Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar

Basil has a nice, modern, and casual atmosphere. The wait-staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the prices were very reasonable. While the place is certainly white tablecloth, it's still very casual. An Entree will run you about $10-$15.

Whenever I first go to a Thai place, I always get the Pad Thai. This is the standard by which I measure all Thai places. While I a by no means Thai and have never been to Thailand, I can say in my lay opinion that it was really tasty. The prawns were jumbo and well cooked. A definite thumbs up!

They have a full bar and a mixed crowd. I'd definitely go back when I'm down for Thai, South of Market.

I've tried lots of Thai restaurants in East Bay and on the Peninsula (Thai Time, Thai Kitchen) and this is my favorite. The ingredients are fresh and wholesome, the food always tasty, and very friendly service. I haven't had one bad dish here....everything from the veggie to fish entrees. I highly recommend the veggie spring rolls and satays -- excellent.On the weekend evenings it can be crowded and loud, especially toward to the back. They are located in SOMA and I have never had a problem finding parking. I've also done take out where I've come to the restaurant and placed an order. They were super quick but invited me to sit at the bar while I waited for the food!

PROS: Moderately priced, good quality ingredients, friendly service
CONS:

\ Basil Thai is a refreshing change for a south of market lunch eatery. They serve up tasty thai appetizers and the entrees are just plain fun.

The pad thai is delicious, as is their stuff eggplant dish. In fact, I've heard very few complaints about any of the dishes.

Check it out if you're in SOMA.

With your typical white tableclothes and wicker chairs, Basil Thai serves up tasty (if not spicy) thai food. It's almost worth ordering off of the appetizer menu alone. Try the fried shrimp egg rolls and lamb satay.

My favorite entree is the kang gai, with chicken cooked in a yellow curry with basil (what else) and bamboo chips. The pad thai is also delicious, as is their spicy seafood soup. In fact, I've heard very few complaints about any of the dishes.

Check it out if you're in SOMA. The screaming fish by the door are also nice.