Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Má»ng Thu – San Francisco
Má»ng Thu - San Francisco
Photo from Má»ng Thu
Má»ng Thu at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- đ Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11â$20
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#368 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
400
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Friendly service
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Area concerns
- Item scarcity
The cafĂ© Má»ng Thu is a charming Vietnamese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is celebrated for its thoughtful menu, including a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian options that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a leisurely lunch, Má»ng Thu offers a welcoming experience.
Overview: Introducting Má»ng Thu
Má»ng Thu offers a genuinely authentic experience, where you’ll find delicious flavors and a great value for your meal. The atmosphere is often described as clean and bright, complemented by genuinely friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment.
It’s a place where the quality of the food truly stands out. However, be prepared for a few practical considerations.
The establishment operates on a cash only basis, which requires some planning. While the interior is pleasant, the rough area outside and a potentially narrow entrance might be notable.
Also, popular items can sometimes be sold out, so flexibility is key.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
400
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
32
negative
31
neutral
337
positive
Má»ng Thu earns a solid overall score of 8.3, indicating a good dining experience, and customer satisfaction stands at a strong 84.3%. These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 400 customer observations, with a clear majority of 337 positive remarks against only 32 negative ones, reflecting a generally positive consensus among diners.
Delving into specifics, the Food is highly regarded with an impressive score of (8.6), consistently praised for its authenticity and taste. Service also performs well at (8.3), often highlighted for its warmth and helpfulness.
The Ambience scores a respectable (7.5), noted for its cleanliness and family-run charm, despite external factors. Finally, Value at (7.1) is considered good, with many appreciating the affordability, though the cash-only policy is a frequent point of discussion.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Warm, friendly service
- Excellent value for money
What people don't like
- Cash-only payment
- Challenging surrounding area
- Limited item availability
If you’re seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on flavor and affordability, Má»ng Thu is certainly worth considering. The dedication to quality food and a welcoming, family-run service shines through, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, this spot is a solid pick for those who prioritize taste and value. Just remember to bring cash and manage expectations regarding the surrounding area and potential for popular items to sell out, and you’ll likely have a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Má»ng Thu
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here is truly a standout, boasting an excellent score of 8.6 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 90.7%. Based on 245 positive comments out of 270, diners rave about the authentic Vietnamese cuisine, fresh ingredients, and depth of flavor, often highlighting the good sized portions and home-cooked feel. However, a small number of 13 negative comments, out of 270 total, pointed out occasional issues.
Some experienced MSG reactions, while others were disappointed by sold out Bahn Mi or felt certain vegetables werent fresh, and a few found noodles' crumbly or pho disappointing.
Food
270
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
13
negative
12
neutral
245
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese food
- Fresh ingredients
- Deep, rich flavors
What people don't like
- Potential MSG reactions
- Popular items sell out
- Occasional freshness issues
Often praised
- foodThe food is so delicious and authentic
- banh miTheir banh mi are light and fresh - a focus on flavor
- Vietnamese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Vietnamese food with veggie options I've ever encountered. I will definitely recommend it to everyone visiting or living in the city to try!
- Bun Bo HueIt was generously accompanied by fresh veggies, as shown in the photo. I also sampled the Bun Bo Hue, a Central Vietnamese-style beef soup enriched with pork and thin rice noodles. A pro tip for future diners: be prepared with cash, as it's the only form of payment accepted.
- FoodFood:5
- Bahn Mithe Bahn Mi to start, the roll is fresh and warm and the pate was perfect
- bun mamThe restaurant is quite small, but it was clean and bright. We ordered the porridge, bun mam, and rice noodle (hu tieu nam vang). The crispy shrimp cakes were tasty with a semi-sweet fish sauce.
- coffeei coffee.all excellent
- menuI started with a delicious Vietnamese coffee. You basically can't go wrong with anything on the menu â there is a standard menu and also a list of daily specials hanging on the wall.
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I found it to be a true gem, offering amazing pho and banh mi. The pudding was also a delightful surprise.
Frequently criticized
- Bahn Micalled for a Bahn Mi to go, but they were already sold out!
- Banh Midid not have Banh Mi, they ran out
- MSGOverall, the BĂĄnh ÆŻá»t dish was good. However, I am a bit allergic to MSG and felt drowsy soon after eating. I haven't tried other dishes or bĂĄnh mĂŹ yet.
- SandwichesToo bad the sandwiches were sold out for the day so I couldn't get any!
- bahn mibummed they didn't have bahn mi
- no shrimpThere was no shrimp in it
- noodlesthe noodles are crumbly
- phoThis is the most disappointing pho I've ever had
- saltIt needed more salt
- taro puddingbummed they didn't have taro pudding
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese flavors with generous portions and a high chance of satisfaction, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that popular items like Banh Mi can sell out, and a very small number of diners had minor issues with freshness or MSG.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a 8.3 score and a fantastic 85.4% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks are walking away happy. Out of 41 total opinions, a whopping 35 rave about the "friendly service, " "sweet people, " and the dedicated "staff" who make it feel like a true "family operation.
