Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar

On paper, Basil Thai might seem like just another solid casual neighborhood Thai spot. That’s not wrong, but this place is also where to get a tad rowdy with a group and have a fun birthday dinner. Order multiple rounds of sake at the big communal table in the back, and revel in the pink neon sign that makes this place feel more like Santa Monica than SoMa. Dishes lean on the sweeter side, so maybe skip anything glazed (like the mango-coated pla priow wan fried fish), and stick with the classics. From the surprisingly long menu, the basil green curry, pad ke mao, and pad see ew rise to the top.