Tina C.'s Profile

Come here if you want to experience 1970s 1980s all over- Chinatown style! This place isn't the best in terms of food, but it's an affordable, dive (dim sum), and decent in terms of portions and taste. You can choose to ignore the facade or look at it's age as memories of the past.  

Why should you come here?

#1 Affordable/Decent Quality: I've come here several times for various lunch banquets. For a little over $100 per table meant for 10 diners, I've dined here with 7-9 entree items for lunch. Besides Yi Ben House (which by the way closed as of last year in Chinatown off Pacific Avenue and Stockton Street), nowhere else in Chinatown and probably in San Francisco can you get decent lunch "banquet" dive style for the above price. The portions were sizable and enough where we had about 1/3 of the food leftover with a full table of hungry patrons. During the Moon Festival, the restaurant also offers the cheapest moon cake in Chinatown (think under $10 for the pack- 2/3 less than the brand names they sell at the stores). I enjoyed the chicken marinaded in soy sauce and the thin noodles w/chicken. Oh and the congee was decent too!

#2 A Trip Down Chinatown History: This place is ancient- as ancient as the owner (see point #3). It reminds me of Old Chinatown- from the walls to the decor to the carpet. It's run down and totally dive style, but you can't help but get a real taste of the casual dining of the past - and with past prices too. Also, if you rent the above floor for a party, there is a sound system. The sound system itself is NOT that old, but turn on the karaoke machine and all the machines got seemingly older as I sat eating last week. Old school Cantonese pop music and songs reminiscent of the golden age of HK music (think Sam Hui years) and old Taiwanese singers like Deng Li Juan. As you listen to the music, you can't help but feel like you traveled through time. And for those experienced eaters of dim sum, you might just be surprised at some of the offerings here. For instance, there was a "goji berry" dessert on our lunch banquet menu. I kept thinking what the heck is that? Alas, it came in 4 giant blocks with goji berries and I had a flashback of those days when my grandmother use to make them - the same Toisan/Taishanese way!

#3 The Elderly Granny Owner: Where else is the owner so involved with the daily operations of their restaurant? At this place, the owner oversees the banquet/luncheon operations, serves as the waitress, the hostess, and the cashier. Either she does not want to hire extra staff or she is an uber micro manager. She must be at least 70+ years old and is quite ancient yet adorable in the degree of involvement she has with the daily grind. Props to her. She is a bit blunt and slightly rude at times, but she is so cute! Look out for her- she's taller than the average granny, skinny, doesn't smile a lot, and loves wearing an apron. During the Chinese New Year, she also partakes in selling moon cakes. If this piques your interest, the waitresses are just as old as her! It's almost like her staff started with her and aged with her.

#4 Toisan/Taishan Cuisine: Pre-1980s Chinatown was mainly Taishan/Toisan folks. Take a look now and you will realize that while there are a lot of Mainland (Mandarin) tourist checking out Chinatown, many of its residents are still from the Pearl River Delta Region. Gone are the elderly Toisan ladies that use to knit scarves and hats along Stockton Street, but this place reminds me of the past and my childhood.The way they prepare some of their food is quite toisan. You can call it dive, comfort, and totally casual, but eat here and you will get a sampling of how dim sum use to be.

On Powell between Pacific and Broadway. Close by MUNI lines 10,12, 1, 45, 30, and 8x.

I have never left a tea store feeling ripped off and never wanting to shop there again. I wish I read the review of other Yelpers before going there. Too late! I brought down three stars mainly for the customer service at this store and the constant upselling. Folks, if we are going to spend $10-$22 per 2 ounces of tea, I'd suggest keeping the customer service classy as well. Shop at Lupicia or another Teavana folks.

I had a complementary chai tea tasting in the front and it drew me into the store. I wanted to buy some to take home because let's face it- their tea is pretty good. It's smooth and great quality. I walked inside and one of the sale associates (Kathlyn P.) asked me what tea I wanted. I told her I wanted the chai tea that I sampled outside. She tried to sell me the entire tin can. I told her that I didn't want that much and she didn't seem too pleased that I wanted to make a smaller purchase. She asked me what tin can I wanted it in. I said do you have something smaller. She pointed to the 8 ounce can. I asked her if there is a smaller size and she told me that this was the smaller that they sold it in. I pointed to the tea canister and asked if 2 ounces was the least that I could have purchased. She said yes. What she failed to tell me was that since the sample outside consisted of two different types of tea- she essentially sold me 2 ounces of each of those teas making 4 ounces. I also bought some green tea and I wanted to smell a few of them. I got the feeling that she felt frustrated and annoyed that I didn't buy a full can of tea. After I picked up some green tea, she asked if I wanted some rock sugar since she informed me that the rock sugar was used in the chai tea sample. I said sure. However, I actually thought the sample was sweeter than what I am normally use to. I told her I didn't want an entire bag of rock sugar. She seemed displeased again. At that point, I asked her what was the minimum amount I could buy. She told me 1/2 a pound. I told her that was exactly what I wanted. When she weighted it, she was about to close the bag. I noticed that it was 3/4 of a pound. I told her that was way too much sugar. I didn't want that much. She didn't seem to thrilled, but she scooped some of it out. Then it got to .59 of a pound. At that point, she asked me, is this fine now? I figured ah whatever I am not going to debate over taking .09 out of the weight. Further, I didn't feel that she knew a lot about the teas she was selling. I asked for point of origin of each tea I was interested in and the differences between the different green teas. I didn't feel that the answers I got were that great since I do know a decent amount about tea leafs. I asked her if I could sample one of the green teas and she said no.

As I was paying, I asked if there was some type of frequent customer card or membership. She said no. I asked her if there was any samples. She also said no. Then she rang the total and it was close to $50 for a total of 6 ounces of tea and rock sugar. NOW- What I didn't know was that she the tins each cost $6.00 per tin. When I was paying, I figured because maybe the tea went over a bit (on the weight since she was scooping pretty fast). After I left the mall, I saw the receipt and realized that the tins were each $6 a piece. I felt so frustrated because it said that they do not return tea/food items. Seriously, I don't need two tin cans at $6 a piece, BUT what angered me was that nowhere in our entire conversation did she inform me they cost $6 a piece. She didn't even tell me that I could have purchased the tea without buying the tin cans. I would have been fine without them since I am an avid tea drinker with tea cans at home already. I would have greatly appreciated if someone told me and I regret not reading my fellow Yelpers' reviews prior to going to this store.

I don't think I will ever shop at this store again because I felt there was a lot of upselling and not enough quality customer service. Even Godiva can be a bit pushy sometimes, but this customer service gal and the store was way more than that. Also, I had a better experience at Lupicia and I don't think they charged me for the little tins that held the tea (which I now use as a paper clip holder).

I had to go to nearby Sports Basement and passed by this restaurant. My friend was hungry and we saw two restaurants-1 Chinese and 1 Japanese. We thought that the Japanese one looked better. After shopping at Sports Basement, our cashier recommended Mikado Sushi to us! She said, 6 and good for Mikado $ and 10 for $$$ blowfish. I am glad she gave me the extra push to try the place out.

Technically, I am not sure why the Yelp information page says it's in the Mission. It's really across the side street/Bryant in Potrero Hill by the Potrero Hill Shopping Center (Petco, Safeway, Ross) @ 16th.

We ordered a sushi boat ($15.95 one with chicken teriyaki and fried veggies) and the Sunny and Spider Row. The total for all three came to about $40 before tips.

The food was yummy and the prices are reasonable. It was quiet and clean. The service was fast and friendly. It is a neighborhood restaurant that I would go back to even though it isn't the greatest sushi restaurant I've been to, it is comfortable and "comfort" food.

They have a TV playing Cantonese/Jade Channel programming by the bar and the staff speaks Chinese. There is one bathroom shared for women and men.

Plus points for taking credit card.

MUNI bus lines 33 Stanyan, 22 Fillmore, 9L Bayshore and 9 Bayshore gets here. BART @ 16th and Mission is a close 12 minute walk away.

Come here for great prices/value on pretty good catered food which they will deliver to your event for free as well (if it's close by although I am not sure where they make the cut off). I love that they are pretty fast and efficient although it would definitely help if you can speak Cantonese since their staff don't speak English well or at all. Speak to the boss/owner if you need to order for your company via a merchant/organization check.

This place is known for their chicken drumsticks/wings (so good!!!) and roasted duck. It's affordable and they give you an ample amount. It's also close by transit and located on a very busy corridor in Chinatown.

This is hands down the freshest bakery in Chinatown. They sell so many buns and pastries that items are always warm and hot. They are fast and efficient and without the line out the door or the attitude of Golden Gate Bakery. I am sitting here thinking about their soft sponge roll cakes.

I still love this place for my avocado and Swiss cheese, but I wish it would take credit card. Still a great place with awesome sandwiches. You can also buy your Chinese newspapers here.

This review is on their bunny adoptions on weekends and fish food.

I had a positive experience when I shopped here a couple weeks ago for fish food. Armed with my $5 Petco store bucks, I spent it on Koi fish food. The cashier was friendly and smiling.

NOW...here's why I am writing this review. Petco adopted a policy regarding the non-sale of rabbits/bunnies at PETCOs nationwide. This store is one of the Adopt a Bunny locations where rabbit/bunny volunteers host open adoptions on Saturdays and Sundays. I was planning on going in and out of the store in less than 10 minutes for fish food. I ended up spending over one hour playing, holding, and staring at the cute bunnies. They were so warming and friendly. I am considering adopting one now and am glad that this PETCO is allowing the group to host in their store every weekend.

Also, the store aisles were clean and organized.

I've been here a handful of times and it's been a positive experience each time. Come here if you want a grocery store that is a cross between a Safeway and Whole Foods/Trader's Joe.

