Seemor
New Thai ElephantC-?Proceed Cautiously
393 Bay St, San Francisco, CA 94133
· Thai restaurant, Asian restaurant, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (2010 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Crowded Thai spot near the Wharf with big portions and fair prices, solid curries and fried rice, but inconsistent execution and service plus recent sanitation and authenticity concerns.
Why it gets a C-? for overall quality
⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. New Thai Elephant delivers solid food quality with praised curries and pad kee mao, but recent sanitation complaints including insects at tableware create serious concerns that override positive elements. Inconsistent seasoning and execution across visits, combined with questionable review patterns from incentivized feedback, make this grade reflect significant uncertainty about reliability. Fair prices and convenient Wharf location offer appeal, but sanitation issues demand caution before visiting.
Restaurant Summary
This bustling Thai spot near the Wharf hums with lively energy and elephant-themed decor that guests love to point out. Dishes land steaming hot when the kitchen is in rhythm, and one diner said the curry was "hot, fresh, full of flavor." However, there are some review authenticity concerns and a few recent sanitation complaints that give pause. The cooking leans classic rather than flashy: rich panang and yellow curries, hearty fried rice, and chewy noodles like pad kee mao. It hits the spot for comforting Thai staples at fair prices, though execution can swing from great to bland or overly sweet depending on timing and crowd. If you want creative fusion, look elsewhere; this is traditional crowd-pleasing fare with generous portions. Families will find it workable thanks to kid-friendly staples like fried rice, satay, mild curries, and noodles. No dedicated kids menu is noted, but you can request mild spice and tofu swaps. Do a quick scan for crowd levels; off-peak is smoother for children, while peak hours can feel cramped and hectic.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and fair prices for the Wharf area
- Curries and pad kee mao are frequent hits when the kitchen is on
- Inconsistent seasoning and protein quantity across visits
- Peak-time waits and occasional rushed or disorganized seating
- Multiple recent sanitation complaints including insects; proceed cautiously
What Sets It Apart
- elephant_mural_decor
- broad_thai_menu
- large_portions_value
What People Love
- Comforting curries served hot
- Decor with elephant murals and a lively vibe
- Large portions that feel like good value
- Walkable location near hotels and attractions
Points of Concern
- Sanitation red flags: several recent reports of insects at the table
- Inconsistent quality: some dishes bland, oversweet, or oversalty on repeat visits
- Understaffing at peak leads to long waits and slower food delivery
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (incentives for positive reviews, marketing language) which may not reflect typical experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose curries (panang, yellow) with chicken or tofu for best value around $13.75-$15.75.
- Add Roti ($7.50) for dipping if you order curry.
- For lighter options, try Larb or Papaya Salad and split a noodle for balance.
Perfect For
- Casual pre- or post-sightseeing meal near the Wharf
- Groups craving classic Thai staples without a splurge
- Takeout when you want big-portioned curries
- Families seeking mild noodles and fried rice
Location Insights
Area: Tourist-heavy corridor near Fisherman’s Wharf with steady foot traffic and mixed casual dining.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked with typical tourist area petty-theft risks; generally safe but can feel hectic.
Nearby: Near hotels, Pier 39, Trader Joe’s, and other casual restaurants; strong visitor presence.
North BeachNorth Beach is renowned for its Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, creating a strong dining culture centered around Mediterranean cuisine. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of casual eateries and more refined dining, attracting both locals and visitors looking for authentic food experiences and vibrant street life.
Telegraph HillTelegraph Hill is a quieter, residential sub-area of North Beach known for its scenic views and historic landmarks like Coit Tower. Dining here tends to be more subdued with a focus on neighborhood bistros and cafes, appealing to locals and visitors seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Tuesday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Wednesday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Thursday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Friday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Saturday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Sunday11:00–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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