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White Elephant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
White Elephant
8.1
A polished Historic Core Thai spot that leans modern without losing the backbone of bold, balanced flavors. The menu mixes elevated takes on classics with a few fusion-leaning plates, and execution stays clean across curries, grilled items, and stir-fries. The room feels like a real sit-down destination for Downtown rather than a quick counter stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Royal River Prawn, Tom Kha, Crispy Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern Thai cooking in a Downtown dining-room format with confident technique.
Who should go: Downtown diners who want Thai with a night-out feel.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier pacing and reservations.
What to order: Royal River Prawn, tom kha, curry or whole fish.
Insider tip: Order a mix of one curry and one grilled or seafood plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main/Spring is limited at night; nearby paid structures typically run $8–$15. No valet on most nights.
Dress code: Smart casual; Downtown date-night energy means elevated basics look right, but jeans and a nice top are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively social energy but still easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; flows are smooth and tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several curries, stir-fries, and starters can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Moderate—2–4 dishes can be adapted, but confirm sauces since some contain fish products.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free options; staff can guide modifications, but there is no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—stylish room, balanced noise level, and modern Thai plates create a relaxed but elevated vibe that works well for early dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights, usually yes with a short wait; on weekends, walk-ins often face 30+ minutes. Reserving is best if arriving after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Decently kid-friendly for older kids and teens, but the ambiance leans more adult/date-night. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: A sit-down, polished Thai dinner with elevated presentations and a night-out mood compared to nearby fast-casual Thai options.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional, no-frills Thai or need extensive vegan/gluten-free selections—the menu leans modern and seafood-forward.
White Elephant
8.7
In the Spring Arcade building, White Elephant serves modern Thai with an upscale, cocktail-ready feel and a basil chicken wing plate that regulars rave about. The wings lean sweet, herbal, and crisp rather than sports-bar greasy, making this a strong pick when you want wings plus serious noodles and curries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Basil Chicken Wings, Pad See Ew, Crying Tiger Steak
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Stylish Thai dining room where basil chicken wings share the stage with cocktails, curries, and noodle dishes.
Who should go: Wing fans wanting a sit-down Thai meal and drinks.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekend nights for full Spring Arcade energy.
What to order: Basil Chicken Wings, Pad See Ew, Crying Tiger steak.
Insider tip: Book for peak evenings and share wings as a starter before digging into noodles and curry so the table can try more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring and surrounding blocks is limited after 6pm; nearby paid garages along Broadway and 6th typically run $8–$15 for evening dining.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy due to the cocktails-forward vibe and Spring Arcade setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak dinner hours; still workable for conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on arcade foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or very short waits if open for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward noodle dishes, curries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified, but sauces and broths often contain fish sauce; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—rice-based dishes and certain curries are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely; confirm with the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its stylish design, cocktail program, and shareable plates create a fun, slightly upscale atmosphere that works well for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays, yes. Weekend evenings are tougher—walk-ins may wait 30–60 minutes, so reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults or teens due to the cocktail-focused ambiance and tighter seating; families are welcome but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: A more elevated Thai experience with standout basil wings, polished cocktails, and a date-night setting—stronger ambiance and plating than casual Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional Thai, very spicy street-style dishes, or a quiet, low-cost meal; alternatives with simpler menus or lower prices may fit better.