Picture this: you’re craving that perfect bowl of spicy, aromatic Thai drunken noodles, and you want to know exactly where to find the real deal in the Sunshine State. Florida’s Thai scene has exploded over the past few years, but finding authentic Thai drunken noodles in Florida that pack the right punch of heat, herbs, and that signature wok hei flavor can be a challenge. That’s where things get interesting. From Miami’s Michelin-blessed gems to Orlando’s neighborhood favorites, we’ve tracked down the 10 spots serving up Florida’s most spectacular pad kee mao – the kind that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance and keep you coming back for more.
1. Lung Yai Thai Tapas – The Michelin-recognized purist
When Michelin gives you multiple Bib Gourmand awards, you know you’re doing something extraordinary. Lung Yai Thai Tapas in Miami’s Little Havana doesn’t just serve Thai food – they serve up a masterclass in Bangkok street food authenticity that’ll transport you straight to the bustling markets of Thailand.
Their pad kee mao is the real McCoy: perfectly sautéed flat rice noodles tossed with your choice of protein, bamboo strips, onion, scallion, mushroom, bell pepper, tomato, and basil leaves in a rich brown sauce that packs serious heat. This isn’t a watered-down version; it’s bold, spicy, and unapologetically authentic, with those distinct peppery notes of holy basil that separate the amateurs from the pros.
Here’s the insider scoop: they operate on a strict “one-time order only” policy, which means you better study that menu like your life depends on it before sitting down. It’s all part of the authentic street-food charm where efficiency and turnover are king. The setting? Think cozy, no-frills building where spectacular food is the undisputed star.
- Address: 1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
- Phone: (786) 334-6262
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Monday: Closed
- Price: $18.09
The real deal: Critics and diners consistently crown this spot as serving some of the city’s best Thai food, but be prepared to wait – no reservations, first-come-first-served only. The ordering policy can feel intense, but most people get it once they taste the food.
2. Nour Thai Kitchen – The Isaan flavor specialist
Oakland Park’s hidden treasure, Nour Thai Kitchen, takes you on a culinary journey to Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region. This isn’t your typical Thai joint – they’re crafting house-made flat, thick rice noodles and grinding their own curry pastes, creating a level of freshness and depth that’s practically impossible to find elsewhere in South Florida.
Their pad kee mao features those gorgeous house-made noodles stir-fried with a spicy herb blend, egg, bell pepper, onion, tomato, green beans, and basil leaves. The commitment to making everything from scratch translates into flavors that are incredibly fresh and complex, with each bite delivering that perfect balance of spice and aromatics.
The team here pours their heart into every dish, and it shows. The stylish decor and inviting atmosphere make this spot perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, though it can get pleasantly noisy during peak hours when the place fills up with regulars who know they’ve found something special.
- Address: 3554 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33334
- Phone: (954) 533-0569
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: $16.00 – $21.00
Insider tip: Staff members like Jeddy and Jenny are absolute gems – knowledgeable, welcoming, and incredibly accommodating with dietary restrictions. Make a reservation for larger groups.
3. Pop Thai – The consistently praised local favorite
Orlando’s self-proclaimed “Favorite Thai Food Restaurant” has earned that title through sheer consistency and an unwavering commitment to fresh, flavorful dishes. Pop Thai has mastered the art of balancing sweet, salty, sour, and bitter – the four pillars of great Thai cooking – and their drunken noodles are a perfect showcase of this skill, solidifying their reputation for serving some of the most beloved Thai food in Orlando.
Their version features stir-fried wide rice noodles with egg, basil, onion, carrot, and bell pepper in a savory house basil sauce that hits all the right notes. What sets them apart is their use of fresh aromatic herbs like lemongrass and basil, plus they cook every dish to order and let you customize the spice level to your exact preference.
Located on the popular N Mills Ave dining corridor, this spot has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth and consistently glowing reviews. The staff is friendly and prompt, making customers feel welcome from the moment they walk in.
- Address: 1227 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
- Phone: (407) 203-5088
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Monday: Closed
- Price: $14.95
What locals say: One reviewer specifically called their chicken drunken noodles “pleasantly surprising,” and the consistent high ratings across Google and TripAdvisor prove this isn’t just hype.
4. Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen – The award-winning Tampa staple
Multiple “Best Thai Restaurant” awards from Creative Loafing’s readers’ choice don’t lie – Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen has earned its stripes as a beloved institution in the Tampa Bay area. With two locations serving different needs, they’ve mastered the art of delivering consistently high-quality Thai cuisine at excellent value.
Their version of this classic spicy noodle dish, listed as Pad Ke-Mao on the menu, features stir-fried wide rice noodles with egg, basil, onions, peppers, and snow peas in a flavorful brown sauce. At $15.95, it’s an incredible value, especially considering the restaurant’s reputation for generous portions and unwavering quality.
The proof is in the numbers: their Kennedy location alone has over 9,000 ratings on Uber Eats with a stellar 4.7-star average. Customers consistently use words like “amazing” and “consistent quality,” with one regular stating, “Everything I order from here is amazing – consistent quality, I’m never disappointed!!”
- Address:
- South Tampa (Takeout Only): 3635 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
- Riverview (Dine-In Available): 11106 W Bloomingdale Ave, Riverview, FL 33578
- Phone:
- South Tampa: (813) 514-4349
- Riverview: (813) 654-0671
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Monday: Closed
- Price: $15.95
Know before you go: The South Tampa location is takeout and delivery only, while Riverview offers full dine-in service.
5. Bonding – The Brickell neighborhood gem
Hidden away in Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood, Bonding has weathered the challenges of one of the city’s most competitive dining scenes to emerge as a true gem. Their pad kee maow features fresh rice noodles cooked with a garlic brown sauce, fragrant basil leaf, and a perfect blend of Thai spices.
With a 4.7-star rating from over 1,000 diners on Uber Eats, this spot has earned serious street cred. One Grubhub reviewer calls it their “Favorite Thai in Miami,” while another describes it as a “hidden Thai gem in Brickell which prepares its dishes with painstaking perfection.” The attention to detail shows in every bite.
The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients to create what they call “special and delicious meals,” and reviewers consistently comment on the freshness of the food whether you’re dining in or getting delivery.
- Address: 638 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
- Phone: (786) 409-4796
- Hours: Lunch: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM; Dinner: Tuesday – Thursday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sunday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Monday: Closed
- Price: $19.00
Pro tip: While delivery is popular, at least one reviewer recommends dining in for the best experience and presentation.
6. Spice Thai – The airport area standout
Don’t let the location near Orlando airport fool you – Spice Thai has earned its reputation as a local favorite through direct customer testimonials that are absolutely glowing. This is the kind of place where word-of-mouth creates a devoted following for some of the best Thai drunken noodles in Florida.
Their drunken noodles feature flat rice noodles stir-fried with onion, basil, bell pepper, mushroom, and carrot in a spicy chili sauce. At around $14.95 to $15.95, it’s solid value, but the real draw is the consistently great flavor and perfectly cooked ingredients.
The evidence speaks for itself: reviews on their ordering platform include comments like “Absolutely amazing drunken noodles,” “best in town,” and praise for “really great flavor” with shrimp “cooked to perfection.” When multiple diners are this specific about one dish, you know you’ve found something special.
- Address: 6125 S Semoran Blvd, Suite #103, Orlando, FL 32822
- Phone: (407) 855-4400
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM & 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
- Price: $14.95 – $15.95
Heads up: They close for a lunch break on weekdays between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM, so plan accordingly.
7. Pinto Thai Restaurant – The family-owned flavor hub
With roots in family-owned restaurants in both Thailand and the U.S., Pinto Thai brings authentic heritage to South Tampa. Their commitment to fresh vegetables and high-quality meats shows in every dish, and their popular drunken noodles are a perfect reflection of this dedication to quality.
Their version features stir-fried rice noodles with your choice of meat, egg, basil leaf, onion, broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper. The menu promises a “mouthwatering blend of spicy, sour, sweet,” which is exactly what traditional pad kee mao should deliver. Plus, they’ve got a full bar with cocktails like Mai Tai, making it perfect for a complete dinner experience.
The 4.7-star rating with over 1,500 reviews on Uber Eats tells the story. Customers describe it as a “new and pleasant surprise,” praising the “very fresh” ingredients, “good portions,” and “phenomenal” taste. One diner simply calls it “The best Thai food around!”
- Address: 4205 S Macdill Ave, Suite F-G, Tampa, FL 33611
- Phone: (813) 374-5378
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM & 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price: $15.25 – $17.99
Fair warning: One review mentioned the texture of the wide noodles in the drunken noodles was “off-putting,” though they still praised the restaurant’s other offerings like pad Thai and curries.
8. Si-am Thai Restaurant – The downtown culinary duo
Downtown Tampa’s Si-am Thai Restaurant brings a unique twist to the scene: it’s co-owned by a professionally trained Thai chef and a Culinary Institute of America certified Executive Chef. This “Best of Both Worlds” approach means you get authentic Thai alongside American comfort foods – perfect for groups with diverse tastes.
Their pad drunken noodle is a robust creation made with stir-fried large rice noodles, egg, onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, mushroom, broccoli, carrot, Thai basil leaves, and chili paste. The complex mix of vegetables and aromatics creates a flavorful and textured meal that showcases the kitchen’s technical skill.
The restaurant’s new location is described as “absolutely ornate” and beautiful, matching the high caliber of the food. The authenticity is guaranteed – the dishes are prepared by Thai chefs who know exactly what they’re doing.
- Address: 713 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Phone: (813) 229-9710
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM & 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
- Price: $17.95
Time management: Some reviewers note that service can be slow, with waits over 30 minutes for food after ordering. Visit when you’re not in a rush.
9. Asiatic Street Food & Noodle Bar – The vibrant Ybor City experience
As Ybor City’s longest-standing Thai restaurant, Asiatic Street Food & Noodle Bar captures the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s night markets. Their phad kee-mao (basil noodle) brings bold spices and time-honored cooking techniques designed to transport you straight to the streets of Thailand, offering an authentic Thai street food experience.
The dish features basil, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot stir-fried with wide rice noodles, all at an incredibly affordable $14.95. The focus here is on that authentic street food feel – bold, satisfying, and packed with flavor that reminds you why you fell in love with Thai food in the first place.
Customer reviews consistently praise the delicious and flavorful food, with one diner noting, “Food arrived pretty quickly and was absolutely delicious!” The service gets high marks for being great and attentive, and portion sizes are generous for the price point.
- Address: 1600 E 8th Avenue #D101, Centro Ybor, Tampa, FL 33605
- Phone: (813) 284-5317
- Hours: Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: $14.95
Dining tip: They’ve got both indoor and patio seating plus a cozy bar. They also offer a separate vegan menu upon request and are careful with allergies. Some takeout experiences have been inconsistent, so dining in might be your best bet.
10. Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine – The top-rated Jacksonville experience
With two popular locations and a mission to share Thailand’s warm hospitality along with exceptional food, Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine represents the best of Jacksonville’s Thai dining scene. Their commitment to authentic ingredients and exposing guests to exotic culture shows in every carefully prepared dish.
Their drunken noodles are prepared with rice noodles, chilies, lime leaf, Thai bell pepper, green beans, baby corn, egg, and basil. At $20.00 to $23.00, they’re at the higher end of the price spectrum, but the restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and authentic preparation justifies the premium.
The 4.6-star rating from over 500 reviews on DoorDash reflects a generally positive reception, with many customers praising food that’s “always amazing.” However, some diners feel the portion sizes are on the smaller side for the price point, with one noting, “This was 10 bites of noodles, 2 pieces of tofu and $22 for the portion!”
- Address:
- Atlantic Blvd: 13475 Atlantic Blvd #32, Jacksonville, FL 32225
- Riverside: 1551 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
- Phone:
- Atlantic Blvd: (904) 723-1300
- Riverside: (904) 619-7349
- Hours: Atlantic Blvd: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily; Riverside: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Price: $20.00 – $23.00
Special deals: “Phad Thai Tuesdays” offer their pad Thai all day for only $13. They also provide a 10% military discount on Wednesdays for veterans and active-duty families.
The search for the best Thai drunken noodles in Florida reveals a scene that is absolutely thriving, from Miami’s Michelin-blessed authenticity to Tampa’s award-winning consistency and Orlando’s beloved neighborhood gems. Whether you’re craving the uncompromising heat of Lung Yai’s traditional preparation or the house-made noodle artistry of Nour Thai Kitchen, each spot on this list delivers its own unique take on this fiery, fragrant classic. The diversity of approaches – from family-owned heritage recipes to chef-driven innovation – proves that an exceptional bowl of authentic pad kee mao can be found throughout the Sunshine State, just waiting for your next culinary adventure.