going to have to plan my visits based on what kind of curry they are making on which day. Of course this means I probably won't go as often, so that's a big bummer. Overall, they have a great fresh take on their food, and use great ingredients. I haven't had any other thai in Nashville to compare with, but this spot was good!
(4)
Karen J.

Amazing!! Have eaten Thai food all over (even Thailand) and this is our absolute best EVER!!! We had Tom Kha Kai soup, salad with peanut sauce and Pad See Ew. We are over 2 hrs away but will definitely come back when in Nashville.
(5)
Tifanny E.

Ok so I'm spoiled and my best friend was Thai. Needless to say I've been introduced to what real Thai cooking is about. I've been here multiple times and waited to write this review. I'm never disappointed. The staff is amazing and attentive. The atmosphere is homey and has wood accents and lots of live plants, very traditional to what a real Thai home is like. I can't say enough about the food...but I will. This place is spot on. The food is always fresh and always made to perfection. Not one time have I been disappointed to with what I've ordered. Every time I've tried a new entree. My staple is always the appetizer rolls and thom kha..coconut soup. Don't expext anything less than freshness and perfection out of them. The owner is always watching and making sure the patrons have what they need. The attention to detail ia something to really be appreciative of. Come here and explore the wonders of one of the tastiest places Nashville has to offer. Not a single bad thing to say .
(5)
Steve S.

UPDATE: I came back and had a much better experience sitting outside. The curry is amazing. Maybe take-out's just not their thing. I really want to like this place. I've eaten at a ton of different Thai restaurants, and I've also heard that this was the best Thai in Nashville. Unfortunately, I have yet to see any sign of that. The first time I came to the Smiling Elephant, we ate in the restaurant. The service was great, but there were four of us and each person's dish was lacking - either not flavorful or missing some key ingredient. This wouldn't normally put me off of a restaurant, so I decided to give it another shot. The second time I ordered takeout. I got the Gai Jee and the Pad See Ew. The See Ew was fine, a bit bland, but fine. The Gai Jee, however, was literally a plate of plain Jasmine rice and chicken. No marinade, no vegetables. I even took a photo of it because I was so amazed. Here is the description of the dish from the menu: "Grilled Marinated Chicken served with fresh and steamed vegetables and Jasmine Rice." There was one piece of cauliflower in my dish, and not one other vegetable. I called to complain, and the woman who answered said that that dish doesn't come with vegetables and that the menu is wrong.
(3)
Tara S.

As far as Thai goes the food doesn't get much better than this. Everything is fresh and made to order. Their vegetables are crunchy, not soggy. We've tried a different dish each time we come and have yet to be disappointed. Everything is packed with flavor. I usually stick with water when out for Thai but I can't resist their pomegranate juice. My only gripes with the place are the prices are a bit on the high end and their parking lot is scary small. I don't even bother with the front lot because it might fit maybe 5 cars and it's fun to watch from the inside all the cars trying to get in and out at the same time. The back lot is bigger but you have to fit down a very narrow alley. If there's another car coming while you're trying to get in then you're kind of screwed. Imagine playing chicken with cars because NO ONE wants to be the person to back up! Other than that, DELICIOUS!
(4)
Steven P.

what a treat....the best thai i have found in the nashville area...the food was wonderful and the service was excellent
(5)
Shaina L.

Being new to town and from Seattle where Thai food is king, I've been anxious to find good go-to pad thai. Happy to say I found it :) I got chicken pad Thai to go, and the portion was generous (especially the chicken!), the noodles perfectly cooked and the balance between sweetness and acidity excellent. While I waited I had a nice chat with one if the owners, who was incredibly sweet. I tried to talk her in to opening a location in east nashville ;) I will definitely be back!
(5)
Katie I.

extremely authentic. my pad thai was good, not fabulous in my opinion. I didn't care for the fresh peanut roll- what was supposed to be basil tasted like a plethora of cilantro and I LOATHE cilantro. I may try it again and get something different next time. parking is tough at lunchtime.
(3)
Jeff L.

100% this is the best thai place in nashville. Feels very authentic and has great quality food. The ambiance and the staff are very accommodating to a great thai meal. Although a little bit more expensive than other places (Golden Thai, Esane) the food here is definitely better and worth it. I would recommend Smiling to a friend.
(5)
Stephanie C.

I love the pineapple cashew chicken so much that I crave it and want to drive across town and get it almost every day. But alas, I do not drive across town to get it because I know I will have to wait for seat. This place is tiny, it seats perhaps 25 people. Not only that, the seats are uncomfortable. Many do not have backs. You certainly can't go with a group of friends. If the smiling elephant had a larger space (and maybe a few cocktails) , I would be a raving fan.
(4)
Jay W.

We had thai food last week here, sadly the food quality was terrible. We go to Thailand 2 times a year and this is NOT AUTHENTIC. The meat was chewy and brown rice so wet and sticky. In Los Angeles we love to go to Thai Town and the food is amazing...we were hoping to have the same experience here but sadly we did not. They take advantage of people who do not understand international cuisine.
(1)
Amanda D.

Great food and bad parking! I once parked four blocks away. Try to visit this place in between lunch and dinner! The cashew chicken and the spring rolls are excellent! Best Thai in Nashville!
(5)
Sugar X.

You will leave smiling! The Gai Yang is heaven on an elephant absolutely delightful! The garlic and cilantro burst with exotic flavor. The teas are amazing as well and taste like an orange cream sickle. The summer rolls are refreshing and light! This eatery sits in a tiny house with plenty of parking. The tables are huge dining room style that incase a great room. The humble appearance of the place set a clean palette for a surprising luxurious meal! Your inner Thai will be rolling in gratitude for the visit!
(4)
Corey G.

I'm a big fan of Thai food and the Smiling Elephant is as good as it gets for Thai food in Nashville. You can smell the amazing food from a block away. They have amazing pad thai and spring rolls! I prefer this place better for dining in over take out but it's win win either way.
(5)
Gene C.

Best Thai food ever! Staff was great and the food was fast and delicious. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Daniel H.

After living in Nashville for 7 years, I finally ate at The Smiling Elephant. Why have I wasted the past 7 years eating anywhere else? My girlfriend and I ordered the fresh rolls and the Pad Thai. Excellent service and excellent food. The atmosphere is nice and clean. I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)
Phil D.

Very good food and great service. Our waitress even offered us a sample of the curry to gauge how spicy their spicy was.
(5)
Cameron F.

While the food and service are excellent (loved the chicken pad thai, mango rice + a very friendly & humorous waitress), the parking & location was a total nightmare. The restaurant is often overcrowded (the size of the restaurant is small) and waits can be an issue. Also, they leave the front door open, which allows cold air to fill the restaurant. Basically, once inside, it's easy to feel claustrophobic and chilly. Overall, the location isn't good at all. I'm sure college students love it close to their respective campuses, but it has a negative effect on the restaurant's ambiance and culture. However, the experience (once inside) is appreciable. A four-star rating if not for sub-par external criteria.
(2)
Tennessee P.

Ordered the BBQ chicken entree for take out. Also got an order of the vegetable dumplings. Must say, the service is super friendly! The originally told me 30 min, then called me back 10 minutes later to let me know the food was already ready. I appreciated that. The entree was definitely enough to share, but the taste and quality was just "eh". I will say that the friendly service is enough for me to give it a second try on a different dish.
(2)
Alex P.

Their Chicken pad thai is delicious. I could eat is everyday. And they're across from Belmont University and central to a bunch of things. They also have sweet desserts and bubble tea!
(4)
Leslie W.

Quite possibly my favorite place to eat every day for the rest of my life if I could hack it. This is the only restaurant I have visited 4 times since moving to Nashville, and still can't get enough. I've tried something different every time I go, and it's always been PERFECT! Don't worry about the small space or the wait time, because the food is to die for! My favorites are the cashew chicken, chicken pad ew, and the pad su wen (probably misspelt) along side a hot cup of honey hibiscus tea. Amazing! I will take every friend and family member I have to this restaurant every chance I get!
(5)
Danny N.

As described on the menu the Pad Thai was less saucy than than most other Pad Thai I have had. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The noodles are much thinner which was not a negative. It was a mistake to order shrimp which was great, but I didn't realize it was a $6 up charge. Overall I was very pleased. There was a lot of egg, tofu, and peanuts which were to my liking. The lemon grass soup was amazing as an appetizer. Overall a great experience and highly recommended.
(5)
Bobby Y.

The epitome of another overrated Nashville restaurant. Have eaten food from here twice while in the area for work. SO disappointing. Shockingly bland and watery curries, and one of the least appealing versions of Pad Thai I have ever seen/tasted. Basically, you don't take your chances on Thai food in Nashville, you go with BBQ. I go to Nashville for work, so I am at the mercy of Nashville's restaurants for days on end. The Smiling Elephant is way below average. Some of the worst Thai food I've experienced. If you need food to get full on, it won't hurt you. And sometimes that's the best you can hope for when you're on the road :)
(2)
Matthew V.

I came here yesterday with my girlfriend because she's from here and has yet to try it and has heard nothing but great things about it. I got the pad see ew and tom yum soup (my favorite) and she the pad Thai and Tom kha. The soup was amazing. Great flavor, tons of veggies which weren't over cooked and still slightly crispy. I strongly suggest the tom yum to anyone. Once the main entrees came out I was very excited to try mine. After the first bite I was severely disappointed. Although everything was cooked quite well there was absolutely no flavor. The most flavor in the whole dish were the eggs and tofu. This is a great restaurant had great service and all around awesome to be at, but I don't see all the hype.
(3)
Ana G.

I've been to the corners of Thailand and know the food and I can safely say this is the closest thing to the original. I loved dining here. I didn't have major expectations because usually it's adapted to suit the market it's aiming for. It was so authentic I actually forgot that most of the real Thai dishes have chilli flakes in them. I got a nice spicy surprise upon first bite and remembered exactly how it had tasted in Thailand. Love it and going back for sure!!
(5)
Shafi K.

I love the Smiling Elephant. No really. There's nothing here that is not good and I'm pretty sure I've tried them all! We have been coming here since we first moved here. We strongly believe this is one of the best Thai restaurants in town (and surprisingly, Nashville does have quite a few). Last week, I was sick and I forced my boyfriend to come here with my after school. I wanted some thai soup. I bought their customized soup with bean noodles (had never heard of it before but yum!), vegetables and lemograss soup. Ah-mazing! We also tried their daily curry and it's great. Finally, we always get their vegetable appetizer with peanut sauce dip. That sauce is awesome and one of a kind. Must try! Overall, great place. It is quite small and gets packed. TIP: Come here exactly at 5:00 p.m. for dinner and you'll quickly be seated without having to wait outside.
(5)
Kristen D.

If you are in Nashville you must check this place out! My boyfriend and I were visiting and were told by several people to dine here. Such a cute local hole in the wall. I got the pad Thai, dumplings, & bubble tea and was extremely pleased!!! Hands down best Thai food I have had. I'm very sad I won't be able to hit this place up when ever I want considering I'm 400 miles away :/
(5)
Moira R.

The wait was really long, and it was freezing outside. They only had one heater going, which seemed like a mistake -- and it's entirely possible one of the folks I was waiting with is the one who ultimately turned it on. They were out of all but one kind of roll when we did get seated, the ones we had were fairly standard fare. I did love my food, as did my most charming date, but the place is small and cramped and not necessarily in a good way. The prices were kind of high considering serving size and my previous experience with Thai food elsewhere. (I'm used to two meals from one serving in these kinds of restaurants.) Ultimately I'd come back, because the food really was good, but I'm not sure the value was really 1000% there.
(3)
Melanie C.

Best thai food in the city! Don't expect the traditional americanized version of this cuisine though. This is as authentic as you'll find around here. I've only had it to go; never actually sat there to eat, and I can't say I would want to. Every time I come in to get my food, it is extremely hot and dampy. But in any case, this is fantastic thai food!
(4)
Russell M.

I had the Pad Thai and my girlfriend had the Gai Yang. We also ordered the Fresh Rolls and Tom Yum soup. This place was excellent. Food outstanding, service great, and the place was super cool. I will tell people about this all the time. I look forward to going back.
(5)
Cara S.

I guess we got spoiled in Seattle on Thai food. I was very excited about eating here based on the reviews. They are always busy. My taste buds for Thai are much different to what I have had in Michigan, California and Washington State compared to here. Many Thai restaurants have a different flare. Their is a great Thai population in WA, maybe that's why. The reason for the low stars, I gave was based only on how cute this place is and my husband did enjoy his Pad See Ew. He however did say they go a little over board on the garlic, and had slight heart burn. I however had the Pad Thai. It was very good going down, but a hour later I started getting hot, stomach ache, horrible heartburn and then spent the last 6 hours running to the bathroom. NOT A PRETTY PICTURE! I am sorry but this was a big turn off for me. The food wasn't to spicy it was just over powered with garlic. Good thing I am not a vampire. I think this place is dang cute so I am SO upset that our experience was a dud here (sad face).
(2)
Chip B.

By far the best Thai cuisine that I've ever experienced. This is one of those places that makes you feel clever for just being aware of it's existence.
(5)
Aimee B.

The best Thai food I think I've ever had! The service is great. Be prepared to wait for a table!
(5)
Ven S.

The food was pretty good here. The Green bean Noodles were good too and prettyinteresting change. The thai tea is okay but I've easily had better. The customer service needs some improvement. First time we were there my date and I were forced to sit at a table with other strangers in front of the door which when everyone would walk in holding the door open for extended periods for no reason we would freeze. The wait is a little tedious so make sure you got some time to wait in line.
(4)
Piyush S.

I was going to give a 3 star but I gotta go 2. See, there are some really good thai joints in Nashville ( King market, thai phooket and ginger thai come to mind immediately). Smiling elephant is a big hype, typical hipster friendly, a little pricey, a little bland, a little something missing in the food ( Just like Baja burrito on Thompson lane ( another hyped joint) Thai food is supposed to be full of flavor. They might be using top notch organic stuff here, but if you cant make flavorful food, I am not wasting my money on you. (Btw, you don't see any Asians eating here, ever wondered why, because it is not authentic food!!)
(2)
Chelsea J.

This was one of the first places I tried when I moved to Nashville, and I immediately knew I would be coming back. Admittedly I am not too adventurous when it comes to Thai food so I stuck with the pad thai. One order to-go with a side of the tom kha soup (soup was just OK) put a $25 dent in my wallet. The serving was so big that the pad thai leftovers lasted me 3 more meals so the price is fair in my opinion. The pad thai was packed with tofu, peanuts, sprouts, noodles, etc. I ordered double tofu so it was a tofu explosion as one could imagine, and I mean that in a good way. My mom came to visit and we went to Smiling Elephant again, this time for dine-in and even at 9:00pm on a Thursday night there was a 30 minute wait. Pretty crazy, but I'll take it as a sign of how good it is. One thing that irks me is all the pictures of the owner and various celebrities that adorn the entry way. It reminds me of a Buca di Beppo style of decorating but of local celebrities instead of cheesy italian-inspired art. Thats cool that celebs go to Smiling Elephant to eat, but I dont need to see a chummy picture of Taylor Swift and the owner immediately upon walking in the door. The crab dumplings were also very good, with real and flavorful crab. I would give Smiling Elephant 5 stars but the ambience is lacking for me to grant them the full 5. If you do have to wait for a table you are crammed in to the entry way again looking at pictures of Taylor Swift (see above) or huddling for near a heat lamp outside. The actual restaurant tables are really close together so you can be a part of your neighbors conversation if you're feeling particularly nosy. BUT if you are just in the market for some really good Thai and don't care what the setting is like, then Smiling Elephant is great. Highly recommend them for takeout, usually does not take more than 20 minutes for them to make your food which can be a great alternative for the busier nights at the restaurant.
(4)
Joan B.

This is my favorite restaurant! I will not eat Thai food anywhere else. The food is amazing, and the staff is very friendly. Their Pad Thai is off the charts!
(5)
Carissa O.

I love the smiling elephant. I've eaten here a couple times (I normally do before I write a review) Everything is good but the real standout in my opinion is the pad Thai. I normally do not like pad Thai because I find the American version is really sweet... This is not like the pad Thai you've had before in the very best way!!
(5)
Jamie F.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. I love Thai food and love their unique take on popular Thai dishes (especially the cashew chicken). Whenever I have friends come to Nashville from out of town i almost always take them here and I always recommend this place to my clients. However, as a regular customer that brings this place a lot of business, I was very offended by what happened today. My husband and I met my mother-in-law here for lunch and soon after receiving our check the owner came over to our table and asked us if we were done. ( We were still finishing up our teas, digesting, and catching up with each other so we hadn't laid down our card yet.) The owner said "if your done, can you give us the table?" so RUDE! We basically had to rush out of there after that and my mother in law (who treated us to this lunch) said she never wants to come back. Very disappointing. No paying customer should be rushed out the door like this.
(3)
Caterina H.

I can see why a lot of people like this place. It's small, the ambience is very "hole-in-the-wall", and it makes you feel like you've discovered a nice little gem in the restaurant world in Nashville. In my opinion, it's a bit overrated. Now this is coming from a Laotian girl, (for those who don't know, Laos is next to Thailand) and the cuisine is very similar. So my entire body is constructed of food from Southeast Asia, and this place just doesn't do it for me. It SEEMS hole-in-the-wall, but there seems to be a lot of trendiness that makes it feel inauthentic to me. And from what I've been told, The Smiling Elephant is supposed to have the "most authentic" Thai food in Nashville. When I arrived at the restaurant, there was already a wait, which was no surprise because the place is quite small, and it made me excited to see that so many people were waiting to eat there. I was seated fairly quickly, and as I flipped through the menu, I noticed the lower-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian options--which is good for people with those dietary restrictions because it's not common for many Thai places--and I was familiar with most of the dishes. So my date and I ordered the Fresh Rolls as an appetizer and the Pad-kee-mao and BBQ Curry Chicken for entrees. When the Fresh Rolls came out, I was super disappointed just looking at them. The rolls I was looking at were filled 60% with carrots, and I was confused. Usually the fresh spring rolls are filled with shrimp or some kind of pork, and I knew that their version was vegetarian, but I've had vegetarian spring rolls before, and they usually have more herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles. They came pre sliced which looked nice, but made it very hard to pull the cut sections apart. The sauce it came with was kind of bland, and the chunk of shredded carrots in the center made it very hard to chew and swallow. It was just dry, and the caramelized radish made it way too sweet. I ordered my Pad-kee-mao extra spicy, like native Thai spicy, and it definitely was not so. When I asked the waiter for some chili sauce or Sriracha sauce, he brought me sweet chili sauce and chili flakes and told me it was all they had. What kind of Thai restaurant doesn't give you Sriracha?! I mean, usually they have that stuff already on the table. Also, I didn't enjoy the bits of kaffir lime leaves all throughout my noodles. Usually those things are taken out after the flavor is infused, like a bay leaf. And those hard little bits of leaves were not pleasant to chew. The green bean noodles were...interesting. A different texture I'm just not used to. I prefer the fresh rice noodles. The BBQ curry, according to my date, was just okay. It was fine to eat, but it lacked vegetables or something else to add to the dish. It was just shredded chicken on some rice. It sounded better on the menu than it tasted, and he said he probably wouldn't order it again. I wanted this place to be good so badly. I really did. It's close to my house, so I thought I'd be able to come often, but I know of better Thai places in Nashville. If you're looking for a cute little Thai place and don't care about the authenticity too much, then this is the place. Unfortunately, it just didn't meet my expectations for good Thai food, but then again, my expectations are pretty high.
(3)
Caitlin D.

I stopped in for lunch yesterday and ordered a "new" dish (first item listed on the menu). I wish I could remember the name. It came with eggplant, vegetables and rice. I substituted tofu for pork. I made it the special lunch, which comes with soup and a dessert. The soup was fine, although you have to pay extra if you want any meat/shrimp. Other restaurants at least throw a shrimp in there. When my main dish came, while it had lots of flavor, it was way more spicy than I had anticipated, considering the waiter never asked me how spicy I wanted it. I can handle some spice, but I just wasn't expecting it without requesting it. The dish itself was probably better than most Thai restaurants in Nashville, it had more flavor. The dessert was the tiniest little dish (about the size of a ketchup serving) of custard. It tasted great, but there was so little of it, it left me wanting more. The reason I won't be running back is that although the food is good, it's semi overpriced in my opinion. I spent $15 (before tip) on lunch, and wasn't quite dazzled enough for that price tag.
(3)
Chris W.

Do you want the BEST Thai in the city? Do you want the best Thai in the state?? This is your place. I've eaten everything on the menu, in varying degrees of spiciness, and I have not had one, single, bad, dish. NOT ONE!! This place is simple, basic, BUSY, and the owners really care about the food they serve. I mean, the man has a masters degree in nutrition from Cornell. CORNELL!! Seriously, how do you knock a restaurant that grows their own herbs? And the ginger/lemongrass tea will blow you away, hot OR cold. Run, don't walk, to get to this place, but get there EARLY. If you don't, you'll be waiting in line for a while.
(5)
Emily S.

In my opinion, one of the best kept secrets in Nashville! Some of the best Pad Thai I've ever tasted!
(4)
Rachel L.

awesome food! restaurant is too small for the crowd & parking was horrible. the food was so good and fresh that it was worth it!
(4)
Jesse M.

So many great options here! Everything made fresh when you order. Love the fresh rolls, veggie dumplings, and noodle soup! The owner is very engaged in his business and it shows.
(5)
Shannon W.

Bad service. Second time they missed to place my To Go Order on the phone. I went to the restaurant to pick the food up and they told me the order has not been placed at all. Today is the second time. Their attitude make me feel that since they are so popular they don't care about losing one customer.
(1)
Mai H.

I need to go back to this lovely place! I had an order of Pad Thai and it was beyond my expectation - light, fresh and delicious. Compare to more authentic Thai food I've had before, The Smiling Elephant is milder in seasoning, the menu is limited (which corresponds to the size and capacity of the restaurant anyway). Nevertheless, I love the food, service is good, and it's definitely the best Thai restaurant in Nashville.
(4)
Molly B.

I love Smiling Elephant. I may even dream of Smiling Elephant. When I moved from NYC to Nashville my number one main concern is where I would eat traditional asian food, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai. (I'm not kidding, that was my biggest concern.) When I found Smiling Elephant it was a taste of home, it was a sign that yes, I could live in this city. Their Chicken Cashew Stir Fry is so good. Their fresh rolls are fantastic. Their Pad Kra Pao is my favorite. (I'm a sucker for anything with a fried egg.) I've actually never had anything there that I didn't think was excellent and flavorful. Here is the deal though, Smiling Elephant servers very traditional thai food. It is not Americanized Thai food. That means they aren't using granulated sugar they're using palm sugar, etc. Most of the negative reviews I read on here make me think that most people were expecting the American version of Thai food that they're used to and that this wasn't it. Yup. This isn't it. If you're looking for traditional Thai this is the place. Hollar at me if you know of some awesome traditional Japanese in the Nashville area, I'm still searching.
(5)
Daniel B.

Pad Kra Pao is the most exceptional dish that I have experienced in Nashville's Thai offerings! Fresh ground spicy pork with the right amount of freshly grown (in house) basil with a few fresh vegetables served with rice and a very tasty fried egg. I am addicted and when I am entertaining guests, I feel compelled to bring them to this wonderful treasure of a place. The service is prompt encouraging a diner to enjoy a meal, but to make way for other guests standing at the door. It's not a rushed experience...but let's keep it moving so that others can enjoy this fresh and tasty spot!
(5)
Augusta P.

I love this place! It is by far my favorite place to eat in Nashvile! Everytime I have "out-of-town" friends come visit, I always take them to the Smiling Elephant. It has a great ambiance, food and service. It is small, but very quaint and inviting! If you go, be prepared to wait! If you patient, you soon will realize that it is well worth the wait time! I promise you will leave with a full belly and a smile!
(5)
Sarah M.

My brother sold me at best pad thai in Nashville (or so they advertise). Super cute interior - very bright and fun. Our server was perfectly charming and attentive. For an app we ordered the fresh roll. Amazingly tasty, but small portion - there were three of us and definitely not big enough for us to share. For our entrees, I had to order pad thai. They clearly advertise the fact that their pad thai is likely not what you would eat (meaning more traditional than the usual Americanized pad thai) - not served with rice noodles (although it is an option). I liked it, but didn't love it, and would likely not go with best pad thai in Nashville.... but then again I don't live in Nashville soooo... Biggest mistake though was ordering the homemade gelato. I think gelato, I think creamy. They think gelato, you get two scoops of flavored ice (think snow cone). Very disappointing. Overall, we agreed that it wasn't bad, but that we probably wouldn't make it our first choice of places to go. note - very gluten-free friendly!
(3)
Sarah H.

If this place had alcohol and better parking I'd give them 5 stars. The pineapple cashew chicken is absolutely delicious. It's a very large, moderately priced portion. The food is very fresh, and I love that it is cooked without MSG. The atmosphere is quaintly pleasant, but good luck getting in here on a Friday night. They only have 10 or 12 tables. There is no where to wait for a table inside, so you're at the mercy of the weather. Parking can be a bit of an issue if the upper lot that holds about 8 cars is full. (Note, there is parking in the back, but it's shared with some type of car repair place and the spaces are tight!) The staff are very friendly, and their take out is pretty quick. My friend who studied abroad in Thailand said the food is pretty authentic. It would be considered "street food" in Thailand. If you're looking for authentic, fresh, moderately priced Thai food in a "dive-y" atmosphere- give it a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
(4)
Michael S.

I know this place get best of everything but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I had the pad Thai and their Krap pao. The pad Thai was just too sour for me and seemed to be all chicken and bean just a few noodles I been to Thailand like 20 times and I never seen pad Thai like this before honestly it reminds more of Laotian food than Thai food. The Krap pao used ground pork ok and a fried egg again ok but there seemed be no sauce and tasted only of basil and was actually a little bitter. We got lunch and with 2 drinks are tab was almost 30 at the other thai restaurants in town I usually get a lunch combo and drink for two comes to 22. So I felt like I was paying more for below average food.
(2)
Tom H.

Very welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Clean, well-lite and active. Being a Thai-novice, I asked for advise on menu and got it. Pad Kee Mao with chicken. Asked for hot. Perfect temperature. Go see them...
(4)
Danxia Y.

Love pad Thai and daily curry
(4)
David R.

It was good that I called ahead; I was told it would be a 45 minute wait for my take out order. I had the Thai fried rice with chicken. It was good! From what I can tell it has onions, tomatoes, cilantro, cucumbers, bok choy and egg prepared with chicken and jasmine rice. The only thing I did not like about this restaurant was the car park. When I arrived there was a space available, but I had to drive into it and back out of it at an angle! The Smiling Elephant is worth trying!
(4)
Shane M.

Several of us ate here for my mother-n-law's birthday. WOW - great food. Everything was fresh and delicious. I'm a big fan of Thai food and this may be as good as it gets.
(5)
Kyna M.

Really good food. Really accommodating servers & cooks. Very friendly. A bit of a wait. No where to really wait. Small but very cute place. Will go back!!
(4)
Misty M.

I have no idea why people are so obsessed with this place. Maybe it's the location because it definitely isn't the food. I had the pad thai and it tasted like it was soaked in vinegar. It was so bad I couldn't finish it. I will not ever be back.
(1)
Daniel P.

I've heard several people claim that The Smiling Elephant is the best Thai restaurant in Nashville, and I just cannot agree with that. The food was barely mediocre, please see my reasons below: 1) They do not offer spring rolls. I enjoy spring rolls from Thai restaurants. I don't know how traditional they are in Thailand, but they are very common in American Thai restaurants, and TSE does not serve them. 2) I order Pad Kra Pao with pork as my standard Thai dish when I go out. It almost always comes with sliced trips of pork, you know, "stir fry" meat. I ordered it at TSE, and the meat came as ground pork. It was not enjoyable. 3) I ordered Pad Thai, and it was not Pad Thai! The menu says that their Pad Thai comes with "green bean noodles" and I asked our server about that because I was a bit unsure. She said that they are "the same as rice noodles, but healthier," so I decided to give them a try. They are not the same as rice noodles! I've eaten Pad Thai at probably 20 different restaurants, as well as made my own from recipes, and the stick noodles are always about the same. The noodles that came in their "Pad Thai" were the kind I would expect in Pad See Ew, wide noodles with a TON of been sprouts. What's more, it didn't taste like Pad Thai. All I could taste while eating it was cilantro and bean sprouts. Don't get me wrong, I love cilantro and sprouts in general and on Pad Thai, but neither of those should dominate Pad Thai. 4) The service was not right. My wife and I each ordered an entrÃ©e, and the Pad Thai to share. They brought out the entrÃ©es, together and said that they were "still working on the Pad Thai." It took several minutes for the Pad Thai to come out, and by the time it did, I was half way finished with my entrÃ©e. It's not like we were a huge party, and they serve tables of 4 and more, so serving three dishes within a minute of each other should not have been difficult. To sum up, I've eaten Thai food all across the United States, including several places in Middle Tennessee. I'm not sure if I'd call TSE the worst I've ever had, but certainly toward the bottom. Maybe I was there on a bad night, but I have no plans to ever return.
(2)
Leah M.

Tom "not so" Yum: This is my 3rd and last time having dinner at The Smiling Elephant. Although the service was good, the food was bland and way too Americanized. I ordered Tom Yum , typically a flavorful Lemongrass-based soup with flavors that explode in your mouth. Instead, I was presented with a tasteless bowl of vegetables submerged in what looked like hot dish water. Disappointed once again.
(1)
John L.

Best Thai food I've had so far. The tom kha (coconut soup) is phenomenal. Give me a gallon to go please. I enjoyed the Pad Kra Pao with lump crab meat.
(4)
Sheena T.

I have been to the Smiling Elephant 3 times, and the first 2 visits were excellent- they have a great Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup was outstanding. While the decor and building is simply charming, the last time I went it was so busy that we ordered our food to go and one of the dishes was mostly rice with a small amount of meat. It was very disappointing because in the past the food has been excellent despite how busy they were. I would recommend going but with reservations. I won't go back until they get a larger facility or it is at a dead time (3:00 in the afternoon) when there are less customers there.
(3)
Josh M.

Tried dinner here with my boss while she was visiting Nashville. Atmosphere was awesome. Felt just at home in a small room full of tables and cheerful and welcoming people. The tea was amazing. Lemongrass. Delicious. We tried all of their appetizer rolls that were phenomenal and the sauces. O M G! Take my word on them. We all ordered different variations of the house Pad Thai. It was really goo as far as flavor. Not your typical sweet and sticky pad Thai. They sauce is different, they noodles are different. Its just bomb-diggity! My only complaint was the heat factor. We were so into our conversation we forgot to request a heat level. I would normally order "native" and expect a nice burn on the tip of the tongue. So if you don't like the heat or are sensitive to it, this is a great option for you. I will be back. Can't wait to take my wife. mmmmmm
(4)
Kristin Marie S.

So. Hard. I really love the atmosphere at the Smiling Elephant. It brings me back, especially that little bike cart. When I was in China, I know different country but the story is related, a man pulled up on one of those little bikes and said, "Shish Ka-Bob?" He had mounted a small grill onto the back. When I saw the bike at the Smiling Elephant I laughed, hard, to myself, since the only other person who was there lives in Oakland. Anyway, this establishment brings me to a happy place. On the other hand the food is a little pricey for the amount. We both ordered a set for $16? The lemongrass soup was great and not too big, but the main course was a little on the smaller side. Mine I actually got two meals out of but my main squeeze only got one. Also the dessert was a small flan, I was hoping for ice cream. I think I'd go back because of the feeling I get when in there, I also need to try the pad thai, but I'm not exactly racing out the door.
(3)
Andrew M.

I love Thai food. After reading reviews I thought we'd check this place out but I'm sorry to say that it missed the mark for me. I ordered a dish that came with pork but it also said that they " recommend lump crab" but I guess (after asking waitress what she recommended) she just assumed I wanted the crab and so that's what I got. I didn't even get past 4 bites, the flavor profile didn't go at all. I have a culinary background and know what works and the crab completely threw off the dish. It didn't help that there was a $6.50 up charge for said crab meat. Can't say that I'll be back.
(2)
Tnvd C.

Oh. Evidently I didn't know what pad thai was supposed to taste like until I wandered in to The Smiling Elephant. Thinking I had awarded myself the title of Level 3: "thai-food-enthusiast", I was blown through the roof when 'mouth-met-noodles'. You can taste the love in every dish. Really! Try it. From appetizer to dessert, this was not the typical thai menu. This food was detailed! Normally, I can breeze through some coconut curry and think to myself: Yeah. Coconut. Spicy. Veggies. I get it. Not with this food. This was the "layer-cake" of a meal. This wasn't just an agreeable entreÃ© for a hungry-person; serious thought went into this food. Delicate notes lingered in every bite. Different spices made themselves known. This wasn't 'eating' pad thai. I was 'experiencing' my pad thai! If you want some real food-love in your belly and want to "smile", might I suggest some Smiling Elephant? Some may snub their noses at the slightly higher prices, but again: you get what you pay for. If you want cheap thai- it will taste that way. Treat yourself to the real thing!
(5)
Marian C.

YES! This place is authentic, comfortable, accommodating, and delicious!!! My bf and I love this place. Just beware of the smell of thai food on your clothing all day after coming here and eating inside. Had the Pad Thai and a curry dish. Both were so amazing. I will be back many, many times more.
(5)
Brittney D.

After reading tons of positive reviews and driving by this place a couple times a week, we decided to give it a try. We've tried quite a few Thai restaurants and wanted to see if this really was the "best in Nashville". We were incredibly disappointed. Most importantly, our food had very little flavor/spice. I ordered the Pad Kree Mao after seeing that it said something like, "order this if you're looking for something spicy!" My cellophane noodles, aka green bean noodles, were rubbery and the dish overall was very bland. My tofu was completely flavorless and lacking in the spice the menu had promised me. My boyfriend's wasn't much better in terms of flavor but it had a little more than mine. He ordered the Pad Kra Pao with chicken. Within it he found at least 6 pieces of gristle and again the dish was pretty bland. We both got the "set" so our entrees came with a soup and dessert as well. We both ordered the Tom Kha soup. It tasted like a traditional Tom Kha but they had Americanized it by throwing a handful of mixed vegetables in it rather than the traditional mushrooms, onions and peppers. We were surprised since their menu and website brag about how traditional their food is. We also ordered a four-piece steamed dumplings with chicken. They were soggy and the filling tasted like they had come from a bag in the freezer. The dessert was pretty delicious. It was simple and sweet but incredibly tiny! The serving was smaller than a shot glass. If it were only a little bit larger than we would have been satisfied with the final piece of our meal. To top it all off, it wasn't cheap. A single cup of green tea (no refills) was $1.50 and those four dumplings were a dollar each. We'll never go there again. We'll stick to the nearby Thai Star, where the food is packed with flavor and (if you want it) spice and you can get significantly more for the money.
(1)
Stefanie S.

My partner and I went here on a date two weekends ago. The little restaurant was packed to the brim and we were forced to wait outside. This didn't bother me at all, but if it were much hotter or cooler, I would have been annoyed. We sat outside and started with the Winter Roll. It has great flavor but was a bit bitter from one of the fresh herbs. It was good, not great. For my entree I had the Chicken Satay, and it was awesome. Quality was fresh and the portion was good for the price. The heat/spice of the dish was perfect for Thai. I really enjoyed the peanut sauce and would definitely go back for this dish. My partner had the cashew chicken and I could tell he was enjoying it thoroughly, as he smiled for most of the meal. We will definitely be going back to the Smiling Elephant for Thai food.
(4)
Eddie D.

It's good food. Maybe not original Thai but it is good. I saw that someone says its not flavorful. I call BS. I always ask them to make my food Thai spicy which is something you have to do at most Thai restaurants anyways because most Thai restaurants try to cater to Americans that don't have the spicy taste bud. I don't know about them having the best Pad Thai though. Growing up on Thai food this place does have a Thai flavor.
(4)
Caitlin C.

I made it back, it only took a year! My boyfriend came to get me for a lunch on a Friday and we decided Thai food sounded amazing on a blustery winter day.Their Pad Thai is probably the best I have ever had to be honest with you and I don't even order Pad Thai at Thai places. I still haven't gotten around to trying many Thai places in Nashville, but I think it's safe to say Smiling Elephant is going to be my go to Thai place. It's ridiculously convenient for me when I'm down here working, and everyone is just so friendly and efficient and you can tell they just care, I think that's what makes the difference. Cheers to you Smiling Elephant and here's hoping for increased visits in 2013!
(4)
Janet Y.

I heard amazing things about The Smiling Elephant from friends, but I wasn't blown away with my experience. Let me explain: It was definitely unique and flavorful Thai food, but it didn't seem too authentic. I was also surprised that beef wasn't a meat option in the dishes. Though there is a lunch special, it will set you back about $13 which.. I found to be a little pricey for lunch. The "dinner set" is $15. You might see this as a positive or negative, but the menu is limited and the restaurant only offers the Thai food staples.. nothing that really veers off the beaten path. My friends and I came during the busy lunch hour, and we were practically pushed out of the restaurant when we were done eating. While it was understandable since it's a small space, I still found it to be a little annoying. But all in all, the food was tasty and the menu piqued my interest enough to give it another go around.
(3)
Carolyn M.

We wandered here after a great show at Zanies (just a couple of blocks away) and had a great meal. The hot basil chicken and pad Thai were both awesome. The place looked spotlessly clean and the service was fast and mad friendly. No alcohol, but they do make a heck of a Thai tea.
(4)
Blair S.

The first thing you notice when you walk in - aside from maybe the crowd on a weekend night - is the cute atmosphere. There's a bike food cart right in the front, pepper plants in all of the windows, and various Thai touches along the walls and entryway. The staff is friendly and even on busy evenings. The restaurant is small, so everyone chips in to helping with tables. Because of the size of the dining area, groups of more than four can expect longer waits on weekend nights. Some of the food left me a little disappointed. The coconut soup was good, but the pad kee mao was heavily Americanized. Instead of chili peppers ground black pepper was used liberally. Looking around my table, this seemed to be a default substitution. Next time I visit I'll ask for authentic spice and come on a weeknight. Judging by the crowds, the Americanized versions are popular here.
(3)
Jaqueline W.

I love this place. I've never ate inside and always use takeout. This is a place that's consistent. Whichever entree you enjoy will taste the same each time you order it. It really frustrates me going to places and having a favorite entree and it's not consistently good. No worries here! I love the shrimp steamed dumplings, Thai fried rice, pad woonsen, Tom yum vegetable soup, and gai yang. The food is so fresh and tasty.
(5)
Lindsay J.

I'd like to weigh in on the contentious Smiling Elephant. I sifted through the 5-star raves, sprinkled with angry unimpressed 1-star rants and decided to go for it. So glad we did. My husband and I grabbed dinner pre Preds game one Wednesday, and found the small, charmingly decorated restaurant to be about full, but we were seated and greeted quickly. I've recently cut gluten out of my life and checked the menu on-line to see if I would be able to safely pick something (PSA: I am not allergic to gluten, just sensitive, so if you're reading this review for Celiac-friendly places, I can't speak to that). They do designate some items can be made GF by request, so we took them up on that offer for the famous Pad Thai as well as Chicken Fried Rice. So good! Both were lighter than the standard strip mall generic oriental cuisine, and had great flavor. The portions were plentiful--and we are EATERS so that's saying something. I believe both entrees were $11.95 (each). I had an iced Thai tea which was a reasonable $1.50, except there are no refills. Fine with me, they bring water to the table when they seat you. So, I get the hype. This food was good, and the place was charming and fun. We'll be back again. And again. And...
(4)
Mark W.

I had the Smiling Elephant Pad Thai for lunch and it was excellent. I tried to finish the entire plate but it was a large lunch portion. Hope it makes a good leftover. While the food is excellent the place is very small and the parking is poor. I will be going back again to try something else.
(4)
Jennifer M.

The best Thai we have ever eaten. We are foodies and travelers and by far were blown away by the flavor and freshness of the ingredients. Great service and atmosphere too. The place is a must.
(5)
Austin G.

After reading so many glowing reviews about Smiling Elephant, my husband and I decided to give it a try. Our experience was so awful, I don't think we would ever consider returning. I had the Pad Thai, which is what I always order at Thai restaurants, and they are known for having the best Pad Thai in Nashville. I have to respectfully disagree. My Pad Thai was severely lacking in flavor, other than the overwhelming sour taste. It had no sweet or spicy flavor at all. The noodles were also overcooked and mushy. Our server stopped by to ask how everything was after my husband had finished half of his dish (also bland, but edible), I explained that my dish was very sour in flavor, and the noodles were overcooked. The server asked if I'd like some chili paste to spruce it up. I declined, saying the noodles were overdone, and the sour flavor was so strong, I didn't care for any chili paste to try and fix it. He just said ok and walked away. No offer to replace the dish with at least properly cooked noodles, or offer another dish off the menu. Fine. He later came back and asked if we'd like to take home the Pad Thai and if my husband would eat it. I replied that he didn't like it either, so no, we would not like to take it home. Imagine my surprise and annoyance when we received the bill and had been charged for the Pad Thai that I not only did not like the taste of, but was overcooked. No apology from the server or anything, just- here's your bill. Next time, I'll return to less acclaimed Thai restaurants in Nashville where I've had much better Pad Thai, and superior service- Thai Satay or Thai Phuket. So disappointed in Smiling Elephant. If the server had offered to fix the issue, I might consider returning. However, neither mine nor my husband's food were anything to write home about.
(1)
Rachel S.

I'm disappointed to be writing a less than stellar review of this place. I have heard SO many highest of high praises since it opened, and even before it opened I drove past it and thought, "Oh my God, what is that and when can I go?!" I really have no issue with parking or the size of the restaurant. My issue is with the food itself. My family and I thought that though everything was well presented and well cooked, flavor was SERIOUSLY lacking in all departments. My dish, the woonsen noodles with pork, probably contained the most flavor of the three dishes we ordered. The Smiling Elephant boasts the best Pad Thai in Nashville, and I've heard several reviews exclaiming the same things. Maybe I need to try that, or the daily curry. I can't say I'd return anytime soon, and I'd head elsewhere first. FYI - no liquor, beer, or wine at The Elephant. And you are not allowed to even bring your own IN.
(2)
Alyssa H.

If I could, I would eat The Smiling Elephant's Cashew Chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Every time we've dined there, the service has been fast and friendly. The food comes out quickly and is consistently delicious! We're so glad we FINALLY found a Thai place we love!
(5)
Will Y.

On an otherwise inconspicuous stretch of 8th South is The Smiling Elephant, where they serve up some of the best pad thai in town. The peanut, noodle, tofu and egg dish they are so proud of is savory, filling and noticeably fresh. The kitchen is exposed, which surely gives diners a little peace of mind. Their pad thai is different from really any I had eaten before. It is wetter, probably from the freshness of the ingredients. There is subtlety in the dish that calls diners back for more; we keep asking, "What is it about this that makes it so good, so unusual?" The tofu is plentiful and cooked quite well. If I were to improve the dish the restaurant is so known for, I would add more heat. I usually request "Thai spicy" at Thai restaurants; my palate is not western blandness. The Thai spicy here is not much. Maybe ask for extra native Thai spicy? Their dinner prices are a bit high for what it is, as delicious as their pad thai is. The atmosphere is cozy but not romantic.
(4)
Michelle P.

Always delicious. Been here so many times and never once disappointed. My mom ate pad Thai and finished the whole thing and she rarely finishes the whole meal on one sitting! Will definitely be back.
(5)
Alison V.

I've been going here for years, but am just now writing a review because I love this place! First, the owner is AWESOME! I love him. He is sweet and funny. Second, the food is amazing and fresh. I always get the pad thai with tofu. I love it. Last, the place is tiny and parking is a pain.
(5)
Jennifer P.

I've been wanting to try the Smiling Elephant for awhile now. So when the opportunity arose on Friday, I had to snatch it up! Any restaurant that advertises their mission is to serve you healthy, authentic Thai cuisine at a reasonable price has a direct path to my heart. My friend and I went to dinner around 8PM on Friday and it... was... slammed. I highly recommend making a reservation if you can. The restaurant is about half as big as I had expected. I ordered the Smiling Elephant Tofu Pad Tai and an unsweetened Thai Tea. The tea was very rich in flavor.. you didn't even notice the lack of sugar! The Pad Tai was also some of the best Pad Tai I've ever had. However, my friend ordered the curry and it was NOT good. It was uncomfortably spicy and there was just something about it that did not smell nor taste right. We never could put our finger on it exactly. She thought it smelt of cat liter and I thought it tasted like flowers and dirt. haha. Despite her failed dish, I will definitely be returning to this place. It was oh so delicious.
(4)
Caitlin S.

Super cute. Fantastic wait staff. There are a ton of chefs so your food will come out fast. It's a small building and popular, so there might be a wait. They don't have a good waiting area, so hope you get lucky. They were super accommodating and pushed together two smaller tables for our group to get us seated quickly. The plates they serve you with are small, white and rather trendy (unique shapes), but they come heaped with your food - it's pure comfort all the way. I rather like The Smiling Elephant. The food is good and the people can't be beat. Recommend.
(4)
Amanda M.

Word of mouth is the greatest advertisement. If you don't believe me... check out these Yelp reviews. Like everyone else, I'd heard amazing things about The Smiling Elephant, so I finally marched my happy self (along with my parents and significant other) to the front door and requested a table for four. It was dinnertime, so the place was packed. Although, the location is teeny, so this wasn't a big surprise. Without having a reservation (they don't take them, unfortunately), we put our names down and sat outside to wait, hoping the turnover would be fairly quick. A small oversight... it was freezing outside! As happy as I was to have remembered my coat, I was even happier to see an attentive waitress come outside with four piping hot mugs of tea. That's service! Thankfully, the wait wasn't long and we were seated right away. We ordered Fresh Rolls and Steamed Vegetables with Satay Sauce as appetizers. The veggies were very fresh and a little crispy (which I liked)! We continued with our entrees: Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao (stir-fried noodles with lime leaves and veggies), Kai Jew Pra (tilapia), and Lettuce Wraps. I adored the Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mao. I didn't try the tilapia, though it looked delicious... and I think my mom will order something besides the Lettuce Wraps next time. (She thought they tasted mostly like sauerkraut.) Don't skip dessert - their coconut custard and coconut ice cream is DELICIOUS. (Obviously, just make sure you like coconut.) Overall, the flavors were outstanding and I was pleased to see a local restaurant be so upfront with a mission to serve healthy, authentic cuisine at a reasonable price.
(4)
Hannah B.

This place is my Nashville Thai go-to. Why? Answers simple: their PAD THAI. Smiling Elephant's Pad Thai is out of this world- layers of flavors, fresh, fragrant, not oily- everything you want in a Pad Thai. The ambience of the place also adds to the experience. I feel like I'm entering a shrine to Thai food every time I walk in and I never want to leave. Yes, the prices are on the steep side for this type of Thai dining, but it's worth it.
(5)
Bill D.

If all they had on the menu was "curry of the day," this would still be one of my favorite restaurants in town. But of course, there's so much more. Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, Lettuce Wraps, Tom Yum Soup . . .everything here is delicious. There are several very good Thai restaurants in town, but Smiling Elephant stands out for their rustic, family style cooking, heaped with fresh, flavorful ingredients. And don't forget to bang the gong on the way out!
(5)
Derek K.

From the 3 dishes I've eaten there so far, here are my thoughts: * Great flavors on their stir fries. * The coconut soup was very unique and tasty. * It's very crowded in there so I just get orders to go. * The $13 price tag for dinner dishes seems a bit steep for some chicken and veggies over a bed of rice. * I can't stand when I'm eating chicken and bite into that chewy fat stuff. When I cook at home I cut all that out, but apparently it's not cost effective for eateries to do the same. The quality of meat leaves something to be desired.
(4)
Stephanie D.

Amazing pad thai!!!!! Ive tried a few different thai places in the nashville area and this was by far my favorite. Rice noodles for the gluten free types and the sauce is not too sugary so you dont feel overfull after the meal.
(4)
Caroline H.

I was totally psyched to try out the Smiling Elephant because I've heard great things. Maybe my expectations were too high. We came on a Monday night and it was pretty packed, but didn't take too long to get a table. The two waiters seemed pretty attentive. The decorations and wood carvings were really cute. I liked how you could see the chefs through a glass panel. We started with some rolls, which were OK. I had the Pad See Ew with chicken. I had asked the waiter for medium-spicy, but I think he forgot to specify this to the chefs because it had no hint of spice. No biggie. The noodles were all right, the chicken tasted a little dry and there wasn't much sauce. Good ratio of veggies:noodles, though! Because it was crowded, it did sort of seem like the waiters were lurking to get us out of there, which I definitely understand, but still makes me feel awkward. I also felt a little awkward that there wasn't a table cloth or place mat? Not sure why this made me feel strange, but with the bare table, there wasn't really anywhere to put your silverware / chopsticks down but on your plate (or the chopsticks wrapper). For the price and the lack of wow-factor I'm not sure Smiling Elephant is my #1 Thai place in Nashville, but if my friends invited me, I'd definitely go.
(3)
Sandy T.

I was bragging to my mother about this restaurant being my favorite in Nashville, we ordered tofu curry of the day to go and it sure did not disappoint us! I also met a former employee from there which she said she has been a cook for many local restaurants and this by far tops them all in the area of cleanliness and proper handling food prep! Oh Smiling elephant how I love thee!
(5)
Mike J.

We tried the Smiling Elephant tonight, its close to where we live, and the reviews are pretty good. First, I must confess that the food we had was a solid three stars. We had Pad Thai and the Cashew Chicken. Both were tasty, neither was exceptional. Dropping this to a two star review is the fact that the tables are tiny, the stools are hard, the service is slow, and we sat right next to those two twenty-something chubby girls who spoke loudly and prefaced almost every word with "like." "Like, this soup is good, but like, do you think they could like put a few more veggies in it? I'm like stirring it and I'm like REALLY?" Oh, and the parking lot is "like" a real pain in the ass...
(3)
CC S.

If you are wanting to enjoy your dinner with the company you chose to eat with, then DO NOT go here. As soon as we were done, they asked us to leave because they had people waiting. We just spend $50 for 2 people with no alcohol and they're kicking us out. It was embarrassing. The people at the next table even asked us if we just got kicked out. For medicore Thai, I will definitely not return. If I want good Thai with good service and plenty of time to enjoy my dinner, I will go to Thai Phooket every time.
(1)
Kimberly T.

THe Papaya salad was ridiculously good! The Pad Thai was amazing as well. The service was great and the prices were very reasonable. I absolutely loved it and will go back very soon!
(5)
Samantha Y.

So I was nervous about coming here because I didn't know if I liked Thai food.. turns out I love it! At least from the Smiling Elephant. I've been here 3 times and none has disappointed. I could eat the cashew chicken every day for the rest of my life. That sauce.. yum. I've also had the Pad Thai which is delicious. It is a really small restaurant with such a cute decor. I noticed they have added a few tables outside which would be nice on a day when it''s not 95 degrees out. I surprisingly have never had to wait which is a plus, even the time I came with a group of 10! When I've been there, many people come in and get take out orders so I may need to try that soon. I cannot say enough about the service and employees. Everyone is so nice & friendly! Bang the gong when you leave! Hmm Moment: The first time I went there the portion size was great for one meal but the second time the portion was way bigger & was enough for 2 big meals.. not that I'm complaining! & no wine.
(5)
Katie K.

This is a must for Thai in Nashville. We always try something different, so I couldn't list everything we've had, but we've loved it all. The staff is always very attentive every time we go. Yes, it is very small, but that seems to lend to the staff's ability to give you individualized attention. When we've had to wait for a table, we're always greeted when we come in, and I've never had to wait longer than 20 minutes. The food comes out pretty quickly after ordering. My best advice would be to get outside of your comfort zone. Try something you wouldn't think of trying. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Jenny A.

This is by far the best Thai restaurant in Nashville! The food is always hot, fresh and tasty. Plus, the staff is always warm & friendly!
(5)
Sarah C.

I'll be the first person to admit that I am lame. With a capitol L.A.M.E. Before this encounter with the 'elephant that smiles' I had never had Thai food from a Thai restaurant. Gasp! A catered feast was called in from the Smiling Elephant and we certainly got everything besides the kitchen sink. There were dumplings (which were a hit), fresh rolls (which were delightfully delicious), chicken or vegetable pad Thai (my favorite), pad kra pao and more rice than one could even attempt to eat! Overall it was da bomb dot com. After having that first Thai experience, however authentic you may feel it is, I know it won't be my last!
(4)
Agnes B.

I went based on a recommendation from a bartender in another restaurant. My overall experience....1. Parking is HORRIBLE 2. The place is small and crowded 3. Though very good, my meal ( Red Curry Tofu) contained little Tofu. 4. Cashier was very nice 5. No place to wait for to go orders 6. They were a bit pricey. If you ride the bus and don't mind overly crowded places, you should enjoy yourself. I will go back, but, I'll call in my order!
(3)
chocovore s.

This was a mixed bag for me - some good, some "eh," and a little bad. Yes, the parking lot is tiny -- we got there shortly after 5 and it wasn't a problem, but it was already getting nuts by 6. It's a lot brighter inside than I would have guessed. No booze here, and I'm not sure if they allow BYOB (there is a sign on the door indicating no outside food or drink . . .). My husband and I each ordered a honey-lime iced tea. It was heavy on the honey, not so much on the lime. Too sweet for my tastes. We also ordered some chicken dumplings for an appetizer, and those were good. There's no kids menu or even an option to order a smaller portion for a child, so keep that in mind if you are bringing the little ones. Our 5-year-old is a reasonably adventurous eater, so I don't expect to be able to order chicken fingers and fries everywhere we go, but he isn't going to come close to eating a full restaurant portion of food. Even an option for a half-portion for kids under 12 would be nice. The kid decided he wanted pad thai with chicken -- I am not a pad thai expert, but the few bites I had were tasty. The chicken was tender and he enjoyed the crunchy bean sprouts. My husband ordered some rice dish with lump crab meat in it -- he said it was pretty good but on the bland side (I don't think they asked for spice level when I ordered, though i did request mild for the pad thai). I ordered the curry set with tofu-- the "set" is $5 more and adds a small bowl of soup and a "small dessert." I chose the Tom Yum soup and it had a nice flavor and spice level with lots of fresh veggies. I asked how their tofu was prepared -- I am a fan of the chewy fried triangles of tofu found in many Thai and Chinese restaurants. It is probably not authentic in any way, but that's how I like it. Our server described it as sauteed and told the kitchen to make it extra crispy. Which was nice of him to do, but their tofu is in these little inch-long pieces about the shape of a McDonald's french fry. It isn't bad or anything, but not the tofu experience I was craving. The curry sauce is the thin/watery kind, but it had a nice lemongrass flavor and again lots of fresh veggies. For the "small dessert" I was hoping I'd get to choose a flavor of their homemade gelato (two that looked tempting were ginger and coconut-pineapple). But after I finished my meal, the server said "oh, I'll go heat up your coconut custard." Huh. I thought it might be along the lines of flan, but heated? After a few minutes he brought out this tiny ramekin of obviously-microwaved . . . something. It tasted a little like coconut and a little like flour and whatever the bottom layer was had adhered to the bottom of the ramekin, probably from being nuked too long. It might have been better before it was microwaved, but I have a feeling it was just not my thing. After a couple tiny bites the server asked me if it was good and I gave him the "eh, not so much" face. I think he was a little taken aback, but I can't be the first person let down by a promised dessert that amounts to two tablespoons of microwaved coconut goo? The service was friendly enough, and as we were leaving the server let my son pick out a temporary tattoo, which was cute. One thing that bugged me was when he came by to clear a dish, he stacked a dirty dish from another table on ours for a moment so he could pick both dishes up. Another small gripe -- many places will offer to bring out a little container of extra rice for you if you are packing up leftovers, but they didn't. On a tangent, the 5-year-old Ben Folds fan was excited to see him on the "pictures of famous people who ate here" wall!
(3)
Greg T.

The Smiling Elephant...what a charming name for a thai restaurant. Loved the attempt to really vibe the dining room out with all the wood detail and a food cart...I dig the small dining room vibe (1 smile). It gives you the feeling that these guys are all about cranking out some killer thai food. Unfortunately the food was really average and took a lot longer than expected. Ordered the dinner pad kra pao set for $14.95 which included a vegetarian soup (either tom yun or kha) and a dessert. My dining guest went with the pad thai because their signs say they have to best pad thai. so bring it...let's check out what the Smiling Elephant can do with this thai food staple. pad kra was average at best. not enough basil in my opinion and missed not having green and red peppers. flavor was really one dimensional...just soy and some sugar. really needed more basil....soup was decent but wish the serving was a bit larger..as well as my entree. their pad thai is really just ok...not terrible..not stellar. def. not the best. I do appreciate the fact that they use olive oil and no MSG. BIGGEST GRIPE: the use of small plates for everything..i feel like this spot if trying to use tiny, square plates to try to be hip. the small size of the dishes made it impossible to enjoy my meal. food kept falling off the sides...I couldn't mix my fried egg over the rice...I had to ask for a large bowl. I recommend not going with the dinner set...it's just not worth it. you barely get any soup and the dessert is a joke. it's one bites worth of coconut custard which really is just a bunch of tapioca starch. our server was friendly and attentive! (1 smile).
(2)
Stephanie K.

They really do have an amazing Pad Thai. I've tried a number of other dishes here, but I keep returning to this old favorite. Of the entrees, I've tried the Pad Kee Mao, Pad See-Ew, and Tamarind Pork. I was thrown off by the lime leaves in the Pad Kee Mao; the Pad See-Ew was good, but not amazing; and the Pork was a little dry and unflavorful. But that Pad Thai is something I could eat every week. Of the appetizers, I've had the fresh rolls and dumplings and enjoyed both, although I preferred the dumplings. Their teas are delicious - but you get charged for every refill so be aware. This is my favorite Thai place in Nashville, and I love the ambience. One of the negatives is the size, however. The restaurant is small - so you may have a long wait on a weekend evening. And, the parking lot is small to match. I recommend calling your order in and picking it up for some delicious Thai at home.
(4)
Dee a.

The pad kra pao is amazing! Was so excited to find a place in town that had it on the menu and they did not disappoint. Ordered it medium since I didn't know their spicy scale, fearing I may have screwed myself over but was pleasantly surprise at the level of good for your soul burn. Servers were friendly enough, mine was take out so can't give a very throughout review on the service but I was pleased with the meal. Parking looked like a hassle, but they have a marked spot for people dipping in for pick up orders. Will definitely be hitting this place up again.
(4)
Scott B.

Very impressed with the quality of food. The place itself is a cool spot where you can sit outside and service is very good! Highly recommend!
(5)
Tinsley D.

So fresh, spices smelled awesome even outside on the patio. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Joshua G.

As soon as you walk into this small building you are surrounded by wood. everything is wood paneled which isn't bad makes the whole place bright and clean. I was impressed with the friendliness of the owner and staff. My family felt extremely welcome and taken care of. We all ordered the Thom Ka soup which was excellent just the right amount of heat and flavor. They have a special everyday and for Friday was the red curry. I of course went with that. It was superb. I love curry and this one had the depth of flavor and the right amount of heat that didn't take away from the dishes real flavor. Very few places can do that. I would reccomend here in a heart beat.
(5)
Jon Anne D.

Oh, my goodness! Can we just talk for a minute how fantastic the ginger chicken is?! I met a friend here for lunch. The restaurant is small and a little noisy, but the food is so good, I totally don't care!
(4)
Andrea R.

My husband and were looking for good Thai in Nashville and The Smiling Elephant delivered! I appreciated all of the detailed descriptions in the menu and the strict adherence to traditionally prepared dishes. Everything we ordered was amazing, service was good, and we would definitely return!
(5)
Thomas L.

Great Thai and it definitely delivers this great taste without such a heavy feeling in the tummy. My wife and I came on a Monday evening for dinner and were surprised that there was even a small wait around 7:30-7:45. We were pretty hungry so the wait especially on a Monday night was little disappointing. It's not a huge place so that's understandable though. After being seated, it took a little while to get attention from our waitress. I decided to get the BBQ chicken entree and my wife got the Pad Kee Mao dish. We both also got some Thai Iced Coffee too. The BBQ chicken entree appeared in front of me different than I was expecting but it turned out to very very tasty. My wife really enjoyed her dish as well. The Iced Coffee was very good too and wasn't as sweet as usual from Thai restaurants, which was a definite plus.
(4)
Rahel K.

Atmosphere - minus 2 stars No wine - minus 2 stars Thai food - plus 8 stars Total = 4 stars Don't check my math but you get the idea......
(4)
Lu X.

Great food plus wonderful service. You must order the dinner/lunch set coz the coconut dessert is the best!
(5)
Bob D.

3.5/5.0 Stars Nice, cozy (read: small) atmosphere and friendly staff. We are off to a great start. First let me mention that I'm from Wisconsin. And that people from Wisconsin like beer. So I was a little disappointed that there was no alcohol on the menu. I'm not an alcoholic or anything so this wasn't a deal breaker. This place is small, but the wait for a table wasn't too bad--and that is considering we showed up with a party of 8+. Reviewers have mentioned the small plate size. I noticed this as well, but upon completion of the meal I was satisfied with the portion size. The price of the meal was a little spendy on my grad school budget--good thing they don't serve beers or it could have been a lot worse. Prices also differ at different times of the day, which I think is a little lame. The menu is the same, the prices change. Hmm. All in all, a decent joint; and being in 12 South, I didn't feel out of place not wearing my skinnies.
(4)
Cortney L.

Awesome food. Love that's its in my hood. Kind of overpriced...
(4)
Will M.

Really love the atmosphere. It's really charming and the food is good. Cons are wait times, and long wait times. Basically you hang out and smell all the good food to get a seat because It is a tiny family restaurant. Everyone is nice and could be spicier for my tastes as well. However, everything seems to made from scratch, I am excited to come here because it is a nice setting, and delightful place to get your thai on.
(4)
Linda B.

Teeny tiny place. Crazy busy during the lunch rush. We got there a little after 12 and waited maybe 20 minutes for a table. Very good Thai food. Full and happy, we will be back!
(4)
Ashley P.

Oh my goodness-best curry EVER! The ingredients were fresh, service was quick (once you get a table) and the staff are all very friendly. You must eat here!!
(5)
Whit W.

There are those nights when I need take out thai and a friend and a terrible rom-com and some red wine. And those nights I always call Smiling Elephant and order their Chicken Pad Thai. Not only is it magical, with its wide, glassy noodles and perfect spicing, it also has big chunks of chicken breast and tofu and egg and a sprinkling of love. And they never judge my workout clothes when I come in and pick it up. In fact, sometimes they even give me a small smile, as if they know I'm about to watch "P.S. I Love You" and tear up a little, though I'll deny it vehemently afterward.
(4)
Nikki N.

Just had lunch with my honey! Salmon: Delish. Tom K: Delish Sticky Rice w/Mango: Yum-my. Will go back again, and again, and again! Small, intimate setting.
(4)
Lyndi G.

For me, this is THE BEST Thai food in Nashville. Lots of flavor and everything is really good. So many of the other Thai restaurants over sauce the food and drown it in goo...not these guys. One of my favorite places to go on a "Date Night" with the hubby when our little boy is the grandparents!
(5)
Carey James B.

The food is great! They DON'T deserve a bad review... BUT 2 things... 1. They do twists on Thai, so don't expect your Pad Thai like you are used to. 2. the little hot sauces at the table is VERY important to me, theirs is like some crappy water with a few peppers in it.. BLAH!!! If you want the BEST Thai in TN go to jasmine in cool springs! They have picture perfect and taste perfect traditional Thai AND ALL FOUR TRADITIONAL SAUCES ON THE TABLE.... Sorry I'm a hot sauce guy but like I said, Im not dissing this place, its just not for traditional thai lovers.
(3)
Joanna F.

I came here on a recommendation from my neighbor, and I've been back 3 or 4 times since. Let's get all the non-food related aspects out: First, I like that it's small and cozy, but that's a problem when you have a lot of people in there. Second, this leads me to the parking situation. I've never been there when it was extremely busy, but there isn't a lot of parking there. When I do go, I've made it a note to go when it's not busy at all. Third, I love the decorations and the way it's set-up. If I sit in a stool, I like to be by the wall so I can lean. Fourth, the service is absolutely excellent! As for the food, it just did not please my palate. I've had the Pad Thai, Pad See-Ew, and the Prik Khing Curry Fried Rice. They had flavor, but it wasn't tasty. I felt like it was missing something. And it's not the lack of MSG, people. I've also had the pomegranate juice and the sticky rice in banana leaves -- both were very, very good. Maybe I'm just a messy eater (which I am), but the food was served on these little plates. I have the hardest time keeping my food on it. I think the serving size is good, it's more than enough for me. But the price is a tad bit too high. I look to pay about $14 while I'm there for dinner and that includes a tip. I wanted to really like it, so I came back trying different dishes, but it was just ok. My favorite thing to eat so far was the sticky rice.
(3)
Vanessa G.

My first visit was yesterday for lunch. WHY have I waited so long to go to this place!? It was packed and we had a short wait to be seated. I've heard the Pad Thai is the best, so I went with it. No lie, it IS the best! I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Mjg Y.

I LOVE THEIR FOOD! The only reason I am not giving the restaurant 5 stars is because the building is very small so there is usually a wait for a table. Also, the parking is horrendous, unless you park behind the building. The food is worth it. The tofu pad thai is to die for & the portions are large. Everything is authentic and fresh.
(4)
Phillip G.

Wow! Love the decor and food! A must...will be back again! Love Thai food...they knocked it out of the park
(5)
James William Otto Z.

Very nice Atmosphere. The Location is very easy to find. The Food Is very Tasty
(3)
Meagan G.

My fiance and I ate here recently, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard often enough that it was excellent, but I usually take others' high praise with a grain of salt. However, the Smiling Elephant definitely lived up to the hype. Both of our entrees were incredibly delicious - the best Thai food we've had in Nashville, by far. However, our appetizer (the spring rolls) were NOT very good, hence the four stars instead of five. Overall, though, I'd say a great place to go!
(4)
Robin L.

Finally got some take-out from this place which is thisclose to my house. Thai fried rice with chicken: Nice and moist, fragrantly stir-fried, but there really was no 'thai' aspect to the dish. Expected some thai basil and fish sauce flavors, but this was just kinda standard fried rice. Pad thai with chicken: As others have mentioned, they don't use the standard thin rice vermicelli noodles but rather use a broad noodle more similar to but not quite glass noodle like. In either case, still good. The flavors were good though, and there was a good amount of chicken and egg. I generally do like my pad thai a little more saucy though... My order was ready in 15 mins and getting in and out was pretty quick on a Friday night. The interior is cute, but reeeallly tiny. Having lived in major cities and having enjoyed great Thai food, this place does a good job. All in all, I would go back!
(4)
Larry S.

I've eaten here 4 times and have enjoyed it for the most part. But last night was terrible. The pork tasted like leather, the $17 shrimp curry came with 3 shrimp and the cashew chicken had almost no chicken. Very, very disappointed. I won't be going back anytime soon.
(1)
Kim H.

This place is extremely pricey at dinner ($12/dish) and the portions are tiny. They come on a small rectangular plate that left my husband stopping by the grocery store later to satiate his remaining appetite. I also didn't quite care for the pad Thai, and I've had my fair share of pad Thai in my life. It was pretty dry and the only sauce they have on the tables is fish sauce, bleh. The parking is also TERRIBLE! There are about 10 spots and the place was packed so we had to park in some dark alleyway. I probably wouldn't go back here.
(2)
Dan D.

Nashville has an abundance of great Thai restaurants, but their menus largely overlap, so you get a lot of competition. This competition, however, leads to homogeneity, as a lot of these restaurants seem scared to try new things. This means that if you want a good Hung Ray, you won't go wrong by going to the closest Thai place, but if you want to branch out from the usual fare, it's quite difficult. I was riding down 8th yesterday and smelled the most amazing smell. I looked around and saw this little restaurant. I knew I had to try it. I went there that night and was very impressed. It's quite a small restaurant. There are about ten tables, and the chairs don't have backs so there's no place to put your jacket or coat, unless I missed seeing the rack. We were served by one of the owners, who was very sweet and recommended the Khao Kai Ra-bert after I told her I was looking for something totally new. It ended up being the most amazing Thai dish I've ever tasted--an abundance of spicy and umami, with a little tangy sweetness underneath it all. The portions in my opinion were right-sized. I was satisfied, not stuffed, after I finished. The plates are unfortunately barely able to contain the meal, so I tragically lost a bite of my delicious dinner. If you're willing to sacrifice a little personal comfort for a great, inspired Thai meal, this is where you want to go. I can't wait to go back! There are lots of dishes on the menu that were new to me, and a lot of the other customers had some delicious-looking teas and juices.
(5)
Taylor Ann D.

Great pad thai and service. We came in late one night and the woman was more than happy to take our order. We had some drinks and enjoyed our food in an intimate corner. The decor is fitting and the staff is super sweet. We shall be back. TA
(4)
Robin S.

I have heard about this place for the past month and a Thai food-loving friend and I decided to give it a shot. It rocked! It's a small place, and we went during prime lunchtime on a weekday, so we had to wait about 15 minutes but it was definitely worth it. Once we sat down, however, our waiter was efficient and funny and nice. Our food was out within 10 minutes. We both got what the waiter suggested (I can't remember the name) and it didn't disappoint. They have 3 levels of spice--mild, hot, and native Thai. I went with hot, but next time I'll go with Native. Wasn't quite spicy enough for me! Apparently they are known for their Pad Thai so I'll try that next time. Maybe like tomorrow. Because I'm already dreaming about my next meal there!
(4)
Joshua B.

Smiling Elephant is my new favorite Thai place in Nashville... delicious food and good service. I went for the "set". $14.95 for entrÃ©e with soup and desert. The lemongrass soup with had a wonderful bright and spicy taste. The Pad See-Ew was delicious... very hot (temperature) when it arrived, tasty flavor with lots of chicken and Chinese broccoli. The dessert was a very small, but good, coconut custard. The service was great. Within 15 minutes of sitting down we had ordered, gotten drinks, then soup, then entrÃ©e. We weren't rushed... just the server was very watchful and would immediately clear dishes and move to the next thing. Will be going back soon.
(5)
Travis A.

So I'm sitting here trying to think of a good way to write this. While contemplating, I read Steph H.'s review. It was exactly spot-on with what I was thinking. Maybe I expected too much? The tastes were simple and semi-confusing at times. The tofu was good... the pad thai was... well, I expected a lot more from "The best pad thai in Nashville," as their sign and menu boasted. I've also never seen pad thai made with the wide noodles? I also feel like there were more sprouts than noodles in the dish. Very, very dry as well. The weirdest part was what my friend Jo ordered. She got the pork lettuce wraps which was supposedly new to the menu. I tried them, and still today I'm scratching my head about them. When I put the wrap in my mouth, the filling immediately tasted like I was eating meaty spaghetti. I have no idea why because it didn't seem to have any likeness to that with the exception of the vermicelli and pork. Where on earth was the tomato flavor from? Jo said she could taste it too, so I know I'm not crazy. Weird experience. The fresh rolls were average... not a fan of them being cut up like sushi, but that's me being picky. I too think this place is overpriced for what you get. I could have ordered twice as much food from Thai Star and it would have tasted better as well for what I paid at TSE. I'm not ready to write them off just yet... I need to try a few more dishes first. Then I'll write a follow up review. Rounding up to 3 stars from a 2.5.
(3)
Laura T.

won best of nashville for a reason!!!! delish!!! friendly service!!! so so so much good
(5)
Joey H.

Friendly service, very willing to offer suggestions. Ordered the Pad Thai, which held its own against the oily carb-heavy pad thai that I lived on in college. Yet it didn't seem like I was getting much food for my $13. The bed of noodles my plate was very sparse. In fact it wasn't even a bed, but more or a sprinkling. The Fresh Roll appetizer tasted... fresh. But it is literally two tiny rolls cut up. A little pathetic if you were hoping to share that with anyone else. Also, if you have any experience with spiciness, I suggest that you ignore their warnings about "thai spicy." I ordered medium and could barely taste any heat. They will bring you a jar of crushed peppers though if you ask for it.
(4)
marissa l.

Honestly Yelp you always steer me right. In the mood for some Thai food I decided to consult my yelpers and it was right on. First of all can you say cute! This little house turned restaurant is just adorable. The inside of this place surprises you as soon as you walk in. The dumplings were pretty standard but still good. I decided on the coconut soup w my dinner and it was fantastic! I would almost go back just for that soup- seriously. For my main I ordered the Pad Kra Pao which was a spicy pork stir fry with a fried egg and jasmine rice. So Ill be honest here I usually like to have soy sauce on everything rice but in this instance it was just perfect w/out it. This is definately one of the best Thai places I have been to and Im happy its in my new city. Ill be back again for sure!
(4)
Stephanie L.

My boyfriend and I decided to go to The Smiling Elephant on a Friday night. We had about a 30 minute wait. Once we got inside we ordered. I got the Gai Jee and asked for it to be "hot". They gave me a sauce on the side. I poured it on top of my grilled chicken and white rice. I ate it and the sauce tasted awful. I thought maybe I was being picky so I let my boyfriend try. He thought it smelled and tasted awful. The only part of my meal that I could eat was the grilled chicken which was good, but not worth the price. Also the next day I was sick with food poisoning the entire day. I have never had food poisoning in my life and that was the only thing I had eaten differently in the past two days. On the other hand. My boyfriend had the Pad Thai and he loved it. I tried it and it tasted pretty good. No matter how good the Pad Thai was, I am not going to risk getting sick or getting a terrible meal again.
(1)
Tom W.

It's the perfect neighborhood gem -- inexpensive, fresh, and great-tasting. They make the curry, fresh, every day. If you've ever made your own curry, you know that it is 100x better than any of the jarred paste or anything you are getting at other generic, run-of-the-mill Thai places. This stuff is bursting with flavor. So go and enjoy real food. I also had a minced pork dish, which was also great. My only complaint? The dishes are too small! I had rice everywhere.
(5)
Big B.

Smiling Elephant (much like Lady Gaga) did not impress, due to some "different" Pad Thai, and some very hot red curry. I can't say I'd go back. I just moved to Nashville, and one of my top priorities is to find a go to thai place. I judge thai restaurants based on their Pad Thai, it's like judging a steakhouse on their ribeye. The pad thai was made with a strange wide noodle, I'm not used to this. It also didn't carry a rich flavor, some pad thai's are rich, some are sweet, this was just bland. It was also the same price as everything else on the menu, I'm accustomed to it being a few dollars cheaper. $8.95 sounds about right. The special was the red curry, which we ordered, and it was viciously hot. I respect truly hot thai, but I want to ask for it, not just have it happen automatically. I hate to say it, but I couldn't wait to get out of this place towards the end of the meal. I've apparently been spoiled by other thai places. The search for Nashville's best Thai continues...
(2)
Taylor M.

Come here!!! This is delicious. I got the hibiscus tea, pad thai, and the sticky rice with mango. All of it was so good. The pad thai took a while to cook, but it was worth it. My mom also got the coconut custard for dessert, which was amazing. I highly recommend trying everything on the dessert menu. The building is tiny, so come before the dinner rush. I also suggest not going in large groups, it will take a long time to get seated. This is better for 2-4 people. Whenever my friends visit Nashville, this is the place I recommend to them!
(5)
Melissa G.

We went to the Smiling Elephant for the first time last night and thought it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were much more complex than the typical thai flavors and not greasy at all. The Pad Thai was particularly delicious. Our only complaint is that it seemed a bit expensive for the quantity that they gave. However, that is unlikely to keep us away!
(4)
Adam M.

