Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Dim Sum Club – San Francisco
Dim Sum Club - San Francisco
Photo from Dim Sum Club
Dim Sum Club at a glance
San Francisco Parkside
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 62 of the guests
#1112 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#81 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
473
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Dim Sum
- Fast Service
- Clean Setting
Frequently criticized
- Hidden Charges
- Loud Environment
- Long Waits
The restaurant Dim Sum Club 點心薈 offers you an authentic Chinese dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Parkside neighborhood. As a beloved Chinese Restaurant, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a casual meal.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can savor delicious small plates, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner with friends and family. This establishment brings the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table.
Overview: Introducting Dim Sum Club
Dim Sum Club offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking hand-made quality dim sum and authentic Chinese cuisine. Many appreciate the fast and friendly service, often noting the staff’s attentiveness.
The atmosphere is frequently described as clean and can feel quite lively, contributing to a pleasant dining outing. However, potential diners should be aware of some common concerns.
Parking can be tricky, and the noise level might be higher than some prefer. While the food generally impresses, some find the Xiaolongbao could be juicier, and there are occasional mentions of mandatory service tip issues.
Good
7.5
out of 10
473
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
85
negative
38
neutral
350
positive
Overall, Dim Sum Club earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a 74% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With 350 positive remarks against 85 negative ones out of 473 total comments, there’s a clear lean towards favorable impressions, particularly regarding the culinary offerings. The Food truly stands out with an excellent score (8.1), consistently receiving high praise.
Both Service (6.5) and Ambience (6.5) are rated as average, suggesting they are generally acceptable but not exceptional. The Value (5.8) also falls into the average category, with some guests finding it reasonable for the quality, while others express concerns about pricing practices.
What people like
- Authentic Dim Sum
- Fast, friendly service
- Clean, lively setting
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charges
- High noise levels
- Potential long waits
Dim Sum Club is a solid choice if you prioritize excellent, authentic dim sum and Chinese dishes. The culinary experience is consistently praised, making it a worthwhile visit for food enthusiasts.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and some variability in service. With a strong recommendation score of 8, it’s clear many find value here despite minor drawbacks.
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with standout food and don’t mind a lively atmosphere or potential wait, Dim Sum Club is certainly worth trying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dim Sum Club
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8.1 and a very good customer satisfaction rate of 84.6%. With 258 positive remarks out of 305 total, diners frequently praise the authentic dim sum, fresh ingredients, and delicious flavors, often highlighting the generous portions and variety of dishes available. However, not every dish is a home run, as indicated by 29 negative comments.
Some guests found certain dumplings, like the Xiaolongbao, to be lacking juiciness or having thick skin. Other critiques mentioned tasteless dumplings, gummy rice noodle rolls, or bland spareribs, suggesting a few items might not live up to the overall high standard.
Food
305
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
29
negative
18
neutral
258
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic dim sum
- Fresh, delicious food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- XLB can disappoint
- Some dishes bland
- Gummy rice noodles
Often praised
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant featured hand-made quality dim sum, with thin skins and good fillings, unlike the frozen versions found elsewhere. The sticky skin dim sum, such as the sesame balls, were particularly noteworthy for their thinness.
- foodThe full menu is available as it opens. We experienced great service and great food. The restaurant offers tons of non-meat options, many kid-favorite dishes, and has free parking available in a lot.
- har gowThe dim sums are made to order, and the tastes are authentic and on point. I highly recommend their pan fried taro cake, steam rice roll, har gow, and most of the deep fried dim sum. I will definitely come back to try more food next time.
- siu maiHighlights I would suggest getting are the siu mai
- beef chow funHe also got an order of the beef chow fun which was pretty good
- chicken feetThe stuffed eggplant was surprisingly delicious with a crispy skin, sweet soy glaze, and plumped shrimp. The chicken feet were tender and seasoned just right. And of course, you can't go wrong with the basics like ha gow and siu mai.
- Beef Chow FunBeef chow fun excellent with tinge of hot wok fragrance
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had the opportunity to try an amazing array of dim sum and incredible Chinese food. I honestly believe this might just be the best Chinese food I have had in years.
- Dim SumThis was a fun place for Dim Sum.
- EverythingEverything was just perfect!
Frequently criticized
- foodI also sampled the Zhang Liang, which was soft and chewy, and the yu tiao. While the food had some interesting points, the overall food score was low.
- Oolang teaI ordered Oolang tea, “sorry not available.”
- Shanghai DumplingOnly disappointment was the Shanghai Dumpling
- Wonton Souppick up a nasty cheap Wonton Soup
- XiaolongbaoOur group of 6 ordered a variety of dishes, such as chicken feet, shrimp har gow, bbq pork buns, siu mai, porridge, chaozhou dumplings, sticky rice chicken lotus leaf wrap, fried turnip cake, beef rice noodle rolls, Chinese donut rice noodle rolls, xiao long bao, and black bean pork ribs. Everything was very, VERY good, except the Xiaolongbao which could be juicer. This is super rare, as I’m typically picky with dim sum and can only find a few dishes that I love if I try a new dim sum place.
- bad mealEven if you're not a fan of tofu, the crispy skin is guaranteed to win you over. Everything is consistently fresh, and I've never had a bad meal here. The food is a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere is also a 5/5.
- battersalt and pepper too much batter
- beef rice noodledidn't even have the basic beef rice noodle
- blackbean spareribsblackbean spareribs (bland as heck)
- boiled vegetables with waterthis soup is boiled vegetables with water
If you're craving authentic dim sum and fresh, flavorful Chinese cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few specific dishes might occasionally disappoint, the vast majority of the menu, especially the dim sum, receives high praise for its quality and taste.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
While the service scores an average 6.5 with a mixed 59% customer satisfaction, theres definitely a bright side! Many customers, in 49 positive opinions, raved about attentive servers and staff who often greeted them with a smile. Quick wait times and fast seating were frequently highlighted, with some even appreciating the owners personal touch.
However, not all experiences were stellar, with 28 negative opinions noting issues. Some felt pressure to order or faced frustratingly long wait and waiting times. Concerns about staff attentiveness, English understanding, and slow takeout orders also contributed to the mixed feedback.
Service
83
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
28
negative
6
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast seating/service
- Welcoming host
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
- Slow takeout orders
Often praised
- serviceI've been to Dim Sum Club probably 5-6 times since it opened, and it has officially taken over as my favorite dim sum joint. Everything is just really good, and the service is fast. While it gets busy on lunch and weekends, we usually go early evening and get seated right away.
- staffAs soon as I walked in, you could tell the restaurant is under new management. The staff actually noticed and greeted me. Under the old management, getting takeout was such a hassle and it usually took about an hour and sometimes even more.
- ServiceI had an eggplant dim sum, a tofu bowl, Shanghai noodles, vermicelli seafood, and a tofu with beef. Service was friendly. I will definitely come back again for more dinner!
- Uncle DavidUncle David—I think he's the owner(?), and is super nice.
- chefMy experience at this restaurant was very positive, particularly with their dim sum. I truly hope the chef will stay for a long time, as the food was excellent. The service received a perfect score of 5, and the food itself was also rated a 5.
- fast seatingfast seating with water and peanuts
- free fortune cookiesThey offered free fortune cookies for drivers like myself
- getting a tableNo problem getting a table if you show up before 6
- hostthe host made us feel super welcome
- menu marking systemYou mark your menu with an erasable marker so there’s no confusion
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a classic dim sum outing. It's known for having questionable service and a dining area filled with elderly Canto folk, and this place delivered on both fronts. I arrived right at opening, and the dim sum was very fresh and had a nice and clean taste.
- waiting timepeople were able to come in sit down and finish a meal before we could get like 4 items to go
- staffOn arrival all the staff were in the back.
- takeoutThe staff actually noticed and greeted me. Under the old management, getting takeout was such a hassle and it usually took about an hour and sometimes even more. Today, I walked in and out with my order in less than 10 minutes.
- waitwait would be 20 minutes, but it ended up being 80
- EnglishThey don’t speak much English though
- English understandingOne person understands English.
- ServiceThe cashier asked my ID to pick up
- company policysaid it was mandatory for their company
- condimentsWe called and ask for cutlery, and condiments.
If youre looking for quick seating and friendly staff, youll likely have a good experience. But be prepared for potentially longer waits or communication hiccups, especially during busy times or for takeout, as service can be a bit inconsistent.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! This spot scores an average 6.5, and while customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 54.2%, theres a lot to like. Out of 48 total opinions, 26 folks praised the atmosphere, noting its cleanliness, ample seating, and even a charming neighborhood feel.
You'll find it well-lit and often quite spacious, with good space between tables. However, 15 other comments point to some areas for improvement. Parking can be a real challenge, and the noise level in the dining room sometimes gets quite high.
A few even mentioned it could feel a bit cold, and seating might get tricky during peak times, so plan accordingly.
Ambience
48
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
15
negative
7
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean atmosphere
- Ample seating
- Neighborhood feel
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- High noise level
- Can be cold
Often praised
- atmospherePlace is small but makes for a lively and intimate atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinesshow clean it was for a Chinese restaurant
- ambienceThe owners have obviously invested pride in every aspect of their business. The food is extraordinary, the ambience and the bathrooms are clean and comfortable. I would recommend this restaurant as one of the premiere bang for your buck in San Francisco.
- bathroomsThe owners have obviously invested pride in every aspect of their business. The food is extraordinary, the ambience and the bathrooms are clean and comfortable. I would recommend this restaurant as one of the premiere bang for your buck in San Francisco.
- cleanClean n well lit
- everything was cleanService was friendly, and the staff wore their masks all the time. I felt safe, and everything was clean. I will definitely be back for more delicious food!
- free parking lotFree parking lot
- interiorthe interior is quite spacious
- neighborhood feelsmall enough that it has a neighborhood feel
Frequently criticized
- parkingThere are vegetarian options available, and I highly recommend the pea sprouts, though be careful to avoid those in chicken broth. Parking can be a bit tricky as you can't park on the main street and need to find a spot around the block. The restaurant is pretty accessible for wheelchairs.
- ParkingThe prices were reasonable. Parking is a little tough, partly because of the construction nearby. I'll be back.
- noise levelnoise level was so high
- atmosphereCrowded, noisy and chaotic
- coldThis restaurant is cold
- dining roomDining room is noisy
- messThey didnt clean the mess the previous customer left
- seatingSeating can be tricky on the weekends during peak times
- sticky ricesitting on a chair of sticky rice
- tea potsI hate their tea pots
If you appreciate a clean, lively atmosphere and don't mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy dining experience, especially during busy hours.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some fans! With 17 positive comments out of 37 total, many rave about the affordable prices and getting bang for your buck. Diners often find the prices to be quite reasonable, especially for the area, and appreciate that the tip is included in some cases, making it feel like a great deal.
However, the overall value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.8 and a customer satisfaction of 45.9%. About 13 comments express frustration, often pointing to a hidden service charge or mandatory service tip that wasn't clearly disclosed. Some felt the meal was expensive or that they were overcharged, even for tea.
Value
37
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
13
negative
7
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Tip often included
What people don't like
- Hidden service charge
- Mandatory tip policy
- Overpriced tea
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable for the quality of food provided.
- affordablebeing delicious and affordable!
- priceI love this place! It's relatively inexpensive, and the service is fast. According to a few Taiwanese palates, it's decently tasty.
- Bay Area priceat the fraction of the Bay Area price
- bang for your buckpremiere bang for your buck
- dim sum pricesTheir dim sum prices are also really reasonable.
- foodReasonably priced food for area.
- lobster lo mein priceonly cost $26 which is quite a good deal
- tip is includedtip is included in the total
- worth your timeWorth your time and stomach space.
Frequently criticized
- Pricea nasty cheap Wonton Soup,$13
- billuntil the bill came
- chargeThey tried to charge as much as they could
- expensiveFood was good but too expensive
- gratuity addedgratuity added to to your bill
- mandatory service tipincluding a mandatory service tip that was nowhere to be found
- meal costEnded up being $41 per person meal before tipping
- menunowhere to be found on their menu until the bill came
- service chargeI will never go to this restaurant again. They secretly added an 18% service charge to the total price. They also asked us to tip again, and when we found out, they said it was mandatory for their company.
- service feeThe restaurant also seemed to overcharge; they even put a price on the tea, which is typically free. The bill included an automatic 18% service fee, with tax applied afterward, resulting in a meal cost of $41 per person before tipping. The atmosphere was rated a 3, suggesting it was neither particularly good nor bad.
If you're looking for an affordable meal and are mindful of potential hidden charges, this place could be a good option. Just be sure to check your bill carefully for any added service fees before you pay, as this seems to be a common point of contention.
How are the prices at Dim Sum Club?
On average, you’ll spend around 30 per person – from 62 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners here tend to spend in the $21–$30 range, with a fair number also in the $11–$20 bracket. While there are a few higher spenders, the prices generally cluster around this comfortable mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 62 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, especially given its mid-range positioning. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dim Sum Club
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Delicious Dim Sum Without the SF Price Tag
We were visiting SF and my hubby really wanted dim sum, but we didn't want to overspend. We decided to try Dim Sum Club, and it was a great choice. We were second on the waitlist and got seated within about 10 minutes.
It's a small, cute restaurant, so there are no carts rolling around. Instead, you mark your order on a menu. Our order was taken quickly, but the food took a while to come out.
However, once it started arriving, it was worth the wait! Everything tasted great. My favorite was the chives and shrimp dumplings; the skin had a perfect thickness, and they were so fresh and flavorful.
We also tried two types of tripe, spicy and soy/ginger. The radishes were crispy on the outside and soft inside. The stuffed eggplant was surprisingly delicious with a crispy skin, sweet soy glaze, and plumped shrimp.
The chicken feet were tender and seasoned just right. And of course, you can't go wrong with the basics like ha gow and siu mai. The food was delicious overall and not overpriced like many dim sum spots in SF.
Even with the slow timing, I’d still come back for the food alone.
- dim sum9
- wait list8
- menu and pen6
- food timing3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Portions, Tender Beef, Good Service
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive. We enjoyed the great portions and taste of the food. Specifically, their Mongolian beef was incredibly tender and juicy, and the chow mein had the right flavors.
While the seafood tofu soup was just 'mid' and the dim sums were average, not mind-blowing, the salt and pepper shrimps, despite having shells, tasted great. The sesame balls were alright. For my dad's birthday, our whole table received a free coconut pudding dessert, which was a nice touch.
The service was great, and the restaurant wasn't busy on an early Friday evening. We will definitely come back.
- portions9
- taste9
- Mongolian beef10
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.)
9
Delicious Dim Sum with Attentive Service
My experience at this restaurant on Father's Day was quite positive. Despite it being a busy holiday, the wait for a party of two was not bad. The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the soup dumplings (xlb), which were a "mouthful of flavor" and served "piping hot.
" They tasted great with a little vinegar and ginger. I also really enjoyed their ham sui gok; they were "crispy and fresh. " I have no complaints about their dim sum in general and would be "more than happy to come back here for more dim sum.
" The dim sum prices are "really reasonable. " The restaurant uses a disposable menu for ordering, which is different from traditional cart service, but the servers were "attentive" and easy to flag down for requests. Parking is street parking only, but the convenient location right in front of the L train is a plus.
- soup dumplings (xlb)10
- flavor10
- temperature10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Mixed Feelings on Chinese Street Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I tried the XLB, which had thick skin and juicy dumplings. The Sheng Jian Bao came in regular or spicy options, and I'd recommend sticking to the original.
I also sampled the Zhang Liang, which was soft and chewy, and the yu tiao. While the food had some interesting points, the overall food score was low.
- XLB7
- Sheng Jian Bao6
- Zhang Liang7
- food1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Dim Sum for Regular Rotation
My experience at this restaurant was great for Dim Sum. It has a pretty typical dim sum atmosphere, and the service was great. There were lots of choices available.
In a town where dim sum is on every street, this is a great one for regular rotation!
- Dim Sum9
- atmosphere9
- service10
What Dim Sum Club offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- 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
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Can you easily find parking when visiting Dim Sum Club 點心薈 in San Francisco?
Finding a parking space near Dim Sum Club can sometimes be a bit challenging, as is common in San Francisco. However, you do have options including both free street parking and paid street parking available in the vicinity, giving you flexibility when you plan your visit to this Parkside Chinese Restaurant.
What dining options and accessibility features does Dim Sum Club offer?
Dim Sum Club provides a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable table service and seating. For your convenience, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests. You can also opt for no-contact delivery, takeout, or standard delivery.
What is the overall rating for Dim Sum Club and what are its strongest aspects?
Dim Sum Club has an overall score of **7.5**, with **Food** being its strongest aspect at (8.1). **Service** (6.5) and **Ambience** (6.5) are considered average, while **Value** (5.8) is also in the average range.
Is the dim sum at Dim Sum Club considered high quality?
Yes, many patrons highlight the **hand-made quality** of the dim sum, noting its thin skins, good fillings, and authentic taste, with items like har gow and siu mai frequently recommended.
Are there any common issues to be aware of regarding pricing or service at Dim Sum Club?
Some customers have noted concerns about **mandatory service tip** or hidden charges appearing on the bill. Service can also be inconsistent, with occasional long waits or language barriers.