[possibly temporarily closed] This is my favorite restaurant in Lexington! The Kobe Beef is a perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy. I'm sadly daydreaming about it because this is the third time I've driven by it during COVID with plans to get takeout and it's been closed . read more

This place is a true gem! Our server was amazing and made excellent recommendations. Dont be discouraged by the location the food is 100% authentic! read more

Wow. This place is not for everyone. Spicy is an understatement. This food is hot. I love it. This is not the shiny swimming in a pool of coconut milk Thai food. This is fresh bold and very aggressively seasoned food. The gf can handle spicy, but she couldn't eat the yellow curry she ordered. It even pushed my envelope. A lot of beer gets sold thanks to Nat. I had the basil beef. It came on rice topped with a fried egg. It was even better the next day. Looking forward to trying some more of the offerings here. read more

After bemoaning for years the mediocrity of Thai food in Lexington, I finally discovered this little hidden gem. Why did I not know they were around until almost a year after they opened? Because they're tucked into the end of an Irish bar with NO signage of any sort except a hastily scribbled sandwich board out front that says simply "Nat's." It's a tiny takeout joint the size of a food truck but you can order and go through McCarthy's Bar and eat on the lovely back patio. Promotional acumen notwithstanding, Nat Yuttayong churns out the best damn Thai in Lex, possibly in the state. Bold, assertive flavors, authentic ingredients, & beautiful presentation. Oh did I mention this dude likes it SPICY? Not one-note spicy but well-balanced heat that will leave your mouth pleasantly abuzz. While the entire menu is solid, I always go for his daily special, no matter what it is. Now that's trust. Don't miss this little diamond in the rough! read more

Absolutely incredible. I had a late dinner with a friend here Saturday night and I was thoroughly impressed. I have had Thai food at many restaurants around town and haven't found any that I would call truly satisfying. Nat's is by far the best, hands down. It's cheaper than any other Thai restaurant and the fact that it's made to order just makes it more amazing. I had the Wagyu Kobe beef and my friend ordered the shrimp with herbs. We placed our order and found a seat on McCarthy's patio and it was the best time ever. The food was spicy. I don't even like spicy food on regular occasions, but it was so good, I kept eating even after I felt that my tongue was numb. It was hot. Beef, basil, chili peppers on rice with a perfect fried egg. The yolk was runny. That's how we like it. My friends shrimp was spicier, but the herbs were all fresh and the taste came right through. It was heaven for the palate. This is what I consider the real foodie experience. Not fine dining, but the kind of late-night, go with a good friend, eat a little more than you should kind of dining. It's the kind of food you get cravings for. Third date material where you want something substantial that you can bond over, after you took them someplace fancy for the first date. I will definitely be a regular. read more

Wow. This is some of the best Thai food I've ever had. I'm from California so I'm experienced in Thai good and this is incredible. The hours are wonky so make sure to check out the facebook group. The Kobe Basil is excellent. Loved the chicken wings. Coming back tomorrow for the Tom Gai and Beef salad. Can't wait! read more

After visiting Nat's several times, I can say for certain this place deserves 5 stars. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Lexington, and undoubtedly the best Thai I've ever had! read more

This is a hidden gem of downtown Lexington! Very good food, but a couple points take the overall score down. The negatives are that they are not open very consistently, the best way to know if they are open is to check there Facebook page for the daily special, if you don't see a post for that day they are likely closed. Another negative is a slight inconsistency in spice level, the same dish can be mild one day and super spicy the next, this is not as big a thing for me because I don't mind spice but not everyone enjoys very spicy food. For the taste of the food however, it is great! My favorite item (that I have tried, mind you I have much more to try) is the Garlic Pork and Egg Rolls. I enjoy the Ginger Chicken as well, but for those that avoid heavy spice, I would caution you to ask for it mild or stay away, good flavor but a lot of heat. During lunch time, the wait times can be upwards of 20 minutes, so if you're in a rush for lunch I would suggest ordering a little before starting your lunch break and going to pick it up once your break starts. read more

Nat's - Garlic Pork - Chicken Wings Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

How can you not love this place - it's a literal hole in the wall sandwiched between loud college bars and some food trucks. It's late night grub, plain and simple - Nat just does it with a little asian flair. Even the cheese fries have a sprig of cilantro - nice touch! The menu is a snapshot of late-night grub, mixed with Thai food. Ie Burgers, cheese fries, curry and Pad thai. Wonderful if you ask me. Do this: Go boozing in downtown Lex. Drink alot. Go to Nats when the bars close down. Take a cab home. read more

This isn't just the best Thai in town, it's the best Thai takeout I've ever had. It's a tiny hole in the wall with an equally tiny menu, but the food is spicy and delicious. You can even grab a drink at the Irish bar next door while you wait and they'll deliver it to you over a pint. The chicken wings are superb and I'm obsessed with the yellow curry and the pad Thai. This is the stuff I crave when I'm sick. Or hungover. Or drunk. Or just if it's a Friday. Just make sure you check their Facebook ahead of time since Nat closes on some random days and usually posts it there, otherwise you'll show up and be very disappointed to find nobody there. (Been there. Sad times) read more

I'm an airline pilot staying in the local hotel looking for a quick local place for lunch. I chose Nat's solely because of the reviews here. I don't normally eat Thai food, and I'm not an authentic food type person, but as someone who likes quality over quantity I must say that the Kobe Beef with Basil was marvelous. Wow, it was spicy, but it was good. Just don't drink water with it, drink milk. Water makes it worse. Anyways, this place is worth it if you enjoy spicy Thai. read more

Nat's - Chicken Wings Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

As someone who enjoys authentic Thai food I was disappointed with my visit to Nat's, a pretty limited menu and average food. Pad Thai was Ok but tasted bland, the omelette on top of it was a nice touch and my friends were happy enough with their choices. I liked how Nate came and delivered the food to us in McCarthy's however I found it difficult dealing with Nat and thought he was quite rude (maybe he was just having a bad day). I wouldn't reccomend this place and would suggest looking elsewhere for food in Lexington. read more

Can be hard to figure out whether they are open but it's the best thai I have had in Lexington. Kobe beef basil is my favorite but everything I have is worth a try. read more

Let me first say, I know nothing about Thai Food. I did enjoy the trip to Nat's though. My girlfriend and I just walked in and ordered and there was no line. The place is TINY, so that's kinda cool... basically a hole in the wall. Nat cooks all the food with his wife and daughter. The food was good. I didn't like the Pad Thai but maybe that's because I don't know what I'm talking about. My girlfriend got the fried rice so I stole that and ate it. It was good, but not very spicy. I think if you like spicy stuff you need to add some heat. Overall, I would recommend, and I would go back. I'd like to try some of the other menu options. read more

Nat's - Fried Curry... very hot, very tasty - Chicken Wings Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I love Nats! It's the best Thai place I have been to. My favorite is definitely the Kobe beef with basil and drunken noodles! I have had many of specials. I love to try new things. Nat always has something great. I also love the stories he gives behind the food! All around excellent food. However don't plan on eating in, there is no seating :( the only issue :D read more

Nat's - Spicy Beef Salad! Oh man! - Chicken Wings Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I lives in Thailand for over year, and this is the most authentic Thai place I found. I found this place cause I was visiting with the foreign exchange student from Thailand trying to help them settle into Lexington and this is the place that he found that also reminded him most of home. I know that may scare some people off, because thai food is known to be very spicy but my friend didn't like spicy food and he made it just perfect. This place is the definition of a dive restaurant. There literally is no tables, he walked up to a counter and order from two guys cooking right behind the counter. You can bring your plate over to McCarthys during lunch or take it out. During the summer you can sit out back on him at McCarthys on the picnic tables and eat family style for more authentic experience. If you're looking for something with a lot of cream and butter or super sweet or with peanut sauce, this is not the place for you. If you want a really good stirfry, pad Thai, curry, or papaya salad go here! The menu is also always changing, because he uses what is in season. The mango and sticky rice is awesome, but you have to catch them in the right month. If you're looking for a really authentic soup go with the Tom Yum Gun,and get it family style. Get two beers at the bar at McCarthys and enjoy a unique experience. read more

