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Phat Thai SF
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Phat Thai SF
8.0
Brick-and-mortar from a longtime food-truck team serving homestyle Thai staples at friendly prices. Portions are generous, flavors are direct, and takeout is fast for weeknight dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Green Curry (chicken), Pad Thai
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Family recipes from a veteran truck team at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Budget diners craving classic Thai plates
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 pm for easier parking
What to order: Pad see ew; green curry; pad thai
Insider tip: Request ‘Thai spicy’ if you prefer a proper kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Lombard and nearby side streets; usually easier before 7 pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans and hoodies fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to chat, though takeout orders keep the space lively.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; quick turnover keeps things moving.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most noodle and curry dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask to omit fish sauce and egg in stir-fries.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options like curries and rice dishes; confirm sauces with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—better suited for casual meals or takeout, though the friendliness and flavor can charm low-key diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm here, and tables turn fast even on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals; portions are generous and spice levels can be adjusted for younger palates.
Best For
Better for: Fast, homestyle Thai with generous portions and great value—ideal for casual weeknights or budget-friendly takeout.
Skip if: You’re after a date-night setting or elevated plating—this is a flavor-first, no-frills stop.
Phat Thai SF
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Brick-and-mortar spin-off of a long-running Thai street-food operation, geared toward fast counter orders and takeout. Portions are generous and pricing stays friendly for everyday meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Green Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Street-food recipes from a veteran local operation now served at a quick counter.
Who should go: Takeout-first diners and students
When to visit: Early evenings before the dinner rush
What to order: Pad kee mao, pad thai, green curry
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to skip third-party delivery fees.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Union and nearby cross streets; generally available before 6pm but tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—come as you are, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with steady takeout traffic but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for walk-in pickup; dine-in tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food ready in 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most curries and stir-fries can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Partially—several dishes like tofu pad thai or veggie curry can be made vegan by omitting fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some rice-based dishes work, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it ultra-casual—think quick meal before a movie rather than a linger-and-chat setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken, and tables turn fast; most orders are takeout anyway.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals—space is limited but staff are friendly and tolerant of kids; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, and spicier than sit-down Thai spots like Blackwood or Baan Yaai.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, cocktails, or extended table service—this is a grab-and-go format.