Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Bow Hon – San Francisco
Bow Hon - San Francisco
Photo from Bow Hon
Bow Hon at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 72 of the guests
#2079 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#225 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
504
Reviews
58.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Value issues
The Chinese restaurant Bow Hon invites you to experience authentic flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot offers convenient dining options with table service. It’s a great choice for families too, as it’s good for kids.
Overview: Introducting Bow Hon
Bow Hon offers a culinary journey that often hits the mark, with many guests praising its authentic flavors and clay pot rice . You’ll frequently find portions généreuses that satisfy, making it a popular spot for those craving traditional Chinese fare.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag. Some visitors have encountered brusque service and even aggressive tip demands , which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
Good
6.3
out of 10
504
Reviews
58.9%
Satisfaction
172
negative
35
neutral
297
positive
Bow Hon registers an average Restaurant Score of 6.3, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at 58.9%, indicating a somewhat mixed reception among diners. This assessment is drawn from over 500 customer remarks, comprising 297 positive observations and 172 negative ones.
Delving into the specifics, the Food truly shines with a good score of (7), frequently highlighted for its quality. However, Service (5.8) and Ambience (6.1) are perceived as average, while Value (3.9) is a notable concern, often cited for issues related to pricing and payment practices.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous food portions
- Clay pot rice
What people don't like
- Aggressive service
- Value concerns
- Hygiene issues
For those prioritizing authentic Chinese flavors, Bow Hon offers a compelling experience, particularly if you focus on their well-regarded dishes. The Recommendation Score of 6.4 suggests it’s worth considering for its culinary strengths.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and be mindful of the value proposition, especially regarding payment and tipping. If you can navigate these aspects, the food might make it a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bow Hon
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Overall, its looking pretty good with a solid score of 7 and a decent number of positive remarks, totaling 182. Many diners rave about the authentic Chinese food, especially praising the clay pot rice and the use of fresh ingredients. Folks often highlight the delicious flavors, great presentation, and generous portion sizes, making for a truly satisfying culinary experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.9%, indicating some areas for improvement, with 62 negative comments. Some experiences mention small portions and dishes that were either too salty or completely lacked flavor. There were also concerns about certain items being reheated or having inconsistent quality, suggesting that not every dish hits the mark.
Food
264
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
62
negative
20
neutral
182
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese flavors
- Delicious clay pot rice
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Dishes lack flavor
- Some dishes too salty
Often praised
- foodThey only accept cash. I'm giving 3 stars for lack of polish in service, but the food deserves a 4.
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef which complimented the seafood fried rice
- clay pot ricego there for one thing and one thing only--clay pot rice
- portionsportions généreuses, idéal pour les gourmands.
- noodlesThe noodles were perfectly cooked
- soupYou should definitely go with a group or be ready to take it to go because the portions are huge and you are guaranteed to be stuffed. You can also ask them to bring out some soup to get the crispy'ed brown rice bits. It will fill a hole in your soul.
- Chinese foodcraving some delicious Chinese food & this place definitely fulfilled my hunger!
- beefThe beef melted in your mouth.
- crispy riceWe ordered 2 claypot rices and 2 greens, which were so delicious. They even added hot broth to the crispy rice at the bottom of the claypot for extra flavor and deliciousness 😁. The food was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
- dishesPlats savoureux avec des portions généreuses
Frequently criticized
- foodIn the end, I only paid for our two drinks, and we left quickly. From the other guests who complained, we learned as we were leaving that the pork was cartilaginous and one woman received only a few cabbage leaves as vegetables. So, you should absolutely NOT eat here!
- chickenFor two people, the food was little. The friend rice was not fried, the chicken was boiled and shredded, and the fried egg was mixed with rice. The waitress was crazy and too concerned about the tip, reminding us that the tip should be 15%.
- chicken fried ricethe chicken fried rice's chicken smelled bad
- dim sumdim sum...it was a mistake. Most likely frozen and reheated.
- fried ricefried rice is the last item to come out
- portionsAlso it shows bigger portions but when you get it, its actually quite small.