" Many appreciate the warm, welcoming vibe and quick attention. However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 5 negative opinions noted. Some customers mentioned challenges with staff who "dont speak English or felt they were lied to.
A few also felt unwelcomed by the women working, " suggesting some interactions could be less than ideal. It seems communication and consistency can sometimes be a hurdle.
Service
41
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, sweet staff
- Family-run operation
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Language barrier
- Unwelcoming staff
- Misleading information
Often praised
- serviceWe also ordered the duck and bamboo noodle soup and another dish (number 4, name forgotten), both of which had broths on par with the best I've ever had. Everything is super affordable and the service is great. I'm really glad we stumbled across this place.
- staffFriendly staff even with a language barrier
- ServiceService was very warm
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- Vietnamese peopleNgÆ°á»i viá»t táșĄi má»č ráș„t thĂąn thiĂȘn
- customer serviceI enjoyed the lovely Vietnamese food in SF. The customer service was extremely friendly, and the food itself was delicious. The restaurant is quite small, but it was clean and bright.
- deliveryjust get food delivered it's worth it
- familyThe family that conducts the business is very polite and friendly!
- family operationfriendly and wholesome family operation
- family-run jointsupporting a family-run joint
Frequently criticized
- bread availabilityit turned down order by 2pm because it ran out of bread
- delivery appsIf Iâm feeling like soup then the Bo Kho is my personal favorite. I only wish they were on delivery apps so that I can order more often đđ»
- lied to methen lied to me about it
- speak EnglishThey don't even speak English at all
- women workingThe 3 women who were working looked at us like we were her least favorite people.
Overall, if you value a warm, family-run atmosphere and dont mind potential language differences, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely encounter friendly, efficient service, making it a great choice for a pleasant meal.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5. While customer satisfaction is a mixed 69.5%, many guests, accounting for 41 positive opinions out of 59 total, really appreciate the cozy spot, retro decor, and overall cleanliness. It often feels like a welcoming, family-owned place with a strong sense of community.
However, not every aspect of the atmosphere is perfect. With 9 negative opinions, some find the interior too small, and the surrounding area, particularly the Tenderloin, can be a significant drawback due to homelessness and encampments. The walk to the restaurant and the nearby area are frequently mentioned as less pleasant aspects.
Ambience
59
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
9
negative
9
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, bright interior
- Cozy, homely vibe
- Sense of community
What people don't like
- Rough surrounding area
- Narrow, small space
- Homeless encampment nearby
Often praised
- atmosphereKind grannies run the shop, serving delicious Vietnamese food at a great value. The portions were good, and the place was clean and bright. It's a true hidden gem in the Tenderloin.
- restaurantrestaurant is quite small, but clean, well-organized and bright
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- family owned spotSuper adorable family owned spot
- placethe place is lovely inside, very clean
- CLEAN insideit is incredibly CLEAN inside
- Vietnamese family ownedItâs Vietnamese family owned
- Vietnamese folkspacked with Vietnamese folks by 11am
- ambienceLove the Tiffany colored paint of the interior, which is very relaxing and clean.
- cafeA brightly colored cafe tucked away
Frequently criticized
- areaIt may be in a rough area
- atmospheresurrounded by the homeless, tents and street people
- entranceHowever, the effort and depth of flavor are undeniable, and the value for money is excellent. We visited with a baby in a stroller, and it's worth noting that the entrance is narrow and has steps, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit. Additionally, there are many homeless people nearby, and the area can be a bit smelly.
- homeless encampmentThe biggest downside is a big homeless encampment just outside the restaurant
- homelessnessSniffs of homelessness while eating
- nearby areaWe visited with a baby in a stroller, and it's worth noting that the entrance is narrow and has steps, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit. Additionally, there are many homeless people nearby, and the area can be a bit smelly. The restaurant itself is relatively clean, but the interior is not spacious.
- tenderloinThe tenderloin got worse
- too smallI will never go back to this place. They don't even speak English at all and it's too small. Plus ugly fat noodles.
- walking to the restaurantWalking to the restaurant is sweating bullets
If youre seeking a clean, cozy, and homely spot with a warm vibe and dont mind its location in a rougher neighborhood, this place is definitely worth trying. However, if a spacious interior and pristine surroundings are high on your priority list, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score, which is quite good! Many diners rave about the excellent value for money, noting the affordable prices and how cheap yet delicious everything is, especially by local standards. With 16 positive remarks out of 30 total comments, it seems many find it a great price for what you get.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 53.3%, largely due to a recurring snag: their payment policy. Several guests, in 5 negative remarks, pointed out the inconvenience of it being strictly cash only, which can be a bit of a hassle if youre not prepared. Its definitely something to keep in mind before you visit.
Value
30
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
5
negative
9
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Affordable prices
- Cheap, tasty food
What people don't like
- Cash only
- Payment policy issue
Often praised
- priceHere, hygiene is clearly a priority, which is a nice change. - The quality of the food is high, and itâs at an unbelievable price. Also, the menu has more Vietnamese items that seem phenomenal that I didnât have a chance to try yet, but Iâm sure itâs all good.