The good news: the best Pad Thai I've ever had. Everything else: what I had heard about the small size of this restaurant could not have prepared me for what I saw when I got there. After waiting 5+ minutes for a table -- not because there were no tables but because everyone was apparently too busy to notice/acknowledge that I was interested in sitting at one of them -- I took a quick glance at the menu but already knew I would have the much-hyped Pad Thai. My server was friendly and expeditious. I opted for the dinner "set" that included soup and dessert. The Tom Kha Gai is apparently $1 extra, which is fine I suppose, but would have been nice to have been noted somewhere on the menu or have been advised by my server. There's no need for a play-by-play here. The Tom Kha Gai was nice with the addition of fresh broccoli, carrot, spinach, and squash. A word about the plates. They are infuriatingly small. I don't know if tiny kitchen = tiny dishwasher = tiny plates, or if they're just trying to be posh...but it doesn't really matter. The plate at approx. 8.5" x 5.5" was too small to hold the noodles and it was impossible to eat the dish without half of the crushed peanuts falling off as well as some other casualties. I can't really complain about the portion size...it COULD have been a little larger (although certainly not on those plates) but it contained a lot of meat and was pleasantly filling without overstuffing. But I do resent having to dance my way around eating $14 Pad Thai because of the size of the plate they choose to serve it on. GOD'S HONEST TRUTH: if I hadn't ordered the "set" that included dessert, I was completely ready to ask for a to-go box, pay my check, and eat the rest of my dinner in my car listening to the radio. Having said that, I still think overall that this place is a little bit too proud of itself in terms of the value proposition. I don't believe that adding a few fresh vegetables to dishes that don't normally have them justifies the higher price. And they're not fooling anybody serving smallish portion sizes on tiny plates to make them look bigger. I was embarrassed for the table of 4 next to me who ordered a dumpling appetizer (I believe it was $3.95) and found themselves "one dumpling short of an order" when their server delivered the teeniest of plates with three small (if nicely garnished) dumplings that couldn't have contained more than 3/4 of an ounce of filling between them. I may be back at some point for the Pad Thai but will ONLY consider carryout.
(3)
C W.

Okay, this is my first ever Yelp review, but I felt compelled to write this. Wow, as a person with Thai heritage, this place is amazing. Excellent dishes with unique twists, like crab with Thai basil and garlic and pad Thai with green bean noodles. Definitely would come back again. Good service too.
(5)
Kristen D.

Amazing food. The vegetables are fresh. The staff is friendly and happy! We have been to Thailand and this food is authentic. Try the curry
(5)
Todd B.

I live in Los Angeles where there are a lot of great Thai restaurants, and this beats them all. There is more variety and unique dishes than I've ver seen on a Thai menu in the US, and it is artful in its presentation. Loved it. (If you're just looking for some good American style Pad Thai, this isn't your place. It's much more creative.)
(5)
Dusty K.

This is the first restaurant I've been to where the appetizers left expectations about dinner that completely missed the mark. So what do I mean? Well the appetizers were dull. So dull that I was afraid this would be one of the worst dinners I've had in a while. Boy was I wrong. For starters, the dumplings and vegetable rolls were left half uneaten. At first everyone was trying to play nice allowing others to go for seconds but we later realized that nobody on the table wanted seconds. So much for being nice. My entree soon arrived with expectations near the bottom. We couldn't possibly be in for an amazing meal after those appetizers. What arrived was a hot plate of deliciously grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, Jasmine rice and a small serving of the most delicious dipping sauce I've ever tasted. And I stand by that. So what did I order? The Gai Jee. I'll be honest, it didn't sound that appetizing from the menu. It was my third choice but I wanted something lighter, something fresh. So I tried something different and it paid off in a big way. But let's be honest, any entree reading "Grilled Marinated Chicken served with fresh and steamed vegetables and Jasmine Rice" doesn't make you do the happy dance. It sounds boring. Like the kind of dish people make at home during the week because they don't have enough time to cook. Fortunately for me, the flavors were anything but boring. The chicken was bright and lemony without being overly acidic. Simply divine. The vegetables were fresh and clean in flavor with the rice providing a nice backbone to the dish. And the dipping sauce...heaven. I was ready to head back to the kitchen and marry whoever was working back there. Ok I'm joking but I did want to load up a gallon sized jar with the sauce. I kid you not that my mouth is watering right now thinking about this sauce. It was lemony, fresh, with the ever so slight heat that creeps up in your throat while eating. It was perfect. We closed with a coconut pudding that was odd in texture but tasty in flavor. Very different for sure. The Smiling Elephant is a great place. Skip the appetizers to save room for the amazing entrees. I'll be back for the secret dipping sauce.
(4)
Brooke S.

Had the pad see-ew last night. About two hours later it was evident I had food poisoning. It's been a miserable 24 hours........ never, ever again.......
(1)
Christopher P.

The food was delicious. I ordered Pad Kra Pao, and I want it again. The owner is very friendly. Other folks' reviews (on this site and others) have said the service was slow, but that wasn't our experience. The food is definitely prepared to order. The entire kitchen is in plain view, so it's cool to watch the chefs prepare your dish. ---Christopher
(4)
Jason G.

I think you can order anything & it will be great. Lots of flavor !
(5)
Ben C.

The Smiling Elephant is great! I have not had a bad meal here! A favorite around town and easy to access from any part of the city.
(5)
B L.

Disappointing. After all the good reviews I was excited to try this place. After negotiating the small parking lot where a dozen people were loitering, I finally negotiated a parking spot. Inside is cozy and quaint, some people might find it a bit claustrophobic, but that didn't bother me. I ordered the cashew chicken. The chicken and the rice were completely dried out and the sauce they served with it was cold. It is supposed to come with broccoli, but I only got 2 tiny pieces in my whole meal. I went for dinner, and thought that for the portion, it was a bit overpriced. Maybe for lunch it's a better bargain. I don't think I will be returning.
(2)
Peter C.

Had the pad thai with extra chili powder, and had an episode of sensory overload such that everything else tasted bland for two straight days. This is a serious joint with seriously good food. Besides the taste, the exotic smell, the sight of a choreographed kitchen routine and sound of chattering, this is a total immersion experience. Come early and hungry, and be ready to be dazzled in ways you never thought possible. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
(5)
Gabriela L.

Delicious, authentic, great atmosphere. Only con is no booze.
(5)
Faithe D.

I was pretty disappointed after hearing so much hype about this place. I've tried it three times now and have had the same experience every time. Not a fan of their entrees, flavor is low and quality is eh. However, they do have a delicious Tom Kah soup with Jasmine rice but for 11 bucks?? Unless a soup has flakes of gold in it... it isn't worth 11 bucks. My favorite thing actually is their ginger tea its really amazing. The services has alway been poor, they have to take my order a million times and I have to repeat myself alot. I'd go again for the tea and maybe if my gfs twist my arm and offer to pay, not on my own will that's for sure.
(3)
Justin R.

The food here is just OK. I went for lunch today with a coworker and had Pra Jee and the tom yum soup. Most tom yum I've had was sour and spicy and delicious. This was more like spicy broth without the sourness. Oh, and they charge extra to add shrimp. wtf? Don't bother asking for Squid. The Pra Jee was alright, but there was not enough fish in it for the price. My total for those two items (I drank water) was $14 and some change and $17 after tip. Completely overpriced if you ask me...
(2)
Aaron D.

Pros - Very nice service from waiter who may or may not have been named Jeremy. - Yellow curry special was very tasty with lots of fresh veggies and a decent amount of chicken. - Interesting wood paneling on interior decor - Fun restaurant name Cons - Parking isn't just tough, it's actually dangerous. I arrived around 12:30 for a lunch meeting and pulled in off 8th avenue to find the front lot entirely full with no room to really turn around. I put the car in reverse, but found myself blocked by another car that had pulled in behind me off 8th avenue and now had no room to go anywhere either. With great difficulty, I managed to turn my (little) car around and escape from the front lot while the other driver pulled off to the side to let me pass. I then negotiated a steep narrow hill next to the building to get into the back parking lot, which is also partially filled with junk from the auto mechanic business that fills the lower floor of the Smiling Elephant building and the adjacent building. Pulling out onto 8th avenue wasn't so easy either, particularly with a UPS truck blocking half my vision. The narrow entrance to Smiling Elephant and the fast traffic meant that I probably would have been creamed if anyone else had tried to pull into the lot while I was pulling out. Luckily that didn't happen and I survived to eat another day. So...while I hate to bitch about parking, this lot actually surpasses (or at least rivals) the Gigi's near Vanderbilt for having the Worst Parking Situation in Nashville. - Our food took a while. Drinks and the appetizer arrived quickly, but it took a while for our entrees to arrive. Not a huge deal, but a noticeable delay for a place with a relatively short menu and several cooks working an open kitchen for the small dining room. I appreciate a restaurant that makes everything fresh and takes time to get the food right, but you might want to think twice about coming here for lunch if you only have a tight window for lunch. Or maybe call ahead and do take-out? (And find somewhere else to park.) - As others have mentioned, the prices seem a bit steep. My food was tasty, but the portion was not very large (compared to other Asian restaurants in Nashville and elsewhere). With a tasty Thai iced tea and a tip, I paid $15 for lunch. For comparison, I think I paid around $15-16 for my own lunch and my wife's lunch at a meat-and-three earlier this week. - The restaurant is tiny and the stools (they're not chairs) are interesting, but pretty uncomfortable for any length of time. Stools are defensible at a diner or other quick-service location where you can lean on the bar and be in-and-out in 15 minutes. But if you're going to be spending an hour at a table, it's nice to be able to lean back and relax. A booth is awesome, but even a chair with a back is better than a stool. Plus, in the winter time, it's nice to be able to drape your coat over the back of a chair - unless a restaurant has a coat rack, and I didn't see one at Smiling Elephant. So I ate with my coat on. So...the negatives take up more space than the positives, but Smiling Elephant really is an A-OK experience (ergo, 3 stars). The food is fresh and tasty. My two dining companions both enjoyed their meals. Service was great. But for all the cons listed above, I doubt I'll be back. What would make me a repeat customer? 1) Different location with better parking lot (or street parking) 2) Actual chairs or booths instead of stools 3) Slightly lower prices and/or bigger portions Serving great food is the hard part - but the whole experience matters a lot in a restaurant market as competitive as Nashville. I realize it sounds like a lot to ask, but if Smiling Elephant is interested in taking its business to the next level and attracting an even larger audience, I think nailing points 1, 2 and 3 above would do the trick. If it covered 1 and 2 and made itself a bit more upscale, it might be able to get by without changing 3. Then again, Smiling Elephant seemed pretty crowded at lunch, so the restaurant must be tapping into an unmet need, and there must be plenty of folks who don't care about 1, 2 or 3 who will be happy to come back. (PS - I used to live in NYC for 10 years and sometimes frequented a Thai restaurant there in the East Village called Holy Basil - menupages.com/menuprocesâ€¦ . Holy Basil had pretty good food, nicer decor, actual chairs and slightly lower prices than Smiling Elephant. There is no way that a restaurant on 8th Ave over a mechanics shop in Nashville should cost more for the same type and quality of food than a restaurant on 2nd Ave in NYC. On the other hand, Holy Basil did serve alcohol, which might have enabled it to lower its food prices. Perhaps Smiling Elephant could get a license to serve beer and wine and thereby drop its food prices by $1-3)
(3)
Lashona M.

I had the spring rolls, tom yum soup, gai yang dish, with thai tea. The food was delicious and the service was awesome!!! The food was rich all the way through and the last bite tasted as good as the first. Will be back again and again!
(5)
Joe B.

Great lunch. Gai Jee/hot with rice. Service was good and the staff friendly. A bit pricier than other Thai restaraunts but everything was very good and fresh. Try it!
(4)
Liz D.

Sorry, I just can't love this place as much as everyone else. I eat a lot of Thai food, and this place just doesn't quite measure up. The prices are higher than typical Thai restaurants. The restaurant is small, so the wait is long for dinner. The pad thai, with it's clear noodles and fish sauce base, is blander than what I'm used to with pad thai. I usually get the Khao Kai Ra-bert, which is minced pork with garlic with fried egg and rice. The egg is usually overdone and the garlic pieces are chopped too large. The flavors are strong in this dish, which is why I like to order it when I come here rather than the noodle dishes. Perhaps it's a favorite because it seems to have the reputation of being a more healthy Thai place. But for better flavors and cheaper prices, I'd go elsewhere.
(2)
Destiny E.

we just moved to nashville and this place is close to our house so we decided to check it out. it was awesome! we will definitely be making this our new spot for thai! the waiter suggested i get the cashew chicken and sub tofu so i did. i would eat that everyday for the rest of my life! he also gave us the house made chili garlic vinegar and home crushed pepper. it put the dish over the top. being from houston, we have amazing thai food. this place would fit in perfectly! great service and friendly owners!
(5)
Kiran G.

I have not dined at the smiling elephant but my office folks ordered some for our monthly meeting. I did order some fried rice. It was good but not as spicy as I expected it to be. Rest of the colleagues said the food tasted good. They are pretty good. I cannot say much about it. I will update my review soon as I have a plan of going to this place.
(3)
Elise W.

Ate dinner here with a few friends last week and everyone enjoyed their meals. The Pad Thai isn't the 'normal' Pad Thai you'd find at other Thai restaurants but the Smiling Elephant's take on the dish is still great! Also had one of the flavored teas and it was very good with the meal.
(4)
Sarin K.

Best authentic Thai in Nashville period!! Pad thai is amazing!! And I never order pad Thai at Thai restaurants...a friend of mine who goes to Thai land a lot tried this place and said it tastes just like food from Thailand
(5)
A L.

Unique Thai place, food is very healthy nothing fried and no red meat. Had the pad kea mo with pork, overall good meal but it lacked the pad stuff that I'm used to.
(3)
Drew R.

Got some fresh rolls and pork Pad See-Ew. Best Thai food I've ever had. In fact it might be the only Thai food I've had. Not sure what that other stuff is I've been eating.
(5)
Aisha M.

Went to lunch here with 8 people and everything about this experience was great. The service was attentive, food was fresh and arrived promptly. I will be back soon.
(4)
Jeff H.

I'm really glad that I happened to spy Smiling Elephant in my travels on 8th Avenue yesterday. After reading the reviews below, my friends and I decided to give it a shot and we were not disappointed. Nashville is a great place for fans of Thai food, and I've truthfully never had a bad Thai meal in this town. There are several options around the city, but I may have a new favorite in Smiling Elephant. The decor is as warm and open as the family that runs the restaurant, and I enjoyed spying on the kitchen from my seat. Plates and plating are quirky and fun, but the real star of the show is the food. I actually appreciated the limited menu -- too often I get overwhelmed by the pages of choices at other Thai restaurants, but here there are a dozen or so options that allow for some customization with your choice of meat and spice level. I opted for the Khao Kai Ra-bert, which I quickly decimated while my friends enjoyed the Pad Thai, Moo/Gai Jee, and Pad See-Ew. Everyone was thrilled. The price is a LITTLE higher than other Thai restaurants (I paid $15 with tax and tip), but I'd say the food and service are worth the price. The owner even graciously jumped off our car when the battery died! Kudos should also be given to the Kopsombut family for their social media savvy -- the restaurant's Twitter ( bit.ly/6d3heJ ) and Facebook ( bit.ly/59ix0Q ) pages will certainly help to remind me to visit often!
(5)
Marilee S.

I know this place has a huge following, but I think it's important to know they charge by the shrimp. We paid $45 for two pad thai and two Tom Yum soup. That was TO GO! It was delish, but next time we'll forget the shrimp - maybe pick some up at Costco or Publix - and stick to the basics. Oh and the soup, while it was tasty, there wasn't enough broth. The container was the size for sauce on the side. Come to think of it, they needed to add a few more noodles to their pad thai. We liked it, we'll be back. BUT, we won't order the shrimp. WAY TOO EXPENSIVE for thai in Nashville!
(3)
Jean W.

The food here is good, but I had a bad experience. There's very little parking out in front of this place and a sign directs patrons to the back parking lot. What the sign doesn't mention is that the back lot - shared with an auto repair shop - is closed with a big gate and locked at 9 PM. I had dinner here on a Saturday night, then ran an errand with a friend. Came back about 10 to find my car behind a padlock and razor wire, in an area with a high fence (also razor-wired). Messages left on the voice mail, Facebook posts, even a note taped to the front door went unreturned and I wound up being without my car for over 36 hours (the restaurant isn't open Sunday and doesn't open Monday until 11 AM.) To make matters worse, I had parked near a dumpster and now the smell of spoiled food is pretty bad inside the car. Hopefully it'll wear off soon. If you eat here, keep both eyes on your vehicle! I thought the Pad Thai was excellent, but based on my experience I won't be back soon. Nobody even apologized, which I thought was the least they could do.
(2)
Andrea F.

Great food! We had the Curry special and the Pad Thai. Both were probably the best we have had in Nashville. The restaurant is a little small and the parking is a bit cumbersome, but worth it. We will definitely be back, but may consider take-out.
(4)
Christian S.

$8 Pad Thai for lunch - quite tasty. Great to have a Thai restaurant in the Melrose neighborhood. Service was a bit slow, but everyone is super nice.
(4)
Robert O.

We arrived on a Monday night unannounced with a big group maybe. We weren't sure how many people were going to make it because it was early for dinner (5:15) but we had a graduation at 7 so the time was set. They moved tables in anticipation of people and everyone was smiles and helpful. After everything we had 12 people show up. I looked at the pictures on yelp before we chose this place and I thought big place but in reality this is not a very big place because we had at least 1/3 of the restaurant covered. The wait staff was patient since everyone arrived at different times and the food came out as expected in waves. The food. It was Thai food and very tasty but I think they need convincing about how much heat an American can take. I asked for hot and I got hot for my mother. Next time I will spend more time explaining what my level of hot is and you should too. The food was tasty and high quality. It was a little different than Thai I have had in the past and I am not sure if that was because they were taming it down for me or if it is more true to the original. I noticed a kitchen staff going outside and coming back with a large bunch of fresh mint. Btw their parking lot is surrounded with with container gardens of mint, lemon grass, basil and a host of other fresh ingredients. Tdlr good food decent prices nice service and the restaurant is an experience just to visit.
(5)
Olivia W.

Pad Thai was a lot better then some of the comments on here. I enjoyed it a lot. Service is really laid back as well.
(5)
Kelly B.

So good. Yum. Very small inside, tight quarters, but worth it!
(5)
Melissa A.

Gluten free option for those of us who are limited. Great little joint that I can't wait to eat at again. I carried out the daily curry and it did not disappoint! Delicious vegetables, cooked to perfection. Served with jasmine rice, coconut vegetable soup and dessert for about $16. I'll be returning for the pad thai next week.
(5)
Chris S.

Had the Dumplings, Coconut Soup, Pad Thai w/chicken, and Coconut Custard for desert. The food was amazing and the service was great. As has been mentioned, parking can be rough.
(5)
Elizabeth M.

My pad thai was mediocre. I much prefer the International Market, which is cheaper, tastier, and has huge portions as long as you order fresh from the kitchen. I did like the ambiance of the place - I went there on a first date - but overall I was disappointed considering the hype.
(3)
Tracey M.

We tried the Smiling Elephant on a busy Friday night after rave reviews from friends that this was the place to go for Thai in Nashville. The restaurant is super small so we ended up waiting about 30 - 40 minutes for a table which was alright since we came at peak dinner time on a Friday night. Sad to say, we were seriously disappointed in the food. None of it was very tasty. Not sure if we're just used to a different style of Thai, having moved to Nashville from Southern California. Be that as it may, the taste of the food still was not to our liking. Our search for good Thai in Nashville continues!
(2)
Molly K.

