Thai Basil

- 4940 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountain State, Thai Basil in Manchester Center, VT, offers local Vermonters and visitors alike an authentic and vibrant taste of Southeast Asia. This establishment is much more than a typical Thai restaurant; it's a celebrated local spot that has filled a significant void in the area's food scene, quickly becoming known for its high-quality, flavorful cuisine and welcoming community atmosphere. Owned and operated by Nong Compupong and Chef Varit “Peter” Yanyoo, Thai Basil prides itself on serving traditional Thai dishes while thoughtfully adapting to the preferences of the local community, which often gravitates toward healthy and fresh options, including local produce, gluten-free choices, and less oil in preparation.

The restaurant strikes a unique balance between a cozy, casual dining spot and a trendy establishment, highlighted by its identity as a "Martini Bar." This dual personality makes it a perfect destination for various occasions, from a quick, delicious lunch to a romantic evening dinner. The menu is extensive, featuring classics like Pad Thai and a full spectrum of Thai curries, alongside unique offerings developed by Chef Peter. Reviews frequently praise the staff for being "great" and the food for coming out "quick," emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to both excellent flavor and efficient, friendly service. It is highly popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, cementing its status as a culinary pillar in Southern Vermont.

Thai Basil is prominently situated on one of Vermont’s major thoroughfares at 4940 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA. Its Main Street address places it conveniently in the bustling center of Manchester, making it an easy-to-find spot for anyone driving through the area or visiting the local shops. The location’s history adds a touch of unique local charm, as the building once housed the historical Quality Restaurant, an institution referenced in a famous Norman Rockwell painting.

Accessibility is a key priority for Thai Basil, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons:

• Wheelchair accessible restroom and Wheelchair accessible seating are provided, confirming the venue is designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
• Free parking lot and Free street parking are available, offering guests convenient and stress-free options for parking, a valued amenity in any Vermont town center.

The restaurant's design and amenities also feature a bar onsite and clean restrooms, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable dining environment.

Thai Basil offers a comprehensive array of service options tailored for the Vermont lifestyle, whether you're looking for a relaxed night out or a quick, flavorful meal on the go:

• Dine-in: Available for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable Seating and full Table service.
• Outdoor Seating: Perfect for enjoying a meal on a beautiful Vermont day.
• Takeout: Efficient service for patrons who wish to enjoy their Thai favorites at home or work.
• Delivery: Offering convenience to the local area.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations and recommends them for dinner, helping guests plan their visit and avoid wait times.
• Full Bar Service: Features an impressive selection of Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, and Hard liquor, with a specialized focus on their unique martini menu.
• Accommodations: Provides High chairs for children and is popular among Groups and Tourists.
• Dietary Flexibility: Offers an abundance of Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, with the ability to adjust the spice level of most dishes from zero to "Thai hot."

Thai Basil's menu and environment are rich with features and highlights that set it apart in the Vermont dining scene.

• Award-Winning Cocktails: Known for its "Great cocktails," the Signature Cocktails list is a major draw, featuring creative, fresh-ingredient drinks like the Thai Basil Mojito, Ginger Martini, and local favorite, the Vt Maple martini.
• Extensive Menu Variety: The menu covers the full range of Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine, from Thai Spring Rolls and Tuna Tartar to four types of Curry (Red, Green, Yellow, Panang, and Kang Par) and four distinct Noodle Soup options, including Pho Noodle Soup and Tom Yum Noodle Soup.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Focus: The restaurant is praised for its commitment to accommodating plant-based diets. Many dishes are naturally vegetarian, and most can be easily made vegan upon request, including most of the extensive stir-fry and curry options.
• Notable Appetizers: Customer favorites include the "absolutely delicious" Crispy Veggie Rolls and the thin-wrapped Pot Stickers With Curry Sauce. Other unique small plates like Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) and Crab Angel are available.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The interior offers a blend of Casual, Cozy, Quiet, Romantic, and Trendy atmospheres, suitable for many different dining experiences.
• Excellent Beverage Selection: In addition to the cocktail bar, the bistro boasts a "Great tea selection," including the classic Thai Iced Tea, and a fine list of local and international Red and White wines, and Champagne.
• Fried Rice Excellence: Patrons highlight the Fried Rice as a menu must-try, with options like Pineapple Fried Rice and Tom Yum Fried Rice available for lunch and dinner.

For general inquiries, reservations, or takeout orders, please use the following contact details.

Address: 4940 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
Phone: (802) 768-8433

For residents and visitors of Vermont, Thai Basil is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that elevate it above other dining options in the region. Firstly, it offers a necessary and authentic "jolt" of spicy and vibrant Asian flavors in an area traditionally known for classic New England fare, as noted by local food critics. The depth of the menu is exceptional, providing not only the expected Thai staples but also unique dishes and Asian-inspired selections, such as the Pho Noodle Soup and the signature Khao Soi Duck.

The dedication to customer experience is another major factor. The restaurant’s atmosphere is deliberately flexible—it can be a cozy, casual spot for lunch or a romantic, trendy bar for a Friday night, thanks to the impressive Signature Cocktails menu. Furthermore, the commitment to health-conscious diners is clear, with a willingness to customize spice levels and a large volume of Vegan, Vegetarian, and healthy options. While one customer noted that some meat dishes could be more tender, the majority of reviews enthusiastically praise the flavor and quality, especially the fried rice and appetizers. With its combination of fast service, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, flexible dietary accommodations, and an unforgettable cocktail program, Thai Basil stands out as a high-quality, community-focused, and versatile dining institution in Manchester Center, VT. The ability to cater to diverse tastes—from a classic Thai Iced Coffee to an Espresso Martini, and from a mild Massaman curry to a four-star hot Yellow Curry—makes it an excellent choice for virtually any occasion.

Thai Basil

4940 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA