Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Hunan Cafe #2 – San Francisco
Hunan Cafe #2 - San Francisco
Photo from Hunan Cafe #2
Hunan Cafe #2 at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#227 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
421
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Poor ambiance
- Outdated prices
- Takeout only
The restaurant, a welcoming Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood, offers a delightful culinary journey. When you visit Hunan Cafe #2, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its excellent vegetarian options and quick bite offerings, making it a versatile choice whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for delivery. It’s a great place to enjoy authentic flavors with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Hunan Cafe #2
Hunan Cafe #2 offers a genuine local experience, often described as a charming neighborhood spot with a welcoming atmosphere. Patrons frequently highlight the kindest and sweetest owners who contribute to a warm, personal touch.
However, it’s worth noting that while the food and service shine, some find the physical place itself to be a bit dated or cluttered. Additionally, the restaurant primarily operates as takeout only, which might not suit everyone looking for a dine-in experience.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
421
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
30
negative
23
neutral
368
positive
Hunan Cafe #2 earns a solid 8.5 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands strong at 87.4%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are based on 421 customer observations, with a significant majority of 368 positive remarks against just 30 negative ones. The Food is a clear highlight, scoring an excellent (8.8), closely followed by Service (8.7), which customers consistently find attentive and friendly.
Value also performs well at a good (8), making it an appealing option for many. The Ambience (6.5), while not poor, is considered average, suggesting it’s functional rather than a standout feature.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Dated interior ambiance
- Outdated online prices
- Primarily takeout only
For those prioritizing excellent Chinese cuisine and genuinely warm interactions over a fancy setting, Hunan Cafe #2 is a strong contender. With a Recommendation Score of 8.8, it clearly delivers on its core offerings, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option with generous portions and don’t mind a no-frills environment, this spot is worth trying. However, if a modern dining room or precise online pricing is crucial, you might need to adjust your expectations or consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hunan Cafe #2
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
It looks like the food here is a real crowd-pleaser! With an impressive score of 8.8 and customer satisfaction soaring at 93.9%, it's clear that diners are consistently delighted. Out of 213 opinions, a whopping 200 rave about the delicious, fresh, and hot food, often highlighting the generous portions.
However, a few diners (7 out of 213) did note some areas for improvement. Concerns included sesame chicken being dry and tough, potstickers that were a bit too thick, and a wonton soup that contained an unexpected amount of broccoli, alongside comments about a restricted menu.
Food
213
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
200
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portions
- Excellent quality
What people don't like
- Dry sesame chicken
- Thick potstickers
- Restricted menu
Often praised
- foodI've been here many times, and it's usually open. I absolutely love the food and would give it a million stars if I could; since I can't, 5 stars will have to do. The waiter, Lily, is really nice, and while the place is old, they do an excellent job cleaning it up, making it very nice.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, largely due to the kindest restaurant owners, Lily and her family. If you're spending your money elsewhere in San Francisco for Chinese food, you are making a mistake! The food was rated a perfect 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5.
- deliciousI was impressed by the huge portions and the very affordable prices. The food was delicious, and the service was amazing. Lily, in particular, was wonderful and made me feel like family!
- good foodfind good food at a reasonable price
- hot and sour soupThe hot and sour soup was pretty good
- portion sizeMy favorite place EVER to order take-out! The food is fresh and tasty, with good sized portions for a very reasonable price. Lily, one of the owners, is SO nice and gets to know everyone personally.
- FoodFood comes out crazy fast
- Mongolian Beefmy teen daughter and I were able to eat 2x!! on MongolianBeef add Broccoli and Side of Rice
- cashew chickenThe cashew chicken is probably the main thing
- crab puffscrab puffs.. yummy
Frequently criticized
- broccolipredominantly broccoli. I don't even know why there is broccoli
- foodWhat disappointed me was the food
- lunchStopped by twice for lunch and closed both times
- potstickersMy teen daughter and I were able to eat twice from the Mongolian Beef with Broccoli and a side of rice. The potstickers were a little too thick, but the Crab Rangoons are a hit! I will always return for a bit of Hunan and the charm of this homegrown gem!
- restricted menuThey have a restricted menu with no flexibility
- sesame chickenthe sesame chicken was dry and tough with no flavour or spice
- wonton soupwonton soup was predominantly broccoli
If youre looking for consistently delicious, fresh, and generously portioned Chinese food, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few specific dishes might have minor issues, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a satisfying meal.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.7 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 87.3%, its clear that guests generally have a good experience. Many of the 110 positive remarks highlight the incredible speed and the wonderfully friendly staff, especially mentioning the owners and a particular individual named Lily, who consistently provide excellent customer service and helpful recommendations.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 9 negative comments point to some less-than-ideal interactions, including instances of rude service or being denied service. There's also a recurring sentiment about the restaurant being takeout only, which, while efficient for quick delivery, can be a dealbreaker for those hoping for a dine-in experience.
