Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Bangkok Spices Thai – San Diego
Bangkok Spices Thai - San Diego
Photo from Bangkok Spices Thai
Bangkok Spices Thai at a glance
San Diego North Park
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#361 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 Thai Restaurant out of 26 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
520
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Thai food
- Friendly service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Overcharging issues
- Difficult parking
The restaurant, Bangkok Spices Thai, is a delightful Thai Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant North Park. Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant is known for its great tea selection, offering you a perfect spot to unwind.
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere here, ideal for a quiet meal.
Overview: Introducting Bangkok Spices Thai
Bangkok Spices Thai generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many patrons commending the flavorful food and the attentive staff. The welcoming atmosphere often contributes positively to the overall visit, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding occasional inconsistencies in service and specific issues like challenging parking. While the culinary offerings are frequently a highlight, there can be some variability in the overall operational aspects of the restaurant.
Good
7.4
out of 10
520
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
111
negative
28
neutral
381
positive
Bangkok Spices Thai earns a solid 7.4 overall, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 73.3%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their experience.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 520 customer remarks, with 381 positive observations outweighing 111 negative ones. The culinary offerings, or Food (7.3), are well-regarded, as is the attentive Service (7.3).
The inviting Ambience (7.9) stands out as a particular strength, while Value (7.3) also receives a good score. These consistent ratings across key areas suggest a balanced and pleasant dining experience for many.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic Thai food
- Friendly, efficient service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional overcharging issues
- Challenging parking situation
With a solid recommendation score of 7.4, Bangkok Spices Thai generally delivers a satisfying experience. If you’re seeking flavorful Thai cuisine in a pleasant setting, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
While the food and atmosphere are often praised, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies or parking challenges. It’s a good option for those prioritizing taste and a welcoming vibe, but manage expectations regarding minor operational hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bangkok Spices Thai
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.3 and 71.6% customer satisfaction, many rave about the deliciousness. Out of 313 total opinions, 224 were positive, highlighting favorites like the "drunken noodles, " "Pad Thai, " "authentic flavors, " and "large portions" that leave you satisfied.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. With 74 negative experiences, some found the food to be too "salty" or "sweet, " while others noted "inconsistent spice" levels or dishes that were occasionally "oily. " It seems theres a bit of a mixed bag in consistency.
Food
313
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
74
negative
15
neutral
224
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Delicious noodles
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spice
- Too sweet/salty
- Oily dishes
Often praised
- foodThis used to be my favorite Thai restaurant in San Diego but sadly I doubt we will return =(Original Review: Bangkok Spices is excellent. The food is as tasty as it gets and the service is top notch, and with a smile. This is my new favorite place in SD for Thai food.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the very good Thai food, and the staff were friendly. The decor was very cute as well.
- Pad ThaiI find it more unique and authentic than other places. Standout dishes include the drunken noodle, Pad Thai, and the green and yellow curries. When dining in, the service provided by the young lady was always superb.
- portionsThe service was speedy, and we were in and out within an hour. The entire meal, including the beer, was reasonably priced at $22 with good portions. The decor was quirky and cool, with a travel/hippie/retrogamer theme featuring tchotchkes and local North Park items.
- drunken noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the dumplings, spring rolls, and drunken noodles, all of which were delicious. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- curryWhen we took that first bite, WHEW CHILD, the levels of dopamine I experienced in that moment are unmatchable. THAT CURRY WAS SO DAMN GOOD 🤤🤤. The only bad thing about this restaurant is that I live an hour and a half away from there.
- noodlesThe noodles were cooked perfectly
- pad see ewI got the pad see ew lunch special level 6. The spice level was perfect.
- flavorThe flavor was strong but tasty
- green currygreen curry, drunken noodles, and BBQ salmon, they were all so delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the food and atmosphere. The food was very sugary, which I found to be not authentic. The atmosphere was also a letdown, with radio and advertisements running in the background.
- Pad ThaiPad Thai had an orange color vs. the light brown color from before, it had no flavor, and definitely didn’t not taste the same.
- Thai foodThis place used to be awesome, serving very authentic Thai food and was spicy af. In the past year, they must have changed owners because the food is not good and is a poor approximation of Thai food. If anyone knows what happened to the OG owners and where they're cooking now, please let us all know.
- saucethere was too much sauce, which made the dish too watery
- Bangkok Spices NoodlesBangkok Spices Noodles looked great, but they were too sweet and sour
- Bangkok chickenThe Pad Thai was overly sweet and sugary. The Bangkok chicken was salty, and the dipping sauces seemed like seasonings were accidentally spilled into them. The wings were good, but also lacked spice.
- Eggplant basil dishThe Eggplant basil dish had soooo much oil, every bite of that dish tasted nothing but oil.
