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Zabb Thai Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Zabb Thai Cuisine
8.1
Neighborhood Thai spot on Mission Street known for well-seasoned stir-fries, curries, and swift counter service. Portions are generous for the price, making it a dependable weeknight option in the Excelsior/Outer Mission corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew (Chinese broccoli, wok char), Green Curry with Eggplant, Basil Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straightforward Thai staples cooked hot and fast at fair prices.
Who should go: Weeknight takeout and casual family dinners
When to visit: Early evening 5–7pm for fastest turnaround
What to order: Pad see ew, green curry, basil fried rice
Insider tip: Ask for extra wok char on noodles for smokier flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; easier to find spots after 6:30pm.
Dress code: Casual; comfortable attire fits the low-key neighborhood setting.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easy even during dinner rushes.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; takeout usually faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait or minimal wait for takeout.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – nearly all stir-fries and curries can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited – several dishes available with tofu and no fish sauce upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial – rice dishes and curries are generally safe, but soy sauce used in some items contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual and cozy; the lighting is bright and vibe relaxed rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – reservations aren’t needed; tables turn quickly even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – family groups are common; high chairs available and mild spice levels can be requested.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, fast service, and value pricing compared to trendier Thai spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambience or craft cocktails; this is a functional, comfort-driven neighborhood spot.
Zabb Thai Cuisine
8.0
Cash-only neighborhood Thai with a tight, classic menu that locals use for reliable weeknight dinners. Portions run generous and the papaya salad and wok dishes carry the most snap; curries are straightforward and comforting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Papaya Salad (Som Tum), Spicy Basil w/ Chicken (Pad Krapow), Mango Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cash-only, no-frills Thai that hits the weeknight comfort sweet spot.
Who should go: Locals craving quick, affordable Thai standards
When to visit: Early evening for shortest lines and freshest batches
What to order: Som tum; pad krapow chicken; mango fried rice
Insider tip: Bring cash—ATM nearby can run out on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; easier to find spots before 6:30pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear fit the neighborhood vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—small dining room where you can still hold a conversation, though takeout orders add brief bursts of activity.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a table; takeout orders typically ready in 15 minutes.
Weekday lunch: No wait—quick counter service and fast ticket times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most stir-fry and curry dishes can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—several dishes like vegetable pad thai and tofu green curry can be customized without fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partial—many rice-based dishes work, but soy sauce is used in most stir-fries; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both appreciate low-key, homey spots—it’s more for casual comfort than ambience-driven romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, and turnover is fast. Early dinner hours or takeout are best to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and mild options make it easy for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Thai comfort food without fuss—ideal for locals who want consistent flavors and generous portions.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale presentation, modern plating, or a cocktail program—this is a neighborhood staple, not a destination spot.
Zabb Thai Cuisine
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood Thai standby on Mission Street known for weeknight-friendly curries, noodles, and quick turnarounds. Portions are solid for the price, making it a reliable takeout or casual dine-in option for locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Kha Gai (coconut soup), Pad See Ew, Red Curry Duck
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Straightforward Thai classics at budget-friendly prices with fast service.
Who should go: Weeknight takeout and casual curry-and-noodles fans
When to visit: Early evening for shortest waits and freshest batches
What to order: Tom kha gai, pad see ew, red curry duck
Insider tip: Ask for spice levels by dish—heat can run mild unless requested.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street can be competitive during dinner hours, but nearby residential blocks usually have open spaces within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests come in everyday wear or work attire.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly with occasional takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours around 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food is served quickly for takeout and dine-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nearly every curry and noodle dish can be made vegetarian with tofu or vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—some curries use fish sauce, but stir-fry dishes can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—pad thai and most rice dishes are safe, but soy-based sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-key meetups than romantic dates—small tables and bright lighting make it more everyday dining than ambiance-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard here, and tables turn quickly even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating with family seating and mild spice levels, making it an easy option for kids or group dinners.
Best For
Better for: Fast, consistent takeout and affordable weeknight curries without compromising freshness.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale Thai plating, cocktails, or a date-night setting—head to Sakesan or Farmhouse Kitchen instead.