Cool Basil
If you're in Altoona, IA, and craving some delicious Thai food, Cool Basil is the place to be. Located at 550 36th Ave SW, this cozy restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. Whether you're looking to grab a quick bite or enjoy a laid-back dinner with your loved ones, Cool Basil provides a comfortable setting with moderate noise, making it ideal for groups and even great for kids.
One of the standout features of Cool Basil is its diverse menu, packed with mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy any craving. You can’t go wrong with the ever-popular Pad Thai – a flavorful mix of rice noodles, peanuts, and your choice of protein, all tossed in a tangy sauce. If you're in the mood for something crispy, the Crab Rangoon is a must-try, with its crunchy exterior and creamy, savory filling. For something a bit more adventurous, the Drunken Noodle is packed with spice and bold flavors, while the Chicken Satay offers perfectly grilled skewers served with a peanut dipping sauce that's hard to resist. And don’t forget the Chicken Egg Rolls, which are crispy, crunchy, and packed with savory goodness.
The vibe at Cool Basil is relaxed yet lively, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings or dinners with friends. It's the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy a delicious meal, and have a great time without feeling rushed. The atmosphere is perfect for kids, too, with its welcoming ambiance and diverse menu options that appeal to younger palates.
So, if you're in the area and craving authentic Thai cuisine in a laid-back setting, Cool Basil is definitely worth checking out. Whether you're a fan of spicy dishes or prefer something milder, their menu has something for everyone.
Reviews
This is by far my favorite Thai food in central Iowa. The drunken noodle (with chicken, level 2 spice) is incredible. Excellent combination of noodles, chicken, and veggies. Noticeably more sauce than their competition, consistently too. I have only ever ordered carry out, and it is always ready in 10-15 minutes. Service is always top-notch and fast. Strongly recommend Cool Basil (Altoona).
Another great spot to enjoy some wonderfully prepared Asian flavors. I ordered chicken fried my favored chicken fried rice and pork egg rolls that did not disappoint my palate. The wait staff was quick, friendly and informative when asking questions related to the tasty flavor. The total environment was full of cheer alerting all that everyone seemed to be enjoying their selective choices as if in food heaven!
Stopped in on a Saturday for an early dinner. Service was kind and attentive. Food was great- had the Tom Ka Kai and drunken noodles, both with chicken. The soup was amazing! The noodles were good. Definitely worth another visit.
Great find for dinner on our way through town! Large menu, friendly service, and quick food. We ordered lo Mein, sesame chicken, pad see ew, and drunken noodles. All were hot and super tasty! Way better ambience than you would expect from a strip mall. We would definitely eat here more if we lived in town. The only reason I didn't give 5 starts is because there was a little wear and tear on finishes in the restaurant, but seriously this was a great little find! We will stop here again when traveling through.
I go to Cool Basil to get the curry and it never disappoints. Service is typically very good and I can never complain after leaving because I'm too full!