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ZipPicks Awards
Best Thai in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Star of Siam on Lincoln
7.9
A no-frills Thai kitchen on Lincoln that earns its steady takeout line with generous portions of curries and noodle soups at prices well below the Santa Monica average. The duck noodle soup and green curry draw repeat orders from budget-minded regulars who treat it as a weekly rotation spot rather than a destination. Expect a small, quiet dining room if you eat in, but most traffic flows through the to-go counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Green Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Straightforward Thai kitchen on Lincoln where generous portions and low prices keep the takeout line steady.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals craving reliable Thai takeout.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service and fresh woks.
What to order: Start with the Pad Thai or Pad See Ew, add a Green Curry to share, and ask about the Duck Noodle Soup if you want something off the usual rotation.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small free lot behind the building (about 6 spaces) plus a few street spots out front—no valet, no meters in the rear lot
Noise level: Quiet enough to hold a conversation—small room, moderate hum, not a shouting-over-music situation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive—dedicated tofu and vegetable options across curries, noodles, stir-fries, and soups; most dishes swap protein to tofu on request
Vegan options: Solid unlabeled selection—vegan noodle soup, fresh rolls with steamed tofu, fried tofu, vegetable stir-fries, and curries with tofu; confirm fish sauce and egg omission with staff on noodle dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not the best pick for a first date. This is a small, casual, budget-friendly Thai spot — great food but the atmosphere leans more neighborhood takeout joint than romantic dinner. The cozy size means tables are close together and there's not much ambiance to speak of. Better for a comfortable third or fourth date where you're past the impress-me stage, or grab takeout and picnic nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm here. It's a casual neighborhood spot, not a destination restaurant, so most diners just show up. The small size means you might wait briefly during peak dinner hours on weekends (around 6-7pm), but turnover is fast since many customers order takeout. Reservations are accepted if you want to guarantee a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, unpretentious atmosphere is naturally family-friendly, and the noise level is forgiving. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, but Thai staples like fried rice and pad thai are easy crowd-pleasers for younger eaters. You can request mild spice levels. It's a family-owned operation that's welcoming to all ages. Best to visit on the earlier side before the small dining room fills up.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4-6, but the restaurant is on the smaller side so large parties will be a tight fit. Call ahead if you have more than 5 people so they can arrange seating. Not ideal for big celebrations or groups of 8+ — the space and table configuration won't comfortably support it.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available. Specific details about the setup (number of tables, covered vs. uncovered, heating) are not confirmed online — call ahead to ask about availability, especially during busier evenings.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly Thai with generous portions—full dinner for two around $40, strong curries and fried rice, quiet enough for actual conversation, reliable takeout operation
Consider Alternatives If: You want polished ambiance or a trendy scene—this is a no-frills neighborhood spot with simple decor and a forgettable exterior; some reviewers note the flavors lean Americanized
Hours
Monday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Thursday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Friday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Saturday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm
Sunday11am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 9pm