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Dim Sum Bar - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Chinese Dim Sum Dim Sum [Edit]
620 O'Farrell St(between Harlem Aly & Leavenworth St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 839-7366
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
226 reviews for Dim Sum Bar
Review Highlights
"I aboslutely loved the sesame balls and bao."
(in 20 reviews)
"The crab meat cheese puffs were GREAT."
(in 3 reviews)
"Their hot and sour soup is the best I've tasted so far."
(in 11 reviews)
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226 reviews in English
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Review from Jess C.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
To sum it up: Awesomely Mediocre
Returnability: Every month
Superstar Factor: On the superstar scale, Dim Sum Bar is the restaurant equivalent to that character actor that you always see. You know they cast him because they knew that he would be more dependable and cheaper than that hot breakthrough actor on the latest Twilight.
Would I come here if I didn't live in the neighborhood? Probably not. But for the price, the selection and quality are definitely above and beyond what I would have expected. The dim sum is better than many of the dim sum joints in Chinatown or The Richmond. Really. It's not going to be the best you ever had, but you know it will be awesomely mediocre. -
Review from Linda L.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Don't expect large selection of Dim Sum. They only had 3 available when we came. But lunch specials are $5.55 so it's cheap.
The 3 stars is because although I went here having a http://restaurant.com coupon that I expected to have Dim Sum, don't go for dim sum. Their dim sum menu was like 4 dishes and they mainly serve chinese food. I give them credit for their chinese food because the portions are big for the cheap lunch prices they offered and the food was not just big portion bad taste, but tasted good and was large portion enough for togo if you don't eat much.
Come for Chinese food. Don't go and expect Dim Sum as the name is deceiving. If you go in knowing this you will be fine, if you expect dim sum only you will be very upset. -
Review from M Y.
Belmont, CA
9/30/2011
$cheap$
Food is a 3.5 stars, but will give it that extra .5 stars for being reasonable in price during this economy. Also, the place is clean and menus were nicely designed.
Ordered: hao gow, siu mai, choy gow, custard buns, onion pancake, crab meat cheese puff, and chicken chow fun.
I will order online next time so I don't have to drive, find parking, and see a couple of weirdos in that area. -
Review from Roy M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/2/2012 16 Check-ins Here
Not sure what's up with these guys. They've been closed for like more than a month now and prior to that the service was somewhat panicked at best. The food was still fine, but it seemed as if they'd changed management or staff, as I didn't see any of the usual suspects working there. Now there's black plastic up in the windows and through the rips in it, no progress visible. As for a neighborhood joint, I don't need much, I just need decent food and consistency. Please, don't make me resort to King Ling.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/9/2009
Decent dim sum here and the Chinese entrées are pretty good. One need not walk ALL the way to… Read more »
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Review from Regina M.
Daly City, CA
1/30/2012
The last few times I have ordered from them they gave me the totally wrong order of soup than what I ordered, and since I was on a lunch break I did not have time to go back and complain. Another time I ordered their dim sum and it smelled ransid. It wasn't fresh and they had kept the dumplings over days and just reheated them when ordered. Also, thier mongolian beef is tasty but way too spicy, and when I ordered it a second time mild they still made it too spicy where your ears are burning.
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Review from Roy N.
8/23/2011
Easily the best Chinese food around in this area. Never set foot in this place, but have had all sorts of takeout dishes from here tons of times while drinking in the area and everything I've had and seen has been most impressive. No aspirations to be upscale or trendy, but nice big portions of good, hot, delicious food. Under-promise and over-deliver...truly a fantastic place for takeout if you're drinking in the area.
Based on the above criteria, there's no way I could give it less than five stars. -
Review from Gemma J.
9/1/2011
I'm going to do something that I never do in my reviews (not that I don't do it consciously, but I guess it never makes sense to): I'm going to start off at the end -- with the price, that is, the total bill.
$25.
For that measly amount, we (2 people) got a huge combo platter including crab-meat cheesepuff triangles (obviously not what they're called, but I'm trying my hardest here), spring rolls, and pot stickers. And their moms. So lots of each of them. We also got 12 pc steamed dim sum e.g. pork and shrimp, shrimp, beef bao, and some other. All quite tasty. And there were left-overs, even though I'm a pretty big eater. Aaaaand we also got two beers. I don't know about you, but where I come from, that's a pretty damn good deal.
I won't say the food was spectacular or innovative, but if you're just looking for traditional dim sum that is tasty and affordable, this is a good spot. The venue is tiny and somewhat crowded, but the location and the decor are both decent, and it's definitely worth remembering for your next dim sum craving. Man, I love Tenderloin food. -
Review from Sam H.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011
I feel mixed on this place
Personally, I really like the food. It's tasty and filling and relatively cheap. First found it through GrubHub because I'd never ordered Chinese for delivery before and felt I needed to break that, oddly.
For delivery - food comes on time and warm. But as a negative they call you back and tell you half your order cant be filled because they're out. Every time. For eat in - We finally stopped by in person with a group of friends and were looking forward to a cheap and filling meal of dumplings. Again most of what the group ordered was out.
The food is good but they really need to work on having the product they're selling. If they're going to be out of food all week maybe it's a sign they should have more? I would gladly raise my rating based on food alone but when everything I want is out every time you end up a little bummed. -
Review from J E.
South San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
Can anyone tell me what in the world is going on with this restaurant? Have they closed permanently? I bought discounted coupons and when I called the restaurant a few times to find out their hours...no answer. Finally I swing by the restaurant to go eat there and utilitze my coupons I bought through Facebook. I see a sign on the door stating they are closed for remodel but no information on when they plan to reopen. I also see notices on the door from a company trying to get access to their unpaid-for dishwashing equipment. It doesn't look good.
I'm worried that even if they do reopen eventualy, they will not honor my coupon because it expires soon. Now their phone is out of service too.
I'd love to eat here and be able to give a good star rating. The one star is because it seems a little shady to close down with pending facebook deal coupons and no message on their phone when you call or sign on the door stating when they plan to come back.
If they open up and I get a chance to try their food (with my coupons) I'll definitely be back to update my rating. -
Review from Erica L.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011
Cheap decent quality dim sum!!!!!
I LOVE this place.
They have $5 fried rice for college students! I used to live half a block away, and on my way home I would go pick up some fried rice+dim sum to share with my roommate. Their huge portions are enough for my roommate and I, or if you live alone, it's good for at least 2 meals.
Oh and the owner's brother Tony makes awesome fruity icy drinks! And he's super friendly :) Some dishes come with complimentary soups, and he served one to me too even though I didn't order one of those dishes!
It's clean, simple, good for family dinner, friends get-together, and if you started drinking early in a sports bar watching games, you should definitely come here afterwards for huge portions, delicious chinese food!
It's too bad I live farther now. I miss the Dim Sum Bar!!! -
Review from Jason B.
7/20/2011
Dim sum in the Tenderloin.
You gotta love the city for the audacious existence of such an establishment. Standard Chinese fare offered too.
Departed from my usual shrimp dumpling selection to try "Ha Fun Gow". It's my usual plus veggies. Not bad.
However, compared to Chinatown, prices are high, service is slow (or was I just forgotten) and quality is so so.
Better dim sum is a 30 or 45 bus ride away, but this is probably as good as it gets in the 'loin. -
Review from Brian D.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
Dim Sum was delicious at quite reasonable prices. 6 pieces of Dim Sum, Crab Appetizer and Anchor Steam for $11 with tax.
Came by on a Wednesday Night - place was mostly empty; except for a party which appeared to be friends of the owner - they were all watching the Giants Game and ordering some food from next door at the Indian Place which is always packed. -
Review from Chris M.
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Solid Dim Sum, good food without being exceptional.
We were trying to go next door and get Indian food, but pushed for time we decided to opt for Dim Sum! Good decision this place is fast!
Cheap too! Recommended if you are looking for a quick bite! -
Review from William P.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2011
I've lived across the street from this place for more than a year now and I dine here about twice a week. The food is very good and the staff is really friendly. And best of all, the prices are fair.
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Review from Marylan S.
Ladera Ranch, CA
4/11/2011
We planned one of our dinners here while in SF for a few days. Everything was good. We had the 12 pc steamed dim sum order and the fried appetizer order that came with crab wontons, spring rolls and potstickers. They were ok. I think the dim sum is just sitting in large steamers in the back and served as ordered. Since there were only a few customers there, the turnover of food must've been slow. We also had the chow mein and fried fish. Both were good and the prices were very reasonable.
We liked the food, but will probably look for other Chinese food/dim sum options when in SF. -
Review from lauryn r.
Salinas, CA
3/14/2011
My little family travels to SF at least 6 times a year from the Monterey Bay area. We do the whole bike/BART thing...so it was convenient to ride our bikes there from our hotel. We found a secure pole outside to put our bikes against and the window to see the bikes outside- is substantial. I would consider it to be "bike-friendly". Otherwise, I'd say you'd probably have to hoof it quite a ways to eat here. Seems like a lot of local walkers and take out. It's on the end of O'Farrel after all of the halal - curry places. It would be better to take the market/3rd to Geary...side.. and come around the other corner. Going down O'Farrel doesn't leave much to the imagination. This is not a pretty neighborhood. Take a bike, you can ride past the shady area faster! :)
I really enjoyed the pork buns. They were light and fluffy and there was no grizel. Char siu was tasty, not over-colored and red like some.
The husband enjoyed the salt and pepper wings. I could tell they were made fresh and the serving is generous for the price.
I read some good reviews on the green onion pancake, it was good with the chili oil, but it was kinda flat. I wouldn't order it again. But it gave me a good idea to make something like that at home.
My daughter was getting over a bug - and had the won ton soup. It was more like shumai, so the won tons were totally not just the wrapper like some places. Not many veggies - just baby bok choy. Not salty. It was a tasty broth. It was enough for about 5 servings.
The mongolian beef chow fun, made my family fans of Chow fun. Maybe what they've eaten before was too dry or weird. But this chow fun was good. I must have put a second and third helping on my plate. It was enough to take some back with us, which we were sure to do. :)
The chicken salad was good. It was well-dressed but not soggy and had not your normal veggies in it.. mushrooms, baby corn to name a few, I think the lady asked us, if we wanted vegetables. So they must have people who just want the lettuce and chicken... not too sweet, not too sour. My husband usually isn't into salad - and he ate a lot of it. He kept telling me, "good job finding this place".
We had a few tsingtaos, water and my daughter had a delicious Icy. I would have tried the lychee or mango, but she had strawberry. It reminded me of those mexican michoacan ice cream bars that my mother likes. This place was good enough to take my mother to.
That should say a lot. :) Go here!
45 dollars, half the price we would have paid anywhere else. Staff is pleasant. Restroom is clean. -
Review from Swati S.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Good dim sum but not great selection; entrees are just ok and service is very bad. dont go unless you are already in the neighborhood.
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Review from Maple S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/13/2011
I am glad to report that a recent visit to Dim Sum Bar was a success as far as the service provided.
We continue to go to the place because it across the street from my house, cheap and for now , at least, they have a waitress that actually gives you a glass of water (and kudos to her refilling it twice!) and brings out your food relatively at the same time. Also, much to my surprise; all of my food items were actually vegetarian items!
Unfortunately, I can not give them a better rating than previously, because god forbid you go on a night this waitress is not working.
Also, my husband had the sweet and sour chicken. He immediately knew it did not agree with him and could not finish his meal. The portions he did manage to swallow came out the wrong end (in the kitchen sink nonetheless! *GROSS*)
Not sure if it was too greasy or what - but typically when you vomit after having a meal at a place - you tend to not want to give it a higher rating on Yelp.
So, Congrats Dim Sum Bar for FINALLY hiring someone capable; however, your food leaves much to be desired (apparently, well, at least that dish.)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/9/2011
I have been to this restaurant at least 8 - 10 times and of those 8 - 10 times I'd say at least (at… Read more »
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Review from Amanda S.
