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oChef » Golden Horse – San Francisco
Golden Horse - San Francisco
Photo from Golden Horse
Golden Horse at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#1947 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#206 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
292
Reviews
65.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Affordable Chinese
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent service
The Chinese restaurant Golden Horse invites you to a delightful culinary journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal or a quick bite.
Whether you’re planning a dinner out or a lunch break, you’ll find a welcoming spot here. You can enjoy table service, or opt for convenient no-contact delivery, takeout, or traditional delivery services.
Overview: Introducting Golden Horse
Golden Horse offers a generally decent dining experience, particularly for those seeking good value and generous portions. Many patrons appreciate the authentic Chinese food and find it an affordable place for a meal, often noting the friendly service.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag. Some customers have reported inconsistent service, with staff occasionally described as miserable and rude.
The dining environment also raises concerns, with mentions of the place being filthy and tables sticky with old food grime.
Good
6.5
out of 10
292
Reviews
65.4%
Satisfaction
78
negative
23
neutral
191
positive
Golden Horse registers an overall score of 6.5, indicating a generally acceptable performance, while customer satisfaction stands at 65.4%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from 292 customer observations, with 191 positive remarks and 78 negative ones contributing to the picture.
Looking closer, the Food (6.6) is often a highlight, praised for its quality and generous servings. Value (7.7) emerges as a clear strength, with many finding the prices quite reasonable.
Conversely, Service (6.3) receives a more moderate evaluation, and Ambience (4.4) is consistently noted as an area that could use significant improvement.
What people like
- Good food quality
- Excellent value
- Generous portion size
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- Inconsistent service
- Unpleasant environment
Golden Horse presents a straightforward proposition. If you’re looking for authentic Chinese food that offers solid value and generous portions, and you’re willing to overlook some environmental shortcomings, it could be a practical choice.
With a recommendation score of 6.9, it suggests that while not perfect, Golden Horse is worth considering for its strengths. It might not impress on all fronts, but it delivers on its core offering for many.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden Horse
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners appreciate the offerings here, with a solid 6.6 score and a 66.7% customer satisfaction rate indicating a generally positive, though somewhat mixed, experience. Based on 118 positive remarks, guests often rave about the authentic Chinese food, large portions, and the impressive variety of dishes, noting a commendable consistency in taste. However, not all experiences are perfect, with 46 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement.
Concerns include the use of MSG and excessive salt, as well as observations about low-quality meats and vegetables. Some also found the portions to be insane, suggesting a potential for waste or overwhelming size.
Food
177
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
46
negative
13
neutral
118
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous portion sizes
- Consistent food quality
What people don't like
- Excessive MSG or salt
- Low quality ingredients
- Overly large portions
Often praised
- foodlocal patrons who seemed to appreciate the food here. Everything was delicious!!!
- Chinese foodGood quality Chinese food for lunch and dinner
- authentic Chinese foodMy experience at this family-style restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and the authentic Chinese food was delicious. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, all at a good price.
- beef chow funKids loved the beef chow fun
- lunch speciallunch special with was like $9 each and came with a good serving
- portion sizeportion size is great
- teaThe tea is very soothing
- Cantonese foodI had the fried quail, crab and fish maw soup, and ox tail clay pot. If you're craving Cantonese food at a reasonable price for SF, this is a good option.
- Chicken with mushroomsalso the Chicken w mushrooms. And chow mein chow fun. Everything was delicious!!!
- Chow MeinI've ordered carry out about six times over the past few months, and each time I've been totally satisfied. While I've enjoyed dishes like Mongolian Beef, Fried Rice, and Chow Mein, my absolute favorite is the roast duck. It's been the best roast duck I've had in years, and it was just as good on all three occasions I ordered it.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food tasted and looked (Old)
- chickenthe chicken don't look like chicken
- sauceThe sauce wasn’t like it was 5 years ago
- soupordered soup that came with all the meats including wonton.. terrible..
- MSGLots of MSG if you don't say anything
- Rice's & brothslow quality Rice's & broths
- Schezwan eggplant with riceit came, loaded with pork
- beef broccoliBeef broccoli had more broccoli than beef.
