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oChef » G & Y Bakery & Cafe – San Francisco
G & Y Bakery & Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from G & Y Bakery & Cafe
G & Y Bakery & Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#1849 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#218 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
573
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Comfort food
- Fair portions
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Hidden charges
The restaurant G & Y Bakery & Cafe, located in the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a delightful and casual dining experience. You can stop by for a quick bite or enjoy small plates throughout the day.
It’s a welcoming spot where you can grab coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting.
Overview: Introducting G & Y Bakery & Cafe
G & Y Bakery & Cafe offers a comforting culinary experience that resonates with many patrons. The food often receives praise for its home-cooked feel and generous portions, creating a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
Many also appreciate the clean and cozy ambience, which evokes an authentic Hong Kong cafe vibe. However, the experience isn’t without its inconsistencies.
While some highlight attentive service and friendly staff, others have noted issues with staff attitude or slow response times. Similarly, while many find good value, some concerns regarding pricing have been raised.
Good
6.7
out of 10
573
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
144
negative
51
neutral
378
positive
Overall, G & Y Bakery & Cafe achieves a respectable 6.7 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at 66%, placing it in the mixed category, suggesting that while many patrons are pleased, there’s still some room for improvement.
This assessment is based on a substantial 573 customer remarks, comprising 378 positive and 144 negative observations. The Food (7.4) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and taste.
The Ambience (6.4) also contributes positively, often described as clean and inviting. However, Service (6.1) appears to be a more inconsistent area, with experiences varying from attentive to slow.
The Value (5.4) is perceived as average, with some customers noting concerns about pricing or additional charges.
What people like
- Delicious comfort food
- Authentic cafe atmosphere
- Generous, fair portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Unexpected charges/tips
- Cleanliness issues reported
G & Y Bakery & Cafe presents a compelling option for those seeking authentic, home-style Chinese comfort food. With a solid 7 recommendation score, it’s a place worth exploring if you prioritize flavorful dishes and a casual, genuine atmosphere.
Expect a bustling environment that adds to its character. However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service consistency and to review your bill carefully for any unexpected charges.
If you’re prepared for these potential variations and focus on the culinary offerings, this cafe could become a satisfying regular spot.
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Verdict: Our expert take on G & Y Bakery & Cafe
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Diving into the food scene here, it seems like a pretty solid bet! With a strong score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a good 72.6%, many diners were rewarded with authentic Asian cuisine that was great in taste and offered good portions, especially the Hong Kong style cafe food. These positive remarks come from 223 positive opinions out of 307 total.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled. There were 47 negative opinions mentioning subpar food quality and bland taste, with some finding small portions or feeling the food wasn't authentic Hong Kong style. It seems consistency might be a slight issue for some dishes.
Food
307
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
47
negative
37
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic HK cuisine
- Great taste, good portions
- Wide variety of dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, unauthentic taste
- Small, overpriced portions
Often praised
- foodEverything was cooked and seasoned nicely. Usually when I think of Chinese food I’d think strong flavors, but here food is soft, warm, and full of umami, like home-cooked comfort food. You HAVE to get the youtiao (fried dough stick) - one of the best I’ve had in the States.
- HK milk teaThe hk milk tea had condensed milk in it which isn’t that common to get these days but it makes a huge difference. Hk milk tea here is amazing!
- portionThe service was friendly, and they offer great choices for breakfast sets, including Western and Chinese options available daily before 11 am. I particularly enjoyed the delicious beef omelette, which was also a great portion. Their clay pot rice is also quite famous.
- menuIn browsing the menu, they have all the classic HK hits
- portionsin terms of taste, price and portions
- FoodFood:5
- Hong Kong milk teaWill give a extra star for the Hong Kong milk tea
- clay potThe clay pot is so flavorful and savory!
- clay pot riceclay pot rice and the fish with tofu are both great
- congeeMy friend said congee is like the food equivalent of a hug. I loved this place.
Frequently criticized
- foodI first visited this restaurant a few years ago when it opened. At that time, the food was subpar, and the hkmilktea was so caffeinated that I couldn't sleep that night. Yesterday, I returned and ordered the same drink.
