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oChef » Cafe Broadway – San Francisco
Cafe Broadway - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Broadway
Cafe Broadway at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#1865 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#189 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
465
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Large portions
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Cleanliness issues
- Hidden fees
The restaurant Cafe Broadway is a delightful Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual and inviting atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot has you covered. Plus, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for late-night food, ensuring your cravings are satisfied even after hours.
You can enjoy a relaxed dining experience here.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Broadway
Cafe Broadway offers a taste of authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine, with many praising the delicious dim sum and generous portions. You’ll find a variety of traditional dishes, from noodles to soup dumplings, often prepared with less MSG, which is a plus for many diners.
However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks. Some visitors have encountered inconsistent service, with reports ranging from attentive staff to significant wait times.
There have also been mentions of cleanliness concerns, which can detract from the overall dining atmosphere.
Good
6.7
out of 10
465
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
125
negative
38
neutral
302
positive
Looking at the numbers, Cafe Broadway achieves a respectable overall score of 6.7, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.9%, indicating that while many leave content, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 465 customer observations, with 302 positive remarks against 125 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food is a clear strong point, earning a good score of (7.6), with many appreciating the authentic Cantonese offerings.
However, Value (4.8) is perceived as average by some, and Service (5.5) also falls into the average range, suggesting room for improvement. The Ambience (6.4) is generally considered average, contributing to the mixed overall sentiment.
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese food
- Generous food portions
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Hidden charges
Cafe Broadway presents a mixed bag, offering genuinely authentic Cantonese dishes with generous portions that many find appealing. If you prioritize flavorful, traditional food at a reasonable price point and can overlook potential inconsistencies in service or minor cleanliness issues, it could be a worthwhile stop.
With a recommendation score of 7, it suggests that while not universally acclaimed, a majority of diners would still suggest giving it a try. It’s a place that might particularly suit those seeking a casual, no-frills meal where the focus is squarely on the food, rather than a polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Broadway
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 78.4%, diners are often delighted. Many of the 207 positive comments praise the authentic Chinese food, Dim Sum, and generous portions, often noting how fresh and delicious everything is.
However, not every dish is a home run. A smaller number of 37 remarks point out some issues, like certain fried items being greasy, an occasional strange taste in some dishes, or doughy dumplings. A few even found the porridge tasteless, suggesting some inconsistencies among the 264 total opinions.
Food
264
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
37
negative
20
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Delicious Dim Sum
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Greasy Fried Items
- Doughy Dumplings
- Inconsistent Taste
Often praised
- foodThe food, service and owners provide a true Chinese experience
- dim sumThe owner was kind enough to guide us on what to try, encouraging us to explore some new dishes. The dim sum was outstanding. We enjoyed duck wraps with fresh vegetables, a variety of dumplings, shumai, rice soup, and fried rice.
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant involved enjoying delicious and big portions of food. I ordered over the phone, but unfortunately, I had to wait a long time after arriving, suggesting they may have started preparing my order only after I was present and had paid.
- dumplingsMy experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying authentic Hong Kong style food. I particularly enjoyed the variety of dishes available, including noodles, rice rolls, chinese donuts, and dumplings. A significant positive aspect was that they use less MSG, which I found to be very good.
- Shanghai dumplingsordered the Shanghai dumplings and pork fried rice. Portions are huge
- fried riceThe dim sum was outstanding. We enjoyed duck wraps with fresh vegetables, a variety of dumplings, shumai, rice soup, and fried rice. The soup dumplings were especially comforting in the cool weather.
- noodlesCafe Broadway made that dream a reality! I was absolutely delighted by the wonderful fluffy pork filled Bao and the noodles to die for. The fried and steamed greens were also a highlight, as was the wonderful green tea.
- porridgeretained the same style of cooking with their porridge
- soup dumplings🩷 Every dish was so good; we finished everything 😭. The soup dumplings were just perfect and so juicy! The roasted duck was delicious!
- Cantonese cuisineVery authentic Cantonese cuisine from my opinion
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was not delicious at all
- beefthere is an after taste to the beef
- dim sumThe dim sum and porridge was average
- porridgeThe dim sum and porridge was average
- Chinese broccoliChinese broccoli did not taste fresh
- PortionsThe large menu makes it confusing and slightly overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. Portions seem to have gotten smaller? Would return if I were nearby.
- bad foodserving bad food
- beef chow funThe beef chow fun was somewhat dry
- beef soupDes déchets de viande inmangeables dans la soupe au boeuf
- beerI just wished they sell beer again
If youre looking for authentic Chinese food, especially Dim Sum, this place is definitely worth a visit, offering generous portions and fresh flavors. Just be mindful that some fried items might be a bit greasy, and a few dishes could be inconsistent. Overall, its a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, experiences here are quite varied, landing an average score of 5.5 with 46.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests have praised the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting their hospitality and quick service. Some even mentioned specific servers with an amazing smile and sense of humor, making for a wonderful experience.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with 48 positive remarks almost matched by 50 negative ones out of 103 total comments. Issues like long waiting times, order confusion, and unresponsive or even rude staff, sometimes involving tip disputes, have unfortunately left some customers feeling disappointed.