Palm Springs, CA
2/13/2011
I just now ordered from here from work and am very pleased so far!
Called in for an order of oriental chicken, veggie pot stickers and crab/cheese puffs. Total came to around $15 (yes!). They told me it would be around 40 minutes which I thought was odd and pretty long wait for a Sunday afternoon.
To my surprise they came 20 minutes later. The salad was huge! I have about 3/4 left over. Dinner tonight! The 6 pot stickers that came were fairly large and I only ate 2. The cheese puffs are out of this world. I think I've found a new guilty pleasure. it's a crab and cream cheese mixture (sounds kinda ergh but trust me, definite stoner munchie/PMS go to. I'm sure) and fried in a wonton I believe.
What I'm reaaaalllly happy about; it's not greasy! So many times I get take out and I get a sick feeling in my tummy after. Too much salt and too much grease. Not here. I felt content, satisfied, and I dont have the looming - post-take-out feeling. I will be back again!! -
Review from Eric P.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/16/2011
Follow up. I know, it's been only two days, but I guess somethings need to be clarified/retracted.
I came back earlier today and ordered food for myself and a few friends. The manager thanked me for a nice review, and went some ways to alleviate my concerns of the inspection score, proved to me that they otherwise had a stellar track record, and that the score will go back up in short time.
Food was, once again, delicious, fresh and the crab puffs were plentiful and crisp. Can't wait to come back here with friends and sit down to a nice meal.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/15/2011
Their bombardment of flyers on apartment doorknobs got my attention. A Dim Sum restaurant in my… Read more »
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Review from marianne w.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2010 3 photos
My company held our annual Christmas party and decided on food from Dim Sum Bar since they delivered. We had about 40 people total and ordered the following:
1. 10lbs Beef Chow Fun - Very yummy!
2. 10 lbs BBQ Pork Fried Rice - I didnt have any rice but there wasnt much rice left at the end of the party so i'm assuming it was good.
3. Large tray of chicken wings - these were a massive hit. The chicken wings were deep fried to perfection with just the right amount of salt
and peppers
4. Curry Puffs - Hot and fresh! Really good!
5. Cheese Puffs - Same as above!
6. Egg Tarts - Delicious!
6. Spring Rolls - made fresh and still very hot when delivered
7. Pork potstickers - I ate so many I lost count!
8. Veggie potstickers - Same as above!
9. Sesame Balls - Super fresh with a very good amount of filling inside.
The owner, Crystina, took the time to help me on the order because I really didnt know how much food to order for 40 people! She was super nice and helpful. I told her that the party would start around 4PM and the food arrived right then with everything still hot.
I think we've found our new restaurant for catering! -
Review from Katie Anne N.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2010
I have to admit. Dim sum for delivery? Crazy thought right? Well, no. Not when you've been home sick in bed with a sinus cold. Ordered via http://eat24hours.com. Quick and easy to order. Delivery ranged from 45min-1 hr.
I ordered usual dim sum items, har gow- shrimp dumpings, sui mai- pork and shrimp dumplings, and the baos. Orders were small, 3 items per order (not the usual 4). I highly recommend the custard baos. Yum. I also recommend the lychee slush and the lychee iced tea. So amazing.
If you are looking for quick and easy dim sum delivery, check them out. Not the best but for the price and delivery, its well worth it. -
Review from Amy J.
Oakland, CA
8/25/2011
All the info says they are open daily but I went around 12:45pm for lunch and they were closed.
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Review from Lauren M.
11/16/2010
LONG WAIT. Jesus H. I wandered in and there were 4-5 tables of patrons and another 4-5 tables empty. I waited politely by the door to be seated. The waitress came into the room (from the kitchen) several times to bring drinks & food to the table but flat out ignored me.
Finally, after getting a table and a menu, I waited a good 15 minutes to order. During this time, I watched (at first with amusement, then later with growing apprehension) as the sole waitress brought out all sorts of orders gone wrong. No one was getting what they had ordered and everyone looked very irate.
I had to get up and walk out. No thanks.Listed in: 6 days of eating in SF
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Review from Lisa W.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2011
Just ordered takeout delivery from Dim Sum Bar. We got quite a few things and it seems very hit or miss.
+ salt and pepper chicken wings - these were SO delicious and came sauteed with garlic and jalapenos. I was eating the jalapenos straight up, they were so good. Wings were crispy on the outside and really juicy on the inside.
+ Green onion pancakes - really good!
+ Sticky rice wrapped in leaves were yummy
- char siu bao (BBQ pork bun) - not good at all. The meat was mushy and it didn't taste fresh.
- xiao long bao - these are usually my favorite dim sum dish, but the texture of the filling tasted like the meat was mixed with a bunch of starch.
Takeaway - order the wings. Avoid items with filling.
Cheap and quite good overall! -
Review from Tiffany Y.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2010 6 Check-ins Here
You would think by how many times I frequent Dim Sum Bar in one week that I obviously live in the area. But nope. I live far farrrr away my friends. A good friend of mine, however, does live in the area and I swear everytime I'm over there and we are hungry 4 out of 5 times we pick Dim Sum as our cuisine.
First of all, this place is ridiculously cheap. Second, their food is awesome. This is the type of Chinese food you always dream about finding in SF but somehow can't find anywhere comparable. Some of my personal favorites include: Oriental Chicken Salad, Crab Meat Cheese Puffs, Lemon Chicken, Honey Walnut Prawns, Pork Baos, Garlic Chicken & numerous delicious Dim Sum dumplings. I'm telling you now, pass on the chow mein. It's not a strong dish of theirs. I'm also telling you the PASSION FRUIT ICY'S ARE A MUST! I don't care if there's a snow storm going on outside, you need to get one of these regardless. I don't even think they're on the menu so take an insiders opinion on this.
A few other reasons why I like Dim Sum:...they have a TV! And as a huge sports fan, they are always playing any major college football/ NFL football/ Giants game that's going on. Very key. Also, I love the people who work there. The last time I ordered for pick-up they gave me a legit shopping bag (like the ones you buy from Trader Joe's.) I think it's because I always tip them really well but still, I will use this bag forever!
I'm so happy Dim Sum Bar has come into my life and has shown me how good chinese food is made. See you tomorrow, Dim Sum! -
Review from Rosalind S.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This isn't my hood but I had an expiring Homerun voucher so we made our way down here. It's located in the loin so instead of circling around and trying to find parking next to a crack head we just parked at the Vanness AMC theater lot and walked the 4 blocks over.
There was just one other couple there eating when we arrived at 8:30pm but several people coming in for take-out. They have a rather large menu for such a small place. We had $30 to spend and got:
SUI MAI: 4 pieces came out in a steaming tray. They were good but you really can't go wrong with this order.
SESAME BALLS: 4 smaller than usual little balls came out pipping hot! They were a little over fried but I think I liked them that way better. Very good.
GREEN ONION PANCAKES: Oily suckers! The menu says 8 pieces, which is crazy but it's really only two pancakes they cut up. They're good after you blot some oil off them.
SPICY GARLIC CHICKEN: Heavenly garlic! This was delicious! You have to try but be warned, I had garlic breath all night.
HONEY WALNUT PRAWNS: My bf had to get this. It was good and not overly mayonnaisey.
CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD: This was a large salad with baby corn, mushrooms, tender pieces of white meat chicken, cabbage, carrots and peanuts. It was delicious but a little over dressed. I loved it though.
Everyone was very nice and attentive. We got our tea filled in a timely manner but had to ask twice for our waters. Not a biggie like it was for other Yelpers. This was a rather pleasant experience from what I expected. But since I don't live near by, it's easier for me to get great dim sum in the Sunset or Richmond districts, I probably won't be coming back. They deliver if you live close by. -
Review from alex j.
