Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Thai Spice – San Francisco
Thai Spice - San Francisco
Photo from Thai Spice
Thai Spice at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#1543 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#33 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
484
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Pleasant Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Rude Service
- Poor Value
The restaurant Thai Spice is a delightful Thai restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for any occasion.
This establishment stands out with its great tea selection, inviting you to explore unique flavors alongside your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting Thai Spice
Thai Spice generally impresses with its flavorful food, often described as fresh and perfectly cooked. The ambiance also contributes positively, offering an elegant or cozy setting for many diners.
However, experiences with service can be inconsistent, with some encountering rudeness or slow responses. While many find the value reasonable, others point to extra charges or small portions as drawbacks.
Good
7.1
out of 10
484
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
121
negative
32
neutral
331
positive
Thai Spice achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by 331 positive remarks out of 484 total customer observations.
The Food (7.4) stands out as a strong point, consistently described as fresh and flavorful, while the Ambience (7.7) also contributes significantly to positive impressions, often noted for its elegant or cozy feel. However, the customer satisfaction rate sits at 68.4%, suggesting a mixed bag for some patrons despite the good overall score.
This is partly influenced by the 121 negative comments, particularly concerning Service (6.2), which can be inconsistent, and Value (4.9), where some find pricing or extra charges less appealing. This divergence highlights areas for potential improvement.
What people like
- Flavorful, fresh food
- Pleasant, elegant ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Questionable pricing, value
Thai Spice offers a generally good dining experience, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared Thai cuisine and a pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s a place worth considering for its culinary strengths.
However, be mindful that service can be a mixed bag, and some aspects of pricing might not appeal to everyone. If you’re seeking delicious food and a nice atmosphere and can overlook potential service hiccups, it could be a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thai Spice
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.6%. Many of the 209 positive remarks rave about the delicious drunken noodles, rich Khao Soi, and flavorful curry dishes. Guests consistently praise the bold flavors and overall quality, often calling it some of the best Thai food around.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 57 negative comments noting some dishes were too sweet or under cooked. There were also mentions of inconsistent spice levels and disappointment with stale mangoes in desserts. While generally positive, some found certain items lacking in expected flavor.
Food
292
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
57
negative
26
neutral
209
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Drunken Noodles
- Flavorful Khao Soi
- Amazing Thai Flavors
What people don't like
- Overly sweet dishes
- Inconsistent spice levels
- Stale mangoes
Often praised
- foodThe Thai-style eggplants were also a hit. This was my second visit to Thai Spice, and the food has consistently been exceptional. The ambiance is elegant, and since we went early in the evening, it was a quiet and pleasant dining experience.
- Foodthe food is amazing! Everything is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked
- Khao SoiDefinitely something I haven't had before. As for the Khao Soi, this was magic. Imagine a chicken ramen with a Thai zest.
- Thai foodThis is a solid casual Thai restaurant located in Russian Hill, serving up the classics. It will definitely hit the spot if you’re craving Thai food, though it's not particularly memorable. We tried the papaya salad, which was tasty and refreshing, but be aware it's fairly spicy.
- Pad Thaimake the Pad Thai spicy, and the result was just phenomenal
- delicious foodblown away by the delicious food
- drunken noodlesthe drunken noodles at this restaurant was the real deal!
- pad ThaiWe had the pad Thai and the green curry. We enjoyed both
- Crab Rangoonthe Crab Rangoon, which was creamy and delicious
- Drunken NoodlesDrunken Noodles - both were delectable as well
Frequently criticized
- Pad Thaithis is where the food started to start tasting sweet
- foodI was really excited to try this place because it always seems very packed, but unfortunately, I was not very satisfied with the food. To be honest, everything tasted so sweet, it was overpowering at times, though I will point out the good things in each dish.
- duck noodlesseasoning was too salty as well
- tom yum soupnot hot enough. By 10 minutes, the soup had gone cold
- Mango Sticky RiceMango Sticky Rice = 3/5
- Massaman beef rotiMassaman beef roti was the let down of the night
- Roti dipThe roti dip was cold
- Thai fried ricethai fried rice tasted like just plain rice and some white chicken
- Thai iced teaour Thai iced tea was in a small jar. Not a full glass.
- Thai spicywhy is Thai spicy extra at a Thai place?
