Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Saap Ver Damn Good – San Francisco
Saap Ver Damn Good - San Francisco
Photo from Saap Ver Damn Good
Saap Ver Damn Good at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#1637 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#34 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
550
Reviews
64.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Lively ambiance
- Fast service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Loud environment
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant Saap Ver Damn Good, a vibrant Thai Restaurant in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, offers you an authentic taste of Thailand. You’ll find a fantastic experience here, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection.
This cozy, casual spot is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, inviting you to enjoy its trendy atmosphere and delicious street food offerings.
Overview: Introducting Saap Ver Damn Good
Saap Ver offers a vibrant dining experience, often described with authentic decor and a lively club-y vibe. Guests frequently praise the flavorful and fresh Thai dishes, noting their authenticity.
The staff generally provides quick and attentive service, making for an efficient meal. However, the lively atmosphere can sometimes be a drawback, with loud music making conversation challenging.
Some patrons have also raised concerns about the overall value, citing unexpected fees and inconsistent portion sizes. Service can occasionally be a point of contention, with reports of communication issues.
Good
7
out of 10
550
Reviews
64.7%
Satisfaction
149
negative
45
neutral
356
positive
Overall, Saap Ver earns a solid 7 on the restaurant score, indicating a generally good experience. This is supported by a significant number of positive remarks, with 356 positive comments out of 550 total.
The Food (7.4) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently receiving high marks for its authentic flavors and quality. The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively, often praised for its lively and distinctive atmosphere.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.7%, suggesting some areas could use refinement. While Service (5.9) hovers around average, it occasionally falls short for some diners.
The most notable area for improvement is Value (4.5), which receives a lower score due to concerns over pricing and additional fees. This mixed feedback, with 149 negative comments, points to an experience that can vary.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Lively, distinctive ambiance
- Quick, attentive service
What people don't like
- Hidden fees, poor value
- Loud music, noise
- Inconsistent service
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Saap Ver is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize vibrant flavors and a lively atmosphere. It shines for those seeking authentic Thai dishes served efficiently.
Just be prepared for a potentially energetic dining environment. However, if you’re sensitive to noise or concerned about value and additional charges, you might want to manage expectations.
For a casual, flavorful meal where the food takes center stage, Saap Ver could be a good fit, but be mindful of the overall cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Saap Ver Damn Good
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a generally good experience, scoring a solid 7.4. Many diners rave about the authentic Thai food, praising its flavorful and fresh dishes, often highlighting the large vegetarian selection and big portions. With 254 positive sentiments out of 365 total, there's a lot to love about the culinary offerings here.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as reflected in the mixed customer satisfaction of 69.6%. Some guests have encountered issues like inconsistent quality, food that lacks flavor, or surprisingly small portions for certain items. There are also concerning mentions regarding food safety, which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Food
365
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
76
negative
35
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Fresh, flavorful dishes
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Food safety concerns
- Lacks depth, flavor
Often praised
- foodThey serve some of the best Thai food in San Francisco. The food is very authentic, and while the spice level is on the spicier side (medium or 3 is quite hot, and Thai hot is very hot), the flavors are incredible. My favorites include the larb salad, som tum poo pla ra, tom yum fried rice, pad see ew, and pad Thai.
- Thai foodMy experience at Saap was fantastic! They serve some of the best Thai food in San Francisco. The food is very authentic, and while the spice level is on the spicier side (medium or 3 is quite hot, and Thai hot is very hot), the flavors are incredible.
- FoodI had the Tom Yum soup and crab fried rice, and both were absolutely delicious. The food quality was excellent, and I highly recommend trying these dishes. The service was also top-notch, contributing to a very enjoyable meal.
- duck curryThe food, ambience, and service were always top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the Crispy duck salad, duck curry, and saap ver wings. Be aware that it is pretty spicy; medium is quite spicy.
- Pad See EwBest Pad See Ew (noodles) I ever had
- appetizersThe person bringing our food from the kitchen was very kind and attentive, and the fried chicken on the chicken fried rice was excellent. The appetizers were good as well. However, my tom yum soup was extremely strong and unpleasantly pungent, almost as if an excessive amount of fish sauce had been added.
- crab fried riceEverything we ordered was delicious and served in big portions. For lunch, we enjoyed the grilled pork shoulder, pad thai hor kai, and crab fried rice. I definitely want to come back to try more of their Thai street food menu!
- drinksgreat drinks too, including fresh young coconuts and some super fun cocktails
- green curryPrawn pad Thai, green curry, basil chicken. Top 3 Thai places
- papaya saladpapaya salad were so delicious!
Frequently criticized
- chickenI tried the ginger chicken rice and BBQ noodle soup, both of which were delicious. However, I found the rice to be too sticky and the chicken was mostly skin and bone. After multiple visits, I've downgraded my rating to 4 stars because not all items are worth the price.
- wingsThe fact that they give the half/split wing (ie, just has one bone) didn't improve this dish.
- foodfood burnt my tongue, throat and stomach
- food qualityfood has changed. dishes used to have more depth and flavor, but now it is just sweet.
- green curryMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing regarding the green curry. They forgot to put the green in my green curry, and there was no spice base or chili at all. Besides that, the taste was okay.
- medium spicyThe portion also felt small relative to the price. Be careful, even medium spicy is very spicy. I was a bit disappointed with the service.
- portionsThe place skimps on the portions
- riceIt cost $18 before taxes and contained literally 6 tiny pieces of chicken. It also came with no rice. While the flavor is pretty authentic, don’t expect anything of substance in your meal.
- spring rolls3 spring rolls for $12 cut into 6 pieces
- BBQ ChickenBBQ Chicken is a bit dry
If youre seeking authentic Thai flavors and generous portions, this place is often a hit. Be aware that quality can sometimes be inconsistent, and there have been some serious food safety concerns reported. Its worth a try for the right dishes, but proceed with a bit of caution.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 55.2% and a score of 5.9. Many guests, accounting for 48 positive remarks out of 87 total, frequently highlighted fast service and friendly servers. The attentive staff often ensured tables were prepared quickly and orders came out promptly, making for an enjoyable experience.
However, theres definitely room for improvement, as 36 negative remarks point to issues like long wait times and inattentive staff. Some encountered problems with the billing process or felt servers would refuse to serve without a tip, leading to frustration and a less welcoming atmosphere.
Service
87
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
36
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly servers
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
- Refused service
Often praised
- servicethe service and the food were typically good Thai food
- ServiceI ordered the "Pork Leg Stews" and it was delicious. I've been here several times, and they are always busy serving famous Thai street food that is just like in Thailand. Thumbs up!
- staffThe staff is very nice
- Everything that we ordered came out quicklyEverything that we ordered came out quickly
- Fast serviceFast service!
- attentive staffvery attentive staff
- foodI particularly enjoyed their sweet fresh coconut, which was so refreshing and delicious, a perfect complement to the flavorful dishes. Our food came out surprisingly fast, which was great because we were starving! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious, made with fresh ingredients and bold Thai flavors.
- free dessertarranged a free dessert for us
- friendly serversfriendly servers
- great servicegave great service
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was very disappointed, as we had looked forward to enjoying a nice dinner in the city. While the food itself was okay, the service was absolutely unacceptable. Based on this experience, I will not be returning, and I hope others do not encounter the same level of rudeness.
- seatingHowever, my experience on Sunday, May 4th, was disappointing. My party arrived at 2: 00 PM for lunch, but we were denied seating. This was particularly frustrating as the restaurant advertises lunch service until 2: 30 PM.
- serverThe server, who had seated us, never came by to check on how the meal was
- CommunicationCommunication can be a bit hard at times
- ServiceService is what this place really lacked
- billing processThe check out and billing process was also slow
- double standardWhat’s up with this double standard?
- lunchadvertises lunch until 2:30pm. Pretty lame.
- menu knowledgeThey don't know much about their menus
- order timeorder take over twice as long to come up
Overall, service here can be quite inconsistent. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy quick and friendly attention. However, be prepared for potential waits or communication issues that could dampen your visit.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.3 and leaving 71.4% of customers satisfied! Many love the fun atmosphere, hip vibe, and authentic decor, often describing it as having a cool, club-y feel. With 45 positive remarks out of 63 total opinions, guests frequently praise the modern, stylish design and even the dog-friendly outdoor seating.
However, its not always perfect, as 15 negative comments point out some drawbacks. The main concern is often the loud music and high noise level, which can make it challenging for group conversations. Some even feel its more like a club than a restaurant, especially on crowded nights, so be prepared for a lively, energetic environment.
Ambience
63
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, hip atmosphere
- Unique, authentic decor
- Modern, stylish vibe
What people don't like
- Loud music
- High noise level
- Hard to converse
Often praised
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
- AtmosphereThe restaurant was packed when we arrived
- vibesThe vibes are immaculate
- Street food vibesStreet food vibes
- ambiancegreat ambiance
- ambienceambience... is always top-notch!
- authentic decorfelt like I was in Thailand because the authentic decor
- club-y vibeit almost has a club-y vibe
- conversationI would highly recommend this place. It almost feels like you are in a club as the music is quite loud, but we could still hold a conversation, so it was not too bad. We tried the fresh rolls, pumpkin curry with tofu, veg fried rice, and pad Kee Mao veg, and everything was very flavorful and fresh.
- decorfun decor
Frequently criticized
- musicthe music can be a bit loud
- TVsquite loud inside with lots of tv
- atmospherelike going to a club not a restaurant
- club musicplay club music really loud
- group conversationsThe service was also top-notch, rated a 5. The only drawback was the atmosphere, specifically the music, which was a bit loud, making it not the best place for group conversations. Despite this, the overall food and service made for a memorable meal.
- hand sanitizerMy experience at this restaurant was marked by the imposition of a 5% junk fee. When questioned, the staff defended this fee by stating it was to "pay for the hand sanitizer. " However, I only observed one bottle of hand sanitizer at the front of the establishment.
- loudit is too loud in the restaurant
- loud insidecan get a bit loud inside on crowded nights
- loud music and tvThere’s loud music and tv playing
- loud nightsSome nights are way too loud
If youre looking for a vibrant, hip spot with a fun atmosphere and dont mind a lively, potentially loud setting, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if quiet conversation is your priority, you might find the noise level a bit much.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite a mixed bag, with a 4.5 score indicating an average experience, yet customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 25.7%. Some diners appreciate the reasonable pricing, finding the food worth it and offering good value, especially with affordable food rates and convenient free street parking. These positive sentiments account for 9 out of 35 total comments.
However, a larger group of 22 comments expresses frustration over high prices and a perceived poor value proposition. Many are particularly bothered by hidden fees like the 5% SF mandate charge and other junk fees that make the overall cost feel excessive and sometimes even deceiving. This significant divergence between the score and satisfaction suggests a need for clarity.
Value
35
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
22
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Affordable food rates
- Free street parking
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- High prices
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- priceprice is fair and amazing
- Free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- affordabilityaffordable food
- food ratesWe visit this place quite often due to its proximity to our home and affordable food rates. It's always been a really pleasant and good experience visiting this place to enjoy good Thai food!
- good valuefor good value
- tasteThe ambience offers street food vibes, and it's fun to watch the live counters. While Saap is a little pricey compared to other options, the taste more than makes up for it. I'd estimate $30-40 per head for an appetizer and main.
- worth itit soooo worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, I found the rice to be too sticky and the chicken was mostly skin and bone. After multiple visits, I've downgraded my rating to 4 stars because not all items are worth the price. For example, the pumpkin tofu curry only contained a few cubes of pumpkin and three pieces of tofu.
