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oChef » Spicy King – San Francisco
Spicy King - San Francisco
Photo from Spicy King
Spicy King at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 135 of the guests
#1760 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#177 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
522
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Good portions
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Spicy King is a delightful Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
With a focus on authentic flavors, this spot also thoughtfully provides excellent vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Spicy King offers a welcoming dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Spicy King
Spicy King offers a compelling culinary experience, with many praising its authentic Chinese food and generous portions. Diners often find the atmosphere quite pleasant, noting its unique decor and lively feel.
However, some experiences suggest issues with value, citing unexpected charges. Service can also be inconsistent, with reports of inattentiveness and feeling forced to pay tip, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
522
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
148
negative
36
neutral
338
positive
Overall, Spicy King earns a respectable 6.8 out of 10, indicating a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at a more mixed 64.8%.
This assessment is drawn from over 500 customer opinions, with 338 positive remarks against 148 negative ones. The Food (7.4) stands out as a clear strength, frequently highlighted for its quality and authenticity.
The Ambience (6.6) also contributes positively, though less consistently. Conversely, Service (5.9) appears to be an area needing attention.
The most significant concern is Value (4.6), which many find disappointing due to pricing and unexpected charges.
What people like
- Authentic Szechuan flavors
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service quality
- Cleanliness concerns
Spicy King holds a solid recommendation score of 7, suggesting it’s worth considering for its culinary offerings. If you prioritize flavorful, authentic Chinese food and a pleasant setting, it could be a good choice.
However, be mindful of potential issues with value and service. If you’re sensitive to pricing or expect consistently attentive staff, you might find the experience less satisfying.
It’s a place for those who prioritize taste above all else.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Spicy King
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.4 and good customer satisfaction at 71.9%. Many of the 225 positive comments praise the authentic Sichuan spice and garlic, hand-pulled noodles, and large portions, making it a go-to for real Chinese food lovers. However, some of the 67 negative remarks point to occasional blandness, inconsistent textures, or dishes being oversalted.
A few also felt portions could be small, suggesting a bit of a mixed bag in execution.
Food
313
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
67
negative
21
neutral
225
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Sichuan flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious spicy food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland or oversalted
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was on a fairly empty Sunday for lunch at 1 PM. The service was great and the food came out fast. We ordered the spicy lamb and mapo tofu.
- portionsthe portions were more than sufficient
- FoodFood:5
- authentic Chinese foodmost authentic Chinese food I've had
- dishesThe service and business were a little slow. Of the three dishes we ordered, 2 out of the 3 dishes were good, but the last one wasn't so much. The music was enjoyable, featuring a lot of well-known instrumental songs.
- sesame chickenMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I had some not so spicy sesame chicken with rice, which was incredibly filling and delicious. The food was rated a 5, and the service and atmosphere also received perfect scores of 5.
- Dan Dan noodlesbest Dan Dan noodles I have ever had
- Sichuan foodour favorite Sichuan food in China Town!!! It is spicy and numbing but sooooo good
- Szechuan cuisineI was pleasantly surprised to find such delicious Szechuan cuisine in SF, even tastier and more authentic than some restaurants I've visited in Asia. I will miss it.
- eggplantthe eggplant was just like we are use to. Caramelized rich and filling.
Frequently criticized
- foodI have had better food
- FoodIf you want tasty Chinese food, do not bother.
- dishesNot all the dishes we ordered for 4 people were of good quality.
- duckThe duck in takeout is all bones. Not sure why I paid $16 for it.
- portionThe portion is for a cat
- riceI, on the other hand, enjoyed the nice and spicy Kung Pao chicken. A minor issue was that the dishes did not come with rice, and they were strangely out of rice. We opted for shrimp chow mein instead, which was good, though a bit light on the shrimp.
- whole fishwhole fish with flaming chili oil and it was not that spicy or numbing
- Bean JelloThe bean jello, on the other hand, came as a bad shock.
- Chinese placesTried a bunch of Chinese places in China Town but none of them came close
- Chinese spices중국 향신료 못 먹는 분들은 조금 어려울 수 있습니다
If you're craving authentic, spicy Sichuan flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might miss the mark on consistency or seasoning.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! With an average score of 5.9 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 53.3%, experiences here clearly vary. Based on 105 comments, many diners (56 positive remarks!) rave about the friendly staff and attentive staff, often praising fast service and quick food delivery.
Guests frequently mention kind waiters who make their visit enjoyable. On the flip side, 43 negative observations highlight some bumps in the road. Some patrons unfortunately encountered rude staff and slow service, reporting long waits and feeling overlooked.
There are also concerning mentions of staff trying to force you to pay tip and a general sense of the place being understaffed', which can definitely put a damper on things.
Service
105
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
43
negative
6
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Forced tipping demands
- Slow, inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was on a fairly empty Sunday for lunch at 1 PM. The service was great and the food came out fast. We ordered the spicy lamb and mapo tofu.
- staffthe staff were very nice
- ServiceThe recommended dish, dry cooked string bean (干煸四季豆), was a standout. Service was also great, receiving a 5 out of 5 rating.
- waiterThe restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Chinatown, making it easy to get to. The waiter we had was extremely attentive and kind, contributing to a very positive dining experience. Thank you!
- waiterscompared to Western hover waiters
- FoodFood came out very fast
- StaffStaffs sweet and attentive
- attentive staffthey were kind and attentive
- pack the restThe food was very delicious, and we especially enjoyed it as we like spicy food. 😋 The waiter was also very friendly and helped us pack the rest of the food. Thank you 😊
- seatingThe Mapo tofu was good, though Z&Y around the corner does it better. However, there were no Z&Y lines here, making it easy to get seated.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was really the worst service I had ever seen
- waiterThe waiter came once to take our order and we never saw them again
- waitressthe waitress persistently forced us to give a 20% tip.
- waterthe water wasn't cold which was a bit of a bummer.
- ServiceService:1
- billI do wish there was less ground pepper and more sichuan pepper (I was surprised to not experience any of the signature mouth-numbing effect of mapo tofu from a place called “Spicy King”). The waiter came once to take our order and we never saw them again — it was a bit of a challenge to flag someone down when we wanted our bill, but otherwise everything flowed nicely. I’m not kidding when I say this is going to be the new place I take visitors for dinner in Chinatown — the decor makes it unique and fun (without being kitschy) while the flavors seal the deal (for those really looking to impress guests, I’d recommend a nightcap one block down at the mysterious Moongate Lounge!).
- clarityNor is it clear anywhere that an automatic gratuity would be applied
- experienceexperience elsewhere
- force you to pay tipThey force you to pay tip.
- good serviceWhen she did not receive it, she ran after us into the street and caused a row among passers-by demanding a 15% tip. She did not accept that a tip is a voluntary form of compensation for good service (we did not receive one). We absolutely do not recommend this "restaurant".
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might get a fantastic, speedy experience, or you could face some frustrating delays and less-than-friendly interactions. If you're willing to roll the dice, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The restaurants ambience gets a 6.6 score, landing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a 65.2% mixed bag. Many guests, 45 out of 69 comments, really enjoyed the atmosphere, vibe, and decor, often praising the spectacular views and music that create a delightful setting. Some even found it lively inside and easy to get to.
However, not all experiences were glowing, with 17 comments pointing out some significant issues. Concerns about smoking in the kitchen and the lingering smell of cigarettes were frequently raised. Other guests felt the decor was dated and noted cleanliness problems like dirty tables and cups, even mentioning a fruit fly problem' in some instances.
Ambience
69
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
17
negative
7
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Spectacular views
- Lovely decor
What people don't like
- Cigarette smoke smell
- Poor cleanliness
- Dated decor
Often praised
- atmosphereWe had the best Chinese food we’ve ever had! The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was lovely. Thank you for a great experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe vibe is perfect for both a catch up with friends and an intimate romantic night out
- ambienceThe ombionce of the place was nice and not too cheesy like a lot of Chinese restraunts.
- decorI LOVED the decor inside — it felt like sitting in an outdoor courtyard
- Chinatownone of the few in Chinatown open
- Dimly litDimly lit but that's part of the appeal.
- Lively insideLively inside and prices fair.
- SeatingSeating is spacier than typical Chinatown joints.
- decorationsThe restaurant has some elaborate decorations near the entrance.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereGlad I already finished my meal because that would have ruined my appetite for sure 🤢. This place needs to work on its atmosphere in general; it looks a bit dated.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- carafe sanitationThey have excellent tap water! The problem was the carafe wasn't washed, rinsed, nor sanitized properly. That carafe and its contents were an obvious sign of a dishwasher not following proper sanitation guidelines.
- cigarette smokeWhile the service was friendly, the only entree we ordered with rice was salty. Additionally, there was a strong smell of cigarette smoke, likely originating from the kitchen, which other reviewers have also noted. I also felt pressured by the tipping prompts on the card reader, which were presented while staff waited and watched.
- cleanlinesscould be a bit cleaner
- cupThe cup that was on the table was dirty
- dated decorIt looks a bit dated
- dine inIt's better to avoid dine in.
