Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available along Cable Street in Ocean Beach, though it can get tight during peak hours and weekends. Arrive early or plan to circle—the spot is worth the hunt.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

Soi OB takes reservations and accepts walk-ins, but calling ahead is smart, especially on weekends or for groups. They move tables efficiently, so waits are usually manageable even without booking.

What should I order first?

Start with the moo ping (grilled marinated pork skewers)—reviewers rave it's the real deal, exactly like Bangkok street food. The Holy Basil curry and Khao Soi are also standout recommendations from their server, and fried tofu hits if you're vegetarian.

Yes—it's tagged as kid-friendly and works well for families. Ask your server to adjust heat levels since Thai spice can vary; they're happy to customize.

No information available on patio seating or outdoor dog policy. Call ahead if you're planning to bring your pup.

What vegetarian and dietary options are there?

They offer solid vegetarian options including fried tofu. Specify heat level and any allergies when ordering—the staff is attentive and accommodating, though you may need to request certain adjustments that aren't automatic.

When's the best time to visit?

Weekday dinners are your sweet spot for a relaxed vibe; weekends draw post-beach crowds and get busier. Whether you're coming solo, on a date, or with a group, it flexes all those moods.

Is this place pricey?

It's moderate to slightly high for Thai, but reviewers agree you get quality food and thoughtful service for what you pay. Not a bargain joint, but worth the splurge if you're serious about the meal.

Soi OB-Thai Street Food — Restaurants in Ocean Beach, San D…

“Soi OB brings Bangkok street-food technique to Ocean Beach, smoking moo ping over actual charcoal and making khao soi that tastes like someone's grandma's recipe, not a mall-Thai approximation.”

While Little Chef does American-Chinese takeout and Sine Wave frets over rosemary syrup ratios, Soi OB is cooking the Thai food that people who've actually been to Thailand keep searching for—and occasionally finding here. The moo ping comes off the grill with that sweet-smoke char that makes you wonder why anyone bothers with the sanitized versions elsewhere. The khao soi shows up rich and coconut-forward, curry base built from scratch, not a jar. This is the rare spot where "spicy" means something beyond a sprinkle of chili flakes, where holy basil actually tastes like holy basil, where the kitchen knows the difference between Bangkok street food and what Americans think Thai food should be.

The dining room runs cozy without feeling cramped, well-appointed enough that date night works but casual enough that you can roll in post-beach without feeling underdressed. Service tends toward attentive—your server will steer you right if you let them, and they'll bring the extras you need without making you ask twice. Prices sit higher than the takeout Thai joints scattered around San Diego, but you're paying for technique and ingredients that actually match what the menu promises. The fried tofu comes out properly crisp, not the sad spongy cubes you get at convenience-focused spots.

Go medium spice to start unless you know your tolerance runs high—the kitchen doesn't dial it down to protect timid palates. Worth the drive if you're coming from outside Ocean Beach, worth the splurge if you've been settling for lesser Thai because it's cheaper. The kind of spot that ends your search for the real thing.