If youre craving classic Thai dishes like Drunken Noodles or Khao Soi, this place is definitely worth a try for its generally delicious and flavorful offerings. Just be mindful of potential sweetness in some curries and perhaps inquire about spice levels, especially if youre sensitive to heat.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Based on over 100 comments, the service here often shines, with many guests praising the friendly staff and attentive servers. Youll frequently hear about great recommendations and how they did not rush us, making for a pleasant dining experience. The service score is an average 6.2, reflecting a solid effort from the team.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some experiences point to significant waiting times and even rushed service, with a few feeling ignored or experiencing impersonal service. This contributes to a mixed 56.6% customer satisfaction, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
106
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
41
negative
5
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rushed service
- Impersonal service
Often praised
- serviceTo their credit, the dishes were cooked well in terms of proteins and textures; nothing was overcooked. The interior is very nice, and the service is prompt. However, the food just wasn't for me, and I expected more given its reviews and pricing.
- ServiceThe service is super fast and efficient
- serverOur server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable
- staffThe food was delicious; I highly recommend getting the khao soi – you won’t regret it! The staff was wonderful to us. We will definitely be coming back when we return to the Bay Area.
- great recommendationsgave great recommendations for the menu
- serversThe ambiance is elegant, and since we went early in the evening, it was a quiet and pleasant dining experience. The servers were friendly, although they didn't check in very frequently. Overall, I highly recommend Thai Spice for delicious Thai cuisine in a lovely setting!
- wait timeonly had to wait for 15 mins or so
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- Staffstill warm and friendly. Even when it’s busy, the staff keeps everything running smoothly
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeI’ve been here 3-5 times now, and I’ve always been taken aback by the rudeness and callousness of the staff here. They have messed up my orders a couple of times, snapped at me when I requested for a change, and purposely made my mom and I wait for an hour. Maybe they are just stressed but they have gone out of their way to make me feel unwelcome and embarrassed.
- serviceWe visited this restaurant to celebrate a graduation with friends. The atmosphere was quite empty, and the service was slow, with only two staff members managing everything. Our cocktails were just okay, nothing special.
- serverthe server gave us the check and told us to make room for people with a reservation
- staffrudeness and callousness of the staff here
- ServiceService:2
- WaiterWaiter didn't seem to care
- bad tasteleft me with such a bad taste in my mouth
- cutlery or chopsticksno one asked if we need cutlery or chopsticks
- ignored meserver completely ignored me for the next customer
- impersonal servicehaving impersonal service
Overall, the service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. When its good, youll find friendly, attentive staff, but be prepared for potential long waits or less personal interactions, especially during busy times. If you value a consistently smooth experience above all else, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction of 78.9%, which is pretty good! Many guests rave about the lively atmosphere, nice decor, and how it feels like a cute restaurant with a warm vibe. With 56 positive remarks out of 71 total, it seems most people really enjoy the setting.
However, it's not all quiet corners and perfect lighting. Some of the 14 negative comments point to issues like it being quite noisy, difficult parking, and even uncomfortable cushions. So, while the overall feel is positive, be aware of these potential downsides.
Ambience
71
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Tasteful decor
- Cozy vibe
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Difficult parking
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereLeider haben wir sehr schnell die Rechnung bekommen und wurden nicht nach einem Nachtisch gefragt.
- Atmospherea lively atmosphere that makes dining here exciting
- ambianceThis was my second visit to Thai Spice, and the food has consistently been exceptional. The ambiance is elegant, and since we went early in the evening, it was a quiet and pleasant dining experience. The servers were friendly, although they didn't check in very frequently.
- ambienceThe quantity served was good for two with limited capacity. The ambience of this place is really cozy, and visiting during a non-crowded hour or dinner provides a calming experience.
- interiorthe interior was nice and vibrant
- decorbeautiful decor
- noise levelI went for dinner and had a really nice experience. The place is nice and not too loud, offering a great cozy atmosphere. The service was great, and the food was nice as well.
- EnergyThe place always has a great energy
- Parking optionsParking options:Paid parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking options:Paid street parking
- atmospherevery loud inside
- conversationcan’t really hear anything for conversation
- cushions on the benchthe cushion on the bench were pretty worn out and a little bit uncomfortable
- feel unwelcomeThey have messed up my orders a couple of times, snapped at me when I requested for a change, and purposely made my mom and I wait for an hour. Maybe they are just stressed but they have gone out of their way to make me feel unwelcome and embarrassed. Not what you would want for a sit down dinner or a pickup.
- glass of waterthe glass of water I was served was broken
- insidethe inside was so loud we couldn’t make any conversation
- noiseIt's very noisy
- overall experienceUnfortunately the overall experience was disappointing.
