Hot Basil Thai Cafe

Doesn't Recommend

westie2

Joined 7 years ago

Average. Even after reading numerous diner reviews, I was a bit surprised how small and run down this restaurant is both inside and out though someone has done a nice job decorating.

On reviewing the menu, I was amazed, as were the people at another table, at the pricing which is high in comparison to other Thai restaurants we frequent. We ordered both the red curry and Mekhong stir fry with chicken. Neither dish offered much in the way of eye appeal because the ingredients were chopped almost beyond recognition. The overall flavors were decent, but the indicated spice level of medium for each dish was dummied down.

Overall the meal was decent, but there are better options

Recommends

dmmonty

Joined 9 years ago

Hot for Hot Basil. First thing you need to know is that this place is BYOB ("Bring Your Own Beverage"), which, in my opinion, is a great thing...as long as you know it ahead of time. I recommend a little plum wine. I'm a big fan of Thai food and I have to say that this ranks in my top 3 places ever. The location is very unassuming, but the inside decor is modern and comfortable. The staff was noninvasive and quite dapper with matching black dresses and red belts. Back to food - curry puffs to start were delicious, followed by a healthy serving of massaman curry with a trio of meats. All in all excellent and plenty left over for lunch the next day.

Recommends

TheRobertis

Joined 5 years ago

Excellent. We live in West Hartford and usually walk over to Lemon Grass when we're in the mood for good Thai food. Last night we decided to explore other Thai restaurants in the area. From the outside, Hot Basil looks unappealing, but when you step inside, it's a whole other story. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, the food was excellent (served on warm plates), and the service attentive and polite. We left extremely satisfied.

It's a small place so we will make a reservation the next time we go as we probably got lucky getting seated immediately the Friday night we went.

Doesn't Recommend

Alex224

Joined 5 years ago

Horrible.. They have a 14 year-old and a 15 year-old working there. The two sisters. Everytime I enter the restaurant they're there working and they're there past 10pm which is illegal. Someone shoudl do something about that.