Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Dancing Yak – San Francisco
Dancing Yak - San Francisco
Photo from Dancing Yak
Dancing Yak at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#652 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#80 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
564
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Noisy
- Parking issues
The restaurant Dancing Yak Restaurant & Bar in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District is a cozy and trendy spot where you can unwind. You’ll discover a fantastic dining experience, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection.
This casual restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere for both lunch and dinner, making it a perfect choice for your next outing in the city.
Overview: Introducting Dancing Yak
Dancing Yak offers a vibrant dining experience where the culinary creations often take center stage. Guests frequently praise the Kale Chaat and other flavorful dishes, highlighting a kitchen that delivers on taste.
The friendly staff also contributes to a generally positive atmosphere, making for an enjoyable visit. However, some aspects could use refinement.
While the food is often lauded, concerns about portion size and occasional issues with food freshness for pickup have been noted. The lively atmosphere can sometimes lean towards being a bit too noisy, and there are also mentions of challenges with parking.
Good
8
out of 10
564
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
82
negative
29
neutral
453
positive
Overall, Dancing Yak earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 80.3%, indicating that most guests leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 560 customer remarks, with a strong majority of 453 positive comments outweighing the 82 negative ones. The Food (8.2) is clearly a standout, receiving the highest praise and being the most discussed aspect.
Service (7.8) and Ambience (7.6) also score well, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment. However, Value (5.5) presents a more mixed picture; while some find it reasonable, others perceive it as a bit pricey for what’s offered.
What people like
- Flavorful, delicious food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Lively, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Noisy atmosphere
- Parking challenges
Dancing Yak generally delivers a positive dining experience, especially if you prioritize taste and a vibrant setting. With a recommendation score of 8.3, it’s a place worth considering for its culinary offerings and engaging atmosphere, despite some minor service hiccups.
If you’re seeking flavorful Nepalese cuisine and don’t mind a potentially lively environment or navigating parking, this spot could be a good fit. However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for a bustling space, especially during peak hours.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dancing Yak
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
It seems the food here is quite a hit! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 83.2%, diners frequently rave about the delicious food and unique flavors. Many of the 322 positive comments highlight the flavorful and fresh dishes, often praising the quality ingredients and excellent variety, making for a truly enjoyable meal.
However, not every bite is perfect. While fewer, 45 negative comments point to concerns like Momo portions being small and overall portion size sometimes disappointing. A few diners also noted some dishes could be bland or even felt microwaved, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
387
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
45
negative
20
neutral
322
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, unique flavors
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Excellent food variety
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Some dishes bland
Often praised
- foodIt was my first time trying Nepalese food, and it was an amazing experience. The service was really attentive, and the food came fast and was delicious. I would recommend the Kale Chaat (very good blend of spices), Spicy Cauliflower, momos of course, Dhading Chicken, and buckwheat roti.
- momosChicken and Vegetarian momos - solid momos with a great pairing sauce
- butter chickenthe butter chicken, and the chickpea paneer. All of which were actually flavorful
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was a definite yes! I enjoyed delicious cocktails, with the Avalanche in Everest and Spicy Yeti being standouts. The dishes were flavorful and filling; I absolutely loved the kale chaat and the cheesy naan.
- garlic naanWe tried the chicken and pork momos, and while both were good, we preferred the pork ones for their enhanced flavor. The goat curry and garlic naan were also excellent. The ambience and service were great, contributing to a very nice overall spot.
- goat curryWe tried the chicken and pork momos, and while both were good, we preferred the pork ones for their enhanced flavor. The goat curry and garlic naan were also excellent. The ambience and service were great, contributing to a very nice overall spot.
- Kale ChaatKale Chaat - very crunchy kale topped with all of the traditional chaat ingredients
- buckwheat rotiThe service was really attentive, and the food came fast and was delicious. I would recommend the Kale Chaat (very good blend of spices), Spicy Cauliflower, momos of course, Dhading Chicken, and buckwheat roti.
- cheese naanI visited this restaurant for the weekend and had an amazing experience with the food! We ordered the butter chicken, garlic naan, cheese naan, and Shapta (lamb), all of which were delicious. The drinks also impressed us.
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We decided to split about 6 dishes, and I can confidently say that nothing missed. The food was great, and the atmosphere was great as well.
Frequently criticized
- portion sizePortion size is very small. (4 pcs momo / plate)
- biryaniordered biryani and it was very spicy!!
- foodI ordered for pickup, and despite being only a 2-3 minute walk away, the food was ready in 10 minutes. Upon arriving home, I understood why: the sauce was separating, indicating the food was not freshly cooked. It tasted and felt like it had been microwaved and was barely warm enough to eat.
- momothe momo is a bit cold
- naanNaan = a deflated piece of dough with a chewy crust
- Aloo Cauli and Dhading ChickenAloo Cauli and Dhading Chicken = two pools of tomato sauce
- Cauliflowerthe Cauliflower was overly crunchy
- Daal Bhat Platterthe Daal Bhat Platter was completely flavorless, even the rice
- MomoMomo = MehMeh (somewhat rubbery)
- Momo portionsdisappointed that each order only came with four pieces
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious and unique food, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that while the flavors are often praised, some portion sizes might be smaller than expected, and a few dishes could be inconsistent.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 76.9%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 78 total comments, a strong 60 remarks praise the friendly staff, excellent service, and prompt seating, often highlighting attentive servers and efficient handling of reservations.