I wish I still had the photo of the dish I had for lunch, it was so beautiful I had to take a phone picture. By far the best Thai restaurant I've been to. The interior is small, but interesting and clean.
(5)
Matt E.

Definitely a fan, best Thai in Nashville. The place has many fine touches in decor particularly the wood paneling all done by the owner himself. That personalized touch is carried over in the food as well. My wife got the Pad Thai as she always does on the first visit to any Thai place. She loved, so did I. I had the Pad Kra Pao, which is a spicy pork dish with a fried egg. The pricing is reasonable, for $14.95 your entree comes with soup and dessert.
(4)
Suz J.

"Best Pad Thai Restaurant," according to the owners sign. It is good, but since I haven't tried the other fifteen plus Asian restaurants which offer pad thai I can't say conclusively. The ambience is beautifully subdued. Cool is the cute tricycle mobile food cart like you might see in Bangkok. They recently opened and the menu is limited, so you could wait to go (besides I don't want it to get too crowded!)
(5)
Myra M.

This place is unforgettable. Fresh delicious food. We ordered the Tom Yum (Lemongrass Soup) and Tom Kha Kai (Coconut Soup. The Gai Yang was absolutely flavorful. I ordered the Daily Curry with Rice which was green curry (it was spicy hot) but it was still good, maybe too hot for me. The service is friendly and attentive. Loved it!
(5)
Elle A.

I went today and had the Daily Curry, which was peanut based with potatoes, pineapple, chicken, water chestnuts, and different vegetables. More "Indian" and less "Thai" - I'm glad I went with my choice! I absolutely loved it. My friend got the Phad Thai with tofu. She was hoping for a little more "oomph", so make sure you request your level of spiciness before ordering. Being a little more pricey that most local Thai restaurants, I would hope they would make up for it with some kind of roll or soup with the lunch special, but it is an additional charge. Had that had been part of the deal, I would've definitely given 5 stars. Very friendly staff as well.
(4)
Sara C.

My boyfriend and I were so disappointed with this restaurant. After hearing so many good things about this place we decided to give it a try. It is in a very nice setting-cozy house-and smelled wonderful, but the food was inedible. My pad see-yew was flavorless with noodles that were both rubbery and crunchy. The dish my boyfriend ordered sounded promising-chicken cooked with fresh cilantro and garlic-but the taste of powdered garlic was so overwhelming he could only eat about two bites. There is also no alcohol served and BYOB is not allowed. The people there were super nice, but we will never go back. The only place to go for Thai food in Nashville is Thai-Phooket.
(1)
Megan C.

Thai food is something that I hold near and dear to my heart. And, as a result I find that I have very high standards. The Smiling Elephant without a doubt met and exceeded my expectations. To start out, the restaurant has a very cozy feel...some may call it small...but I prefer to think that the owners invited me over for dinner. Whenever I try a new Thai place, I always get curry. This may be because it's my favorite...but I also find it to be a useful measure of the quality and authenticity of e restaurant. The Smiling Elephant has a charming 'curry of the day' (Massaman the day I was there) that did not disappoint. They also off the 1-5 spicy scale and the tray of extra spiciness (re: fish oil) for those that want to pack some extra heat. The spring rolls are also very tasty and served with a delectable sweet sauce. One con: parking is nearly impossible. Food wise, though, it's a tie for my favorite Nash Thai and definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Michaela M.

The food is definitely authentic. Even the "mild" version is really, really hot... so be prepared. But regardless, their curry dish was excellent. Soups and dessert were excellent too. However, stay away from the crab cakes - WHAT ARE THOSE? Looks like fish/tofu sausage sliced in pieces and fried. Disgusting. And they taste like fish not crab. Fishy fish. Their fish cakes tasted and looked more like crab cakes. Still weird spongy texture, too. Lemon grass tea was super delicious. Staff is very friendly - but they need more servers. Service was not very good since our waitress was the only one handling the entire restaurant. Hopefully those are quirks they'll work out. I would like to go back there, though.
(3)
erin s.

Someone told my husband and I about The Smiling Elephant about one year ago- he actually commented that it was his FAVORITE restaurant in Nashville. Needless to say we were intrigued! Obviously, though, not that intrigued because we didn't actually go try it out until one year later- and boy are we disappointed that we didn't! It's a small place, but there was no problem on a Wednesday night at 6, it was getting full, but they still had a couple tables open. The service was very prompt- almost too prompt, and the one negative thing I'll say is that the seats (basically short bar stools) are pretty uncomfortable. Zak pointed out that they got a really great score on their health inspection which always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Now to the food: we ordered the "fresh rolls" as an app- which were veggie spring rolls. They were the most fresh, flavorful spring roll we've ever had. I got the pad thai as I often do at any thai restaurant and this was hands down the best I've ever had. Not too noodle-y, great flavor, perfect portion size, it was piping hot and I can not wait to go back. Zak got the cashew chicken and he loved it as well. The price point is just right- we also both got some delicious thai tea and our bill was around $33. In the end, The Smiling Elephant certainly left this couple smiling. We can't wait to return!
(5)
Carly K.

This food is really wonderful and authentic. They make a papaya salad (have to ask for, not on the menu) that is so good and fresh. This place is tiny, and seating can sometimes be an issue. The staff is very helpful and very friendly.
(4)
Jamie J.

I'll be the first to say that I'm not exactly an expert on Thai food, but I certainly want to be! This pad thai was a bit different than other pad thai I've gotten at other places, but it was good! I went in for a to-go order at lunch and I got my food in less than 10 minutes. A server even brought me a cup of tea while I waited. Extremely nice staff as I had two different people ask me if I'd been taken care of while I was waiting for my order. The pad thai might have been a bit heavy on the onions, but I suppose that's probably a personal preference (although I really like onions.) The gentleman who took my order didn't ask me what heat level I would like, so I'm assuming I got mild. It wasn't THAT hot, which is good, because I can be a big ole weiner when it comes to spice (I know what you're thinking. "And you want to be a pro at Thai food? Pfft." I know, I know.) Anyway, I will definitely be going back and trying some things on the menu that I can't even pronounce and from these reviews, I'm anxious to try the curry. It's close to work, so I see myself getting a quick bite here quite often. Cute atmosphere, good food, and great service. I'm not sure what else one would want in any kind of cuisine!
(4)
leslie a.

i like thai food, and since i've spent more than two years living in thailand, i'm pretty much a pro at thai restaurants. i went to smiling elephant with a friend who lives in the neighborhood, and when we arrived at 7:30 on a thursday evening, we were lucky to be able to sit down right away. the place is small, and has been done with thai wood carvings so it feels cozy and comfortable. instead of chairs, they have stools, which is fine with me, but for some might be a little uncomfortable. it was immediately apparent that what i'd read on yelp was true, and that the challenge here is the service. the young woman waiting on us was clearly a member of the family, which is to be expected, but i'm guessing she never worked in a restaurant before. while we were having to ask for stuff that was pretty obvious (like utensils), i started thinking a great business idea would be to be a mobile server training company -- so you can come into a place like this and give a crash course in how to wait tables to inexperienced waiters. here, that training would include cleaning the table before someone sits down, bringing water the way the customer requested, remembering their drink order, bringing the aforementioned utensils before, or at least at the same time, as the food, not trying to clear away a plate that people are still clearly eating from, and remembering to clear the dinner plates before bringing dessert. yes, the service was that haphazard. but wait, because there is good news... the food was great. we started with tod mun, which is fish cakes and one of my favorites, and they were as good as any i've had in thailand on the street or in a restaurant. not a huge portion, but delicious. then we had pad ka prao, which is sauteed pork with fresh basil, also delicious and perfectly spiced, and a noodle and prawn dish, also perfect, with huge perfectly cooked prawns. one thing i wasn't crazy about is that the main dishes were served over rice -- next time i will request the rice be served separately. the lovely owner, a sprite of a guy with a twinkle in his eye, suggested we try their sticky rice with coconut milk and black beans dessert and it was so right on it gave me flashbacks of a food festival during thai new year in chiang mai, or those long bamboo sticks with this delicious goodness inside that women sell at the train station. it's not cheap, and all the entrees cost the same, but it's not expensive either. i'll definitely go back, and will experiment to try all their specialties. because in the end, the food rules, and i'll just make sure to ask for my fork/spoon and water with no ice waaay in advance.
(4)
Eryn F.

I love Thai food and am glad to know that I can find it in Nashville. Everything is fresh and light.
(4)
kimbe m.

Oh yum! And clean!! Friendly and efficient, too - I've been there four times so far. The third time, my wife wanted green curry, but they'd featured it the day before. We were very disappointed, until the chef (a lovely older woman) said she would go ahead and make it for us. Amazing. You have to be careful to really specify "Thai hot" if that's what you want - otherwise, they're prone to under-spicing (though they'll bring you more spice on request.) They even chopped up a bunch of Thai chili peppers for my wife. As for me, I'd been told the Pad Thai was unusual, and great. It was no disappointment. For years, I thought I didn't like PT -- what I discovered here is that I'd just been having bad Pad Thai. This was a revelation -- not sweet, not sticky, full of bean sprouts and yum. Smiling Elephant really does their own versions of classic Thai dishes. Their Yum Woon Sen is completely different from any I've had before - more a cross between a Yum Woon Sen and a Larb Gai (which, sadly, they do not have.) Like I said, I've been four times, and each time was as good as the last. My only criticism would be that the restaurant really needs a few basic salad choices - cold vegetables, something crunchy and plain to cut through the heat!
(5)
Patrick S.

I have to say first, that I'm a big fan of Thai food, and spent about a month in Bangkok and Chiang Mai a couple of years back. I figured since it's labeled itself the "best pad thai" then naturally i would try that right off the bat. It was very flavorful and the thicker rice noodles really added a nice touch. I ordered it hot, but it didn't seem to have the intense heat that i like; so next I'll opt for "native heat". The ambiance was nice and had definite Asian vibe. I'm a stickler for details so i noticed a few minor things. The plates were small so that stack a bunch of food on it (looks more impressive), but probably 10% of the food ended up on the table. Secondly we sat next to the window and there were two dead flies not 18 inches away from our food. Again, maybe something they can't prevent 100% of the time, but still needed to be noted. My girlfriend ordered the fried rice dish that really lacked in flavor, but after all the thai are not known for their fried rice, so I'll issue a pass. Overall the meal was OK, the ambiance was nice, the price a little higher but it's good place for a more intimate dining experience....
(3)
Lauren F.

May 28, 2010 - Ilove the smiling elephant! We went this week for dinner at 630 and our service was great. Food in less than 10 min! The decor is very quaint but still neat and maintained. I had a bean noodle dish flavored with kaffir lime and it was very flavorful, and not oily. It was mild/moderately spicy even though I requested not spicy, whcih was fine w/me but beware if you're sensitive. I love that it was steaming and straight from the kitchen. Must get lemongrass tea, too. I can't wait to go here when its cold outside- tea and spicy food a wonderful combo for warming up. Also excited ab trying the pad Thai!
(4)
Laura S.

Such a cute Thai place in the middle of town! Seems like it's family owned and has an eclectic feel. I got the smiling elephant pad Thai and it was amazing! They use this special green bean noodle or something it was different than any other Thai noodles I've had before. I liked their version so much better!
(5)
Kimberly S.

The Smiling Elephant is one of my favorite places to get take out. Their Pad Kra Pao with ground pork is mind-blowing. It's a spicy pork stir fry with basil, garlic, and chili peppers served with a fried egg over rice. I particularly like the egg to be runny so that it oozes all over the dish. With a little bit of the spices that they pack on the side, the PKP is the perfect amount of heat with an amazing punch of flavor. Eating in at the Smiling Elephant can be a bit of a hassle. It's a tiny restaurant with only about 12 tables. It's a bit cramped on the inside. The parking lot is also a huge cluster. The parking lot in the back is about as treacherous as it gets after a steep drop back there. This is why take out is the way to go. It's always ready within 10 minutes and served with a smile. Every time I check out the sweet owner always jokes with me about my total being $200 and then just giggles and giggles. It never fails to put a smile on my face.
(5)
Emily T.

The Smiling Elephant is my favorite Thai in Nashville - thus far. I say "Thus far" because I've only ever visited two other establishments and I probably won't visit anymore. Because Smiling Elephant has my heart. The location is centralized and easy to find. The atmosphere is quaint with a small amount of seating. The service is usually decent but not overly attentive by any means. I typically end up flagging a few people down but no one seems to mind and they are quick once you place a request for more water, silverware, etc. The food is the winner. Everything is deliciously fresh. I have been to other Thai places that make the same vegetables for every dish and just change the sauce. Smiling Elephant keeps to traditional flavors and keeps the right fruits, nuts and veggies in the right dishes. Their Tom Kha is the perfect balance of lime, fish sauce and coconut milk. I've never been disappointed by a dish there but I keep returning to the Cashew Chicken. The portions are large and I always have plenty to take home. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get.
(5)
Mckenzie M.

I have heard so many great things about The Smiling Elephant, but left a little disappointed. First of all, I didn't expect such a long wait on a weeknight. But the place is pretty small, so I get it. The waitress was very helpful in recommending dishes. For some reason, I went with the Cashew Chicken, which was just OK. Wish I had gotten the Pad Thai - that's what they're known for. Definitely would come back to try another dish. Sadly, the dish I had just wasn't that great.
(3)
Rudy S.

This place never disappoints! Great flavors and service. I always stop when I am in Nashville.
(5)
Dene L.

Possibly the best and freshest food for lunch we have in Nashville. He grows his herbs in pots around the perimeter. Get the pad thai with crab on it. So good I've had it every time I've been there and I go here often. Get there by 11:30 or after 1 or you will stand in line.
(5)
Justin W.

Delicious food. I do not remember what I got but it was recommended by the (very helpful) waiter. Nice amount of spice and the side spices added even more! My in-laws both got pad-thai and were blown away. I do not recall what my wife got either but it was also delicious. Also, So. Much. Food. The plates were huge. Almost too much (is there such a thing?). We went for weekday late lunch and didn't have to wait. Friends tried to go on the weekend and couldn't get in.
(5)
Joshua G.

I had this. Get it. Wooooow People were friendly. Service was fast. Flavorful x1000
(5)
Allie W.

Get there early or get it to go as this place gets packed quick. Best pad Thai in Nashville! Very authentic and light compared to most Americanized Thai. Order with chicken and go heavy on the lime!
(5)
Kina L.

I've driven by Smiling Elephant a dozen times, staring at their garish sign proclaiming "Best Thai in Nashville." I figured if they were really that good, they wouldn't need a sign. Anyway, stopped by tonight to see for myself. I called ahead at 4:30pm to figure out the ideal time as reviewers mention the wait is horrible (spoiler: it is). Hostess mentioned that any time before 7 is good. I went at 5:45pm on Saturday. We waited for 35 minutes to be seated at a two person table (we had 3). When I arrived, I had already heard that they were no longer taking to go orders-- it was that busy, so don't think you can escape the wait from ordering it to go. Given the solid wait time I had... I had plenty of time to visually explore the entire restaurant. Granted I could see the entrance, exit, bathrooms, kitchen and parking lot within my range of vision... anyway, the place is adorably and dare I say.. sustainably decorated (minus the ginormous statue that greets you at the door). Imagine succulents galore-- in reused pepsi bottles. I thought I was in East Nashville for a second. Food (all dinner entrees were $12): 1) Favorite was the Pad Makea: A "Spicy, Sour Stirfry with Minced Pork, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Bamboo Shoots, and Thai Basil" Easily agreed amongst us as the best dish. It was definitely both spicy and sour. The tomato base was a perfect twist to the dish. The eggplant was perfectly soft and soaked up the tomato flavor well. Bamboo shoots completed the dish with unexpected snap and crunch. *Kind of disappointed our server did not ask us what level of spice we wanted for this dish, or any at that. Cause I woulda gone for "thai spicy." 2) Of course we had to try the said "traditional" Pad Thai with Tamarind sauce (my favorite) and green bean noodles (which on the menu reportedly has half the carbs as regular rice noodles). Definitely thought the noodles were delicious and surprisingly had more chicken to noodles. Unlike Pad Thai that you would be more accustomed to.. this version is not as wet and over drenched in sauce..which I found quite pleasant. Had a distinct lime taste that I appreciate, although I wish they had more slices of lime on the side. 3) Larb Lettuce Wraps with minced pork- came with probably 6 lettuce boats. Definite sizable portion of meat. Way more then what you would construct with 6 boats. One thing I noticed was that they were quite heavy handed on the fish sauce. AND this is coming from a person that grew up near an island where their chief export was fish sauce... Definitely would not recommend this for someone who is sensitive to fish sauce/odor. 4) Mango sticky rice-$6: Essentially half a mango with sweet sticky rice- Hey its vegan with coconut milk and I believe palm sugar. Definitely over priced. Stick to the food truck version. I believe Deg Thai has one. Tidbits: 1) Parking- 27 spots (total including the back space) 2) Tables- 14 3) To escape the rush (4:30 pm to 5:30) 4) To go orders = 5% surcharge 5) They are great for splitting checks- do it at the cash register 6) Its a horrible idea to eat here with more then 4 people- you will get the one big table by the door where there is always someone standing waiting for a table in your "safe space." 7) Interesting observation- the restaurant has 4 parking spots for employees. Have you guys seen the ridiculously tight kitchen cook line? The chefs are literally there all day every day. (as evidenced by their parking- end to end). Hey, consistency right? Overall, food was pretty good. However, coming from Atlanta, Im not sure if this place would hold a candle to some of my haunts. But hey, a $12 pad thai is still cheaper and less time consuming then a 4 hr drive. Well maybe not on a Saturday night.
(4)
Katie W.

Happened upon this place when every other place in the area we tried to go to was for some reason closed on a Saturday night, as so glad we did. I knew it was a good sign when I saw the Masters degree in Nutrition from Columbia University hanging in the lobby. We had a seat on the small patio - it was a lovely night. Lemongrass tea was warming and flavorful. Steamed veggie dumplings with garlicky dipping sauce were wonderful. Tom Kha soup was good. But the highlight of the meal was the Panang Curry. The waitress brought out a sample of the curry sauce for my husband to ensure it wouldn't be too spicy for him. I tasted it too, and we ended up both ordering it. I NEVER order Thai curry. I always opt for noodles. And I hate ordering the same thing as my dining companion. That's just how good this one was. Overall the service was excellent. We will definitely be saving this place to return to when our Thai craving strikes!
(5)
Asma A.

We were in town for a few days and were craving Thai. This is back in April. This was not only top rated on yelp but also a few locals recommended it. We got beef pad kee mao and pad thai. It was good but I was expecting more given the hype. I have had better. . However their coconut custard dessert was so delicious. Do try that if they have it under the special. It's good I think given the area and there aren't lots of Thai places.
(3)
Josh H.

Smiling Elephant: other Thai restaurants in Nashville do it well, but Smiling E does it the best. Their pad kra pao with pork (Thai spicy) is simply delicious. Do yourself a favor and try this masterpiece ASAP. It's so perfect in its simplicity. (It's barely 9 a.m. as I'm writing this, and I'm already craving it.) You can't go wrong with playing curry of the day roulette either. I've never had a bad curry here. It comes with your choice of protein, or go veggie-only. Their veggies are so fresh and crisp. The 8th Avenue South store front is quaint and cute, and the staff here are so friendly. They strike a nice balance between homey/traditional ambience and modern/fresh plating. I usually call in for carryout, but if you're planning to dine in, either go at off peak hours or expect to wait. The dining room is on the tiny side. Enjoy!
(5)
Brandon E.