- beefit didn't taste or have the consistency of usda 100% real all natural beef
- dishessome dishes were just either too salty or not salted enough
- fish congeeThe fish congee was very disappointed, the fish wasn’t fresh
- noodlessome noodles were clumped together and may not have been fully cooked
- portion sizeThe plate ordered was very small compared to the customers
- portionspricing and portions. I got dishes that would make a hungry man even more hungry
- riceit wasn't cooked long enough for all of the rice on the bottom to create that crunchy rice on the bottom
- HK French toastHk French toast was on the smaller side
- Hong Kong milk teaThe Hong Kong milk tea was only mediocre
If youre craving authentic Hong Kong cafe fare with generous portions and great taste, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might miss the mark on consistency or authenticity, so choose wisely. Overall, its a good option for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had pleasant experiences, with 78 positive remarks highlighting the attentive and friendly servers who often provide fast service and great hospitality. While the overall score sits at an average 6.1 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 60%, theres a clear appreciation for the staffs efforts. However, not all experiences have been smooth sailing.
Out of 130 total comments, 48 pointed to issues like being understaffed, encountering rude behavior, slow service, and even uncomfortable tip pressure. It seems there's room for improvement in consistency and managing busy periods.
Service
130
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
48
negative
4
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Tip pressure
Often praised
- serviceThe quality of classic dishes, such as the milk tea and 乾炒牛河, has been reliable over several visits. The service is great, and I found their jook to be the best I’ve had at a restaurant – perfectly seasoned and not too salty!
- staffstaff was super handy and made suggestions
- ownerthe owner was an amazing host, and very attentive
- serversThe servers were super friendly and attentive
- ServiceService:5
- waiting timeWe visited this place around noon on a Sunday, and it was packed, but we didn’t have to wait long to be seated. Lots of local Chinese here, which was a great sign, and the food did not disappoint.
- waitressMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The waitress was friendly, and the place was clean, with passable service. We chose this restaurant because it stayed open later than others, which was a definite plus.
- workersIt's a welcome addition to Chinatown. The workers even talk back and give you some attitude, which I found to be a sign of authenticity! The HK milk tea was good, consistent with what you'd expect from other Chinese cafes.
- StaffStaff is friendly
- accommodate my requestI got takeout and ordered the spam macaroni and a side of fried Chinese donuts (you tiao). They were able to accommodate my request for just the donuts, which was awesome because they taste delicious dipped in soup. The food was yummy and the prices were super reasonable!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was a bit slow, took 15 minutes for my food to be brought to me.
- staffstaff were rather unfriendly, bordering on cold
- waiting timeI had the worst boba I have ever had, as it was all stuck together. Additionally, the waiting time was too long.
- waitresswaitress started to curse at me in Cantonese and tried to ask other customers around to humiliate me
- attentionI visited during a weekday lunch hour and encountered a very long wait. Our drinks were also forgotten, and it was difficult to get their attention despite the shop not being very large. The atmosphere felt like a legit HK cafe.
- attitudethe waitress had an attitude with me
- bad serviceplace of discrimination, bad service, and surcharge
- cashierKassiererin das fehlende Geld sofort ohne sich zu entschuldigen und kommentarlos heraus.
- cheating customerscheating customers doesn't deserve a tip
- check upthey never really checked up on us
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly and efficient service. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially during peak hours, where staffing and speed might be a challenge. Its a bit of a gamble, but many find the positives outweigh the occasional hiccups.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here presents a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.4 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64.6%. Many guests appreciate the atmosphere, finding it clean and inviting, often praising its HK cafe vibe. Out of 65 total comments, 42 were positive, highlighting a generally welcoming environment and decoration.
However, there are some notable downsides from the 18 negative comments. Concerns include poor ventilation and cigarette smoke, along with serious issues like dirty table and even a dead roach. These experiences suggest that while some find the place pleasant, others encounter significant cleanliness and comfort problems.
