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Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
SoMa mainstay (since 1995) known for polished Thai staples, a full bar, and steady lunch-and-dinner crowds. Dishes lean savory and balanced, with specials and a few seafood standouts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Fried Rice, Crispy Catfish Salad, Honey Roasted Duck
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running Thai spot pairing familiar classics with a proper bar.
Who should go: Office groups and after-work diners
When to visit: Early evening to avoid prime-time waits
What to order: Crab fried rice; crispy catfish; roasted duck
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster at peak dinner hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Folsom is metered and limited; nearby paid garages on 5th and 6th are more reliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—office attire blends in, but jeans and neat tops are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing during peak dinner hours but still workable for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation at peak times
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 5–10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several curries, stir-fries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—around 3–4 dishes; confirm fish sauce exclusions with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished ambiance and a full bar create a relaxed but lively setting, though it’s better for casual than romantic dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during lunch, but for evenings it’s smart to book; walk-ins at the bar are your best bet otherwise.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—booths and shareable dishes work well, but it’s more of an adult after-work crowd during evenings.
Best For
Better for: Stronger for sit-down Thai with cocktails and group-friendly portions compared to casual counter-service spots.
Skip if: If you’re seeking ultra-authentic street-style heat or super quiet dining, other Thai restaurants may be a better fit.
Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
8.3
Long-running SoMa standby (since 1995) serving wok-fired Thai staples with a lively bar program. Locals come for bold, balanced flavors—spicy basil stir-fries, curries, and noodles—delivered fast enough for a dependable lunch or pre-show dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Green Curry with Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly with Chinese Broccoli
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A 1995 SoMa original marrying punchy Thai flavors with a proper bar.
Who should go: Downtown workers and pre-show diners
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–2 or 5–6 for happy hour
What to order: Drunken noodles; green curry; crispy pork belly
Insider tip: Bring a bottle from Decant SF nearby—corkage is often waived with partner wines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—business attire works at lunch, while jeans and a nice shirt are fine for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy enough for conversation at lunch, more energetic during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially before shows or events.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly, though peak 12–1pm can mean a brief wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes—around 4–5 dishes are fully vegan, and staff can adapt some items on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice-based dishes and many curries are gluten-free; staff are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—casual but lively atmosphere with cocktails makes it a fun, low-pressure first date option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially at lunch or early evenings, but reservations are smart for Friday nights and pre-show crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—fast service and shareable dishes; however, the bar energy and spice levels may not suit younger children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, flavorful Thai meals with a full bar—ideal for lunch breaks, happy hour, or casual pre-show dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or highly modern Thai tasting menu—this is more lively and classic.
Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
7.8
SoMa staple since 1995 balancing classics and house specialties like panang with braised short rib. Comfortable dining room and full bar make it a dependable lunch-to-dinner option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry with Braised Short Rib, Pad Kee Mao, Crispy Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running SoMa Thai with a signature short-rib panang.
Who should go: Office groups and classic Thai fans
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for easy seating
What to order: Short-rib panang, pad kee mao, spring rolls
Insider tip: Happy hour deals run early evening at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa; metered spots available nearby, but fills quickly after 6pm. Paid garages within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire or neat jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate; lively at peak times but still possible to hold conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; popular with office crowds but tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several curries, noodle dishes, and appetizers can be prepared vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes available; ask staff about fish sauce substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many stir-fries and curries can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent choice for a casual first date; relaxed atmosphere and consistent food, though not as intimate as a smaller bistro.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but reservations recommended for dinner or larger groups. Lunch is typically walk-in friendly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – family friendly with spacious seating and approachable dishes like noodles and fried rice; no dedicated kids’ menu but staff accommodate requests.
Best For
Better for: Dependable Thai classics in a roomy setting with a full bar, great for groups and office lunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-spicy regional Thai specialties or a trendy, intimate dining vibe; smaller Thai spots in the Mission may fit better.