Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The ThongLor SF – Thai Restaurant – San Francisco
The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant - San Francisco
Photo from The ThongLor SF – Thai Restaurant
The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 143 of the guests
#1709 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
713
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Tight space
- Service variability
Overview: Introducting The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant
The ThongLor SF offers a vibrant Thai experience, often praised for its authentic feel and friendly and quick service. Many diners appreciate the delicious flavors and generous portions, making it a popular spot for those seeking genuine Thai cuisine.
However, some guests have noted that the small room can feel a bit crowded, and service attentiveness can occasionally vary. Despite these minor points, the restaurant generally delivers a satisfying meal, especially for its culinary offerings.
Good
6.9
out of 10
713
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
187
negative
63
neutral
463
positive
The ThongLor SF earns a solid Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the good category. This reflects a generally positive dining experience, though it’s interesting to note that Customer Satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.9%.
This divergence suggests that while many appreciate what’s offered, there’s still room for improvement in certain areas, as seen across 713 customer remarks. Looking closer, Food truly shines with a strong (7.6) score, frequently described as delicious and authentic.
Value (6.4) is considered average, offering decent portions for the price. However, Service (6.1) and Ambience (5.5) are areas where experiences are more varied, with some finding service quick and friendly, while others mention a crowded, less attentive environment, based on 463 positive and 187 negative comments.
What people like
- Delicious authentic food
- Good portion sizes
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Inconsistent service
- Long wait times
The ThongLor SF is a solid choice for those craving authentic Thai cuisine, especially if you prioritize flavor and generous portions. With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, it’s certainly worth considering for a satisfying meal.
However, be prepared for a potentially bustling and cozy environment, and service can be a mixed bag. If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful Thai fix and don’t mind a lively setting, this spot could be a good fit for your next meal.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Thai Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
465
89.7%
- €€
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
142
85.2%
- $$
- Duboce Triangle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
349
87.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
257
86%
- $$
- Civic Center
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
534
86%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Thai Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
314
86%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.6 score and 73.8% customer satisfaction, indicating a good dining experience. Many of the 319 positive remarks praise the authentic food, generous portions, and delicious curries, highlighting excellent flavor across a variety of dishes. However, not every dish is a winner.
Out of 82 negative comments, some found the food bland, salty, or lacking flavor, with concerns about small portions in certain instances. There were also mentions of specific dishes not meeting expectations.
Food
432
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
82
negative
31
neutral
319
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, rich flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious, balanced curries
What people don't like
- Bland, no flavor
- Overly salty dishes
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- food5 blocks west of Union Square, was very positive. The service was fast and the food was delicious. I enjoyed the Pra Ram with chicken, and my partner had the Basil Fried Rice with chicken.
- Pad ThaiDon't be put off by the nondescript frontage; it looked dark and closed, but I'm glad we checked it out and went in. We had the crispy pumpkin appetizer, Pad See Ew, and Pad Thai. Everything was delicious.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a delicious authentic, tasty Thai food and particularly enjoyed the red curry. It's easy to see why the place is so busy and popular.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was so good that I visited twice during my week in San Francisco! The food is both simple and delicious, with generous portions that offer great value for the affordable prices. The service was quick, efficient, and helpful.
- Pad See EwDon't be put off by the nondescript frontage; it looked dark and closed, but I'm glad we checked it out and went in. We had the crispy pumpkin appetizer, Pad See Ew, and Pad Thai. Everything was delicious.
- FoodEverything was so fresh and perfectly flavored
- flavorsBetween the flavors, tenderness of the meat, the aroma, everything was just on point.
- noodlesnoodles were perfectly soft, with just the right amount of moisture
- pineapple fried riceThe pumpkin fries were equally delicious. While the pineapple fried rice was tasty, the Pad Thai and pumpkin fries were the definite highlights for me. I'll definitely be back and hope they never change their recipes!
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was great! I visited for a quick lunch and found the food to be excellent, with good portion sizes for a good price. The presence of Thai chefs in the kitchen truly made a difference, allowing you to feel the authenticity in the food.
