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oChef » Bamboo – San Francisco
Bamboo - San Francisco
Photo from Bamboo
Bamboo at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 60 of the guests
#1834 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#185 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
629
Reviews
66.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Comfortable ambiance
- Affordable specials
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Uncleanliness issues
- Varying service
The restaurant Bamboo is a Chinese Restaurant located in the vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood of San Francisco. You can discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot here. They offer a range of options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, alongside a selection of wine and beer.
Overview: Introducting Bamboo
Bamboo offers a mixed experience, often praised for its generously portioned and flavorful food, especially the lunch specials. Many appreciate the friendly and prompt service, with some noting the attentive staff and owners.
The atmosphere is often described as comfortable and communal, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. However, some visits to Bamboo have been marred by issues like slow service and occasional rudeness from staff.
Food quality can be inconsistent, with reports of dishes lacking taste or even containing unexpected elements. The cleanliness of the dining area, particularly the bathroom, has also been a point of concern for a few patrons.
Good
6.7
out of 10
629
Reviews
66.8%
Satisfaction
179
negative
30
neutral
420
positive
Bamboo holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.7, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 66.8%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 629 customer remarks, with 420 positive observations balancing against 179 negative ones, painting a picture of a restaurant with both commendable aspects and areas for improvement. Looking closer at the specifics, the Ambience (7.6) stands out as a strong point, generally well-received by guests.
Both the Food (6.7) and Value (6.7) are considered average, suggesting they meet expectations without consistently exceeding them. Service (6.4) also falls into the average range, indicating experiences can vary, from prompt and friendly to occasionally slow or less attentive.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Affordable lunch specials
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unclean dining areas
- Slow, rude service
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, Bamboo presents itself as a decent option, particularly if you’re seeking substantial portions and a comfortable, casual setting. It could be a solid choice for an affordable lunch, offering good value for money.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in both food quality and service. While many have positive experiences, others report issues that might disappoint.
If you prioritize a consistently flawless dining experience, you might want to consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bamboo
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it presents a somewhat mixed picture, with a 66.5% customer satisfaction and a score of 6.7. However, many of the 234 positive comments highlight delicious, authentic Chinese food, praising fresh ingredients, generous portions, and an extensive menu with great vegetarian options. On the flip side, 97 negative comments reveal some significant concerns.
Diners have reported issues with bland or odd-tasting food, sometimes described as overly fried or reheated. There are also mentions of poor quality, dry chicken, and even spoiled items, indicating a lack of consistency.
Food
352
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
97
negative
21
neutral
234
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland or odd taste
- Spoiled food
Often praised
- foodI found the food to be delicious and the price was great. The service was very good; our food was ready in 10-15 minutes after ordering, which was perfect for our quick walk around the city (we opted out of dine-in due to COVID). I really appreciate little places like this!
- portionsgreat especially for the portions
- orange chickenorange chicken. The portion size was very good and the food was full of flavor.
- teaAn added bonus, I was served tea while waiting for my order.
- egg rollThe egg roll was still crisp when I got it back to the room.
- flavorsall of the flavors were flowing out of the food
- lunch specialWay more food than I would have expected for a lunch special
- portionMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The lunch special was generously portioned and included hot tea, an egg roll, and a delicious veggie soup. The service was prompt and very friendly.
- qualityThe consistency, flavor profiles, FRESHNESS, attention to quality and authenticity.
- Chinese foodMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their consistent and good Chinese food. They also offer Japanese menu options, though I haven't tried them yet.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy regular neighborhood Chinese restaurant is closed for a few weeks, so I ordered delivery from Bamboo last night. Unfortunately, I’ve been sick all day today, and I rarely get sick from food. This experience was quite negative, as I suspect the food from Bamboo caused my illness.
- fried riceMy experience ordering from this restaurant through the Uber Eats app was initially very positive due to the app's ease of use. However, upon receiving the food, I discovered that half of my order was missing, specifically the crab ragoons and an additional order of fried rice. The chicken fried rice was poorly prepared, tasting like plain white rice mixed with soy sauce and an egg.
- food qualityQuality of food was terrible in the sense that it completely lacked any taste
- orange chickenorange chicken had tough chicken, and was too sweet 4/10
- soupI found the orange chicken to be delicious, and the few sips of soup brought out before my main course were also good. However, the meal was significantly marred by the presence of many bugs in the soup. These were not flying insects, but small, wingless bugs, possibly on one of the vegetables like broccoli.
- tasteThe taste between some menu kinda have a uniform boring template though.
- Chinese foodThe worst Chinese food I’ve ever ordered
- chickenMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service wasn't good, and I found that my entire family's chicken was dry and hard. I'm disappointed by this restaurant and wouldn't recommend that anyone waste a night out on this 😒😒.
- egg rollsI do not recommend the egg rolls
- sesame chickensesame chicken was also nothing special and the chicken was tough
If you're seeking generous portions and authentic flavors, this spot could be worth a try. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some diners have encountered issues with taste and quality.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands squarely in the middle, with a score of 6.4 and a customer satisfaction rating of 63.4%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and attentive approach, with 104 positive remarks out of 164 total. Youll often find quick service and kind staff making for a pleasant experience.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 57 negative comments highlight areas needing improvement. Some experiences mention an unfriendly server, slow service, or even receiving the wrong order. There are also instances of rude service, suggesting a mixed bag when it comes to consistency.
Service
164
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
57
negative
3
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, quick service
- Kind, hospitable owners
What people don't like
- Slow, delayed service
- Unfriendly, rude staff
- Wrong orders received
Often praised
- serviceThe lunch special was generously portioned and included hot tea, an egg roll, and a delicious veggie soup. The service was prompt and very friendly. I especially enjoyed the kung pao tofu.
- staffThe food is excellent, and the service is amazing. The staff is so friendly, and the wait time is the fastest I have ever experienced at a Chinese restaurant, literally a 5-minute wait for General Tsao's Chicken with rice. I come here several times a week, and it's consistently superb.
- ServiceThe Service and atmosphere were also excellent
- ownerI ordered the vegetarian chicken with vegetables, which tasted good, although I have had better. I'm giving it a 4-star rating primarily because the owner was very nice.
- customer servicecustomer service was friendly and efficient
- ownersYou'll have plenty to fill up on in the restaurant and still have leftovers for later! The service is always awesome, and the owners are very nice. Highly recommend this local gem.
- Bamboo teamBamboo was communicative, professional, accommodating
- Eddie and his staffEddie and his staff were so attentive to our needs
- ExperienceExellent Experience for the past 32 Year's
- Uber Eats appfound the app and ordering super easy
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe Moo Goo Gai Pan also arrived without rice, which was not disclosed online. This resulted in bad food and bad service.
- customer serviceMy experience at the restaurant was very poor due to the worst customer service. The services were too slow, and I believe they should consider hiring new employees.
- deliveryI order delivery. The guy on the phone takes my cc info
- restaurantI tried calling the driver with no answer. When I called the restaurant, they informed me the driver had already returned and I would have to wait another 30 minutes. Consequently, the food was cold upon arrival.
- staffrude and dismissive staff
- waiting timeStill waiting for my delivery after 1.5 hour
- Edward NgEdward Ng certainly did not like this and yelled AT ME
- acknowledgedTo make matters worse, the server was unfriendly. When I picked up my to-go order after being told 'It's ready, ' and I said 'Thank you, ' I was neither thanked nor acknowledged. This was my first and last visit.
- business fraudthey committed multiple types of business fraud
- call backWhen I asked for the delivery driver's number to track them, I was given the wrong one. They promised to call back with the correct number but never did. I had to contact Grubhub to cancel the order, and only then did they claim the delivery driver had "just left" for the sixth time.
