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oChef » Boiling Hot Pot – San Francisco
Boiling Hot Pot - San Francisco
Photo from Boiling Hot Pot
Boiling Hot Pot at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#389 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#16 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
414
Reviews
85.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- AYCE Value
- Quality Food
- Efficient Service
Frequently criticized
- Beef Quality
- Ambience Issues
- Time Limit
The Chinese restaurant Boiling Hot Pot in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District offers a dynamic dining experience where you can enjoy your meal while catching up on sports. This casual yet trendy spot invites you to dive into a world of flavorful hot pot.
Whether you’re looking for a lively dinner or a relaxed lunch, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Boiling Hot Pot
Boiling Hot Pot offers a generally satisfying experience, with many appreciating the generous all you can eat options. While the food is a clear highlight, some aspects of the interior might feel a bit dated.
The prompt service helps ensure a smooth meal, making it a solid choice for those seeking a communal dining adventure. The atmosphere is often described as fun and clean, though some areas might appear a little dingy inside.
Despite this, the staff are consistently friendly, contributing to a pleasant visit. It’s a place where the focus is clearly on the meal and the company.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
414
Reviews
85.5%
Satisfaction
31
negative
29
neutral
354
positive
Boiling Hot Pot earns a solid overall score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive customer sentiment. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.5%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 414 customer observations, with a clear majority of 354 positive remarks outweighing the 31 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Service (8.5) and Food (8.4) stand out as particular strengths, frequently praised for their quality and efficiency.
While Value (7.6) and Ambience (7.3) also score well, they are noted slightly less frequently, suggesting they contribute positively but are not the primary drivers of satisfaction. The consistent positive feedback across these areas paints a clear picture of what to expect.
What people like
- All-you-can-eat options
- Quality food selection
- Prompt, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent beef quality
- Interior ambience concerns
- 90-minute time limit
Boiling Hot Pot presents a compelling option for hot pot enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate generous portions and efficient service. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it’s clear that many diners find it a worthwhile visit.
If you prioritize a satisfying meal and quick attention, this spot delivers. However, be mindful that while the food is generally well-regarded, some specific meat quality can be inconsistent, and the interior might not impress everyone.
It’s a place to go for the experience and the food, rather than a polished setting, offering good value for its all-you-can-eat model.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Boiling Hot Pot
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests are generally thrilled, with a strong 88.4% customer satisfaction rate. Many rave about the fantastic all-you-can-eat hot pot experience, highlighting the fresh ingredients and diverse broth options. The wagyu beef and selection of meats also receive high praise, contributing to a good overall score of 8.4 based on 229 positive remarks.
However, not every bite is perfect. A small number of 16 comments point out concerns, primarily regarding meat quality, with some finding the beef gristly or the wagyu thickly cut and chewy. There were also mentions of strange meat and a fishy fish fillet, suggesting some inconsistency in certain items.
Food
259
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
16
negative
14
neutral
229
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- All-you-can-eat hot pot
- High-quality Wagyu beef
- Diverse broth options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Gristly beef sometimes
- Fish fillet fishy
Often praised
- foodWe were seated in a large booth in the back of the restaurant, providing ample space for our group. The restaurant offers a flat rate that includes up to 4 broths and as much food as we wanted, even wagyu. The food arrived very quickly, and the service was some of the best I've encountered at a hot pot restaurant.
- brothsThe veggies were fresh, and the soup broth was great. It was very cool that we could choose 4 different broths to have at once in separate sections of a single pot. Our server, John, was extremely friendly and attentive.
- hot potHaving lived in China for 6 months, I developed an absolute craving for hot pot. This place is the most like what I ate when I was there. Its so good.
- meatthe meat, veggies, and mushrooms are amazing
- sauce barHas a sauce bar w my favorite sesame paste
- meat qualityI thought this was the best hot pot I've ever had in my life! The meat quality was great and the sauces were on point. I had so much that I had to physically lay down afterwards, but it was worth it with no regrets.
- FoodFood:5
- all you can eatfound it totally worth the 90mins all you can eat
- all you can eat hot potgot the all you can eat hot pot and it was amazing
- all-you-can-eatMy experience at the restaurant was a four flavored 90 min all-you-can-eat hotpot at a low price. The collection of food was minimally sufficient.
Frequently criticized
- beef qualityBut beef quality was lacking...
- beef portionsmore generous beef portions
- chicken and mushroom hot potSpouse had chicken and mushroom hot pot. Strange meat.
- dumplingsdid not have some of the usual things I am use to like dumplings
- fish filletThe fish fillet was pretty fishy
- green pepper soupBeware of green pepper soup unless you really like SPICY!
- gristlyGristly.
- meatHowever, the beef quality was lacking. Although it was all-you-can-eat, I didn't want to order more meat because it was tough and chewy. I'm a little shocked as I've been here before and remembered it used to be good.
- meat qualityMeat quality is not that great
- one mushroomOne mushroom.
If you're looking for a diverse and high-quality all-you-can-eat hot pot experience, especially with wagyu and varied broths, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in meat quality, so manage your expectations for every single cut.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! Overall, its looking pretty stellar, with a good score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction hitting a good 87.1%. Based on 74 positive remarks out of 85 total, guests frequently praise the speed of service, friendly staff, and the super efficient iPad ordering system, making for a quick and friendly service experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A handful of the 5 negative comments mention potential wait times, especially during prime hours, and a couple of instances of rude service. Plus, the 90-minute time limit' is occasionally noted as a minor downside, though many find it sufficient.
Service
85
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
5
negative
6
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick, friendly service
- Efficient iPad ordering
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude service
- 90-minute limit
Often praised
- serviceAlso, they have all you can drink draft beer + sake! It's a fun atmosphere, the restaurant + bathrooms are clean, the staff are very friendly and service is unspeakably quick. It's literally the best - such a fun night out to share with your friends and if you have any guests in town, take them there.
- staffAlso, they have all you can drink draft beer + sake! It's a fun atmosphere, the restaurant + bathrooms are clean, the staff are very friendly and service is unspeakably quick. It's literally the best - such a fun night out to share with your friends and if you have any guests in town, take them there.
- ServiceService:5
- electronic padRefills are ordered on an electronic pad for each table
- orderingOur server, John, was extremely friendly and attentive. Unlike most hotpot places where servers can be hard to get hold of, John was great about explaining how the ordering worked and promptly bringing us napkins and water when we ran out. I was really happy with our experience!
- waitbarely a wait to get your ordered meats and soups
- automatedMost of it is automated
- came out quick99. Everything was delicious and it came out quick. The staff was very nice too.
- digital menutienen un menú digital donde tú haces tu orden
- driver's licenseThey have mailed me my drivers license
Frequently criticized
- 90-minute time limitthe only downside is the time limit of 90 mins
- rude serviceincredibly rude service
- servicethey take their time giving you ur food
- unpleasant interactionThis unpleasant interaction completely ruined the mood
- waitPrime times are a wait
If you're looking for a hotpot spot with incredibly fast and friendly service, especially with their efficient iPad ordering, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential waits during peak times and the 90-minute dining limit, which might be a dealbreaker if you prefer a more leisurely meal.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! This spot generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 72.5%, both landing squarely in the good category. Based on 29 positive remarks out of 40 total, many folks loved the atmosphere and cleanliness, often calling it a cozy place thats good for groups and families.
However, its not without a few quirks. Six negative observations point to some concerns about the interior being a bit dingy inside, and a need for better ventilation. The umbrella bin' also seemed to cause some frustration, leading to ripped umbrellas.
Ambience
40
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean and roomy
- Good for groups
What people don't like
- Dingy interior
- Poor ventilation
- Awkward umbrella storage
Often praised
- atmosphereAlso, they have all you can drink draft beer + sake! It's a fun atmosphere, the restaurant + bathrooms are clean, the staff are very friendly and service is unspeakably quick. It's literally the best - such a fun night out to share with your friends and if you have any guests in town, take them there.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeunbelievable place to be it’s pink it’s really unique
- cleanThe food was great, the service was excellent, and the price was very reasonable. The atmosphere was clean and roomy, making it a great spot to eat with friends or family.
- cleanlinessit's clean
- cooking experiencefascinada esta experiencia de cocinar en familia 😘🥰😍
- cozy placeOverall a cozy place to have dinner
- cute and cozy placeMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a cute and cozy place with a really good all-you-can-eat deal. There were plenty of options for everyone to enjoy.
- eating areasThe service was good and the selection of food was great. While the inside is a bit dingy, the eating areas are maintained and clean. It's a good place for groups.
- environmentenvironment is fresh and friendly
Frequently criticized
- dingy insidea bit dingy inside
- interiorWe visited as a group of 4 at 5 pm on a Saturday and found a spot easily. The interior is relatively small, with no real waiting area. There are 8 tables for 4 people (sharing one pot) and 2 tables for 7 people (sharing two pots).
- ripped umbrellasThey require umbrellas to be stashed in a huge box-like bin that is not intended for umbrellas. This results in umbrellas getting ripped, which is not a great feeling when you exit into the rain at the end of one's meal.
- table for 6 peopletable for 6 people to be a bit awkward
- umbrella binhuge box-like bin that is not intended for umbrellas
- ventilationcould use better ventilation
If youre looking for a generally pleasant and clean spot, especially for groups, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be prepared for a potentially less-than-sparkling interior and some ventilation issues, which might be a minor trade-off for the overall good experience.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 73.3%. Many guests, accounting for 22 positive remarks out of 30, rave about the affordable AYCE and fair price, often highlighting the all you can eat option as a low price and a really good deal that includes generous portions. However, not everyone is completely thrilled, with 4 negative comments surfacing.
Some folks mentioned price confusion, feeling it was a bit pricey in general, and a few were concerned about being fined for not finishing their food, which can be a bit of a buzzkill.
Value
30
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable AYCE
- Fair pricing
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Fined for not finishing
- Price confusion
Often praised
- all you can eatThe all you can eat factor is also incredible
- priceThe service is very prompt, with food arriving within 10 minutes of sitting down, allowing ample time for the broths to boil. The selection of hot pot items is great for the price, and I particularly enjoyed the bean curds, seaweed, beef tendon, and tripe. The generous portions with each order are a nice touch, reducing the need for frequent re-ordering.
- $35~$35 for ayce hot pot
- $35 per personAll you can eat hot pot for only $35 per person
- 32.99all you can eat for 32.99
- AYCE priceAYCE Price is $32.95 per person
- All-You-Can-EatAYCE for $30 per person
- affordable AYCEit's on the affordable side
- affordable all you can eatit's an affordable all you can eat
- all you can drink draft beerThe food is consistently good, and the service is impressively prompt. They also offer an excellent deal of all you can drink draft beer for $15. I highly recommend stopping in.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe only thing that make me confused was when we sat down, the server said $28.99 for AYCE. Later she told other customers $35.99. In the end we were charged 35.99 each too.
- fined for not finishingfined for not finishing their food
If youre looking for an affordable all-you-can-eat experience and are mindful of finishing your plate, this place offers solid value. Just double-check the pricing upfront to avoid any surprises, and youre likely in for a good deal.
How are the prices at Boiling Hot Pot?
On average, you’ll spend around 45 per person – from 79 guests. That puts this Chinese restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese spot, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch on the higher side.
Most diners seem to agree, with prices clustering nicely around this average, showing a pretty consistent experience rather than a wide mix of cheap and premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, especially considering the city’s dining scene.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Boiling Hot Pot
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Efficient Hot Pot with Great Value
My experience at this hot pot spot was highly positive. They are extremely efficient, with ordering done via an iPad and a great selection of 4 broths. The service is very prompt, with food arriving within 10 minutes of sitting down, allowing ample time for the broths to boil.
The selection of hot pot items is great for the price, and I particularly enjoyed the bean curds, seaweed, beef tendon, and tripe. The generous portions with each order are a nice touch, reducing the need for frequent re-ordering. A minor note is that their AYCE price does not include desserts, which might contribute to their slightly lower pricing, but it's not a big deal if you prioritize quality hot pot.
- efficiency9
- broths8
- service9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Go-to Hot Pot with High-Quality Food
My go-to hot pot place! You can order as much as you want, and they offer a lot of high-quality food. The atmosphere was great, and the service was excellent, both rated a 5 out of 5.
It's a perfect spot for dinner with a group of 2 people, with a moderate noise level.
- high-quality food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Hot Pot with Efficient Service
My experience at this restaurant was great, with fast service. I appreciated the convenience of ordering on the little electronic pad next to the tables, allowing me to select any meat or veg I desired. There was barely a wait to receive my ordered items, especially if I spaced out my orders to 3-4 dishes at a time.
I tried the Miso, Chicken Broth, and Spicy soup for the hot pot, and all of them were delicious.
- service10
- electronic pad9
- wait9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
My All-Time Favorite Restaurant!
I've been to this restaurant way too many times, to the point where the staff definitely recognizes me and says, "See you next time. " It's perfect for large groups because it's all-you-can-eat with plenty of seating for parties larger than four. I've experienced hotpots in both China and Japan, and while they have great broths, they don't offer the variety and consistent quality across all broth flavors that this place does.
The all-you-can-eat aspect is also incredible, and the food selection and variety is great. It's certainly my favorite restaurant of all time, and has been since my first visit.
- staff10
- large groups10
- broths9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Cook-Your-Own Experience!
My experience at Boiling Pot was fantastic! The service was great, with really nice and attentive servers. The food is amazing for a cook-your-own experience, and the selection of ingredients is very good, offering both meat and vegan options.
The atmosphere is okay, with a range of music playing, though it does get steamy! <3
- service10
- food10
- selection of ingredients9
What Boiling Hot Pot offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- All you can eat
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Boiling Hot Pot?
At Boiling Hot Pot, you can enjoy flexible dining with dine-in, takeout, and delivery services available. You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner, including delicious dessert options. Table service ensures a comfortable experience.
Does Boiling Hot Pot cater to specific dietary needs and offer reservations?
Yes, Boiling Hot Pot offers an all-you-can-eat experience with excellent vegetarian options, alongside a selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages. For planning your visit, the restaurant accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended.
What is the overall verdict for Boiling Hot Pot?
Boiling Hot Pot holds a strong overall score of 8.3 with 85.5% customer satisfaction. Its Service (8.5) and Food (8.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (7.6) and Ambience (7.3) also contribute positively to the experience.
What can I expect from the food at Boiling Hot Pot?
Diners generally praise the food quality, especially the fresh vegetables, great broths, and the variety of the all-you-can-eat selection. However, some opinions note that the beef quality can occasionally be inconsistent.
How is the service and atmosphere at Boiling Hot Pot?
The service is frequently highlighted as prompt and friendly, with efficient electronic ordering. The ambience is often described as clean and cozy, though some customers mention the interior can feel a bit dingy inside or that ventilation could be improved.