Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Mae’s – San Diego
Mae's - San Diego
Photo from Mae’s
Mae's at a glance
San Diego Egger Highlands
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#62 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#3 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
158
Reviews
91.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Flavorful food
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Bland food
The restaurant Mae’s Thai Kitchen in San Diego’s Egger Highlands neighborhood offers an authentic Thai dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This spot is known for its diverse menu, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Mae's
Mae’s generally offers a delightful dining experience, with many patrons highlighting the exceptional service and flavorful food. Guests often appreciate the variety on the menu and the fresh preparation of dishes, contributing to a positive visit.
However, a few comments suggest that some dishes might occasionally lack flavor, and concerns about portion size have been noted. Despite these minor points, the overall atmosphere is often described as clean and pleasant, making it a comfortable spot.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
158
Reviews
91.1%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
144
positive
The overall dining experience at Mae’s garners a strong 8.8, reflecting a highly positive impression for most visitors. This is further supported by an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.1%, indicating that the vast majority of patrons leave content with their meal.
This positive sentiment is built on 144 favorable observations against just 10 negative ones, out of 158 total customer remarks. The Service (9.6) stands out as particularly exceptional, often described as warm and attentive.
The Food (8.8) also performs very well, with many praising its taste and quality, while the Ambience (8.3) provides a clean and quiet setting. Value (7.9) is considered good, offering reasonable prices for the quality.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Flavorful, fresh food
- Good menu variety
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Occasional bland food
- Plastic chairs
Mae’s appears to be a reliable choice for those seeking a welcoming dining spot that prioritizes hospitality and well-prepared dishes. The strong 9.1 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would happily revisit and recommend to others.
If you value excellent service and generally flavorful food at a fair price, Mae’s is likely to provide a pleasant experience. Just be aware that a few specific dishes might not always hit the mark for everyone, and portion sizes could be a consideration for some appetites.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mae's
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 88.1%, diners consistently praise the freshness, authentic Thai dishes, and vibrant spices and flavors. Out of 101 comments, a whopping 89 rave about the delicious variety on offer.
However, a few diners noted some areas for improvement. There were occasional remarks about the chow mein being like instant ramen, bland soup, or concerns regarding portion size and the use of dark meat in some dishes. These were minor points among the overwhelmingly positive feedback, with only 8 negative comments.
Food
101
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai dishes
- Fresh ingredients
- Full flavors
What people don't like
- Bland soup
- Small portion size
- Chow mein issues
Often praised
- foodI loved the food here! It is a small but clean and cute restaurant 🥰 the food is so good! I called in my order with no problem.
- Thai foodThe food was great tasting, cooked well, and fresh, all at great prices. It's a very special place to eat authentic Thai food, offering healthy quality options.
- menuIt's in a small shopping center so lots of parking is available. Lots of options on the menu and not overpriced. I look forward to trying the pineapple fried rice next time.
- varietyWe were so glad we chose Mae's for our takeout order. They offered an excellent variety of dishes with fantastic flavors. The order was ready for pickup in a flash, making our party planning seamless.
- yellow curryyellow curry ... ALL DISHES WHERE AMAZING
- Basil Fried RiceEvery dish was outstanding and highly recommended.
- Curry puffEvery dish was outstanding and highly recommended.
- Drunken noodlesPersonally enjoyed both dishes at spice level 2
- Drunken noodles with beef and shrimpThe Drunken noodles with beef and shrimp was my favorite dish
- FoodBoy was everything Very DELICIOUS!!!
Frequently criticized
- chicken wingsspent 34.00 on one dinner with added chicken wings
- chow meinchow mein was LITERALLY instant ramen
- dark meatUsed dark meat in my dish maybe 3 small chucks
- food tastefood was served hot but no taste at all
- instant ramenchow mein was LITERALLY instant ramen
- portion sizevery small portion
- skimp on foodyou skimp on the food
- soupsoup was bland
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, offering excellent taste and authentic Thai flavors. If you're looking for a delicious and fresh Thai meal with plenty of variety, this place is absolutely worth trying, despite a few minor critiques.
Service (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.6 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 25 glowing remarks, patrons frequently praise the "family owned business" vibe, the "owner" and "staff" for their warmth, and the "customer service" for being incredibly friendly and caring.
Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the service. Every single one of the 25 comments points to a positive experience, highlighting a consistently excellent standard with no areas for constructive criticism to be found.
Service
25
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring service
- Welcoming owner
- Quick pickup
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceI felt like part of the family thanks to the owner's presence and warm welcome. The location and parking were also great, complemented by friendly service. I absolutely love this little spot 💓.
- ServiceService:5
- chef and her dadthe chef and her dad are so lovely and nice
- customer servicesuper customer service
- employeesthe employees are so sweet and kind
- family owned businessfamily owned business and they put devotion into each dish
- ownerThe owner is always there and will make you feel like family
- owner and operatorowner and operator was very nice and professional
- ownersThe mango in the dessert was SOO sweet. The owners were beyond friendly. I really enjoyed our experience.
