Seemor
New Thai ElephantB-Worth Trying
200 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401
· Thai restaurant, Asian restaurant, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1451 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively downtown Thai spot with broad, affordable menu and fast service; tasty staples shine, but sweetness, service delays, and occasional quality lapses appear—great for casual meals, be selective with dishes.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
New Thai Elephant delivers reliable everyday Thai comfort with solid food quality and notably fast service, making it a convenient neighborhood choice for classic pad thai and curries at reasonable prices. However, quality variation across dishes and occasional service lapses prevent a higher grade, while isolated but serious safety reports create meaningful concern. Best approached as a casual, quick-service option rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
Set on a lively downtown block, New Thai Elephant buzzes with quick-turn tables, cozy booths, and a playful flower wall. Many diners describe fast, friendly service and plates landing quickly, with one noting, "We were in and fed before the rush hit." The cooking skews classic Thai comfort—pad see ew, pad thai, and curries—executed at a reliably tasty price point. Expect mild sweetness across some items, customizable spice, and generous portions; fans praise the noodles and yellow curry, while a minority cite oversweet Tom Kha or salty stir-fries. This is everyday Thai more than a chef-driven destination: order greatest hits and you will likely be happy. Families should find it welcoming: staff often make dishes mild for kids, and children reportedly love pad see ew and fried rice. The menu lists many familiar options (noodles, fried rice, satay), so picky eaters have safe picks. There is no formal kids menu, but portions and pricing suit sharing; do confirm dietary requests carefully given a few reported mix-ups.
At a Glance
- Broad Thai classics with mains mostly $13.50-$16 and generous portions
- Fast kitchen and friendly vibe; great for quick lunches
- Sweetness and salt levels vary; some dishes feel unbalanced
- Seating and waitlist handling inconsistent at peak times
- Isolated but serious reports of foreign objects and a pest incident over past years
What Sets It Apart
- broad_thai_menu_under_$16_mains
- fast_kitchen_turnaround
- kid-pleasing_noodles
What People Love
- Comforting noodles done right
- Yellow and green curries with rice included
- Reasonable prices for downtown
- Cute decor and playful Thai tea presentation
Points of Concern
- Tom Kha and some dishes can skew sugary or salty depending on visit
- Waitlist and seating order frustrations during rush periods
- Dietary request errors (vegetarian orders arriving with seafood or egg)
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (incentive signage, high 5-star share) which may not reflect typical experience
- Isolated safety complaints (foreign objects, drink contamination) though not common
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value path: Egg rolls ($12.25) + Pad See-Ew ($14.50) + sticky rice dessert ($5) ≈ $32 before tax/tip
- Family share: Yellow Curry ($13.75) + Pineapple Fried Rice ($15.50) feeds two light eaters
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight Thai cravings
- Quick downtown lunch
- Families with noodle-loving kids
- Takeout when you want big portions
Location Insights
Area: Bustling downtown corridor with pedestrianized blocks, casual dining and shops; draws office workers and families.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked downtown; occasional parking and peak-time crowding.
Nearby: Near B Street pedestrian zone, cafes, bubble tea, small retail; lunch and dinner foot traffic.
Downtown San MateoDowntown San Mateo offers a lively dining scene with a variety of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with a mix of modern and historic architecture, making it a popular spot for social gatherings and community events.
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, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →