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Welcome to Cool Basil

Cool Basil, located in Clive, IA, offers a diverse menu featuring Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. With options for vegans and vegetarians, their dishes are fresh and flavorful. Customer reviews praise the friendly service and delicious food, with standout dishes like the Pad Thai and Appetizer Sampler receiving high marks. The spacious restaurant is perfect for large groups, and their extensive menu includes sushi options as well. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, Cool Basil provides a delightful dining experience with a variety of options to satisfy every palate.

LOCATIONS
  • Cool Basil
    1250 86th St Clive, IA 50325
    1250 86th St Clive, IA 50325 Hotline: (515) 225-8111

Welcome to the culinary oasis that is Cool Basil, located at 1250 86th St in Clive, IA. This delightful eatery brings together the vibrant flavors of Thai and Asian cuisine, complemented by the artistry of sushi and Chinese dishes. With a reputation for fresh ingredients and generous portions, Cool Basil has earned its place as a local favorite.

Walking into Cool Basil, you’ll immediately notice the inviting atmosphere. The decor is a mix of contemporary style with cozy touches, making it the perfect spot for a casual outing or a special dinner with friends and family. As you settle in, the courteous staff greets you warmly, embodying the spirit of hospitality that this restaurant is known for.

Now, let’s talk about the food. The menu is a treasure trove of delightful options. From the rich flavors of Pad Thai to the hearty Drunken Noodles, every dish here is crafted with care. Customers rave about the Masaman Curry, often praised for its perfect blend of spices, and the crispy chicken that elevates any meal. Moreover, for those seeking plant-based options, dishes like the Eggplant Lover and Panang Curry with baked tofu are standout choices, being both flavorful and satisfying. Indeed, the restaurant has received accolades for its commitment to quality, as expressed by long-time patrons who repeatedly return for their favorites.

Another highlight of Cool Basil is their sides. Whether you're in the mood for a light cucumber salad or want to enrich your meal with a side of Fried Tofu, each offering complements the main dishes beautifully. The Noodle Dishes, especially the Pad See Ew, have garnered attention for the authentic taste and texture that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the bustling streets of Thailand.

Despite occasional feedback regarding service nuances, the overall reviews indicate that the attentive staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. Many customers mention quick service and an eagerness to accommodate dietary preferences, which is certainly a plus in today's diverse dining scene.

In conclusion, Cool Basil stands out not just for its wide-ranging menu but also for the unforgettable experience it offers. Whether you're a sushi novice or a curry connoisseur, there’s something here for everyone. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself calling it your new go-to spot for Asian cuisine.

For information or to place an order, don’t hesitate to call (515) 225-8111. Cool Basil is waiting to welcome you!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Cool Basil
Janella N.
Janella N.

We've eaten here many times before but I always forgot to take pictures of our food before diving in! Food is always fresh and delicious, service is courteous and friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxing (unless you sit at the bar during football season ). Props to Cool Basil for keeping the quality of what they do at such a high level for so many years! As always, we'll be back!

Desi V.
Desi V.

The food was great. The service could be a bit more serious. I definitely plan on going back...."F" Panda express with their mediocre food and worse excuse, making management.

Kelli R.
Kelli R.

I've seen them show up on Grubhub for awhile but finally tried today. Yum!! We did the app combo where everything was delicious. Not just good but delicious. We did one of the curries with crispy chicken. Yum!! We also got the side of cucumber salad. Only complaint was it was silly small for $3 otherwise amazing. Very sad it was not a decent size. Some of our order did not make it but got refunded immediately. I can not wait to try more of the menu. I'm sure it is all on par. Excuse me while I go back for seconds.. BTW, portions are huge. Definitely leftovers to enjoy another meal.

Doug W.
Doug W.

Love the pad thai here. Favorite in town. My only gripe is the chicken they use. It always has a slight off-taste. Ive never gotten sick so its not like its spoiled but it just doesnt taste right. Anymore i just order the pad thai with no meat.

Sara A.
Sara A.

We chose this place based on Yelp reviews of vegan options for my daughter and it didn't disappoint. Excellent service from start to finish. We were greeted right away and the gentleman who seated us was friendly. Jenny T was our server and she could not have been better. She was extremely attentive. So nice and kind. She gave us recommendations and reminders to choose the spicy level for our dishes. We never had to ask for drink refills or anything else as she was on top of it! Edemame for an appetizer and it was perfect. I ordered the egg plant lover. I love eggplant but I'm always cautious when ordering at a new restaurant. Not everyone can get eggplant right. They knocked it out of the park! Absolutely delicious! My daughter ordered panang curry with baked tofu and very much enjoyed it. We both recommend Cool Basil to anyone looking for Asian, sushi or vegan cuisine in the West Desmoines area.

Jenni H.
Jenni H.

What a delightful spot! Cool Basil boasts Thai, Chinese AND Japanese fare. There is something for everyone-- with a good many gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well. We popped in on a Sunday afternoon and were seated right away. The space is large with a ton of seating options-- you could definitely have a big group dine here, no problem. (They do NOT take reservations though, so plan accordingly.) The egg drop soup, sushi and crab rangoons were fan favorites. The day I came the special was the a crunchy pad thai-- I'd go with the traditional one, next time. (Word to the wise, be cognizant on the spice level! They do offer some very spicy options.) HOLY KIDS MENU. So, so many options -- all for about $8. Honey Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken, Chicken Satay, Wings, Nuggets, Egg Noodles, Pad Thai and Fried Rice-- along with a drink and fruit. Wowza. My kids left full and happy. Pro Tip: Don't miss out on their lunch specials (M-F, 11-2:30PM). You can basically get a beef, chicken, pork, tofu or veggie dish for $10-12. What a steal! Overall, Cool Basil is a Clive must-have. Pop in any day of the week!

Abby K.
Abby K.

This is our go-to for Thai food. The Pad Thai is not like any other we have had, and it is delish. They also have an expansive menu with some great sushi options! Take out or dine in, you can't go wrong. The service is great and the atmosphere inside is comfortable and cozy.

MaryAnn S.
MaryAnn S.

Just placed an order for the Appetizer Sample which has a melee on everything, and Sweet Basil Fried Rice as well as the Brown Rice Seafood. The intake receiver was very pleasant in taking the order and clearly let me know what was available. The total atmosphere seems joyful as customers dined with laughter and talk while devouring their favorite meal of choice.

Michele B.
Michele B.

Celebrated a family birthday with a large group here. They did a fantastic job! A few of us enjoyed some tarot and mango bubble teas. So delicious! Then we ordered a variety of dishes. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the special sushi rolls we chose. I especially liked the orange dragon! The birthday rolls were a bit too much, but the flavors were still good. All of the noodle dishes and fried rice options looked good! The few bites I got to try were tasty. I'd definitely check this place out again.