Seemor

The Blue ElephantB+Worth Trying

Name: The Blue Elephant
Address: 719 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, Somerville, United States
Rating: 4.5

719 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 · Thai restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (105 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Lively Ball Square Thai spot with broad menu, friendly service, and standout staples; a few consistency and pricing quirks mean best for dine-in over delivery.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Blue Elephant delivers competitive neighborhood Thai dining through solid food quality anchored by wok-kissed noodles and flavorful curries, paired with attentive, accommodating service. However, inconsistent execution—particularly in takeout quality and occasional slow service during peak times—prevents a higher grade. Dine-in remains the safest bet for reliable flavors and friendly hospitality in a cozy Ball Square location.

Restaurant Summary

On a busy Ball Square corner, Blue Elephant hums with bustling neighborhood energy: clinking woks, friendly servers, and plates of noodles streaming to tables. One diner gushed, "the wok smokiness on the noodles was spot on," while another praised the attentive, kind staff who adjusted spice and checked allergies. Come early or expect a short wait during peak times in this cozy, modern room. The cooking leans classic Thai with reliable crowd-pleasers—Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles, and Panang—plus a few specials and crossovers. When the kitchen hits its groove, flavors are bright and balanced; a minority of reviews cite bland takeout or small portions, so dine-in seems the safest bet. Prices track the area, with staples in the mid-teens and seafood specials higher; note weekend dinner pricing and occasional rice upcharges with curries. Families do well here. Kids gravitate to Pad Thai, fried rice, and satay; staff are welcoming and quick with adjustments. The blue-hued mango sticky rice makes a fun finish. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu has plenty of familiar options for younger eaters.

At a Glance

Wok-kissed noodles and flavorful curries draw strong local praise
Friendly, attentive service with spice and allergy accommodations
Inconsistent takeout quality and occasional slow service when slammed
Confusion over rice included with curries and weekend pricing
Blue mango sticky rice is a memorable dessert

What Sets It Apart

blue_mango_sticky_rice
broad_thai_menu_with_specials
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What People Love

That comforting wok smokiness on noodles
Warm, helpful servers who customize spice
Blue-tinted mango sticky rice dessert
Neighborhood gem vibe with fair prices

Points of Concern

Takeout quality can be less consistent than dine-in for texture and flavor
Some diners report small portions for certain curries and salads
Rice policy and weekend dinner pricing cause surprise charges for a few guests
Busy peak hours lead to longer waits and occasional order timing issues

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$32-45 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose noodle mains ($15-16) for reliable value
Confirm rice policy when ordering curries ($16-17; brisket $22)
If seafood, budget for specials like Thai Chili Fish ($21) or Seafood Madness ($27)

Perfect For

Casual weeknight Thai cravings
Low-key date night near Tufts
Family dinner with familiar dishes
Takeout when you want pad see ew or fried rice

Location Insights

Area: Lively, student-friendly junction near Tufts with neighborhood foot traffic and casual eateries.

Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with steady evening activity; typical urban vigilance applies.

Nearby: Near Tufts University, cafes, pubs, and other casual restaurants; strong takeout and delivery demand.

Davis SquareDavis Square is a bustling, walkable neighborhood with a lively dining and nightlife scene featuring eclectic restaurants, cafes, and bars. It attracts a mix of locals and visitors who enjoy its creative atmosphere and community events.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30 Wednesday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30 Thursday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30 Friday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30 Saturday12:00–21:30 Sunday12:00–21:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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