Service
126
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service speed
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Takeout only
- Rare rude interactions
Often praised
- serviceI felt like I was a guest, not just a person filling a table. This is the best Chinese restaurant out of all the ones we have tried in San Francisco, and the best service. Our waiter suggested we share a plate and an entree, which we did upon his recommendation and were happy to have listened.
- LilySpent Saturday seeing the West Coast's sunset, and what better way to end it than with a wonderful take-out meal! Lily was a doll on the phone when ordering. Apparently, they don’t do "combinations" like they do out East (from where we're from).
- ownerwoman who looks like an owner was really kind
- staffOur host, Miss Lilly, was a sweet and charming lady who made us feel like we were dining in her home, even chatting about our neighborhoods. It's not a fancy place, but for authentic Asian food at an unbelievable price with a friendly, helpful staff, it's definitely worth checking out for a wonderful dining experience.
- ownersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, thanks to the kindest and sweetest owners in the world! <3 While some reviews focus on the building, I believe the affordable prices on the menu are what truly matter, especially considering it's a hole in the wall.
- peopleI am convinced she is undoubtedly the nicest person ever. In conclusion, the food is the best ever, the people there are extremely nice, and the atmosphere is really nice as it is clean. Go there now or you will regret it.
- takeoutWe ordered takeout and they could have not been more genuine and nice.
- customer serviceThe lady who serves me is always super nice. While they close around 9: 30 or before 10 pm, and she might get a little anxious if you arrive close to closing asking for a large meal, she still tries her best to provide wonderful customer service.
- hostThe host, Miss Lilly, is a sweet, charming lady, and made us feel like we were dining in her home.
- ladyThe lady is also really nice
Frequently criticized
- accounting skillsshe lost 3 stars due to her accounting skills
- business practiceit felt like a malicious business practice
- denied me serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the rude service I received. I wanted to grab food, and as I approached, a lady came out and denied me service, telling me to leave. This was baffling as the restaurant was open, the door was wide open, and there were empty tables; it was actually empty.
- dine inI wish they still do dine in
- dine-inrestaurant does not offer dine-in
- lady in thereThe lady in there was impossible to understand
- rude serviceextremely negative due to the rude service
- serviceI did not get to actually eat the food, but after my brief interaction, I wouldn’t eat here if you paid me. The service was so poor that it completely overshadowed any potential for a positive dining experience.
- takeout onlythey are takeout only
If youre looking for incredibly fast service and a genuinely friendly interaction, especially for takeout, this place is a solid bet. Just be aware that its primarily a takeout spot, and while rare, some have encountered less pleasant interactions.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some real charm! Many folks, in 23 positive remarks out of 41 total, absolutely loved the lovely restaurant atmosphere, praising its positive energy and neighbourhood vibe. Theres a definite sense of a "Mom and Pop restaurant" or a "local spot" with a unique charm, and many appreciate the establishments cleanliness, making for a wonderful dining experience.
However, it's not all sunshine and roses. With 8 negative remarks, some found the place to be quite run down, with concerns about the bathroom condition and a general lack of ambience. If interior design is a big deal for you, some opinions suggest this might not be your place, describing it as cluttered or even a dump.
Overall, the ambience scores an average 6.5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 56.1%.
Ambience
41
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
8
negative
10
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely neighborhood vibe
- Positive energy
- Clean establishment
What people don't like
- Run down place
- Unacceptable bathroom
- Lack of ambience
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmospheres really nice
- local spotSuch a great local spot for the neighborhood
- placeSuper sweet place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Mom and Pop restaurantgood things about this Mom and Pop restaurant
- authentic local restaurantThis is great authentic local restaurant .
- charmthe charm of this homegrown gem!!
- classic take out placeFeels like such a classic take out place
- cleaningI absolutely love the food and would give it a million stars if I could; since I can't, 5 stars will have to do. The waiter, Lily, is really nice, and while the place is old, they do an excellent job cleaning it up, making it very nice. I am convinced she is undoubtedly the nicest person ever.
- cute little restaurantSuch a cute little restaurant
Frequently criticized
- placeThe place was cluttered and a dump
- ambiencetotal lack of ambience
- bathroomthe condition the bathroom is in is UNACCEPTABLE
- buildingother one star reviews about the building itself
- interior designIf you care for interior design of restaurant this is not you place .
- restaurantthis place is a hack or a ghost town
- toiletthe toilet toppled over
If youre looking for a cozy, local spot with a genuine neighborhood feel and dont mind a few rough edges, you might find its charm endearing. However, if modern aesthetics and pristine facilities are high on your list, you might want to adjust your expectations or look elsewhere.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 85.4%, its clear most diners feel they get their moneys worth. Many rave about the affordable and pocket friendly prices, often calling it a great price for generous portions and delicious food.
Based on 35 positive comments out of 41 total, youll find its often described as an excellent value. However, a few voices, 6 to be exact, point out some hiccups. The main concern revolves around prices listed online being significantly different from reality, leading to a difference in cost that can be surprising.
Some also noted a lack of combo specials at certain times, which could impact overall perceived value for some.
Value
41
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Outdated online prices
- Price difference
- No combo specials
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, thanks to the kindest and sweetest owners in the world! <3 While some reviews focus on the building, I believe the affordable prices on the menu are what truly matter, especially considering it's a hole in the wall. The amazing food is the star here.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a simple place but offers pretty good food at a great price. The service was always exceptional and friendly.
- valueThe people working there were extremely nice too. For the value, Hunan#2 is hard to beat.
- affordablefriendly and affordable Chinese treasure trove
- affordabilityit’s affordable
- budgetit was definitely in our budget
- great pricehits the spot for a great price
- great pricesat great prices!
- low pricesThis is a hole in the wall, take out only place. I had a great experience with their good food, generous portions, and low prices. They also offer quick delivery.
- pocket friendlyGreat pocket friendly Chinese restaurant
Frequently criticized
- difference in costThe difference in cost was about 50% more expensive
- no combo specialsNo combo specials at dinner time
- online menuthey should update their online menu
- pricesWAY cheaper prices than reality
- prices listed onlineHowever, I was quite surprised by the pricing. The prices listed online are ancient and significantly higher now. My meal, which I expected to be around $30 with tax, ended up being $40.
- take outspent over $16 for take out
If you're looking for genuinely affordable and tasty food, this place is a strong contender, offering great portions for the price. Just be sure to double-check current prices, as the online menu might not reflect the actual cost, which could lead to an unexpected bill.
How are the prices at Hunan Cafe #2?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 41 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 spend right around this average, with the majority of prices clustering in the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
See 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 a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hunan Cafe #2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Takeout Only, Not Dine-In
My experience was not as expected because this restaurant is takeout only. I wanted to let others know that despite having a dining space, they do not offer dine-in service. I didn't see this noted anywhere in the reviews I checked.
I'm giving three stars to be fair, as my experience was not as anticipated.
- dining space5
- dine-in2
- takeout only2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was really great. The food was wonderful, and the service was excellent. I was also pleasantly surprised by the very good prices.
A helpful tip: call ahead as Google indicated they were closed on Tuesday, but they were indeed open for dinner. I would recommend carry out.
- food10
- service10
- prices9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Soups and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best hot and sour soup and chicken egg flour soup I've ever tasted. The woman behind the counter was incredibly friendly and very nice, and the chef in the back consistently delivers great food.
It's clear they throw it down every time!
- hot and sour soup10
- chicken egg flour soup10
- woman behind the counter10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious, Healthy Chinese Food with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The woman running it is so nice, and the Chinese food is incredibly fresh, healthy, and tasty. You can truly tell they pour their love into the food.
I cannot recommend this place more.
- Chinese food10
- woman running it10
- food9
1
Terrible Service, Did Not Eat
I did not get to actually eat the food, but after my brief interaction, I wouldn’t eat here if you paid me. The service was so poor that it completely overshadowed any potential for a positive dining experience. Based on this interaction, I cannot recommend this restaurant.
- service1
What Hunan Cafe #2 offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Hunan Cafe #2 accessible for all guests?
Yes, Hunan Cafe #2 is designed to be accessible. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What dining options and food choices are available at Hunan Cafe #2?
At Hunan Cafe #2, you can enjoy table service for both lunch and dinner. The menu features a variety of Chinese dishes, including excellent vegetarian options and quick bites perfect for any craving.
How does Hunan Cafe #2 rate overall?
Hunan Cafe #2 scores well with a 8.5 overall, driven by strong Food (8.8), Service (8.7), and Value (8). The Ambience (6.5) is more modest.
What do customers appreciate most about Hunan Cafe #2?
Customers frequently praise the generous portions and delicious food, often highlighting the kindest and sweetest owners and the friendly staff, especially Lily, for their exceptional service.
Are there any common concerns about Hunan Cafe #2?
Some patrons note the Ambience (6.5) could be improved, describing the place as dated. There are also mentions of outdated online menu prices and the restaurant being takeout only.