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    The Vulcan Cafe

    3.2 (358 reviews)
    InexpensiveThai, Cafes
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order The Vulcan Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    The Vulcan Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    THE VULCAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Vulcan Cafe

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    Claudia S.

    Everything we ordered was yummie! We had some chicken skewers, pad thai and even a vegetarian dish with Tofu. I would definitely recommend you to try it, dont let the location fool you

    Yum Voon Sen Salad
    Loriell L.

    First of y'all... the 1 star reviews are TRIPPIN. Certain restaurant's have their strengths and weakness dishes and you just gotta know how to order ‍ Just because certain items aren't good doesn't mean ALL the food is bad or terrible. I ordered the salad attached & the hot n sour Thai soup. I've had better but for being open so late to my convenience it still satisfied the craving. The salad however did it for me and will be returning for the salad alone. I didn't try any pan friend noodle dishes or entrees but will give it a try the next go around!

    Pad Thai with shrimp
    Mindy L.

    Pretty underwhelming. But like someone said, for being open til midnight it satisfies the craving. Crab fried rice - small amount of crab on top of regular rice and tiny bits of egg. Definitely not fried rice. Pad Thai - very okay. Had a tiny bit of cabbage and peanuts, but no fresh bean sprouts which is needed to balance to noodles Green curry - not spicy at all. Good flavor and veggies were cooked well though

    Robbie R.

    I'm down here in the East Bay visiting a friend and he wanted to take me to an unusual Thai restaurant called the Vulcan Cafe. No, the servers didn't have pointy ears, but I guess Vulcan refers to an industrial area here in Oakland that had a foundry named that. I will say the location is quite unusual, located in a totally industrial area of Oakland down a dead end street with artist lofts and the like all around. Then you come across a That restaurant! The Vulcan has been here open for like 35 years! That's gotta say something that people love coming here, since there really no food traffic like a busy street to get customers. Parking can be tricky, but do pay attention to the No Parking signs in front of other businesses. You go up a few rickety steps and into the cafe. It's a little industrial looking, but does have a Thai flavor to the decor. The menu has all the basic Thai dishes we've come to expect, from colored Thai curries, pad Thai noodles and coconut soups. Once inside, you kinda forget you're on a dead end street in the middle of industrial Oakland. We were here for lunch, it might be a little scary down here at night! Service was very cordial and efficient. We choose a standby of Pad Thai and a special that day of Thai Roast duck. We also had Thai Iced Tea to drink. There were quite a few other people in the restaurant while we had lunch, proving the popularity of this really out of the way place. Our food arrives and it looks delicious. The pad Thai was done just right with the right amount to sauce balanced with the wok fried noodles. The duck was scrumptious as well. The meat was flavorful and yes a little fatty, which is a good thing when it comes to duck! The meat just melts in your mouth contrasting with the crispy skin. We had a wonderful lunch here and I'd return for sure, though I don't get down to the Bay Area too often, cause traffic totally sucks! But places like the Vulcan Cage make it worth it.

    I ate ONE. Only ONE!!!! This is really awful
    Veronica W.

    Likes: open late Delivers Thai food lol Dislikes: Small portions (not understanding how I paid 6.95 plus tax for 6 small pieces of tofu.... So they are a dollar a piece? Last time I checked a square of tofu is 3 bucks at the most... definitely feels like they are ripping people off. If you want to sell less make sure the customer knows how many pieces they are getting. I would NEVER charge someone this much for a few pieces of tofu...

    fried tofu
    Aleanna S.

    I felt the need to satisfy my Thai craving but I hate to say I was disappointed. The pad see ew lacked flavor in my opinion. Definitely could've used more sauce. The noodles felt a little over cooked yet the veggies still had a slight undercooked crunch to them. The tofu had a weird taste even the peanut sauce couldn't mask. They were dry too.

    Pad - Thai
    Anna L.

