This is easily the best Thai food I’ve had in Cincinnati so far. So flavorful, and really nice portions. The fried rice, Pad Thai, and spring rolls are my favorite.
Overview
If you're craving a quick and delicious bite with a punch of flavor, look no further than Thai Express. Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati, at 213 W McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, United States, this restaurant brings authentic Thai cuisine right to your table in a fast-casual setting. Whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time, the inviting atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes promise a satisfying experience.
Walking into Thai Express, the first thing you’ll notice is the vibrant and cozy ambiance. The modern yet relaxed décor, combined with the friendly staff, makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a casual meal or grab a quick lunch on the go. The menu is packed with all your Thai favorites, from classic Pad Thai to rich and aromatic curries, each dish crafted with a balance of spices and fresh ingredients. The kitchen does an impressive job of ensuring that each dish is made to order, which gives it an extra layer of authenticity and freshness.
For those looking for a standout dish, the Pad Thai is a must-try. A perfect blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, it features stir-fried rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, scrambled eggs, and your choice of protein. Whether you go with shrimp, chicken, or tofu, the dish is always cooked to perfection, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite. If you're into a bit of heat, the spicy curry options are worth exploring. The green curry, with its vibrant and creamy coconut base, is popular among spice lovers and provides a comforting kick without overpowering the palate.
What sets Thai Express apart from other fast-casual spots is their dedication to using high-quality, fresh ingredients. You can taste the difference in every bite, whether it’s the crispness of the vegetables or the tenderness of the protein. The fact that the dishes are prepared right in front of you adds a touch of excitement and gives a sense of transparency that many diners appreciate. You can easily customize your order, too, allowing you to adjust the spice levels or choose different protein options, making it a highly versatile dining experience.
If you're visiting during peak hours, the line can get a little long, but the wait is definitely worth it. The service is quick, and even with the busy rush, the staff remains friendly and efficient, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied. For those who need their Thai fix on the go, Thai Express also offers takeout and delivery, making it a great option when you’re craving Thai food at home.
As for the price, it’s quite reasonable given the quality of food and the portion sizes. The casual setting means you don’t have to break the bank for a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, the portions are generous, meaning you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy later. Whether you’re eating alone or with a group, Thai Express offers great value for your money.
One of the standout features of this place is its commitment to customer satisfaction. The staff is attentive, and the atmosphere is laid-back, which creates a comfortable environment for anyone who visits. The restaurant is located in a convenient spot in the city, making it easy to pop in and grab a meal, whether you’re out shopping, working, or just passing through. Plus, with the option to place orders online, you can easily enjoy a delicious Thai meal from the comfort of your home.
Overall, Thai Express offers an unbeatable combination of flavor, freshness, and convenience. Whether you're in the mood for a spicy green curry, a savory Pad Thai, or something else from their wide-ranging menu, you’re guaranteed to find something that satisfies your cravings. If you're in the area or planning to visit Cincinnati, make sure to stop by and see what all the buzz is about at 213 W McMillan St. It’s an experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 585 reviews
We have patronized Thai Express over many years, and we can truly say their food is delicious and authentic Thai. Most recently, we hired them as caterers and they did such a fantastic job. Not only were their dishes very flavorful, but also the presentation, especially for the appetizers, was beautiful. Our guests really liked all the dishes. The Khao Soi (Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup) stood out. We highly recommend them if you want an event catered. They are very professional, courteous, and hard working. They will make their best effort to make your event wonderful. At the Thai Express location in Clifton, they will greet you with friendly smiles. You can have a seat and watch as they cook your dishes. One of our favorites to take out is Pad Gra Pao Gai (Thai Holy Basil Chicken). Overall, we really recommend that you visit Thai Express! You will be very pleased with their food and service.
Very good pad thai and fried rice for a great price. Meant for takeout mostly. If you cant handle spice ask for under a 5 maybe and 3 or 4
The best pad Thai in the Cincinnati area. I keep trying to find better but have not come close. This place rocks.
I’ve been coming here for about 25 years. Simple , very high caliber Thai food. Love this place . One of the only places you can get crab pad Thai with real crab meat . Excellent
I'm gonna say maybe it's cause we ordered take out but I suggested Thai Express because someone on Reddit said it was the best Thai food they'd had in Cincinnati. Buuuuuut idk - I got the soy sauce noodles and while the portion was admirable they tasted somewhat sour? Maybe idk wth soy sauce noodles are supposed to taste like but I was expecting more salt, less sour. My wife got the red curry and was disappointed with the flavor (wish I'd tried it tbh). They forgot our Rangoon's but I would LOVE to try those at some point cause shrimp and crab?? Ok!!! I'm in! Finally, we did get the chicken satay we ordered and it was good! I love a peanut sauce and theirs did not disappoint! Overall I will try this place again but I think I'll try dining in and see if the quality is different. Not that the ingredients were bad! On the contrary, they were excellent - the flavor is what got me confused.
I’ve been going here for authentic Thai food since 1998. Consistently delicious and made with traditional ingredients and spices. By far my favorite grab and go Thai in Cincinnati. The restaurant stays true to its roots in traditional Thai cuisine, sticking mostly to noodle dishes, soups, salads and curries. Many of the menu items feature some of the necessary spices found in most Thai dishes, like ginger, basil leaves, garlic and lemongrass. Each dish also features a spiciness scale that is not to be taken lightly. The scale allows you to choose a spice level between one and ten, with ten being the hottest.