Palo Alto, CA
8/23/2011
gotta love super cheap dim sum and even better with daily deal discount voucher!
not the swankiest location or decor, but the dim sum is decent. -
Review from Stephanie S.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
Came here yesterday after volunteering at Glide to keep the strength up. The ambiance is just about non-existent - it is the Loin, after all - but Sunday Streets was yesterday so there was lots of music and activity from the street outside, and they kept the front door open.
Doing dim sum with this particular friend was a little tricky, since she keeps kosher and doesn't eat pork or shrimp. Lucky for me (or not), they were out of all that stuff anyways! Admittedly, we were there at about 1:45 pm but I was still bummed that they were out of most of their dumplings, and especially my favorite turnip cakes :(
We had the following since it was pretty much what they had left:
spinach dumplings (a little bland), green onion pancakes (surprisingly not as greasy as what I've read), garlic bok choy (good but some stalks were a little undercooked), salted peppered chicken wings (nice crispy-fried skin, but the chicken underneath was very fatty and greasy so I mainly nibbled on the skin), and the fried sesame balls (perfection!). We did have some leftover wings so gave them to a group of homeless guys down the way. I'd definitely come back to try the dim sum sampler, but that's hard to do when they're out of almost everything. It took a good while to get our waters refilled as well, and I thought our total (almost $30!) was definitely pricier than what I expected for the Loin-y location. Maybe a Saturday morning visit would prove more fruitful, but I can take the 1 out to Clement and spend less for more. -
Review from Michelle N.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
Disappointing. This is the only dim sum place near me, so I really tried to give the place a chance. The first time I went here was on a Saturday morning and I tried to order the siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), but they told me they were all out.....and then listed off all the other dim sum they were out of. That pretty much left about 2 items on the list. The girl explained they make all of their dim sum at the beginning of the week, so sometimes they run out by the end of the week. First of all, ew. Second of all, wtf. This place is called DIM SUM Bar and you're out of dim sum on a Saturday?
As I said, I really tried to give the place a chance because I returned a second time (I was desperate). This time on a Wednesday evening. Once again, they were all out of several of the dim sum, including the ones I wanted.
I officially give up. Either make more dim sum (preferably fresh) so you
stop running out all the time, or change the name of your restaurant. -
Review from Chelsea C.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Anyone hating on Dim Sum needs to check yoself before I come over there and wreck yoself.
Living half a block away may make me a little biased, but this place is amazing. I have never recieved anything less than perfection when ordering from Dim Sum, on both the take out and dine in front. I've already used at least 4 different http://Restaurant.com gift certificates here, and have at least twice as many more waiting in the wings for when I inevitably make the rounds here again, and again, and again.
By far my favorite is the Choy Gow, the spinach dumplings. I've found myself ordering 2, sometimes 3 orders of this Popeye power filled dumplings. Perfect flavor and consistency. When I come in or order over the phone and find out they have run out of these bad boy for the day a little part of my shivels up and dies inside. Allbeit it's the very tiny spinach-lover part of me, BUT IT STILL DIES OK!!??!?! Cilantro and Shrimp dumplings are great, some with Shrimp and Veggie dumplings, pot stickers are out of this world.
Justin L. and Tiffany Y. go batshit crazy over their Oriental Chicken Salad (it comes with Bell Peppers and those little mini corns that look like dead people fingers, so I'm not a fan) at least one of them order it every time we're there.
My staple is the Spicey Garlic Chicken, although the Orange Chicken and Lemon Chicken are quite tasty, but I prefer the heat from the Spicey Garlic Chicken.
Shrimp Fried Rice is some of the best I've ever had. Theyir chowmein is also top notch. Just not the Veggie Chow Mein (going back to the dea peoples fingers again folks)
And I guess the final thing I can say in this review to make you want ot go to Dim Sum Restaurant and Bar would be that they have ...
PASSIONFRUIT ICEES ... and boom goes the dynamite -
Review from Raina S.
8/27/2010
Dim Sum Bar is located on what might be the only clean block of O'Farrell Street in the Tenderloin. So, don't be afraid to come here! The food is good and you'll be surprisingly pleased by the prices.
