Is there parking nearby?

Street parking in North Park is your best bet—it's free and usually available, especially if you hit it on a Friday lunch run around 1pm. There are pay-to-park lots nearby if street spots are slim, but locals recommend saving the cash and circling the neighborhood streets first.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the pork belly appetizer and crispy tofu, then go Pad Thai (shrimp) or basil fried rice for your main. If you're feeling adventurous, the Pad See Ew and Somtom salad are standouts. Just know their "medium" spicy actually hits around 7-8/10, so order mild if you're not a heat person.

Yeah, it's a neighborhood spot that families actually go to. The casual vibe and the fact that they nail both vegetarian and mild-spice options means there's something for everyone at the table.

Do you need a reservation or can you just walk in?

Walk-ins work fine, especially during lunch hours on weekdays when it's quieter. Friday lunch around 1pm is a sweet spot with minimal wait. For dinner or weekend group situations, calling ahead is smart since it's a go-to for the neighborhood.

What if I'm vegetarian or vegan?

This place takes it seriously—the crispy tofu appetizer is legitimately excellent, and they have solid vegetarian and vegan options across the menu. You won't feel like an afterthought ordering here.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, there's outdoor seating available, which is great for a North Park evening when the weather's right. It's casual enough that you can stretch out and actually enjoy your meal.

The outdoor seating area should accommodate dogs, but call ahead to confirm current pet policies—North Park spots tend to be dog-friendly, but it's worth double-checking before you bring your pup.

Soi 30th — San Diego

“Soi 30th turns out Thai curries and wok work that sidestep the 30th Street beer-and-pizza corridor entirely.”

While the rest of the block leans into wood-fired dough and tap lists, Soi 30th commits to something slower and spicier—Thai cooking that respects the ingredients and doesn't infantilize the heat levels. This is the spot when you're tired of carbs and hops and want something that actually wakes your mouth up.

The pork belly comes caramelized with enough char to cut the fat. The Pad See Ew has wok hei—that elusive smokiness that only happens when the pan's hot enough and the cook knows when to pull it. The basil fried rice isn't an afterthought; it's what regulars reorder. And if you ask for medium spice, know that they mean it—this kitchen doesn't hedge. Mild exists for a reason.

The space is small, unshowy, wedged into the 30th Street corridor without trying to announce itself. You'll find it easier with street parking a block over than fighting for the pay lots. Lunch skews quiet; dinner fills up with North Park locals who've cycled through the brewery scene and want something that isn't another IPA-battered situation.

Vegetarians and vegans get actual thought here, not just sad tofu add-ons. The fried tofu app has texture. The som tum salad—green papaya, lime, chilies—does the work of resetting your palate if you've been drinking your way down the block all week.

It's not trying to be the loudest thing on 30th. It's just doing Thai food with enough skill and spice that you'll remember it longer than whatever hazy you paired with your margherita last week.