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oChef » Chong Qing Xiao Mian – San Francisco
Chong Qing Xiao Mian - San Francisco
Photo from Chong Qing Xiao Mian
Chong Qing Xiao Mian at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 140 of the guests
#2131 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#244 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
712
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful noodles
- Cozy setting
- Prompt service
Frequently criticized
- Tipping disputes
- Poor service
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant Chong Qing Xiao Mian in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown is a Chinese restaurant that invites you to experience authentic flavors. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a delightful culinary journey. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery options.
Overview: Introducting Chong Qing Xiao Mian
Chong Qing Xiao Mian offers a culinary experience centered around flavorful noodles, often noted for their delicious taste and generous portions. Many appreciate the generally fast service and the often cozy atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over cleanliness, with mentions of dirty conditions. There are also notable issues with bad attitude from staff regarding mandatory tip practices, which can detract significantly from the overall experience.
Good
6.1
out of 10
712
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
252
negative
61
neutral
399
positive
Overall, Chong Qing Xiao Mian registers a Restaurant Score of 6.1, placing it in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 56%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
These figures are drawn from over 700 customer observations, with 399 positive remarks contrasting with 252 negative ones, painting a picture of varied experiences. Delving deeper, Food stands out with a score of (6.3), often praised for its taste and portion sizes.
Ambience (6) is generally considered average, while Service (5.8) hovers just below, with some guests noting quick delivery but others citing issues. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.9), which customers found to be less compelling.
What people like
- Delicious, generous portions
- Cozy atmosphere
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Mandatory tipping issues
- Unprofessional staff attitude
- Cleanliness concerns
Chong Qing Xiao Mian presents a mixed experience, with its delicious and generous portions often hitting the mark for noodle enthusiasts. However, potential diners should be aware of reported issues with mandatory tip practices and occasional bad attitude from staff, which can detract from the meal.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.4, it suggests a visit could be worthwhile if you prioritize the food itself and are prepared for potential service quirks. If you’re seeking a straightforward, flavorful noodle experience and can overlook some operational inconsistencies, it might be a place to consider.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chong Qing Xiao Mian
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Diving into the food, it's a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a 6.3 score and 57.2% customer satisfaction. Many diners, accounting for 273 positive remarks out of 477 total comments, rave about the flavorful dishes, often highlighting the generous portions and fresh noodles. It seems the authentic taste and hearty offerings are quite satisfying for many.
However, not everyone leaves fully impressed. The 157 negative comments frequently point to a lack of flavor or dishes being too oily. There are also concerns about overcooked noodles and the overall authenticity of certain items, suggesting that consistency might be a bit of a challenge here.
Food
477
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
157
negative
47
neutral
273
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Portions are generous
- Food is flavorful
- Noodles are fresh
What people don't like
- Lacks distinct flavor
- Noodles are inconsistent
- Food lacks authenticity
Often praised
- foodThey were very understanding of a rowdy two-year-old in our party. While I really enjoyed the food, I felt it could have been a little more 麻 (numbing) and a little more 辣 (spicy) to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- noodlesI ordered a bit too much on my first visit and skipped dinner because lunch was so filling. If you crave some spicy and piping hot noodles, this is a great place to check out.
- portionsBoth turned out to be absolutely delicious. The portions were seriously generous. Even though my son wasn’t supposed to eat anything spicy because of his sore throat, he couldn’t resist and ended up devouring most of the Dan Dan Noodles.
- Dan Dan noodlesOMG the dan dan noodles are Amazing. Spicy without being overwhelmingly hot, bursting with flavors, absolutely delicious.
- portionMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The noodles were great and came in a very big portion. However, they were not very spicy.
- FoodFood:5
- noodle soupboth of us noodle soup. And it was so indredible
- soupInitially, I had concerns seeing that almost everything was marked as spicy, but when you order, you can adjust the spice level without any problem. The soup was very tasty, although very different from any I've tried before. I recommend the place if you are looking for some noodles.
- beefthe beef came right off the giant bone they gave. The taste was amazing and very tender.
- beef ribThe beef rib was good and the only redeeming factor
Frequently criticized
- noodlesUnfortunately, the dish I ordered didn't resemble the popular 'Ramen' at all. It was a soup with a massive amount of noodles, very few vegetables, and beef on the bone (which was the dominant flavor). If you enjoy the taste of bone marrow, you'll be satisfied.
- foodThe food was not authentic. Bad taste
- chickenThe noodles were half-cooked, and the chili was burned and charred. The chicken was not juicy, making it low quality food at restaurant prices. Furthermore, the chopsticks were too dirty, leading me to suggest bringing your own cutleries.
- soupPersonally, I advise against this item, the 'SPICY BEEF NOODLE SOUP'. The soup was bland, mostly tasting of oil and chili. The meat was tough and difficult to chew.
- beefThe overcooked noodles soaked up the soup, which made it worse. In the picture on the menu, the beef was shown as cubed with no bones, but they just gave us the barest of bones with the least tender meat they could find, and for $17! However, the reason it's not one star is because the pickled mustard soup with fish was actually not bad.
- broththe broth was deceptive. Yes, it's red, spicy and numbing but not too much flavor
- plum juiceplum juice literally tasted like lysol. ... it was disgusting
- authenticityIt lacked authenticity, using the wrong type of noodle
- flavorThe dish had no real flavor
- meatFrom the start, the table and plates were dirty, which was quite off-putting. The food itself was tasteless and seemed to be swimming in overly salty oil, with the meat being excessively dry. To make matters worse, the tea was so dilute it tasted like plain water.
If you're looking for a meal with potentially generous portions and flavorful options, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lack consistency in authenticity or flavor, and could lean towards being oily.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners found a lot to appreciate, with 75 positive remarks out of 132 total. Guests frequently praised the fast service, friendly staff, and quick seating, often noting how accommodating the team was. It seems getting your food quickly and being treated well is a common experience here.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with 53 negative comments contributing to an average score of 5.8 and mixed customer satisfaction at 56.8%. Some encountered rude staff, long waits, and felt pressure for tipping, with a few even describing a bad attitude. This suggests a noticeable inconsistency in the service experience.
Service
132
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
53
negative
4
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- Tipping pressure
Often praised
- serviceWe enjoyed springrolls, seasonal vegetables, and both of us had noodle soup, which was simply incredible. The service was nice and also really fast. This was one of the best Chinese food experiences I've had outside of China.
- ServiceThe sauteed vegetables were the highlight of the meal. Service was good and the food was quick, with no need to line up.
- staffI haven't been to the actual Chongqing in China, so I can't speak to the authenticity of the local taste, but the noodles were appropriately spicy and delicious. The staff weren't overly friendly, but they were kind. Since it's near Chinatown, the atmosphere felt more Chinese than American, which might not suit everyone.
- foodThe food went very quickly
- wait timeusually <5 min wait
- StaffStaff was smiley
- accommodatingvery accommodating of a rowdy two year old
- food come out fastfood come out fast
- food was quickThe sauteed vegetables were the highlight of the meal. Service was good and the food was quick, with no need to line up.
- friendly and niceThey were very friendly and nice too!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by no service at all, yet they still asked for tips. The staff displayed a really bad attitude.
- tipsthey demanded tips and even created a mini-scene about it
- waitressthe waitress said they are in business for 8 years.
- serverI had a truly shocking experience here. After paying for my meal, the server angrily confronted me for leaving a “small” tip, raising their voice in public and saying I wasn't allowed to leave without tipping more. This is unacceptable and ruined my dining experience.
- attitudeannoyed by that kind of attitude
- wait timewaited like 50 minutes! It was unbelievable!