Ambience
65
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and inviting
- Authentic HK vibe
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Pest issues
- Poor cleanliness
- Bad ventilation
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was our first time visiting San Francisco and we were freezing. We entered here and felt immediately warm. The service was great, with friendly servers, and the food was delicious.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The waitress was friendly, and the place was clean, with passable service. We chose this restaurant because it stayed open later than others, which was a definite plus.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentthe environment was clean and cozy
- HK cafe vibeIt's giving legit HK cafe vibe
- Hong Kong style cafeIt’s like a Hong Kong style cafe
- ambiancethe ambiance is decent
- casual jointAwesome casual joint
- casual placelooking and a casual place
- cleandecor is clean
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereone of them (or both of them) smoked cigarettes inside
- Chinatown San Franciscodieses Handeln den tollen Eindruck den wir von Chinatown San Francisco hatten miese gemacht
- cigarette smokedefinitely smell the cigarette smoke
- cleanlinessLeider ist es nicht wirklich sauber.
- dead roachthere was a dead roach in my bag
- dirty tablesit for a long time at a dirty table
- disgusting establishmentI received my order and discovered a dead roach in my bag. This experience has led me to decide that I am never coming back to this disgusting establishment.
- insideThe place itself is clean and nice. The only minor drawback was that it was just little hot inside without A/C.
- judged for being Latinoswe felt judged for being Latinos 💔
- parkingno parking in Chinatown
If you're seeking a casual spot with an authentic Hong Kong cafe feel, it might be worth a try for its welcoming atmosphere. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent cleanliness and comfort, as some experiences have been quite negative.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 indicating it's pretty average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 49.3% mixed rating. However, many guests found plenty to love, with 35 positive remarks highlighting affordable prices, good value, and a great quality-price ratio. People often praised the reasonable cost for delicious food and generous portions, making it feel like a worthwhile spend.
On the flip side, 31 negative comments point to some significant concerns. Issues like being overcharged, unexpected automatic tips, and confusing menu prices frequently popped up. Several diners reported discrepancies between advertised prices and the final bill, along with additional surcharges, which definitely left a sour taste.
Value
71
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
31
negative
5
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Good quality-price ratio
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Automatic tips
- Price discrepancies
Often praised
- priceThe owner was an amazing host and very attentive. We discovered this gem through Together SF, and the food was delicious and very reasonably priced. The Salt and pepper wings were out of this world.
- pricesGreat prices with a generous portion
- affordableIt truly captured the vibe of a legit HK cafe. I absolutely loved the food, which was both delicious and very affordable. The wonton noodle soup was a standout, and you could tell the wontons were incredibly fresh made.
- valueI found the clay pot rice and the fish with tofu to be great dishes. The portion size was large, offering good value for the price. The reviewer also noted high scores for food and service, and a good score for atmosphere.
- affordability of the menuaffordability of the menu; for the quality of food
- affordable pricesvery affordable prices
- balance and valueAs a fan of Chinese cuisine, I was hoping for a more traditional taste and feel. I would still recommend this restaurant for its balance and value, but for those looking for a more authentic Chinese experience, there may be better options in the area.
- cheap eatsvery cheap eats
- excellent valueExcellent value
- fair pricesIt's a place where locals seem to enjoy dining, and I was rewarded with authentic Asian cuisine. The food was great in taste with good portions, all offered at fair prices. The service was friendly and attentive.
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price was not the same as on the menu
- billthe bill was incorrect until I went back to the hotel
- pricingpricing and portions. Their management is definitely out of touch with pricing
- tipThe staff were rather unfriendly, bordering on cold. We were prompted, almost forced, to give a generous tip. I do not recommend this place.
- HK French toastnot really worth ~$5
- automatic 18% tipadding 18% automatically is not something a normal restaurant should do
- automatic tipsWhile I found the food to be good, the automatically added 18% tip on the receipt was a significant issue for me. I would have tipped anyway, but automatic tips are ridiculous and not something a normal restaurant should do. I did notice a sign about credit card surcharges of 3-4%, and I assume the restaurant is trying to combine an automatic 15% tip with this charge.
- change backWe were only given one napkin for two people, and even after asking for more, we didn't receive them until we had almost finished our meal. To make matters worse, when we paid in cash, we were expecting change back, as it's common sense. However, they didn't provide any change and simply assumed the rest was a tip.
