The Smiling Elephant
Authentic Thai food where vegetarian options are actually good, not afterthoughts
The Smiling Elephant is an 8/10 for vegetarians in West End: thai, $$, lunch and dinner. Order the Vegetable Spring Rolls and Pad See Ew with tofu.
must try
appetizers
- Vegetable Spring Rolls favorite
- Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
mains
- Pad See Ew with tofu (wide noodles with broccoli and soy sauce, legitimately some of the best in Nashville) favorite
- Tofu Cashew Stir Fry (pan seared tofu with pineapples, chili paste, onion, whole cashews, comes with satay sauce) favorite
- Daily Curry with tofu (changes daily, ask what they have)
desserts
- Mango Sticky Rice
vibe
Tiny neighborhood Thai spot with traditional decor. There's usually a line but it moves. Family run place where everything is cooked to order in a three wok kitchen.
Casual. Small spot with cozy vibes. Come as you are.
- noise level
- Moderate. Small space so it can get a bit loud when busy.
- good for
- Lunch, Dinner, Takeout, Solo dining
practical info
- reservations
- No reservations. Walk in only.
- parking
- Small parking lot. Can be tight during peak times. Street parking available nearby.
- outdoor seating
- Small patio
- kid friendly
- Yes
- dog friendly patio
- No
- bar
- No
- delivery
- No
hours
- monday
- Closed
- tuesday
- 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- wednesday
- 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- thursday
- 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- friday
- 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- saturday
- 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- sunday
- Closed
hours change, so check before you go