Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Hong Kong Clay Pot – San Francisco
Hong Kong Clay Pot - San Francisco
Photo from Hong Kong Clay Pot
Hong Kong Clay Pot at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 161 of the guests
#608 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#34 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
684
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Great value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Dated decor
- Parking issues
The Chinese restaurant Hong Kong Clay Pot welcomes you to a casual dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You’ll find a culinary journey where traditional flavors are celebrated.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, offering you the perfect complement to your meal. Enjoy comfortable seating and table service for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Hong Kong Clay Pot
Hong Kong Clay Pot offers a culinary experience where the dishes often hit the mark, with many appreciating the generous portions and flavorful offerings. The friendly service from the staff also frequently contributes to a positive visit, making guests feel well-cared for.
However, some visits reveal an outdated interior and occasional inconsistencies in attention from the staff. While the authentic vibes are noted, these minor points suggest there’s room for refinement in the overall dining environment.
Good
8
out of 10
684
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
88
negative
41
neutral
555
positive
Overall, Hong Kong Clay Pot earns a solid 8 for its performance, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 81.1%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 684 customer opinions, with a significant majority of 555 positive remarks outweighing the 88 negative ones. The Food (8.1) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and variety.
Guests also find good Value (8.2) for their money, appreciating the reasonable prices and portion sizes. While Service (8.1) is often commended for its attentiveness, the Ambience (7.3) is generally seen as acceptable, though some comments point to its more traditional, less polished feel.
What people like
- Flavorful, generous food
- Good value for money
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Outdated interior
- Parking can be difficult
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, Hong Kong Clay Pot is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward, value-driven Chinese meal. If you prioritize hearty portions and a generally positive culinary experience over modern aesthetics, this spot delivers.
However, be prepared for an older setting and potentially varied service. It’s a place worth trying if you appreciate authentic flavors and reasonable prices, but perhaps not for a special occasion demanding polished surroundings or flawless attention.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hong Kong Clay Pot
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns high marks, boasting a solid score of 8.1 and an impressive 83.8% customer satisfaction. With 326 positive sentiments out of 389 total, diners frequently rave about the delicious, authentic Chinese food, especially the freshly cooked clay pot dishes and generous portions. Many find the quality top-notch and the variety extensive, making it a favorite for many.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 43 negative sentiments indicating some areas for improvement. A few patrons found certain items bland or flavorless, while others noted dishes could be too salty or overly oily. While these instances are less common, they suggest that consistency in seasoning and preparation might occasionally vary.
Food
389
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
43
negative
20
neutral
326
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese flavors
- Generous food portions
- Delicious clay pot dishes
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Occasionally too salty
- Can be too oily
Often praised
- foodEventually, someone who turned out to be the owner or manager, while having lunch as a customer, told us to find our own seats for our party of 8, which included 5 children. Despite the odd service, the food was good for sure! The variety was huge, and the Mongolian Beef was a standout.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious authentic Chinese food, and even the leftovers were good the next day. The restaurant is located on the second story in the heart of Chinatown.
- dishesThe food was absolutely amazing, with big portions and reasonable prices. The service was attentive, and dishes came out quick, piping hot, and full of flavor. I tried the orange chicken, beef chow fun, honey walnut shrimp, fish and tofu clay pot, spicy stir fry green beans with minced pork, and BBQ fried rice.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing, with big portions and reasonable prices. The service was attentive, and dishes came out quick, piping hot, and full of flavor.
- FoodFood:5
- beef chow funWe really like their beef chow fun
- orange chickenThe orange chicken had orange peel on the plate and had a soft crunch. The glaze was perfect.
- wonton soupI enjoyed the wonton soup too
- clay potsThe clay pots come out boiling hot
- green teaWe enjoyed great fried rice with shrimps, sweet and sour chicken, and Mongolian beef, all served in huge portions. We also received great green tea for free. The third person in our party had the fish hot pot and was also very satisfied.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was marked by average food. I wished the restaurant staff had advised us when we ordered 3 sets of noodles, as the food turned out very repetitive and thus didn't taste good.
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef i ordered was too salty and had a fishy taste
- Orange ChickenOrange Chicken was bad though. It barely had any orange flavor and more akin to sweet chicken.
- vegetarian optionsVegetarian options:Items aren’t labeled clearly.
- Beef Chow FunBeef chow fun... had ZERO flavor
- Cashew Nut Chicken Curryour experience was far from satisfactory
- MSGfood was heavily loaded with MSG
- Mixed Vegetable CurryThe vegetarian curry was particularly disappointing—extremely bitter
- Seafood Char Funthe Seafood Char Fun we had was not ideal
- authentic Chinese foodIf you’re looking for really good authentic Chinese food this isn’t it
If you're craving authentic Chinese flavors and appreciate generous portions, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most dishes are a hit, a few might occasionally be a bit bland or on the salty side.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 81.3%, its clear guests often have a great experience. Many of the 109 positive remarks highlight the friendly service, attentive staff, and fast service, with food often arriving quickly.
Reviewers frequently praise the servers and even the owners for their hospitality. However, out of 134 total comments, there are 22 negative remarks that point to some areas for improvement. Some guests experienced slow service or waiting time, with issues like orders being forgotten or wrong dishes.
There were also mentions of rude staff or waitress interactions, and even problems with water service' or not receiving forks/chopsticks.
Service
134
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Order issues
Often praised
- serviceI highly recommend the Clay Pot with eggplant, garlic, and gengibre; it was really good. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. The atmosphere was enjoyable, with a moderate noise level, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- staffWe climbed the stairs to enter a true Asian world. The staff made every effort for us to enjoy their universe and their cuisine. Sharing is key here.
- ServiceService:5
- fast serviceand fast service
- friendly servicefriendly service are a welcomed surprise
- serverour server was very sweet and attentive
- serversthe servers were incredibly nice and friendly
- attentionAtención buena
- customersmake sure that we the customers are well taken care of
- fastand fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceour waitress never came back up check on us or ask if we needed anything.
- cash tipshe would not even allow me to go into my bag to get a cash tip
- forks or chopsticksMy experience involved having gigantic portions of delicious hot food delivered to our hotel. While the food was excellent, they did not include forks or chopsticks.
- greetingwe were not greeted at the door
- last dishdidn’t serve our last dish with the others
- managerThe manager ... tried to force me to give at least 15 percent tip!
- restaurant staffWished the restaurant staff had advised us
- serverswish the servers were more helpful selecting food
- serving the foodSe tardan un poco en servir la comida
- staffthe staff was not very friendly
Overall, you can expect a largely positive experience with friendly and fast service here. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or specific staff interactions, the good far outweighs the bad. It's definitely worth a visit if efficient and welcoming service is high on your list.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The ambience here gets a solid 7.3 score, with a 64.7% customer satisfaction, suggesting a generally positive but somewhat mixed reception. Many of the 66 positive remarks out of 102 total observations praise the unique atmosphere, old school vibe, and authentic place feel, often describing it as a cozy little restaurant or a hidden gem with distinct Asian world charm. However, not everyone is charmed.
The 19 negative comments frequently point to issues like the interior outdated and feeling small and crowded. Some found the atmosphere a bit dirty and run down, with specific mentions of a toilet stinks or an odor in the staircase, suggesting hygiene concerns.
Ambience
102
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
19
negative
17
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, authentic atmosphere
- Cozy, old-school vibe
- Clean restrooms
What people don't like
- Interior outdated/dirty
- Small and crowded
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The staff were friendly, and the atmosphere had authentic vibes, earning a 5/5 for both. However, the Mongolian beef I ordered was disappointing; it was too salty and had a fishy taste, leading to a lower food score of 3/5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeCool and neat place
- authentic placevery nice and very authentic place
- Asian worldWe climbed the stairs to enter a true Asian world. The staff made every effort for us to enjoy their universe and their cuisine.
- Chinese experienceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, offering an authentic Chinese experience. The food was great, earning a 5-star rating in that category.
- Traditional Chinese decorationTraditional Chinese decoration.
- ambiancedas Ambiente ist original chinesische
- ambiencethe ambience overall was good
- big groupsgood place for big groups too
Frequently criticized
- interiorthe interior is of course outdated, everything is old and not very clean
- atmosphereatmosphere was a bit dirty and run down
- carpetthe carpet out of date and the smell it gives off
- crowded placeVery crowded place
- fancy decorDon't expect fancy decor
- hygieneNot the most hygienic place
- odorthe smell it gives off in the staircase
- parkingParking is a little difficult to locate
- parking spaceIt's a great spot for dinner, with a lively atmosphere that's loud but still allows for conversation. Finding parking can be a bit challenging, but the overall experience makes it worthwhile.
- placeThe place is beat up and not really what you expect
If youre looking for an authentic, no-frills experience with a unique, old-school charm and dont mind a potentially crowded or slightly dated interior, this spot could be a hidden gem. However, if modern decor and pristine facilities are high on your list, you might find some aspects disappointing.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place truly shines! With a strong score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.5%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many rave about the fair price, budget friendly food, and reasonable prices, often highlighting the quality-price ratio and tremendous value across 54 positive remarks.
However, a handful of guests (4 out of 59 comments) felt it wasnt quite value for money. Some opinions expressed that the restaurant fails to provide value for money, suggesting that while rare, some experiences didnt meet expectations regarding the cost-benefit.
Value
59
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent quality-price ratio
- Affordable, fair prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Disappointing value
Often praised
- priceI was pleasantly surprised to discover a Hong Kong restaurant that serves classic dishes. We ordered the Beef Chow Fun, which had a distinct “wok-hei” and a generous portion of beef for the price. Personally, I enjoyed the stir-fry more than the chicken and mushroom clay pot, even though this is a “clay pot” restaurant!
- pricesOh their prices are very reasonable tho
- good pricesdelicious Asian cuisine to good prices
- reasonable pricesIf you're a tourist in SF Chinatown looking for an authentic place to eat, go up the stairs to the Clay Pot restaurant. The excellent food and the quite reasonable prices make this a tremendous value. The whole family will find something to their taste.