- credit card upchargethere will be a 3.5% up charge if you use credit card
- dish valuefelt that it was a ten dollar dish at most
This place offers a potentially affordable meal with generous portions, making it a good value for some. However, you'll want to be vigilant: double-check your bill and clarify any pricing or tipping policies upfront to avoid unexpected charges.
How are the prices at G & Y Bakery & Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 106 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, the prices really cluster around this average, with most diners falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets. So, it’s pretty consistent!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
Comparing value for money: this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a good find!
Customer Reviews: what people think about G & Y Bakery & Cafe
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Billing Experience
As a visitor from Canada, I had dinner with my mom on our first day in San Francisco. We ordered two plates that were US$11. 50 each.
When it was time to pay, the server asked if I wanted to pay with cash or card. I chose cash, and she presented a bill for US$27. 02 after tax, stating that it "doesn't include tips.
" I paid US$30 in total before leaving. Honestly, I was unaware of the sales tax rate in San Francisco and didn't realize the bill was incorrect until I returned to the hotel. The correct total should have been 2 * $11.
50 * 1. 0863 = $25. 00.
I'm unsure why the server acted this way; perhaps she assumed we were from mainland China and unfamiliar with the tipping culture, especially since we spoke Mandarin. I am aware of the tipping culture in North America and always tip when dining in, but I found this behavior unacceptable as the server lied to the customers. I doubt the owner or server will care about this review, but I advise customers to double-check the pricing before paying, regardless of payment method.
- tips5
- plates7
- bill1
- pricing1
- server1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Hong Kong Cafe Experience
My experience at this Hong Kong style cafe was excellent. The food was great and the price was good, making it a place you can't go wrong with. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- price9
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Experience: Dish Error and Overcharging
My experience at G & Y Cafe was flat-out terrible. I ordered scrambled eggs with shrimp, but the staff brought the wrong dish and then argued nonstop, insisting I was mistaken. To make matters worse, they attempted to sneak in an extra $2 charge at checkout.
I caught the discrepancy, yet they still refused to admit their error or apologize. The establishment is totally dishonest and rude. They lie, overcharge, and don’t care.
I strongly advise avoiding this scammy place.
- scrambled eggs with shrimp1
- wrong dish1
- staff1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Unsanitary Practices and Direct Tip Requests
My experience at this restaurant was concerning due to observed unsanitary practices and the way tips were requested. I witnessed a waitress drop a water cup on the floor, then pick it up and serve it to a guest without washing it. This made me question what else might be happening behind the scenes.
Additionally, the directness of their tip requests felt as though I owed them money, which was an uncomfortable experience.
- water cup1
- serving guest1
- tip requests2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Good Value Mongolian Beef in Chinatown
My experience at G & Y was positive, especially concerning their Mongolian beef over rice. I'm on a quest for good value Mongolian beef in Chinatown, and G & Y is a top contender for me right now, balancing taste, price, and portions. While it's not their specialty, the dish is quite tasty compared to others on this street.
The service was good, and the atmosphere was also rated highly.
- Mongolian beef over rice8
- taste8
- price8
What G & Y Bakery & Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does G & Y Bakery & Cafe offer?
At G & Y Bakery & Cafe, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they also offer delicious desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or small plates, there are plenty of options.
What service and parking options are available at G & Y Bakery & Cafe?
G & Y Bakery & Cafe provides convenient service options including curbside pickup, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. While parking can sometimes be difficult, free and paid street parking are usually available nearby. Wheelchair accessible seating is also provided.
What is the overall customer sentiment for G & Y Bakery & Cafe?
G & Y Bakery & Cafe has an overall score of 6.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 66%. While the Food (7.4) and Ambience (6.4) are generally well-regarded, Service (6.1) and Value (5.4) receive more mixed feedback.
Are there any common issues customers experience at G & Y Bakery & Cafe?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service, including slow responses or unfriendly staff. There have also been mentions of unexpected charges, such as automatic tips or credit card surcharges, and occasional concerns about cleanliness.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at G & Y Bakery & Cafe?
Patrons frequently praise the food for its comforting, home-cooked feel and generous portions. Specific highlights include the HK milk tea, clay pot dishes, and fried Chinese donuts (youtiao), often described as delicious and well-seasoned.