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The Old Siam Thai Restaurant
$ · Thai

201 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 885-5144
Closed
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Hidden Gems Thai in the Tenderloin Best Cheap Eats Thai in the Tenderloin Best Thai in the Tenderloin

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The Old Siam Thai Restaurant 8.0
Tenderloin
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running Tenderloin/Theater District standby known for late hours and consistent classics at wallet-friendly prices. Ideal for a fast sit-down or takeout near Powell and the Curran.
Must-Try Dishes: Khao Soi, Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Tom Kha Gai
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Fast, affordable Thai classics a block off Powell.
Who should go: Budget-minded Thai fans
When to visit: Late lunch or after the show
What to order: Khao soi, pad kee mao, tom kha
Insider tip: Spice runs hot—ask for medium if unsure.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but limited in evenings. Closest garages are off Mason and Geary.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and t-shirts fine, theatergoers may be more dressed up.
Noise level: Moderate—can hold a conversation but expect some background chatter during peak times.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes, tables turn fairly quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many stir-fries, curries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some curries and veggie stir-fries can be adapted, but fish sauce is common.
Gluten-free options: Partially—rice dishes are safe, but soy sauce and some sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic occasions—small space and bright lighting favor convenience over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical here; walk-ins are the norm and seating turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like Thai flavors; no special kids’ menu or high chairs, so best for families with school-age children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Thai near theaters at budget prices—fast, consistent, and reliable classics.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, cocktails, or quieter ambiance; try Kin Khao or Lers Ros instead.

Hours

Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
SundayClosed