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oChef » Sizzling Pot King – San Francisco
Sizzling Pot King - San Francisco
Photo from Sizzling Pot King
Sizzling Pot King at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#1567 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#141 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
329
Reviews
71.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful
- Generous
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent
- Pricey
The restaurant Sizzling Pot King is a Chinese Restaurant located in the vibrant West SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re joining for dinner or lunch.
This spot offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it easy to enjoy their delicious offerings wherever you are. They also accept reservations, ensuring you can plan your visit with ease.
Overview: Introducting Sizzling Pot King
Sizzling Pot King offers a distinctive culinary experience, with many praising its flavorful dishes and generous portions. The fried rice and pork belly often receive particular acclaim, suggesting a kitchen capable of delivering memorable tastes.
While the atmosphere is generally seen as welcoming and clean, some diners have noted concerns regarding overall food quality and consistency, particularly with spice levels, which can sometimes be overwhelming.
Good
7.1
out of 10
329
Reviews
71.4%
Satisfaction
76
negative
18
neutral
235
positive
The overall Restaurant Score of 7.1 indicates a good dining experience, aligning well with a Customer Satisfaction of 71.4%, suggesting most patrons leave content. Food (7.7) stands out as a strong point, frequently highlighted in 235 positive remarks, while Service (6.1) also contributes positively, noted in 44.7% of reviews.
However, Ambience (5.6) and Value (5.6) receive more mixed feedback, with 76 negative remarks across all topics indicating areas for improvement. While the generous portions are appreciated, some find the pricing on the higher side, and the dining environment could be more consistent.
What people like
- Flavorful dry pot
- Generous portions
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Perceived high cost
- Cleanliness concerns
Given the Recommendation Score of 7.4, Sizzling Pot King is worth considering if you’re seeking a unique and flavorful meal, especially if you appreciate generous portions. The distinctive dry pot dishes are a clear draw, offering a memorable culinary experience.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and pricing, which some customers have noted. If you prioritize bold flavors and a casual setting, it could be a good fit, but manage expectations regarding overall value and atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sizzling Pot King
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.7 score and a 78.7% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience for most diners. With 181 positive comments out of 230 total, many rave about the authentic Chinese food, especially the mala style hot pots and generous servings, praising the rich flavor and variety. However, some of the 35 negative comments point to areas for improvement.
Concerns include food quality issues, with some finding ingredients not fresh or meat quality poor. There were also mentions of portion size being too small at times, and dishes occasionally being too spicy for comfort.
Food
230
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
35
negative
14
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous portions
- Delicious hot pots
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Not fresh ingredients
- Excessive spiciness
Often praised
- foodMy husband was craving Chinese Mala dry pot, so I took him here for our Sunday Brunch. It was a bit too early for me to have authentic Chinese food 😂, but I liked it, and he enjoyed it so much! The service is good too.
- dry potknowing there’s a place so close to my home but dry pot
- flavorI got the $32 large combo pot to split with someone, and it was a fantastic choice. There was lots of food and it had good flavor. The Sichuan dish was particularly noteworthy for being hot!
- pork bellyThey were my least favorite of the order, but still tasty. The pork belly was sooo good – if you come here, order this! It was so tender with just enough sauce and tons of garlic.
- portionsPortions are large and meant to be shared
- Chinese foodNot your ordinary Chinese food!
- PotsThe Pots are delicious
- fried riceThe fried rice was the best I have ever had.
- hot potMy experience at this restaurant was incredible! It's a great and affordable spot for hot pot. I absolutely love the food here, and everyone else seemed to love it too.
- ingredientsThe ingredients are fresh
Frequently criticized
- food qualityTo our surprise, it was so spicy that it caused us to have stomach aches and significant trouble going to the bathroom for days afterward. The food quality was extremely poor due to the unexpected heat.
- portion sizeIt’s hard to accept paying $40 for a small box; I can’t even. This portion size is truly excessive. 这分量真有点过分了。
- foodthe food was sad. Undercooked and not fresh
- meat qualitymeet quality is very poor, not worth the price.
- Spicy Dry PotOur dry pot had literally 2 pieces of chicken in it
- authenticI would not say it is authentic
- bean sproutsthe bean sprouts were cooked, because they had the raw taste.
- beef rib dishbeef rib dish. Overcooked and tough to eat
- beef short ribsThe beef short ribs were hard to chew and too salty.
- chickenliterally 2 pieces of chicken in it
If you're seeking authentic Chinese flavors, particularly spicy mala hot pots with generous portions, this place is generally a good bet. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistent food quality or overly spicy dishes, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the professional and friendly staff, often highlighting quick service and attentive owners who make you feel right at home. With 27 positive remarks out of 46 total, its clear that many appreciate the warm welcome and efficient care. However, the experience isnt always consistent.
