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oChef » Buffalo Kitchen – San Francisco
Buffalo Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Buffalo Kitchen
Buffalo Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Visitacion Valley
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#958 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#52 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
87
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Limited parking
The Chinese restaurant Buffalo Kitchen in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley offers a delightful culinary journey. You can explore a menu featuring delicious small plates, perfect for sharing or enjoying a quick bite.
This casual spot provides a welcoming atmosphere for you to dine in, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for a relaxed meal in the neighborhood.
Overview: Introducting Buffalo Kitchen
Buffalo Kitchen offers substantial portions of authentic Chinese Cantonese food at a great value, making it a popular spot for many. The quick service for takeout is often appreciated, ensuring your order comes out pretty quickly.
However, some experiences suggest the table service could lack attention, and the overall atmosphere might not be its strongest suit, with mentions of limited parking and restrooms needing care.
Good
7.7
out of 10
87
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
13
negative
7
neutral
67
positive
Overall, Buffalo Kitchen earns a solid 7.7 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This aligns well with a 77% customer satisfaction rate, indicating most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from 87 customer observations, with 67 positive remarks outweighing 13 negative ones. The Food (8.4) and Value (8.2) clearly stand out as strong points, consistently receiving high praise.
While the Ambience (6.7) is generally well-regarded, the Service (5.2) appears to be a more mixed bag, suggesting some room for improvement in that area.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous portions
- Exceptional value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited parking
- Restroom care
With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, Buffalo Kitchen is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize hearty, authentic Chinese Cantonese dishes and excellent value. It’s a place that delivers on its core promise of satisfying food without breaking the bank.
However, be prepared for potentially less attentive table service and consider takeout if parking is a concern. If you’re seeking a no-frills, community-focused spot with substantial meals, this establishment could be a good fit for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Buffalo Kitchen
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 89.6%, its clear most diners are loving whats on their plate. Based on 43 positive remarks out of 48 total, many rave about the authentic Chinese Cantonese food, dim sum, big portions, and outstanding flavors, often comparing it to home cooking.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 4 negative comments noting some food quality issues. A few found the beef stew tough or the Chinese sausage and pork belly dry, suggesting some dishes might be a bit inconsistent. But generally, the great value often outweighs these minor points.
Food
48
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese food
- Outstanding flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Tough/dry dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this family-owned restaurant was fantastic! I felt like I was robbing them for how much food they gave me for $40. It's important to note that they are cash only and close early, but it's definitely worth it.
- big portionshole in the wall spot with big portions
- deliciousIf you're in the area, stop by and try it out! It's not bougie, and while perhaps not the healthiest, it's oh so delicious. For those using public transportation, the 8/8bx and 9/9r buses run along Sunnydale and Visitacion, with a stop at Arleta just a few blocks away.
- dim sumThey serve dim sum in the morning
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was one of excellent value. While the food quality was generally decent or average, the good portions at low prices made it a worthwhile visit. Some dishes even surpassed the average quality.
- Cheung funCheung fun / 腸粉 is made fresh to order and is outstanding
- Chinese foodSolid Chinese food
- Mongolian Beeftheir Mongolian Beef. It's slightly spicy and packed with flavor
- authentic Chinese Cantonese foodMy experience at this restaurant was defined by a great selection of authentic Chinese Cantonese food. The food truly captured the real character of the place, which felt very community oriented and was filled with diverse locals.
- authentic foodVery authentic food
Frequently criticized
- Chinese sausage and pork bellyChinese Sausage and pork belly was dry
- alcoholDid you not serve alcohol like most Chinese eateries
- beef stewBeef stew was tough
- food qualityMy experience at the restaurant was characterized by huge servings of medium-low quality food, offered at cheap prices. It's a place worth trying at least once.
If you're looking for authentic Chinese Cantonese food with generous portions and great flavors, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while most dishes are a hit, a few might be inconsistent in quality, but the overall value is hard to beat.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, some folks really appreciate the efficiency, especially for takeout orders. Many have noted the order comes out quickly , with some even praising the overall service experience. Based on 13 customer comments, with 4 positive remarks, theres a definite upside here.
However, the experience isnt universally smooth. The service score sits at an average 5.2 , and customer satisfaction is quite low at 30.8% . Several of the 6 negative comments highlight issues with table service , a perceived lack of attention , and even concerning incidents where a waiter lady reportedly judged customers by their appearance , leading to feelings of discrimination .
Service
13
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick takeout
- Fast orders
What people don't like
- Poor table service
- Lack attention
- Customer discrimination
Often praised
- serviceIt's made fresh to order and is truly outstanding. The food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the service also received a high rating of 5. The atmosphere was a bit more moderate at a 3, and the price per person was very affordable, ranging from $1–10.
- orderorder comes out pretty quickly
- takeoutI love getting takeout from here
Frequently criticized
- attentionlack a bit more attention
- discriminationsee discrimination not to eat there also
- judged me by my appearanceshe judged me by my appearance
- table servicethe table service is not very good
- wait during lunch and dinnerBe prepared to wait during lunch and dinner
- waiter ladythe waiter lady came up to me and said u know that we are a expensive restaurant
If you're looking for a quick takeout meal, you might find the service efficient. However, for a sit-down experience, be aware that table service and customer attention seem to be significant areas for improvement, with some serious concerns about staff conduct.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines with a 6.7 score, landing it in the average-to-good range. Many love its real character, describing it as a community oriented place filled with diverse locals. With 6 positive remarks out of 9 total observations, guests appreciate its no-nonsense feel, making it a great choice for a quick bite or even eating in.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 66.7%, indicating a mixed bag. While the atmosphere itself is generally well-received, a couple of comments (2 out of 9) point to practical issues. Specifically, parking can be a challenge, and some feel the restrooms could use a bit more attention.