We liked the pork shu mai, the sesame balls, and we loved the sauteed string beans (though I think they call them green beans here). I thought the shrimp & veg dumplings were okay, but I can't recommend the potstickers. The flavors and seasonings there are all wrong.
They were out of several menu items we were hoping to order, which was a disappointment. But I'll give them credit for serving brown rice, since not many restaurants do.
I was surprised that there was only one other person in the restaurant at noon on our recent weekday visit. The other patron, a little old lady, promptly fell asleep after her meal. I don't know how she could sleep, as she was right underneath the big screen TV which was showing a lively -- and noisy -- Little League World Series game. I guess she really enjoyed her meal and just needed a little down time. -
Review from Sascha O.
1/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a coupon for this place so I decided to go check it out with my husband.
We had $30 worth of coupon... lol which proved to be A LOT to eat for just the two of us. We ended up ordering a whole bunch of dim sum and also took some to go.
Their dim sum selection is a typical fair... BBQ pork buns, siu mai, etc etc... they were good, however definitely not the best we've had, and for the price, you can get much better dim sum down in small dim sum joints on Clement st. or in Chinatown.
We did like their Lychee Iced Tea... however overall, we left feeling extremely full but somewhat disappointed.
If I were to just judge their food, I would've given them 3 stars. But I am being stoic and deducting another star for their poor service.
Some people seem to claim that their staff are always welcoming but if that is true, we went on a seriously wrong day. I mean, when we walked in, no one smiled and greeted us. 2 or 3 of the guys were in the back, trying to sort out some to go or delivery order, with their backs faced to us and, didn't notice us at all. Another girl was essentially serving all the tables one her own, looking frazzled and exhausted. Eventually one guy looked up and noticed us, I jestured we had 2 people, and he jestured back, "anywhere we want to sit". Oookay? So we sit down, they bring out the menu, and we are kind of abandoned for a while, until the girl noticed that she never took our order when she almost took the order of a table that came in later first.
We asked her how their menu/pricing worked, she mumbled her explanation, which we didn't fully understand but because we had coupons, we were like, uh, whatever, and just ordered a whole bunch.
Eventually our dim sum started coming and we had our fill. In the end, when we got our check, we got a full bill and we had to remind the girl that we had that coupon. She then told us that we didn't order enough food to get close to $30 so we placed a few more dim sum orders to go, paid her a little tip and left.
I really don't know if we will come back here if it wasn't for a discount coupon. It's in a pretty shoddy part of town, and if I'm in downtown, I'd rather go to Chinatown, if I'm near this neighborhood, I'd rather go to Osha Thai, and if I'm further west I'd rather go to J-town, and all the way west SF, I'd rather go to Clement st.
Perhaps it was a rough day for them? I dunno, but really, It was just as the Yelp description of 2 stars - MEH. I've had experienced better. -
Review from emily b.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2011
Overall the food was tasty-especially for Delivery. The small wonton soup was large(10 Wontons). The shrimp dumplings were good. Just like in a Dim Sum House. The fried tofu with green beans was excellent-spicy in a black bean sauce and dried red peppers. Excellent... until I bit down hard on a stony, hard, grit-ball. I thought for a second that I might have chipped a tooth. Needless to say that ended my enjoyment of the Tofu Green Bean.
The delivery time was a bit longer than quoted but everything arrived hot and fresh. I might order from here again but first I would have to get over the memory of biting into a tiny dirt-clod.
It's probably one in a million that will happen to anyone else. Based on that I recommend giving it a try if you are looking for a delivery then share your experience here on yelp! -
Review from Faina L.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2011
First, I would like to preface this review with, I don't like Chinese food. I have given it many many chances, eating at authentic places, chains, upscale, hole in the walls, etc. And I often get a stomach ache later, or I just don't care for the taste for some reason.
That out of the way, I LOVE Dim Sum Bar. I asked them to make sure its not greasy, and they made it perfectly, no tummy ache for me! I was really ill once, called them, and ended up eating from them 3 meals in a row, hey dont judge me. Yes, I even ate it for breakfast, eggs and vegetables, might as well be an omelet, right?!
