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Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley
8.5
Hayes Street’s Thai workhorse from chef Tom Silagorn serving assertive, region-spanning flavors before and after symphony or opera. The menu runs deep, with heat and herbal notes dialed in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Pork Belly with Basil, Grilled Beef Salad (Nam Tok/Laab Neua), Pad Kee Mao
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big-flavor Thai near the performing arts corridor.
Who should go: Spice lovers and pre-show diners
When to visit: Before curtain or late after crowds
What to order: Crispy pork belly basil, beef salad, pad kee mao
Insider tip: Request Thai-level spice only if you really mean it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hayes can be competitive, especially on show nights; nearby paid garages like the Performing Arts Garage usually have spaces.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but you’ll see theatergoers in dressier attire before performances.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but expect buzz during peak pre-show hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer around symphony or opera curtain times.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait—walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries can be prepared vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—ask for tofu substitutions and no fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some options available—pad Thai and certain curries can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys bold flavors and a lively atmosphere. It’s casual but energetic—less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but expect a wait around performance times. Reservations are recommended if you’re on a tight schedule.
Is it kid-friendly? It works for families with older kids who enjoy spice and adventurous flavors. Limited space and higher spice levels may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: Lers Ros excels at bold, authentic flavors and an extensive regional menu, making it a stronger choice for adventurous Thai eaters than nearby casual spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic dinner or extremely mild Thai flavors—opt for a calmer, more polished setting instead.
Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley
8.6
Neighborhood Thai standby known for assertive spice, Northern/Isan leanings, and a deep menu that rewards repeat visits. Consistent execution and pre-show convenience make it a go-to around the Symphony/Opera corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Pork Belly with Basil, Duck Salad (larb ped), Thai Boat Noodles
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Spice-forward Thai with standout pork belly and regional dishes.
Who should go: Thai regulars who like real heat
When to visit: Pre-show 5–6:30pm or late after 9
What to order: Crispy pork basil; duck salad; boat noodles
Insider tip: Ask for Thai-style spice levels—medium here runs hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hayes Valley and fills quickly during evening shows; nearby paid garages on Franklin or Gough are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, though many pre-show diners lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are possible at smaller tables but expect bustle during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical without a reservation, longer around Symphony/Opera curtain times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dedicated dishes like stir-fried eggplant and curries can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—pad kee mao and some curries can be customized; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re both into bold flavors and a casual, energetic vibe. It’s not overly formal, but the food impresses.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, though expect waits around show times. Reservations are advised for prime weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs available and a broad menu, but spice levels and bustling room may suit older kids best.
Best For
Better for: Bolder spice, authentic regional Northern/Isan options, and consistency make it stand out from trendier Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: If you prefer a quiet, romantic setting or need extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations, alternatives may be better.
Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley
8.2
Hayes Valley outpost of the beloved local group serving a deep, region-spanning menu—from spicy Isan salads to comforting stir-fries. It’s a dependable pre-show stop with fast pacing and broad appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic quail, Pad kee mao (drunken noodles), Boat noodles
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big menu with bold northern and Isan-leaning flavors near the arts corridor.
Who should go: Groups with mixed spice tolerances
When to visit: Before evening shows for easiest seating
What to order: Garlic quail; boat noodles; pad kee mao
Insider tip: Request Thai spicy heat levels—kitchen will oblige.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hayes Valley, especially evenings; metered spots turn over late lunch and after 8pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; theatergoers often look slightly dressier pre-show.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible but can be energetic during peak dining hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes at peak times without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple curries, stir-fries, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—around 3–4 dishes can be customized without fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Some options (curries, rice-based dishes) but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual dates than romantic ones—the vibe is bustling and group-friendly rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but peak dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, and the large menu works for families, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups seeking authentic Thai flavors with a wide range of spice levels, plus quick pre-show meals.
Skip if: If you’re looking for fine-dining ambiance or a quiet, romantic dinner, try a more upscale Thai option like Kin Khao.