Cool Basil

My friends and I love this restaurant. Some of the dishes are so unusual and just so good. The curry chicken with pumpkin is a very pleasant surprise - almost a comfort food with a kick. My friend and I tried it and went back a few days later to have it again we liked it so much. They have a good selection of beers also. We just love this place. When I talk to people about it, they all say the same thing - its their favorite restaurant. Its just a great place. It seems exceptionally clean also. I can live with the slow service from time to time in exchange for the great food but this just may be their culture (to not hurry).

My girlfriend and I had the opportunity to eat at the Cool Basil on Sunday, January 11th. The restaurant was clean and decorated beautifully. The only problem we experienced was that the service was poor and the quality of the meal. Don't bother to try the sushi. Its taste leaves a lot to be desired. We tried three different rolls. They do a fantastic job at presentation. I guess that's what we get for not going to an actual sushi restaurant. We didn't try the Thai food.

Reading some of the other reviews I am confused about some of the criticism. I really can't find a criticism after eating here and having a background in food service I am pretty particular.

The food was great. Again, it's can be spicy, but it's Thai...that's part of it and for those that don't like spicy there are two options: 1 - Non-spicy dishes or 2 - Ask for them to make it non-spicy. This should never be a criticism.

Also, someone eluded to price as an issue and sticking with their east side restaurant. The dishes are incredibly priced. Most every dish is standard less than $10. Appetizers about $4. Drinks reasonable.

My wife and I ate there and had two appetizers, two entrees (one upgraded with seafood) and two drinks for just over $30.

Atmosphere is very nice. It's a very clean environment, no smoking and kitchen is clean.

Wait staff service for us has been excellent. They check on often, but not too often to be hovering. They graciously package take home for you. Never had a problem with waiting on them so far and they give excellent descriptions of dishes when you ask.

Very impressed and I am not easily impressed.

The food is great, with a huge menu. Vegetarian-friendly. Sadly, the waitstaff are generally very slow (with a very few exceptions). However, they deliver now so I no longer need to flag someone down to finally get my check!

Well worth the wait, though.

I have been to this restaurant on many occasions and the experience can be summed up as follows: quick service, great-tasting food, very nice atmosphere (whether it's for a nice dinner with a date or lunch/dinner with friends/co-workers). Definitely my favorite Thai restaurant in the DSM area.

the atmosphere is great, the food however was so spicy that i couldnt eat it and i love spicy food. I will return and hopefully things wont be so hot.

It's wonderful to have a Thai restaurant of this quality in the Greater Des Moines area.

Excellant! Absolutely perfect from great service, great environment to mouth-watering seasoned perfection in their dishes from soup to entrees. I have taken many of friends and family to Cool Basil and have left only with new fans of the restaurant. A visit to Cool Basil will result in a change of your favorite restaurant to this one! For garlic lovers, I must recommend the Garlic and pepper seafood dish. It is by far the most superb dish around.

Very Good. I had the laarb and tom yum goong.

The atmosphere is quaint and cozy and the wait staff was incredible. They were attentive, friendly and helpful. The menu is full of traditional and contemporary Thai cuisine. The food was presented quickly with an artistic flare. My only complaint would be the fried springs rolls disappointed, but everything else was so delicious. Highly recommend.

Absolutley AMAZING! They have a seafood plate that is literally overflowing with seafood. Best value for your money.

The best Thai food in central Iowa! Don't be dissuaded by the strip-mall setting, once inside the ambiance is great, the staff friendly and attentive, and the food excellent. The green papaya salad is an excellent spicy starter, and the curries are truly spicy.

Probably the best Thai restaurant in Des Moines. Staffs are friendly and service is never better. I love their food so much - Satay chicken & Prawn cake - just love it - love. Went there 3-4 times a week. (Though I do agree that, their sister restaurant Thai Flavors on the east is second to none. Still I love Cool Basil as it's near my house and their price is very reasonable.)

This is our families favorite restaurant in Des Moines and West Des Moines. The food is very flavorful. Also, there are many options if you want a vegatarian meal. I saw one poster think that it is expensive but I thought the menu prices were reasonable.

This place has some good Thai eats. It is the sister restaurant to Thai Flavors out on the east side, but there are different chefs and slightly different menus. You'd think it wouldn't that much of a difference, but it does.

My favorites at Cool Basil were the yellow curry, prawn cakes, and chicken satay. I was kind of dissapointed with the Tom Kai, it was good, but still missing something.

I probably would have went higher than a 4, if I had never tried Thai Flavors. Cool Basil is in a "nicer" part of town and caters to a higher end clientel (sp?), but for my $$$, i'd go to Thai Flavors instead.

Greatest Thai food in the Des Moines area. I am new to the city and missed eating great Thai for 8 months. I plan to go through the entire menu by then end of this year. The atmosphere is pleasing. Be prepared to encounter a wait time during the lunch rush. The food is worth it and people know it.