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Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
7.9
Thai–Vietnamese counter at SPARK Social turning out sticky fish-sauce wings, lemongrass bowls, and crab fried rice with efficient service. Ideal for a fast, flavorful stop before or after Chase Center events in the open-air food park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese Sticky Wings, Pork Belly Bowl, Crab Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Thai–Vietnamese flavors with crowd-pleasing wings in an outdoor food park.
Who should go: Arena-goers needing fast, savory plates
When to visit: Early evening before peak pre-game lines
What to order: Sticky wings; pork belly bowl; crab fried rice
Insider tip: Order ahead online to bypass food-truck park lines at rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: SPARK Social offers a small paid lot adjacent to the park, with additional metered street parking on 4th Street and Mission Bay Boulevard. Expect limited availability during Chase Center events.
Dress code: Casual and outdoor-friendly—think jeans, hoodies, and sneakers. Layers recommended for evening breezes.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—music and crowd chatter typical of an open-air park. Conversation is easy at off-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during event rush; faster with online ordering.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter service is efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—rice bowls and noodle dishes can be made with tofu or vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for vegetable bowls without fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Partially—some rice-based dishes qualify, but sauces may contain soy; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, open-air dining—great for relaxed vibes before a Chase Center show, but not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Seating is first-come, shared picnic tables throughout SPARK Social. Arrive early on event nights for best options.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—open seating, casual atmosphere, and quick service make it easy for families with kids, though limited shade and crowd noise may be challenging for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more flavorful than most SPARK Social stalls, especially for Thai-inspired comfort dishes like wings and rice bowls.
Skip if: You want quiet, indoor dining or a full-service meal—this is strictly outdoor, counter-style service.
Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
7.8
Thai–Vietnamese stall at SPARK Social known for Vietnamese sticky wings and lemongrass-forward rice bowls. A reliable savory option steps from Chase Center with efficient counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese Sticky Wings, Pork Belly & Lime Bowl, Crab Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Vietnamese-influenced wings and bowls served fast at SPARK Social.
Who should go: Arena-goers needing flavorful, speedy eats
When to visit: Early evening before event crowds arrive
What to order: Sticky wings; pork belly bowl; crab fried rice
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to skip peak truck lines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lot parking available at SPARK Social; limited free street spots nearby fill by 6 pm.
Dress code: Casual and outdoor-friendly; bring layers for evening breezes.
Noise level: Lively outdoor environment with background music and crowd chatter; conversation possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours; online ordering reduces wait significantly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu rice bowls and veggie spring rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited – one or two customizable options without fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partially – rice-based dishes are safe, but soy sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual, low-pressure meetups or pre-event bites — not ideal for a quiet sit-down conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – all seating is communal and first-come-first-serve; arrive early on event nights for best spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – outdoor picnic tables and nearby lawn make it family-friendly, though seating can be limited during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and stronger Thai-Vietnamese fusion flavors than neighboring SPARK stalls.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dining room or full-service meal indoors.
Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
8.3
Thai–Vietnamese counter turning out crisp-fried garlic and chili-lime wings with bright, punchy sauces. Lines move quickly at the park, and portions are sized for sharing between stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic wings, Chili-lime wings, Tamarind glaze wings
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Zesty Southeast Asian flavors on extra-crisp wings built for sharing.
Who should go: Wing lovers chasing bold flavors
When to visit: Weeknights before event crowds hit
What to order: Garlic wings; chili-lime wings; tamarind glaze
Insider tip: Order wings first—they travel well while you scout other trucks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lots available at SPARK Social and nearby UCSF garages; limited street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most diners come in park attire or game-day outfits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—outdoor music and food truck chatter but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak SPARK events; food line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional tofu or veggie side options depending on rotation.
Vegan options: Minimal—most sauces and coatings include fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Partial—ask for unbreaded wings or plain grilled options when available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re after a casual, outdoor vibe with shareable plates and lively park energy—it’s more playful than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—SPARK Social operates with open communal seating; arrive early on weekends for shaded spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—SPARK’s outdoor seating and open space are stroller-friendly and ideal for families with kids under 10.
Best For
Better for: Zesty, flavorful wings with Southeast Asian spice—lighter and punchier than traditional Buffalo-style spots.
Skip if: You prefer indoor seating or classic American-style wings over fusion flavors.
Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
7.9
Thai-Vietnamese fusion counter known for crispy garlic chicken wings and snackable plates. A solid choice for shareable fried chicken with bright, punchy flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Garlic Chicken Wings, Thai Chili Lime Wings, Crab Fried Rice (pair with wings)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Bold, Asian-spiced wings with a crisp bite and zesty sauces.
Who should go: Wing lovers and flavor chasers
When to visit: Weeknights for shorter lines and faster seating
What to order: Garlic wings; chili-lime wings; crab fried rice
Insider tip: Order wings first—they travel well while you scout other vendors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: SPARK Social offers a dedicated paid parking lot adjacent to the venue, with overflow spaces along 4th Street and Terry A Francois Blvd. Expect it to fill quickly during Chase Center events.
Dress code: Ultra casual—think festival wear, jeans, and sneakers. Outdoor setting makes comfort and layers ideal.
Noise level: Lively and social, especially during events. Expect background music and crowd chatter, but conversation is manageable at off-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; lines move quickly thanks to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fried chicken dominates, but a few sides like crab fried rice or fries may suit vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited—most dishes include fish sauce or animal-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Not formally labeled; fried items are prepared in shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun and casual, better for low-pressure hangouts than intimate dates. The open-air vibe is playful but not private.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—SPARK Social seating is first come, first served. Arrive early on weekends for best picnic tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—plenty of outdoor space, casual seating, and nearby dessert trucks. Kids love the open picnic setup.
Best For
Better for: Bolder flavors and crispier wings than most nearby casual spots; ideal for sharing and social snacking.
Skip if: You’re craving a quiet, sit-down dinner or strictly traditional Southern fried chicken.
Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
8.2
Permanent stall at SPARK Social serving Thai–Vietnamese bowls, crisp pork belly with lime, and strong Vietnamese-style coffees. Lines move quickly pre-event, and the menu hits bright, fish-sauce-driven flavors with reliable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly & Lime Bowl, Vietnamese Sticky Wings, Vietnamese Sea Salt Coffee
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Thai–Vietnamese menu with punchy flavors and coffee specials inside SPARK.
Who should go: Pre-event diners near Chase Center
When to visit: 60–90 minutes before games or shows
What to order: Pork belly & lime; sticky wings; sea-salt coffee
Insider tip: Use online pickup when available to skip peak lines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: SPARK Social offers an on-site paid lot with limited spots; nearby UCSF garages provide overflow parking for around $5–10. Street parking fills quickly before Chase Center events.
Dress code: Casual and event-friendly — athletic wear, jeans, and light jackets all fit the outdoor setup.
Noise level: Lively and social; moderate crowd noise but conversation-friendly during non-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at the counter before pickup; longer during Chase Center event rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover between 11:30am–1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu bowls and vegetable stir-fry options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but sauces often include fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partially — rice-based bowls are safe, but soy and marinade cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual or activity-based dates — it’s outdoors, lively, and better for easy conversation than candlelight ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is communal and first-come-first-served; arrive 30–45 minutes before major events for best availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of open seating and stroller space, though spice levels may need adjustment for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Bright, bold fusion flavors and quick service before events; stronger Vietnamese coffee program than most SPARK vendors.
Skip if: You want quiet indoor dining or extensive vegetarian and vegan options — nearby Mission Bay restaurants may suit better.
Wicked Star (Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen)
7.9
Permanent SPARK Social stall blending Thai and Vietnamese flavors—think Thai chicken salads and pork-belly bowls with fish-sauce punch. A lighter, fast option steps from Thrive City and Oracle Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Chicken Salad, Pork Belly & Lime Bowl, Vietnamese Sticky Wings
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Thai-Vietnamese bowls and salads with bright, herb-driven flavors.
Who should go: Event-goers wanting lighter rice bowls
When to visit: Non-event weekdays for shortest lines
What to order: Thai chicken salad; pork belly & lime bowl; sticky wings
Insider tip: Use online pickup links when available to skip the queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking near SPARK Social; paid lots available next to the park and across 4th Street. Best to rideshare on event nights.
Dress code: Casual and outdoor-friendly—athleisure or light layers work well for the park setup.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours, especially when events are on; quiet enough for casual conversation on weekdays.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during busy event evenings at SPARK Social.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 12:30 pm; steady flow but fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several rice bowls and salads can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited - about two options with tofu or veggie substitutes available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - most bowls are naturally gluten-free; ask about sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual outdoor dates—fun setting, easy to share dishes, and walkable to Thrive City for drinks afterward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only—grab any open picnic tables at SPARK Social; arrive early during events to secure seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—SPARK Social is open-air with communal seating and room for strollers. Great for families on warm afternoons.
Best For
Better for: Fresher, lighter Thai-Vietnamese flavors than typical SPARK vendors—great for balanced meals and quick lunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down dinner or extensive menu; this is a fast-casual, outdoor setup.