Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Columbia
  5. Columbia
Kao Thai Cuisine, Columbia, SC

Kao Thai Cuisine

4.7
4.7
216 reviews
$30 and under
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 booking

2 people
May 2022
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
19:00
Booked 11 times today

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

  • Area

    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

    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 216 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Columbia

    Best Overall

  • Columbia

    Best Food

  • Columbia

    Best Service

  • Columbia

    Best Ambience

  • Columbia

    Best Value

  • Columbia

    Fit for Foodies

  • Columbia

    Group Bookings

  • Columbia

    Hot Spot

  • Columbia

    Vibrant Bar Scene

Sort by

Filters

  1. CT

    ColaThai

    Charleston

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    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.

  2. ES

    EricS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 May 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.

  3. LC

    LCMO

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 10 May 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    This is a total hidden gem in Columbia. Amazing food, great happy hour specials and super convenient.

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Very good food and service

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 May 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.

  6. AM

    AmandaM

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best thai in Columbia! Food is always hot, full of flavor, and delicious!

  7. PH

    PhilH

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 April 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.

  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great experience!

  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had an excellent experience! Having a parking lot also made getting there easier. 10/10 would recommend

  10. M

    Martha

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 26 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    So good. The food, drinks, and service were 100%!

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 26 April 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.

  12. AH

    AllyHPhD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The ambience and food were amazing. Ally, our server, was outstanding.

  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 April 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!!

  14. R

    Rich

    Western NC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 23 April 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Food was quite different from most Thai restaurants. Unique but very good. Our server, Skye, was excellent.

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    37 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on 20 April 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!

  16. CT

    ColaThai

    Charleston

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on 19 April 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.

  17. S

    Shelbs

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 April 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    First time dining at KOA was very impressed will definitely go again

  18. MB

    MichaelB

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 April 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

  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 April 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.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 8 April 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Nice experience, meal was nice. Ambiance needs to be re worked. Not exceptionally memorable

  21. j

    jeff

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Honestly one of the best spots in town. Food is always killer, huge flavor. Waiters/servers knowledgeable and helpful. Food always comes out extremely quick.

  22. AH

    AdamH

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 March 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Food was amazing, service was great! The music was just a bit too loud to be comfortable.

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a great time! Our server, Eboni was attentive and able to help us decide upon the many dishes they serve. We enjoyed and will be back soon.

  24. JY

    JordanY

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved Kao!!! The food was amazing, and we got a lot of it. But the star of the show was our waitress Ebony. She was so knowledgeable and made great recommendations. She had wonderful energy.

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 1 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Appetizer was good drinks great and dinner good too. Always a good overal experience at Kao that’s why I keep coming back. Server was great too.

  26. M

    Maggie

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server Ebony was the best!! I have a shellfish allergy and she checked ingredients for me then showed me every menu item I was able to eat. I got the vegan Eggplant Tofu basil and it was delicious. The Roti and yellow curry and seaweed salad appetizers were also amazing. Awesome drink menu. Service and atmosphere were great. I will definitely be back!

  27. AL

    ALISOND

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 21 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Ebony is the best staff member you have!

  28. JP

    JoeP

    New York Area

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on 21 February 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Great food. Service was a little lacking but given all the current day problems with getting enough workers, it is understandable. This would not deter me from returning. The food is a huge plus!

  29. MF

    MelissaF

    Charleston

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 19 February 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    My 3rd time here and I took friends before a concert. I think it’s always good. Large portions and sadly couldn’t take the leftovers with me this time. Happy to have this restaurant in the Vista!

  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 19 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food was delicious. I enjoyed the green papaya salad and the Phanaeng curry with shrimp. The server was very attentive. The restaurant was busy as it was a Friday night, so it was a bit noisy. Overall, it was an enjoyable dining experience.

  31. SD

    ShawnD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 February 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Enjoyed our meal and happy hour drinks and snacks. The big door was open so it was a bit chilly so bring a sweater or jacket if it is a chilly night.

  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience3

    Food was good; we really enjoyed the small plates! The drinks were also incredible! The food came out quick and hot, and our waitress was very kind and hospitable.

  33. CC

    CaseyC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was actually a very nice place to date. There was a bar but it was not loud and obnoxious. The food was remarkably well prepared and fresh.

  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We really enjoyed our experience, the service was excellent and the food was delicious! Went on a Friday night, later in the evening and liked the vibe.

  35. T

    Teresa

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 February 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    As usual, Kao Thai was a win. Best app - spring rolls and crispy Brussels sprouts, and great job on the basics, green curry (beautifully presented with a teepee of tender baby eggplant) and pad Thai with nicely crisp and flavorful tofu. Tom Yum soup flavorful with nice amount of lemongrass. Server was fantastic! Service was speedy. If you go at 4 or a little later, beat the crowds and enjoy Happy Hour pricing.

  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 9 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service! Great cocktails. Really nice selection of small plates and entrees. Duck confit curry was outstanding. Try the mango cheesecake.

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 February 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Love Kao Thai! Super delicious and I dine here often! Service is great and it has wonderful vibes. I recommend this place to all of my friends. Support local businesses!!!!!!

  38. LR

    LianneR

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 6 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Each item that got to our table was great. Prices are reasonable. Food is fresh and cocktails excellent. Staff friendly and helpful.

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 6 February 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    It was very nice casual setting. The waitress was exceptional at servicing us. The food could have been consistent.

  40. W

    Wfdeacon

    Atlanta

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 29 January 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Food always spot on. Great flavors

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 4.7 stars by 216 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
May 2022
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
19:00
Booked 11 times today
Google Map for Kao Thai Cuisine

1001 Senate Street Suite 300 Columbia, SC 29201

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Senate St. and Park St.

  • Area

    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

    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more dinersRestaurant Blog
Join us on
Copyright © 2022 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo