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King of Thai Noodle Cafe (Taraval)

1541 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116
$
Thai

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

King of Thai Noodle Cafe (Taraval) 7.6
Parkside
Casual, fast-moving Taraval counter spot for noodle soups and quick stir-fries. It’s a practical go-to for affordable bowls, late errands, and weeknight takeout when you want Thai flavors without ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes: Tom Yum (chicken), Pad See Ew, Chicken Satay
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Speedy, affordable Thai staples with lots of noodle options.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners needing a fast Thai fix
When to visit: 11:30am–1pm or 5–7pm for the freshest turnover
What to order: Tom yum; pad see ew; chicken satay
Insider tip: Customize heat and salt levels—staff will adjust on request.
King of Thai Noodle Cafe (Taraval) 7.8
Parkside
Casual noodle shop known for fast service and wallet-friendly bowls, from tom yum to boat-style noodles. A practical stop for takeout or a quick sit-down on Taraval.
Must-Try Dishes: Tom yum noodle soup, Pad see ew, Green curry with chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Speedy, budget-friendly Thai noodle bowls and staples.
Who should go: Busy diners and takeout regulars
When to visit: Late lunch to miss dinner rush
What to order: Tom yum noodles, pad see ew, green curry
Insider tip: Customize broth spice level—ask for extra chili flakes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Taraval; usually available within a block before 6pm, but can get tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—small space with steady chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically—plenty of open tables and quick service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several stir-fry and curry dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes can be customized by omitting fish sauce and egg.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but rice-based noodle soups and curries are lower risk if you avoid soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a casual noodle stop than a date spot, but fine for a low-key, no-pressure meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only and turnover is quick, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly environment with fast service, simple dishes, and plenty of mild options for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable noodle bowls and efficient service compared to fancier Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, cocktails, or a long sit-down meal—it’s more about convenience than atmosphere.