Sweet Basil | Thai Street Eats
About This Spot
Stepping into Sweet Basil | Thai Street Eats feels like discovering a tucked-away neighborhood gem where warmth and vibrant energy mingle effortlessly. The space is inviting, small but thoughtfully arranged so that every visit feels intimate—like a quiet moment of connection over something deeply satisfying. There’s a gentle buzz of anticipation in the air, with the friendly staff moving attentively among tables, creating a rhythm that’s both relaxed and purposefully welcoming.
Here, the experience is much more than a meal; it’s a subtle celebration of Thai and Laotian street food traditions brought to life with care and freshness. The atmosphere embodies a casual spirit—you might find yourself lingering not just over flavors but over stories shared by the people behind the counter and the soft murmur of conversations around you.
The menu reflects this balance of authenticity and approachable comfort, where each bite evokes vivid memories of bustling street markets and home kitchens alike. Imagine savoring a fragrant bowl of Tom Kha Soup that feels like a gentle embrace, or delighting in the complex layers of herbs and spices that make the Basil Fried Rice dance on your palate. The skewers, whether tender pork or beef, come with just the right amount of char and seasoning, perfect for snacking slowly or pairing with sticky rice and a cooling sip of jasmine tea.
Sweet Basil is a place where diversity meets simplicity—Laotian BBQ platters sit alongside classic Pad Thai, and unexpected treats like fried bananas offer a sweet punctuation to the meal. While it’s a spot many swing by to take food home, the charm of having this experience in person—the cozy setting, the thoughtful preparation, the human moments exchanged over shared dishes—feels quietly special.
For those in Franklin seeking a genuine taste of Southeast Asia in a setting that honors both food and community, Sweet Basil quietly stands out. It’s a place to return to, whether you’re craving a familiar favorite or eager to explore new flavors with an open palate and an open heart.
What’s Available Here
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Vegan options
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Vegetarian options
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Dinner
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Catering
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Counter service
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Dessert
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Seating
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | Closed | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
T Le 08 Jan 2026
ONE OF THE BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT IN THE MIDWEST. This Thai place is legit good, I’ve lived in the MW for 3 years and have been disappointed with Asian cuisine here, until today. Came in on a Saturday, order pad Thai and pad say ew to go, was quoted 40-45 minutes by the cashier, but after 20 minutes, I got my food, tried some in the car and I couldn’t put it down, finished they pad say ew in 5 minutes, got to try some of my significant other pad Thai and that was also good, she told me she liked her dish too. So glad I was able to stop by here, if I get the chance to stop by again, I will definitely making the trip. Small restaurant with limited seating for dine in, about 10-12 seats, so I do recommend getting it to go. Friendly staff too. No pictures, cause I freaking ate it all so quick.
Joe Zanter 02 Jan 2026
Sweet Basil is amazing. Long story but suffice to say that the red curry i tasted yesterday was the same as the first time: transcendental. I am a fan and have been for years with good reason. The curry is an experience. Please go and meet the people and the food there. You will be happy you did!
GinaG1234 28 Nov 2025
Okay - now I thought this was just Thai food. No sir - no ma’am . . . This is Thai and Laotian cuisine. This food is so good and felt really clean. We had the orange chicken and rice, spring rolls, crab Rangoon and the buffalo chicken crab Rangoon. We went on a Friday evening. Get there early to get a seat! This place gets busy, and now I understand why. The restaurant is quaint and cozy. The staff is friendly and helpful especially if you are a first timer. Their menu is quite extensive to me. Don’t hesitate to try something new and different. This is a great place to start expanding your palate!
David Sparks 19 Oct 2025
Quick update - STILL Amazing!! Had to add a picture of the combination plate. It was all great and the sauces were over the top! The best way to give a quick overview of this restaurant would be to say that it is simply stunning on all levels! Let's start with the very clean and well decorated restaurant that makes you feel comfortable just walking in. If you call your order in or if you order when you get there, they have a very nice area to wait for your food. The food was well presented, exploding with multiple fresh flavors and spices! I really enjoy Thai food BUT, Sweet Basil took my love for Thai food to another level! Thank you SO much for what you do to make what comes out of the kitchen simply amazing! The last thing that needs to be mentioned is the way the staff relates to the customers. This was our first time at this restaurant and my wife had some questions. They answered all of her questions with patience and concern. We felt welcome here right from the start but the way they talked to many of the other customers was like they were chatting with family. I am guessing that these were regular visitors but the fact that they talked to people by name was impressive. Even more impressive that they helped people with their orders that could use some assistance. Start to finish, this was a fantastic visit. The food and staff will bring me back anytime I am in the area. I wish they were open more - AND I lived closer - but when you work with that much passion, you deserve some time off! Keep up the great work!
Shannon Gillen 16 Oct 2025
The Pad Thai with chicken was delicious. It's a cute restaurant and everyone was very attentive and nice. Just a heads up- it was really cold by the windows, so take a light jacket.
Araceli Mendoza Pereda 15 Oct 2025
my favorite spot!! don't know what i can say that hasn't been said already but i had to leave a review for this gem. sweet basil has the yummiest food in the city with the greatest service. as someone who's both dined in and gotten take out plenty of times one thing i've come to notice is how warm, friendly, and respectful the staff are. the atmosphere is cozy and simply lovely. i could go on a whole rant about how the jeow bong noodles are to die for and the way their mango sticky rice soothes the soul. RUN don't walk to sweet basil, you won't regret it!!
Percy Ribar 11 Oct 2025
Sweet Basil – Incredible Laotian Cuisine! Sweet Basil is an absolute gem for Laotian food! Every dish is packed with bold, authentic flavors that keep me coming back for more. Whether it’s their perfectly balanced curries, delicious noodle dishes, or fresh, vibrant ingredients, everything on the menu is a hit. The restaurant is always busy, which speaks to how amazing the food is, but the staff handles it effortlessly. They are friendly, attentive, and make sure every guest feels welcome. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy an incredible meal. If you’re looking for top-notch Laotian cuisine, Sweet Basil is a must-visit. I can’t recommend it enough!
Stephanie Bursak 08 Oct 2025
Sweet Basil is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always very fresh and full of flavor. I love that the menu has a great variety of Thai food and everything is clearly labeled so each family member can get something perfect for them if they have restrictions like vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. Every time we’ve ordered something from them the order has always been 100% correct, which shows their attention to detail.