- owner’s treatmentThe owner’s treatment was excellent
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you value a dining experience where you're treated like family and service is top-notch, this place is an absolute must-try. You can expect genuinely friendly interactions and efficient care from start to finish.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 95.5%. Guests consistently rave about the clean place , cozy space , and beautiful atmosphere , often noting its relaxing vibration and quiet noise level . With 21 positive remarks out of 22, its clear people love the welcoming place and convenient parking .
However, theres one tiny detail that caught a customer's eye. The only negative feedback, from just one opinion, pointed out that the chairs were plastic party ones. This minor quibble about the seating is a small blip in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive experience.
Ambience
22
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, cozy space
- Ample parking
- Relaxing atmosphere
What people don't like
- Plastic chairs
Often praised
- placeThe food was great tasting, cooked well, and fresh, all at great prices. It's a very special place to eat authentic Thai food, offering healthy quality options.
- parkingWe will definitely be returning! It's in a small shopping center so lots of parking is available. Lots of options on the menu and not overpriced.
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a nice clean Thai restaurant with an affordable price and great taste. I definitely recommend trying it if you are in the area.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe location was very clean
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- clean placea nice clean place
- parking spacesplenty plenty of parking spaces
- spaceVery friendly beautiful space
- vibrationMy experience at this restaurant was truly special. The space is beautiful and the staff are very friendly, contributing to a positive vibration. The food was great tasting, cooked well, and fresh, all at great prices.
Frequently criticized
- chairsthe chairs are plastic party ones
If you're looking for a spot with a great vibe and easy parking, this place is definitely worth checking out. Despite one small comment about the chairs, the overall ambience is a huge win, promising a clean and cozy dining experience.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong 7.9 score and an excellent 90% customer satisfaction, most diners found the food to be delicious and reasonably priced. Out of 10 opinions, 9 highlighted the great prices, often mentioning a good price and fair prices for quality meals.
However, its not a perfect score across the board. One opinion did mention the price as being Overpriced 💯, suggesting that while many find it affordable, a few might feel its a bit steep for what you get.
Value
10
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
Often praised
- priceIt's in a small shopping center so lots of parking is available. Lots of options on the menu and not overpriced. I look forward to trying the pineapple fried rice next time.
- pricesThe space is beautiful and the staff are very friendly, contributing to a positive vibration. The food was great tasting, cooked well, and fresh, all at great prices. It's a very special place to eat authentic Thai food, offering healthy quality options.
- Fair pricesFair prices as well.
- good priceFor dessert, the Sticky rice with mango was another delight. I recommend this place if you want to eat well, with good food and at a good price, in addition to the excellent service.
- reasonably pricedOnly one person was working when I went, and she handled everything impressively: taking our order, cooking, and serving. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced. I'll definitely come back!
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced 💯
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is generally a solid bet. Most customers rave about the great value, though a rare few might find it a bit pricey. Overall, its worth checking out for its affordability.
How are the prices at Mae's?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 31 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is around 21, most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range. A few higher tabs pull that average up!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 31 reviews.
Value for money: How this restaurant compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai spot. You can definitely enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank, especially if you stick to the more common spending range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mae's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Outstanding Food, Family Feel!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding! The food was exceptional and offered at a good price. I felt like part of the family thanks to the owner's presence and warm welcome.
The location and parking were also great, complemented by friendly service. I absolutely love this little spot 💓.
- food10
- price8
- owner10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Green Curry and Sweet Staff
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The green curry was incredible, and the employees were so sweet and kind. It's definitely my go-to spot for dinner.
- green curry10
- employees10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Favorite Thai Food in San Diego
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive, making it my favorite Thai place in San Diego. I frequently get takeout here and have never been disappointed by any dish on the menu. I particularly recommend the pineapple fried rice with pork and their curry with chicken.
It’s a family-owned business where they clearly put devotion into each dish they make. You can expect quick and caring service that will impress you.
- pineapple fried rice with pork10
- curry with chicken10
- menu9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fresh Food, Great Service, Clean Place!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly fresh, with the owner and operator thoughtfully incorporating seasonal fruits into the dishes. The owner and operator were very nice and professional.
I also appreciated how clean the location was. I will definitely be back!
- food9
- seasonal fruits8
- owner and operator9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Food and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had their spring rolls, yellow curry, and their ice cream with sticky rice. ALL DISHES WERE AMAZING 🤤😋👏.
The service was also great. I highly recommend this place!
- spring rolls10
- yellow curry10
- ice cream w/ sticky rice10
What Mae's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Mae's Thai Kitchen?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating for your comfort.
Does Mae's Thai Kitchen offer options for specific dietary needs or dining preferences?
Yes, Mae’s Thai Kitchen caters to various preferences with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. You can enjoy quick bites, small plates, and coffee, available for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.
How do customers rate Mae's overall?
Mae’s receives a strong overall score of 8.8, with an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.1%. This positive feedback is largely driven by its exceptional Service (9.6) and well-regarded Food (8.8).
What aspects do customers appreciate most at Mae's?
Customers frequently praise Mae’s for its outstanding service, often describing staff as friendly and welcoming. The food is also highly rated for its fresh taste and variety, with many finding the prices to be fair.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Mae's?
While generally positive, some customers have noted concerns regarding small portion sizes for certain dishes. A few opinions also mentioned that some food items occasionally lacked flavor, and the chairs were described as plastic.