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Thanh Thanh Cafe

2205 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
$
Vietnamese, Pho

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Thanh Thanh Cafe 7.7
Outer Richmond
Casual Clement Street spot known for a broad noodle-soup lineup and comfort staples. It’s a practical everyday option where portions run hearty and prices stay approachable.
Must-Try Dishes: Hủ tiếu đặc biệt (house special noodle soup), Bún bò Huế, Cơm gà rô-ti (roasted chicken rice)
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Broad, soup-heavy menu with big portions at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Everyday noodle-soup seekers
When to visit: Late lunch for quickest tables
What to order: House special hủ tiếu; bún bò Huế; roasted chicken rice
Insider tip: Order chili garlic on the side to tune heat precisely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and 33rd Avenue; easier before 6pm but tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are for neighborhood dining.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except on rainy days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple tofu and vegetable noodle soups available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request no fish sauce or meat broth on select dishes.
Gluten-free options: Partially—rice noodles and rice plates work, but soy sauce not certified GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it's more of a casual, everyday noodle spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Thanh Thanh doesn’t take reservations, and turnover is quick even during busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly environment with simple dishes and high chairs available upon request.
Best For
Better for: Great for casual, budget-friendly Vietnamese soups with generous portions and fast service.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale presentation or specialty dishes beyond everyday staples.
Thanh Thanh Cafe 7.7
Outer Richmond
Compact Clement Street cafe serving a peppery sate phở alongside classic beef and chicken bowls. Friendly counter service and quick turnaround make it an easy Outer Richmond stop.
Must-Try Dishes: Sate phở (peanut-tomato, rare beef), Phở gà, Phở tái
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Rare in the area for a bold, peanut-leaning sate phở.
Who should go: Spice-curious soup seekers
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm
What to order: Sate phở; phở gà; phở tái
Insider tip: Order the sate medium spice first—heat creeps up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and 32nd Avenue; meters until 6pm, but generally available on weeknights.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—typical neighborhood attire is fine.
Noise level: Moderate—small room buzzes at peak dinner but quiet enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during dinner rush, faster for solo diners.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick and efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetarian phở available, though broths are mostly meat-based.
Vegan options: Minimal—broth and sauces generally contain animal products.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact possible due to soy sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual or low-key meetup than a formal date—tight seating and brisk pacing fit a relaxed, unfussy vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only and turnover is quick; arriving before 7pm guarantees fast seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle spice or noodle soups; limited space and no high chairs for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-fuss phở with more kick and spice variety than nearby competitors like Pho Huong Viet or An Chi.
Skip if: You prefer elaborate menus, large dining rooms, or broth that’s more traditional and mild.
Thanh Thanh Cafe 7.8
Outer Richmond
Long-running daytime cafe focused on bánh mì, rice plates, and smoothies. It’s a low-key staple for simple, satisfying Vietnamese lunches on Clement.
Must-Try Dishes: Combo Bánh Mì, Shrimp Spring Rolls, Tofu Curry Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.9 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 7.7 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Daytime-only standby for inexpensive sandwiches and rice plates.
Who should go: Lunch crowds and casual takeout
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch to avoid lines
What to order: Combo bánh mì; shrimp spring rolls; Vietnamese coffee
Insider tip: Cash-forward; check hours—it often closes by early evening.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and nearby residential blocks; meter spots turn over decently during lunch hours.
Dress code: Very casual—T-shirts and jeans are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—busy lunch chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed by early evening; not open for dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic vegetarian bánh mì and tofu rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some items like spring rolls or tofu plates to be vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—rice plates are safe; sandwiches use standard baguettes with gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a quick, casual lunch spot with counter service; better for low-key hangouts than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only and fast turnover; just grab an open table or take your food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—relaxed environment and simple dishes; fine for families with kids 5 and up though no high chairs or play area.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive bánh mì or rice plates when you want a satisfying lunch without fuss.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, dinner service, or modern Vietnamese fusion—try PPQ or Aziza instead.