Great place! Small but cozy atmosphere. BUSY but only waited about 15 minutes for a table. Had the steamed shrimp dumplings for an appetizer and green curry chicken for entree. Both were delicious. Green curry was very flavorful (and hot!) and the vegetables were fresh. My only complaint might be the curry sauce was just a little thin but that's really nitpicking. It was awesome.
(5)
Katharina H.

If you are looking for delicious Thai food come here! Just be aware that they do not take reservations and you can expect a wait during dinner times. The place is small and always packed! However, the wait is worth it! Their Pad Thai is delicious and we have never been disappointed with any of their curries. We will come back!
(5)
Loralyn D.

This is my favorite Thai in Nashville. They don't have as many items on their menu as other Thai restaurants I've been to, but I love their Pad Thai and Green Curry. I've always taken food to go but it's a cozy feel inside the restaurant if you eat there.
(5)
Melanie B.

Definitely the best Pad Thai in Nashville. It has many awards to back up that claim. I love their noodles which are thinner and wider than other pad thai dishes I have had in the past. The parking is limited and tight especially in the back lot. The inside of the restaurant is quite cozy which contributes to long wait times. I highly suggest visiting outside of typical busy restaurant hours (6:30pm-8:00pm). As you enter, the smells are intoxicating. Thankfully, smells are free, because I let my nose binge on those delicious spices that fill the air. You can even sneak a peek into the kitchen. Every time I go there, I dance in my chair with excitement, because the food and service is consistently good. I also wince when I see the bill. The pad thai is amazing, but quite expensive if you order prawns or some other premium meat/seafood. However, out of loyalty to this glorious establishment, I don't order pad thai anywhere else in the WORLD except at The Smiling Elephant.
(4)
Jacqueline C.

Hands down the best thai food in Nashville, or maybe that I have ever had. My brother lives in Thailand and he said first hand it was VERY authentic! Also, don't even hesitate what you're going to order - get the Pad Thai. It's not the Pad Thai you're probably used to, which is a GREAT thing. This dish leaves out the Americanized "doused with sauce" style, yet keeps all of the flavor. You may want to get there earlier because there will be a wait, as the inside only seats about 25 people. Worth the wait if there is one, the staff is also VERY kind!
(5)
Hannah W.

Two filling and delicious bowls of curry and stir fry, and two iced teas, made for a delicious lunch! The price was great, the employees were friendly and welcoming, and the decor was lovely. I like how it looked like a garden nursery outside. ^^ it was very welcoming and friendly!
(5)
Tony H.

Heard this was the spot in Nashville for some top tier Thai food. We stopped in around 5:30 or so on a Friday and were seated right away. The interior is pretty tight but it's more cozy than crowded, nice atmosphere and homey. The staff was friendly and pleasant. I had a tofu curry. The tofu wasn't anything special but the curry was tasty and had plenty of spice without overpowering it. They give you plenty of rice. Overall it was a good experience and I wouldn't hesitate stopping in again when I'm in the area.
(4)
Jacoby D.

My boyfriend and I had a great first experience here! We had excellent customer service and the food was great. The place was quite small, however we were able to get a table right away. They got us in and out quite quickly, and the timing of our appetizers, soups, entrees, and deserts came out perfect. Highly recommend!
(5)
Grace L.

If I could, I would give this place a 3.5/5, but will give it the benefit of 4/5. Atmosphere: The inside was small, only a few tables; probably not good for large groups. Besides the size, it is very cute with Thai decorations. I thought it was neat they did all the cooking behind a glass window. Parking is limited in the front, but there is parking in the back. Service: The service was fast and waiters seemed very familiar with the menu, which is always helpful. Because of how small the place is, we felt rushed to leave assuming they wanted to fill the tables - otherwise no other complaints. Food: We ordered the Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and a spicy pork dish (cant remember whats it called). I've had better pad thai and drunken noodle dishes, but compared to other Thai restaurants in Nashville, I would say this place tastes the best...so far.
(4)
Corie K.

I don't frequent here often because all the chicken dishes are dark meat chicken, which I do not prefer. I do however admire the fresh ingredients they use otherwise; it is certainly one of the most fresh tasting Thai I've had in town. If there was a white meat option I would likely eat there over other Thai options. If you like dark meat, seafood or tofu though, I would recommend it!
(3)
Leah V.

We ve been here a handful of times and I'm just now getting around to a much deserved 5 star review. This place is tiny so be prepared to wait if you're going out on the weekend , but don't let that deter you! Start with their fresh rolls and sweet chili sauce, delicious. Next order the Pad Thai. The chicken pad Thai has an amazing flavor, perfectly seasoned and probably the best I've ever had. For the grand finale... ORDER THE MANGO STICKY RICE. This subtly sweet yet oh so delicious dessert will make a believer out of anyone. I probably go here just for this dessert alone. Great service , great Thai food and an authentic cute space= a must try.
(5)
Shachi B.

A-OK! The fresh basil peanut spring rolls were the standout dish of the evening, I would order them again in a heartbeat. The pad see ew was good, but my friend and I weren't used to eating the thin, dried rice noodles, so it was a slight flavor adjustment. No biggie. They cut the tofu up into really small pieces which was helpful to eat. The panang curry had a nice amount of spice, but the veggies were pretty mushy and the curry itself was quite watery. Prices were super reasonable, and service was pretty quick. Thumbs up!
(3)
Rich D.

Thai Mondays have been a staple at my house since I moved to Nashville earlier this year. I've tried all of the Thai places around town a few times -- and they're all pretty good -- but Smiling Elephant is just better. I've never actually eaten in the restaurant because we're always getting it to-go but LAWD their Pad Thai is the best. Do yourself a favor and adopt a Thai whateverday and order from the Elephant.
(5)
Sean C.

I really enjoyed this place. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars, but couldn't give it 5. Had steamed vegetable dumplings, which were very good. For my entree, it was the pad kra pao. I ordered it "Thai Hot", but I don't think they really believed me. Good thing they brought extra hot pepper flakes. I hate to leave a Thai restaurant when my mouth isn't on fire. The dish was good, but just a bit dry. I really did enjoy it, but it couldn't earn top marks.
(4)
Sarah M.

On a rainy, chilly evening, I went with friends to this Thai gem. Seating is tight, as is parking- that is the ONLY reason that this was not a 5 star experience. We waited about 20 minutes for a table and were seated. I ordered tofu Pad Thai. So light! So fresh! The noodles were translucent and silky in texture. The peanuts were finely chopped, the egg was cooked well and flavorful- it was a mouth party. I consumed half of the dish and had plenty for the next day. However, if I had finished the entire dish, I would not have felt gross or overly full since the dish was just so light and almost delicate in nature. HIGHLY recommend this gem to anyone in the area or stopping through:)
(4)
Jeff O.

Great food and great atmosphere! I had the karee curry (sp?) - Tuesday special, and my colleague had the pad woonsen (glassy noodles). Both were excellent! So glad I tried a new Thai place over some of the other places I had been to regularly, in the past. This place is quite small, so you probably want to get there relatively early or plan to wait. We arrived about 1140a, or so. The server also said the pad thai and the cashew chicken were the most popular dishes.
(5)
Alisha S.

Oh.. My... God!!! So delicious. My favorite was the shrimp dumplings. If you want something exotic and delicious, go there!
(5)
Ashley T.

The pad thai with tofu was quite possibly the best pad thai I've had anywhere. Fresh peanut basil spring rolls were also delicious. Maybe a little steep at an additional $5.95 for 6 small pieces at lunch ($17 total... Way above my lunch budget). However, I had enough leftovers for dinner and this place was so so good. I'll be back for sure.
(5)
Rich R.

Good goooooood. Everything we had was just wonderful for Nashville. Parking was not a problem (of course I drive the world's smallest car) service very friendly and helpful. Appetizers of Tom Kai and Spring Rolls were excellent some of the best I have ever had. Main course of Pad Thai and Curry dishes were equally great! This is a fun Nashville institution, Ben Fold's Five recently posted a photo here. The nice mix of patrons and great food make me smile as well!
(5)
Nikke R.

This restaurant is very small and they do not take reservations. Go with a small group and your wait should not be long. The tea with milk is AMAZING! The veggie dumplings are great too. I ordered the Pad Kee Mao with chicken which is delicious but not spicy so be sure to ask for the sauces to add. I do not remember what they are called but the waiter will know what you are asking for. I'm getting hungry thinking about it! 4 stars only because of how tight the dining room is.
(4)
Jamie M.

I went with the pad thai. The smiling elephant has green bean noodles for the pad thai. At first I was hesitant to try the green bean noodles as I know rice noodles are a solid choice. However these noodles were less heavy but still were amazing. They were lighter and healthier and I left feeling good,and not being weighted down by a greasy thai meal. I would recommend the rice dishes too, I tried my friends and the ingredients are fresh. You can't go wrong here, I would return for sure.
(5)
Gloria H.

Service was great and the mango salad was awesome. Prices reasonable. Good food. Would eat there again given the opportunity.
(5)
Jessica H.

We were visiting Nashville and so glad to find this little place on Yelp! They were delicious! Best pad Thai I have ever had! We got there at a great time- if we wanted to eat inside we would have had to wait, but we were good eating outside. I was surprised how many people wanted to wait, by the time they got seated to eat they would have already had their food! Amazing food! I had their homemade ice-cream too! Delicious. Would definitely visit again next time I'm in Nashville!
(5)
Tim A.

I have been harangued for months (pushing years) to stop by Smiling Elephant. Certainly, it seems to be perpetually inhabited by devout followers who laugh when Thai Phooket gets nominated as the best Thai food in town. Well, the Smiling Elephant may be the best Thai in the immediate neighborhood (more or less by default), but I am not yet sold on this place's allegedly exaltation-worthy status. One thing that bugs me right off the bat: the price range. Given the neighborhood and the dishes, everything is expensive: not alert-the-media pricy, but about $2-3 over for every item. Is this for some enhanced quality relative to other Thai dining establishments? Not that I can tell. The assortment of vegetables in my fried rice was pretty mundane. However, I do acknowledge that the flavors/spices were assembled well (although the dish was just a tad dry). A solid (if slightly pricy) dining establishment? Sure. But I don't think the label "best Thai in Nashville" is fair to what this city has to offer elsewhere.
(3)
Jill N.

I gave them only 5 stars because that's all I'm allowed. I LOVE this place. I have been to Thailand and this is the most authentic Thai place in the US that I have had the privilege of experiencing!! Parking is difficult, but it's worth the struggle.
(5)
Ruth K.

Everything we tried was awesome. Pad Thai, soups, papaya salad. They have a fantastic chili line sauce if you ask for it. Super nice service. Great portions.
(5)
Bridget H.

What I liked: 1. Pad Thai - Not "American" pad thai, but actual Thai cuisine. Fresh and delicious. I also recommend the Pad See Ew 2. Service with a smile- The owner always comes by to thank us for stopping in. The service is quick, but you don't feel rushed What I didn't like: 1. The lemon grass soup is essentially just broth, pretty spicy but a little boring due to texture. 2. Menu last time we were in (April 2014) was somewhat limited as chef was out of town "searching for new recipes".
(5)
Lynn O.

Decided to come out and try it after reading rave reviews online and am sad to say that it did not live up to it's hype at all! The place itself is very quaint and the staff are so incredibly friendly and it really makes me wish that I'd liked the food more. Having said that, the restaurant was quite cramped and I found myself squeezed between a wall and another patron, which was not fun. Onto the food, my friend and I ordered three things to share: Fresh Rolls - These come out immediately because they've been pre-prepared and are just chilling in a little glass case. I was disappointed that they didn't come with any shrimp or pork filling and they were just stuffed with bean sprouts. This is a personal thing, but I hate bean sprouts! And they cost $4! Definitely not worth it. Pad Thai with Shrimp - Ah, the famous pad thai. I've been to Thailand on numerous occasions as my family lives in Malaysia currently and I've had pad thai dishes in Bangkok and Phuket a number of times so I had high expectations for this particular dish. But it really didn't deliver. It's very obviously stated on the menu that this was going to be "authentic" and "not-Americanized" but compared to actual pad thai that I've had in Thailand, this is not authentic by any means. It is quite bland and filled with bean sprouts to the point where it has me questioning the $18 price tag. Also the bean noodles are so weird texturally and they don't soak up flavor as well as rice noodles would have. The dish was just so whatever. There's no other way to describe it. It's not good but I wouldn't say it's horrible. It's just whatever. It doesn't do anything for me. Green Curry with Chicken - This dish was again, bland and very diluted. I didn't get hit with a mouthful of intense flavor or spices or anything. It was just very milky and the rice on the side was a bit dry and clumpy. The best thing about the dish was that it was filled with beautiful, colorful, crisp vegetables. But the curry itself just wasn't as good as I'd hoped. I really don't think that I'll be coming back here again. It is so overpriced for such bland food and in my opinion, incredibly overhyped. I know Thai food quite well. I've traveled to Bangkok twice and to Phuket every year since I was 12 years old. Thai food is supposed to be flavorful and rich and spicy and this place was not any of that at all.
(2)
Karen D.

The Smiling Elephant is, hands down, the best Thai restaurant in Nashville. Everything on their menu is made to order and absolutely delicious. You must try their pad Thai and pad kra pao with jumbo lump crab! Their cashew chicken is also a big crowd pleaser. I usually just order take-out from them, but if you plan on eating at Smiling Elephant for dinner, expect a bit of a wait- especially on Fridays/ Saturdays- but I assure you that it'll be worthwhile.
(5)
Courtney H.

Mmmm! My friend and I got lucky finding this place as well through the magic of Yelp. It's small and has the oddest decor, but the food was scrumptious and has one of the best restaurant names I've seen in awhile. I was worried that by ordering my dish at a 6-7 heat that it'd be too spicy but it turned out perfectly. They have good menu choices and a curry of the day and it's really low key and friendly, but busy. It's right down the street from Gruhn Guitars, a fun place we got to explore as well.
(5)
Jason B.

The Smiling Elephant is the closest thing to authentic Thai food in this city. While the food is delicious, the dining experience isn't exactly authentic Thai. I've never seen anyone eating sticky rice with their fingers while taking shots of homemade rice whiskey at the Smiling Elephant. They offer a wide variety of noodle and rice dishes, along with a rotating curry of the day. The Pad Thai is exceptional, but if you are expecting a sweet, overly peanutty pad thai, you are at the wrong place. The Kao Khai Raberd (spelling?) is my favorite dish on the menu. I request the dish spicier than normal, and with an over easy egg instead of a fried egg. There's something orgasmic about a runny yolk coating rice and minced pork. Go early for lunch. Parking in the main lot is tight, and there are only about 12 tables inside.
(4)
Dylan F.

Can't say enough about this place. It's real little so don't be scared when your food takes a little while.....but man, they make some good food! You can tell it's mom and pop status, and they put a lot of tlc into it. You can taste it.... I got Thai spicy phad Thai and it was excellent. Perfect heat(though I could have done a little more) and excellent nooses, fresh ingredients, etc. They have reasonably priced apps(fresh rolls, dumplings, lemongrass soup, salads, etc), bubble tea, great Thai tea(first time, wow). Basically everything you need. Will be going back asap to try more stuff!
(5)
Maranda M.

Smiling Elephant is so close to my place of work which is great for my belly and not so great for the pocketbook. I very rarely stray from my favorite item on the menu - pad thai with shrimp, but I may start to explore more dishes soon. (Maybe). Whether eating in or taking out, service is always great and food delicious. The only thing keeping me from a 5 star is the shrimp in the pad thai is $5.95 extra. That's an $18.95 lunch - and you only get three (albeit decently large) shrimp.
(4)
Chelsie L.

The Thai Iced Tea is delicious! Super sweet and creamy but still has a distinct tea taste. It was definitely the best part of the meal. I ordered Pad Kee Mao aka drunken noodles, but I'm pretty sure that's not what I got - no spice and no basil. It was still good, but not anything like what I wanted. I thought the waiter had gotten my order wrong. My fellow luncher ordered pork fried rice, it was missing basil and lemon grass. Maybe those things are hard to get in Nashville - I don't know, I'm new to Tennessee - but it was disappointing all the same. I'll definitley come back to try the Pad Kra Pao and Pad Thai sometime. I still have hope for this place!
(3)
Michelle S.

A cute Thai place with lots of unique energy and character. It was packed and the hostess said it wasn't unusual. We got the veggie pad Thai (with original green bean noodles I never had anywhere else - really nice texture) and the curry of the day (green) which was as spicy as they promised. Our sinuses are clear! We'll be hitting the gong by the door on our way out to tell the chefs how yummy the food was.
(4)
James J.

I've tried Thai everywhere I go and this is good Thai. It can be very busy so I recommend arriving just after work. Never disappointed with the food and service.
(5)
Sam L.

The food is very good at this place; depending on when you get there it could be a wait. The spring roll was full of different textures and flavors, though the wrapper was a little too sticky to separate the pieces. The cashew chicken was the highlight of the dishes; it was well flavored, and had good spice and acidity. The vegetables/chicken were well cooked and tender. The pad thai was also very good with glass noodles/shrimp. We also ordered the Khao soi not on the menu; the pork was overcooked/tough, and needed more flavor besides the coconut milk.
(4)
Ning A.

When we walked in we smelled wonderful aromas since the restaurant is quite small and kitchen very close to the dining area. Service is very attentive and polite. We ordered one papaya salad, steamed mussels, fresh roll, masaman curry with duck, gai yang chicken and the garlic minced pork over rice. Everything was good but not great. Papaya salad was one note meaning it was just sour. Not enough spice or any other flavors to balance. Steamed mussels were basically steamed mussels. Nothing special. Fresh roll was basically a vegetable roll but was refreshing. The masaman curry was too watery and at first I thought bland but there was a good bit of spice to save it. Still the duck was very dry and with the watery curry it was a big disappointment especially since they only make one type of curry each day. The two more successful dishes were the pork with very nice garlic notes and the chicken which was the first time I had tender chicken in an American Thai restaurant and both dishes were delicate with good herb flavors. I do need to say I have been to Thailand and eaten much over there but also realize that Thai food is very different here in our homeland. Yet I have also been to Lotus of Siam in Las Vegas and know what American Thai food could be. This ran short of all the raves from Yelp but still solid.
(3)
A O.

Best Thai in Nashville. The curry specials and thai fried rice with tofu are simply divine.
(5)
Lesley K.

Absolutely amazing!!! The food was so worth the wait. (Went on a Friday at 7pm...very crowded) I would suggest everyone Must try dumplings!!!! Perfectly steamed and sticky Shrimp pad Thai was outstanding..... Will most def be going back to this little gem!!! Best Thai tea (iced) around! Portions are hearty and price is moderate. Love it!
(4)
Tif S.

Have been here several times for lunch and dinner and the food is always exceptional. Today, however, the first glitch. Without going into detail I'll just say that the waitstaff needs a little training on how to handle the iteration when a customer finds a long, black hair in their Pad Thai.
(3)
Lauren W.

