The Spice

402 Main St

Ames, IA

(515)232-0200
Show Map
The Spice in Ames
Add Review | Edit This Place

Restaurant - Thai

Excellent Thai food served in an elegant environment.

"…The Spice is a Thai restaurant of uncommon authenticity and style that seems to be paving the way toward a broader ethnic reach in this college town."

- Jeanne Abbott, Des Moines Register
Rating
starstarstarno starno star 3.1/5 with 254 votes
Add Rating
Features
Smoke Free
Price Range
moneymoneymoneyno money Expensive
Hours
Mon - Sat. Lunch 11:00a - 2:30p
Mon - Thurs. Dinner 5:00p - 9:00p
Fri. - Sat. Dinner 5:00p - 10:00p
Closed on Sundays
Attire
Semi-Casual
Tell A Friend
88 User Reviews & Comments
April 29, 2010 starstarstarstarstar
A little pricier, but totally worth it. Last time I went there, my boyfriend ordered one of the chef‘s specials, and it was awesome - interesting flavor, unlike anything we‘d had at a Thai place before (and we eat at a lot of Thai places). A lot of thought, effort, and careful preparation goes into their dishes, and it shows! The restaurant is tastefully decorated, classy, and pretty quiet, although laid out a bit funny. The main entrance is actually on the side of the building - if you come in the front door, you have to walk through the dining room to get to the lounge and bar area, but there‘s not much that can really be done about that. Staff is friendly and attentive. Definitely the best Thai/Asian place in town!
July 6, 2009 starstarstarstarstar
If you want great thai cuisine and a wonderful, quiet/jazzy atmosphere, this is your place. The quality of the food is amazing. It does take a bit, so don‘t expect to get out in a half an hour (every dish is always cooked perfectly - I recommend the Panang Scallops). You go to this place to enjoy food and enjoy the company of people you‘re with.
January 3, 2009 starstarstarstarstar
Very good food, very nice atmosphere. Ames needs more retaurants like this and less of the chains that are so overcrowded on Friday nights. Altho prices are higher, the presentation and service make up for it.

If you want the same quality of food with a less upscale feeling, try Thai Kitchen - another fantastic Thai resturant, less expensive and a very plain, cafeteria dinning room. (But like I said, nearly the same quality food)
December 29, 2008 starstarstarstarstar
The Spice is an excellent, upscale Thai restaurant for lunch or dinner. The dishes are nothing less than scrumptious, with very nice presentation. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If your pocket book is tight but you still want to treat yourself, I recommend doing lunch, since it‘s a bit more affordable.
December 29, 2008 starstarstarstarstar
I think this is the tastiest food in all of Ames. It is powerful and new, and keeps me coming back for more as often as possible. It feels up-scale and casual all at the same time. The servers are very friendly and knowledgeable, which helps when you don‘t recognize the Thai names of items on the menu (although the menu is very good at describing what is in each dish). If you want something new and spicy, go to the SPICE - right now!!
Read More Reviews
Most Viewed Places