Basil Canteen
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 552-3963
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- 11th Street
- Hours:
- Daily 5:30-10:30pm, Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-3:00pm
Editorial Review for Basil Canteen – by Patrick Heig
The SoMa look--exposed brick and cement, lots of black and industrial-chic light fixtures--is paired with gap klaem (izakaya-style Thai cuisine) in this mod, bi-level restaurant on the 11th Street club strip. Housed in the brick-tower landmark Jackson Brewing building, this spot was opened by the owners of nearby Basil Thai and expands on the same formula: contemporary Thai tapas and rice, soup and noodle dishes in a hip, almost club-like setting. Small plates like breaded Blue Point oysters with mango ceviche and interesting entrees like rice-noodle stir fry with octopus, chicken and scallions can be eaten at the window-facing counter seats, in the warmer upstairs loft area or at the huge communal table that dominates the first-floor space. There's also a full bar, which in combination with the light plates makes Basil Canteen a good place to start off a night of debauchery.
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Insider Tips
Fun FactBuilt in 1912, the building was originally built as a brewery but was shut down during prohibition, eventually named a historic landmark and then converted into--what else?--luxury lofts.
The ExtrasThe notoriously stinky Asian fruit, durian, is available in a milder, sweeter form as an ice-cream flavor.
What to DrinkIf you're not quite ready for booze, try one of the exotic juices: lemongrass, longan, lime or coconut.
User Reviews for Basil Canteen
09/13/2008 Posted by onemans
I know upscale "street" food may sound like a strange description, but that's what I think of. Anyone who is Thai, or has spent a lot of time in Thailand knows that Street food is the best!!!!!!! Basil Canteen does a great job of recreating some of the great flavors of Thai street food in a more upscale environment. Basil Canteen is in the old Public restaurant building (near SushiGroove and Wish in SOMA). Don't be scared away by my "upscale" description, b/c that does NOT mean pricey. I just mean upscale for street food. I think the average dish there is maybe $6 or $7 (maybe a bit more). I would definitely recommend almost any of the skewers (beef and shrimp were great), and I really enjoyed the Lamb chops, lamb curry, and Papaya Salad w/ Beef also. I have been 2 times, and have tried about 10 different dishes already.. I really enjoyed all of them a lot, and will be visiting again soon. Wonderful staff that is fun and friendly, and similar feel to the place that Public had, but a bit more bright and lively -- A great place to go have drinks and small dishes before going out for the night, and a great place for groups (they have the big community table). I am a frequent customer of Basil (on Folsom also), which is always delicious, but this place feels a bit more fun, cheaper, and better for noodles and small plates. Even if you aren't a big fan of Thai food, you will find something you like in the various skewers that they serve. Go, and have fun!!!
