Finding a Thai restaurant in San Diego is not that hard to do. Actually finding a good Thai place is the difficult part. Thai Time Bistro, located in the charming little town of Ocean Beach, is a great place to find inexpensive and quality Thai cuisine.

Thai Time Bistro is part of the popular chain of San Diego Thai restaurants called Thai Time. Located on the corner of Niagara Ave. and Sunset Cliffs Blvd., the restaurant opened early last year making it the only Thai joint in the Ocean Beach area. In contrast to other restaurants in the Thai Time chain, it has an updated and classy interior with a sleek, Asian-influenced design resembling a window display straight from Z Gallery.

Upon entering, customers are immediately by employees who might be busy, yet friendly and accommodating. The dinning room was full of satisfied looking patrons enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Thai Time Bistro boasts an affordable, adequate selection of wine and beer, however there is no hard alcohol offered. If its spirits that you seek, venture to Newport Ave. for after-dinner cocktails. The menu consists of an extensive series of authentic Thai dishes featuring a long list of appetizers, soups, curry dishes, rice and noodle dishes, and Thai Time specialties and traditional desserts.

Within five minutes of being seated, the server came to the table and introduced himself. Though he was not overly friendly, he took the order politely and delivered ice waters. The Tom Kha soup and the spring rolls, which are also offered un-fried for the healthy crowd, are very light and satisfying. The appetizers were delivered in good time and were hot and fresh. The soup was full of chicken, bell peppers cabbage and onion in a creamy sweet and sour coconut broth. The Spring rolls were fresh and are not drowned in grease.

The main course arrived promptly after the appetizers were finished; a hot plate of Pad Thai noodles with chicken and tofu. This popular Thai dish was a hefty serving of fresh rice noodles in a delicious peanut sauce with tons of fresh bean sprouts and egg. The meal ended with a light and sweet Thai Iced Tea.

The overall experience is enjoyable. The drinks were never empty, the food was fresh and hot and our service was accommodating and friendly. The best part of this dinner was receiving the bill for $25. Two starving students walked out of Thai Time Bistro well fed and guilt free.

Thai Time Bistro is also quite affordable for lunch as well. They have a great lunch special that includes soup, salad and a main course for just $7.95 on Monday through Friday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thai Time Bistro is a clean, classy, friendly and affordable restaurant for students who live or who happened to find them selves in Ocean Beach.

Thai Time Bistro is located at 1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego 92107. The establishment offers dining inside and outside, take out and delivery. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. For take-out, delivery or reservations call 619-223-5000.