Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
oChef » HK Lounge – San Francisco
HK Lounge - San Francisco
Photo from HK Lounge
HK Lounge at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#550 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#25 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
864
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small space
- Limited parking
The Chinese restaurant HK Lounge in San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood offers a casual yet trendy dining experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal, whether it’s a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and convenient service options, making it a great choice for your next outing.
Overview: Introducting HK Lounge
HK Lounge generally offers a strong culinary experience, with many patrons consistently praising the exceptional food and attentive service. While the ambiance is often described as cozy and intimate, some find the dining space to be quite small.
However, diners should be mindful of the overall value, as some opinions suggest the pricing can be on the higher side. Despite this, the quality of the offerings often makes it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a refined experience.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
864
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
120
negative
61
neutral
683
positive
The overall dining experience at HK Lounge garners a solid 8.1, reflecting a generally positive reception from guests. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 79.1%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
This assessment is drawn from 864 customer observations, with a clear majority of 683 positive remarks against 120 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.6) is a standout, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and preparation.
Service (8.1) also performs well, with staff often noted for being attentive and professional. While the Ambience (6.9) is seen as acceptable, the Value (4.7) score suggests that pricing is a notable concern for some diners.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, professional service
- Cozy, homey atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small, cramped space
- Limited parking options
For those prioritizing exceptional Chinese cuisine and attentive service, HK Lounge is a strong contender. The 8.5 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would happily endorse, especially if you appreciate well-prepared dishes and a welcoming staff.
However, be prepared for a potentially intimate dining setting and consider that the overall experience comes at a premium. If value is your primary concern, you might find the pricing a bit steep, but the quality often justifies the cost for many.
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Verdict: Our expert take on HK Lounge
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.6 and a customer satisfaction of 87.3%, it's clear diners are delighted. Out of 542 comments, a whopping 473 praise the delicious food, fresh ingredients, and authentic flavors, especially highlighting the fantastic dim sum and the impressive variety of choices.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 42 comments noting some drawbacks. A few diners found certain dishes like pork ribs to be salty or shrimp rice noodles lacking flavor. There were also mentions of misleading menu descriptions and occasionally small portions, particularly for some main dishes.
Food
542
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
42
negative
27
neutral
473
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Authentic dim sum
- Great variety
What people don't like
- Salty, bland dishes
- Misleading descriptions
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI always make it a point to stop by when I'm in the design district. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch. I had no wait time, which was a pleasant surprise.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious old school dim sum, which even included the soup from the Xiao long bao. The staff was friendly, and the bathroom was clean.
- food qualitythe food and service quality here are anything but that
- dishesHands down, my experience at this restaurant was the best Chinese food experience in SF. Every dish was fresh, tasty, and presented with pride. The service was outstanding too!
- FoodI visited with four other people today and we ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was great, including the shrimp dumplings, siu mai, bbq pork buns, and preserved duck egg and pork congee. We used to consider Dragon Beaux and Pings as the best, but this place is definitely better than both.
- dumplingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's an elegant dim-sum restaurant with top-quality dumplings and an upscale feel. The fresh, dynamic dim-sum menu is served in a chic setting, making it perfect for brunch or a celebration.
- soup dumplingssoup dumplings ( watch out for the soup ;) super juicy and addicting)
- mango puddingmango pudding which was refreshing as always
- pork bunsThe pork buns were so soft and fluffy and perfectly flavored
- Dim Sumbest Dim Sum spot I’ve found so far
Frequently criticized
- Peking duckNOT recommend the Peking duck as it was not traditionally made
- tastetaste was on the under seasoned side
- American Chinese dishesserved only American Chinese dishes
- Cantonese dishesMenu is not authentically Cantonese
- EverythingEverything was mediocre
- GF optionsLimited GF options if any at all
- MichelinNo idea how this place got a Michelin
- authentic Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing as it felt like a western restaurant with a Chinese skin. It's definitely not the place if you are looking for authentic Chinese food. The 红油抄手 was surprisingly sweet, which felt very westernized.
- black and pepper pork spare ribsthe $18 plate of black and pepper pork spare ribs. What we got were 8 little pieces of deep fried pork that were mostly just bones.
- deboned duckdeboned. It’s a shame
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious and authentic food, especially dim sum, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark or portions could be smaller, the overall culinary experience is highly praised and wont disappoint.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.6%. With 136 positive remarks out of 173, guests frequently praise the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and professional service. Many appreciate the impeccable service, hospitality, and the warmth of the team, noting they dont rush you.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. 26 negative comments point to some areas for improvement, particularly around long wait times and reservation issues. Some experiences mention staff attitude problems, stroller policy confusion, and occasional waiting time frustrations that can mar an otherwise pleasant visit.
Service
173
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
26
negative
11
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Professional service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Reservation problems
- Poor staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe fried rice is highly recommended as it retains its great taste even as leftovers. The service was excellent; our server was attentive without being intrusive, and even served the food onto our plates, which was a nice touch. The space is small, which I found to be a welcoming, almost home-like atmosphere, though some might find it cramped.
- staffFor your meal, I suggest sharing plates and definitely ordering the Berkshire pork dumplings and the sea bass. The staff were busy but attentive, striking a great balance between checking in and allowing us to enjoy our evening. It was worth every penny.
- ServiceI absolutely LOVE the fish 🤩. The dine-in service for dinner was great, and the price per person was around $20–30.
- serversThe mixed mushroom tofu was also amazing. The servers were very attentive and kind, contributing to an overall wonderful dining experience. I highly recommend this place!
- reservationsWould recommend getting reservations
- serverour server do that. Everything was quick, prompt, and professional
- waiterWaiter spotted me on my bike outside trying to get in and came out to take my order instead. Also brought the check and food out for me so I didn't have to lock my bike up.
- peopleThe people who work there are lovely
- waitworth the wait
- wait staffimpeccable attentive service from the wait staff
Frequently criticized
- staffafter some time without any sign of staff
- bring your own wineyou had to bring your own wine which we didn’t know
- capacityBeyond the classic dishes, the Coffee Rib is a surprisingly good new dish. I would recommend getting reservations as it is a small dining space and they don't have much capacity to accommodate walk-ins.
- discriminationgot discriminated against for having a child
- effortit wasn't worth the effort
- grace periodmentioned a 10-minute grace period! This contradicts their website which states a 15-minute grace period!
- high chair availabilitythey have none available... because they haven't been delivered
- individual recipesneed individual recipes
- long waitif you find a long wait
- managerrefused to let us talk to the manager
If you prioritize attentive and friendly staff, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be sure to make a reservation and be prepared for potential waits during busy periods to ensure a smooth experience.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here gets a good score of 6.9, with many appreciating its charm. Guests often praise the cozy eatery feel, authentic vibe, and chic setting, making it a delightful hidden gem. With 64 positive remarks, many find the atmosphere warm and inviting.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 60.4%, indicating some areas for improvement. With 27 negative comments, issues like the small size and noise level are frequently mentioned. Some also found tables and chairs uncomfortable or parking difficult.
Ambience
106
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
27
negative
15
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, chic vibe
- Authentic atmosphere
- Clean, inviting space
What people don't like
- Small, tight space
- Can be noisy
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereI always make it a point to stop by when I'm in the design district. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch. I had no wait time, which was a pleasant surprise.
- AtmosphereThe restaurant is unpretentious
- placeOverall a good place for an evening.
- spaceThe space is very small, I described it as feeling like I was in someone’s home
- street parkingI’ve always found street parking
- Hong Kong restaurantMy favorite proper pinkish Hong Kong restaurant
- ParkingParking was ample when we went
- ambianceCozy homey ambiance
- ample parkingconvenience in ample parking
- authentic vibeoffering an authentic vibe that transports you
Frequently criticized
- parkingI really don’t have any complaints, so I’m comfortable giving it a 5. The only minor point, which isn't exactly a bad thing, is that the seating is definitely limited and depending on the day, parking might be an issue. Inside, it's tightly packed and might be cramped for some.
- spaceThe one huge deterrent is the smaller space
- seatingWe ordered 7 dishes among 3 people, and for the total to come out to $60+ per person is insane, especially when a fried rice costs $30 and the tea wasn't complementary. The space itself is quite small with tight seating. You'll need to wait for a spot, which can take a while, but it's nice that they don't rush you to leave.
- Chinese customerszero Chinese customers the moment I entered was a easy red flag
- atmosphereits freezing
- entranceshould have second door or curtains on the outside
- insideThe only minor point, which isn't exactly a bad thing, is that the seating is definitely limited and depending on the day, parking might be an issue. Inside, it's tightly packed and might be cramped for some.
- interior designif you want to shoot for the stars, there are a few things need to improve.... Mostly about the interior design
- locationhandicapped by terrible location
- neighborhoodIn a dicey neighborhood
If youre seeking a cozy and authentic vibe and dont mind a potentially small or noisy space, this spot could be a charming find. Be prepared for possible parking challenges, but the unique atmosphere might just win you over.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.7 but a poor customer satisfaction of just 23.3%. Out of 43 total opinions, 10 positive remarks highlight that some diners found it worth every penny and appreciated the reasonable prices and value for money, especially noting significant discount for take out orders. However, the majority of the 25 negative comments frequently used terms like expensive, pricey, and overpriced.
Many experienced sticker shock and felt the prices for dim sum were too high, leading to disappointment despite good food, with some even mentioning a corkage fee adding to the cost.