Service
103
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
50
negative
5
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude, unresponsive staff
- Tip issues
Often praised
- serviceI absolutely love the place! The atmosphere was great, complemented by amazing friendly service. The food was very nice and authentic.
- staffIt's conveniently located near the new Rose Pack Chinatown station, making it easy to access from anywhere in the Bay Area. The food was delicious, and the service was great, with a friendly staff. I highly recommend the BBQ Pork.
- ServiceService:5
- serverthe server was kind and attentive
- amazing smileher amazing smile
- bagthey kept it safe for me
- boss and ownerthe boss and / or owner is so nice and friendly
- everyone was niceeveryone was nice to me
- fast foodClean, fast and better food
- good servicesgood services, good foods and good price make business and customers feel win win
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was terrible due to the worst service ever. I witnessed a waiter yelling at a customer and telling them to "get out of this country!
- waiting timeend up waiting for 30 mins to get a seat
- waitressThe waitress ignore my request for cold water.
- ordershe didn't even got our order right
- waitwait ages just to submit the order
- wait timeEnded up waiting more than an hour
- waiterOur waiter used ordinary office scissors to cut the “chicken-shaped” dumplings
- ServiceService is not so good
- acceptable tipThe service was also a major issue; the server kept pushing unwanted expensive dishes on us and was unresponsive. To top it all off, when I left what the waiter deemed an "insufficient" tip, I was harassed until I paid an "acceptable" tip. I would avoid this place if you can.
- apologiesmade no apologies
Service here seems to be a roll of the dice; you might get a fantastic, friendly experience or encounter significant frustrations. If you're willing to take a chance, you could be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot gets a 6.4, landing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 55.8% mixed bag. Based on 29 positive remarks out of 52 total, many guests appreciate the overall cleanliness, modern restaurant feel, and comfy seating, often finding it a calmer setting with good music. However, 13 negative comments highlight some significant drawbacks.
Issues like dirty silverware, glasses, and even a cockroach sighting were reported. Some found the atmosphere noisy, hot and stuffy, or simply not the cleanest, especially concerning the bathrooms.
Ambience
52
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
13
negative
10
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interior
- Modern decor
- Calm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dirty items
- Cockroach sighting
- Noisy, stuffy
Often praised
- atmosphereyou're paying for the atmosphere. Loved sitting there
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a nice clean place that has maintained its cleanliness over the few years it's been open. The food is decent and the service is good.
- Modern RestaurantBeautiful Modern Restaurant!
- Not crowdedNot crowded.
- bathroombathroom is clean
- calmer settingeat and chat at a calmer setting
- ceilingsGreat big restrooms by the way! Big clean tables, good lighting, new ceilings :)))
- cleanlinessit's very clean inside
- comfy seatingGood atmosphere and music with comfy seating
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis place was packed and chaotic
- bathroomsThe bathrooms were extremely unclean, almost unusable
- cleanlinessnot the cleanest restaurant
- cockroacha cockroach flew basically onto my table
- dirtyrestaurant itself was quite dirty
- dirty chopsticksmy chopsticks were also dirty
- dirty glassrealized with my first sip that the glass was dirty
- dirty silverwaredirty silverware I was served an ice water
- hot and stuffyextremely hot and stuffy
- noisyTrès bruyant
If a clean, modern, and potentially calm setting is what youre after, this place might hit the mark. However, be aware that some visitors have encountered cleanliness issues and a noisy, uncomfortable environment. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, youll find some pleasant surprises here! Many customers rave about getting a lot of food for their money, with terms like affordable prices, reasonable prices, and good price popping up frequently. With 18 positive remarks, diners often feel theyre getting a good deal, especially with large portions.
The overall score for value sits at an average 4.8, though customer satisfaction is a bit low at 39.1%. However, the value story isnt entirely rosy. There are 25 negative comments, often highlighting issues with service charges, tips, and feeling overpriced.
' Many felt they were overcharged or faced mandatory tips, making the overall experience less valuable than expected. This divergence between an average score and poor satisfaction suggests some inconsistencies in pricing practices.
Value
46
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Large portions
- Affordable prices
- Good deals
What people don't like
- Mandatory tips
- Unexpected charges
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- priceYou can also inquire about available vegetables and request them stir-fried with garlic or prepared with steamed salted fish and pork. I had dinner here, and a large plate of Mapo Tofu (specially made), fish porridge, and a bowl of rice only cost $27. You don't need to overspend in San Francisco for great food; just follow the locals and avoid tourist traps.