- beef with oyster saucebeef were all green pepper, celery, onion and water chestnut masquerading the very, very small amount of the star ingredient
- breadingThe breading was soggy
If you're seeking authentic Chinese food with generous portions and a vast menu, this spot could be a good fit, especially given its consistent quality. However, be mindful of potential issues with MSG, salt levels, and meat quality, which might impact your experience.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a somewhat positive experience, landing an average score of 6.3 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 61.5%. Based on 52 opinions, with 32 positive remarks, many appreciate the friendly service and quick service from the staff, often noting how fast takeout orders are ready and even praising the reusable containers. However, theres certainly room for improvement.
With 17 negative comments, some experiences mention issues with the waiters communication, a lack of attentive customer service, and even rude staff. A few patrons also expressed frustration with long wait times or feeling rushed.
Service
52
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Respectful treatment
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor communication
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceMy only issue is the bathroom, which could be a *tad* more clean, and a fresh coat of paint would be a welcome change. The dining area is clean, and service is generally fast and pleasant.
- staffstaff was so nice and quick
- Friendly owners and staffFriendly owners and staff
- customerThey treat the customer with respect.
- easy serviceOn 7/11/23, I had an easy service experience. I always look at the menu beforehand and am ready to order, so I guess just know what you want to chow down.
- folksthe folks were very friendly
- friendlyFriendly and our go to place
- friendly serviceVery friendly service at Golden Horse
- go to placeFriendly and our go to place
- large groupsThis is good for large groups
Frequently criticized
- waiterMy friend was taken aback by the waiter giving him a device to press for the tips.
- servicemuch better service and quality of food than this place
- customer servicetheir customer service is beyond mediocre
- bossboss over who proceeded to get angry at us
- lady working therethe lady working there is miserable and rude
- leftoversshe literally packed up our food like dog food with all the food mixed together
- serving restaurantsone of the worst serving restaurants in SF
- staffstaff wasn't so rude
- tipShe’s expecting for a tip even when our order was for take out
- waiti couldn't wait another 20 minutes
If youre looking for a quick bite and value friendly, efficient service, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for a potentially mixed bag, as some experiences point to less attentive or even rude interactions, which might disappoint if top-notch customer care is your priority.
Ambience (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, some guests found a few things to appreciate. The restaurant's proximity to The Masonic is a plus, and the white table cloths were noted for adding a nicer touch. A few even mentioned the mostly empty restaurant created a relaxing setting for their meal.
With 6 positive remarks out of 21 total observations, there are certainly some bright spots in the atmosphere. However, the ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 28.6%. A significant 11 negative comments highlight serious cleanliness concerns, from reports of cockroaches and a dirty kitchen to sticky tables and gross menus.
The general impression is that the place could use a thorough cleaning, with dirty carpets and walls also noted.
Ambience
21
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Close to Masonic
- Relaxing setting
- White table cloths
What people don't like
- Cockroaches present
- Filthy establishment
- Sticky tables
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining areaMy only issue is the bathroom, which could be a *tad* more clean, and a fresh coat of paint would be a welcome change. The dining area is clean, and service is generally fast and pleasant.
- mostly empty restaurantthe mostly empty restaurant made a relaxing setting
- proximity to The Masonicclose to The Masonic
- relaxing settingmade a relaxing setting for our meal
- white table clothsthey provide white table cloths to make it nicer
Frequently criticized
- placeThe place is filthy. I sat against the wall and there was an ant crawling, yuk!
- bathroombathroom that could be a *tad* more clean
- cockroachesCock roaches ran across the table
- front carpetclean the front carpet near register or toss it away
- kitchencigarette hanging out of the cook's mouth when you go through the kitchen
- menusThe menus are gross to touch
- parkingcan b a lil tough finding parking
- plateDried food on the underside of your plate
- tablesThe tables are all sticky with old food grime
- wallThe edge of the wall was full of dirt and the carpet was dirty.
If a clean and inviting atmosphere is high on your list, you might want to proceed with caution. While some find it relaxing, the numerous reports of cleanliness issues suggest it might disappoint those looking for a pristine dining experience.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 83.3%, its clear most diners are happy. Based on 42 comments, with 35 positive remarks, many rave about the economical and reasonably priced options, often calling it an affordable place with good value.
Youll find plenty of cheap food that doesnt skimp on quality. However, its not entirely without its quirks. With 4 negative comments, a few patrons felt the overall price could add up, especially for larger groups, with one mention of a $90 bill for four.
There was also a specific concern about the bill itself, suggesting a need for clarity. While generally affordable, some experiences hint that certain orders might feel a bit steep.
Value
42
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Economical prices
- Good value
- Affordable place
What people don't like
- High group bill
- Bill discrepancies
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was characterized by fast and inexpensive service. The food was prepared with very limited ingredients, primarily celery and carrots, resulting in a taste that was borderline.
- pricesCheap prices compare to other nearby restaurants
- reasonable priceI had the fried quail, crab and fish maw soup, and ox tail clay pot. If you're craving Cantonese food at a reasonable price for SF, this is a good option.
- $48soup $48!!!
- Good valueGood value
- PricesPrices can't be beat
- affordable placean affordable place for solid Chinese food
- bargaina bargain
- card and cashthey accepted card and cash
- cheapcheap if you order from the lunch special counter
Frequently criticized
- priceDoesn't work for us for about $50
- billtried to rewrite my bill to get more tip
- premium priceAll of the dishes were extremely good and reasonably priced. It's definitely worth going to if you're in the area and looking for some Chinese food without paying a premium price.
If youre looking for an affordable meal with good portions and solid quality, especially for lunch or a set menu, this place is a strong contender. Just be mindful if youre ordering extensively for a larger group, as the total bill can sometimes surprise, but overall, it's a great value pick.
How are the prices at Golden Horse?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests cluster around this average, though a few opt for slightly pricier options, showing a nice balance.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 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 Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden Horse
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Wish for Mar Far Chicken!
My experience at this restaurant was centered around a strong desire for a specific dish: Mar Far chicken. If you guys ever serve Mar Far chicken, I will come several times a week! It's hard finding a restaurant that serves this.
It costs no more and kids can order it too!
- Mar Far chicken10
- cost8
- kids8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Food, Service, Ignore the Rest
My experience at this restaurant was great. It's a perfect no-frills establishment where the food and service are excellent. While walking to the bathroom through the kitchen, I noticed the cook had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, but I wouldn't let that deter you from enjoying the great food and service.
- food9
- service9
- kitchen2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Food and Speedy Service
My experience at the restaurant was marked by excellent food and real quick service. Its proximity to The Masonic was also a plus. I will definitely be back.
- food10
- service10
- proximity to The Masonic8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Consistent Chinese Food, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an authentic Chinese cuisine spot that offers great value for money. We used to frequent this place when we lived in the area, and after a few years away, I'm happy to report the food tastes exactly the same!
Their consistency is truly commendable. This family-run establishment is perfect for satisfying your usual Chinese cravings, but it also shines with unique dishes for special occasions, like their Peking duck. I particularly enjoyed their deep fried flounder.
I highly recommend this place!
- authentic Chinese cuisine9
- fair prices9
- food tastes10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Filling Lunch, Good Value
My experience at the restaurant was a great filling lunch. I enjoyed the Won Ton soup, chicken salad, and lettuce wraps, along with my tea. It was good value, and the place got very busy.
Yum.
- Won Ton soup9
- chicken salad9
- lettuce wraps9
What Golden Horse offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Golden Horse Restaurant offer?
At Golden Horse Restaurant, you have several convenient dining options. You can enjoy a relaxed dine-in experience with table service for both lunch and dinner. If you’re on the go, quick bite options are available, alongside easy takeout and delivery services, including no-contact delivery for your safety. They also accept reservations.
Is Golden Horse Restaurant accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Golden Horse Restaurant is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great choice for family meals. Restrooms are available for your convenience.
How does Golden Horse generally perform?
Golden Horse holds an overall score of 6.5. Its Food (6.6) and Value (7.7) are its stronger points, while Service (6.3) is moderate, and Ambience (4.4) is an area needing attention.
What do customers appreciate most about Golden Horse?
Many customers appreciate the affordable place and good value, often noting the generous portion size and the quality of the authentic Chinese food.
What are the main drawbacks customers mention about Golden Horse?
Common concerns include issues with cleanliness, with reports of the place being filthy and tables sticky with old food grime. Some also experience inconsistent service, describing staff as occasionally miserable and rude.