Value
43
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
25
negative
8
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Reasonable prices
- Takeout discount
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Overpriced items
- Sticker shock
Often praised
- priceThe food was super delicious and, surprisingly, tasted the exact same as I remember. All the other dishes we ordered were also delicious, reasonably priced, and served in great portion sizes. My husband, who is vegan, enjoyed the vegan mushroom and noodles dish, praising its deliciousness and the spot-on broth.
- pricesabsolutely adequate prices for the quality
- Price per personI absolutely LOVE the fish 🤩. The dine-in service for dinner was great, and the price per person was around $20–30.
- reasonable pricesauthentic dim sum at reasonable prices
- special occasionDefinitely worth a visit for a special occasion
- take out orderssignificant discount for take out orders
- value for moneywas worth it
- worth every pennyWorth every penny
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices were a bit on the high side
- priceThe food was not significantly different from other Chinese establishments, yet it was really overpriced. We paid $350 before tip for 5 people, and we didn't even order wine or alcohol. Given the cost, I expected more.
- priceyIt’s pricey but the quality of the flavors makes it well worth making a visit.
- expensiveThe food was delicious, earning a high rating. However, it was more expensive than your average dim sum spot. The neighborhood felt a bit dicey, but once inside, the atmosphere was small, cute, and cozy, also receiving a good rating.
- PricesPrices are high
- corkage feesurprising and poorly communicated corkage fee
- expensive for dimsumExpensive for dimsum
- extra tipseven we offer extra tips
- overpricedit is really overpriced
- parking feeThis experience was incredibly disappointing, especially after driving from the east bay to try the place. I paid $5 for parking and felt discriminated against for having a child. No amount of good food could make me return; it's clear that children are not welcome here.
If youre watching your wallet, you might find the prices here a bit steep, as many customers felt it was overpriced. However, if youre willing to splurge for quality, especially for takeout, you might find some dishes to be worth the investment.
How are the prices at HK Lounge?
You’re looking at roughly 53 per person – reported by 121 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests tend to spend a bit less, often in the 31 – 50 $ range. But dont be surprised to see a good number of diners opting for more premium experiences, with prices going well over 100 $ too. So, its a mix of options!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels fair, especially given the range of options available. You can enjoy a solid mid-range meal, or splurge a bit for a more premium Chinese dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about HK Lounge
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Meal with Friendly Staff
I had a very nice meal and encountered very friendly personnel. We loved the crispy crab claw and the crispy duck with chives and peanut dumplings.
- crispy crab claw9
- crispy duck9
- friendly personnel9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent food and service, worth the price
This is my third time eating here. Though they are pricier than most dim sum places, the quality of the food is excellent. The service is very good too.
- quality of the food9
- service8
- price6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I really enjoyed every dish we ate. The food was really well done, and the service was exceptional.
- dishes9
- food9
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Stylish Atmosphere, Awesome Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was a standout, managing to be both stylish yet comfortable. The music was at the perfect volume, contributing to a great vibe for unwinding and enjoying a meal.
It's definitely a place with character. Furthermore, the food was all good and awesome.
- atmosphere10
- music9
- vibe9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Good Food, High Prices, Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The dim sum was pretty good, with every dish prepared well and tasting fresh. However, I'm not sure why the restaurant's ratings are so high.
While the food was fine, the prices were exorbitant, especially given the small portions. A prime example was the $18 plate of black and pepper pork spare ribs, which consisted of only 8 little pieces of deep-fried pork that were mostly bones. The soup dumplings were very average, with a wrapper that was too thick and a meat filling that wasn't terribly flavorful.
Similarly, the lotus-wrapped sticky rice was also very average; the small piece of pork in the middle was tasty, but the sticky rice lacked any real fragrance or flavor. Our favorite dish was the truffle salt shrimp toast. The service was great – attentive and friendly.
The restaurant itself is very small inside and can get quite noisy. The location is also strange, situated in a non-descript, somewhat dodgy part of Soma.
- dim sum7
- food5
- soup dumplings4
- prices2
- small portions3
- black and pepper pork spare ribs2
What HK Lounge offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Can you make reservations at HK Lounge Bistro?
Yes, HK Lounge accepts reservations for all dining options, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s recommended to book ahead, especially for dinner and brunch, to secure your table and ensure a smooth dining experience.
What are the accessibility and parking options at HK Lounge Bistro?
HK Lounge is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Parking can be challenging in the area, but you might find free or paid street parking nearby.
What is the overall customer sentiment for HK Lounge?
HK Lounge has a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 79.1%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8.6) and Service (8.1), while Ambience (6.9) is acceptable and Value (4.7) is a common concern.
What are the main strengths of HK Lounge?
Customers frequently praise the excellent food quality, especially the dim sum and dumplings, and the attentive, professional service. Many also enjoy the cozy, homey ambiance.
Are there any common drawbacks to dining at HK Lounge?
Some diners find the prices to be on the higher side, and the dining space can be small and tightly packed. Occasional issues with parking or reservations have also been noted.