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oChef » Bun Mee – San Francisco
Bun Mee - San Francisco
Photo from Bun Mee
Bun Mee at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#1728 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#53 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
245
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Delicious food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent quality
- Limited seating
The Vietnamese restaurant Bun Mee in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find a perfect spot for a quick bite, whether you’re craving authentic flavors or a healthy option.
This casual and trendy eatery is a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike, providing a welcoming atmosphere for your dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Bun Mee
Bun Mee offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating the delicious food, particularly their sandwiches and unique sides. Guests often highlight the welcoming vibe and the efficiency of the friendly staff, making for a smooth visit.
The establishment also earns praise for its clean restaurant environment. However, some visitors find the portions a bit modest for the cost, leading to concerns about value.
While the overall setting is agreeable, there are occasional remarks about limited seating. A few experiences also point to issues with certain dishes not meeting expectations.
Good
6.9
out of 10
245
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
57
negative
23
neutral
165
positive
Bun Mee achieves a solid overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 67.3%, suggesting that while many leave content, there’s still room for improvement.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 245 customer remarks, with 165 positive observations outweighing 57 negative ones, painting a picture of a place that mostly hits the mark. Diving deeper, the Food (6.8) is a key draw, often described as delicious, though some specific dishes receive criticism.
Service (7.2) also stands out positively, with staff frequently noted for their friendliness and efficiency. The Ambience (7.8) receives the highest marks, praised for its clean and thoughtful design.
However, Value (6.1) is perceived as more average, with some finding prices a bit steep for the portions.
What people like
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
- Friendly, efficient service
- Delicious banh mi & sides
What people don't like
- Small portions, high price
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Limited seating options
Bun Mee presents a compelling option for those seeking a quick, flavorful meal, especially if you prioritize a pleasant setting and attentive service. With a recommendation score of 7.1, it generally delivers on its promise, making it a solid choice for a casual bite.
However, be mindful of portion sizes and pricing, as some dishes might feel a bit steep for what you receive. If you’re looking for a reliable spot with good vibes and generally tasty offerings, particularly during their noted happy hour, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bun Mee
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the delicious offerings. With 107 positive remarks out of 164 total comments, its clear that items like the sandwiches, especially the banh mi with its delicious fillings and crispy bread, often hit the spot. The Viet coffee and sweet potato fries also frequently earn high praise for their quality and taste.
However, the experience isnt universally perfect. While the food scores a good 6.8, customer satisfaction is a more mixed 65.2%. Some of the 38 negative comments point to issues like undercooked chicken, dry sandwiches, or bland meat.
Others noted an overpowering lemon taste or disappointing tofu, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
164
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
38
negative
19
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious banh mi
- Crispy bread
- Flavorful Viet coffee
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Undercooked chicken
- Dry sandwiches
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was great. The food was always delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the sandwich. The service was quick, and the line wasn't too long as I visited shortly after the lunch rush.
- banh miMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially during their happy hour. It's a convenient place to grab a banh mi. They offer a happy hour from 3-6pm with a special plate and banh mi are only $5.
- sandwichThe food was very good, clean, and served quickly. I found the prices to be moderate, with a very good sandwich costing around $10. The surroundings offered an intimate and shabby-chic atmosphere, presenting a classic California interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine.
- Vietnamese iced coffeeI love this place. I ordered the Chicken bun mee with no cucumbers and lite jalapeno, and a Vietnamese iced coffee. I started working in the SF office and am glad this place survived!
- combo sandwichMy favorite sandwich is the combo. Has a lot of delicious fillings inside!
- fried chicken bunfried chicken bun and some egg rolls; both tasted amazing
- garlic friesThe garlic fries were like no fries I've ever had before
- portionsportions are good too
- sweet potato friesSome of the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever found
- 5 spice chicken sandwichOrdered the 5 spice chicken sandwich
Frequently criticized
- breadFor some reason, half of it was spicy. The bread was super toasted and extremely crunchy. The chicken seemed a little greasy, but there wasn't much sauce.
- sandwichI waited about 10 minutes before it was served. The sandwich was so small for the price I paid. I suppose I should have expected this, given its location in the heart of the financial district and on Market Street.
- carrotsthe carrots were bland and underwhelming
- tofuMy experience at the restaurant was a significant disappointment, particularly with the vegan tofu banh mi. The tofu wasn’t even cooked, and the sandwich was overwhelmingly filled with 90% carrots. I was shocked to learn this is a bestseller.
- 5 Spice Chicken Saladfood poisoning from their 5 Spice Chicken Salad
- 5 spice chicken sandwichThe 5 spice chicken sandwich was lack luster
- Ban MiThe sandwich was dry and the bread was too hard, possibly over-toasted. I should have known that a Ban Mi from a place that sells sweet potato fries wasn't going to be great, but it's so much closer than Dragan Eats. Next time, I'll take the walk!
- Five Spice Chicken SandwichReally bland and boring! My sandwich was very one dimensional.
- caloriesWhat a waste of calories :(
- crispy tofu sandwichOrdered tofu spring rolls and crispy tofu sandwich. Tofu wasn’t crispy
If you're craving a flavorful banh mi or a refreshing Vietnamese coffee, this spot is often a great choice. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so choose wisely to ensure a satisfying meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
It looks like the service here is generally a hit! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at 74.4%, most folks are walking away happy. Based on 29 positive remarks out of 39 total, many rave about the friendly staff and efficient service, often noting quick service even during peak times, and even praising how orders are seamlessly amended.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, with 8 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some patrons experienced frustrating waiting times, especially during lunch service, and a few mentioned issues with drink orders not being correct. There were even a couple of concerns about staff being overly focused on tipping.
Service
39
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Efficient order amending
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Incorrect drink orders
- Tipping pressure
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive. The service was great, and the food was delicious. However, I found the price of banh mi to be a bit high at $9.
- staffThe staff were also very friendly
- ServiceService and atmosphere were also excellent
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- amended my ordershe seamlessly amended my order last minute for me
- app-based lunch businesstheir efficient app-based lunch business
- catering ordersKaren who does the catering orders is a lifesaver!
- everyoneEveryone was friendly.
- friendly serviceI enjoyed the fast casual Vietnamese style food, which offered sizable portions. The food was also fairly priced, and the service was friendly. Additionally, the restaurant was clean.
- friendly staffMy experience at this location of Bun Mee was fantastic! I had a tasty sandwich and encountered friendly staff. Sriracha was available on the table.
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeHad to wait about 20 min after ordering
- availabilityTheir baguettes have the perfect balance of crunchiness and chewiness, and the quality of the other ingredients at the FiDi location were consistent. I only wish they were open on the weekends as well, as they’re so conveniently located compared to the other SF locations.
- customersdealing with some customers who are otherwise the scourge of humanity
- drink ordersget the drink orders put together correctly
- lunch servicelunch service in this town is a joke
- servicethe service wasn't that great either
- tippingThey're more concern with you tipping them than actually doing their job
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient service, youll likely have a good experience. Just be prepared for potential longer waits or minor hiccups with orders, especially during busy lunch hours. It's definitely worth a try for the positive service, but keep your expectations realistic for peak times.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a great 86.4%, guests frequently praise the convenient location, inviting atmosphere, and trendy decor. Many appreciate the thoughtful design and overall cleanliness, making it a pleasant place to dine, as noted in 19 positive observations.
However, its not without a few minor snags. Out of 22 total comments, 3 point out some limitations, primarily concerning the amount of seating and the challenge of finding parking. While the outdoor seating is a nice touch, some found it to be limited, which is something to keep in mind if youre planning a visit.
Ambience
22
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Inviting atmosphere
- Trendy decor
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- locationTheir baguettes have the perfect balance of crunchiness and chewiness, and the quality of the other ingredients at the FiDi location were consistent. I only wish they were open on the weekends as well, as they’re so conveniently located compared to the other SF locations.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and service were great.
- outdoor seatingI quickly searched for another place and chose here. I noticed the outdoor seating and the trendy decor. Upon entering, I immediately saw the difference in pricing listed on Yelp.
- AtmosphereService and atmosphere were also excellent
- Clean restaurantthe restaurant was clean
- al fresco dining areait has a little al fresco dining area out front
- cleanlinessstaff really keep up cleanliness
- decorThe decor is very nice
- designthe design is thoughtful and nice
- dine-in areaMuch nicer in terms of having a dine-in area
Frequently criticized
- amount of seatingOnly problem is the amount of seating
- outdoor seatingbut limited
- parkingDifficult to find parking
If you're looking for a place with a good vibe, convenient location, and clean surroundings, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that seating might be a bit tight, and parking could require a little extra effort.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 indicating an average experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 50% mixed level. Many folks appreciate the "happy hour" deals and "fair pricing, " especially for banh mi and other "happy hour items. " Out of 20 total opinions, 10 highlighted these positive aspects, finding good value.
However, not everyone feels theyre getting their money's worth. Some found the food and sandwich price to be a bit steep, with 8 opinions expressing disappointment over what they considered overpriced items, particularly the banh mi. It seems the perception of value can really depend on what you order and when.
Value
20
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Fair banh mi prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced regular items
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricesreasonable prices
- happy hourThe surroundings offered an intimate and shabby-chic atmosphere, presenting a classic California interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine. A major highlight was their killer happy hour, running from 3-6 pm on weekdays, which is definitely worth a visit. My only caveat is regarding the drinks; they are at a premium, with limited free water or soda fountains available.
- banh miIt's a convenient place to grab a banh mi. They offer a happy hour from 3-6pm with a special plate and banh mi are only $5.
- fair pricingand fair pricing
- fairly pricedI enjoyed the fast casual Vietnamese style food, which offered sizable portions. The food was also fairly priced, and the service was friendly. Additionally, the restaurant was clean.
- half offMy experience was great! I ordered the pork belly banh mi and some Vietnamese coffee, which was half off. The location is super convenient, right across the street from the Palace Hotel.
- happy hour itemshappy hour items are a great deal
Frequently criticized
- priceI waited about 10 minutes before it was served. The sandwich was so small for the price I paid. I suppose I should have expected this, given its location in the heart of the financial district and on Market Street.
- foodThe smokey eggplant banh mi was unfortunately dry and flavourless, yet it was also greasy. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience, and I found the food totally overpriced.
- price of banh mi$9.50 for banh mi is a little too much
- sandwich pricea $9 sandwich that I've gotten elsewhere for $4 is hard to forget
If you're looking for a good deal, definitely hit up their happy hour for some fairly priced banh mi and special items. Otherwise, be mindful that some regular menu items, especially sandwiches, might feel a bit overpriced for what you get.
How are the prices at Bun Mee?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right within that $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bun Mee
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait for Food
My experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant wait time. It took 50 minutes to receive my food, and I don't understand why it took so long.
- waiting time2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Banh Mi, Pricey Combo
My experience at the restaurant involved trying the pork banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee. Both items tasted great. However, I'm giving it a 4-star rating because the total for just these two items was $20, which I found to be too pricey for a banh mi.
The atmosphere and service were both excellent, rated at 5 stars. Finding parking was difficult.
- pork banh mi8
- Vietnamese iced coffee8
- atmosphere10
- price3
- parking3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Good Sandwich, Okay Burger
My experience at the restaurant was generally positive, especially concerning the food. I found the sandwich to be pretty good and fresh. It's definitely a place I'd recommend if you're looking for a quick, filling, and cheap snack.
However, the chicken burger wasn't as good as the sandwich.
- sandwich8
- chicken burger5
- snack7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Underseasoned, Overcooked, and Forgotten Drink
My experience was marked by underseasoned and overcooked food. To add to the mediocrity, the service was careless as they forgot my iced coffee. While I understand lunch service can be challenging, I expect basic drink orders to be handled correctly.
- food2
- iced coffee1
- lunch service2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Terrible Tofu Sandwich
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food. I ordered the tofu sandwich, and unfortunately, it was so bad that I couldn't eat it. I ended up giving it to someone in need down the street.
While the vegetarian options were clearly labeled, this particular dish was a major letdown. The overall food quality received a low score of 1.
- vegetarian dishes6
- tofu sandwich1
- food quality1
What Bun Mee offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Bun Mee in Union Square?
At Bun Mee, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner, or just a quick dessert, you’ll find comfortable seating available. It’s a great spot for any meal.
Does Bun Mee offer healthy or vegetarian options?
Yes, Bun Mee caters to diverse preferences with a range of healthy options and dedicated vegetarian choices on their menu. You can easily find something delicious and suitable for your dietary needs, ensuring a satisfying meal in San Francisco.
What is Bun Mee's overall rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Bun Mee holds an overall score of 6.9. Its strongest areas are its Ambience (7.8) and Service (7.2), followed by its Food (6.8). Value (6.1) is considered average.
Does Bun Mee offer good deals or special promotions?
Yes, many customers praise Bun Mee’s happy hour, noting that items are often a great deal and worth visiting for.
Are there any common complaints about Bun Mee?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding the small sandwich portions for the price, occasional inconsistencies in food quality, and limited seating availability.