The Smiling Elephant has been on my radar for a while, but for one reason or another I just never made it there until recently when a sweet friend of mine wanted to have her birthday dinner there. Good food and good birthday celebration = win-win! This was really a kick in pants for me that made me re-evaluate everything. What have I been doing wrong for the last five years that caused me to miss eating at the best Thai place in Nashville? WHY DIDN'T Y'ALL TELL ME I WAS WRONG!? Smiling Elephant is, in my humble opinion, the best Thai food I have had in the south. Located on 8th Ave South, the Smiling Elephant feels like a retreat. The front is adorable and there's a little patio where you can enjoy your curry al fresco. Inside, the dining room is small and heavily decorated with wood. I was surprised by how small this place truly is. We were there pretty early, about 5:30pm and the place filled up quickly, and it was just a Tuesday. This is a sign that you are on the right track for a good meal. To start, we ordered the fresh rolls. I love these things, but you would be surprised how many places mess them up. These rolls were great; sticky on the outside but crunchy and fresh on the inside. The chili sauce gave a nice little spice to balance out the mild vegetables. For my meal I ordered the "set" which comes with soup and dessert. I chose the Tom Yum lemongrass soup and I was impressed by its mild and pleasing taste. It was full of fresh vegetables that were still crunchy. I love that they threw the spinach in at the last minute so it was just barely cooked. For my entree I ordered tofu pad thai. I know it's boring and the typical Thai food go-to but hey, it's a good way to find out if a Thai place is solid. They warn you in the menu that this is not the sweet/sticky "Americanized" pad thai that you are are used to, so I was intrigued. Their pad thai is prepared how true pad thai is supposed to be. It was filled to the brim with bean sprouts and egg and I could taste the vinegar in it. The best part was the wider-than-average green bean noodles. The texture of these was sublime and makes me never want to go back to regular rice noodles. Steve ordered the Karee curry, which was the curry of the day. The Smiling Elephant only does one type of curry a day to ensure the freshest and best taste. This is an idea I can get totally behind. The Karee was a variation on a red coconut curry and it was delightful. The sauce was smooth and the vegetables once again were crisp- not soggy and overcooked. I really enjoyed the pickled cucumber and red onions that accompanied the spicy curry. For dessert we both had coconut custard. At first I was surprised because it was really tiny, but it was so rich I don't think I could have eaten more than one. It was full of coconut flavor and very creamy and sticky- the perfect consistency where it sticks to the spoon and your tongue. Overall, I was very impressed with the Smiling Elephant. The staff was friendly and the food came out super fast. Everything that we had was delicious, the best Thai I've had in Nashville. I can tell that this is the beginning of a long love affair with the Smiling Elephant.
(4)
Ashley K.

Very busy most of the time and hard to get a seat, however their Pad Thai is the best in town and worth the wait!
(4)
Charles S.

I'm a huge fan of The Smiling Elephant. Not only is the food delicious, the service is prompt and friendly, and the atmosphere is unique and entertaining. I almost always start with some steamed dumplings and get the Pad Kra Pao with Lump Crab when I go. I've branched out some and tried the Pad Thai, the Thom Yum soup, and a smattering of other dishes. I've enjoyed them all, but the Pad Kra Pao is my favorite by far. I've tried several of their teas, but I must admit, I'm not really a tea drinker. The hot teas all appear to be purchased from a vendor (albeit a good one), and the only cold tea that is memorable to me was the honey hibiscus. Just from a price standpoint I'll usually just stick to water unless it's cold outside and I need a hot tea to warm me up. I recommend going either as soon as they open, waiting until after the typical meal times, or ordering your food to go; this tiny place can get seriously busy. Also, parking can be a beast. The front lot is tiny and the back lot is only accessible down a seriously narrow alleyway on a steep hill. A bonus from parking in the back (at least during the spring and summer months) is you can see where they get all those fresh ingredients; they've got a veritable farm going in pots and planters back there with everything from thai peppers to harder-to-find herbs. In short, The Smiling Elephant is one of my favorite Thai places in Middle Tennessee. It's not the least expensive, but the quality, friendliness, and attention to detail make it worth the trip.
(5)
Shelby N.

The most authentic Thai food in Nashville, without a doubt. Everything I've had so far has been amazing. The place is a bit small on the inside, so carry out may be a good option for busy nights.
(4)
Megan S.

this is the best, freshest thai food i've ever had. i ordered a simple dish; the vegetarian stir fry and found the well, but lightly seasoned dish to be delicious. i also really enjoyed my thai iced coffee. our server was friendly and the service was efficient. i will definitely return the next time i visit nashville. i want to try some appetizers and the curries - as well as another iced coffee.
(5)
Hoa T.

This was my first Thai restaurant in Nashville. The place is tiny and packed during lunch hour. I had the pad thai b/c that's what my friend told me that they were known for, and the sign said so too. It was very flavorful, the noodle is not what one typically would see in pad thai but that did not change the taste any. I was impressed.
(4)
Stefanie P.

This is Review from someone that is not a fan of Thai Food. This place is super adorable, quaint, all light wood interior, very bright sunny location. There are about 8 tables, mostly seating for two. I got the fried rice. It took forever to make it to my table, but when it got there, it was soo good. How can fried rice just be great? It was flavorful, perfect amount of seasoning, fresh veggies. Things to note from your non-Thai food reviewer: They don't take Amex but they do take Discover, Visa and Mastercard. The parking lot is tiny with about 5 spots for people who drive mini coopers The servers and cooks are friendly but the service is slow at lunchtime. Refills on water, but not on other drinks so be careful how much spice. Very clean. You will smell like Thai food when you leave. An entree is from $8.95-$12.00 per dish. Lots of folks placed carry out orders. All in all a great little Thai gem in Nashville. Hooray for local business!
(4)
Marcia M.

Finally. I gave in to all of the hype surrounding this little Thai spot on 8th Avenue. So happy that it lived up to my expectations although their idea of "Thai Spicy" left a little to be desired! There is nothing spectacular about the location or interior of this little dining gem but the service and healthy menu are worth a trip back! Dinner for 2 set me back around $25 and included a refreshing Pomegranate juice ($2) and Smiling Elephant Pad Thai dish ($10.95) that consisted of stirfried green bean noodles with tofu, bean sprouts, ground peanuts and a choice of meat. I doubled up on the tofu and was very happy with the texture and flavor although when I requested Thai Spicy, I was expecting more punch? The server even warned that it would be extra spicy but it was underwhelming on the spice meter for me. This is a great spot for lunch or dinner but be warned that no wine or other booze is served here! I got over that quickly as the food was truly delicious.
(4)
Steph H.

Given all of the rave reviews regarding this place, I hate to be one of the few voices of apathy with respect to The Smiling Elephant, yet apathy is all I can muster when I think of this restaurant. On the most recent season of Project Runway, Michael Kors said that the kiss of death for a designer was for people to say, "Oh... his clothes are nice." I feel like the same can be said for a lot of restaurants. The ambiance is nice, the food is nice... but nothing wows and nothing is really memorable. For the price (and the hype), I expected so much more. Compared to other Thai restaurants in Nashville I feel like the flavors here are actually a lot more simplistic and one-dimensional. I also felt like the prices are steep considering the amount of food you get. I normally feel like Thai food is a bit of a splurge in this town, but you at least tend to have leftovers to nosh on the following day. Not so with The Smiling Elephant. There's certainly nothing wrong with this place, but I also don't think it's very special either. Sure if someone said they wanted to go to dinner here I wouldn't object and would probably even come along, but for my hard-earned dinero, I'd much rather hit up Siam Cuisine on White Bridge or Thai Phooket.
(3)
B C.

Eh, I found The Smiling Elephant to be a bit of a contradiction. The decor is very traditional with the scent of fish sauce and lemongrass permeating the entire restaurant. Feels like you walked into a little hut. The food, however, I would classify as contemporary Thai. First, most dishes are vegetarian. Which is great, but not traditionally a Thai offering. Secondly, all dishes are served on small, white modern plates. The place is not bad, if you are a vegetarian looking for some Thai flavors, but not if you are looking for some hearty, flavorful Thai food. Also, kind of overpriced in my opinion.
(2)
Jeremy E.

Love this spot. I have only had take out, but have done so probably 10 times. The curry of the day is my go to. Always fresh and outstanding. Would also highly recommend the Pad Kee Mao. Get an extra side of sauce and thank me later.
(4)
Lyndi S.

After many attempts at trying new restaurants out of the West End bubble, we finally made it to The Smiling Elephant! They must have dubbed it that after hiring their staff, because they were all happy and smiling, and remembered everything we requested! I ordered the Thai Stir-fry Chicken & Veggies - so fresh and delicious! I spoiled myself and got the fried rice, and I'm so glad I did. It wasn't too salty, filling, or overpowering, and it was the perfect segway between the veggies and the chicken. And while the plate seemed small, my meal was piled high and filled with flavor. Yum! Boyfriend got the infamous Pad Thai (so good!), and my mom got the Cashew Chicken, which was phenomenal as well. We all ordered Thai tea: some hot, some cold, some with milk, some without. But ALL were absolutely spectacular. The waiter was especially attentive and thoughtful, and offered sound advice when needed. We all left with full, happy bellies. I definitely want to come back and try some curry!
(4)
Arlene M.

Cozy space and delicious food. Many of the herbs are picked fresh from their garden next to the restaurant. The fresh rolls are fresh and the Pad Thai always delicious. And if you are a little sensitive to spicy food, their hot ginger tea will settle you down.
(4)
Justin H.

Great food. Small restaurant with no parking.
(4)
Scott R.

This is THE best Thai food in Nashville, hands down. Clean as a pin, pleasant atmosphere and the people who work there, from chefs to wait staff, are top notch and understand the intricacies of real Thai food. The ingredients the chefs use are top of the line so you don't have that nasty, bogged down feeling you get when after eating Thai food of less quality. The Smiling Elephant is a Nashville, 5 Star treasure. Try it, you'll love it.
(5)
Tina M.

Wowsers!! Ate there with 2 friends on a Friday night and waited at most 10 min for a table. Quaint atmosphere with friendly service. Steamed mussel special was amazing!! The dipping sauces they make are orgasmic. Thai tea was great too. I ordered Pad Kee Mao and the flavors were unique, no need to add chili paste. I'll most definitely be back next time I'm in NashVegas!
(5)
Collin K.

Place was to small .. menu was plain.. pork was dry.. don't offer beef ... Pad Thai was bland I don't know why people come here.. nothing special about this place
(2)
Greg S.

I ate here this evening. Have done eat in and take out. The food is excellent, but the space inside is tight and parking can be a bear. The standbys of Pad Thai and Lemongrass Soup are very good. Negatives? too easy to run up a big bill. All dishes are priced at a given price, with an upcharge for your choice of meat. One price for lunch, and another for dinner. Bottom line - It has to have some of the better Asian food in Nashville!
(4)
Joey D.

I think The Smiling Elephant is just great! Everything I've tried has been very fresh and not greasy at all. The meats are lean and cooked perfectly. I'm not a vegetarian, but the tofu is excellent. I must admit I don't eat Thai food often. I was expecting spicier dishes, but the flavors were still good. Oh, and awesome lemongrass tea! The vibe is very cool as well. Quite small, so waiting on tables can make one claustrophobic, but the stained wood is a nice touch. It really does feel like hut - a nice, new, clean hut. I usually just call ahead for pick up since I am close by. The staff is also very friendly. The prices aren't the most inexpensive, but you get a quality product. When I'm in the mood for Asian food, I would much prefer The Smiling Elephant over any cookie-cutter Chinese restaurant.
(4)
Bridgette C.

My biggest complaint: this place is too small. That's it. And I say that because when I crave this place, I desperately want to sit down and chow down on their AMAZING dumplings...and I have to wait because the space is too small and always packed. When the weather's nice, I suggest getting one of the few tables outside on their small patio. I love that they serve a different curry every day...you know its made fresh then. The spice level is perfect and the service was fantastic. I also love that you can see into the kitchen and watch them make your food. The mango rice was the BEST I've ever had and the perfect dessert (I'm not a chocolate cake kind of girl so things like that are up my alley). I actually ordered more dumplings after downing a plate on my own not because I was hungry but because they were that good. I would recommend this place for a date or a night with friends, but always a small group because again, the only downside, is that its so small.
(4)
Brad B.

Nice light Pad Thai made from handmade rice noodles. Not greasy like the standard fare about town. I also enjoy the daily curries. Hot seems perfect (and it is HoT), mild too much so. Can't advise on Native at this time. Never had an issue with getting seated the two times visited, and the staff are friendly albeit perhaps slightly forgetful. All is forgiven as the food is mana. I think this is currently the best Thai place in Nashville. It approaches the quality of some of the great restaurants of Seattle, and that makes me very happy indeed. Bang the gong!
(4)
Susan W.

I loved it! I would definitely come back here again.
(5)
Eliza R.

Thai food is one of my favorite types of ethnic food and of course, Pad Thai is a tried and true favorite dish at any restaurant I'm at. I'm am serious when I say that the Smiling Elephant truly does have the BEST Pad Thai ever! There are no words to describe how fresh, flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth delicious it is. I could taste and savor all of the herbs and spices and sauces individually, but at the same time, they all combined beautifully. I also go the lemongrass hot tea which was relaxing and refreshing at the same time. As an appetizer, we ordered lightly steamed vegetables with an incredible peanut sauce - this was just as good as the Pad Thai! The staff is genuinely sweet and you can see all of the cooks doing their thing - I caught the eye of a cute little old Thai lady in the kitchen and she waved and smiled enthusiastically at me. The only downside is that the place is *tiny* and gets really crowded fast - so get there early! I can't recommend this place enough. :)
(5)
Zeb M.

I LOVE the Smiling Elephant! The place sure is small, but that's what makes it cozy inside! The staff is so friendly, and the menu has healthy options. Definitely recommended!
(5)
Pickiest Eater A.

Good but portions arent worth the high prices
(4)
Erin M.

We walked in at 9 PM on a Saturday night and the place was empty save for 2 other diners (it eventually filled up a little bit more). It was a huge relief, as I get slight anxiety every time I'm super hungry and think about going somewhere to eat late on any given night. In San Francisco, where I lived for the last several years, it's virtually impossible to get a table anywhere without a 2 hour wait past 5:30 PM until close at almost any place remotely popular. So annoying. Nashville is a beautiful change in that area. I have a million food allergies. I asked if I could have the pad thai sans tofu, egg, and soy sauce. The laid-back, congenial waiter went and asked the folks who I assume run the place and they repeated after him my list of allergies "No eggs..." "No tofu...." "No soy sauce...." "No life!!!" Haha, I agreed wholeheartedly from across the room. The wonderful thing is that they easily made me pad thai without any of those things and it was delicious. Incredibly flavorful and peanut covered, with delicious slippery noodles, fresh snow peas, and huge, fresh, juicy shrimp. It's the first plate of one of my favorite foods that I've had in several years. So good. I love that Smiling Elephant is casual, bright, and pleasant, and everyone is super nice. That kind of conviviality is often a rarity.
(4)
Laurie S.

Oh my goodness. I have been reluctant to go to Smiling Elephant because they don't serve alcohol. I have been missing out! We arrived shortly after 5 on Saturday and were the only ones there for a bit. My husband asked for some recommendations and we were told about a couple of dishes that paired together well. We chose the daily curry special which was red curry and the tamarind pork. Wow. Our server brought a bit of the curry out so I could test the spice (I like spicy but can't handle native Thai) and it was perfect. I wanted to lick my plate clean but a couple with some kids came in and I didn't want to set a bad example. I will definitely return!
(5)
Steven M.

Tasty, spare little Thai dishes with a cozy vibe. The spices are great, I like seeing the kitchen, and I like the family feel. Wife and me were driving between shows (third man and the basement) with some friends and needed some dinner - we saw this place and decided to try it. We liked it so much now we've driven down from Clarksville just for dinner here. Highly recommend.
(4)
Sean W.

This is definitely a cool spot, the dining area is nice and light, albeit the chairs are a bit hard. They have a pretty good selection of items as well as a daily special that is hard to go wrong with. They are very attentive, even when the place is packed, which seems to be always, so that is a big plus, The food was fresh and was prepared quickly, will definitely be back soon!
(4)
Simply S.

I have to admit that I was a little bit of a "negative nancy" going in, because I already have my favorite Thai place .. which also has my favorite server. I heard that they have rice noodles and are semi-knowledgeable when it comes to Gluten Free .. it's also one of my boyfriends fave places .. so I gave it a shot. We first went one afternoon .. but they were closed. They have a split shift type schedule. Lunch - close - Dinner. Went last night. From first observation it's very small and had it not been recommended I would never have gone based on experience. Service was a tad slow at first. Then I was given hot tea when I asked if they had any degaf-unsweet ice team. That's okay, it was good and it was a tad chilly inside. I was starving so I ordered spring rolls as an app. YUCK. They were horrible! All three people in my part ordered some and each of us hated them. For my meal I got the Curry of the day. She forgot to ask me how hot I wanted it .. so I had to request some extra spices .. but overall it was great. I love that they let you substitute brown rice (for extra)! Bottom line. It's not the best Thai food in Nashville by a long shot. I probably won't go back ... but I didn't leave unsatisfied!
(3)
Michael H.

Had dinner at an old faithful favorite Saturday night after a horrible experience at The Pavilion Kitchen & Bar. As usual, simply the best most authentic Thai food in the city! Basil Peanut Rolls, Tom Kha Gai, Ka Jew Pra, Pad Thai and ended with coconut custard, just heavenly. Fantastic staff, very very friendly, great owner who speaks every time and just outstanding food!
(5)
L G.

After spending a vacation in Thailand, this is where I come to get my Thai-fix. The staff are so friendly and kind and the found is fantastic :)
(4)
Rajan K.

This place is amazing. Tasty soups. Really tasty food. Very reasonably priced
(5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 2213 8th Ave S
Nashville, TN, 37204
Phone (615) 891-4488
Website https://thesmilingelephant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

The Smiling Elephant

2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37204

The Smiling Elephant Menu

Small Soup

Steamed Dumplings

Rice Paper Rolls

Small Salad

Signature Menu

Specials

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Smiling Elephant

Small Soup

Steamed Dumplings

Rice Paper Rolls

Small Salad

Signature Menu

Specials

Desserts

Bridget H.

Lynn O.

Karen D.

Courtney H.

leslie a.

Eryn F.

Mark W.

Jennifer M.

Will Y.

Michelle P.

Alison V.

Jennifer P.

Caitlin S.

Amanda M.

Hannah B.

Bill D.

Derek K.

Stephanie D.

Jason B.

Dylan F.

Maranda M.

Chelsie L.

Michelle S.

James J.

Sam L.

Ning A.

A O.

Lesley K.

Tif S.

Lauren W.

Ashley K.

Charles S.

Shelby N.

Christa P.

Will H.

Mary V.

Joy S.

Ali S.

Lacey F.

Mike S.

Celeste F.

Yaasmeen D.

Bonnie S.

Eliza L.

Caroline H.

Sandy T.

Mike J.

CC S.

Kimberly T.

Samantha Y.

Jessica M.

Colin C.

Chris B.

Yanik C.

Ryan B.

Brittany P.

Katie W.

Jonathan V.

Britt T.

Sandy W.

Leslie R.