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San Diego's best

Salad and drunken noodles

A light salad provides a necessary break from the intense, spicy flavors of drunken noodles.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
So Good Thai Cuisine image 1
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Thai restaurant

Small Thai restaurant with warm wood floors and fresh flowers at every table creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Family-run with an authentic, welcoming vibe that feels like home. Decor is adorable and fun, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy flavorful, well-prepared dishes.

Papaya salad stands out with a Laos style twist. It pairs well with mango sticky rice for a fresh, sweet finish.

Chicken Drunken Noodles come with a spicy kick that stays manageable. The dish offers full flavors and stands out compared to other spots nearby.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The papaya salad here was excellent."

"I found the chicken drunken noodles delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very vegan friendly.

2

The lunch specials are reasonably priced.

3

They adjust the spiciness and tanginess of dishes upon request.

02
Palm Thai Cafe image 1
Thai restaurant

Hip, renovated space with LED string lights creates a calm, cozy energy ideal for relaxing or meeting up. Cafeteria-style seating supports a quiet atmosphere suited for studying or working. Throwback RnB music plays softly, enhancing the warm, inviting vibe.

Salads feature authentic beef Nam tok and a fresh papaya salad with adjustable spiciness. Some salads focus on meat with minimal greens, and tomatoes come in large Roma chunks.

Drunken noodles come with a strong Thai spicy kick and balanced flavors. Packaging keeps them warm and fresh for takeout.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Thai."

"This Thai food is some of the best I've had."

"I found the drunken noodles to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

You have to order first and take a seat.

2

Palm Thai Cafe operates as a fast food takeout Thai place with the option to eat in.

3

They offer vegan and vegetarian options.

03
Aroi Thai On Prospect image 1
Thai restaurant

Restaurant offers ocean and beach views with semi-outdoor patio seating that creates a cozy and warm atmosphere. The vibe is laid-back and pet-friendly, attracting those who enjoy relaxing meals with scenic surroundings.

Salads feature bold spice levels and generous meat portions. The papaya salad balances salty and sweet flavors with mild heat, while the tiger steak salad pushes the spice to a very spicy level.

Drunken noodles come with adjustable spice levels and deliver a strong, authentic flavor. They pair well with dishes like panang chicken curry and green curry, creating a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so flavorful and authentic."

"The Drunken Noodles here are amazing and perfectly seasoned."

"The papaya salad tasted like it was made in Bangkok."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all week long with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is often available immediately for lunch.

04
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Laotian restaurant

Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor and decorative plants creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Lighting is a bit dark and space can feel stuffy, but the vibe stays casual and relaxing. Staff offer friendly, personalized touches like complimentary photos with rose flowers.

Papaya salad stands out with its sweet-sour, spicy, and funky flavors. Nam khao tod and beef salad also offer distinct tastes alongside traditional options like som tum and Laos sausages.

Drunken noodles come with options like tofu and duck. They have a next level flavor that stands out among Southern California dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced."

"The boat noodles had a flavorful, thick black broth."

"I considered these the best Drunken Noodles I had in San Diego."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare.

05
Zab Linda Vista image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with authentic Thai decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The vibe feels chill and comfortable, making it easy to relax. Friendly staff add to the pleasant environment, distinguishing it from other Thai restaurants.

Papaya salad stands out with its spicy kick and quick service. The menu includes a variety of salads, including a notable tom yum Thai salad.

Flavorful sauce coats the noodles, which stay crispy yet tender. Vegetables add a yummy crunch that balances the dish well.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be really authentic."

"The papaya salad here is amazing and outstanding."

"I found the Drunken Noodles to be amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant allows choosing spice levels from 1 to 10, with 3 being medium.

2

The menu offers a nice variety of selections with photos throughout.

3

Zab Linda Vista is very vegetarian friendly.

06
Thai Pepper Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Small spot with simple, cozy atmosphere and affordable prices offers authentic Thai flavors that satisfy regulars. Busy with to-go orders but dine-in remains comfortable and welcoming. Music can be loud, adding to a lively vibe.

Salads feature larb, chicken satay, and beef options with strong flavors. Lunch specials include a side salad and spring or egg roll, sometimes served without rice for low-carb preferences.

Drunken noodles stand out with their bold flavor and satisfying texture. They hold up well even after reheating and pair nicely with options like tofu or mock duck.

People are saying

"The Thai food here, especially the Pad Thai, is amazing and well-portioned."