Frequently criticized
- foodI went to this restaurant because it was recommended as a great place to eat, but the food was too salty for my Korean palate, making it difficult to finish. The portions were generous, though.
- Pad ThaiAnyone who claims this is the best Pad Thai they've ever had clearly hasn't experienced good Pad Thai. The dish tasted as if it were made with ketchup rather than tamari. The MooPing pork was just okay.
- Moo Pingthe moo ping is like a hamburger patty made with minced meat
- calamarididn't like was the calamari
- flavorlacking flavor. Lime and spice was needed.
- tofuhad only three pieces of tofu in the lunch special
- American foodAfter waiting 30 minutes, the meal was absolutely worth it. If you're tired of American food, you must try this place!
- Barbecue Pork Fried RiceBarbecue Pork Fried Rice had zero seasoning, and the pork was dry and flavorless.
- Beef A La CarteBeef A La Carte looked so unappetizing that I didn’t even bother trying it.
- Cashew Nut ChickenCashew Nut Chicken was rubbery and overcooked to the point of being borderline inedible.
If you're seeking authentic Thai flavors and generous servings, this spot is definitely worth a try, as many find the food delicious and well-balanced. Just be mindful that a few dishes might miss the mark on flavor or portion size, so choose wisely.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 6.1 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 55.6%. Out of 133 total pieces of feedback, 74 positive comments frequently highlight friendly service, quick service speed, and attentive staff who offer good recommendations. Many guests appreciate feeling welcomed and well-cared for.
However, 51 negative comments point to significant inconsistencies. Issues like rude or impatient staff, excessive wait times, and inattentive service (such as forgetting orders or not bringing water) are common dealbreakers. This suggests that while some experiences are great, others leave much to be desired.
Service
133
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
51
negative
8
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service speed
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude, impatient staff
- Excessive wait times
- Inattentive, forgetful service
Often praised
- serviceThe flavor was excellent. While the dining area is small, the service was friendly and quick.
- staffFor dessert, the sweet roti tasted similar to a funnel cake but with that wonderful roti texture. Everything we ate was delicious, and the staff were very nice and quick. You should definitely check this place out!
- ServiceService:5
- quick serviceThe flavor was excellent. While the dining area is small, the service was friendly and quick.
- wait timeit was only 10 and it was worth it!!
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The space is large and the turnover rate is high, so even during peak hours, there was almost no waiting time. I was able to enjoy a wide variety of Thai dishes, from curry to Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao, and fried rice.
- Good serviceGood service
- MealMeal was ready in 20 minutes
- checked on us regularlyWhile the decor wasn't the best, the wall coverings were interesting. The service was excellent; they did a great job keeping our water full and checked on us regularly. Overall, a good service experience.
- customer serviceThe customer service was excellent
Frequently criticized
- serviceIsn't a tip meant to be given for service that exceeds expectations, or for satisfaction with the food and service? The service was terrible, and the food was so salty that we will never go back. It's genuinely salty.
- serverEating was an uncomfortable experience with the next person practically sitting on top of me. The food was just okay; we didn't particularly enjoy it, and the restaurant was very crowded with too many customers and not enough servers. When we were seated, the server didn't offer water, and despite asking for it, it was never brought to us until we were just about to leave.
- ordercharged me $45 for an order that was never prepared and never delivered
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a long wait and rude staff. After putting my name on the list, the hostess lost it and was very rude about it. The restaurant itself is super tiny.
- wait in lineprepare to wait in line
- waiting timeIt is a small restaurant but super busy. We had to wait about 25 minutes to get a table. The food was excellent, very tasty, and the portions were big.
- ServiceService:1
- apologizingThey then proceeded to order the missing dish in Thai. Instead of apologizing for the oversight, they acted as if nothing happened and didn't bring the bill. After waiting, I asked again when it would arrive, and they said soon.