    I was craving some late night munch and was happy to find a Thai place open so late that also delivers. I ordered the shrimp fresh rolls and classic pad Thai with chicken. The pad Thai is decent, good enough for night time cravings. I prefer my pad Thai more spicy and saucy but the flavors are all there and that's good enough in my book. However the spring rolls were disappointing. There was only shrimp in about 3 of the pieces, and even then it was a really small amount. I thought it was the wrong order at first until I broke one of the sections apart and found a small piece of shrimp. I didn't really care for the complimentary sauce either. Good thing I ordered peanut sauce on the side.

    Crab Meat Fried Rice  + 4 Thai Spring Rolls
    Adrienne D.

    Today, I ordered Thai Spring Rolls(vegetarian), crab meat fried rice, and Thai iced tea from Vulcan Cafe. The order was placed using UberEats. Honestly, the food fell short of my expectations. The rice weighed down the quality of the meal. While the rice was cooked properly, there were crab shell fragments in my rice that made eating it a minefield. The flavor of the rice was sufficient but I've definitely eaten more flavorful Thai meals than this. It was very one-dimensional on my palate. Onto the spring rolls, those were good. The sauce that accompanied it was very nice and refreshing. The only downside is that mine were slightly over-cooked & a wee oily. Onto the Thai Iced Tea, thankfully, this was constructed beautifully. I truly enjoyed the beverage. It helped knock a few of the shell fragments down my throat. Not too bitter, not too sweet. Overall, I would likely eat here again if I just really wanted some Thai food out of convenience. But, if there was a better location selling Thai dishes, then I'd try that place first.

    Pad Khi Mao
    Mai N.

    Slightly below average but worth it if you're in a pinch for some Thai (delivery). The Pad Khi Mao (also known as Drunken Noodle) was dry. The Veggie dish was filled with bell pepper and hardly any eggplant. The chicken satay was amateur. Dry pieces of chicken on a stick.

    Pad Thai
    Ahnye I.

    The Vulcan Cafe is such an hidden gem! Located right across from the BART, surrounded by trendy lofts and almost artist like buildings, I honestly can't get enough of this place! The food is so tasty and the Thai Iced Tea is delicious and super refreshing. I can dine here in the afternoon, evening, and even for dinner thats how great the food is. The service is always wonderful and the food is always fresh. The decor is very traditional, with outside and inside seating, very spacious! Please note that the area is very industrial like, a positive for some, and negative for others. Parking is minimal and can almost seem "sketchy" if you are not familiar with the area. I recommend not ordering online through food delivery services, as the place may be hard to find and the food may take long to arrive. This is a definitely a place where you place an in person order!

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    There was hair in our food which of course ruined it and our appetite, that's all I really gotta say..

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    10 months ago

    The food dishes were scarce with an after taste that didn't seem right. We wont be going again, unfortunately. Expensive for what it is.

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    2 years ago

    They have Thai food. I have eaten there many times over several years. The food is good and reasonably priced. You should try it.

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - The Vulcan Cafe

    Haven't been here since the new owner took over is the food still good quality?

    No, Run! I've ordered food from here and it tasted like shit! Even worse, I received food that was overdue and smelled like dumpster juice! Not Thai food but dumpster !

