The ThongLor SF - Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in San Francisco

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I recently had the chance to dine at Thonglor, a Thai restaurant tucked away in Union Square, San Francisco, and it turned out to be an absolute delight. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for what was going to be a memorable meal. The décor struck a nice balance between modern and traditional Thai influences, making the space feel both cozy and elegant.

The menu offered a wide range of classic Thai dishes along with some creative takes that caught my eye. I opted for their signature Pad Thai along with a green curry, and both dishes showcased authentic flavors with a refined touch. The Pad Thai had the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes, with fresh shrimp and just the right amount of crunch from the peanuts. The green curry was aromatic and rich, with tender chicken and vegetables that soaked up the velvety coconut-based sauce beautifully.

To complement the food, I tried one of their cocktails, and it impressed me with its fresh and vibrant flavor—fruity without being overly sweet, making it a great match with the spiciness of the curry. The service was another highlight: attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the menu, with helpful suggestions that elevated the whole experience.

What really stood out was the balance of authenticity and creativity in their cooking. It felt like traditional Thai food made with a modern San Francisco twist. The portion sizes were generous, and the quality of ingredients was evident in every bite.

Overall, Thonglor is a wonderful spot for anyone craving Thai food in the heart of the city. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a place to take friends for a special meal, it’s a restaurant I’d...

Accidentally wrote a review for another place here, and couldn’t delete the comment. The stars stay until I have a chance to eat here.

UPDATE: I just ate here and yep well worth the stars! Was thinking before I went in I’m sure they have dishes other than the pad Thai, so I’ll be adventurous and get something different. Walked in and was instantly greeted by a nice guy at a safe distance. Told me to have a look at the menu, right next to the door. And he’d be right with me. Instantly saw the picture of the dish that I wanted. The waiter again asked me at a safe distance if I was ready to order. I said yes, and pointed to the dish. He was like you want the pad Thai? I didn’t even know... But it looked good so I said yes, I’ll have that. Quick and easy transaction. He then told me to wait outside, for safety. Which I’m glad I got to see the outdoor dining area. It was all painted, and didn’t look like some make shift just plywood area. I haven’t been to any of those dining areas, because of covid. But for some reason that was just the little push I needed to maybe try outdoor dining. Now that the restrictions have been lifted. Still a little leery, but that was nice. Only sat there for a couple of minutes and he was right out. The pad Thai that I didn’t want was excellent! Huge portion enough for 2 people there! Not as peanutty either, which I’m glad it wasn’t. I think that’s what ruined me on the pad Thai. I had some at an up and coming chain store that had way too much peanut in the pad. So anyone reading this if you’re near here, and want a quick authentic, quality meal, just pop on in. And enjoy! Thanks for the wonderful food, and safe,...

I just Googled the name "Thonglor" so you don't have to! Thonglor is a super hip district of Bangkok, apparently known for its cuisine. An appropriate name for this tiny eatery in Union Square.

My "test" dishes for Thai restaurants are Tom Yum soup, Panang curry, and of course, Pad Thai. How the kitchen prepares these three is a good indication of whether their style meshes with my personal taste.

This time we went with an appetizer, Crispy Pumpkin, instead of the soup. I've never seen this on a Thai menu before, so it was fun to try.

What a great choice! The pumpkin is lightly battered and deep-fried with a sweet Thai dipping sauce. It's so good, but almost a dessert.

The Pad Thai and Panang Curry are some of the best in the City. (I think I preferred the Panang Curry a bit more.) We also ordered the Yellow Curry which was good, but similar to most Thai restaurants.

The restaurant itself is very small, doing mostly takeout orders. The dining room has about 10 tables or so. We arrived at 6:00 on a Saturday evening and had no trouble getting a table. There were only two other couples. By 6:30, all the tables were filled and a short line was forming. Maybe we were  lucky or it was just a fluke, but you should probably expect a short wait. (I don't think they take reservations.)

But the vibe is cool, with the kitchen in the front and a bustling atmosphere. (Don't expect a quiet, intimate experience.) All the staff were friendly and our food arrived fast. Great option if you have tickets for a play and don't want to be late. Prices are decent too.

I'll certainly eat here again. Definitely try the Crispy Pumpkin and...