Their menu is extensive but not expensive. They have salads! Either because I am foreign or because I am high maintenance, I just don't feel right unless I start my meal with a salad, which can be hard to do at Asian places, but not here, lovely large salads!
Actually, another time went there with my daughter, our exchange student and my husband. Appetizers, entrees, beer, wine, diet cokes, tea (which is free and they refill it nonstop, love it!), and these ahhhmazing sesame balls for dessert. I think it was just under $40, cheapest meal we've ever had for all that food.
So I still don't like Chinese food, unless it comes from Dim Sum Bar :) -
Review from Brooke T.
10/17/2010
This place is awesome! Their 12 piece dim sum is huge and yummy. Their hot n sour soup is also great and a huge portion that is almost too much for two people at only $3. Their crab cheese triangle are also really good! Next time I'll order that $4 deal for $10 worth of food advertised.
Don't let the neighborhood turn you off. The TL is nothing compared to Oakland- just keep that in mind :) If you're there during the day- you should be totally fine.Listed in: My favorites in San Francisco
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Review from matthew s.
Fresno, CA
3/21/2011
I.LOVE.THIS.PLACE.
The dim sum is delicious. I come here every time I visit my bestie. We never leave dissatisfied! The prices are cheap, and the service is as warm and welcoming as the interior on a cold rainy day.
The owners/workers are incredibly friendly. On one of our visits, they asked us if we could give an order that someone hadn't picked up to the homeless.
Definitely recommend! -
Review from Trisha L.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2010
I love this place, it's my go-to place in SF. Ok, so it's not some 5-star award winning iron chef deal but it's amazing for how much you spend. How do you beat $9 for 12-peices of dim sum?! You can't! The only set back to the 12-peice deal is that they choose it for you, however the things that come with it are so tasty, it really doesn't matter. Result, dim sum = Fantastic. The icey drinks they serve are TO-DIE-FOR. $2 a glass and it's like a dream in a fruity cold beverage. The lychee flavor (which I think might be a few cents extra) is the shiznit. End of story.
The other foods besides dim sum looked good from what I saw on other peoples tables (I stick with dim sim), however I ordered the orange chicken and it was just plain, not good. It wasn't horrible, I didn't gag but it wasn't good. Also, walking here might be safe and might be a little shady depending on the time/day but it shouldn't be too bad no matter when you go. There's street parking only so that might be a bit rough but it's downtown San Francisco, what do you expect?
So, try this place, you won't regret it. The service is really friendly and quick, everything was steaming hot, delicious, and .. cheap! -
Review from Tammy C.
7/20/2010 2 photos
(See pics)
Came here for lunch and had the dim sum platter and noodles with chicken and vegetables. Both were okay but I think Tian Sing had better but more expensive dim sum.
Service was quick and friendly and it's quite inexpensive if you crave some dim sum.
The interesting thing is on the wall they are selling green reusable shopping/grocery bags. -
Review from Brian T.
11/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
tl;dr - Long wait. Small dim sum. Pretty average taste.
I read the reviews and got pretty excited for Sunday brunch. I love dim sum brunch. Who doesn't?
First of all this place is small. Only a few tables inside. Nothing like the large halls/rooms I usually associate with sunday dim sum brunch. There's no cart for you to impulsively pick and choose from either. You order off a small menu and that's about it.
With 4 of us in our group, we picked 11 plates and thought we'd be ok to go. We also ordered house lychee tea. The tea took 20 minutes to come out for some reason, but was pretty good. The first plate of dim sum also took 15-20 minutes as well. Then they each came out every 5-10 minutes. Seriously, I've never waited so long in my life for dim sum. One plate of shu mai that came out was luke warm at best. Had it been sitting out for a while? Did it somehow avoid the steam?
The dim sum was alright, but small. Much smaller than I'm used to seeing. My general rule of thumb is that there should be 3-4 plates ordered for every person in your party. The size plates they serve here, I'd bump that up to 5-6.
Not impressed Dim Sum Bar.
