Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Chili House – San Francisco
Chili House - San Francisco
Photo from Chili House
Chili House at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#1749 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#158 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
511
Reviews
64.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Peking Duck
- Good Value
- Live Performance
Frequently criticized
- Poor Service
- Hidden Fees
- Bad Seating
The restaurant, a vibrant Chinese Restaurant, is nestled in San Francisco’s lively Richmond District. When you step into Chili House SF, you’ll immediately notice the inviting atmosphere, often enhanced by captivating live music.
This spot offers a genuine taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Overview: Introducting Chili House
Chili House offers a culinary experience centered around its well-regarded dishes, particularly its signature duck. Many appreciate the reasonable prices and the overall quality of the cuisine, making it a solid choice for those seeking authentic flavors.
However, the dining experience can be inconsistent, with some guests noting issues with attentiveness from staff and concerns about hidden charges. The atmosphere, while generally pleasant, occasionally presents minor inconveniences like seating arrangements.
Good
6.9
out of 10
511
Reviews
64.6%
Satisfaction
124
negative
57
neutral
330
positive
Chili House achieves an overall score of 6.9, placing it in the good category, yet its Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.6%. This suggests a somewhat divided experience among diners.
The Food (7.6) clearly stands out as the main draw, garnering significant positive feedback from 330 patrons, making it the highest-rated aspect. While the Ambience (6.5) is generally well-received, and Service (4.9) is average, these areas show room for improvement, as indicated by 124 critical remarks.
The Value (4.4) also falls into the average range, with some guests finding certain aspects less appealing for the price. These insights are drawn from a total of 511 customer observations.
What people like
- Authentic Peking Duck
- Reasonable dish prices
- Engaging cultural performance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Unexpected service fees
- Unpleasant seating arrangements
If you’re primarily seeking well-prepared dishes, Chili House is worth considering, especially for its highly praised duck. The Recommendation Score of 7.2 suggests many leave satisfied, particularly those who prioritize the culinary experience above all else.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value. While the food often shines, managing expectations regarding other aspects will ensure a more enjoyable visit.
It’s a place that delivers on taste, but with a few caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chili House
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns high marks! With a good score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 75.3%, diners are often delighted. Out of 360 comments, a whopping 271 rave about the Peking duck, authentic Chinese food, and flavorful dishes, especially the Sichuan cuisine and dumplings.
However, its not always a perfect plate. 57 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement, such as concerns about food poisoning, dishes being too salty, or sometimes dry and tough Peking duck. A few also noted that certain items like chili chicken lacked enough meat or that some soup dumplings werent up to par.
Food
360
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
57
negative
32
neutral
271
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Peking Duck
- Authentic Chinese Flavors
- Flavorful Spicy Dishes
What people don't like
- Risk of Food Poisoning
- Inconsistent Seasoning
- Dry Duck Meat
Often praised
- Peking duckMy experience at this restaurant featured authentic Peking duck, which was a highlight. The chrysanthemum tea was also good.
- foodExcellent food with lots of choices
- duckBe sure to call ahead and reserve your duck; it's a must-get for sure! I usually can only eat a few pieces at other places, but I could probably eat a whole half order by myself here! Other favorites were the string beans and flat noodles.
- Peking DuckThis place has been on my list to try for quite some time, and I'm so glad we finally were able to stop by and try their infamous Peking Duck. It was a little interesting trying it with tortilla wrap and lettuce wrap, but it tasted pretty good. I still prefer my bao buns though!
- dumplingssoups, dumplings, etc. Also, they are known for their Peking duck!
- fried riceI can always depend on the high quality ingredients and the effort put into each dish. My go-to orders include chow mein, fried rice, spicy eggplant, mapo tofu, and wonton soup. My uncles took me here a while back, and we also really enjoyed the Peking duck.
- other dishesHowever, the tea smoked duck was still amazing. The other dishes were also delicious, but I wouldn’t get the soup dumplings here. We had enough for another meal at home.
- Chinese foodbest and most authentic Chinese food I've ever had
- authentic Chinese foodYou always need to have some authentic Chinese food once in a while.
- soupQuite a good soup and felt pretty clean like they had skimmed the oil out
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience was extremely frustrating. I placed an order before the restaurant closed, but they did not cook the food I ordered. After waiting for over an hour, I realized I wouldn't be receiving my meal.
- Peking duckPeking duck tasted abit burnt and felt over cooked
- Beijing duckThe duck itself was a let down. Dry on the inside and not crisp enough on the outside.
- Beijing duck meatBeijing duck meat was dry
- Chicken w/ Explosive Chili Peppermy friend thought the chicken was bad and sour
- Dong po porkDong po pork came with a giant bone, was way too soupy
- Foodthis was not good
- Holiman beefno Holiman beef
- Sichuan appetizer beefThis dish does not taste good, not authenticity Sichuan
- beef noodle soupThe beef was pretty much all fat and barely any meat.
If youre craving authentic Chinese, especially Peking duck and spicy Sichuan cuisine, this spot is definitely worth checking out for its generally flavorful offerings. Just be aware that some dishes might be too salty or occasionally dry', so choose wisely for a satisfying meal.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Despite a poor customer satisfaction of 37.5% and an average score of 4.9, many guests still found bright spots in the service. With 33 positive comments, highlights include friendly staff, attentiveness, and speed. Many also appreciated the advice to order in advance for certain dishes, ensuring a smoother experience.
However, the service experience was a mixed bag for many, with 43 negative comments out of 88 total. Common complaints included excessive waiting times for tables and food, rude or impatient staff, and a general lack of attention. Some even felt unwelcome or experienced unequal service, leading to a frustrating visit for others.
Service
88
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
43
negative
12
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient, quick service
- Pre-order recommended
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude, impatient staff
- Unequal, inattentive service
Often praised
- servicePresentation and service were amazing
- staffThe staff were nice enough to swap and recommend another dish
- ServiceService is extremely friendly.
- attentiveIf you are white, they will be very attentive.
- attentivenessservice was excellent, fast and attentive
- awesome performanceawesome performance while serving the food
- foodFood was quick but not too quick.
- friendly staffIt's the friendly staff
- getting there earlyGet there early as it gets jammed early
- order in advanceyou have to order in advance of your reservation
Frequently criticized
- serviceFor the service we got, I would give them 1 star
- staffasked the staff if I could change my table but they said I can't
- waiting timeseated 30 mins late, there were other disgruntled customers
- American-like serviceexpecting “American-like service” this might not be the place
- Chinese-like serviceexpecting Chinese-like service
- EnglishThey speak poor English
- ServiceService is hard if you aren't fluent in Chinese
- apologiesNo apologies of any kind.
- customer serviceTerrible customer service. They are arrogant, rude and discriminating.
- discuss behind your backthey discuss behind your back about you in their native language.
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While some find the staff friendly and efficient, others report long waits and rudeness. It seems pre-ordering and managing expectations, especially regarding wait times, might be key to a smoother visit.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
The ambience here has its bright spots, with 17 positive comments out of 33 total. Many guests enjoyed the nice appearance, noting the cleanliness and a generally pleasant atmosphere. The convenience of outlets for charging phones also stood out, contributing to a respectable average score of 6.5.
However, there are areas for improvement, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 51.5%. Some diners werent thrilled with their table location, feeling too close to the entrance or having other customers standing nearby. Concerns about chipped dishes and the restroom' setup, including takeout boxes stored there, also surfaced in 7 negative remarks.
Ambience
33
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
7
negative
9
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice appearance
- Super clean
- Phone charging outlets
What people don't like
- Poor table location
- Chipped dishes
- Restroom issues
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experienceThis was an memorable experience!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceambiance was very good
- appearancevery nice nice appearance
- cleanThe service was dry and the server kept away from the table. While the place looked clean and sanitized, the food and service were not worth the price.
- cleanlinesswas super clean
- face-changing performancea surprise face-changing performance, a fun show
- friendly customersand the friendly customers
- outletsnice to have outlets here so we could charge our phone
Frequently criticized
- ambiancenot about the ambiance or setting
- chipped dishesplease try not to serve in chipped dishes!
- dining experiencedidn't enjoy my dining experience at all
- other customerseating with other customers who were waiting in line just standing over us
- restroomThe restroom faces directly towards the kitchen and they store takeout boxes in the restrooms!!
- street parkingprepare to look for street parking
- table locationgot my seat very close to the entrance and it wasn't pleasant at all
If a generally clean setting with some thoughtful touches is what you're after, you might find it here. However, be prepared for potential quirks like less-than-ideal seating or minor maintenance issues that could impact your overall comfort.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Despite a somewhat low customer satisfaction of 30%, some diners found the value here to be quite appealing. Many appreciated the solid price point and reasonable prices for what they received, especially when considering the quality of dishes like the Peking Duck. Freebies like coupons and extra noodles also added to the perceived value, making some feel the price was just right.
