Welcome to Basil Canteen
At Basil Canteen, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Thai flavors in a vibrant yet casual setting. Our journey began with a passion for creating authentic dishes that blend tradition and innovation. We pride ourselves on offering an array of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring everyone can savor our culinary delights. With a full bar featuring creative cocktails, our space invites gatherings over good food and laughter, whether indoors or on our heated outdoor patio. Situated in the heart of San Francisco, Basil Canteen is more than just a dining spot; it’s a community hub where flavors and friendships flourish.
- 1489 Folsom St San Francisco, CA 94103 United States Hotline: (415) 552-3963
Welcome to Basil Canteen, a vibrant and inviting cocktail bar nestled in the heart of San Francisco. Located at 1489 Folsom St, this Thai haven seamlessly blends the flavors of traditional Thai cuisine with a casual, laid-back atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
As a food reviewer at Restaurant World, I am always on the lookout for dining experiences that not only tantalize the taste buds but also create a welcoming ambiance. At Basil Canteen, every visit resonates with the spirit of Thailand, providing guests with an array of eclectic dishes and inventive cocktails.
- Menu Highlights: From rich curries to aromatic stir-fries, every dish is crafted with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options that showcase the best of Thai cooking, making it a perfect dining destination for all dietary preferences.
- Drink Selection: The cocktail menu is vibrant, featuring signature drinks that complement the spiced flavors of the food. Happy hour specials add to the experience, creating the perfect atmosphere for unwinding after a long day.
- Dining Environment: With outdoor seating options and a comfortable indoor space fitted with wheelchair accessibility, Basil Canteen welcomes everyone. Families can enjoy a meal while the kids are entertained, and dog lovers can bring their furry friends along, making it a truly inclusive space.
Basil Canteen is dedicated to providing a relaxed yet spirited experience, with friendly staff ready to serve at your table or accommodate takeout and delivery options. Whether you're gathering a group for dinner or enjoying a casual date night, this restaurant has something for everyone, including private dining for special occasions.
In an age where convenience meets top-quality service, Basil Canteen stands out not just for its delectable dishes but also for accepting payment in various forms, including cryptocurrency, ensuring a smooth transaction experience for all guests. The mix of moderate noise, casual dress code, and the option to indulge in a game of pool further elevates the relaxed dining vibe.
In essence, Basil Canteen embodies a fusion of culinary passion and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination for those in search of authentic Thai flavors in a welcoming setting. With a commitment to inclusivity, flavor, and fun, Basil Canteen truly captures the essence of what dining out is all about.
For a delightful evening or a casual day out, visit Basil Canteen. You can reach them at (415) 552-3963. Don’t miss this culinary gem where flavors dance and community thrives.

Chill, casual place to get a yummy dinner with a nice portion size. We were all satisfied with the presentation and taste of our noodles. The pieces of steak to the khao soi were a nice touch and I loved how creamy the curry soup was.

I went for dinner the other night and it was delightful all around. I love that happy hour went to 6:30 and included some of their appetizers. I treated the table to popcorn chicken which was served with a tasty zingy sauce. We all had either pad thai or pad see ew. I loved the spice level of my pad see ew. If you aren't into spicy make sure to ask them to tone it down. Almost off of the items on the menu can have their spice level adjusted. I can't forget to mention the super kind staff!

Lovely experience for Valentine's Day 2025. Servers were wearing pink! Very mindful and checked on us a good amount of times (not too much) - got the table overseeing the place in the corner. Everything we ordered was amazing and we were very full at the end of it. Industrial modern space. Considering to reserve for a big party in the future.

Pretty good neighborhood Thai place. Not a huge menu, but enough to keep it interesting. Pad Thai was a little different than I'm used to,

Can't believe I didn't know there was a Thai food spot near my place. So glad my friend introduced me to it. They made the Pad Thai just the way I like it, saucy and spicy. The lime added a nice sour contrast and bean sprouts and peanuts added a nice crunch. Great interior and friendly service too! Will be back!

This place is definitely a hidden gem, and I'd highly recommend checking it out! The restaurant itself is beautiful and the service was great. The food was all delicious. I tried the pumpkin curry with shrimp and a side of coconut rice, and oh my it was so flavorful. I also tried a pork dish, which was also so tasty and the meat was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be back here and look forward to trying more of the dishes on the menu!

What can I say about this block. Always active for decades. Whether it's your favorite rapper ( Nas) or musician ( Prince) this place was frequently played or visited by all . Slim's and the DNA lounge was the spot for all types of late night madness. My grandma lived about 3 blocks away so I was exposed early of the nightlife early. Today there are day parties at Audio and night parties still go on here at DNA Lounge. This 11th street corridor still the place remains active and I always enjoy a good happy hour. The drinks they offer at Basil Canteen are a variety . I like my go to beer Trumer Pils ( Steve Kerr's favorite also). Then there is my always my go to Pinot Noir red wine. Then there was an intermission of the Hybrid which is Thai tea & Coffee , Cream and Whipped cream. Cocktails all aboard . This is a good start me up drinks and dinner place which located next door to the location where 2pac filmed his video" Brenda's got a baby". Lots of old and new memories going on around here. Music everywhere. On 11th street in San Francisco get drink and food that's sweet and sour On Folsom and take advantage of Happy Hour