However, not everyones experience is flawless, with 15 comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests noted issues with service and food timing, a lack of a designated waiter, or servers who seemed unsure about menu details. There were also concerns raised about the treatment of delivery drivers, suggesting a need for more consistent professional conduct across the board.
Service
78
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, prompt service
- Graceful problem-solving
What people don't like
- Service timing issues
- Poor driver treatment
- Servers lacked knowledge
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely top notch. The food was incredible, the service was impeccable, and the vibe was on point. I particularly enjoyed the pork Momos, lamb shapta, and matar paneer.
- staffMy entree, the Veggie Daal Bhat Thali, a popular dish, and the Cheese Naan, provided an explosion of flavors. The restaurant has a very nice, cozy ambiance, complemented by friendly staff. It's definitely a gem!
- ServiceThe restaurant has a spacious indoor dining area with a separate area for private group dining and bar seating. Service was prompt and friendly throughout our meal. Our server was attentive and even corrected a small error in our bill with a sincere apology.
- StaffStaff was very friendly
- comped meals and drinksDespite the building's fire alarm going off twice, leading to an unexpected kitchen closure for the weekend, they handled the situation with incredible grace. They maintained an efficient and exceptionally smooth, friendly service, comped everyone’s meals and drinks, allowed guests to stay if they wished, and even made space at their sister restaurant. They were unfailingly kind throughout the entire ordeal.
- dining hoursfew restaurants in San Francisco which have proper dining hours
- efficient and exceptionally smooth, friendly serviceDespite the building's fire alarm going off twice, leading to an unexpected kitchen closure for the weekend, they handled the situation with incredible grace. They maintained an efficient and exceptionally smooth, friendly service, comped everyone’s meals and drinks, allowed guests to stay if they wished, and even made space at their sister restaurant. They were unfailingly kind throughout the entire ordeal.
- excellentHe was excellent
- exemplars of hospitalityexemplars of hospitality
- friendly staffTheir friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceTonight's experience was the worst, and it's likely our last visit. I ordered for pickup, and despite being only a 2-3 minute walk away, the food was ready in 10 minutes. Upon arriving home, I understood why: the sauce was separating, indicating the food was not freshly cooked.
- customer serviceI didn’t like because 0costmer service
- delivery driversMy experience at Dancing Yak Restaurant was a complete disappointment. While the food might be good, the poor treatment of delivery drivers and the second-class treatment they receive is unprofessional and disrespectful. No one is superior to anyone else, and there should be no hierarchy between restaurant staff and customers.
- designated waiterdidn't feel like we had a designated waiter
- food takes a whileThe garlic naan was also tasty. On the downside, the food takes a while to arrive, and the servers seemed unsure about whether dishes contained dairy. Despite the wait, the cool casual vibes made it a really enjoyable experience for a team hangout.
- leftover fooddefinitivamente no pusieron todo lo que había sobrado
- professional conductNo one is superior to anyone else, and there should be no hierarchy between restaurant staff and customers. Using hand gestures to summon drivers or telling them to come outside, while being friendly to customers but treating drivers poorly, is unacceptable and has no place in professional conduct. I hope these concerns are taken seriously and that this issue is addressed in the future.
- servers didn’t knowservers didn’t seem to know if something had dairy
- service and food timingThe service and food timing were also problematic
- treatmentMy experience at Dancing Yak Restaurant was a complete disappointment. While the food might be good, the poor treatment of delivery drivers and the second-class treatment they receive is unprofessional and disrespectful. No one is superior to anyone else, and there should be no hierarchy between restaurant staff and customers.
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are a few kinks to iron out, particularly with timing and consistency, it's generally a place worth trying if good service is high on your list.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 78.8%, the ambience here is definitely good. Guests frequently praise the lively atmosphere, cool casual vibes, tasteful decor, and great energy, with 63 positive remarks out of 80 total opinions highlighting these aspects.
However, it's not without a few snags. About 13 comments point out some challenges, particularly with the parking situation. Some also found the noise level a bit high, and felt the tables were a little too close, which could make conversation tricky.
Ambience
80
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Tasteful decor
- Great energy
What people don't like
- Difficult parking situation
- High noise level
- Tables too close
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was fantastic; the staff went above and beyond, even surprising us with a small serving of papadam that wasn’t on the menu. Portions were just right, and the restaurant had a lively atmosphere. It does get quite busy, so making a reservation is a good idea to avoid a wait.
- ambianceAmbiance is on point here! Funky art and mood lighting create a cool vibe.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe vibe of this Nepali restaurant was nice
- decorimpressed with this restaurant's decor
- ambienceAmbience and service were great
- ambiance of the placeloved the ambiance of the place with dim lighting
- bar seatingand bar seating
- bathroomsThe bathrooms are nice and huge!
- cleanit was clean
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereEl ambiente es muy ruidoso y cuesta mantener una comunicación fluida.
- parkingGot avalanche at everest drink which was okay. Difficult to find parking
- ambianceThe ambiance was poor, with tables too close together
- conversationmakes it really weird to have a conversation when there’s a group sitting right next to you
- layoutthe layout can be improved because the tables are super close
- noise levelleading to an overwhelming noise level where conversations were difficult to hear
- parking situationThe menu is a little Fusion-y, but everything was delicious. Be aware that the parking situation is impossible, so I recommend taking an Uber or Lyft.
- parking spotHard to find parking spot.
- placeI found the place a bit dark for my taste.
- restroomsLos lavabos necesitan mantenimiento, o no cierran bien o no tienen luz.
If youre looking for a place with a vibrant, engaging atmosphere and dont mind a potential hunt for parking, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a lively crowd and possibly a cozy table setting.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the price point to be perfect or reasonable prices made it worth it, especially considering the place and location. This positive sentiment, seen in 8 comments, contributes to an average score of 5.5. However, a significant number of diners, 9 to be exact, felt the price was too expensive, even absurdly expensive, making it feel not worth it or a scam.
This contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of just 42.1%, indicating a clear divide among the 19 total opinions.
Value
19
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Perfect price point
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Absurdly expensive
- Not worth it
- Tiny portions
Often praised
- priceThe samosa soup and spicy cauliflower were definite highlights. The food was delicious, filling, and reasonably priced!
- price pointThe price point was wildly reasonable
- place and locationconsidering the place and location it was pretty decent
- pricesreasonable prices
- worth itI had a great experience at the Dancing Yak! Even though it was so crowded, it was definitely worth it. The menu is a little Fusion-y, but everything was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- priceWe enjoyed our dinner in a lovely atmosphere! The cocktails were good and the food delicious, though a bit pricey. We ordered almost all their starters and loved their momos the most, and their fish the least.
- expensiveabsurdly expensive for what you get
- foodMy experience ordering via Grubhub was disappointing. The portions were tiny, especially considering I spent $85 on food. To make matters worse, there was a large bug found in either the tikka masala or the cauliflower.
- pricesraised their prices
- riceThey charge for rice when ordering a curry.
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a gamble. While some find the prices perfectly reasonable for the experience, others feel it's quite expensive for what you get. Go in with an open mind, but be prepared that some items might feel overpriced.
How are the prices at Dancing Yak?
You’re looking at roughly 44 $ per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 44 $, the pricing landscape shows a good mix. Many diners spend between 21 – 40 $, but there’s also a good number opting for more premium experiences above 50 $, suggesting a diverse offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the range of experiences available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dancing Yak
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Good Vibe, Okay Food, Tight Space
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The vibe here is super good, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, the food, while good, wasn't the most authentic taste for the price.
A significant drawback was the layout; the tables are super close, making conversations difficult when other groups are nearby. On a positive note, the staff was nice. :)
- vibe9
- food6
- staff8
- authentic taste4
- price4
- layout3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Cashew Curry and Great Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The interior offered a nice vibe, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I particularly enjoyed the cashew curry chicken, which was both delicious and comfortable.
I'm very happy to have discovered this place!
- interior9
- nice vibe9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Food, Spotty Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by absolutely delicious food, despite somewhat spotty service on a slower night. The chow mein is a must try, and I hope to make it back again to explore more of the menu!
- food10
- chow mein10
- service4
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Service for a Special Occasion
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding, especially for a friend's birthday celebration. The staff went above and beyond to make the occasion special. I could not recommend this place more.
- staff10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious Food, Lovely Atmosphere, Pricey
We enjoyed our dinner in a lovely atmosphere! The cocktails were good and the food delicious, though a bit pricey. We ordered almost all their starters and loved their momos the most, and their fish the least.
We also liked the mains but forgot to take photos. The service was ok.
- atmosphere10
- cocktails8
- food9
- price4
- fish3
What Dancing Yak offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trending
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Dancing Yak Restaurant & Bar?
At Dancing Yak Restaurant & Bar, you can look forward to a trendy, cozy, and casual atmosphere perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They offer table service and seating, with dinner reservations recommended for your convenience.
Does Dancing Yak Restaurant & Bar cater to specific dietary needs and offer a variety of beverages?
Absolutely! Dancing Yak Restaurant & Bar provides excellent healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. You’ll also find a wide range of beverages including a great beer selection, wine, coffee, cocktails, hard liquor, and alcohol.
How does Dancing Yak generally rate among customers?
Dancing Yak holds a strong overall score of **8** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **80.3%**. Its **Food** (8.2) is highly praised, followed by good scores for **Service** (7.8) and **Ambience** (7.6). **Value** (5.5) is perceived as more average.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Dancing Yak?
Diners frequently highlight the delicious and flavorful dishes, with many positive comments about items like the Kale Chaat, momos, and various curries, noting the rich taste and quality.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some guests have noted that the atmosphere can be noisy, and finding parking can be challenging. There are also occasional comments about portion sizes and the perception of prices being a bit high.