- walnut shrimpdont order the walnut shrimp unless you're only with paying almost $30 for a hand full of shrimp
- Chinese foodtasteless and bad Chinese food anywhere
- FoodFood:1
- Orange ChickenWe received small pieces of chicken with a light yellow/white breading in a transparent sauce with orange slices. The chicken was lukewarm and tough. It seemed like it had been reheated and thrown into the sauce.
So, should you go? If youre craving authentic Chinese flavors, especially their highly praised clay pot rice, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many find the portions generous and the food delicious, some experiences point to inconsistencies in flavor and portion sizes, so choose your dishes wisely.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate here, with 70 positive remarks highlighting a generally warm experience. Many guests praised the friendly staff and attentive servers, often noting cheerful service and even quick meal delivery. While the overall score sits at an average 5.8, theres a clear effort to make diners feel welcome.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, as 61 negative comments point to some significant issues. Customer satisfaction is a mixed 51.9%, reflecting concerns like rude behavior and staff who insisted on the tip. Some also mentioned a language barrier and feeling the restaurant was understaffed, leading to less than ideal interactions.
Service
135
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
61
negative
4
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Insistent tip demands
- Understaffed, slow service
Often praised
- serviceIt had been 3 months since we last tasted authentic Chinese food, so this was a pleasant dining experience as it reminded me of home. The food was better than expected and the service was excellent.
- waitressAdditionally, the menu showed larger portions than what was served, leading to a feeling of not getting value for the $15-20 price. The waitress was friendly for the most part.
- staffThe staff were always smiling, courteous, and responsive
- ServiceService was awesome
- chefThe waitress and the chef were both very sweet!
- customer serviceAmazing waitress and customer service
- serverOur server was lovely, attentive, and kind.
- welcomeSuper accueil : Le personnel est chaleureux et accueillant.
- WaitressWaitress was very nice.
- accommodating dishesgreat in accommodating us on having these dishes suitable for the elderly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThere were many people seated inside, including Asians, which initially gave a good impression. This was tarnished by the somewhat brusque service (trademark pink streak) and the fact that other guests (also German) were complaining about their food. We ordered Orange Chicken twice (approx.
- waitressIt seemed like it had been reheated and thrown into the sauce. The waitress did not want to acknowledge the complaint about the food. A loud dispute ensued between her and me in the small dining area, which I found uncomfortable.
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. The waitress aggressively demanded a big tip, which was unexpected as I always tip. She never returned to ask if I wanted a drink refill.
- ServiceService was bad
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was positive regarding the food quality and customer service. However, the service was impacted by a lack of staff, as there was only one lady assisting customers. I believe they should include a second person on the staff to improve the overall service experience.
- English levelThe English level here is low
- attentive serviceexpecting spring roll and dim sum and in a rush and attentive service
- attitudeget them in, get them out attitude is obvious
- consumersMy experience at this restaurant was very negative. It felt like they were deceiving tourists, specifically attracting consumers from outside the door and then focusing their attention on them. This suggests a predatory approach to service.
- credit carddidn’t return my credit card
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter wonderfully friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for the possibility of less pleasant interactions, especially regarding tipping. If youre okay with a gamble, you might find it perfectly fine, but dont expect consistently stellar service.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
Stepping into this restaurant, youll find the ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in its mixed 51.7% customer satisfaction and average 6.1 score. However, many guests truly appreciate the authentic feel and cozy atmosphere, with some even noting an elegant ambiance. Its often described as a family friendly spot with working WiFi and even clean restrooms, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Out of 58 total opinions, 30 lean positive, highlighting these comforts. On the flip side, 18 negative opinions point to some areas needing attention. Concerns include a loud atmosphere, sticky floors, and issues with the bathroom lacking a lock or soap.
Some also mentioned street odors wafting in and even chipped plates, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
58
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
18
negative
10
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic vibe
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean restrooms
What people don't like
- Sticky floors
- Street odors
- Unclean bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereGood atmosphere
- placeThis place was very pleasant and soothing to enter!
