San Fran Dhammaram Temple

Not totally your traditional Thai temple, but as close to it as you can get without crossing the Bay Bridge over into Berkeley. They hold service at 11am– Thai people (and their friends) will bring food to the monks as an offering and then eat together as a group. The food is delicious, but of course not the only reason to go to the temple.
The monks here hold dhamma talks which are similar to sermons in Christianity (not something typically done in Buddhism if I understand correctly… which I probably don’t). I know that they have programs to learn Thai as well.
The monks are super kind and also speak English. I spent a long time talking with one about meditation– they are happy to answer any questions and talk about Buddhism.

I love this place. The monks and nun have good mind, good heart. They just want to help people.

I had been learning about Buddhism on my own for some time, and I decided to find a temple in the Theravada tradition. After looking around some, I came to San Fran Dhammaram. The monks are friendly, welcoming, and always willing to listen and help. The founder of this temple interpreted the Buddha’s teaching in a way that puts far more weight on wisdom and rational thought than still meditation, which I find refreshing and pragmatic. As such, the monks challenge me to think outside of my comfort zone while I learn from them. If you’re looking for a group that will teach you to help yourself, come here.
…and yes, the food is great. And they have a rock climbing wall!

For the past two years, I have visited this place and taken my kids there to learn their Thai culture. My kids are half Thai/​Peruvian. It has been a fun experience for them plus a learning experience for me.

Wat San Fran is a wonderful place to visit. I have been here at least 20 times. I could not imagine a place that deserves 5 stars more. Their doors are open every day to anyone. The monks, nuns, and patrons offer advice and wisdom. They give out free books to anyone interested in learning more.
I am a fan of Thai food, Buddhism, and Thai culture. If any of these things appeal to you, you really should check this place out.
If you arrive around lunchtime, the first thing someone will ask you is if you are hungry. If you even hesitate for a second, you will be lead to the kitchen, where you will be given a delicious variety of authentic Thai foods. And all of this is free. I often offer to do the dishes afterwards.
Everyone here is so friendly and open to others. I always feel spiritually and emotionally uplifted after my visit. Some of the Monks speak English, which is great. On Sundays, there is usually quite a few people and families who come to visit. Thais as well as some white folk come to listen, eat, meditate, think, socialize, and more.
They also offer Thai food classes and Thai language classes to adults and children. There is a library where you can check out books. Once a year, they host a retreat at their land up in Northern California.

I usually never give bad reviews… especially for a temple. But first time visiting the temple it was a very bad experience… I also got a very negative vibe. Long story short… the nun is the aunt of one of the monks and the monk’s sister also lives at the temple. My friend also went to visit and they said that the aunt was actually his mother, they own a Thai restaurant, and the monk also works. I also never met a monk that bad mouthed and compared other temples which really shocked me it was about a neighboring Cambodian temple that serves not only Thai but also the Khmer and Lao community. So… closing I’m not surprised why this temple has no reviews since 2008… and 2 years later mines as the 2^nd review. It’s all about positive vibes and karma…

Why isn’t this place reviewed yet? I love going to the Thai temple. It’s the only Thai Buddhist Temple in San Francisco.
Both Thai and Americans are welcome here and the food is AMAZING. Local restaurants and homemakers donate food for the noontime meal offering. People come by around 10, and the meal is taken at 11am. Dude, just come by for the food. There’s always leftovers. And their website says they have classes. I haven’t taken any, but they sound interesting.
I went last week, really pissed off at my co-​worker and I hashed it out with one of the nuns there. Felt way better. Try it!
UPDATE: moved to the corner of 28^th and Lincoln Way, across the street from GG park… since late 2008. which is much better because it’s waaaaaaay bigger– no more squeezing by people to get to the food. It’s a big white corner house with a yellow flag waving in front (there are two corners, so pick the house that isn’t run down and super ghetto-​spooky). can’t miss it.