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San Diego › San Diego › 55 Thai Kitchen
55 Thai KitchenB-Worth Trying
2601 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102
· Thai restaurant, Soup shop
· 4.5/5 Google (495 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Hidden Thai counter inside a liquor store serving affordable, consistent curries and noodle staples; great value but flavor and portion inconsistency show up in delivery orders.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
55 Thai Kitchen delivers solid neighborhood value through strong curry execution and friendly, attentive counter service, but inconsistent noodle dishes and delivery variability prevent a higher grade. The hidden-gem appeal of tucked-away seating and excellent pricing make it worth visiting for reliable curries and soups, though limited seating and recent portion concerns temper enthusiasm for frequent visits.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked in the back of a corner market, 55 Thai Kitchen feels like a neighborhood secret with friendly counter service and a few humble tables. Expect comforting curries and value-priced soups more than glossy ambience. A regular put it simply: "The curries keep me coming back." The cooking skews classic and comfort-first Thai—massaman, green and yellow curries shine, while wok noodles split opinion. Delivery brings the most variability, from dry noodles to wrong items, but in-person orders fare better. Spice and sides are customizable, making this a reliable quick bite when you want warmth over wow-factor. Families do fine here thanks to familiar staples like pad thai and fried chicken bites (gai tod). There is no formal kids menu, seating is basic, and spice can be dialed down. If your crew prefers noodles and mild curries, it works; picky eaters might skip strongly spiced soups.
At a Glance
- Excellent value on curries and soups for a casual neighborhood spot
- Friendly, fast counter team with flexible spice and side swaps
- Noodle dishes are inconsistent (wrong noodles, bland or dry on delivery)
- Limited seating and tight street parking
- Delivery accuracy and portion size can vary; best results when ordering in person
What Sets It Apart
- inside_liquor_store_location
- value_soups
- customizable_spice_and_sides
What People Love
- Comforting curries that feel like a staple
- Tom yum and tom kha that hit the spot
- Friendly staff that remembers preferences
- Prices that make repeat visits easy
Points of Concern
- Delivery orders show higher error rates and dryness complaints than dine-in or pickup
- Noodle authenticity issues: thin noodles subbed for wide and muted wok flavor
- Occasional portion shrinkage and sparse protein reported
- Parking is limited to street spots near the market
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-$28 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Based on reviews, favor curries and soups for consistency; request spice level and noodle width when ordering.
Perfect For
- Weeknight takeout when you crave curry
- Budget-friendly casual lunches
- Solo meals with quick counter service
- Locals seeking a hidden-gem vibe
Location Insights
Area: Golden Hill residential-meets-creative corridor with small markets and casual eats; laid-back local vibe.
Safety: Generally safe with typical urban foot traffic; occasional comments about closures and street activity.
Nearby: Inside a liquor/convenience store; limited street parking; near residential blocks and small businesses.
HillcrestHillcrest offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and upscale restaurants. The area is known for its inclusive and welcoming social atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd who enjoy both daytime and nighttime activities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday16:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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