If you're looking for a quick meal with potentially friendly and fast service, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that some guests have encountered slow or less-than-friendly interactions, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 7.6 score indicating a good experience and customer satisfaction at a solid 76.9%. Many of the 50 positive remarks praise the clean, cozy interior, often highlighting the tasteful decor and relaxing atmosphere. Guests frequently enjoy the good vibes, Spanish music, and comfortable, aesthetic feel, making it a memorable spot for many.
However, its not all perfect, as 11 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Concerns include occasional issues like a cat box smell' or unsanitary bathrooms. Some found the music too loud or disliked the disco/club music, while others noted crowded weekends and tables feeling greasy, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
65
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, cozy interior
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Tasteful decor
What people don't like
- Unsanitary bathrooms
- Loud club music
- Greasy tables
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere--it's one of the last old school SF restaurants
- ambianceThey give their loyal customers good value with relatively decent price points and quiet but attentive service for those dining in or takeout. This small place feels comfortably communal rather than crowded, but you can hear other people's conversations, which oddly enough adds to the ambiance. Their open until 10: 45 pm or so every day, so if you are ever in the vicinity, stop by for some honey walnut shrimp and rice.
- energyI booked this place on a Friday night for a birthday party, and it was a blast! Eddie and his staff were incredibly attentive to our needs and kept the energy high throughout the evening. We will definitely be back next time!
- AtmosphereThe Service and atmosphere were also excellent
- SF Health ScoreThe SF Health Score was terrific though
- Spanish musicSpanish music from the speakers was very soothing
- aestheticThe overall aesthetic is so cute
- ambienceThe ambience was awesome
- cleanlinessseemed pretty clean
- comfortablevery comfortable
Frequently criticized
- bathroomthe bathroom was absolutely disgusting and unsanitary
- San Francisco C&C inspectionLe quita puntos no tener 100 en la inspección C&C de San Francisco.
- cat Box smellplace smelled like a cat Box
- classyThis price includes all you can drink sake and Bud Light, along with all you can eat food. It's far from classy, but if you want to rage with your friends. 👌
- club musicplays club music really loud
- crowded on weekendsBut weekend can be crowed
- disco musicplaying disco music and refused to turn it down
- dishesunclean dishes
- mensesNeed to wipe menses down they where greasy and sticky
- tablesMy experience at this restaurant was that of a go-to neighborhood spot for comfort Chinese food at a great value. There's always room to sit down inside, but the tables always feel slightly greasy. The food's great though.
If you're looking for a generally good atmosphere with cozy vibes and tasteful decor, this place is often a hit. Just be aware that some guests have encountered issues with cleanliness or loud music, so it might be a mixed bag depending on your visit.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to hit a sweet spot for many! With a solid score of 6.7 and a customer satisfaction of 66.7%, its clear that while not perfect, many find it to be a pretty good deal. Out of 48 comments, 32 rave about the "great deal, " "affordable" prices, and fantastic "lunch special" options, often praising the "good value for money" you get.
However, not everyone is singing its praises. There are 14 comments that point out some bumps in the road, with concerns about things being "pricey, " unexpected "charge" issues, and even a high "delivery minimum. " Some feel theyre spending money on items that just aren't worth it, suggesting there might be some inconsistencies in pricing.
Value
48
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deal
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- High delivery minimum
- Some items pricey
Often praised
- priceI was even served tea while waiting, which added a touch of class to the small establishment. The price was very reasonable too. I was very happy with my experience at Bamboo and would have returned if I had another day in San Francisco, though I would have tried the chow mein with the lunch special next time.
- lunch specialThis place is a favorite of mine! The food is very tasty, and they offer a really affordable lunch special with a big serving size. You'll have plenty to fill up on in the restaurant and still have leftovers for later!
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive, featuring well prepared and good tasting food offered at moderate prices. It's a casual spot suitable for eat-in or take out, particularly for the local area.
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was highly positive. I was recommended to visit by a hotel staff member, and it turned out to be great value. The portion sizes were generous, and the food was delicious.