"These Drunken Noodles quite literally changed my life."

"I found the chicken satay salad and beef salad fantastically tasty."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers a side salad and spring roll for good value.

2

Portions are generous, making it a filling dining option.

3

You can easily order by phone or online for convenience.

07
Chaba Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Modest Thai restaurant with laid-back atmosphere and somewhat dark lighting. Regulars frequent the spot, drawn by lunch specials and free desserts offered after meals. The space features simple decor with small paintings and tables for dine-in or takeout.

Salads here offer bold flavors and refreshing tastes. The crispy catfish salad stands out with its tangy and flavorful profile, while the beef and papaya salads deliver satisfying, fresh options.

Shrimp and pork versions of the drunken noodles exist, with pork offering a tastier option. The dish holds up well for takeout and pairs nicely with basil eggplant.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the Drunken Noodles to be really tasty."

"You have to try their crispy catfish salad; it's so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be troublesome at times, especially during peak hours.

2

Lunch specials are available for $13.95, offering great value.

3

The restaurant offers a surprise dessert on weekends.

08
Thai Joint image 1
Thai restaurant

Large dining area with cozy atmosphere and dog-friendly outdoor seating supports both dine-in and heavy takeout traffic. The menu offers extensive vegan options and spice levels from 1 to 10, catering to diverse tastes. Service is efficient, with food arriving quickly and portions that are generous.

Salads come with thoughtful touches like cardboard separating hot chicken from cold greens. Options include Larb Chicken salad and papaya salad, often paired with dishes like pad thai or sticky rice.

Offers drunken noodles with options like mock duck for a plant-based twist. Comes alongside a solid range of classic Thai dishes including Pad Thai and curries.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is fresh, perfectly spiced, and packed with flavor."

"This salad is packed with flavor and piping hot."

"I recommend the drunken noodles with the mock duck."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu with plenty of options.

3

Expect generous portions that are great for sharing or leftovers.

09
Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant image 1

House converted into a restaurant with quirky decor mixing travel, hippie, and retrogamer styles creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Aromas of lemongrass, chili, and coconut fill the air, enhancing the quiet, quaint vibe. Open late with affordable prices, it offers a solid, casual Thai dining experience.

Beef salad offers a strong but tasty flavor. Papaya salad comes with a sweet and salty taste that leans away from authentic Thai style. Meals often include salad alongside egg roll and Rangoon.

Drunken noodles come in generous portions and deliver a strong, authentic flavor. They stand out as a highlight among other well-made Thai dishes like spicy fried rice and green curry.

People are saying

"The Thai food here bursts with bold, vibrant flavors."

"I found the Drunken Noodles to be amazing."

"I found their salad to be a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant is the only Thai place open until midnight.

2

People with dietary restrictions should be cautious when dining here.

3

Parking is not easy near the restaurant.

10
Corner Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere feels warm and tranquil, though space can get crowded when busy. Known for authentic Thai food with generous portions and fresh ingredients.

The Laos papaya salad stands out with its freshness and a more fishy flavor from anchovy sauce. It comes quite spicy and pairs well with protein or other dishes rather than eaten alone.

Drunken Noodles here have a full body flavor and stay perfectly tender. They come fresh and flavorful, matching well with authentic Thai dishes like Beef Drunken Noodle and Tofu Red Curry.

People are saying

"The Thai food staff here is so warm and friendly."

"The papaya salad was fresh, though the Laos version was fishy."

"The Drunken Noodles are flavorful and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 to 6pm with alcohol and appetizers available.

2

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes, often enough for multiple meals.

3

Prices are reasonable, but some items may be higher than advertised.

11
California Thai Cafe image 1
Thai restaurant

Spacious Thai restaurant with clean, fresh environment and modern interior design departs from traditional decor. Quiet atmosphere suits lunch visits, with authentic dishes available beyond the simple menu. Food arrives quickly, offering large portions and a pleasant dining pace.

Spicy Papaya Salad features a flavorful dressing with fresh green papaya. Meals often include this salad alongside Pad Thai, a crispy egg roll, soup, and an orange.

Spice level hits 7 out of 10 for a strong kick. Drunken noodles come with a balanced heat that complements the dish well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The meal came with Pad Thai, an egg roll, salad, and orange."

"I ordered the Drunken Noodles with a spice level of 7."

Good to know

1

The menu has generous selections for vegetarians.

2

Expect large portion sizes that are worth the money.

3

The food arrives quickly, making it great for lunch breaks.

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