Kao Thai Cuisine

4.6

279 Reviews

$31 to $50

Thai

Top Tags:

Located in the old Columbia Firehouse Headquarters (closed down in 1995), this unique restaurant revitalizes the historic building by combining the old and the new - complete with original rafters, floors, and garage door exit.

Our menu offers modern Thai eats that are commonly found on the streets of Bangkok as well as a mix of creative pan-Asian and Asian-American fusion dishes that are fresh and exciting. With a rotating menu of specials, we hope to continuously bring new flavors and dishes to the Vista!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(803) 569-6881

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Thai, Asian, Fusion / Eclectic
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:30 pm–7:00 pm
Phone number
(803) 569-6881
Website
http://kaothaicola.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Doug Seaver

Location
1001 Senate Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201
Neighborhood
Columbia
Cross street
Senate St. and Park St.
Parking details
We offer customers free parking in our adjacent lot. Enter on Senate St. and exit onto Park St.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Roti and Curry$7.00
Pan-fried roti served with aromatic yellow curry dipping sauce
Po Pea - Veggie Spring Rolls$6.00
Crispy rolls served with sweet chili sauce
Edamame*$6.00
Steamed fresh soybeans, tossed simply with sea salt and a side of miso aioli or spicy with kimchi sauce
Crispy Chicken Wings*$8.00
Chicken wings marinated in Malaysian herbs and spices, fried crispy and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce -available spicy upon request
Pork Gyoza$7.00
Fried dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables, served with our house made chili-garlic sauce
Shrimp Shumai$7.00
Bite-sized Chinese shrimp dumplings, available either steamed or fried -served with sweet n' spicy mustard sauce
Crispy Brussels Sprouts*$7.00
Crispy fried brussels sprouts with togarashi salt, fried garlic, molasses soy, garnished with fresh lime
Hoisin Mushroom Bao$6.00
Wild mushrooms, shredded carrots, dashi pickles and cilantro served in a large steamed bao bun
Bangkok Shrimp$9.00
Tempura-fried shrimp fried and tossed in sriracha ginger sauce and topped with green onions
Roti Duck Roll$9.00
Duck confit, carrots, cucumber, and sprouts wrapped in a roti crepe - served with apricot hoisin sauce
Sai Ua-Thai Sausage*$9.00
Spicy sausage with lemongrass and glass noodles - served with Thai cucumber salad
Char Siu Roast Pork*$8.00
Honey and five-spice marinated pork belly, Asian slaw, sweet n' spicy mustard and spiced honey glaze
Tuna Tataki*$10.00
Black pepper seared rare tuna served with papaya salad, molasses soy, and wasabi mayo

Soups + Salads

Tom Yum Shrimp*$7.00
Thailand's signature soup -shrimp, mushrooms and tomatoes in a broth infused w/ galangal root, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and cilantro
Papaya Salad*$7.00
Traditional som tam-julienne green papaya, carrot, cherry tomatoes, and peanuts, muddled in chili lime dressing
Tom Kha Chicken*$7.00
Aromatic spicy and tangy coconut soup with chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms, galangal root, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass & cilantro
Seaweed Salad*$7.00
Fresh Hawaiian seaweed, cucumber and pickled daikon radish - tossed in ginger dressing andtopped with spicy chili tofu

Noodles + Rice

where applicable, choice of chicken, beef, fried tofu, or veggies - or choose shrimp for $2 more

Pad Thai*$18.00
A Thai classic! Chicken, shrimp, and thin rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, green onions, and ground peanuts stir-fried in Gai's secret sauce -garnished with a lime wedge
Pad Woon Sen*$16.00
Stir-fried glass noodles with egg, chicken and shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, white & green onions
Pad See Ew*$16.00
Stir-fried wide rice noodles and egg with broccoli and carrots in black soy sauce sprinkled with ground white pepper
Drunken Noodles*$16.00
Stir-fried wide rice noodles with onions, bell peppers, carrots and fresh Thai basil leaves in a sweet n' spicy garlic sauce
Senate Street Noodles*$18.00
Rice vermicelli noodles, stir fried with egg, shrimp, chicken and pork, carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, white and green onions and a touch of madras curry in our own southern style XO sauce
Chicken Yaki Udon$16.00
Stir-fried udon noodles, chicken, carrots, white onion, broccolini, shiitake mushrooms and cabbage in a savory ginger-garlic and black bean sauce
Classic Thai Fried Rice*$15.00
Stir-fried jasmine rice with egg, carrots, cherry tomatoes, white onions, green onions, garnished w/ cucumber slices and lime wedge
Pineapple Fried Rice*$18.00
Jasmine rice with a touch of sweet yellow curry powder, stir-fried with egg, chicken, shrimp, pineapple chunks, white onions, green onions, and topped with golden raisins and cashews
- Upgrade to Crab for The Ultimate Treat at$24.00
Crab Fried Rice*$21.00
Characterized by its delicate crab flavor and simple ingredients: jasmine rice, white onions, cherry tomatoes and crab meat, stir-fried and served with cucumbers, lime and a side of nam pra prik