- FoodFood:2
- Food overallFood overall was not enjoyable
- MSGToo much MSG
If youre craving flavorful Thai food with generous portions, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lean a bit sweet or salty, and spice levels can vary, so communicate your preferences.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Let's dive into the service experience! It generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.3 and leaving customers feeling good with a 72.4% satisfaction rate. Based on 105 comments, with 76 positive remarks, many praise the friendly owner, wonderful hospitality, and quick, amazing staff who are often described as attentive and accommodating.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 25 negative comments highlighting concerns about customer service and staff attitude. Some guests reported issues with long wait times, rude interactions, or a lady on the phone who was unhelpful, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in the overall service delivery.
Service
105
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
25
negative
4
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, amazing staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThis used to be my favorite Thai restaurant in San Diego but sadly I doubt we will return =(Original Review: Bangkok Spices is excellent. The food is as tasty as it gets and the service is top notch, and with a smile. This is my new favorite place in SD for Thai food.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the very good Thai food, and the staff were friendly. The decor was very cute as well.
- ServiceThe restaurant, a house converted, is cool. Service was quick and our server was kind. Parking in North Park requires a few extra minutes, but we found a spot a 5-minute walk away easily on a Friday at 6 pm.
- hospitalitythe hospitality is top notch
- waiterThe place felt so at home! The waiter was soo kind and gave us plenty of time, but of course, we already knew what we wanted! This waiter came out with the most refreshing water I've ever seen 🥰.
- Auntie that helped usThe Auntie that helped us was super sweet.
- FASTAnd they are FAST
- Thai place open until midnightthey're the only thai place open until midnight
- amazing peopleamazing people
- amazing staffGreeted by amazing staff
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceI used to consider this one of my favorite places, but I am now extremely dissatisfied with the customer service. I always came here and got my favorite meal modified because I cannot eat a certain item.
- hoursthey don’t always open on the hours that they post.
- Wait timeWait time:1+ hour
- accommodationsno accomodations offered
- anger managementHe needs therapy for his anger management
- consistencyconsistency is a problem with this place
- cookif the cook to more care and pride
- fair and consistentstart being fair and consistent
- lady on the phoneThe Lady on the phone was very rude with me
- lie" This really pissed me off, especially since I wasn't feeling well. Thanks for the lie. I don't think I'd go back to this restaurant.
If friendly, quick service and great hospitality are your priorities, you'll likely be pleased here. Just be aware that some guests have encountered occasional inconsistencies or longer waits, so manage your expectations during peak times.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambiance here really shines, making for a delightful visit! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a great 82.1%, guests consistently praise the atmosphere, decor, and cozy and homey vibe. Out of 67 total comments, 55 were positive, highlighting a very welcoming and fun dining experience.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few guests mentioned minor concerns. There were 6 negative comments, primarily around parking limitations and occasionally a vibe that felt a bit off to some. However, these seem to be isolated incidents and don't detract significantly from the overall positive impression.
Ambience
67
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
6
negative
6
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homey atmosphere
- Fun, welcoming decor
- Clean and orderly
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Inconsistent vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereDecorations are fun and creates a cozy family atmosphere
- decorWe were seated and had time to look over the menu, with the process completed within 10 minutes. The restaurant itself was clean and beautifully decorated with Thai culture and flair. The curry was thick and delicious, and the spring rolls were perfect – not oily or hard.
- vibeall the way—for vibe
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeThis was my second visit, and they consistently deliver. I highly recommend this place!
- restaurantThe restaurant was clean
- Thai islandFeels like eating at a little hole in the wall on a Thai island
- Thai peopleThe price was also very good. You can tell it's run by Thai people. Highly recommended.
- Very welcomingVery welcoming
- ambianceas noteworthy as its ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Parking is limitedFood is freshly made and served right away. Parking is limited in this area.
- atmosphereAtmosphere has radio and advertisements running
- distancei live an hour and a half away from there
- parkingremember the parking is not easy
- soapthe soap is super watered down.
- vibethe vibe in the place just felt different
If you're looking for a restaurant with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that parking can sometimes be a bit tricky, so plan accordingly, but the cozy interior makes it a great choice for a relaxed meal.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3 and strong customer satisfaction at 74.3%. Many of the 26 positive comments highlight the reasonable price, great prices, and affordable prices, often noting that the lunch special is such a good deal and the portions are generous, making it worth the price. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 6 negative comments point to some issues.
Concerns include being overcharged on cards and unexpected fees, with some feeling the meal ended up twice as expensive as typical competitors. While these instances are fewer, theyre definitely worth noting.
Value
35
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Great lunch deals
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Unexpected fees
- Card overcharges
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- pricesI stumbled upon this restaurant online while searching for Thai food, and I'm so glad we decided to give it a try. The menu is extensive, and the prices are fair. The food itself is truly outstanding.
- pricespent 15 dollars on the curry and it came with the decent sized steamed rice
- Price per personboth were so flavorful and only $30 all together!
- Whole mealWhole meal was reasonably priced with good portions
- Worth the priceWorth the price too!
- affordable pricesprices affordable
- cost friendlyeverything is cost friendly
- lunch speciallunch special is such a good deal
- lunch specialsprices were very good for the lunch specials
- pricingpricing of the food is spot on
Frequently criticized
- card overchargeovercharged my card $20 after adding about $20 in fees
- chargeWhen I called, the staff seemed clueless about whether my order was picked up or where it was. I was left with no food and a charge, stuck at work with no accommodations offered.
- expensivetwice as expensive as a typical Thai restaurant
- feesMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The place overcharged my card by $20, in addition to adding about $20 in fees to the original order price. Ultimately, the meal ended up being twice as expensive as a typical Thai restaurant, and the food was only mediocre.
- moneyout the money I used to pay for that soup
- priceThe Pad Thai had the consistency of mushy frozen food and also no spice and little flavor. While Bangkok Spices charges the same if not slightly more than competitors, the quality is not comparable. I recommend you try the food of your nearby competitors and see how you can offer something delicious and worth visiting for.
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally good value and reasonable prices, especially for lunch specials, this spot is often a solid choice. Just keep an eye on your bill for any unexpected charges, as a few customers have reported issues with overcharging and fees.
How are the prices at Bangkok Spices Thai?
You’re looking at roughly $25 per person – reported by 91 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.
Whats interesting is that while the average is $25, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, with the majority clustering in the $11–$20 range. This tells us theres a nice mix: you can definitely find budget-friendly options, but there are also choices that bring the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai Restaurant. It offers good flexibility, allowing diners to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank, or to splurge a little for a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bangkok Spices Thai
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Glad this place survived, good food!
I'm glad this restaurant made it through the pre-pandemic times. We had a calm dinner, and the place wasn't busy, which is a nice advantage of going out on a weekday night, especially with foggy weather. We enjoyed our brisket pho; the meat slices were thick, though I wish they were more tender.
The broth was good, but might need to be less salty. The tofu pad thai was good, and I opted for mild spice (4/10) in case my toddler wanted to try it. My husband and I loved the Ka Na Moo Krob.
We're not sure what's in the water besides lemon, but it tastes good. We appreciated being given big bottles of water instead of waiting for refills, and thank you for keeping the washroom clean.
- brisket pho7
- meat slices5
- broth6
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Mixed Feelings on Pad Thai and Tum Yum
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of good and disappointing. I found the Pad Thai to be good, and the drunken noodles were great. However, I was disappointed with the TumYum soup.
I tried it for the first time and discovered it was literally just broth with a few pieces of chicken and mushrooms, lacking any vegetables. I wish I had known about the lack of veggies in their TumYum soup beforehand.
- Pad Thai7
- drunken noodles9
- TumYum soup3
- veggies2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Authenticity and Atmosphere Issues
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the food and atmosphere. The food was very sugary, which I found to be not authentic. The atmosphere was also a letdown, with radio and advertisements running in the background.
- food2
- authenticity2
- atmosphere3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Bangkok Flavors in Every Bite!
From the very first bite, I felt like I was right back on the streets of Bangkok! This restaurant is an absolute gem! Every dish bursts with the kind of bold, vibrant flavors you only find in authentic Thai cooking.
The aromas of lemongrass, chili, and coconut hit the moment you walk in, and from there, it’s pure magic. I tried the Pad See Ew and Khao Soi, and each one was spot on — perfectly balanced between spicy, tangy, and fragrant. You can tell the chefs know what they’re doing and cook straight from the heart.
Can’t wait to come back — khob khun ka! 🇹🇭❤️
- bold, vibrant flavors10
- Pad See Ew9
- Khao Soi9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Yummy Food, Quick Service!
We stumbled upon this place because all other Thai food places were closed. My experience was great; the food was so yummy and the service was very quick. Thank you!
- food10
- service9
What Bangkok Spices Thai offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant?
At Bangkok Spices Thai, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, quiet, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy table service, and they even offer high chairs for children, making it a welcoming spot for families.
Does Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant offer options for specific dietary needs and convenient services?
Absolutely! Bangkok Spices Thai provides healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options to cater to diverse preferences. For your convenience, you can choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery services, and they also accept reservations.
What is the overall verdict for Bangkok Spices Thai?
Bangkok Spices Thai holds an overall score of 7.4, with Food (7.3), Service (7.3), Ambience (7.9), and Value (7.3) all receiving good marks, indicating a generally positive dining experience.
Is the food at Bangkok Spices Thai considered authentic and delicious?
Many patrons describe the food as tasty, authentic, and delicious, with particular praise for dishes like drunken noodles and curries. However, some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in flavor, such as dishes being too sugary or oily.
What should I know about the service and value at Bangkok Spices Thai?
The service is often highlighted as friendly and fast, contributing to a positive experience. While many find the prices fair and portions good, there have been isolated reports of overcharging or service inconsistencies, including rude staff or long wait times.