Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Lai Hong Lounge – San Francisco
Lai Hong Lounge - San Francisco
Photo from Lai Hong Lounge
Lai Hong Lounge at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#1556 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#131 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
526
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh dim sum
- Nice ambience
- Group friendly
Frequently criticized
- Gratuity concerns
- Slow service
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Lai Hong Lounge is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll appreciate the authentic flavors and welcoming vibe.
Overview: Introducting Lai Hong Lounge
Lai Hong Lounge offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its authentic Cantonese dim sum and a recently newly remodeled interior that provides a clean, inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the fresh offerings and the vibrant energy of a busy establishment.
However, some visits can be a mixed bag, with concerns arising from slow service and issues surrounding automatic gratuity. While the food often hits the mark, occasional inconsistencies in preparation have been noted, suggesting a varied experience for diners.
Good
7.1
out of 10
526
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
113
negative
49
neutral
364
positive
Lai Hong Lounge achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.2%. This assessment is drawn from 526 customer opinions, with 364 positive remarks contrasting with 113 negative ones, suggesting areas for improvement despite general approval.
Delving into specifics, Food shines with a strong (7.9) score, frequently described as fresh and delicious. The Ambience also rates well (7.5), often noted for its pleasant setting.
However, Service (5.6) and Value (4.9) appear to be areas needing attention, with many comments pointing to slow interactions and concerns over mandatory gratuity practices.
What people like
- Fresh, authentic dim sum
- Pleasant, clean ambience
- Good for groups
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity issues
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Occasional food quality issues
If you’re seeking a spot for flavorful dim sum in a lively setting, Lai Hong Lounge is certainly worth considering, especially given its solid 7.6 recommendation score. Be prepared for a bustling environment and focus on the culinary offerings, which are often a highlight.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service speed and be aware of their gratuity policy. For those prioritizing a seamless experience and clear pricing, you might find aspects of your visit less than ideal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lai Hong Lounge
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 79.2%. Many of the 243 positive comments rave about the authentic Cantonese dim sum, great selection, and delicious Peking duck and various dumplings. Guests often praise the quality, variety, and fresh flavors, making it a go-to for many.
However, out of 307 total comments, there are 33 negative remarks, indicating some inconsistencies. While many love the Peking duck, some found it cold or not deboned. Other concerns included occasional blandness, oily dishes, or issues with food temperature and structural integrity, especially with some dim sum choices.
Food
307
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
33
negative
31
neutral
243
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese dim sum
- Great selection, variety
- Fresh, flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food temperature
- Occasional blandness
- Some dishes oily
Often praised
- foodI've always wanted to try this restaurant because it's on my frequent route and is always crowded. The staff helped me choose dishes so there wouldn't be any overlap, and the food was as delicious as I expected. It has the atmosphere of a neighborhood gem that locals frequent.
- dim sumThis is my go-to spot for dim sum because it's generally pretty tasty. The parking is easy and the restaurant is conveniently close by home.
- FoodFood is fresh and all ingredients are delivered day of
- Peking duckWe frequently visit this restaurant for both dim sum and dinner. Our go-to orders include the baked BBQ pork buns, sticky rice in lotus leaf, stuffed tamago tofu, XO stuffed eggplant, tofu skin roll with shrimp, coconut red bean cake, Chinese donut hole, Peking duck, garlic pea sprouts, garlic Chinese broccoli, diced beef with mixed mushrooms, and honey walnut prawns. For both dim sum and dinner, we often order a large clam dish with mixed seafood and green onions.
- dishesyou're getting dishes straight from the kitchen, so it's always piping hot and fresh.
- Dim SumOverall, it was a good experience at the restaurant. The Dim Sum was good, the service was good, and the atmosphere was also good. I will go back to do Dim Sum again.
- authentic Cantonese dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful discovery of authentic Cantonese dim sum. I was impressed by the great selection from the menu, which included items not commonly found at other sit-down dim sum places nearby.
- dim sum restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best dim sum restaurant in the city, with fantastic service and incredibly fresh food. The ingredients are delivered daily, ensuring top quality.
- Durian pastryMy experience at this restaurant was a great dim sum option in SF. I particularly enjoyed the awesome Durian pastry and the crispy pork. However, the service can be a little lacking during busy times.
- baked BBQ pork bunsbaked BBQ pork buns were my favorite
Frequently criticized
- dim sumThe service was pretty slow, which was a downside. However, the flavors were good, even though the dim sum didn't have good structural integrity.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food took over an hour to arrive, and when it did, it was served cold and undercooked. This happened not once, but twice with the dim sum.
- Har GowThe Siu Mai and Har Gow were bland and lack character
- Peking DuckThe Peking Duck was just roasted duck chopped in pieces and not deboned.
- Peking duckThe sweet and sour chicken was good, but the chicken chow mein was a plate of dry noodles. The Peking duck was freezing. No offer was made to compensate us, not even for the $8 glass of wine.
- Siu MaiThe Siu Mai and Har Gow were bland and lack character
- beef meatballsit was way too citrusy
- chicken chow meinchicken chow mein plate of dri noodles
- chicken wingsthe chicken wings we ordered were off — they tasted spoiled
- cookieThe cookie after getting the check is also terrible
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, especially if you're seeking authentic Cantonese dim sum and a wide variety of dishes. While there might be occasional inconsistencies, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making it well worth a visit for a flavorful meal.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 (which is average) and customer satisfaction sitting at 47.6% (definitely mixed). Based on 124 comments, with 59 positive remarks, many appreciated the staff being quick to get your food, accommodating, and the friendly manager ensuring a pleasant experience. However, with 55 negative comments, there are some clear areas for improvement.
Guests occasionally faced slow service, communication difficulties due to language barriers, and even some instances of rude service or long wait times. It seems consistency is key here.
Service
124
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
55
negative
10
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick food delivery
- Accommodating staff
- Friendly management
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Language barrier issues
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the dim sum, and the atmosphere was nice with great service. The servers were helpful in guiding us through the menu.
- ServiceService is fantastic
- staffWhile there's a bit of a wait during normal lunch and dinner times, arriving early and being polite is key. The staff are fluent in Chinese, and most guests speak it as well, indicating this is the real deal, not a tourist trap. The exterior, resembling a mid-century steakhouse with a field stone wall, might be unassuming, but don't judge it by its appearance.
- managerclarified with the manager lady
- reservationsno reservations needed for groups under 8
- waitThe food quality was great, and the service was excellent. The prices were very reasonable, making it definitely worth the wait. I haven't had a bad dish yet.
- accommodatingreally accommodating
- communication with the staffNo worries about communication with the staff
- cost of doing businesscost of doing business in the service industry
- didn’t rush usThey didn’t rush us
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The service was pretty slow, which was a downside. However, the flavors were good, even though the dim sum didn't have good structural integrity.
- waiting timeInstead of waiting an hour at Koi, it’s worth the drive here. I've been eating DS for 40 years, and this place is the one.
- waitwait after we had finished all our other food
- serverthe server treats different groups of people at the same table differently
- staffstaff ignored us and refused to return to our table
- tipschase you for more tips after the terrible experience
- waiterthe waiter gave me attitude when I asked about the automatic 15% they slapped on my bill.
- 18% gratuityadded an 18% gratuity even though there were only four of us
- Cashierthe Cashier told me it was me who circled it. Although she voided the transaction and gave me the bill after. She yelled and said I should not have circled the gratuity.
- Englishdon't speak good English
If youre looking for quick and accommodating service, you might find it here, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. Its worth a try if youre patient, but if youre sensitive to slow service or communication issues, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5 and leaving 76.6% of customers satisfied. With 49 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the atmosphere as modern and clean, often noting the lively environment and how its been "renovated and modernized. " Its a place that feels vibrant and welcoming for many.
However, it's not without its quirks, with 9 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some found the space to be cramped and the overall vibe crowded and loud, leading to a hectic seating experience. A few were also put off by an uninviting exterior, despite the interior updates.
Ambience
64
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern, clean atmosphere
- Lively, energetic environment
- Recently renovated interior
What people don't like
- Can be crowded
- Loud and hectic
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereOverall, it was a good experience at the restaurant. The Dim Sum was good, the service was good, and the atmosphere was also good. I will go back to do Dim Sum again.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencethe sound of 100 families yapping at full blast that really adds to the authentic ambience of dim sum.
- parkingThis is my go-to spot for dim sum because it's generally pretty tasty. The parking is easy and the restaurant is conveniently close by home.
- placeNewly remodeled. Pretty nice place.
- Asian furniturebeautiful Asian furniture and feng sui decor
- big groupsgood for big groups
- booked and busyThis place stays booked and busy
- cleanlinessThis place is clean and much fancier looking inside than your typical Chinese/Dim Sum restaurant.
- datesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, making it the best place for great dates. The sandwiches were exceeding experiences, and I'm eager to revisit to rediscover all the different dishes and flavours.
Frequently criticized
- Sunday brunchTBH it was a little chaotic (Sunday brunch, I realize), but the food was great! Our favorites were the coffee ribs, green beans, and salt & pepper tofu.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cockroachI saw a cockroach, disgusting place.
- crowdedit is very crowded
- crowded and loudquite crowded and loud
- exteriorDon't be fooled by the uninviting exterior, this restaurant is truly worth a visit. The portions are generous and the food is delicious.
- napkins on the floorSaw napkins on the floor that didn’t get picked up
- seating and environmentHectic seating and environment
- spacethe space is cramped
If you appreciate a bustling, newly renovated spot with a lively atmosphere, you'll likely enjoy the vibe here. However, if you prefer quiet, spacious dining, be prepared for a potentially crowded and energetic experience, especially during peak times.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
Many guests have found some pleasant surprises regarding value, frequently praising the reasonable prices and often mentioning getting good value for money, especially with dinner combos. Its also a plus that they accept credit cards, making transactions smooth. These positive experiences, noted in 13 opinions, contribute to an average score of 4.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 41.9%.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A significant number of guests, 16 to be exact, have been quite frustrated by issues like automatic gratuity and mandatory tips being added to their bills without consent. Some also felt the place was a bit pricey or that prices had increased, with one even mentioning a minimum charge.
These concerns definitely weigh down the overall value perception.
Value
31
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value for money
- Accepts credit cards
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Can be pricey
- Minimum charges apply
Often praised
- pricesLai Hong was once a top-tier dim sum restaurant, known for its good quality foods and reasonable prices. Unfortunately, my recent experience revealed a significant decline in food quality, coupled with poor service.
- pricewith reasonable price
- credit cardsThey take credit cards
- pricingPricing was around ~$30 per person to get very full
- valueDinner combo was a great value
- value for moneybest value for money we've had
Frequently criticized
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. The lady at the counter didn't even asked anything but gave herself a 20$ tip. I strongly advise to avoid this place.
- 18% tipsunacceptable that 18% for normal zone
- Tips on the billrestaurant asked for at least 18% Tips on the bill which is weird
- automatic 15% gratuitythe automatic 15% they slapped on my bill.
- automatic gratuityautomatic gratuity of 15% is charged
- billthey didn’t give them a tip option, they put it directly without asking
- breakfast roomcharge $300 minimum for 8 people breakfast room
- glass winenot even the 8 dollar glass wine
- gratuitythey pre-circled the gratuity 20% when I went to pay and the Cashier told me it was me who circled it.
- mandatory 18% tipthey mandatorily charged 18% tips after tax amount
If youre looking for reasonable prices and good value, you might find it here, especially if youre careful about what you order. However, be prepared for potential issues with automatic gratuity and mandatory tips, which can quickly make things feel less like a deal. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll get great value or end up feeling overcharged.
How are the prices at Lai Hong Lounge?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 95 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 36, many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to some slightly more premium dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant 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 good range of choices, so you can find something whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal or a slightly more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lai Hong Lounge
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Busy spot with amazing shrimp rice!
This place stays booked and busy, which is a good sign. The numbers for your space in line are called out in Cantonese, so pay attention. A lady at a nearby table was kind enough to let me know they called my number.
The tea is served piping hot and the plates keep coming. The sticky shrimp rice makes me want to go back to San Francisco just to eat these again.
- booked and busy8
- tea9
- plates8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Nostalgic Visit to Remodeled Lychee Garden
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful trip down memory lane. My favorite dish was the toong choy with fuyu, which was so aromatic! It's wonderful to see the space nicely remodeled, especially since this used to be Lychee Garden where we'd go as kids.
The overall atmosphere and food were rated highly.
- toong choy with fuyu9
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fresh Flavors and Speedy Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was fresh and bursting with flavor. The service was impressively speedy.
I highly recommend trying the Peking duck—it’s cooked to perfection and absolutely delectable!
- food10
- service10
- Peking duck10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Dim Sum, Go Off-Peak
My experience at this great big dim sum restaurant was enjoyable. As a Caucasian who often dines alone, I found it to be a place I enjoy every time. The paid parking on Powell Street is a convenient amenity.
I would advise against visiting around 12-12: 30 PM as it gets very crowded and you'll likely have to wait a bit.
- dim sum restaurant8
- paid parking7
- crowded3
- wait a bit4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Perfect Duck and Fluffy Bao!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the duck, which is the star of the show. It was perfect every time. I highly recommend getting it with the super lite and fluffy bao.
- duck10
- bao9
What Lai Hong Lounge offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Lai Hong Lounge in San Francisco?
Yes, Lai Hong Lounge accepts reservations for your convenience. It’s especially recommended to make reservations for lunch and brunch, ensuring you secure your table during peak hours. Planning ahead helps you enjoy your casual dining experience without a wait.
What accessibility features does Lai Hong Lounge provide for its guests?
Lai Hong Lounge is committed to providing an inclusive dining experience. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for all. The restaurant also offers wheelchair accessible seating and a wheelchair accessible restroom, making your visit comfortable and convenient.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Lai Hong Lounge?
Lai Hong Lounge has an overall score of **7.1**, indicating a good experience, with customer satisfaction at **69.2%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.9) and **Ambience** (7.5), while **Service** (5.6) and **Value** (4.9) are areas where opinions are more mixed.
How is the service at Lai Hong Lounge?
Service at Lai Hong Lounge receives an average score of (5.6). While some customers found the staff helpful and accommodating, others reported slow service, feeling ignored, or experiencing issues with staff attitude and communication.
Are there any concerns regarding value or pricing at Lai Hong Lounge?
Value at Lai Hong Lounge scores (4.9), indicating it’s a mixed bag for customers. While some found the prices reasonable and offered good value, a significant number of negative opinions centered around mandatory or automatic gratuity charges, with some feeling these were excessive or imposed without consent.