- arrogant and ignorant serverAn arrogant and ignorant server
- attentivenot attentive
When it comes to service, this spot can be a bit of a gamble. You might encounter wonderfully friendly and quick staff, or you could face long waits and less attentive interactions. If you're willing to roll the dice, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience here often gets praise for its hole-in-the-wall charm and authentic feel, with many appreciating the cozy spot and family-owned restaurant vibe. Based on 49 positive remarks among 117 total, guests enjoy the intimate atmosphere. While the overall score for ambience is an average 5.5, theres a definite appreciation for its unique character.
However, the atmosphere isnt without its challenges, as reflected by a mixed 41.9% customer satisfaction. Concerns frequently mention the small and crowded space, unpleasant smell, and issues with dirty floor or general hygiene situation. With 46 negative comments, some find the tight seating and lack of cleanliness detract from the experience.
Ambience
117
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
46
negative
22
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic hole-in-the-wall
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Family-owned vibe
What people don't like
- Small, crowded space
- Unpleasant smells
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's one of the best Thai restaurants I've tried in the US. The place is quite small, and as soon as you enter, you can see your food being prepared right in front of you. This means your food comes directly from the wok to your plate, making it as authentic as possible.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- hole in the wallTrue definition of a hole in the wall but it’s a gem
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was primarily driven by its late operating hours and convenient location. While the food was just okay, the fact that they are open late and situated in the area made it a viable option. The service received a perfect score, and the atmosphere was also quite good.
- spaceThe space is kind of cozy but cute
- vibesAs the food and vibes were pretty good
- authentic feelmakes it feel more authentic
- busy and popularunderstand why it seems so busy and popular
- coziness of the atmosphereit only adds to the coziness of the atmosphere.
- cozy spotMy experience at this small, family-owned business was wonderful. It's a cozy spot with delicious and fulfilling food. I highly recommend the curry.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery small room and door is open all the time bc people are waiting so it might get cold inside.
- placeThis was one of the best Thai experiences I’ve ever had. The place is super crowded and a little disorganized, but once you’ve had the food, it’s all worth it. There are layers and layers of flavor in everything, from their salads to their noodles to their soup.
- crowdedthe place is pretty crowded
- seatingsetting is very tight can’t barely move
- tablesThe food quality was delicious, and the price was excellent. It's a very small place, making it a bit hard to find, and there are very few tables. However, they also offer takeaway.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- back wallblue tape across the top of the back wall
- bad smellthe shop is small and have a bad smell
- bathroomyou can see how dirty the place is in the back
- ceiling tilesstained ceiling tiles above the kitchen area and the dining area
If you appreciate a truly authentic, bustling hole-in-the-wall experience and can overlook some cleanliness issues or tight quarters, this spot might charm you. However, if you prioritize spaciousness, pristine conditions, and a quiet dining environment, you might find it disappointing.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot receives an average score of 6.4, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 67.7%. Many of the 21 positive comments praise the price, bargain, and quality-price ratio, noting excellent pricing for good portions and a satisfying, well-priced meal that felt truly worth the wait. Customers often found the prices fair, especially considering the location.
However, 8 negative remarks highlight concerns about prices being too high for the portion sizes, unexpected charges on the bill, and frustrating tip request issues. Some felt it was a disappointment due to perceived high costs or additional fees, impacting the overall value experience for a few patrons.
Value
31
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair price
- Good portions
- Worth the wait
What people don't like
- High prices for portions
- Unexpected charges
- Blatant tip requests
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I visited for a quick lunch and found the food to be excellent, with good portion sizes for a good price. The presence of Thai chefs in the kitchen truly made a difference, allowing you to feel the authenticity in the food.
- pricesI ate Pad Thai which was excellent and Mango Sticky Rice which was nice. The waiters were kind, the prices are reasonable, and the food is delicious! It brought me back to Thailand.
- Decent pricesDecent prices!
- Good pricesGood prices too
- bargainSuch a bargain
- fair priceat a fair price
- price pointPrice point is pretty decent
- pricingPricing is fair considering the location
- quality-price ratioottimo rapporto qualità prezzo
- service feethe only fee that was charged was a $0.25 "service fee."