I suspect I decided to seek out the best Thai food in town on an off day for Nat's, but frankly it was off enough that I'm not likely to give them a second chance. I pulled up to a meter in front of the Irish bar at 12:06 - six minutes after opening. I plugged the meter with a dime, figuring this would only take a few minutes and headed inside. I ordered kobe basil, stir fry curry, and tom ka kai to go. The gentleman who was working said they didn't have any soup today. That's fine. (I was actually a little bit hesitant about the soup anyway since the "kai" usually means "chicken," but the picture showed shrimp, but we love Thai soups, and it isn't like we dislike tom ka kung (or goong), so I thought we'd try it.) Four other people ordered while I was there. 30 minutes later I was back in my car with my to-go order. THIRTY minutes! I seriously can make my own curry AND tom ka kai in less time than that. (I've never made kobe basil, so that would take me longer due to needing to find a recipe, etc..) The food was good (not great), but it wasn't worth that kind of wait, and in my opinion it was overpriced for what we got. I really hope we will find a better Thai restaurant in Lexington, but if not.... well.... Y'all are invited to my place for my homemade Thai! read more

Nat's - Under the sign for Failte - Chicken Wings Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Holy shit. I thought I liked spicy food but apparently I never knew what spice was until now. This man is a spice demon master calling upon the underworld to set your mouth into REAL FLAME and keep it there for the next 5-7 DAYS. I ordered the shrim & spices dish and my daughter ordered the ginger chicken. She took 2 bites of hers and said that she might as well meet satan if she was going to take another bite. She reported through snot run that even satan would run from the heat coming out of her mouth. I had two bites of mine and decided it wasn't as spicy as hers so traded her. She was correct. The leader of the underworld would run. I had to de-spice-ify the dish with maple syrup and Braggs. Oh, and as a bonus, I do NOT need that filler in my lips that I was mulling over because they are now inflamed and looking quite "red & pouty". Proceed with caution. read more

2018. The Kobe beef didn't steal my heart like it did 2 yrs ago but the ginger! And the veggie curry! It's all still mad good.

Needed something quick for lunch, friends say Nat's is where to go downtown. Best decision made as the food was really good.

Excellent. Food is so good. Small place that you'll walk right past (but you shouldn't).

Upon reading other reviews and looking for something yummy to eat while here in Lexington on business, I decided to check this place out. It is a tiny place where you just order and go. There is no dining although they will ask if you would like to sit in the Pub next door. Ok, now on to the food. I've been to Thailand 5 times so I have a high expectation when it comes to Thai food. I ordered the Kobe Basil and Thai chicken wings. The Kobe Basil was perfect. All of the flavors you expect when eating Thai food when cooked by a Thai person ( not Chinese ). The host informed me that it was hot and if I was ok with that. I said yes. The heat was more of a medium heat and not thai hot. It was perfect either way. The chicken wings were juicy but not traditional Thai wings in my opinion. So, basically check this place out if you're looking for AUTHENTIC Thai food, to go. read more

Authentic hole-in-the-wall Thai food! Be careful--Nat makes it spicy!! We ate at the bar next door which was super convenient. read more

I can't flippin' believe that I have been missing out on this food! I must come back until I try every dish. Monday through Friday they have daily specials, check them out on Facebook at Nat's Lexington. Tonight we had egg rolls and Kobe Basil. Although they do not make the egg rolls, I would have sworn that they were homemade. Each bite was a pleasure. When you bite into a normal commercial egg roll, the cabbage strings out and is hard to bite through. Not with this roll. Each bite comes off cleanly. Now the Kobe Basil......Sweet...Glorious...Butter Soaked...Mad Lovin' Mother of God is this good!!!!! "Normal" heat level may be a bit rich for most but trust me it is perfectly balanced. This is NOT your normal Thai food. There are herbs at play here that are forgein to my palate. Such a beautiful play between heat and herb/spice. I am positive that no better Thai food exist in Lexington, KY. Thank you for being part of our Community Sir and Crew. read more

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Nat's is a tiny place, but their food packs a serious punch! I got the hot wings, which are served with a side of french fries for ~$8.99. The wings were amazing, great mix of spices, not too hot, not too sweet, overall a 10/10. The fries were a little underwhelming, but the wings were more than enough to score Nat's a 4-star rating. All the food and sauces are cooked to order. They have two chairs inside where you can wait for your food to be prepared, or you can wait outside. read more