- $35/person$35/person
- PricesPrices were not crazy for what you got
- affordableand affordable!
- affordable per personit is very affordable per person
- affordable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive overall, highlighting its affordable prices, extensive menu, and safe & cute location. The customer service was both friendly and efficient.
- good priceMy favorites were the Spicy Mango Avocado roll, which offered a surprisingly refreshing and good combination, and the Tokyo roll (deep-fried salmon, tuna, and eel). While the generous portions, good price, and fresh ingredients were appreciated, some of the other rolls felt like they were missing something, perhaps a sauce or pickled vegetable to enhance the flavor. Despite this, I would return to explore more of the menu.
Frequently criticized
- pricepaid. I expected more for how much food I ordered and paid.
- $12 soupthrew my $12 soup in trash
- chargeadded a random 5 dollar charge
- delivery minimumMy experience with this restaurant has been negatively impacted by a recent change. They recently decided to double the minimum on delivery from $15 to $30. I will be spending significantly less money with them if any at all.
- menu imagesmenu images here are outdated
- moneyWish I could get my $30+ bucks back, what a waste
- pricesthey charge higher prices than those stated on the menu
- priceyA bit pricey
- ricecharges Xtra for rice before
- spending moneyspending significantly less money with them
If youre looking for a decent meal that wont break the bank, especially during lunch, this place could be a solid choice. Just be mindful of potential hidden charges or delivery minimums, and you might find yourself getting a good bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Bamboo?
On average, you’ll spend around 25 per person – based on 60 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe a touch above.
Looking at what others spend, most diners cluster around the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, showing a nice blend of affordable and slightly more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 60 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those willing to spend a little more for a special dish.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bamboo
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Delicious Chinese Food, Great Experience!
I was surprised that it didn't have a better rating because the food is delicious. I tried the sweet and sour pork and the rice with several meats, and it was delicious. It has just become my favorite Chinese restaurant.
- food10
- sweet and sour pork10
- rice with several meats10
- rating3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Cold food and rude service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The staff were rude and dismissive, even assuming I was a delivery driver when I arrived to pick up my order. To top it off, the food was cold as soon as I received it.
It was one of the worst service experiences I've had.
- staff1
- food1
- service1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Worst Service, Very Slow
My experience at the restaurant was very poor due to the worst customer service. The services were too slow, and I believe they should consider hiring new employees.
- customer service1
- services1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Food, Friendly Service, Good Value
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was very good, complemented by friendly servers. We also appreciated the generous complimentary dishes.
The prices were reasonable for the quality and quantity received, making it a place I would definitely recommend.
- food9
- servers9
- complimentary dishes8
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fun Dinner with Karaoke!
I came hungry and was satisfied and satiated by the end of the night. The karaoke was a hit! It's a great place to have a fun dinner with friends ❤️.
- satisfaction9
- karaoke10
- fun dinner9
What Bamboo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and special offerings can you find at Bamboo Restaurant in San Francisco?
At Bamboo Restaurant, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating. They offer a variety of small plates, late-night food, and quick bites. You’ll also find excellent vegan and vegetarian options, complemented by a selection of wine and beer.
What service and accessibility features does Bamboo Restaurant provide for its guests?
Bamboo Restaurant offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. For your comfort, the establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. You can also benefit from free Wi-Fi and available restrooms during your visit.
How does Bamboo generally rate among diners?
Bamboo holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.7, indicating an average experience. Its Ambience (7.6) is a highlight, while Food (6.7), Value (6.7), and Service (6.4) are generally rated as average.
What do customers appreciate most about Bamboo's food?
Many customers praise Bamboo for its generously portioned and flavorful food, especially the affordable lunch specials. The freshness and consistency of some dishes are frequently highlighted.
Are there any common complaints about Bamboo's service or cleanliness?
Some patrons have reported issues with slow service or less attentive staff. Additionally, concerns about cleanliness, particularly regarding the bathrooms and greasy tables, have been mentioned by a few diners.