Any insider tips for Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Request Thai-level spice only if you really mean it.

What should I order at Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Crispy pork belly basil, beef salad, pad kee mao

When should I visit Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Before curtain or late after crowds

Who should go to Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley?

Spice lovers and pre-show diners

Any insider tips for The Thonglor?

Check the weekly combo special for a good-value set.

What should I order at The Thonglor?

Pad kee mao; green curry; crispy chicken rice

When should I visit The Thonglor?

After 8:30pm for quicker seating

Who should go to The Thonglor?

Showgoers and hotel-area diners

Any insider tips for The Old Siam Thai Restaurant?

Spice runs hot—ask for medium if unsure.

Any insider tips for Osha Thai Noodle Cafe ?

Add roti with curries—it’s worth the small upcharge.

What should I order at Osha Thai Noodle Cafe ?

Tom yum noodles; pumpkin curry; royal pad thai

When should I visit Osha Thai Noodle Cafe ?

11:30–12 or after 1:30 for easiest seats

Who should go to Osha Thai Noodle Cafe ?

Office lunch and pre-show eaters

Any insider tips for King of Thai Noodle House?

Customize noodle type for soups—thin rice keeps broth punchy.

What should I order at King of Thai Noodle House?

Boat noodles; fried chicken rice; papaya salad

Best Cheap Eats Thai Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)

5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Lers Ros Thai — Hayes Valley

8.6

$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Trendy Table Hotspots

Neighborhood Thai standby known for assertive spice, Northern/Isan leanings, and a deep menu that rewards repeat visits. Consistent execution and pre-show convenience make it a go-to around the Symphony/Opera corridor.

Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Pork Belly with Basil, Grilled Beef Salad (Nam Tok/Laab Neua), Pad Kee Mao

What makes it special: Big-flavor Thai near the performing arts corridor.

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#2 The Thonglor

8.2

$ Union Square / Lower Nob Hill

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics

Union Square Thai with late daily hours, a broad menu, and steady execution on wok noodles and curries. It’s a convenient sit-down option steps from theaters and hotels without premium pricing.

Must-Try Dishes: Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Green Curry, Crispy Fried Chicken Over Fried Rice

What makes it special: Central Thai spot with long hours and crowd-pleasing wok dishes.

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#3 The Old Siam Thai Restaurant

8.1

$ Theater District

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Classic, centrally located Thai with a big menu and reliable portions near Union Square. It’s an easy sit-down choice for familiar staples done cleanly and quickly.

Must-Try Dishes: Khao Soi, Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Tom Kha Gai

What makes it special: Fast, affordable Thai classics a block off Powell.

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#4 Osha Thai Noodle Cafe

8.0

$$$$ Lower Nob Hill / Tenderloin

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Group Dining Gatherings

Longtime downtown noodle cafe from the local Osha group with a focus on soups, curries, and stir-fried noodles. Pricing stays midrange and the menu covers familiar favorites with dependable speed.

Must-Try Dishes: Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Royal Pad Thai, Pumpkin Curry

What makes it special: Soup-centric menu with fast ticket times and broad appeal.

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Worthy Picks

#5 King of Thai Noodle House

7.9

$ Union Square

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Late-hours noodle house a block from Union Square turning out boat noodles, rice plates, and Thai comfort classics at wallet-friendly prices. Service is fast and portions are solid for the cost.

Must-Try Dishes: Beef Boat Noodle Soup, Fried Chicken Over Fried Rice, Papaya Salad

What makes it special: Reliable late-night Thai noodles and rice plates under $20.

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