Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » House of Pancakes – San Francisco
House of Pancakes - San Francisco
Photo from House of Pancakes
House of Pancakes at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#430 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
530
Reviews
81.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Ambience lacking
- Cash only
The restaurant House of Pancakes invites you to a delightful culinary journey in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. This Chinese restaurant offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You’ll find a selection of small plates, ideal for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can expect a friendly table service experience.
Overview: Introducting House of Pancakes
House of Pancakes offers a straightforward approach to Chinese comfort food, where the focus is clearly on the plate. Diners consistently appreciate the generous portions and the excellent value, making it a popular choice for those seeking satisfying meals.
Expect hearty dumplings and flavorful pancakes that often hit the mark. However, it’s worth noting that the experience isn’t without its quirks.
Some patrons have encountered less consistent service or found the general atmosphere to be quite basic. Additionally, be prepared as it operates on a cash only basis, which is a key point to remember before your visit.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
530
Reviews
81.7%
Satisfaction
45
negative
52
neutral
433
positive
House of Pancakes achieves a commendable overall score of 8.2, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 81.7%.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 530 customer opinions, with 433 positive remarks outweighing 45 negative ones, indicating a well-received establishment. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.6) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently earning high praise.
Value (7.8) and Service (7.7) also perform well, suggesting that guests feel they get their money’s worth and are generally looked after. The Ambience (6.8), while not a detractor, registers as more functional than a standout feature.
What people like
- Delicious Chinese food
- Generous portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Basic ambiance
- Cash-only payment
If you’re seeking straightforward, flavorful Chinese comfort food with generous portions and excellent value, House of Pancakes is certainly worth considering. It delivers on its core promise, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, this spot is generally well-regarded. Just be mindful of the cash-only policy and manage expectations regarding the atmosphere and occasional service quirks, and you’re likely to have a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on House of Pancakes
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 89.4%, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 349 comments, a whopping 312 rave about delicious items like the hand pulled noodles, beef roll pancakes, dumplings, and garlic green beans.
However, a few of the 19 critical remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some found the noodles to be mediocre or the portion sizes inconsistent. There were also occasional concerns about food quality and dishes being too salty, suggesting a bit more consistency could elevate the experience even further.
Food
349
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
19
negative
18
neutral
312
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious hand-pulled noodles
- Fantastic beef roll pancakes
- Flavorful dumplings, green beans
What people don't like
- Noodles sometimes mediocre
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Dishes can be salty
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this small, cash-only Chinese restaurant specializing in dumplings and pancakes was fantastic. I recommend coming in early to avoid waiting, as the food came out quickly with generous portions at an amazing value. I would definitely come back!
- hand pulled noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was that of a cheap, no frills spot to get decent hand pulled noodles. I was impressed by the huge portions for a sub $10 bowl of noodles, which is unheard of in the Bay Area these days.
- beef roll pancakeIt's a true hidden gem with absolutely delicious food. If you're looking for the best beef roll pancake, this is the place to come.
- pancakesThis is a fantastic neighborhood restaurant that serves traditional dumplings and Chinese pancakes. It's a great place for Chinese comfort foods.
- dumplingseverything from the dumplings to the garlic string beans to the pot stickers are all amazing
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It offers nothing fancy, just GOOD, solid, Chinese food at a fair price. I particularly enjoyed the homestyle dumplings and green onion pancakes, the handpulled noodle soup, and the stir-fried long green beans with lots of garlic, which reminded me of how mom used to make it.
- Beef Roll PancakeThe Beef Roll Pancake is ambrosia from the heavens.
- portionsMy experience at this small, cash-only Chinese restaurant specializing in dumplings and pancakes was fantastic. I recommend coming in early to avoid waiting, as the food came out quickly with generous portions at an amazing value. I would definitely come back!
- FoodFood was so flavourful and cooked just right.
- beef noodle soupThe beef noodle soup tastes soothing with full of natural flavor.
Frequently criticized
- noodlesHowever, I was disappointed with the noodles, which were just mediocre. They were doughy, not springy. The eggplant was pretty good.
- lamb pancakeI’ll pass on the lamb pancake though.
- Beef Chow FunBeef chow fun was made with a lot of oil and sesame oil
- chive and pork dumplingschive and pork dumplings etc. We ended up dunking
- eggplant tofueggplant tofu etc. We ended up dunking everything
- food poisonedI was actually food poisoned this time
- food qualitythe food quality had gone even further downhill
- lamb skewerseverything was exceptionally salty (lamb skewers
- pancakebut the pancake itself was dense and thick
- piece of plasticI even found a piece of plastic thing in my food
If youre seeking flavorful Chinese comfort food, especially their renowned hand-pulled noodles and pancakes, this place is definitely worth a visit. While some experiences mention minor inconsistencies, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and full.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 74.7%, both landing squarely in the good category. With 56 positive remarks out of 75 total, many rave about the incredibly friendly owners and staff, often highlighting their excellent service and warm hospitality. Guests frequently praise the quick and speedy service, whether for dine-in or takeout, making for a smooth experience.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A smaller number of 12 negative comments point to occasional issues, such as some finding a server or waitress to be rude or impatient. There are also mentions of minor hiccups like wrong change or a long wait list at peak times.
While these instances are less frequent, theyre worth noting for a balanced view.
Service
75
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
7
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff, owners
- Quick, speedy service
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Occasional rude staff
- Long wait list
- Wrong change given
Often praised
- serviceIt's important to note that it's cash only, so be sure to bring extra cash. The shop is small, but the service is quick.
- staffbustling little restaurant run by a small staff.
- ServiceThe service here is good... really good.
- ownerThe owner was super nice and friendly
- ownersThe owners are very kind and helpful
- takeoutGreat for takeout
- wait timeNo wait time
- bike rideMy experience at the restaurant was well worth the 45 min bike ride! I loved the chicken pancake and the garlic green beans.
- deliverymy good was done within 10 minutes!
- dine-indine in
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was so disappointed in their service
- bad timeme hicieron pasar un mal momento
- hours onlineSomeone has been messing with their hours online.
- rude to delivery driversthey are very rude to the domiciliaries
- serverThe service and ambiance were alright; I wouldn’t say either were notable. It took me a few tries to flag down a server to get water, but they were quick with the tea and with the food! Overall, I’d definitely come back here!
- server ladythe server lady being very rude and disrespectful
- treated badlytreated mal a uno de ellos
- wait listthe wait list was long.
- waitresstheir waitress is super impatient
- woman who serve foodthis woman who serve food the cash register was so unpleasant and rude
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, often marked by friendly faces and quick delivery. While there are a few isolated reports of rudeness or minor issues, the overwhelming sentiment suggests a welcoming and efficient team. It's definitely worth a visit if good service is high on your list.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 6.8 indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 54.2%. Many of the 26 positive remarks praise the atmosphere as good, amazing, and even a favorite, often describing it as cozy, homey, or having a casual diner vibe. Guests frequently noted the inside was clean and appreciated the plenty of parking available.
However, not all experiences were glowing. Among the 10 negative comments, some found the interior old or uncomfortable, and there were concerns about a fruit fly problem and the place smell. The restroom also drew criticism for being dirty or lacking soap, and parking was occasionally described as challenging.
It seems some visitors felt you dont come for the atmosphere here.
Ambience
48
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
10
negative
12
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean interior
- Plenty parking
What people don't like
- Fruit fly problem
- Dirty restrooms
- Uncomfortable interior
Often praised
- atmosphereI also enjoyed the garlic string beans, which were cooked to a nice crunch and generously garlicked. Service was fine, and the atmosphere was great. While it's a cash-only spot and a relatively small establishment, leading to a potential 15 to 30-minute wait, the overall quality of the food makes it a good dinner spot to go with friends.
- AtmosphereThe atmosphere here is good... really good.
- placeAs if the food wasn't enough, the service was top-notch – the cherry on top of an already perfect brunch experience. Consider this place officially added to our monthly brunch date rotation – the food is delish, service is great, the place is homey, and the price is light on our pockets.
- ambiancethe service, ambiance, and food are exactly what you want.
- ambienceInside not fancy but loved everything
- cozyIt's cozy and offers specialty items like pancakes.
- diner vibeAnd the cucumber salad was refreshing and balanced everything out nicely. The restaurant has a small, casual diner vibe that gives it local charm--nothing fancy, but welcoming and perfect for sharing a flavorful meal with family or friends.
- favorite placesOne of my favorite places in SF
- insidethe inside was clean
- parkingPlenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereYou don't come for the atmosphere
- parkingParking is a little bit challenging although
- fruit fly problemtheir rampant fruit fly problem
- interiorThe interior is kind of old and not that clean
- place smellthe place smell
- restroomthe restroom. There was no soap in the dispenser
- toiletthe toilet is dirty
- uncomfortablefue incómodo
If youre seeking a cozy, welcoming spot with good vibes, you might find it here. However, be prepared for potential issues like fruit flies or less-than-pristine restrooms, and parking might require a bit of patience. Its a place where the food often shines brighter than the setting.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.8 score, indicating a good experience for many. While customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.2%, a solid 39 positive remarks out of 58 total conversations highlight that many diners find the bang-for-buck meals and great price truly worth it. Youll often hear praise for affordable options and true value for the money.
However, its not all smooth sailing. A small handful of 4 negative comments point to one recurring inconvenience: the cash only policy. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, its something to be aware of, as several guests noted the cash-only business' aspect as a minor hurdle in an otherwise positive value proposition.
Value
58
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
4
negative
15
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value meals
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
Often praised
- priceThe best part? It didn't break the bank! The portions were incredibly generous, leaving us happily stuffed with plenty of leftovers.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise! I wasn't expecting to find mind-blowing Sichuan food here, especially at prices unseen and unthinkable for SF. This hole-in-the-wall eatery serves large portions, with everything priced under $10.
- valueMy experience at this small, cash-only Chinese restaurant specializing in dumplings and pancakes was fantastic. I recommend coming in early to avoid waiting, as the food came out quickly with generous portions at an amazing value. I would definitely come back!