Main Plates

where applicable, choice of chicken, beef, fried tofu, or veggies -or choose shrimp for $2 more

Green Curry*$16.00
Bell peppers, bamboo shoots, Japanese eggplant, with fresh Thai basil leaves in green curry and coconut milk
Red Curry*$16.00
Red and green bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and fresh Thai basil leaves in red curry and coconut milk, drizzled with chili oil
Panang Curry*$16.00
Panang curry and coconut milk simmered with bell peppers and asparagus, topped with ground peanuts
Pad Kapow*$16.00
Ground white meat chicken in our signature basil garlic sauce with fresh Thai basil leaves, white onions and bell peppers, topped with a crispy over easy fried egg
Pad Khing*$17.00
Fresh ginger root, green onions, white onions, shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, carrots, broccolini and white pepper in an aromatic dark brown sauce
Eggplant Tofu Basil*$16.00
Fried tofu, bell peppers, onions, Japanese eggplant, broccolini, and fresh Thai basil leaves sautéed in spicy garlic sauce. Available vegan upon request
K.F.C. Aka Kao Fried Chicken$17.00
Crispy fried chicken tenders tossed in Korean sweet n' spicy sauce with broccolini, white onion and bell peppers, topped with fried garlic and toasted sesame seeds
Cashew Chicken$17.00
Crispy fried chicken tenders stir-fried with cashews, bell peppers, white onions, carrots and broccoli in Chinese plum sauce
Pork Belly Ba Mee$16.00
Japanese braised pork belly, thinly sliced over thin egg noodles and crisp broccolini -drizzled with chili-garlic sauce and sprinkled with toasted garlic, scallions and cilantro
Lychee Duck Curry*$19.00
Crispy fried duck confit in a creamy and savory red curry with bell peppers, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, pineapple and lychees

What 279 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Carolina
Innovative
South Carolina
Healthy
South Carolina
Great for outdoor dining
Columbia
Best Overall
Columbia
Best Food
Columbia
Best Service
Columbia
Best Value
Columbia
Innovative
Columbia
Good for groups
Columbia
Neighborhood gem
Columbia
Romantic
Columbia
Lively

