The Smiling Elephant

"This little family-run restaurant has long been a neighborhood fixture—even before it opened, the original owner worked in Melrose out of an auto repair shop on the same plot of land as the restaurant’s current location. Plus, the Smiling Elephant crew is related to the chef behind Suzy Wong's House of Yum and International Market, so they're a part of Nashville's royal family of Thai food. photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin The menu features all the classics, and the excellent pad thai is light and fragrant, trading the sticky-sweet iteration you might find at other joints for an herb-forward sauce, fresh vegetable textures, and bouncy rice noodles. The pad kra pao features a beautiful amount of thai basil, and everything can be served with eye-watering “Thai spice.” No matter your heat preference, Smiling Elephant delivers every time. Food Rundown Tom Kha This tom kha breaks your brain with its flavor complexity. Creamy coconut, citrusy lime, and something vaguely but pleasantly salty all play together in this lovely vegetable soup. The broth is complemented by bites of al dente carrot, squash, and broccoli, but you can also add chicken or shrimp for extra protein. photo credit: Casey Irwin Pad Thai If you know what you like, and what you like is pad thai, Smiling Elephant’s version is the best in the city. Stir-fried green bean noodles are topped with tofu, egg, peanuts, bean sprouts, red onion, and garlic, plus your choice of meat (we like chicken). The sauce is a light sweet/savory affair, and it all comes together with a squeeze of lime. Ginger Chicken Wanna swap noodles for rice? Order this one. The chicken may look slightly unseasoned when it hits the table, but do not fear—the flavor is there. A bite reveals spicy ginger, fresh green onion, earthy black mushroom, and tender chicken with a dash of peanut. This is perfect for anyone who isn’t big on sweeter tamarind-based sauces." - Bailey Freeman

"If you want amazing Thai food in a no-fuss environment, this is your spot. The Smiling Elephant is a local favorite that’s been around for years and never disappoints. If dining in, look for the small handwritten notes around the restaurant. If you’re in a hurry, their carryout service is always fast and hits the spot." - GS&F

"One of Nashville's more popular Thai restaurants, the Smiling Elephant packs in hungry patrons, serving up traditional Thai dishes like panang curry, shrimp pad see-ew, and a pad thai using green bean noodles. Just keep in mind a few house rules: no reservations, no cash (it’s debit and credit card only), and no BYOB." - Clara Wang, Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

"Smiling Elephant's pad thai definitely gives bigger-city Thai spots a run for their money. The cozy spot operates out of a tiny cottage on 8th Avenue South, with a little stone porch out front for al fresco dining in the summer; it's also owned by the sweetest family imaginable. Pad Thai is the obvious order, but their curries are excellent, as are the spring rolls and the warm, soothing ginger tea."

"The Smiling Elephant, 8Th Avenue South by GS&F. If you want amazing Thai food in a no-fuss environment, this is your spot. The Smiling Elephant is a local favorite that’s been around for years and never disappoints. If dining in, look for the small handwritten notes around the restaurant. If you’re in a hurry, their carryout service is always fast and hits the spot."