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oChef » Thainery – San Francisco
Thainery - San Francisco
Photo from Thainery
Thainery at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#807 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
97
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Consistent food
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Limited seating
The restaurant Thainery brings the vibrant flavors of a Thai restaurant right to the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Union Square. You’ll find a casual and inviting atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or delicious vegetarian dishes, this spot offers a delightful escape into authentic Thai cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Thainery
Thainery offers a welcoming experience, with many guests praising the friendly staff and sweet owners who ensure a pleasant visit. You’ll often find the wait to be quite reasonable, making it a convenient stop for a quick meal.
The atmosphere, described as a hidden gem in a unique food court setting, adds to its charm. While many appreciate the consistent food and generous additions like free Thai iced coffee, some dishes, particularly certain chicken entrees and the curry, have received mixed feedback, with a few finding them bland or not authentically Thai.
Seating can also be a challenge during peak hours.
Good
7.8
out of 10
97
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
11
negative
10
neutral
76
positive
Thainery generally earns a solid 7.8 overall, reflecting a good dining experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 78.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 97 customer remarks, with 76 favorable comments outweighing the 11 less enthusiastic ones. Diving deeper, Service truly shines with an excellent score of (9.1), often highlighted by guests.
The Food also performs well at (7.8), though it sees some varied opinions. Both Ambience (7.0) and Value (7.2) are rated as good, suggesting a pleasant environment and fair pricing contribute positively to the overall impression.
What people like
- Excellent, friendly service
- Consistent, fresh food
- Good value, free drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Limited peak seating
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, Thainery is certainly worth considering, especially if you value genuinely friendly service and a good meal at a fair price. It’s a solid choice for a casual lunch, offering a pleasant experience in its unique food court setting.
However, if you’re seeking highly authentic or consistently bold Thai flavors, some dishes might not hit the mark. Be prepared for potential seating challenges during busy times.
Overall, it’s a reliable spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thainery
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.8 score and a strong 78.8% customer satisfaction, many diners rave about the delicious and consistent offerings. Out of 66 comments, 52 were positive, praising dishes like the pad see ew with tofu, authentic Thai flavors, well portioned meals, and nicely spicy options.
Youll often find fresh, tasty, and generously sized plates that keep people coming back. However, its not always a perfect plate. A few of the 9 negative remarks point to some entrees being misses, with complaints about rice being mushy or food taste being bland.
Some found the Curry watered down or the overall authenticity lacking, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in certain dishes.
Food
66
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai food
- Delicious, well-portioned
- Nicely spiced dishes
What people don't like
- Some entrees miss
- Bland, watery curry
- Inconsistent food taste
Often praised
- foodThe food is consistent, fresh, and tasty
- FoodFood:5
- Pad Thaiwe ordered a Pad Thai... and we Loved it!!!
- Thai basil chickenThe basil chicken was very delicious but it's a little sweet
- pad see ewpad see ew...delicious
- portionPerfect portion for lunch.
- BBQ chickenBBQ chicken is very good
- Chicken Noodle Soupa Chicken Noodle Soup... and we Loved it!!!
- Chinese sausage and fried riceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the delicious Chinese sausage and fried rice, along with two crisp egg rolls that were perfectly mushy when chewed. The mini Tom Yum soup was a bit spicy due to the chili sauce, but overall, the rice was cooked to perfection.
- FREE Thai ice coffee or thai teathey give you FREE Thai ice coffee or thai tea
Frequently criticized
- CurryCurry was watered down
- better placesplenty of better places to go for Thai around
- chicken entreeschicken entrees that I tried weren't that good
- entreesSome of the entrees are misses
- foodThe food was completely bland.
- food qualityfood is better quality than Thainery
- food tasteUnfortunately, I won't be returning. Both times, the food didn't taste authentic Thai, and my stomach didn't agree with what I ate. The curry was watered down and a total disappointment.
- ricethe rice was totally mushed up
- tummymy tummy didn't agree with what I ate
Overall, if you're looking for a generally delicious and authentic Thai meal with good portions, this place is a strong contender. Just be aware that a few dishes might not hit the same high notes, so stick to the popular favorites for the best experience.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9.1, its clear the staff are doing something right. Customers are absolutely thrilled, boasting an excellent 100% satisfaction rate across 13 positive remarks.
Folks consistently praise the Friendly staff, Service, and the wonderful owners, often highlighting exceptional customer service that makes everyone feel welcome. Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding service. Out of 13 customer observations, there were 0 complaints, which is incredibly rare and speaks volumes about the consistent quality.
It seems every interaction, from the table cleaning staff to the owners, leaves a positive impression, making it hard to find even a minor constructive point for improvement.
Service
13
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great customer service
- Sweet owners
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceI asked if they could make me a tofu one, and they said no problem.
- ServiceService:5
- ownersowners (Pi and Alex) are the sweetest people on earth
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- customer servicethe lady in the picture is very nice great customer service
- staffeveryone behind the counter is really nice and helpful
- table cleaning staffThe dining area is shared with other establishments like Seoul Soup, Seoul Bunsik, and Katsuya Japanese Premium Cutlet, and Yucatown, a Mexican place, was out of business. The restaurant offers public restrooms and has adequate table cleaning staff. It's an excellent place to eat.
- waitThe wait is never too long
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you value top-notch service, this place is an absolute must-try. You can expect a warm welcome and genuinely helpful staff, making your visit a truly pleasant experience. It's definitely worth checking out for its outstanding customer care.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot scores a solid 7, which is pretty good! While customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 61.5%, many folks really appreciate the vibe. With 8 positive remarks out of 13 total, people often describe it as a hidden gem with a surprisingly good eat in option that even provides real bowls and cutlery for a better atmosphere.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A couple of observations point out that it can be "difficult to find a place to sit" during busy times. Plus, some find the "food plaza" location a little "outdated, " which might not be everyones cup of tea.