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RM
RhondaM
Charleston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience3
The food was great. Our sever Adam was ok. He was very accommodating.
a
alvinmc67
New York Area
147 reviews
vip
5.0
147 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent. It was properly spiced. I specifically liked the lychee duck curry. Seaweed salad is also very nice. Another of my party had the pork dumplings and they were excellent. The drinks were well prepared. Overall, one of the better restaurants in Columbia.
AW
AngieW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food very good and served quickly. Drinks were replenished abundantly. Had Pad Thai and it was hot and fresh. I would go back. Small restaurant so I would recommend reservation.
MV
MariVegan
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious, reasonable prices, great for vegans and omnivores. Just ask for vegan options—many dishes can be made vegan. Good amount of food for the price, fresh ingredients.
JC
JC30
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious! I highly recommend the roti and curry appetizer
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Possibly the worst restaurant we have ever been to. None of could even eat our food. Tom yum soup tasted like sugar. Asked for no bell peppers on noodles and still got them. Awful!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always all around great at Kao
MM
MelMuko
Charleston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Happy hour apps are great. We had the shrimp shumai (absolutely delicious!), spring rolls (nice and crispy), and crispy wings. Didn’t care for the traditional Thai soup. Cocktails were good. We had the Chaing Mai oh my and the Sabai Sabai. Both tasty. We shared the Udon noodles. Overall liked the apps better than the entree. Portions are generous. Service was very good. Our server, Riley, was sweet and helpful. This was our second time visiting. We would return.
JJ
JJinSC
Charleston
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service from Riley. Love this place! Will be back.
ZR
ZekeR
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our Table was perfectly stationed between inside and patio dining and was ready when we arrived. Julian was our Server and did a great job - We had cocktails, several appetizers plus entrees and everything was fantastic. We have only been there 2 other times and each time I re remember why we love it there! We will be back soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food was amazing. Will definitely be back!
EF
ElaineF
Key West
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was presented beautifully PLUS it tasted fantastic. I had tuna and seaweed salad topped with tofu. Best ever seaweed salad. Watermelon Radishes were superb. The bartender was attentive to everyone and was making a lot of different drinks and nothing seemed to bother her in being so busy and multi-tasking all at one time.
BC
BillC
Charlotte
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
My wife and I were scrolling through the restaurants in town looking for one to go to for her birthday. I suggested the usual special occasion places, but none flipped her switch. Then I saw Kao Thai, we had been there before and loved it, she said yes. I made a reservation for 5:45 on Saturday thinking we would beat the crowd, I was mistaken it was full, everybody else new what we were getting ready to find out. The interior has a modern but laid back vibe. We were seated right away and our server, Skye came right over and got our drink orders. The menu has lots of small plate options as well as soups, salads and entrees. We usually go for the small plates as you can sample more dishes without getting filled up. We ordered the Tuna Tataki and Roti Duck Roll. The tuna dish was beautifully plated with a papaya salad on top, it was incredible. I thought the duck roll was going to play second fiddle, boy was I wrong. It was rich and refreshing at once with the duck and veggies. After we had those, we figured we needed a vegetable and went with the Crispy Brussel Sprouts, they were in the same league as the tuna, duck and Skye all excellent. Beverages and food were an excellent value. On the way out we got a gift card for our neighbors that are without a kitchen. We will be back soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Ok — Not great. Nice little place where the food was good, but definitely not something that I would rush to recommend to friends looking for a ‘must visit.’ Surprisingly, the service was lacking. The gentleman didn’t seem concerned, and he did mess up our order with his apathy. A co-worker has to make the situation right. Maybe we will try the service at a different day and time.
H
Hanna
Charleston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was amazing. The food was also great. I would highly recommend this place.
PH
PhilH
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kao Thai has become our go-to for Thai food in Columbia. Not only is the food always consistently good, but the decor and bar sets it apart from all of the other Thai places in the area.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was great. Service was timely. Like the bartender too.
NV
NellieV
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Thai food evahhh!! Really loved out first dining experience and Hunter is an excellent and chill bartender. Definitely going again!!
HM
HannahM
Charleston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Server was very kind. Loved the Brussel sprouts and the drunken noodles were pretty good after I had to send my first one back because it was too spicy, and my friends was not spicy at all. Did not care for the Bao mushroom app, and the tofu eggplant entree. They have a nice happy hour menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Accommodating, great ambiance , excellent food and Service
f
foody123
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks were a 10/10. I think our server’s name was Michelle, but she was AMAZING and so sweet.
LR
LauraR
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful cocktails, food, service and atmosphere! Locally owned gem off the path of the business of the vista!
j
jane
Charleston
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal, great service, loved the huge window being open. All around gastric experience.
TW
TracyW
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was friendly and patient with us as we took our time ordering. She also gave recommendations as this was our first time there. She knew the menu and ingredients which was super helpful. The food was hot and so tasty! Presentation was on point as well. Very impressed and we will be back! Great place!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely awesome
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious. The yoti curry dip and shrimp dumplings were phenomenal.
CK
CuiK
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 25, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Had trouble deciding -- too many delicious looking things on the menu. Roti and Curry was absolutely delicious as an appetizer. Really well-fried tofu too. Great spot even for a group with different tastes and dietary restrictions.
CC
CoCmack
Charleston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Thank you for your hospitality. We loved the ambience.
MB
MarkitaB
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time dinning here and I can say that it will not be our last! I recommend the crab fried rice and if you like spicy or something with a little kick, try their KFC- Korean Fried Chicken.
MD
MikeDeas
Nashville
58 reviews
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
If you're looking for genuine old school Thai, this isn't it. This is uptown, Asian fusion, something for everybody Thai, in a great space with a street front that open to the outdoors on a beautiful fall evening. The food was delicious and well priced, but the star of the show is the cocktail list. Kudos to Michelle for her imaginative, well executed creations.
j
jane
Charleston
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
This place continues to be one of my favorite Columbia restaurants. I’ve been here many times and the food is always great, service is excellent. Last night however our dishes were extra saucy. Way too much sauce on both of our meals. This was a one off, may be a new cook and back. It certainly won’t deter me from coming back!
T
Thomas
Charleston
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous wide range of Thai Asian Fusion. Delicious, fair priced, and calming atmosphere.
CT
ColaThai
Charleston
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had an excellent meal. It was served timely. Music was an added plus. Weather was great. Staff very helpful.
KB
KathleenB
Raleigh
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for really authentic Thai cuisine. Service was excellent
MQ
McQgkdjsjnskdkdkdmdkfick
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was great and reasonably priced. Staff was friendly and accommodating.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
The food is delicious but you guys really need to put a fan or two outdoors…that one step cuts down on the flies tremendously. We do a lot of outdoor dining around Columbia and you guys have the worst flies and are also the only place without an outdoor fan directed toward the tables. I think it would help a lot! :-)
CT
ColaThai
Charleston
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good Friday evening dinner . Weather great, so we ate outside. Food consistently very good. Service attentive . Good vibe
GC
GregoryC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a 7:30 reservation for a busy Friday night in Columbia. Arrived early, around 7:00, and they were able to seat us immediately. Very good service. Food was very good, although the KFC Chicken dish I had (KAO, not Kentucky) was a little spicier than I'm accustomed to. Would definitely eat there again on a trip through Columbia.
MB
MartiB
Charleston
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was great with an extensive knowledge of the menu. Everything we had was delicious (including the cocktails). I highly recommend!!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Always a good meal etc here. This time they forgot the veggies in the pad Thai which is why we came to begin with! Service nice per all a 4.

FAQs

Kao Thai Cuisine does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Kao Thai Cuisine also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (803) 569-6881.

Kao Thai Cuisine is rated 4.6 stars by 279 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(803) 569-6881

Other options

1001 Senate Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201

Additional information

Cross street
Senate St. and Park St.
Neighborhood
Columbia
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:30 pm–7:00 pm
Cuisines
Thai, Asian, Fusion / Eclectic
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We offer customers free parking in our adjacent lot. Enter on Senate St. and exit onto Park St.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Doug Seaver
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://kaothaicola.com/
Phone number
(803) 569-6881

Kao Thai Cuisine

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Pad Thai

Lychee Duck Curry

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Small Plates

Roti and Curry$7.00

Po Pea - Veggie Spring Rolls$6.00

Edamame*$6.00

Crispy Chicken Wings*$8.00

Pork Gyoza$7.00

Shrimp Shumai$7.00

Crispy Brussels Sprouts*$7.00

Hoisin Mushroom Bao$6.00

Bangkok Shrimp$9.00

Roti Duck Roll$9.00

Sai Ua-Thai Sausage*$9.00

Char Siu Roast Pork*$8.00

Tuna Tataki*$10.00

Soups + Salads

Tom Yum Shrimp*$7.00

Papaya Salad*$7.00

Tom Kha Chicken*$7.00

Seaweed Salad*$7.00

Noodles + Rice

Pad Thai*$18.00

Pad Woon Sen*$16.00

Pad See Ew*$16.00

Drunken Noodles*$16.00

Senate Street Noodles*$18.00

Chicken Yaki Udon$16.00

Classic Thai Fried Rice*$15.00

Pineapple Fried Rice*$18.00

Crab Fried Rice*$21.00

Main Plates

Green Curry*$16.00

Red Curry*$16.00

Panang Curry*$16.00

Pad Kapow*$16.00

Pad Khing*$17.00

Eggplant Tofu Basil*$16.00

K.F.C. Aka Kao Fried Chicken$17.00

Cashew Chicken$17.00

Pork Belly Ba Mee$16.00

Lychee Duck Curry*$19.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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FAQs

Does Kao Thai Cuisine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Kao Thai Cuisine restaurant rated?

Is Kao Thai Cuisine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information