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a nice small authentic restaurant, and definitely not a tourist trap like some of the other places nearby. The service was great from the moment I was greeted until I left.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Chinese food cultureYes, the restaurant is authentic. This is how one wants to experience Chinese food culture. The guests made up the charm.
- authenticWirkt sehr authentisch
- authentic restaurantlooking for an authentic restaurant in the area
- busyit was not that busy as well
- clean restroomClean restroom
- dining experienceIt had been 3 months since we last tasted authentic Chinese food, so this was a pleasant dining experience as it reminded me of home. The food was better than expected and the service was excellent.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe waitress did not want to acknowledge the complaint about the food. A loud dispute ensued between her and me in the small dining area, which I found uncomfortable. Additionally, she fiddled with our plates and tasted the chicken pieces herself, stating that this was "her" Orange Chicken.
- bathroombathroom does not have lock or soap...
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- art and decorMay I add, it’s small and intimate. Maybe they need some better art and decor, and food photography for the menus. We really enjoyed the hot and sour soup!
- chipped platesall three plates on which the food came were chipped
- cupsit seemed that the cups weren't even fully washed
- floordon't mind the floor is sticky
- food photographyMay I add, it’s small and intimate. Maybe they need some better art and decor, and food photography for the menus. We really enjoyed the hot and sour soup!
- lockbathroom does not have lock
- outsideWe ate here in May 2023. From the outside, it doesn't look particularly inviting, but the menu appealed to us, so we gave the restaurant a chance. The fact that you could see into the kitchen is certainly not a disadvantage.
If youre seeking an authentic, cozy spot and dont mind a few quirks like potentially loud surroundings or minor cleanliness issues, this place might be worth a visit. However, if pristine conditions and a quiet dining experience are your top priorities, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found pleasant surprises, noting fair prices and generous portion sizes, especially for comfort food. Many appreciated the value for money and price-performance ratio, with some finding the pricing quite reasonable for the quality and quantity received. Despite a rather poor overall score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 31.9%, there were 15 positive remarks highlighting affordability and good portions.
However, the experience for many others was far from ideal, with 31 negative comments out of 47 total. Numerous guests felt the restaurant was expensive or overpriced, often due to unexpected service charges and aggressive demands for tips. Issues like price discrepancies between the menu and the final bill, and even being charged double, were frequently mentioned, creating a frustrating lack of pricing transparency and leading to a poor overall value perception.
Value
47
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
31
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Generous portion sizes
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Forced tips
- Overpriced dishes
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- priceDespite its very modest appearance, we ate very well here for a completely correct price. The food quality was excellent, and the price was very reasonable for the experience.
- AffordableAffordable, family friendly
- budgetIf you're looking for some comfort food in Chinatown on a budget, you should come here for the clay pot rice. You should definitely go with a group or be ready to take it to go because the portions are huge and you are guaranteed to be stuffed.
- credit cardsThey take credit cards
- fair priceMy experience at this restaurant offered decent Chinese food at a fair price. We opted for a meal set and roast duck.
- portion sizePortionsgröße für dein Preis in Ordnung
- price pointThe service was excellent, and the food was hot and delicious. We found the portion sizes to be decent for the price point. We enjoyed the Hot and Sour Soup, which was enough for four small bowls, Beef with Green Beans, Kong Pao Chicken, and a BBQ Pork dish.
- price-performance ratioprice-performance ratio were completely acceptable
- pricesthe prices are fair for what you get
- pricingthe pricing is fair too for SF standars
Frequently criticized
- tipWe paid the bill, and she didn't bring the change, pretending to be busy to avoid giving it to us. When we asked for the change, she became aggressive, saying we MUST leave it all as a tip, with a tone of command and anger. Fearing a fight in her territory, we had to give her a "tip" she didn't deserve and leave.
- billexpected to pay not only for our two iced teas, but also for the two bowls of rice
- pricePersonally, I did not like the food. I found it a bit expensive, and it wasn't what I expected to pay for a place like this.
