Blink, and you might miss Thai Restaurant on Babcock Road, but on Tuesday, I kept my eyes peeled after learning that this somewhat hidden gem offered Thai noodle dishes for less than $12 during lunch hours. That price includes the protein of your choice and a small complimentary soup that arrives at the table right after you sit down.
When I walked into Thai Restaurant, a server allowed me to choose any table. I got there right around 2 p.m., so I had about an hour left to browse the lunch menu and dine in before the business took its midday break ahead of dinner service. The lunch menu includes a selection of 25 entrees, all of which are flat-priced based on the protein, with chicken, pork, tofu and veggie plates for $10.95, while beef and shrimp plates are $11.95.
In the end, I decided to have the pad see ew with tofu with a medium spice level. After placing my order, I sipped on the small soup provided with dine-in service, which tasted of garlic and consisted of a clear broth with a few vegetables, like carrots and cabbage. By the time I finished the soup, the entree arrived steaming hot with a fried spring roll on the side.
For it being a lunch-only deal, the pad see ew was plentiful, with lots of noodles piled high on the plate and a mix of broccoli, carrots and eggs tossed in the mix. Everything was coated in a savory sauce with just a touch of sweetness and spice that colored each bite with a distinctive flavor. I pretty much went to town on my plate before stopping myself to ask for a to-go box.
Thai Restaurant is a no-frills local haven that has endured after three decades in San Antonio, and after one meal at the spot, I could honestly understand why. The food is tasty, the service is easy-going and the prices are hard to beat. It’s also easy to remember the name of the establishment, as Thai Restaurant simply spells out exactly what the concept is.
Find it: 1709 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78229