Thai House & Sushi Bar in Columbia: What to Expect

Where Thai House & Sushi Bar is located and what it serves

Thai House & Sushi Bar is a casual dining restaurant in Columbia that combines Thai and Japanese cuisines under one roof. The restaurant sits at 8 Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area known for local shops, galleries, and restaurants. The menu centers on pad thai, curries, stir-fries, and sushi rolls alongside rice and noodle dishes typical of Thai cooking, with sushi offerings that appeal to diners who want both cuisines in one visit.

The space itself is modest and informal—the kind of neighborhood spot where you can eat alone at the bar or bring a group to a table without formality. Service is straightforward and attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant does not require reservations for most visits, though calling ahead during peak dinner hours (typically 6 to 8 p.m. on weekends) can help you avoid a wait.

Key Takeaways

• Thai House & Sushi Bar is located on Devine Street in Five Points and serves both Thai curries and stir-fries alongside sushi and sashimi.
• The restaurant operates as a casual walk-in spot without formal dress code, making it accessible for lunch, dinner, or takeout orders.
• Lunch specials typically run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and offer smaller portions of popular dishes at lower prices than dinner.
• The bar serves beer, wine, and Thai iced tea, and the kitchen can adjust spice levels on most dishes if you request it when ordering.
• Parking is available on Devine Street and in nearby lots shared with other Five Points businesses.

Thai dishes and how they are prepared

The Thai side of the menu includes the standards: pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, and peanuts), pad see ew (wide rice noodles with soy sauce and Chinese broccoli), and pad krapow moo (ground pork with holy basil and chilies over rice). Each dish comes with a choice of protein—chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu—and can be ordered mild, medium, hot, or extra hot. The kitchen respects heat requests, so if you are new to Thai food or prefer less spice, say so when you order.

Curries are made fresh to order and come in four varieties: red, green, yellow, and panang. Red and green curries tend toward the spicier end; yellow is milder and slightly sweet; panang is rich and peanut-forward. All arrive in a bowl with coconut milk, vegetables, and your choice of protein, served over jasmine rice. Tom yum (hot and sour soup) and tom kha gai (coconut milk soup with chicken) are also available and work well as starters or light meals.

Sushi and raw fish offerings

The sushi menu includes nigiri (fish over rice), maki rolls (rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed), and specialty rolls with names like the Columbia Roll or Dragon Roll. Rolls typically contain cooked ingredients—shrimp tempura, crab, avocado—or a mix of raw and cooked. If you are ordering raw fish for the first time, ask your server which rolls contain only cooked ingredients, or stick to rolls marked as such on the menu.

Sashimi (sliced raw fish without rice) is available by the piece or in sets. The restaurant sources its fish from suppliers that serve the sushi trade, though it is not a high-end omakase counter—it is a neighborhood spot with fresh, reliable sushi at moderate prices. Vegetarian rolls filled with cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables are also on the menu and are just as carefully made as the fish rolls.

Lunch specials and pricing

Lunch specials run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and include a smaller portion of a Thai dish (pad thai, curry, or stir-fry) plus a spring roll and a choice of soup or salad. These are priced lower than dinner portions of the same dish. Dinner entrees are moderately priced for the area; a full curry or noodle dish typically costs between $12 and $16, depending on protein choice. Sushi rolls range from $6 to $12 per roll.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments. Takeout orders can be placed by phone or in person, and the kitchen typically has them ready within 15 to 20 minutes. Delivery through third-party apps is also available, though ordering directly often results in faster service and avoids app fees.

Parking and neighborhood context

Parking on Devine Street itself is street parking, which turns over regularly during the day but can be tight during dinner hours. A shared lot behind the Five Points shopping area is also accessible and usually has open spaces. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly if you are coming from nearby apartments or offices—Five Points is compact enough to walk across in 10 minutes.

The area around Thai House & Sushi Bar includes independent bookstores, coffee shops, and galleries, so it is easy to combine a meal with browsing or a walk. The restaurant sits near the intersection of Devine and Heyward streets, which is the heart of Five Points' commercial district.

Hours, contact, and what to know before you go

Thai House & Sushi Bar is typically open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though hours may vary seasonally or for holidays. Calling ahead (803-256-7788) confirms current hours and lets you place a takeout order. The restaurant is closed on major holidays; calling or checking their social media pages will confirm closure dates.

The dining room is casual and does not have a dress code. It is a good choice for a quick lunch, a date night without formality, or a group dinner where people want different cuisines. The noise level is moderate—it is not a quiet spot, but conversation is easy at your own table. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, nut allergies), mention them when ordering; the kitchen can modify most dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own beer or wine?

No, Thai House & Sushi Bar has a beer and wine license and does not allow outside alcohol. The bar serves domestic and imported beers, wine by the glass or bottle, and Thai iced tea, which pairs well with spicy dishes.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for most visits. During peak dinner hours on Friday and Saturday evenings, a short wait is possible. Calling ahead lets you know the current wait time and can sometimes hold a table if you are bringing a large group.

What if I have never had Thai food before?

Start with pad thai or a mild yellow curry—both are approachable and flavorful without being overwhelming. Ask your server to keep the spice level mild, and order a side of jasmine rice to cool your palate if needed. Tom kha gai (coconut soup) is also a gentle introduction to Thai flavors.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Most Thai dishes can be made with tofu instead of meat, and vegetable stir-fries and curries are on the menu. Sushi rolls with cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables are also available. Mention vegan preferences when ordering so the kitchen avoids fish sauce or other animal products.

How spicy is the food if I order it "hot"?

Thai restaurants vary in their heat levels. At Thai House & Sushi Bar, "hot" is noticeably spicy but not punishing for someone who eats spicy food regularly. "Extra hot" is significantly hotter. If you are unsure, order "medium" and ask for extra chilies on the side so you can control the heat yourself.