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Blackwood
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Blackwood
8.2
Thai-influenced bistro popular for brunch by day and a fuller Thai menu at night. The room hums, the bar turns out crisp cocktails, and classics like pad thai and basil rice plates land with polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Spicy Basil Rice Plate, Beef Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Day-to-night Thai-leaning menu with lively Chestnut Street energy.
Who should go: Groups and date-night diners wanting Thai flavors
When to visit: Golden hour 5:30–7 pm for best ambience
What to order: Pad thai; spicy basil rice; beef noodle soup
Insider tip: Brunch leans American—come for dinner for deeper Thai options.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Chestnut and adjacent blocks—can be tight after 6:30 pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top fit right in; slightly dressier at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible but raised voices needed at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around 7–8 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except during brunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several curries, noodle dishes, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—ask to omit fish sauce or egg in stir-fried dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its upbeat energy, warm lighting, and cocktails create a fun but not too formal setting. Ideal for a relaxed first or second date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible early or late evening on weekdays; weekends fill fast, so reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—kids are welcome, but the crowd leans adult and social at night. Better suited for families at brunch or early dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Stylish Thai-American fusion with strong brunch and dinner crossover appeal—few Marina spots match its vibe and versatility.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional Thai meal or need extensive vegan options—go for Baan Yaai instead.
Blackwood
8.2
Thai-American brunch with colorful plates, from shakshuka to crispy French toast. The bright Chestnut Street room and fast pacing make it a reliable, photo-forward spot for casual weekend meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Shakshuka, Crispy Fried French Toast, BW Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Thai-leaning brunch flavors with vibrant, camera-ready plating.
Who should go: Friends craving colorful, shareable brunch
When to visit: Weekends before 11am for shortest waits
What to order: Thai shakshuka, crispy French toast, pancakes
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials; they rotate and photograph well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Chestnut and side streets; fills fast on weekends. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual but stylish—athleisure and brunch-chic attire blend well with the Marina crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch rush—conversation-friendly inside before 10:30am, louder afterward.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a brunch and lunch spot.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins seated within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several mains and sides like avocado toast, omelets, and fried rice can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified, but not all sauces are vegan-safe.
Gluten-free options: Partial—substitutions available for toast and some rice dishes; kitchen not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates—bright, social energy and colorful plates make a fun icebreaker, though it’s not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before 10:30am on weekends to avoid 30–45 minute waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families—staff is accommodating and the menu is approachable, but space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Bright brunch energy and Thai-inspired twists make it ideal for social meetups and vibrant food photos.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, leisurely dining or strictly traditional brunch fare—nearby Côté Ouest or Hollow Cow may suit better.
Blackwood
8.1
Thai-leaning comfort plates with a broader California twist in a lively Chestnut Street room. Consistent pacing and a wide menu make it an easy sit-down choice for mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry, Marina Jok Moo (rice porridge), Hot Stone Pot
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Broad Thai-influenced menu with crowd-pleasers and late-running service.
Who should go: Groups wanting comfortable sit-down Thai
When to visit: Weekdays 5–7pm for smoother seating
What to order: Panang curry, Marina jok moo, hot stone pot
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest and are ideal for quick reorders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Chestnut and surrounding side streets; fills quickly after 6pm, so plan for a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops work fine; slightly elevated attire fits the lively crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but expect buzz during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, faster for bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, walk-ins are easy before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated vegetarian dishes like tofu curries and stir-fried vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—several dishes can be customized by omitting egg or fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many rice-based dishes and curries can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, lively energy, and shareable Thai-Cal plates make it relaxed yet stylish for a casual first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for small parties before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm; weekends benefit from a call-ahead or OpenTable booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the spot, and there are milder dishes and high chairs available for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Broader appeal and more polished service than typical Thai takeout spots—ideal when you want variety and comfort in a sit-down setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking hyper-authentic Thai street flavors or prefer a quieter, intimate environment.
Blackwood
7.8
Thai-influenced restaurant on Chestnut with a broad menu—curries, rice plates, and noodle dishes—served in a lively, polished room. Brunch draws crowds; dinner leans more Thai with friendly service and solid cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panang Curry, Marina Jok Moo (rice porridge), Hot Stone Pot (Thai-influenced rice)
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Thai-forward dinner menu in a buzzy Marina setting with full bar.
Who should go: Groups wanting Thai flavors plus cocktails
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for calmer pacing
What to order: Panang curry, rice porridge, hot stone rice
Insider tip: Street parking is tight—use nearby garages off Chestnut.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Chestnut and adjacent blocks is limited, especially after 6pm. Paid garages are available nearby on Lombard and Fillmore.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top fit in, but many guests lean dressy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner hours—conversation possible but energetic atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait except during brunch rushes on Fridays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple curries, rice, and noodle dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 entrées fully vegan, others adaptable if you ask to omit fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; staff can advise but kitchen is not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—buzzy but polished vibe with good lighting and cocktails makes it relaxed yet stylish for a casual date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights before 7pm or late after 8:30pm; on weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—staff are accommodating and the space is casual, but the noise and cocktail crowd skew more adult-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups, Thai-inspired brunch, and cocktails in a lively Marina setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-authentic Thai spice levels or a quiet dinner experience.