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Pintoh Thai - Khao Soi

    Pintoh Thai

    4.3(503 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    "Good Thai in downtown Oakland"…read more Came here on a Thursday night with a party of five. This is an unassuming little restaurant in the downtown area. When you walk in, it looks like they only have 3 tables and a counter, but they have another dining room off to the side that is larger. We were seated quickly despite our size, and given menus and special lists, as well as a pitcher of water. I was a little sad that SO many of their specials had pork (I think all but 2), but the main menu had a lot of non-pork options, so we opted for those. I ordered the Kang Kiew Wan Gai, which has Sliced chicken, eggplant, basil, bell pepper, finger root, and kaffir lime leaves in a green curry sauce. My son got the Massamun Nuer-- Slow cooker beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, crushed peanuts in Mussamun paste & tamarind curry sauce. Another person in our party got the pad mee chom pu rice noodle dish with shrimp and tofu. And we had the Satay Makuer eggplant on skewer appetizer. The appetizer came out in less than 10 minutes. It was very tasty-- the eggplant was soft and juicy and the peanut sauce was scrumptious. The main dishes came out maybe another 8 or so minutes later, so still relatively quickly. I was nervous my dish would be too spicy (green curry!), but it was what I'd call a medium heat, so perfect for me. I really liked the flavor, and the basil and peppers complemented the dish nicely. My dining partner who got the pad mee chom pu rice noodle was happy that was a very mild dish, and the shrimp in it was excellent (though still had tails). Although it looked very different, it tasted a fair bit like pad thai. My son loved his massamun nuer-- the beef was super moist and tender/ soft, and the flavor was excellent. I also got a Thai milk made from coconut milk (I was nervous my dish may be too hot), and I enjoyed it even if I didn't need it to cool down. The server checked on us several times, which was really nice. And the price was reasonable-- most entrees were just below or just above $20 before tax and tip, which is not bad for downtown. I appreciated that the server made a point of noting to me that the gratuity was already added when I paid, too. I did stop briefly in the restroom, and it was clean and well-stocked. And no MSG in their food. Overall, I don't see any way it could have realistically all been better, so I'm happy to heartily recommend. I'd happily come back.

    Pintoh Thai is the real deal. We hit this spot on a Sunday evening, and the vibe was exactly what…read morethe crew needed to end the weekend. The space is a little narrow in certain sections, but the decor gives it an authentic feel that sets it apart from those overly polished, generic spots. It feels like a place that actually respects the culture it's representing. We started with the Pad Brussels Sprouts, and honestly, that secret sauce and fried garlic combo is elite. Usually, sprouts are hit or miss, but these were savory, crisp, and gone in minutes. For the main, I locked in on the Khao Soi Short Rib over noodles. The meat was incredibly tender--no effort required--and the broth had that rich, deep flavor profile that you only get when a kitchen actually takes its time. The whole experience was smooth, and the food was top-tier without being pretentious. It's a solid, laid-back environment with authentic flavors that justify the visit every time. Definitely a five-star run.

    Photos
    Pintoh Thai - Inside

    Inside

    Pintoh Thai - Somtum Tod

    Somtum Tod

    Pintoh Thai - Lycheetini

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    Lycheetini

    Rose Garden Uptown - 40. Pad See ew

    Rose Garden Uptown

    4.7(96 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    I absolutely love Rose Garden in Uptown Oakland. I've only dined in once, but I order pickup,…read moretakeout, or delivery from them very often -- it's easily a once-a-week dinner spot for my partner and me. The staff is consistently so kind and welcoming, which makes the experience even better every time. Truly, there isn't a single bad item on the menu. They do an amazing job offering more unique Laotian dishes alongside classic Thai favorites. Some personal standouts are the kor moo yang (grilled pork jowl), grilled beef short rib, mok pa (steamed catfish), and the Lao-style papaya salad -- which is perfectly spicy and packed with flavor. Portions are generous and incredibly filling, and everything is so flavorful and delicious. Even when ordered for delivery, the food arrives fresh and holds up beautifully. Rose Garden is a total gem and I cannot recommend them enough.

    Another great option for Lao/Thai restaurant in Downtown Oakland area near the Oakland Ice Center!…read moreNo sighting of Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu but cool to know she trained there leading to the 2026 Olympics! Located on the corner of 19th and San Pablo so easy to find. Friendly and welcoming staff with some delicious dishes: :: Nam Khao - Lao/Thai lettuce wrap of crunchy rice, fermented pork and tossed with lime, fish sauce, peanuts and fresh herbs. Not as crispy, more tangy with plenty of sliced onions 3.75/5 :: Seen savanh - popular Lao sweet and savory beef jerky - flavors good but thought it was a bit overcooked. Someone used the word "incinerated" that it had a crumbly texture with no chew or crispness - wouldn't order again as so many other items to try! :: Pork Belly - can't go wrong with some crispy pork served with a delicious tangy, garlicky, spicy dipping sauce 4/5 :: Sweet Fish with fried Basil - lightly battered cod, fried and tossed in a wonderful Thai sweet and sour sauce! 5/5 An extensive menu, delicious food, friendly, hospitable service will have us returning. Place is small with about 6 tables (for 4) and one table set up for a big group/communal dining. Metered parking only.