- dirty tablestables were still dirty
- empty tablesmany empty tables did not have time to clean up
If you're looking for a place with a potentially great vibe and views, it might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, as cleanliness and the occasional smoke smell could be a real turn-off for some.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 4.6, placing it in the average range. Many customers appreciate the good prices and reasonable portions, often noting the quantity you get for your money. Plus, its a relief to see mentions of no junk fees, which is always a win in our book, based on 12 positive opinions.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 34.3%, largely due to concerns about things being expensive and various extra charges. Many found the overall prices of items to be high, with frequent complaints about automatic gratuity and unexpected service fees. These issues were highlighted across 21 negative opinions, suggesting a need for more transparency.
Value
35
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Reasonable portions
- No junk fees
What people don't like
- Expensive dishes
- Automatic gratuity
- Hidden service fees
Often praised
- pricesprices and portions are reasonable
- pricePresentation, price, serving size!!!
- Price per personMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their tasty and affordable schezwan cuisine. Their hot pot is great, and I was pleased to see they recently added a mini hotpot option, which is perfect for two people.
- junk feesNo junk fees
- prices fairprices fair.
- quantityas compared to the quantity we got
- valuea good value
Frequently criticized
- pricegiven the price
- $58 for a platecharged us $58 for a plate
- CostCost was $26!!! A total rip off
- automatic gratuity18% automatic gratuity for a party of 3 is not reasonable
- billbrought a bill for about $38. This was a scam
- business practiceambushing people with extra charges isn't honest business
- chargeCharged $12 for a large bowl of rice
- checkAfter receiving the check we saw that 18% large party fee was charged
- entreeFor a $38 entree I was disappointed
- entreesthe entree’s were a bit pricey
If youre looking for generous portions at what some consider fair prices, you might find a good deal here. However, be wary of potential extra charges and higher-priced entrees that could make your bill steeper than expected, especially if youre sensitive to automatic gratuity.
How are the prices at Spicy King?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 135 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 hovers around 37, its interesting to see that a good number of diners actually spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting some more budget-friendly options are popular. But dont be surprised if some guests opt for pricier dishes, pushing their bill into the $41–$50 bracket or even higher, indicating a diverse menu.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 135 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Spicy King
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Sichuan Spot in Chinatown!
This place is our favorite Sichuan food in China Town! It is spicy and numbing but sooooo good. The food is exceptional, delivering that authentic spicy and numbing Sichuan flavor we love.
It's a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Chinese cuisine.
- Sichuan food10
- spicy and numbing10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Fast Service, Amazing Food, Loved Decor
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly fast. I found the food to be awakening and authentic.
I also loved the decor. I highly recommend this place.
- service10
- food10
- decor10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Good Food, Poor Service & Cold Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was quite good and served in large portions. However, the service was a significant drawback, as the staff could barely speak English.
The restaurant's furniture felt cheap, and the overall atmosphere was cold, making for an uncomfortable dining experience.
- food8
- large portions8
- service2
- furniture2
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Bland Sichuan Food, Service Okay
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the food. For a Sichuan restaurant, the dishes were surprisingly bland. I wondered if they had run out of peppers.
If the food was the only factor, I would not recommend this place. The service, however, was rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere received a 3 out of 5.
- peppers5
- service5
- atmosphere3
- food2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Mapo Tofu Disaster - Avoid!
I ordered the Mapo Tofu the other day and unfortunately, I had to throw it away. It had an extremely strong fresh fish smell. I'm not sure what happened, but it made me want to throw up just thinking about it.
I highly discourage anyone from going. Ew.
- Mapo Tofu1
- fresh fish smell1
What Spicy King offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Spicy King accessible for everyone, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Spicy King offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, making it welcoming for all guests. Regarding parking, it is usually difficult to find a space in the area, so planning ahead for transportation is recommended.
What dining options are available at Spicy King, and is it suitable for families?
At Spicy King, you can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, and don’t forget to save room for dessert. The restaurant is also good for kids, providing high chairs to ensure a comfortable experience for your little ones.
How does Spicy King generally rate among diners?
Spicy King receives an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 64.8%. While Food (7.4) is a strong point, Ambience (6.6) is average, and Service (5.9) and Value (4.6) often fall short.
Is the food at Spicy King considered authentic?
Many diners praise Spicy King for its authentic Chinese food, particularly its Szechuan cuisine. Opinions frequently highlight dishes like Dan Dan noodles and mapo tofu for their traditional flavors and spiciness.
What are common complaints about Spicy King's service and value?
Customers often report inconsistent service, with some experiencing inattentive staff or feeling forced to pay tip. The value is also a concern, with complaints about pricey entrees and unexpected charges like automatic gratuity.