Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar   

1175 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-552-8999
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Good Thai food is not hard to come by in SF; good upscale Thai food--the sort to impress those out-of-state visitors who expect such things in the city--is. Challenging the high-end Thai hegemony currently held by the Osha empire is this Folsom restaurant, stunning in it's modern decor and appetizing in its affordable, authentic Thai cuisine. The airy, minimalist eatery is anchored by a glass brick wall that lets lunchtime crowds bathe in afternoon light while dining on specials of grilled chicken with papaya salad, yellow curry and rice or pan-fried noodles. Dinner is frequently less crowded but no less enjoyable--dishes like chicken wok-fried with the namesake basil, roast duck curry and minced shrimp-and-pork dumplings are palatable for sensitive American palates without losing the bold flavors typical of Thai cuisine. To further enjoy the atmosphere, and perhaps further impress those visitors, stay after dinner and take advantage of the space's full bar.