- fair priceGutes Essen zu sehr fairem Preis!
- price per personThe service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. The atmosphere was enjoyable, with a moderate noise level, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- PricesPrices are reasonable.
- affordable Chinese foodoffered affordable Chinese food
- affordable priceat affordable price
- billla cuenta bastante razonable
Frequently criticized
- value for moneythis restaurant fails to provide value for money
- billThe manager, who doesn't even speak English, then tried to force me to give at least 15 percent tip! She even followed us onto the street and brought us back because the bill was supposedly too low! I still had the receipt, which another lady checked, and then let us go.
- extreme pricesNo extreme prices
If youre looking for a spot where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find it to be an excellent choice for affordable, satisfying meals, though a very small minority felt it didnt quite hit the mark on value.
How are the prices at Hong Kong Clay Pot?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 161 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 22, most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 ranges, showing prices cluster well around the average with plenty of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 161 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant, especially with so many options available across different price points. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hong Kong Clay Pot
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good Entrees, Standard Sides, Attentive Service
After the closure of the Oriental Pearl Restaurant, we're still searching for a similar nearby spot. This place is on the first floor, making it a bit difficult to carry a stroller upstairs, much like the Oriental Pearl. The restaurant was 70% full when we arrived around 6: 30 pm.
The soup was very standard, nothing exceptional, and required added condiments to improve the taste. The Potsticker was stuffed with chicken, and the Crab Rangoon was good. The Chow Mein and a Chicken Entree were great.
The house noodles were also very good, though they had limited prawns and chicken. The fried rice was again standard. It’s an all-women-run establishment, and the service was very attentive and prompt.
- soup5
- Potsticker7
- Crab Rangoon7
- stroller upstairs3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Good Food, Okay Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the atmosphere was a bit dirty and run down, it was acceptable. The food arrived fast and was impressively good, comparable to authentic Hong Kong cuisine.
Overall, it was a good experience, and I would return.
- food9
- atmosphere3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Singapore Noodles and Kung Pao Chicken!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the Singapore noodles and the chicken Kung Pow, and both were absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- Singapore noodles10
- chicken Kung Pow10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Anniversary Dinner with Mixed Feelings
My wife and I celebrated our Anniversary here last night. Finding parking was a bit of a challenge, requiring us to drive around for a while. The restaurant is located up a flight of stairs with no elevator.
It's a family-style establishment with tables featuring turntables for sharing food, and they have about 10 tables. The ambiance is cute and very connected to Asian culture. Upon arrival, there were two tables available, designed for larger parties, and many were occupied by larger groups.
We were seated at a table to share with another two-person party, which we disliked as we felt entitled to our own table. This arrangement was also inconvenient for the other party. We observed a Caucasian couple walk in and be seated at their own large table, and then three Asian individuals were also seated at a very large table.
My wife and I found it difficult to hold a conversation due to the awkwardness of sharing our table. The service was accommodating initially, but midway through, our waitress did not check on us or offer refills; we didn't even receive water. The food arrived hot.
I wasn't a fan of the wonton soup, finding it lacked flavor. I enjoyed the House Noodles (shrimp, chicken, and beef), but they also needed more seasoning or flavor. The chicken wings were delicious, and the fried string beans and pork were excellent.
My wife had a Chinese beer, and I enjoyed a cold Sake. When we were ready to pack leftovers, we had to wait to be seen for a box, and once we got the attention of another waitress, we were immediately brought the check without being asked if we needed a box. The prices are very good and cheap, with generous portions.
I recommend this place, but with reservations, depending on your race or perceived lifestyle.
- House Noodles6
- chicken wings8
- fried string beans and pork9
- parking3
- tables2
- service3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Gem with a Great Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great and very authentic. The atmosphere was also lovely, with a great buzz of locals and tourists.
Although the entrance doesn't look like much, don't be fooled – you won't be disappointed. The service was excellent, and the overall experience was very positive.
- food9
- atmosphere9
- service10
What Hong Kong Clay Pot offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant?
At Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant, you can enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner. You’ll find comfortable seating and dedicated table service, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for you and your companions.
What convenient services and payment options does Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant offer?
This Chinese restaurant provides dine-in, delivery, and no-contact delivery. For payments, you can use credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments. Free Wi-Fi is also available for your convenience while you visit.
How does Hong Kong Clay Pot generally perform?
Hong Kong Clay Pot earns a solid overall score of 8, with customer satisfaction at 81.1%. Its Food (8.1) and Value (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (8.1) and Ambience (7.3) also contribute positively to the experience.
What are the culinary highlights at Hong Kong Clay Pot?
Guests frequently praise the generous portions and authentic flavors of the dishes, with items like beef chow fun and orange chicken often mentioned positively. The restaurant is also noted for offering good value for money.
Are there any common drawbacks to dining at Hong Kong Clay Pot?
Some patrons have noted that the interior can appear outdated or less polished. Service, while often friendly, can occasionally be inconsistent, and finding parking in the area might present a challenge.