Kao Thai Cuisine

Name: Kao Thai Cuisine
Address: 1001 Senate Street Suite 300, Columbia, SC, United States, 29201
Telephone: (803) 569-6881
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

237 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

Aug 12, 2022

8:30 PM

Booked 15 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
Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 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 237 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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Columbia
Best Overall
Columbia
Best Food
Columbia
Best Service
Columbia
Best Ambiance
Columbia
Best Value
Columbia
Fit for Foodies
Columbia
Good for Groups
Columbia
Neighborhood Gem
Columbia
Vibrant Bar Scene

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Filters

TS
TracyS
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are regulars b/c we love it so much! I don't have 50 characters worth of words to say though. Well, that did it.
CT
ColaThai
Charleston
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great meal as usual. Excellent service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was really good and service was great!
j
jane
Charleston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place has become my favorite! Fantastic staff… waiter made some great recommendations for us. We had a mix of small plates and entrées. The pineapple fried rice was amazing. Our specialty summer cocktails were memorable enough to make a special trip just for those! I’ll be a regular here.
LS
LizS
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place! Had amazing summer cocktails, very inventive and delicious.
TR
TatiR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Kao Thai is my go-to when it comes to taking someone out who is visiting. It is such a warm and inviting atmosphere, and everything on the menu is so delicious!
LS
LizS
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistenly an excellent meal and inventive drinks. Always enjoy it. We had Sky as our server again last night and she is simply awesome!
CT
ColaThai
Charleston
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
It was a dinner with friends
DV
DesireeV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic, we were there on time for happy hour. We order a couple of cocktails and food. Everything was delicious but the green curry was incredible. Kuddos to Riley who was our server!
M
Moss
Charleston
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server was outstanding! He was attentive, thoughtful responsive . He remembered us from a previous visit, including what we had ordered. We look forward to returning.
TS
ThomasS
Charleston
19 reviews
1.0
19 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Quite possibly the worst service I’ve experienced since my first time here. The experience has gone downhill. From just above average to wtf. One of the best Thai food places in the area now victim to poor service. 30 minutes to get warm beer. Left before anything else worse could happen. I guess we are done.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
It was tasty and cool vibes but it wasn’t the impressive Asian experience I was seeking
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a gem in Cola!! Excellent in all categories. Riley was an exceptional waiter.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was super nice and attentive, but not overbearing. The appetizers and food was very tasty and the portions just right! The drinks were also delicious and well presented! We definitely will be back!
JL
JasonL
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an outstanding experience! Look forward to coming back.
j
jackieg
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
fOOD IS VERY TASTY, SEASONED WELL, SERVED HOT AND PLENTIFUL
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Hidden gem
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing. Ian was caring and attentive. He made wonderful suggestions. We had a great experience. Definitely will return and recommend to others!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was great in our opinion. Our server seemed to be the only server working that night so service was delayed but he did a great job considering that circumstance. Would recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
A great place to go sit for 35 minutes and see waitress once. Terrible warm beer and service sucks!!!!!
j
jane
Charleston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Special shout out to service. I wish I remembered his name but he was spectacular. Such a great evening of fantastic food, delicious cocktails and amazing hostess, bartender, and waitstaff. This was my third visit here, so I can co firm they are consistent with their level of food and service.
CT
ColaThai
Charleston
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We enjoyed another great meal at Kao Thai last night. The food was cooked perfectly. The service was exceptional. and eating out in front of the restaurant with a nice breeze was delightful. Will definitely be back.
ES
EricS
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall2food4service1ambience3
Server was inattentive and slow. Food came out at wildly different times for the 4 of us. The server would come around very rarely and would stand at the end of the bar with some kind of drink in plane view when he just told us he would check were the rest of our food was. The food was tasty but had no spice which is very unusual for Thai food.
LC
LCMO
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
This is a total hidden gem in Columbia. Amazing food, great happy hour specials and super convenient.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good food and service
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent. First trip but will not be the last. The portions were huge and service excellent. We had to wait awhile for main entrees but it nit diminish the experience.
AM
AmandaM
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best thai in Columbia! Food is always hot, full of flavor, and delicious!
PH
PhilH
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place. Kao Thai has become our goto for Thai food in the area. Check it out if you haven't already.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an excellent experience! Having a parking lot also made getting there easier. 10/10 would recommend
M
Martha
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good. The food, drinks, and service were 100%!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kao Thai is high on our list for dinner options! The food is consistently good. The service is always great. The relaxed atmosphere is welcoming.
AH
AllyHPhD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambience and food were amazing. Ally, our server, was outstanding.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
My wife and I tried a new restaurant for our anniversary this weekend. The food was very good. The weather outside was beautiful so we were able to enjoy a seat outside. We were very glad that it worked out for us to sit outside because it was quite loud inside. Under other circumstances we would have likely been fine with a more energetic ambience. Our server was fantastic and gave us great advice on the drink menu the appetizers and a few entrées. Overall we were very pleased with our visit and look forward to coming back!!
R
Rich
Western NC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Food was quite different from most Thai restaurants. Unique but very good. Our server, Skye, was excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience5
Service was soooo slow. Granted it was prior to Elton John concert. We had a 630 reservation. Seated at 645. Waitress didn’t come to table until 7pm. And got drinks at 715. Lucky we ordered appetizers and was able to get it fast and get out by 745. Recommend turnover reserved tables in timely manner. Food always great. Drinks fabulous. This is our favorite restaurant so we’ll be back. We had an amazing (apologetic) hostess and waitress. Tip well they deserve it!
CT
ColaThai
Charleston
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was exceptional. The Roti and curry was great, the Pad Kapow and Panang curry were both excellent. Service was attentive and prices were reasonable.
S
Shelbs
Raleigh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
First time dining at KOA was very impressed will definitely go again
MB
MichaelB
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server made some excellent recommendations and the food, drinks, and appetizers. Food was flavorful, hot, and timely. Our server made some good drink recommendations as well. This restaurant never disappoints. We weren't rushed. We were pleased with the experience overall and will return
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food and drinks weren’t impressive, classic Thai fried rice had no flavor. The waitress hounded us for our food order before our drinks even arrived, could have had a better meal at IHOP across the street.

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 237 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

Aug 12, 2022

8:30 PM

Booked 15 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
Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 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

Green Curry

Pineapple Fried Rice

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

Loved For

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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