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a place with a generally vibrant and well-designed setting, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potentially high noise levels and plan your parking ahead, especially if you're seeking a quiet, intimate gathering.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall score for this aspect is an average 4.9, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 40%, there are definitely some positives to consider. Many guests found the price to be right and appreciated the good value, noting that the prices were quite reasonable.
Out of 15 total comments, 6 positive remarks highlight these points, suggesting some diners feel they got their moneys worth. However, not everyone felt the same way. There were 9 negative comments, with some guests feeling things were expensive or that portion sizes were too small for the cost.
Issues like an auto gratuity and a large party fee also left a sour taste, making some question the overall value proposition and feeling it was more expensive than other places.
Value
15
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable base prices
- Good value found
What people don't like
- Auto gratuity
- Small portions
- Hidden extra charges
Often praised
- Good valueGood value
- SF Ordiance Healthy Mandate feeDoes not apply the "SF Ordiance Healthy Mandate" fee
- good pricezu einem guten Preis
- priceThe price was right and more than reasonable
- pricesThe prices are reasonable
- pricingReasonable in terms of pricing
Frequently criticized
- Thai spicycharge extra for Thai spicy
- auto gratuityThey also put an auto 20% gratuity on our bill
- dipping saucescharge extra for ... dipping sauces
- expensivemore expensive than other Thai places
- large party feecharged large party fee
- portion sizesportion sizes were too small considering the price
- priceget tastier Thai food at a better price elsewhere
- reviews and pricingThe interior is very nice, and the service is prompt. However, the food just wasn't for me, and I expected more given its reviews and pricing. This is why I wouldn't personally come back.
- tipnot deserve a 18% tip
So, is it worth it? If you're looking for generally reasonable pricing on some items, you might find decent value. However, be mindful of potential extra charges like auto gratuity or fees for larger groups, as these can quickly add up and impact your overall perception of the cost.
How are the prices at Thai Spice?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 36, a large number of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. However, there’s also a good number of diners who opt for a more premium experience, which helps pull that average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
This chart compares the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, especially given the citys usual prices.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thai Spice
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Ridiculously Good Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the food. I ordered the crispy rolls for an appetizer and the Khao Soi for my entree. Both dishes were ridiculously good.
The spring rolls were incredibly fresh and crunchy, exactly how they should be. The Khao Soi was so creamy and flavorful that I can't stop thinking about it. I had no complaints about the food.
The reviewer also noted that the service and atmosphere were excellent, rating both a 5 out of 5. They strongly recommend making a reservation.
- crispy rolls10
- spring rolls9
- Khao Soi10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Spectacular Thai Food, Highly Recommend!
My experience at this restaurant was spectacular! While there are several Thai options in the area, this one truly stands out. The food quality is exceptional, which explains why it's always so busy.
I even brought my parents here to try Thai food for the first time, and they absolutely loved it. I definitely recommend this place!
- food10
- Thai food9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great food that was a definite highlight. The service was great, and the ambiance was very tasteful. The only downside was the plates were really small, which meant I had to order a few to feel full if I had a large appetite.
- food10
- service9
- ambiance9
- plates3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great Food, Very Noisy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was really nice, earning a perfect score. However, on a busy day, the restaurant became extremely noisy, making it difficult to have a conversation.
- food10
- restaurant3
- conversation3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Solid Casual Thai Classics
This is a solid casual Thai restaurant located in Russian Hill, serving up the classics. It will definitely hit the spot if you’re craving Thai food, though it's not particularly memorable. We tried the papaya salad, which was tasty and refreshing, but be aware it's fairly spicy.
The chicken pad see ew was a solid dish.
- papaya salad7
- chicken pad see ew7
- Thai food7
What Thai Spice offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Thai Spice in Polk Gulch?
At Thai Spice, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, with comfortable seating available. They also offer convenient takeout and delivery services.
Does Thai Spice offer options for specific dietary needs and a variety of beverages?
Yes, Thai Spice caters to various preferences with healthy options and vegetarian dishes available. You can also choose from a wide range of beverages, including a great tea selection, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.
What is the overall verdict for Thai Spice?
Thai Spice holds an overall score of 7.1, indicating a good experience for many. Its Ambience (7.7) and Food (7.4) are highly regarded, though Service (6.2) is average and Value (4.9) is a weaker point.
What do customers say about the food at Thai Spice?
Customers frequently praise the food for being fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with dishes like Khao Soi and Pad Thai often highlighted for their exceptional taste.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Thai Spice?
Some diners report inconsistent service, including instances of rudeness or slow responses. Additionally, concerns about value, such as extra charges or small portion sizes, are occasionally mentioned.