- PricesAlso get #10, beef pancake roll! Prices are still low and it's cash only.
- affordableThe chives dumpling was also really good! What's even better is that it's so so affordable. This is a small little spot, so it may be packed on weekend evenings, but it’s definitely worth it.
- affordable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious and authentic Chinese food at very affordable prices. The BBQ skewers and beef noodle soup were awesome!
- amount of foodamount of food you get for the cost is phenomenal
- bang-for-buck mealsbest bang-for-buck meals I’ve had
- best value for moneythe best value for money
- dealAmazing deal
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyCash only, no cards accepted!
- cash-only businessthey are a cash-only business for dine-in
If youre seeking delicious food that wont break the bank, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just remember to bring cash, as that's the only minor hiccup in an otherwise great value proposition.
How are the prices at House of Pancakes?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 91 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 diners find themselves in this sweet spot, with the majority spending between $11–$20. While some spend a bit more, and a few go for premium options, the pricing clearly clusters around that comfortable mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about House of Pancakes
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Chinese Classics
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We ordered the pork potstickers, lamb pancakes, and beef noodle soup. We loved everything we tried!
The potstickers had a great texture, being very crispy on the pan-fried side and tender on the other. The lamb pancakes were layered with filling, a specific type of Chinese pancake I haven't found elsewhere in the Bay Area. The beef noodle soup was incredibly soothing and tasted of full, natural flavor.
The potstickers were delicious with juicy filling and a rich noodle aroma. The pancakes were very much to northern Chinese taste. The beef noodle soup broth was naturally sweet and light.
The atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation, and the service was excellent, both rated 5/5.
- pork potstickers9
- lamb pancakes9
- beef noodle soup9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Friendly Staff, Great Value!
My experience at House of Pancakes was absolutely amazing. The food was incredible, and the staff was super friendly. They were also very quick.
While it's not too expensive, it's important to note that you need to pay cash when dining in. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the city!
- food10
- staff10
- quick9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, Impatient Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, earning a perfect score. However, the service from the waitress was a significant letdown.
She was super impatient when I asked questions, which detracted from the overall dining experience. Due to the poor service, I won't be returning.
- food10
- waitress2
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Northern Chinese Delights at House of Pancakes
This was our first time trying House of Pancakes, and let's just say--the name is definitely misleading in the best way. While you might expect a traditional breakfast spot, this cozy, mom-and-pop-style restaurant serves up hearty Northern Chinese dishes packed with flavor. We came with a large group of extended family and were impressed with how accommodating and friendly the staff were.
They even made thoughtful dish recommendations based on our group size and preferences, which made the experience even better. We ordered quite a bit to share: Beef Pancakes (a house specialty), Lamb Skewers (spicy and non-spicy), Lamb Dumplings, Pork Dumplings, Lamb Stir-Fried Hand-Pulled Noodles, and Fresh Cucumber Salad. Overall, the food was delicious and flavorful.
That said, if you're not a fan of lamb (like me), just be aware that the lamb skewers and dumplings can be a bit gamey. The spicy skewers helped mask it a bit, thanks to a generous sprinkle of paprika. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the lamb stir-fried noodles--the lamb in that dish was melt-in-your-mouth tender and tasted more like beef than lamb to me.
Unfortunately, I couldn't try the beef pancakes due to dietary restrictions, but my cousins absolutely loved them and said they were a must-order. The pork dumplings were a standout for me--juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. And the cucumber salad was refreshing and balanced everything out nicely.
The restaurant has a small, casual diner vibe that gives it local charm--nothing fancy, but welcoming and perfect for sharing a flavorful meal with family or friends.
- Northern Chinese dishes9
- staff10
- dish recommendations9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
5
Affordable but Mediocre Noodles
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The price was very affordable, which was a definite plus. However, I was disappointed with the noodles, which were just mediocre.
They were doughy, not springy. The eggplant was pretty good. The potsticker and veggie pancake were just okay; I would skip them next time.
- price8
- eggplant7
- potsticker5
- noodles3
What House of Pancakes offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available when you visit House of Pancakes in San Francisco?
Finding parking near House of Pancakes can sometimes be a bit challenging, as is common in the Sunset District. You’ll find options for both free and paid street parking in the vicinity, so you may need to allow a little extra time to locate a spot.
What dining options and accessibility features does House of Pancakes offer?
House of Pancakes provides flexible dining options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, featuring both an accessible entrance and seating, making it welcoming for all guests.
How does House of Pancakes generally rate?
House of Pancakes holds a strong overall score of 8.2. Its Food (8.6) is particularly well-regarded, followed by Value (7.8) and Service (7.7). Ambience (6.8) is noted as more modest.
What are the standout dishes or features at House of Pancakes?
Customers frequently praise the dumplings, pancakes, and hand pulled noodles for their flavor and generous portions. The restaurant is also recognized for its excellent value.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at House of Pancakes?
Some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies with certain food items like noodles or pancakes, and there have been mentions of less attentive service or issues with the general atmosphere, including cleanliness. The establishment is also cash only.