- pricesThe seating consists of a few large central tables and booths along the sides. The portions are big and the prices are small, making it a great value. The food is good, offering typical Hong Kong/Cantonese dishes alongside some unexpected items like spaghetti and French toast.
- PricePrice-wise it's inexpensive worth the amount of food
- affordable pricesThis meal was so moving, it brought tears to my eyes. I will definitely be returning for the wonderful food at affordable prices and the wonderful hospitality from the staff <3.
- amount of foodThe scallion pancakes were excessively greasy. Overall, it was a good experience and not expensive considering the amount of food.
- decent pricesMy experience at Cafe Broadway was a good deal. They offer a pretty extensive menu of Dim Sum and Asian standards at decent prices. We visited for a mid-afternoon snack and, although we didn't realize they were about to close for their break (3-5 PM), we never felt rushed.
- good pricegood services, good foods and good price make business and customers feel win win
- happy hourMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by large portions and a very cheap price, especially during happy hour. However, it's important to note that this is not a place for amazing quality and service, so don't expect that.
- price pointsCompletely packed with elderly groups or young kids coming in after school or weekends. There’s plenty of menu specials, and they’re all real good at their price points, tbh. It’s not the cleanest restaurant.
- reasonable pricefor a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was not good and it was expensive. I found much better options in Chinatown.
- tipThe service was practically non-existent; we had to wait an excessive amount of time just to place our order, and we ended up having to go to the counter ourselves. To make matters worse, they claimed the card machine was broken at the last minute and then had the audacity to ask for a higher tip. This was after serving bad food with zero service.
- pricesLes prix sont élevés
- service chargespay over $4 something of service charges but the waitress ask me to pay at least $6.70 for customer service
- billthe bill mentioned it is a suggestion for customers
- bill detailsThe bill details the service charges of 15 percent 18 percent 20 percent all these are suggestions only
- card machineclaimed that the card machine was broken
- charged for ice waterrealized then that my chopsticks were also dirty
- customersit is no good for customers to consume their lunch/dinner here
- minimum tipils vous imposent et réclament un tip minimum
If you're looking for generous portions at what *can be* a good price, this spot might be worth a try. Just be prepared for potential extra charges or mandatory tips that could impact your final bill and overall perception of value.
How are the prices at Cafe Broadway?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending in this sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though there are a few premium options if you’re feeling fancy!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for most diners, with options for those looking to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Broadway
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
6
Okay Lunch, Lacking Old-Fashioned Charm
My experience at this restaurant for lunch was just okay. While I enjoyed the meal and found the food to be tasty and filling, it didn't quite deliver the “old fashioned” Chinatown dining experience I prefer, which seems to be becoming rarer. The presentation was appealing, and the service was fine.
However, the establishment felt updated, and the wheelchair accessibility was not too good.
- lunch7
- food8
- presentation7
- old fashioned Chinatown dining experience3
- wheelchair accessibility2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Carmen Made Our Day!
We totally recommend this place! The food was delicious, but the heart and soul of this place is Carmen, the waitress. With her amazing smile and sense of humor, she made our day!
Carmen, you are the best! :)
- food8
- waitress10
- amazing smile10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Huge Portions, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I ordered the Shanghai dumplings and pork fried rice, and both were delicious. The food was excellent, and the service was incredibly fast.
A notable aspect was the portion size; the servings were huge, making it ideal for dining with a group. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the noise level was moderate.
- Shanghai dumplings9
- pork fried rice9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Fair Price for Okay Food
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a good atmosphere and enjoyable music, complemented by comfy seating. The food was alright, but not particularly outstanding. However, the fair price more than compensated for the food's mediocrity.
The service received a low rating, suggesting room for improvement in that area.
- atmosphere8
- music8
- comfy seating8
- service2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
My Go-To Dim Sum Spot
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It has become my go-to place for dim sum in San Francisco. The food is delicious, and the interior is very clean.
- dim sum9
- food9
- cleanliness8
What Cafe Broadway offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Cafe Broadway?
Cafe Broadway offers a comprehensive selection of dining options. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also provide catering services and comfortable seating. For families, high chairs are available, and you can always save room for dessert.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Cafe Broadway?
You’ll find a casual atmosphere at Cafe Broadway, perfect for a relaxed meal. Their offerings include late-night food, quick bites, and small plates. You can also enjoy a selection of beverages, including coffee, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. It’s a great spot for a casual outing.
What is Cafe Broadway's overall rating and how do its aspects score?
Cafe Broadway holds an overall score of 6.7. Its Food is rated good at 7.6, Ambience is average at 6.4, Service is average at 5.5, and Value is considered average at 4.8.
What do customers generally appreciate about Cafe Broadway?
Many customers frequently praise Cafe Broadway for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, the generous portions of food served, and its generally affordable prices.
What are some common criticisms or drawbacks at Cafe Broadway?
Some patrons have reported issues with inconsistent service, concerns regarding the restaurant’s cleanliness, and unexpected charges or difficulties related to value.