- waiting timeWaited for a long time and didn't get a seating
- MianNot only have they peaked, but they've become lazy
- ServiceService:1
- bad servicebad service restaurant
If you're looking for a quick meal and friendly faces, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or encountering staff who might be less than accommodating, especially regarding tipping expectations.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers found the atmosphere to be great, appreciating the cozy dining environment and tolerable noise level. Based on 68 comments, with 36 positive mentions, guests enjoyed the authentic feel and bustling vibe of the place, making for a pleasant experience. The overall score for ambience sits at an average 6, suggesting a decent, if not spectacular, setting.
However, the ambience isnt without its flaws. With 24 negative mentions, some found the place to be a bit rundown, citing concerns about sanitation, particularly regarding the bathroom and general cleanliness. The presence of flies and limited seating also detracted from the experience for some.
Customer satisfaction for ambience is at a mixed 52.9%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
68
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
24
negative
8
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Cozy dining
- Quiet noise level
What people don't like
- Dirty restrooms
- Poor sanitation
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI tried the spicy beef noodle soup and a Thai tea, both of which were delicious. The soup had just the right amount of spice, and the atmosphere, although small, is pleasant. I recommend this place.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- noise levelthe noise level was tolerable
- placeEs un sitio acogedor, temático
- restauranta great restaurant to go
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was delicious with great ambiance. It was awesome to dine in with friends.
- authentic hole in the wallPretty authentic hole in the wall
- dining environmentCozy and relaxing dinning environment
- experiencefue una grata experiencia
- interioryou're surprised to see the dining room gradually widen into quite a large space
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere were rated 1
- placeThe place was small and crowded
- Chinatown tourist trapit’s just a Chinatown tourist trap
- Chongqing Xiao MianCXM features what you'd imagine finding at a noodle dive
- bathroombathroom definitely needs a renovation
- chopstickschopsticks was too dirty
- cleanlinessRestaurant was very dirty you couldn't see outside because of the dirty glass.
- dirty glassyou couldn't see outside because of the dirty glass.
- disappointmentTotally disappointment.
- environment outsideWhat I did not like is the environment outside the restaurant
If youre seeking a lively, authentic spot and can overlook some minor imperfections, the ambience here might be just what youre looking for. But if pristine cleanliness and spaciousness are high on your list, you might want to adjust your expectations or consider other options.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Despite a score of 4.9 and 42.9% customer satisfaction, many guests felt they got a good deal. Out of 35 total opinions, 15 highlighted positive aspects, noting the cost and price were often fair. Many appreciated the bang for your buck and found items priced affordably, making for a satisfying meal.
However, the 42.9% customer satisfaction and score of 4.9 also reflect significant concerns, with 18 negative opinions. Guests frequently expressed frustration over tip issues, including mandatory tip policies and hidden extras. Charges for togo box and bag also detracted from the overall perceived value, leading to a mixed experience.
Value
35
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable cost
- Good price-quality
- Great bang for buck
What people don't like
- Forced tipping
- Hidden extra charges
- To-go container fees
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant offered a good price for a quick dinner, but the food was not at all authentic Chinese food. The Chongqing spicy noodles lacked spice and flavor.
- pricesIt was awesome to dine in with friends. The excellent service by the staff and fair prices made for a wonderful evening.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- bang for your buckThe best bang for your buck
- costthe cost was very affordable
- paid exactlyI came for the food, not for someone carrying a plate; I could have picked it up myself. I already paid exactly what was written on the menu – a deal is a deal. I wish you the same kind of treatment when you end up in the hospital, or when you pay your electricity bills, or when you buy a car or take out a loan: being forced to pay hidden extras is a scam.
- priced affordablypriced affordably for Bay Area standards
- satisfactionFor excellent satisfaction.
Frequently criticized
- tipHowever, after seeing the small receipt, the server whispered to another staff member about me not leaving a tip. They then forced me to add a tip. This unprofessional attitude annoyed me, and I was considering skipping the tip altogether, but the server literally blocked my chair, making it seem like I couldn't leave without paying extra.