Ambience
13
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden gem vibe
- Real bowls provided
- Convenient eat-in
What people don't like
- Seating difficult
- Outdated food plaza
Often praised
- hidden gemhidden gem in the financial district
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- eat in optionpleased that they had an eat in option
- food courtIt's downstairs in a basement level international food court, how cool!
- public restroomsThe dining area is shared with other establishments like Seoul Soup, Seoul Bunsik, and Katsuya Japanese Premium Cutlet, and Yucatown, a Mexican place, was out of business. The restaurant offers public restrooms and has adequate table cleaning staff. It's an excellent place to eat.
- real bowls and cutlerywith real bowls and cutlery to save on packaging waste
- seatingseating is casual, but that worked for me.
Frequently criticized
- food plazalocated in a tiny food plaza that’s a little outdated
- place to sitdifficult to find a place to sit during peak hours
If you're looking for a convenient, casual spot that feels like a hidden find, especially if you appreciate eco-friendly touches, this place could be a great choice. Just be prepared that finding a seat during peak hours might be a challenge, and the overall food court setting might not wow everyone.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.2. Many customers appreciate finding an affordable and tasty place, especially for Thai food at a decent price in SF. Theres also a strong sentiment to support mom-and-pop shops, which is lovely to see, based on 3 positive remarks out of 5 total.
While the value scores a good 7.2, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 60%. Interestingly, there are no negative comments or terms about value among the 5 opinions, suggesting that while its not universally celebrated, it also isn't a source of disappointment for anyone.
Value
5
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable and tasty
- Support local shops
- Decent price
What people don't like
Often praised
- affordableaffordable and tasty place
- decent priceThai food at a decent price in SF
- mom-and-pop shopsSupport our backbone mom-and-pop shops
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for an affordable and tasty meal, especially to support local mom-and-pop shops, this place seems like a solid choice. While not everyone is raving, the absence of negative feedback suggests youll likely find the decent price fair for what you get.
How are the prices at Thainery?
You’re looking at roughly 15 $ per person, reported by 16 diners. That places it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Thai Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (14 out of 16!) cluster right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a clear focus on this price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thainery
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Authentic Thai Gem Survives
My experience at ThaINery – International Food Court, located on the corner of Bush and Kearny streets, was a delightful discovery. This affordable and authentic Thai spot is a true survivor in a neighborhood where many other popular lunch joints have sadly closed. My all-year-round favorite is the tasty eggplant tofu over rice, which, despite a price increase from $10 to $15, remains a delicious, affordable, and "safe bet" ingredients-wise.
The owners, a young couple originally from Thailand, and their cooks, many of whom are Yucatecos with a passion for mastering authentic Thai cuisine through "combat experience", contribute to the genuine feel of the place. 🫡 I believe supporting these "mom-and-pop shops" is crucial, especially as the Mid-Market area is struggling. ⚠️ Under these circumstances, it's wise to fasten up your seatbelt & save your 💰 for a rainy day!
👍
- eggplant tofu over rice9
- affordable8
- authentic Thai9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Quick, Delicious, and Generous Portions!
My experience at this restaurant was marked by quick and delicious food, served in generous portions. While the atmosphere wasn't particularly charming, it contributed to the overall experience. The food and service both received top marks.
- food10
- portions9
- atmosphere6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Flavorful Thai Basil Tofu Lunch
I was craving Thai basil and decided to try this place on a whim. It's located downstairs in a cool international food court. Although the menu listed chicken Thai basil, I asked if they could make a tofu version, and they happily obliged.
The dish was made to order with my preferred spice level. It arrived quickly and was incredibly flavorful, with a perfect portion for lunch. The atmosphere is casual, as expected in a food hall, which suited me fine.
- Thai basil tofu9
- portion8
- food court7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Sweetest Owners, Tasty Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owners, Pi and Alex, are the sweetest people on earth. The food was tasty, and I cannot recommend this place enough!
💯👍🏻
- food10
- owners10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Yellow Curry in Town!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a hidden gem, and the yellow curry was hands down the best in the city. It's an absolute must for any unpretentious foodie.
The food quality was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5, and the service was also top-notch. I highly recommend it, especially for vegetarians, as they have a large vegetarian selection.
- yellow curry10
- hidden gem9
- unpretentious foodie9
What Thainery offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Thainery?
Thainery offers flexible dining options for you, including lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can also choose between convenient dine-in service or no-contact delivery for your meal.
Does Thainery cater to specific dietary needs or family dining?
Yes, Thainery provides healthy options and vegetarian options to suit various preferences. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly choice in Union Square.
What is the overall customer experience like at Thainery?
Thainery generally offers a good experience, with an overall score of **7.8** and **78.4%** customer satisfaction. Guests particularly praise the **Service** (9.1), while **Food** (7.8), **Ambience** (7.0), and **Value** (7.2) also receive good ratings.
Is the food at Thainery consistently good?
Many customers find the food to be consistent, fresh, and tasty, with popular items like Pad Thai and Chinese sausage and fried rice receiving positive remarks. However, some opinions note that certain chicken entrees and the curry can be bland or watered down.
What should I expect regarding service and atmosphere?
You can expect excellent, friendly service from the staff and owners. The restaurant is located in a unique food court, described as a “hidden gem,” but finding a place to sit can be difficult during peak hours.