Frequently criticized
- $45Charged me $45 dollars for an oder
- $75 lessonWith the long line of people outside and glowing reviews, I expected something close to phenomenal. What I got instead was a $75 lesson in disappointment. Let’s start with the Spicy Wings – absolutely nothing like the photo.
- billMy experience at the restaurant was marred by an issue that arose two days after my visit. They charged more into my card than what was in the bill. While the food received a decent rating (3/5), the service and atmosphere were rated very low (1/5).
- generositywell less generous
- pricesThe prices are ridiculously high for the portion you get
- takeaway priceat takeaway the same price
- tipThe cashier said something to me as they handed me the bill. The blatant demand for a tip, despite the missing order and lack of apology, ruined my mood.
- tip requestruining our mood. Then they had the audacity to ask for a tip
If you're seeking a decent meal that often offers a fair price and good portions, this place could be a solid choice. Just be aware that some customers have encountered unexpected charges or felt the prices were high for what they received, so check your bill carefully.
How are the prices at The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant?
On average, you’ll spend around 28 per person – from 143 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners tend to cluster around this price point, with a good number also choosing options in the $11–$20 range, showing a clear focus on accessible mid-range dining rather than a wide spread into premium prices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 143 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Thai restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food and Vibes, Worth Visiting Twice!
My experience at this restaurant was so positive that I ended up visiting 2 days in a row. I enjoyed dine-in on the first day and opted for to-go the next. The Pad Gra Pow with chicken was my absolute favorite dish.
The service was also incredibly comfortable and great.
- food9
- vibes8
- Pad Gra Pow with chicken10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Vegan Thai Options!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for vegan diners. I absolutely loved the noodle, tofu, Thai chili dish (though I can't recall the exact name). It was a super tasty vegan option.
The restaurant offers an impressive 2 pages of vegetarian options that can easily be made vegan. I would absolutely go back. Additionally, the Thai tea with coconut milk was excellent too.
- noodle, tofu, Thai chili dish10
- vegan option9
- vegetarian options9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Tom Yum and Cleanliness Issues
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I ordered the Tom Yum with shrimp, but it arrived cold and contained a lot of mushrooms. The taste was not good.
I was traveling from Orlando, FL, and have had amazing experiences at other Thai restaurants like Pop Thai, Thai Place, and THAI DELICIOUS. Unfortunately, this place was full of flies and not clean. To make matters worse, the server never asked how the food was.
- Tom Yum with shrimp2
- mushrooms2
- taste2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Excellent Thai Food, Don't Miss Out!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Don't be put off by the nondescript frontage; it looked dark and closed, but I'm glad we checked it out and went in. We had the crispy pumpkin appetizer, Pad See Ew, and Pad Thai.
Everything was delicious. We would definitely return. It is small, so if there is no seating, get take out.
You don't want to miss out.
- crispy pumpkin appetizer9
- Pad See Ew9
- Pad Thai9
- nondescript frontage4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience at Thonglor
I was looking forward to getting takeout from Thonglor, especially after The Infatuation said, “You’ll second-guess every pad Thai you’ve ever had. ” Unfortunately, my experience didn’t match the hype. The pad Thai noodles were on the dry side and lacked depth of flavor.
Additionally, the tom kha tasted a bit thin and watery. My overall food experience was a 2 out of 5.
- pad Thai noodles2
- tom kha3
What The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What is the overall rating for The ThongLor SF?
The ThongLor SF holds a Restaurant Score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience. Food scores highest at 7.6, followed by Value at 6.4, Service at 6.1, and Ambience at 5.5.
What can I expect from the food at The ThongLor SF?
Customers frequently praise the food for its delicious and authentic flavors, with many highlighting generous portion sizes. Dishes are often described as fresh and perfectly flavored.
Is The ThongLor SF suitable for a relaxed dining experience?
The restaurant is often described as small and cozy, but also busy and crowded, which can lead to a lively rather than relaxed atmosphere. Service experiences vary, with some finding it quick and friendly, while others note occasional inattentiveness or long wait times.