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New Thai Elephant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
New Thai Elephant
8.1
Neighborhood Thai spot a block off the Wharf turning out a deep noodle menu, crisp wok dishes, and herb-bright salads. Locals lean on hearty duck and beef soups plus punchy stir-fries when they want quick, reliable flavor without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yen Ta Fo noodle soup, Stewed duck leg noodle soup, Pad Kra Pao (basil stir-fry)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Brothy duck and beef noodle soups alongside a broad, crowd-pleasing Thai menu.
Who should go: Casual Thai fans seeking dependable flavors
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull between lunch and dinner
What to order: Yen ta fo; stewed duck leg noodles; pad kra pao
Insider tip: Ask for your preferred noodle type—flat, thin rice, or vermicelli.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along North Point and Taylor can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Beach Street are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests arrive in tourist or everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are easy even when busy, though takeout orders keep traffic steady.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait up to 40 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though nearby Wharf crowds can spill in around 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – many stir-fries and curries can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited – 3–4 dishes like tofu pad see ew and papaya salad work well when ordered without fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes – rice-based noodle and curry options are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it low-key—casual setup, fast service, and reliable food make it better for relaxed meetups than romantic ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they operate on a walk-in basis, and turnover is quick. Avoid the early dinner rush around 6:30pm for fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – simple rice and noodle plates suit younger eaters, and staff are accommodating with mild spice levels; no high chairs but plenty of booth seating.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty noodle bowls and consistent takeout service in the Wharf area.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambience, cocktails, or a long sit-down dinner experience.
New Thai Elephant
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood Thai near the Wharf known for fresh, straightforward stir-fries, curries, and papaya salad at fair prices. Portions are generous, service is efficient, and it’s a reliable stop before or after the piers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad), Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Panang Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Dependable Thai classics a short walk from the Wharf.
Who should go: Families and Wharf walkers craving Thai staples
When to visit: Late lunch 2–4pm for shortest waits
What to order: Som tum; pad kee mao; panang curry
Insider tip: Ask for heat levels Thai-spicy on request; they’ll oblige.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited near the Wharf—metered spots fill fast, but the Anchorage Square Garage (2 blocks away) is the most reliable paid option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—tourist attire or jeans are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during meal rushes, but easy to converse during off-hours.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak 6–8pm window; quicker for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most dishes can substitute tofu and omit fish sauce on request.
Vegan options: Moderate—around 3–4 dishes can be made vegan with custom prep.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some curries and rice dishes qualify, but soy sauce is used in many stir-fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual meetup than a romantic setting—comfortable and clean, but the focus is on quick, tasty food over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, and tables turn over quickly. Reservations aren’t typically needed unless arriving with a large group during dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are patient, portions are shareable, and spice can be adjusted. High chairs are available for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Fresh vegetables and balanced sauces that feel lighter and cleaner than most Wharf-area Thai options.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy cocktails or upscale décor—this is more about solid food and convenience than atmosphere.
New Thai Elephant
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Neighborhood Thai near the Wharf known for a broad menu of noodle soups, curries, and shareable appetizers served fast at fair prices. Portions are generous, turnover is high, and it’s an easy pre-or-post waterfront stop without tourist-trap pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yen Ta Fo Noodle Soup, Mango Salmon (spicy lime dressing), Stewed Duck Leg Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Fast, flavor-forward Thai with an unusually deep noodle-soup lineup.
Who should go: Casual diners seeking reliable, affordable Thai classics
When to visit: Early lunch or early dinner to avoid peak rush
What to order: Yen Ta Fo; Mango Salmon; Stewed Duck Leg Noodle Soup
Insider tip: Ask for house chili-vinegar and dry chili to tune broth balance.