    Photos
    Rose Garden Uptown
    Rose Garden Uptown - 13. Papaya Saiad Thai style

    13. Papaya Saiad Thai style

    Rose Garden Uptown - Pork belly with Chinese Broccoli

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    Pork belly with Chinese Broccoli

    Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Lao Table

    Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine

    4.2(2.4k reviews)
    3.7 miJack London Square
    $$$

    I loved everything about this place. Beautiful decor, delicious food, friendly staff and great…read morelocation. What we ordered Calamari -- YUM! Small portion but every bit e was pleasing. The green sauce it came with was heavenly. Pad Thai -- perfect blend of noodles, sauce and protein (shrimp and tofu). Every bite was a treat. To add, the noodles was cooked to perfection. Seafood Green Curry - dont really remember if thats actually what its called on the menu but as much as I would have loved to have devoured every single item in that bowl --it was unfortunately too spicy for my weak tolerance for HEAT. May I say that the green sauce was so delicious Papaya Salad -- ohhh I love me some papaya Salad. My girlfriends found it a little on the salty side but I thought it was perfect. Yes, on the spicy side but I sucked it up and ate it anyways. Chicken Wings --- just trust me on this and ordered it!!! Yes..its that good. Perfect crispy outside to tender juicy inside. YUM Will I be back again..ABSOLUTELY!!! They dont validate. Parking is about $8 an hour in the garage but street parking is available. Great location. You can walk on the Marina before or after. They have outdoor seating too :) They are closed from 3 - 5pm

    Farmhouse Kitchen is a popular and vibrant spot for Thai food in Jack London Square in Oakland…read more They have other locations around the Bay Area and beyond. Years ago, I was turned off by this place's policies during the cooties insanity. I won't go into that in this review except to say that this was unfortunately one of many businesses that was duped at that time into adopting very misguided policies by the powers that shouldn't be, and now that it's common knowledge just how erroneous those policies were, I hope those mistakes will not be repeated in the future. Nevertheless, when the hysteria finally subsided, I decided to give this place another shot. The restaurant is attractive and very colorful throughout. There is an outdoor patio reminiscent of a tiki place, and the interior is very nice as well. Thumping, upbeat, clubby music, which I love! Other places, please take note: more unce-unce like this, less downer pop. The menu is a little on the pricey side. Happy to see there are vegetarian and vegan options. On our last visit we went with the fresh vegan rolls - very good - and a vegetarian pad Thai. They accommodated our request for no egg and no tofu in the pad Thai, just veggies. Service was fine, could have been a bit friendlier. Will probably return again, I enjoyed the plant-based options and the upbeat music.

    Photos
    Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Panang Neua:  Slow braised bone in Short Rib in a Panang curry Grilled broccolini, bell pepper, onion, and fried basil. Blue Rice

    Panang Neua: Slow braised bone in Short Rib in a Panang curry Grilled broccolini, bell pepper, onion, and fried basil. Blue Rice

    Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Pink Party

    Pink Party

    Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Volcano Cup

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    Volcano Cup

    Thai Taste Kitchen

    Thai Taste Kitchen

    4.3(301 reviews)
    4.3 miPiedmont Ave, North Oakland
    $$

    Do yourselves a favor, if you like Thai food, you will surely find the food here delicious. Parking…read morecan be tricky, so one of us sometimes disembarks while the other looks for a spot anywhere & then arrives when a text says "pick me up"! This is our go-to Restaurant, this year for Thanksgiving & Christmas both. Friends who joined us were impressed with the food & were very interested to know the name & location of this restaurant. Now my In-Laws like to order Take Out more often, and they always want to order Thai food! It used to be they wanted Indian food, which we love but truly had not found satisfactory in the past. I'm so glad because Thai Taste Kitchen doesn't disappoint! They have been impeccable about marking the containers & even packaging meat vs vegetarian items in separate bags, and they allow specifics like "no shrimp paste" or whatever, more of "this" or none of "that". White Rice included free with entrees thst are not noodle or rice based, and if you prefer individual instead of family style, you can add an appetizer to each entree individually for about $5-$6, which is about the same as splitting an appetizer order in half, but sometimes people prefer a different appetizer. I like to avoid fried foods, for example, but others love egg rolls or fried chicken (was that an appetizer or an entree?) Thai Iced Tea comes in one size only, and it's small, but consider the calories. This is probably best in small size & I was thoroughly satisfied, I had not indulged for many, many years and it was so delicious. If possible, get it with no ice so it doesn't melt on the way to your destination, you can add your own ice once you get there. Tbh, I started drinking it immediately & finished it in about 10 min, since my husband was driving. Treat yourselves & I think you'll be really glad you found this place. One caveat, they are short staffed so keep that in mind if you eat in the restaurant, I believe only one person is serving tables and may also handle the register, so it may require patience. The beauty of Take Out is we can set out a buffet, everyone grabs a plate & chooses ehat they like, and we can reheat warm items in the microwave in about a minute, and it tastes it's best hot.

    Had to downgrade my review because the website has incorrect prices!…read more The waitress says they are unable to update it! Very solid pad see ew with beef, with a strong black pepper taste. Nice char on the noodles and friendly service at this no-frills eatery near Kaiser but overpriced.

    Photos
    Thai Taste Kitchen
    Thai Taste Kitchen - Khao soy

    Khao soy

    Thai Taste Kitchen - Chicken, rice & papaya salad

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    Chicken, rice & papaya salad

    Champa Garden - Lue's Noodle Soup

    Champa Garden

    4.1(2.4k reviews)
    2.5 miEast Oakland
    $$

    My friends and I stopped by on a Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. looking for a table for four and the…read morewait was around 45 minutes. Between the four of us, we shared a variety of dishes, including their Champa Wings, Nam Kaow, Lao Sausages, Yum Nom Tok, Champa's Fried Rice and Pad Thai. Of these dishes, my favorite was easily the Nam Kaow. This dish had so many layers of flavors and textures. I could honestly eat a whole plate of this myself and be satisfied. Every grain of crispy rice was fried to perfection and there was a wonderful sour and spicy tang throughout each bite. The other dish I really enjoyed was the Lao sausages. These sausages are packed with so many different herbs and spices. The lemongrass flavor was especially prominent. Like the Nam Kaow, this dish also went really well with the fresh mint and lettuce that's provided on the table. There's a good reason why this unassuming Thai and Lao neighborhood restaurant has a line out the door: the food is absolutely delicious. Definitely one of my favorite meals I've had in 2026 -- I can't wait to stop by again.

    Wow. If you want some good thai food that is good both for takeout and eating in, this is the…read moreplace. Here's everything I've ordered and their rankings. Pad Thai: 8/10 Yellow Curry: 8.5/10 Appetizer Sampler: 9/10 Papaya Salad: 9.5/10 Crab Fried Rice: 10/10 Pad See Ew: 10/10 We love this restaurant so much. They don't skimp out on portions either. We'll be back for sure.

    Photos
    Champa Garden - Interior decor

    Interior decor

    Champa Garden - Khao Soi broth - has thin slices of chicken

    Khao Soi broth - has thin slices of chicken

    Champa Garden - 14. Champa Sampler

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    14. Champa Sampler

    The Vulcan Cafe - thai - Updated May 2026

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