- mandatory tipthe mandatory tip is 20%
- $17And for 17 dollars!!!
- billat the time of paying the bill, the waitress clicked too fast on the pad and we think she included an additional meal or her own tip, as it turned 10 usd higher bill than our calculations.
- foodThe food is on the pricey side
- food containersand for food containers (to pack up leftovers).
- forcing tipsThe practice of forcing tips is nothing more than hidden tax evasion
- hidden extrasI already paid exactly what was written on the menu – a deal is a deal. I wish you the same kind of treatment when you end up in the hospital, or when you pay your electricity bills, or when you buy a car or take out a loan: being forced to pay hidden extras is a scam. A deal is a deal.
- moneySuch behavior is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. It clearly shows that money comes before the customer. The food received a rating of 2, while the service and atmosphere were rated 1.
- plastic bagExtra charge for a plastic bag ($0.30)
If you're looking for an affordable meal, this spot might offer decent value for the food itself. However, be prepared for potential extra charges like mandatory tips or fees for to-go containers, which could impact your final bill and overall satisfaction.
How are the prices at Chong Qing Xiao Mian?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 140 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.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 range, showing prices are pretty consistent around that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 140 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. You’re getting good value for a comfortable mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chong Qing Xiao Mian
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.)
3
Disappointing Value and Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly regarding the value for money. While the wonton had the right taste, the portion size was very small. The spring rolls were also a letdown.
Given the number of other restaurants in the area, I believe you can find better options. The staff were not unpleasant, but overall, the experience didn't meet expectations.
- wonton7
- staff6
- value for money2
- portion size3
- spring rolls3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Aggressive Tipping Demands Ruined Experience
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately marred by a very aggressive interaction with the staff regarding tips. Although I had already tipped when paying at the terminal, the staff member claimed to have missed it and aggressively questioned me for additional tips, making me feel like a criminal. She even printed the receipt to show I hadn't tipped, despite the fact that I had.
It made me question whether tips should even be a matter of demand rather than being given at will.
- tips1
- staff1
- paying at the terminal2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Dan Dan Noodles in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I can confidently say they serve the BEST damn Dan Dan noodles I have ever had. I make sure to visit every time I'm in San Francisco because they are consistently so good.
Thank you for maintaining such high quality!
- Dan Dan noodles10
- consistency9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Spicy Wonton Soup Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible. I had the best spicy wonton soup I've ever tasted and I'm already dreaming about returning. The food was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks of 5.
It was a delightful dinner for two, with no wait time and a price range of $10–20 per person.
- spicy wonton soup10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Chongqing Beef Noodle Soup!
My experience at the restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I had a simple meal with friendly service. I tried Chongqing food for the first time, and the beef noodle soup was excellent!
It's a must-try!
- simple meal7
- friendly service9
- beef noodle soup10
What Chong Qing Xiao Mian offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Salad bar
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Chong Qing Xiao Mian?
When you dine at Chong Qing Xiao Mian, you have several convenient parking choices. You can find free street parking, free parking lots, and paid street parking nearby. This makes it easy for you to access the restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at Chong Qing Xiao Mian?
At Chong Qing Xiao Mian, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner with table service. They offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience. Reservations are also accepted, ensuring you can plan your visit easily.
How does Chong Qing Xiao Mian generally rate among customers?
Chong Qing Xiao Mian holds a Restaurant Score of 6.1, indicating an average overall experience. Food scores highest at (6.3), followed by Ambience (6), while Service (5.8) and Value (4.9) are areas where opinions are more divided.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Chong Qing Xiao Mian?
Many customers praise the delicious and generous portions of noodles, often highlighting the appropriate spice levels and tender beef. The soup is frequently mentioned as very tasty, making it a popular choice.
Are there any common complaints about the service or value at Chong Qing Xiao Mian?
Some customers have expressed concerns regarding mandatory tip policies and instances of bad attitude from staff. There are also mentions of dirty conditions and long wait time for seating, impacting the overall experience.