However, the overall score for value sits at an average 4.4, and a significant number of the 30 opinions, with 17 being negative, point to concerns. Many felt the food was overpriced or simply not worth it, especially when unexpected service charges or extra fees for items like plain buns and green onions made the meal expensive. This led to disappointment regarding the overall value for money.
Value
30
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for duck
- Reasonable price point
- Offers extra perks
What people don't like
- Hidden service fees
- Overpriced food
- Extra charges for basics
Often praised
- priceI highly recommend the Peking Duck! It tastes awesome and the price is reasonable. They serve the duck on a plate with candles underneath to ensure it stays warm and delicious.
- couponWe also received free Tan Tan noodles for placing an order of $40, which was awesome and yummy (spicy)! We even received a coupon for $5 off our next order. We've been here twice to pick up and will continue to try new dishes from them.
- duck$50 for the duck worth the money.
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- price pointPrice point is solid
- reasonable pricesgreat food at reasonable prices
- valuedelicious and reasonably good value too.
Frequently criticized
- pricePrice was slightly on the high side, but again no issue but as long as the duck was good and in this case it wasn’t.
- pricesThe prices are slightly expensive compared to other similar restaurants
- service feeUnreasonable mandatory 16% service fee for a 3 people table!??
- chargeseparate 6$ charge
- foodThe food is overpriced
- green onionspaying 6$ for green onions, I expect more than 1 stalks worth
- meal for the priceVery disappointed with the meal for the price we paid
- plain bunscharge extra for the plain buns
- service chargeThey should clearly mention about the service charge before we place an order
- valuedefinitely not worth it
If youre looking for a deal, this place might be a mixed bag. While some find specific dishes or promotions offer good value, be prepared for potentially high prices and unexpected service fees. Its worth trying if youre keen on their specialty items and dont mind the extra costs.
How are the prices at Chili House?
You’re looking at roughly 46 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 46, we see a good spread in what people spend, with many finding options in the 21 – 40 $ range, alongside those enjoying more premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 68 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, offering choices for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chili House
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Duck and Amazing Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I was looking for some of the best duck in city or the Bay, and this place delivered. Everything else on the menu was also amazing.
I can't wait until they reopen.
- duck10
- everything else on the menu10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Duck, Bad Value for Sides
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The duck itself was really good, earning a high food score. However, it was quite frustrating that the cucumber and green onions were not included with the duck dish and incurred a separate $6 charge.
To make matters worse, the portion size for these sides was so small that it didn't justify the initial cost, forcing me to consider buying more. While I understand businesses need to charge for items, paying $6 for what amounted to about one stalk's worth of green onions felt like poor value.
- duck9
- cucumber and green onions2
- portion size3
- charge2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Authentic Chinese Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! Although I wasn't able to try the Peking duck, the food was amazing! The pickled Sichuan fish soup was exceptional, described as so good and soothing, with a bit of spice.
The other dishes were also very well made. It's always great to have some authentic Chinese food once in a while. I super recommended it!
- food9
- pickled Sichuan fish soup10
- other dishes8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Busy but Mixed Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. It's a very busy place, and we were lucky to have booked ahead. Unfortunately, the food was not that tasty.
We received cold chicken with an excessive amount of bones. While the tofu took a while to arrive, it was very good, and we enjoyed it. The beef dumplings tasted more like pork.
Overall, it was not a bad experience.
- tofu8
- beef dumplings5
- waiting time5
- cold chicken2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Experience, Overpriced Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was not authentic, and even the famous Peking Duck was just okay. To make matters worse, the food is overpriced.
The restaurant seemed understaffed, with only 2-3 staff members for a full house, leading to an inability to fulfill requests in an appropriate time. Due to these issues, I do not recommend this place.
- Peking Duck5
- food2
- staff1
- request1
What Chili House offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
FAQs
Is Chili House SF accessible for all guests?
Yes, Chili House in San Francisco is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining and dietary options are available at Chili House SF?
At Chili House, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with various seating options. They also offer excellent vegan and vegetarian choices, alongside convenient no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in services.
How does Chili House rate overall, and what are its strongest and weakest points?
Chili House holds an overall score of 6.9, with Food (7.6) being its highest-rated aspect. Ambience (6.5) is also good, while Service (4.9) and Value (4.4) are considered average.
Is the Peking duck at Chili House recommended?
Yes, the Peking duck is frequently highlighted as a must-try, praised for its authenticity and taste, though some rare instances mention it being dry or overcooked.
What are common concerns regarding service at Chili House?
Some patrons report inconsistent service, including issues with staff attentiveness, language barriers, and occasional rudeness, which can impact the dining experience.