Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Hong Kong Lounge – San Francisco
Hong Kong Lounge - San Francisco
Photo from Hong Kong Lounge
Hong Kong Lounge at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#1798 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#174 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
490
Reviews
63.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dim sum
- Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Value
- Service
The restaurant Hong Kong Lounge is a beloved Chinese restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. You’ll discover a culinary journey here, highlighted by their truly great tea selection.
This spot offers a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy authentic flavors in a comfortable setting.
Overview: Introducting Hong Kong Lounge
Hong Kong Lounge offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and a wide selection of dim sum. Many appreciate the quick service and the authentic feeling of the place, making it a popular spot for gatherings.
However, some visits are marred by aspects like a chaotic check in system and concerns over value. While the food often hits the mark, the overall experience can be a mixed bag, with some finding the pricing a bit steep.
Good
6.8
out of 10
490
Reviews
63.5%
Satisfaction
139
negative
40
neutral
311
positive
Hong Kong Lounge achieves a respectable overall score of 6.8, placing it in the good category. This is largely driven by its strong performance in Food (7.5), which garners significant praise.
The Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively, suggesting a pleasant dining environment. However, customer satisfaction sits at 63.5%, indicating a mixed experience for some patrons, despite the good overall score.
This might be influenced by the average rating for Service (5.6) and a lower score for Value (4.4). These insights are drawn from a substantial 490 customer comments, with 311 positive remarks balancing 139 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent dim sum variety
- Lively, authentic atmosphere
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent, chaotic service
- Difficult parking
If you’re primarily seeking a diverse and well-regarded dim sum selection in a lively setting, Hong Kong Lounge is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7 suggests a solid choice for many, especially if you prioritize the culinary experience.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and a price point that some find less than ideal. It’s a place that delivers on its core offering, but managing expectations regarding value and service might enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hong Kong Lounge
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 75.9%. With 221 positive remarks out of 291 total, diners frequently rave about the diverse dim sum options, authentic flavors, and consistent quality. Many appreciate that dishes arrive piping hot, making for a delightful culinary experience.
However, not all experiences are stellar, with 57 negative comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some found the food to be mediocre, occasionally describing it as greasy and salty. There were also mentions of small portions and bland flavors in certain dishes, suggesting that while many items shine, a few might miss the mark.
Food
291
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
57
negative
13
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great dim sum options
- Consistent food quality
- Hot and fresh dishes
What people don't like
- Mediocre food quality
- Greasy and salty
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this typical Cantonese dim sum restaurant has been consistently positive. The service is quick, and the food is pretty good and relatively inexpensive. I've visited 7-8 times with various friends and family, and we've never been disappointed.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was that of a classic institution offering reasonable dim sum. While the har gow was fantastic and I also liked the zongzi, I didn't particularly love the BBQ pork buns and shen jian bao.
- FoodThis place is the one of the best dimsum places in the world.
- Chinese broccoliseveral shrimp dimsum and chinese broccoli. Haven't had proper dimsum
- Dim SumMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a good place for Dim Sum with a good variety of food that should satisfy most people. The price is similar to most restaurants.
- baked BBQ pork bunsbaked BBQ pork buns, shrimp dumplings, fried sesame balls
- baked pork bunsespecially like the baked pork buns
- dim sum dishesMy experience at Hong Kong Lounge in San Francisco on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, for lunch with my cousins and relatives was fantastic. We enjoyed awesome and unique dim sum dishes, each a delicious bite-sized package. The sheer variety of selections was impressive, and we tried over 20 different dishes, experiencing a wide range of tastes and ingredients.
- dim sum experienceHong Kong Lounge has been our go-to brunch place for many years. It offers the best and most authentic dim sum experience you can find in San Francisco proper. Our go-to order includes the braised chicken feet, shrimp dumplings or noodle rolls with their chili sauce, baked bbq pork buns, and Chinese broccoli / gai lan with oyster sauce.
- dim sum optionsThe sticky rice was also quite disappointing, described as super 'meh' and not sticky at all. Given the availability of many equal or better dim sum options nearby and in San Francisco generally, I probably won't return.
Frequently criticized
- foodMost of the food was either bland or just bad
- food qualitydisappointing due to the food quality
- BBQ pork bunsDidn't love the BBQ pork buns
- dumplingsall dumplings tasted the same and had the same filling
- portionsportions are a little smaller vs other place
- BBQ pork7 slices of thin BBQ pork at a cost of $16
- Chinese placeNo different than any "hole in the wall " Chinese place
- Curry Beef DumplingsCurry Beef Dumplings didn't quite live up to my expectations
- Egg tartEgg tart 🚫 Crust denser, not flaky. Flavor is off.
- Peking duckBones in the Peking duck
If you're looking for a place with a wide array of authentic and consistently good dim sum, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many dishes are praised for being hot and flavorful, a few might fall short on taste or portion size.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at 44.7%. Many folks appreciate the fast service, friendly staff, and quick seating, especially for larger parties. Out of 85 total opinions, 38 highlighted these positive experiences, noting efficient service and servers who are quick to accommodate.
However, the service isnt without its challenges. With 38 negative opinions, some customers have encountered long wait times, disorganization, and even unattentive staff or rude hostesses. Issues like queues, waiting periods, and even servers demanding tips have been mentioned, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
85
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
38
negative
9
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, efficient service
- Friendly, quick staff
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized service
- Unattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this typical Cantonese dim sum restaurant has been consistently positive. The service is quick, and the food is pretty good and relatively inexpensive. I've visited 7-8 times with various friends and family, and we've never been disappointed.
- ServiceAny of their dumplings lend great flavor and are not doughy. Service is sufficient even when busy.
- waitHowever, they offer some unique specialty dishes that are only available here. The atmosphere was crowded with locals, as is typical, but the wait wasn't too bad. It was definitely worth stopping by.
- serversThe servers were diligent and quick
- staffstaff were so friendly!
- accommodate large partiescan accommodate large parties
- efficient serviceObsługa sprawna
- food preparationThey make the food fast
- seated quicklyWe were seated quickly
- seatingWe were seated very quickly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was shockingly bad—unattentive staff, slow responses, and a lack of basic courtesy.
- waitdefinitely see a wait at 1130
- available tablewhy was we told that the table we were sitting was "the" only available table for two????
- check in and wait systemmost chaotic check in and wait system
- check-in ladyThe check in lady was yelling at everyone! So rude!
- confronted if you dont tipexpect to be confronted if you dont tip
- dim sum lineMy experience at the restaurant involved a long line for dim sum on the weekends, but the food was definitely worth the wait. I'd recommend going early to avoid the longest queues.
- disorganizationthe level of disorganization - really, chaos
- food timingThe timing of the food was horrible
- harrass their customersacceptable apparently to harrass their customers
If youre looking for a quick meal and dont mind potentially navigating some chaos, you might find the service acceptable. However, be prepared for possible long waits and inconsistent staff attentiveness, especially during busy times.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here receives an average score of 6.8, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 63.1%. Many of the 41 positive comments praise the traditional atmosphere and authentic feeling, noting the lively old vibe and bustle thats perfect for a family dinner. Plus, great parking is a definite bonus!
However, 16 negative opinions point to some drawbacks. Guests sometimes found the noise level too high and the place crowded, especially on weekends. Issues like a stinky smell and difficult parking also popped up, with some finding the overall atmosphere' a bit tacky or drafty.
Ambience
65
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Traditional atmosphere
- Bustling family vibe
- Authentic feeling
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Difficult parking
- Stinky smell
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe service was okay, standard for most Chinese restaurants. The place was clean, but initially, there were barely any Chinese people dining there, which was a first red flag. More Chinese patrons arrived later, but that didn't alter the food quality.
- AmbianceAmbiance is typical with loud people talking and shouting but that's the fun of Sunday dim sum.
- ambianceThe ambiance and presentation definitely hit the mark
- authentic feelingVery authentic feeling
- back patioask to be seated on the back patio
- back roomThe back room is a hidden gem
- big insideThe place is really big inside too
- bustleThe bustle, the cacophony of family gossip
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThey also were banging and tossing dishes and utensils loudly
- parkingParking is difficult - metered street parking.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- crowdedIt can get so crowded during the weekend.
- drafty tablewe did not want to sit at that table because it was drafty
- heavy foot trafficit was drafty (cold wind) with heavy foot traffic.
- kitchen's cleanlinessmade me worry about the cleanliness of the kitchen
- menu panelsmenu panels also had some sticky substance on it
- noise levelIf you come early, just a short walk away. And don't expect a Chinese restaurant to be quiet, especially dim sum restaurants.
If youre seeking a lively, authentic dim sum experience with a traditional charm and dont mind a bit of noise or a bustling crowd, this spot could be for you. However, if quiet dining, pristine conditions, and easy parking are your top priorities, you might find the ambience a bit challenging.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found a lot to love, with about 11 positive remarks out of 49 total. Many appreciated the reasonable prices and felt the experience was truly worth it, even calling some items inexpensive. The overall score for value sits at an average 4.4, suggesting a mixed but not entirely negative picture.
However, the value proposition isnt without its significant challenges, as evidenced by 28 negative comments. Many felt things were expensive or overpriced, especially with automatic gratuity or suggested gratuity practices causing frustration. This is reflected in a rather poor 22.4% customer satisfaction, indicating that many felt they didnt get their money's worth.
Value
49
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
28
negative
10
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Inexpensive options
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Overpriced dishes
- High overall cost
Often praised
- priceThe tofu skin was quite fried but still yummy! Not too expensive for the quality and service. Might go back again!
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- PricingPricing is fair and seems to be in line
- happy middle groundhits a happy middle ground
- inexpensiveMy experience at this typical Cantonese dim sum restaurant has been consistently positive. The service is quick, and the food is pretty good and relatively inexpensive. I've visited 7-8 times with various friends and family, and we've never been disappointed.
- reasonable pricesCeny rozsądne jak na jakość i lokalizację
- worth itPricey but worth it.
Frequently criticized
- pricethe food was a bit overpriced
- expensiveToo expensive for me to recommend
- pricesA tip should reflect the quality of service, not be demanded in such an unprofessional and off-putting way. For the prices they charge, I expected much better. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
- pricey sidejust a little on the pricey side
- tippingthe sneaky tipping was unacceptable
- 18% chargesneaky 18% that made it to the bill
- 18% gratuity18% already changed
- Price per person$30 pp. So expensive for "not bad" dim sum.
- TIPthe TIP was automatically applied to the total!
- TIP 20%they had the audacity to highlight and write "TIP 20%" in big letters on the receipt.
If you're looking for truly inexpensive options, you might find some gems, but be wary of the final bill. The automatic gratuity and perceived high prices left many feeling disappointed, so weigh your options carefully before committing.
How are the prices at Hong Kong Lounge?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 105 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Whats cool is that while the average is 35, a big chunk of folks actually spend a bit less, with the most common prices landing in the $21–$30 sweet spot. This means theres a good spread of options, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more indulgent meal!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer a good range of choices, so you can find something delicious that fits your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hong Kong Lounge
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Decent Food, Unacceptable Tipping Practice
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was decent, with everything arriving hot, though some dishes were better than others. The price was quite reasonable for the serving sizes.
However, the tipping practice was unacceptable; they tried to write in a tipping value, which felt forced and wasn't disclosed upfront. The atmosphere was loud, with both guests and staff contributing to the noise, and dishes were being banged and tossed loudly. While the staff seemed courteous, our interactions were limited.
I don't mind giving more, but it should be transparent and optional, not automatically applied or suggested without clear disclosure.
- food7
- price7
- staff7
- tipping2
- atmosphere3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Amazing Food, Terrible Server Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of incredible food and a deeply unpleasant service encounter. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was great, but the service truly marred the visit. After enjoying our meal, we were about to leave when our server returned and demanded a tip.
She was insistent, pointing at the check and repeatedly saying, "Put a tip. Put a tip. " This was incredibly frustrating, especially since we had already paid and even cleaned the table ourselves.
As a former server, I know this behavior is unacceptable. While tipping is customary, being pressured and essentially shaken down for a tip after the bill was settled is harassment. Be wary if you visit, as this kind of customer harassment seems to be acceptable here.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- long wait2
- server demanding tip1
- harrass their customers1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Raw Shrimp in Fried Dumpling
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. I was served completely raw shrimp in a chive dumpling that was supposed to be fried. The shrimp was grey and cold in the middle.
I would not go here again!
- shrimp1
- chive dumpling1
- food quality1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hong Kong Lounge: Well-Made Classics
My experience at Hong Kong Lounge was excellent. Even with plenty of dim sum spots in the Richmond area, this place truly stands out. They offer all the well-made classics in a traditional atmosphere.
The highlights for me were the durian pastries and the rolled rice rolls.
- well-made classics9
- traditional atmosphere8
- durian pastries10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Classic Dim Sum with Hits and Misses
My experience at this restaurant was that of a classic institution offering reasonable dim sum. While the har gow was fantastic and I also liked the zongzi, I didn't particularly love the BBQ pork buns and shen jian bao.
- dim sum7
- har gow10
- zongzi8
- BBQ pork buns3
- shen jian bao3
What Hong Kong Lounge offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Hong Kong Lounge accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Hong Kong Lounge in San Francisco’s Richmond District is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
What dining options and reservation policies does Hong Kong Lounge offer?
Hong Kong Lounge provides a full range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. They also offer catering. Dinner and brunch reservations are recommended, and they do accept reservations for your convenience.
How does Hong Kong Lounge generally perform?
Hong Kong Lounge holds a 6.8 overall score, indicating a good experience. Its Food (7.5) is a standout, while Ambience (6.8) is also good. However, Service (5.6) is average, and Value (4.4) is a weaker point.
What are the main strengths of Hong Kong Lounge?
Customers frequently praise the diverse and delicious dim sum offerings, often highlighting the variety and quality of dishes. The atmosphere is also noted for its lively, authentic feel, with some enjoying the bustle.
What are common complaints about Hong Kong Lounge?
Many patrons express concerns about the restaurant’s value, citing high prices and unexpected charges. Service can also be inconsistent, with some experiences described as chaotic, inattentive, or having long waits.