Blue Elephant Thai brings a lively room and broad menu

Overall read

Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant has a Google rating of 4.5 from 509 reviews, placing it among Coralville’s more consistently well-regarded options for Thai food. That standing is supported by repeated praise for flavorful entrees, a pleasant setting and attentive hospitality. The menu appears broad enough for mixed groups, with noodle dishes, curries, chicken entrees and familiar appetizers all represented in the available feedback.

The overall picture is favorable rather than flawless. Several diners describe meals as delicious, hot and filling, while one sharply critical review raises concerns about portion size and value. Blue Elephant is best approached as a mid range restaurant where the strongest case rests on full entrees and the dining-room experience, not necessarily on every soup or appetizer.

Food and ordering

Noodles feature prominently in the reviews. One table ordered Pad Thai with pork, Pad See Ew with tofu and Pad Ki Mao with chicken, showing that the menu accommodates different proteins and meat-free preferences. That same account notes selectable spice levels, which should appeal to diners who want more control over the heat.

Rama Chicken receives especially clear praise for arriving hot, tasting delicious and providing a filling portion. Crab rangoons and egg rolls were also described as crunchy and substantial by one diner. Crab rangoons appear in both positive and negative feedback, however, so the appetizer experience may be less consistent than the enthusiasm around larger entrees suggests.

The most pointed complaint concerns coconut soup served in a cup-sized portion and fresh spring rolls that were viewed as light on protein and vegetables. The reviewer also expected peanut sauce with the spring rolls and felt the overall order was overpriced. That is a single account, but it is specific enough to keep expectations measured.

Setting and service

The dining room earns unusually frequent attention. Reviewers mention abundant plants, a painted ceiling and an environment described as nice or delightful. The decor gives Blue Elephant more personality than a strictly functional neighborhood dining room.

A busy Wednesday still resulted in quick seating for a party of five. The room became a little loud, but conversation remained manageable. Service started well in that account, while other feedback praises the staff and hands-on attention to guest satisfaction. Taken together, the public comments suggest a welcoming operation that can handle a crowd, even if peak periods bring extra noise.

Best way to try it

A first visit is most convincingly built around a noodle dish or Rama Chicken, with spice adjusted to preference. Crunchy appetizers may round out a group meal, though diners focused on value might prioritize entrees over soup and spring rolls.

Blue Elephant looks particularly suitable for casual dinners, small groups and repeat visits aimed at exploring different dishes. Its combination of varied selections, customizable heat and distinctive decor gives it broad appeal. The critical value complaint prevents an unqualified recommendation, but the larger pattern supports Blue Elephant as a dependable Coralville Thai option with a lively room and several filling choices.