Nat's has slowly declined over the years. We officially will never order from here again. Not only was the wait incredibly long for the place, there was a hair in my fried rice. Flavor is one dimensional and lacking. read more

Best Thai takeout in town. Freshly made from fresh ingredients. My food had so much flavor! Definitely going back. Highly recommended. read more

Hands down the best Thai food I have eaten in the area. Don't let the place scare you or the menu that's all picture. The food is excellent. It's a small place with no seating. You. An go next door to the Irish pub and they will serve you there, which is what we did. We had the wings which were great. They have a nice combination of heat and vinegar with herbs and green onions in them. We both hade the Kobe beef with basil and it was really good. Great heat and flavor. The even put a sunny side up egg on top which my fiancé loved. I will be back for sure. read more

Amazing Thai cuisine. The closest to Thailand you'll get in this town. The family was busy prepping and cooking fresh food behind the counter making an assortment of pad thai, Currys you name it. It's was absolutely delicious. A hidden gem here in Lex. read more

The pad Thai was AMAZING!!! Along with the fried rice! The curry was a bit sweet, but everything else was great (including the spring rolls) Quirky place, but really great food. read more

This, Archa Nine, and Planet Thai is the best Thai food in Lex. Theyre a hole in the wall place but so kind and amazing! The food takes a bit because theyre making it right then and there, but it's delicious! I tried the pad thai and the fried mussels. The mussels were so fresh and flavorful and Im usually very hypercritical of pad thai, but I was very pleased. Love this place. read more

The food here is outstanding. Very flavorful and everyone we ordered was delicious. I had read a lot of the other reviews and they were on point. If you are In Lexington and want great thai with great service definitely try Nat's. read more

Spicy, spicy and really spicy, but it's so so so good. Service is really good too. You can't go wrong. Check out daily special on Facebook. read more

Nat's - Chicken Wings Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Everything was delicious but the Kobe Basil was my favorite. Cannot wait to go back and try everything else on the menu. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Food was ready quickly, hot and fresh. If I could give more stars, I would. This place is fantastic. read more

Really good authentic Thai. Parking isn't the best but if you have a bike and are close to campus like me this shouldn't be a problem. I got the special which was the Kobe beef basil with noodles. I'm used to other Thai places mistaking me as a white boy that can't handle heat. I asked for "Asian hot" and Nat put me in a coffin. The food was awesome and the beer at Mccarthys next door paired really well with it. I'll be back! read more

When anyone asks me for a Thai recommendation, Nat's is always first on the list. The special of the day is always a good bet. Not necessarily a safe bet since it might be hella spicy, so be sure to ask about that. I've eaten here many times and have always been happy with my pick. Th kobe beef is excellent, the ginger chicken is fresh and spicy, my wife is obsessed with the chicken wings. You can't go wrong here. The only downfall is that you have to take the food to go or eat in at McCarthy's. McCarthy's is good and all, but I personally don't like to drink with my Thai food and I feel obligated if I'm sitting at McCarthy's. read more

Doesn't look like much when you walk by, but definitely worth a visit. We got the Kobe Basil Beef, Chicken Pad Thai, and egg rolls. All three were absolutely phenomenal! The Kobe Beef was pretty spicy, so if you're a pansy like me, be sure to bring water. read more

I love Nat's! Best Thai food in Lexington, hands down. Everything I've ever eaten has been made to order and authentic. The basil beef can't be beat and the pad thai is delicious. I also appreciate that when you order it spicy, it really does come spicy, unlike other places where "spicy" is medium at best. If you're feeling extra courageous, you can ask him to add ghost chili pepper. The only downside is lack of parking (street) and no dine-in (unless you want to eat in the back of McCarthy's), but the satisfaction of Nat's food overcomes both of these factors. When I'm with friends, I like ordering to-go and sitting on a bench downtown or on the steps of the old courthouse. read more

Go order some yummy food from Nat's and then pop into McCarthy's for a drink! The crew at Nat's will even bring it into the bar for you - it is great! read more

I've been to Thailand twice, and I think this is the best restaurant in Lexington. Not just Thai restaurant, any restaurant. Wish Nat would expand and get some seating, but eating in the bar next door works for me. read more