Thai Basil ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: Jan 2024

First visit: Apr 2018

Despite what we said about weekly visits, mid-year reviews, etc..., it looks like we haven't been back in close to a year, though we did go a couple of more times in the cold January of 2023. Even though it's been 12 months since we were last there, the owner remembered exactly what I ordered last time, including all the details + the wine. She has an exceptionally good memory. Mrs. RJG was the impetus for this visit as she proclaimed "we never go out for Thai food anymore", which is true. But then again, we hardly ever go out for dinner anymore unless we're traveling. Part of that is just the expense. Even Thai Basil, who continue to keep their wine prices at 1990s levels, is an expensive date. To-go orders are their bread and butter. In any case, my Moon Harbor meal was exactly as I remembered it (see below). Mrs. RJG had Pad Thai without the egg. She sung the praises of the noodles and shrimp. Overall, a nice diversion from what has become our normal diet. Mrs. RJG and I would like to try for a weekly date night (trying different restaurants), but we get comfortable at home. Thursday night was our standard back in Texas. We'll see if we actually manage that.

---original 12/30/22 review

Thai Basil was the first Thai restaurant we visited on our return to living in Colorado Springs. In fact it was the first restaurant of any kind that we went to after taking ownership of our new house. At the time it was also the closest Thai place to our residence (now it's Zesty Thai). I always liked it, and we went a half dozen times before Mrs. RJG suddenly declared it wasn't for her. And we haven't been back since - some four and a half years later. She's the Thai expert in the family, so I followed her lead. However, over time, I've been pushing to come back. One reason for that is it's one of the few Thai places in the Springs to offer wine. And not only that - but ridiculously inexpensive wine, if you get the happy hour special. And who wouldn't? At $3 for a healthy sized glass, you pretty much walk away with a bottle for $12 (4 glasses split between us).

But OK, fair enough, wine alone does not make for a great Thai restaurant, it just enhances the experience. Thai Basil also brings a dish with my name on it. Well my name isn't Moon Harbor (ya know, that would be fun to go by...), but when a dish advertises minced chicken, basil, bell peppers, and onions, then I'm already in. Make that Thai Hot and throw on a fried egg, and I'm one happy camper. Mine was delicious, maybe not the best in town, but certainly a contender. In my book, their Thai hot is normal hot. Which is fine by me. Mrs. RJG ordered the Bangkok Chicken with Basil. Loaded with veggies and jalapenos, she also had a great meal. Rice was perfectly cooked for both of us. Good sized portions too! And we both enjoyed the service, very nice ladies work here! So we're back - and likely much more than an annual visit. If there's a place that calls us for a weekly visit, it's Thai Basil. We haven't had a go-to joint like that since Sea Siam in Keller. And we miss it. Expect a mid-year update and we'll see if that holds true.

4/30/18; 8/7/18; 12/30/22 (new entry); 1/19/24