- pricescheapest prices I've seen in SF
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. Kind grannies run the shop, serving delicious Vietnamese food at a great value. The portions were good, and the place was clean and bright.
- Price per personPrice per person:$1â10
- cheapcheap and tasty vietnamese food
- great pricedelicious flavors at a great price
- value for moneythe value for money is excellent
Frequently criticized
- CASH ONLYitâs CASH ONLY
- cashhave to get cash
- cash onlyIt's cash only, which is crucial information
- paymentI enjoyed the food and the coffee, and the service was excellent. It's worth noting that this fine place continues to only accept cash as payment, so be sure to plan accordingly!
- payment policyMy experience at this restaurant was significantly impacted by their payment policy. It's cash only, which is crucial information to know before you arrive.
If youre seeking delicious food at an unbeatable price and dont mind paying with cash, this place is a solid choice. Just remember to hit the ATM beforehand, and you'll be all set for a great, affordable meal.
How are the prices at Má»ng Thu?
Youâre looking at roughly 16 $ per person â reported by 45 diners. That puts it in the $11â$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners (37 out of 45) spend within that $11â$20 range, showing a pretty consistent and focused pricing experience.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese spot in San Francisco. It seems like a reliable choice for a tasty meal that won’t empty your wallet.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Má»ng Thu
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Authentic Vietnamese Flavors and Warm Service
Vietnamese people in the US are very friendly. The food of my homeland truly has a rich flavor and is warm and comforting.
- food of my homeland9
- warm and comforting9
- Vietnamese people9
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Cozy Vietnamese Comfort Food Spot
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a cozy spot perfect for enjoying comfort food. The food was good, and the service was excellent.
I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to try Vietnamese food. They offer free iced tea and very generous portions. My personal favorite dish was the bĂĄnh Æ°á»t.
- food8
- service8
- cozy spot9
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Authentic Vietnamese Gem with a Hometown Feel
This casual bistro offers authentic Vietnamese food that truly impressed. My favorite dish was the slow braised pork ball in pork and tomato jus, perfectly complemented by a mini baguette on the side. The Vietnamese drip coffee was a delightful reminder of my hometown's flavors.
The food and atmosphere both received a perfect score of 5, and there was no wait time. While the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- authentic Vietnamese food10
- slow braised pork ball10
- Vietnamese drip coffee9
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good BĂĄnh ÆŻá»t, Cash Only
My experience at this restaurant was centered around a craving for BĂĄnh ÆŻá»t. The restaurant itself is small but clean and tidy. The price is reasonable.
Overall, the BĂĄnh ÆŻá»t dish was good. However, I am a bit allergic to MSG and felt drowsy soon after eating. I haven't tried other dishes or bĂĄnh mĂŹ yet.
I plan to come back.
- BĂĄnh ÆŻá»t7
- restaurant8
- price7
- MSG3
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Authentic Vietnamese Food with a Few Caveats
I visited this restaurant without any prior plans. It's run by Vietnamese staff; one speaks limited English, while the other is proficient. The menu has numbers, which makes ordering straightforward.
Although it states 'cash only, ' I'm unsure if this is strictly enforced. The food is authentic, no-compromise Vietnamese cuisine, which might be polarizing for some. However, the effort and depth of flavor are undeniable, and the value for money is excellent.
We visited with a baby in a stroller, and it's worth noting that the entrance is narrow and has steps, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit. Additionally, there are many homeless people nearby, and the area can be a bit smelly. The restaurant itself is relatively clean, but the interior is not spacious.
- authentic Vietnamese cuisine9
- effort and depth of flavor9
- value for money9
- entrance3
- nearby area3
What Má»ng Thu offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and special dietary choices can you find at Má»ng Thu Cafe?
At Má»ng Thu Cafe, you can enjoy flexible dining with both dine-in and takeout service available. The menu features a range of offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. For those with dietary preferences, you’ll be pleased to find excellent vegan and vegetarian options.
What is the atmosphere like and what amenities are available at Má»ng Thu Cafe?
Má»ng Thu Cafe offers a casual and inviting atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for any visit. For your convenience, the cafe provides wheelchair accessible seating and a restroom. Paid street parking is available nearby for guests.
How is Má»ng Thu generally rated by customers?
Má»ng Thu receives a good overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 84.3%. The Food (8.6) and Service (8.3) are particularly well-regarded, while Ambience (7.5) and Value (7.1) also score positively.
What should I know about payment and the restaurant's location?
It’s important to note that Má»ng Thu is cash-only, so plan accordingly. While the interior is clean and bright, some customers have mentioned concerns about the surrounding area and a narrow entrance.
What are the common praises and complaints about the food at Má»ng Thu?
Customers frequently praise the food for its authentic and delicious flavors, often highlighting the great value. However, some have expressed disappointment when popular items, like certain banh mi or puddings, are sold out.