Pro:
+Parking (1st/ground level) and off Clement Street (2nd Floor Parking Lot w/Elevator). In the City, free parking is WOW and free parking while grocery shopping is 2x WOW.
+Clearance/50% Daily Discount Section. I check out this section every time for last minute deals. These are freshly prepared items that expire on that day or the following day. There are some great finds. I've found sandwiches for $1.40-$2.59, freshly prepared Asian and Italian entrees for $1.50-$2.50), produce for under $1, milk for under $2, dips and sauces for under $2, red velvet cupcakes (2 for $1.50), and an entire banana cream pie for under $3- although it should be rephrased as banana pudding cream pie since I was so sad that it didn't contain any real bananas).
+Restroom in the back.
+Coupons in the newspaper's version of the weekly ad. Typical Q's are $5 off $25 or $6 off $25. I've also seen $4 off $20 when they first opened.
+Friends of Fresh & Easy members card. It's free and you can rack up points. Even the daily specials provide the same amount of points if it's a set point item. If it's a X amount of times deal, then there would be less points given for the sale/clearance items since the base price is less. Grab this card before you shop because 1) you get 250 free points on your birthday 2) I got a free reusable bag when I joined- although this depends on what the current promotion is and 3) for every 500 points, you can transfer/convert it into $5.
+Pretty decent customer support line.
+Self Check Out. Fast and efficient. Store coupons scanned without issues.
+Spacious for a SF grocery store.
+Decent array of produce items in the veggies and fruit section.
+Takes credit cards.

Con:
-Why is there always a security guard standing at the entrance?! Doesn't feel welcoming.
-Hard to track down someone to ask questions or get help while shopping on the floor.
-Does NOT take manufacturer coupons!!!
-Definitely is not a Whole Food's, but they have some great items you can heat up while at the store.
-A bit pricey for the items they sell. Good for Fresh & Easy brand items and clearance/sales, but pricey for some of the national brands. You can get those brands cheaper at CVS/Walgreens when on sale and the prices might not be cheaper than other grocery stores when you factor in the inability to use coupons.

My Favorite Items
-Egg sandwich
-Cranberry turkey sandwich
-Japanese/Asian style green teas
-chicken drumstick- VERY VERY GOOD!
-apple or pear salad
-Asian style dinner bowl
-granola w/yogurt!

3.5 stars.

Before coming to this cafe, I wanted to give it a 4-5 star review. I love Asian/Chinese desserts and am a big supporter of small businesses, local restaurants, and the revitalization of social life/nightlife in Chinatown. I had been meaning to try this cafe for months because I had friends who love this place and their souffles. Soon after, my friend gave me a $10 gift certificate so I definitely had to try it out!

I came here on Wednesday around 11:15am. I was planning on grabbing some fruit/smoothie drinks. I thought it would be open since most of the dessert places and bubble tea places open at 10am-11am. I got here and was disappointed to see that it was closed and the interior was dark. I looked at the windows and menus and the brochure in the front. I couldn't understand why they did not post hours of operations at this store. I thought to myself- how could you not be open when it's almost lunch time already?! Also, taped by the menu was a white 8"x11" typed sign about their bathroom usage policy- aka if you are not a customer they charge $2 (yes really!).

I went back the following day at night. Yes! This time it was open and there were a few patrons inside. I showed the cashier I had a $10 gift certificate and he didn't seem to thrilled. I wouldn't say he was upset, but he wasn't entirely happy either. The girl next to him seemed nicer and was at least smiling at me. I looked at the menu and decided to try the souffle ($9.25 and with a 25 minute suggested wait time). I also ordered a mango with grapefruit dessert ($4.75).

I paid and waited for my dessert. I got it within the 25 minutes. The mango dessert was 4 stars and I loved the texture and taste. The souffle was a-okay 3.5-4 stars, but I thought it was a bit softer than expected. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly what it was, but I thought it was a bit less fluffy and sturdy than the ones I've had in the past at French restaurants. It was less sweet than typical American desserts and I liked that the cafe had neat flavors like green tea, Japanese matcha, and Asian style strawberry. I thought the souffle was pretty pricey even if I didn't include the fact that this place is in Chinatown. A more reasonable price to charge for it would be about $7.

The ambiance is quiet and quite nice. I would recommend it if you need a clean and quiet place to study and there is ample sitting space. 4-5 stars. and 5 stars for free wireless internet!

Why did I knock down 1.5 stars?
-The pricing is pretty $$$ for Chinatown. The mango dessert was priced okay (pretty standard for the same item for other Cantonese style desserts elsewhere in the city), but the soufflee was $$$.
-Please post your hours of operations.
-Smile =)

Also, it's cash only.

I think this place has a lot of potential. There is no reason why this place shouldn't ring in 4-5 stars and be a hot spot to help Chinatown revitalize its nightlife if they can just work on a few things. I will be coming back for dessert sometime. :)

Still the best bubble tea place in San Francisco Chinatown.

+Best boba pearls - soft and chewy! Actually this is a ++++++++
+Will customize your drink - less sugar, less ice, etc.
+Fresh brewed tea that isn't crazy strong
+Quiet seating area upstairs
+A semi-clean bathroom (a treasure in Chinatown)
+Frequent Stamp Card- Buy 10, Get 1 Free (Up to $2.50) although they should raise the value of it!
+Great central location on Grant Avenue
+Try their curry fish balls $1 for 4/a small cup during festivals. Yummy!