- $18cost $18 before taxes and had literally 6 tiny pieces of chicken
- 5% SF mandate chargecharge 5% SF mandate charge and don’t tell you about it
- 5% chargewhy I have to pay 5% for?? Just don’t get it
- SF mandatebetween the SF mandate, tip percentages based on post-tax+sf ‘mandate’ (junk fee)
- bill‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️ As a foreigner and student, I initially liked this restaurant and became a regular. However, I noticed the bill was consistently 18-20% higher than the food cost, leading me to believe the tip was already included. ‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️⚠️‼️ On my >10th visit, a server confronted me and delivered a 5-minute lecture: “If you don’t tip, don’t dine in.
- deceiving and dishonest practicedeceiving and dishonest practice of the restaurant owner
- default tipdefault tip is 18% which include 5% SF mandate
- hidden feesThe server explicitly stated they would refuse to serve me if I didn't "tip". This restaurant already uses dark patterns in its billing with hidden fees (as noted in other 1-star reviews) and then threatens customers for not "tipping". Thanks, I will be having my meals elsewhere next time.
- high pricesand the already high prices
If you're looking for a spot with genuinely affordable food and convenient parking, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially higher-than-expected prices and keep an eye out for additional charges that could make the overall experience feel less worthwhile.
How are the prices at Saap Ver Damn Good?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 93 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good spread: while the average is 38, many guests spend less, with the most common price point being in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly dishes to some premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Youve got options whether you’re looking for a quick, tasty bite or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Saap Ver Damn Good
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Fair Price, Fast Service, Mixed Food
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The price was fair and amazing, and the service and food came up fast. However, while the food was generally okay, there were some specific issues.
The coconut chicken soup had chicken that was a bit dry and the soup itself was too salty. On a positive note, the pineapple fried rice was good, moist, and sweet.
- price9
- service8
- food6
- coconut chicken soup3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Yellow Curry!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the yellow curry. It was so good that two of my colleagues also ordered it and loved it. I personally felt like I could eat it every day!
- yellow curry10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Authentic & Spicy Food, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was very good and authentic, though it's important to note that it can be really really spicy, so diners should be cautious. The service was great as well.
- food9
- spicy food6
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Thai Street Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The street-style Thai food was done RIGHT, offering an authentic taste that truly impressed. While the prices are on the higher side, the good value makes it worthwhile.
It definitely beats farmhouse kitchen by miles.
- street-style Thai food10
- prices6
- good value8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Good Food, Great Atmosphere
This was my second visit to the restaurant. On my first visit, I tried their spring roll and pork belly rice meal, which was just okay. However, on my second visit, I ordered the pad thai with prawns and fried fish cake, and it was good, definitely better than my first meal.
The service was fast, with quick order taking and food delivery. While the price is on the expensive side, the food quality is good. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very good, featuring a large TV and a bar, making it a great place for drinking and watching sports.
- spring roll5
- pork belly rice meal5
- pad thai with prawns8
- price4
What Saap Ver Damn Good offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining options and dietary choices does Saap Ver Damn Good offer?
At Saap Ver Damn Good! Thai street food, you’ll discover a wide array of dining options. They cater to various preferences with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside delicious small plates. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert, all with comfortable table service.
What is the atmosphere like at Saap Ver Damn Good and what services do they provide?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Saap Ver Damn Good. They offer flexible service options including dine-in, outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. For your convenience, there’s a bar onsite, gender-neutral restrooms, and full wheelchair accessibility.
What is the overall dining experience like at Saap Ver?
Saap Ver generally offers a good dining experience, with a restaurant score of 7 and mixed customer satisfaction at 64.7%. The Food (7.4) and Ambience (7.3) are highly rated, while Service (5.9) is average and Value (4.5) is a notable concern.
Is Saap Ver a good place for quiet conversation?
Saap Ver is known for its lively and fun atmosphere, often described with a club-y vibe and authentic decor. However, many customers note that the music can be quite loud, making it less ideal for quiet group conversations.
Are there any hidden costs or pricing concerns at Saap Ver?
Some patrons have expressed concerns about value, mentioning issues like a 5% “junk fee” or “SF mandate charge” and a default 18% tip. There have also been comments about inconsistent portion sizes relative to the price.