Some diners encountered slow response times, long waiting times, and a lack of attentiveness, particularly when online orders took priority. The service score of an average 6.1 and a mixed 58.7% customer satisfaction reflect this, showing there's room for improvement despite the positive experiences, as noted in 18 negative comments.
Service
46
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Unfriendly customer service
Often praised
- serviceWe ate until we were stuffed. The food is authentic, and the service was promoted, quiet, and nice. I found this place through Google reviews and was so happy to try it, but even happier after we all loved it.
- ServiceService was simple and had no issues closing the check
- staffThe staff is professional
- People are friendlyPeople are friendly that serve you
- fast serviceservice is fast too
- girls in frontThe girls in front handle it all and are very nice.
- hostThe host was nice and attentive
- management and servicetruly lovely management/service
- ownersvery friendly owners
- partyif we want to have a party there they will reserve the place for free
Frequently criticized
- serviceTheir service could be improved though
- customer servicecustomer service wasn't really nice
- cashierCashier cant even say hi.
- closurebusiness that's closed from reasons unbeknownst to a patron
- dine in orderthen do the dine in order
- dishonest actionthis kind of dishonest action is awful!
- ignore their faultsThey just want to ignore their faults and my order!
- kitchenthe kitchen didn't get it right
- never come backwill never come back again.
- online ordersfinish all the online orders first
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm and quick service, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower moments or less attentive staff, especially during busy periods. Its a bit of a gamble, but the positives often shine through.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The restaurants vibe has some definite bright spots, with 17 positive opinions out of 35 total. Many guests enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere, noting the impressive facility inside looked very new and clean. The cleanliness and cosy feel, along with options like outdoor seating, were often highlighted.
While the overall score for ambience is an average 5.6, theres a clear appreciation for these positive aspects. On the flip side, 15 negative opinions point to areas needing attention. Some described the place as a bit of a hole in the wall with lacking decor.
Finding parking was a common frustration, and concerns about restaurant cleanliness (like flies) and the presence of homeless people in the area were also noted. This contributes to the mixed 48.6% customer satisfaction, suggesting there's certainly room for improvement.
Ambience
35
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Clean and cosy
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Lack of parking
- Lacking decor
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is a small family restaurant in an older building, so don't expect anything fancy. However, you can expect great meals and a wonderful atmosphere.
- ambienceI found the food to be amazing, with fresh ingredients and a very authentic flavor. The facility inside was also impressive, looking very new and pleasing to the eyes. I would definitely go there again when I am in San Francisco.
- boothsIt was great over a bowl of rice. The place is clean inside, and the booths are comfortable to sit at. The service was simple and had no issues closing the check.
- clean and cosyClean and cosy Chinese eatery
- cleanlinessIt's clean inside
- companyfood to share in good company
- facilitythe facility inside looks very new
- outdoor seatingGreat outdoor seating
- restaurant atmosphereOverall I find that the restaurant is pretty chill.
- whole familyAwesome place to take the whole family
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereGets a bit chilly in the restaurant
- locationThis is definitely on par with Celestial Flame and Sizzling Gourmet. The only thing I don't like is the location as it's downtown, but I will definitely order out again. Updated 12/11/18: Finally made it to the physical location.
- parkingfinding parking is always very hot
- decorthe decor was lacking
- fliesFlies were flying
- health concernsclosed from reasons unbeknownst to a patron due to health concerns
- hole in the wallBit of a hole in the wall
- homeless peoplelost of homeless people around the area
- plastic spoon and cupOnly have plastic spoon and cup.
- restaurant cleanlinessthe restaurant is not very clean
If you prioritize a clean, cosy spot with outdoor seating and don't mind a potentially challenging parking situation, you might find the ambience perfectly fine. However, if modern decor and a pristine environment are non-negotiables, you might want to manage your expectations or consider takeout.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot hits the mark! Out of 18 customer remarks, 10 highlight the great price, value for money, and being an affordable spot. Guests often rave about the reasonably priced dishes, noting there's plenty for the price and feeling very satisfied.
However, the overall score of 5.6 (average) and 55.6% customer satisfaction (mixed) suggest a bit of a mixed bag. 8 remarks point to concerns like extra charges, feeling things are pricey, and questioning the cost. Some guests advise checking receipts carefully and note perceived reductions in portion sizes, making it feel too expensive.
Value
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonably priced dishes
- Plenty for the price
What people don't like
- Beware extra charges
- Portions feel smaller
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- pricethe price is great
- $32 large combo potGet the $32 large combo pot to split with someone. Lots of food
- affordable spotMy experience at this restaurant was incredible! It's a great and affordable spot for hot pot. I absolutely love the food here, and everyone else seemed to love it too.
- cheapReally good and cheap
- discountthey give us GOOD discount!
- plenty for the pricethere's plenty for the price
- pricesThis dish stimulated our appetite and was perfect to eat with rice. Both of us were very satisfied with the food and the reasonable prices. We had to get takeout boxes because there was so much food.
- reasonably pricedThe beef was the most tender I've had for this dish, surpassing many places I've eaten at in Asia. This is a true gem in SF for anyone seeking authentic Chinese food that is reasonably priced.
- value for moneyI tried the House Special Spicy level Sizzling Pot with Beef Short Rib and Pork Rib and it is the textbook definition of "it hurts so good" that makes me want to come back again. Great value for money as well. Two of us shared a large sizzing pot for $35 and it was way more than we could eat in a single sitting.
Frequently criticized
- $40They’ve been reducing the portion size since the pandemic. It’s hard to accept paying $40 for a small box; I can’t even. This portion size is truly excessive.
- coke pricethe price on the menu is $1.5. But on the receipt shows the coke is $ 2.5.
- costToo expensive. Cost $45.
- extra chargeprevent extra charge！ I doubt this store try to fool their customer!!
- extra dishestwo extra dishes. Cost $45.
- moneyDon't waste your money
- priceyon the pricey side for what you get
- receiptCheck your receipt carefully, prevent extra charge！
If you're looking for a potentially great deal, this place could be a hit, especially if you stick to known value items. Just be sure to double-check your bill and manage expectations on portion sizes, as some find it can get a bit pricey.
How are the prices at Sizzling Pot King?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 50 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, most diners spend in the $21–$30 range, but there’s a good mix of both slightly cheaper and more premium experiences, with a few guests even opting for something quite high-end.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 50 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, especially considering the variety in spending we see.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sizzling Pot King
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Sizzling Pot, Great Value!
I was looking for places to eat a few blocks from where I live, and holy cow, this place is amazing! I tried the House Special Spicy level Sizzling Pot with Beef Short Rib and Pork Rib and it is the textbook definition of "it hurts so good" that makes me want to come back again. Great value for money as well.
Two of us shared a large sizzing pot for $35 and it was way more than we could eat in a single sitting.
- House Special Spicy level Sizzling Pot with Beef Short Rib and Pork Rib10
- value for money9
- large sizzing pot9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Extremely Spicy Mild Option!
My friends and I visited this restaurant and ordered the mild spicy option. To our surprise, it was so spicy that it caused us to have stomach aches and significant trouble going to the bathroom for days afterward. The food quality was extremely poor due to the unexpected heat.
- mild spicy1
- food quality1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
King of Sizzling Pots!
My experience at this restaurant was truly fantastic, especially with their sizzling pots. When the pot arrives, it's impressively sizzling and hot. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is quite chill, and the staff are described as cool and authentic.
The food itself is tasty, and the menu offers a lot of different things to choose from, allowing you to pick exactly what you like. I was particularly impressed with how the food is cooked, noting the tender texture of the meat. For dessert, we enjoyed the fried bread and condensed milk, which was also tasty and tantalized our taste buds.
- sizzling pots9
- restaurant atmosphere7
- people working there9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious & Generous Portions, Spicy Kick
My experience at the restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The food came out quickly, and the portions were generous, leaving us all stuffed. It was overall delicious.
While it leaned towards the spicy end for me, they offer a good range of spice levels. I particularly enjoyed the diced chicken, wide vermicelli, and rice cakes. We also tried the pumpkin mochi and fried dough, which were very sweet and tasty, providing a nice contrast to the spicy meal.
Although we didn't receive a large amount of rice, it was definitely enough to finish most of the pots. The service was rated 5, and the food was rated 5, though the atmosphere was rated 3.
- food9
- spice levels8
- diced chicken9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Dry Pot Experience
My experience at this restaurant was dreadful. The Spicy Dry Pot I ordered had a shockingly small portion, with literally 2 pieces of chicken. The dish was also excessively oily, far beyond what's expected even with chili oil.
I would not recommend this place.
- Spicy Dry Pot2
- chicken1
- oil3
What Sizzling Pot King offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Sizzling Pot King offer?
At Sizzling Pot King, you can enjoy your meal through dine-in, takeout, or delivery services. For your convenience, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll also find a restroom available on-site.
When can you dine at Sizzling Pot King and can you make a reservation?
Sizzling Pot King is open for both lunch and dinner, offering flexible dining options throughout the day. If you prefer to plan ahead, you’ll be pleased to know that the restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to secure your table for table service.
What kind of food can I expect at Sizzling Pot King?
Sizzling Pot King specializes in flavorful dry pot dishes, with many customers praising the fresh ingredients and authentic taste. Dishes like pork belly and fried rice are frequently highlighted for their quality.
How does Sizzling Pot King rate overall?
Sizzling Pot King holds a **Restaurant Score** of **7.1**, indicating a good experience for most. **Food** scores well at (7.7), and **Service** is rated (6.1). **Ambience** (5.6) and **Value** (5.6) are considered average, suggesting areas for potential improvement.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Sizzling Pot King?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding inconsistent food quality, particularly with spice levels that can be overly intense. There are also occasional comments about the pricing being on the higher side and some issues related to cleanliness.