- PricesPrices too high
- cashThey only accept cash
- changeThe problem was the waitress, who was rude and spoiled. We paid the bill, and she didn't bring the change, pretending to be busy to avoid giving it to us. When we asked for the change, she became aggressive, saying we MUST leave it all as a tip, with a tone of command and anger.
- double the pricecharged double the price for the dish in the end
- expensivetasty, if also a bit expensive
- final amountThe waitress increases the final amount
- final billMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative due to the service. The service lady was unpleasant, and we did not receive everything we ordered, yet it was included in the final bill. To make matters worse, she insisted on a tip of at least 10 to 15 percent, stating it was the law.
If youre looking for generous portions at a potentially fair price, you might find some value here. However, be extremely cautious about the final bill and potential hidden charges or forced tips, as this is a significant dealbreaker for many. Its a gamble on whether youll feel you got your moneys worth.
How are the prices at Bow Hon?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 72 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are right in that $21–$30 sweet spot, though a good chunk also enjoy options in the $11–$20 range, showing there’s a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 72 reviews.
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 in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bow Hon
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Good Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was very good, earning a high rating. However, the service was a significant letdown.
The waitress seemed to be rushing us, acting as if she wanted us to eat quickly and leave. To add to the negative experience, we were asked to pay a $10 service charge on top of the bill, which already included tax. When I inquired about this, I was met with an unsatisfactory response.
Furthermore, the prices on the menu differed from what was on the bill, which was shocking. Due to these issues, we will never go there again.
- food9
- service2
- service charge1
- prices on the menu2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Food and Rushed Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food had a really bad taste, and the cucumber seemed like it was canned. The chicken in the sesame chicken was too soft.
The service was also bad; they rushed us to order and then to checkout.
- food taste2
- cucumber3
- chicken3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Chinese Food Adventure
I really enjoyed my experience eating here! The food tasted great and had that traditional Chinese flavor I was looking for. There were tons of options on the menu, which made it fun trying different dishes.
It's definitely a good spot if you like to try out traditional Chinese food.
- food9
- traditional Chinese flavor9
- menu options8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Great Food, Service Language Barrier
The food was very good. The service was friendly, although a bit complicated because the staff spoke little English, making it difficult to understand. It might have been Sunday afternoon around 7: 30 pm; Chinatown was very quiet, and the restaurant was very full downstairs.
They were no longer serving upstairs. The bathroom was the only thing I didn't like at all.
- food10
- service7
- restaurant fullness6
- language barrier4
- bathroom1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Unfriendly Service and Chipped Plates
During our lunch visit on August 15, the food was acceptable but not outstanding. However, all three plates served with the food were chipped and had missing ceramic pieces. We also experienced a long wait for our food, and it arrived one after another rather than simultaneously.
The waitress or manager displayed an unfriendly attitude towards another table when they wanted to order, and her English was poor. Upon paying, we were rudely informed that a 10% tip was insufficient and that it should be at least over 15%. We regrettably agreed to this.
I remain annoyed by this impertinence and the overall unfriendliness. We will definitely not be returning to this restaurant.
- food5
- chipped plates2
- waiting time3
- unfriendly attitude1
What Bow Hon offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Bow Hon Restaurant offer?
Bow Hon Restaurant provides various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You’ll also find it to be wheelchair accessible, with both an accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining experience and payment options does Bow Hon Restaurant provide?
Bow Hon Restaurant offers a casual atmosphere for lunch and dinner, complete with table service. It’s also good for kids. You can easily pay using credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments, ensuring a convenient and smooth transaction during your visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment regarding Bow Hon?
Bow Hon receives an average Restaurant Score of 6.3 and a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 58.9%. While the Food scores well at (7), Service (5.8), Ambience (6.1), and especially Value (3.9) show room for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Bow Hon?
Many customers praise the authentic Chinese food, highlighting specific dishes like clay pot rice and noodles. The generous portions are also frequently appreciated.
What are some common concerns customers have about their experience at Bow Hon?
Recurring concerns include brusque service, aggressive tip demands, and issues with value such as unclear pricing or payment methods. Some also noted cleanliness issues in the bathroom.