Ambience
9
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Real character
- Community oriented
- Diverse locals
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Restrooms need care
Often praised
- community orientedcommunity oriented diverse locals
- diverse localsMy experience at this restaurant was defined by a great selection of authentic Chinese Cantonese food. The food truly captured the real character of the place, which felt very community oriented and was filled with diverse locals.
- eating inrecommend eating in
- no-nonsenseA nonsense hole-on-the wall place
- quick bitea good place to grab some quick Chinese food
- real characterreal character of community oriented diverse locals
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe $3 rice noodles and $2 small porridge are a steal. I recommend calling ahead to place an order because parking is limited. My favorite dish is their Mongolian Beef; it's slightly spicy and packed with flavor.
- restroomsits bathrooms a bit more care
If youre looking for an authentic, no-frills spot with a lively local feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking hassles and dont expect sparkling restrooms; the charm is in its character, not its conveniences.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 82.4%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Based on 14 positive opinions out of 17 total, many rave about the great value, affordable prices, and big portions, often calling them terrific prices for what you get.
People consistently feel like theyre getting a steal, with generous amounts of food for an unbeatable price. However, its not universally praised. Theres one dissenting voice among the 17 opinions, mentioning expensive restaurant.
' This suggests that while the vast majority find the pricing excellent, a small minority might perceive it differently, perhaps expecting even lower costs or finding specific items pricey.
Value
17
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Big portions
What people don't like
- Expensive
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this family-owned restaurant was fantastic! I felt like I was robbing them for how much food they gave me for $40. It's important to note that they are cash only and close early, but it's definitely worth it.
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was characterized by huge servings of medium-low quality food, offered at cheap prices. It's a place worth trying at least once.
- 3 entree dealfantastic 3 entree deal for $31
- Terrific pricesTerrific prices for the portions
- affordable pricesbig portions and affordable prices
- great priceMy experience at this restaurant was like finding my comfort Chinese food place. The portions were awesome, offering lots of food for a great price. It truly reminded me of home cooking.
- great valuegreat value
- lunch plateslunch plates for about $6
- price per personThe food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the service also received a high rating of 5. The atmosphere was a bit more moderate at a 3, and the price per person was very affordable, ranging from $1–10. Overall, it was a great breakfast experience.
- valueexcellwnt value
Frequently criticized
- expensive restaurantu know that we are a expensive restaurant
If youre looking for a fantastic deal, this place is a strong contender. Most diners are thrilled with the generous portions and affordable prices, making it a great pick for budget-conscious eating. Youre likely to get great bang for your buck, though one customer did find it expensive.
How are the prices at Buffalo Kitchen?
On average, you’ll spend around 15 per person – from 9 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners are clustering in this 11-20$ range, with a couple of slightly cheaper options, indicating a fairly consistent pricing experience. Since we only have 9 reviews, it’s a good indication, but keep in mind the data is a bit limited.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 9 reviews. While the data is a bit limited, it gives us a good idea of typical spending.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, offering a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Buffalo Kitchen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Hole-in-the-wall Chinese with Big Portions
I've been coming here for many years to this hole-in-the-wall spot. They offer big portions and affordable prices, serving pretty much everything you'd expect from a typical Chinese restaurant. They even have dim sum in the morning.
The $3 rice noodles and $2 small porridge are a steal. I recommend calling ahead to place an order because parking is limited. My favorite dish is their Mongolian Beef; it's slightly spicy and packed with flavor.
- big portions9
- affordable prices9
- dim sum8
- parking4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Discriminated by Appearance
I live very close to Buffalo Kitchen and decided to visit one morning. I was wearing my sleepwear, and the waiter lady approached me, stating that we are an expensive restaurant. She judged me by my appearance, seemingly assuming I was homeless and wouldn't pay.
Consequently, I left without ordering anything and will encourage others who witness discrimination to avoid eating here.
- waiter lady1
- expensive restaurant2
- judged me by my appearance1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Outstanding Pork and Egg Rice Noodle Roll
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their pork and egg rice noodle roll / Cheung fun / 腸粉. It's made fresh to order and is truly outstanding. The food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the service also received a high rating of 5.
The atmosphere was a bit more moderate at a 3, and the price per person was very affordable, ranging from $1–10. Overall, it was a great breakfast experience.
- pork and egg rice noodle roll10
- Cheung fun10
- 腸粉10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Favorite Neighborhood Spot for Delicious Takeout
My favorite neighborhood restaurant! I love getting takeout from here; they get the order ready so fast and it's always delicious. Terrific prices for the portions, the $31 combo meal (3 dishes, rice, soup) is my go-to.
- takeout9
- delicious10
- Terrific prices9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Value, Cash Only
My experience at this family-owned restaurant was fantastic! I felt like I was robbing them for how much food they gave me for $40. It's important to note that they are cash only and close early, but it's definitely worth it.
😋
- food10
- price10
- cash only6
What Buffalo Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Buffalo Kitchen offer?
At Buffalo Kitchen, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Can you get takeout from Buffalo Kitchen, and is it suitable for families?
Yes, Buffalo Kitchen provides both dine-in and convenient takeout service for your meals. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great choice for a casual family outing in Visitacion Valley.
What is Buffalo Kitchen's overall rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Buffalo Kitchen holds a good overall score of 7.7 with 77% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.4) and Value (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Ambience (6.7) is good and Service (5.2) is average.
Does Buffalo Kitchen offer good value for its food?
Yes, customers frequently praise Buffalo Kitchen for its big portions and affordable prices, often mentioning great value and deals like the 3 entree deal.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere at Buffalo Kitchen?
While takeout orders are often quick, some patrons have noted that table service can lack attention. The atmosphere is described as community oriented, but parking can be limited and restrooms might need more care.