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The Old Siam Thai Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Old Siam Thai Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running Tenderloin/Theater District standby known for late hours and consistent classics at wallet-friendly prices. Ideal for a fast sit-down or takeout near Powell and the Curran.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Tom Kha Gai
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Fast, affordable Thai classics a block off Powell.
Who should go: Budget-minded Thai fans
When to visit: Late lunch or after the show
What to order: Khao soi, pad kee mao, tom kha
Insider tip: Spice runs hot—ask for medium if unsure.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but limited in evenings. Closest garages are off Mason and Geary.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and t-shirts fine, theatergoers may be more dressed up.
Noise level: Moderate—can hold a conversation but expect some background chatter during peak times.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes, tables turn fairly quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many stir-fries, curries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some curries and veggie stir-fries can be adapted, but fish sauce is common.
Gluten-free options: Partially—rice dishes are safe, but soy sauce and some sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic occasions—small space and bright lighting favor convenience over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical here; walk-ins are the norm and seating turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like Thai flavors; no special kids’ menu or high chairs, so best for families with school-age children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Thai near theaters at budget prices—fast, consistent, and reliable classics.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, cocktails, or quieter ambiance; try Kin Khao or Lers Ros instead.
The Old Siam Thai Restaurant
8.1
Classic, centrally located Thai with a big menu and reliable portions near Union Square. It’s an easy sit-down choice for familiar staples done cleanly and quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Noodle Soup, Pad See Ew, Tom Kha Gai
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running Thai spot with speedy service and generous plates.
Who should go: Travelers and downtown workers
When to visit: Weekdays 11–2 for shortest waits
What to order: Duck noodles; pad see ew; tom kha
Insider tip: If you like heat, request Thai chili on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is Union Square garages within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are fine.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, though peak lunch hours can get lively.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple curries, noodle dishes, and appetizers available.
Vegan options: Yes—several dishes can be made vegan by requesting tofu and omitting fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes—options like curries and rice plates; ask staff to guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual meal than a romantic night. Great if you want comfort food without fuss.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Reservations aren’t typically needed except for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—the menu is approachable, portions are generous, and the relaxed setting works for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and larger portions than trendier Hayes Valley Thai spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance or a quiet, intimate dining experience.
The Old Siam Thai Restaurant
7.9
Long-running Theater District staple offering a familiar lineup of wok dishes, soups, and curries at friendly prices. Reliable portions and steady execution make it a downtown standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad see ew, Tom kha gai, Spicy basil (pad kra prao)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Downtown classic with steady flavors and speedy pacing.
Who should go: Office crews and casual diners
When to visit: Weekdays 11–2 or after 8pm
What to order: Tom kha; pad see ew; basil chicken
Insider tip: If it’s slammed, order online for swift pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; nearby paid garages around Union Square are the best bet.
Dress code: Casual attire; office wear or jeans are both fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are manageable, though peak lunch can be lively.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes, depending on theater traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several tofu dishes and vegetable stir-fries available.
Vegan options: Limited but possible – request curries and stir-fries without fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Not formally marked, but some rice noodle dishes and curries can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a practical, reliable spot than an intimate destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are the norm; turnover is steady, especially after peak theater rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like noodles and rice dishes; space is tighter, so strollers may be cumbersome.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and dependable portions compared to trendier Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale atmosphere or Michelin-level refinement—other Thai restaurants downtown specialize in that.