A perennial winner of the “Nashville Scene” best Thai category, Smiling Elephant is for serious diners: no reservations, limited parking, and no booze. In the small, crowded dining room you’ll find a traditional noodle cart, manufactured by the owner’s father and used as a serving station. Vegetarian-friendly, the Elephant serves tofu dishes that are baked for a denser texture instead of the spongy or pre-fried stuff as well as an array of both spicy and savory dishes.