0 Followers
Hed verythai
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Hed verythai
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Alleyway Thai near Union Square serving khao gaeng-style set plates—tri-color rice with rotating curries, stir-fries, and a small dessert. Locals like it for punchy Isan flavors, quick service, and solid value just off the main shopping streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao gaeng set (tri-color rice + curry trio), Pork belly set, Yum goong (shrimp salad)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Set-meal format brings a balanced Thai spread on one tray.
Who should go: Hungry shoppers craving bold Thai flavors
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Khao gaeng set, pork belly, yum goong
Insider tip: Look for Hardie Place off Sutter—it's tucked down the alley.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; metered street spots on Sutter and Post fill fast—best bet is the Sutter-Stockton Garage two blocks away ($5–$7/hr).
Dress code: Completely casual—tees, sneakers, and shopping bags welcome. No need to dress up even for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the small kitchen and lunchtime chatter, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes around 6–8pm; turnover is quick since tables are small.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm; fills up fast afterward with downtown workers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—green curry tofu and basil eggplant are regular fixtures.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie stir-fries without fish sauce; staff can accommodate simple swaps.
Gluten-free options: Partially—many curries and rice plates are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce appears in some dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual shared-lunch vibe than a formal date—tight quarters, fast turnover, and food served on trays make it more about flavor than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Counter ordering keeps the line moving, and tables usually free up quickly even during rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or adventurous eaters—space is tight, so strollers aren’t ideal. Great for families grabbing a quick bite after shopping.
Best For
Better for: Punchier, more authentic street-style flavors and value-focused set meals than nearby sit-down Thai spots.
Skip if: You’re after cocktails, a long dinner, or plush seating—this is all about fast, flavorful eats.
Hed verythai
8.2
Compact Union Square alley spot serving set menus that highlight Northern and Central Thai flavors—from khao soi to massaman—at fair downtown prices. Locals use it for efficient lunches and casual dinners with bolder spice than most nearby options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Nua (beef), Massaman Curry (chicken), Ribeye Larb with herbs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Set-menu format delivers balanced Thai flavors fast without sacrificing quality.
Who should go: Downtown diners craving bold Thai on a schedule
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:15pm or early dinner 5–6pm
What to order: Khao soi, massaman chicken, ribeye larb
Insider tip: Enter via Hardie Place off Sutter and opt for a set menu for best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Union Square; nearest garages are Sutter-Stockton Garage (paid hourly) and Union Square Garage. No valet service available.
Dress code: Casual to business casual; office attire is common at weekday lunch, but jeans and relaxed wear are fine.
Noise level: Moderate - lively during lunch rush, quieter at early dinner; conversation is possible without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for walk-ins at peak hours; small space means turnover is steady but limited.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes if arriving before 12:15pm; longer waits after 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but possible - 2–3 options such as vegetable curry or tofu stir-fry when requested.
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes and curries are safe; staff can guide on soy sauce substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or low-key dinners than romantic occasions; the space is compact and informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but the dining room is small—arrive early for lunch or dinner to avoid peak wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for older kids who enjoy bold flavors; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more authentic spice levels compared to nearby Thai spots catering to tourists.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a long, lingering dinner with ambiance or large-group seating, choose a larger Thai restaurant instead.
Hed verythai
8.4
Tiny alleyway spot near Union Square serving set-menu Isaan-style plates with bold curries, chilies, and herbs. Locals come for khao soi, rotating seasonal sides, and fast, friendly service in a compact room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Nua (beef), Red Curry Duck (Gaeng Phed Ped), Papaya Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Set-menu, Isaan-leaning Thai built around khao gaeng platters.
Who should go: Spice-seeking Thai devotees and downtown diners
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch to avoid waits
What to order: Khao soi beef; red curry duck; papaya salad
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal side swaps on the set menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Union Square is limited and metered; nearby paid garages like the Sutter-Stockton Garage are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine—come as you are, though business casual won’t feel out of place given the downtown location.
Noise level: Moderate—small space with lively chatter, but you can still hold a conversation comfortably.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dinner hours, as seating is limited.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though a short line may form around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward curries and papaya salad can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but fish sauce is common in many recipes.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most curries and rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, food-focused outings than a romantic first date. The space is tight and informal, ideal if you both love authentic Thai flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical. Arrive early for lunch or dinner to avoid the small rush periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to spice levels and compact seating. Older kids who enjoy bold flavors will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Bold, authentic Isaan flavors in a set-menu format that’s rare downtown.
Skip if: You want a large group table, a quiet romantic setting, or extensive vegan options.