Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Hunan House – San Francisco
Hunan House - San Francisco
Photo from Hunan House
Hunan House at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#2007 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#214 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
503
Reviews
61.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Hidden charges
The restaurant Hunan House invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You’ll discover a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for any meal.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Hunan House
Hunan House offers a compelling culinary experience, with many guests praising the food quality and generous portions. Diners often find the dishes flavorful and authentic, making it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying meal.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall cleanliness of the establishment and occasional issues with customer service, which can detract from the initial impression. It’s a place where the culinary strengths often shine through despite these operational challenges.
Good
6.4
out of 10
503
Reviews
61.2%
Satisfaction
169
negative
26
neutral
308
positive
Hunan House earns an overall score of 6.4, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 61.2%, indicating that while many leave content, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from over 500 customer remarks, with 308 positive and 169 negative observations. Looking closer, the Food (7.5) is a clear strength, frequently described as delicious and authentic.
However, Service (4.9) appears to be a consistent challenge, often cited for slow attention or rude interactions. Ambience (5.4) and Value (5.7) both hover around average, suggesting areas that could benefit from refinement.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Generous food portions
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Cleanliness concerns
- Automatic gratuity
If you prioritize flavorful, substantial meals, Hunan House could be a worthwhile stop. The strong culinary offerings often outweigh other concerns for many patrons, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
However, with a recommendation score of 6.6, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service and the dining environment. Be prepared for a casual experience, and perhaps double-check your bill for automatic charges.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hunan House
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners are raving about the delicious and authentic Chinese options, with a score of 7.5 indicating a good culinary experience. With 196 positive remarks out of 263 total, guests frequently praise the authentic and fresh foods, flavor, and generous portion sizes, often finding the delicious food to be a real highlight. However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, as reflected by a customer satisfaction of 74.5%, which is good but leaves some room for improvement.
There are 52 negative comments, with some mentioning issues like dishes being not fresh, bland, or having too much sauce, occasionally leading to concerns about overall food quality.
Food
263
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
52
negative
15
neutral
196
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Delicious food
What people don't like
- Not fresh
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland dishes
Often praised
- foodThe service was fast and the food quality was excellent. Although the entrance was a bit dirty, don't let the appearance fool you; the food is absolutely delicious. We were a group of six and we were all delighted with our visit.
- portionsThis was the best Chinese food our family has ever had! The portions were huge and the staff was so friendly. My daughter is a very picky eater and they made her the best steak with no vegetables.
- Chinese foodI wanted some good Chinese food and that’s what I got!
- dishesThe dishes are on the card quite reasonably priced
- Hunan foodDuring our road trip to San Francisco, we decided to try this restaurant, hoping for authentic Hunan food, which is not easy to find. Our experience was a pleasant surprise, marked by stem winding flavors and quick serving.
- Hunan place" And the flavors, oh the flavors! It was a true "Ratatouille moment, " as I haven't had a good Hunan place in quite a bit. Oh yeah, and of course, the prices (by SF standards, of course).
- Mapo TofuConsidering San Francisco's prices, this Chinese restaurant offers great value. The Mapo Tofu had a cilantro aroma that might be polarizing, but I loved it. The meat, similar to LA galbi, had a unique fried preparation I've never encountered before, and it was delicious.
- authentic Chinese foodoffering authentic Chinese food
- delicious foodgreat value on delicious food
- family styleFood is all family style
Frequently criticized
- foodfood is not definitely not authentic Hunan style
- Chinese foodmost disgusting Chinese food I've ever had
- ingredientsingredients including pork blood and fish had weird smell
- saucetasted like it was covered in BBQ sauce, not the sauce
- wontonswontons were greasy and tasteless
- Asian restaurantthis is the worst Asian restaurant
- Beef dishBeef dish was not tasty
- House Combinationdish “House combination” ordered from delivery was unfresh
- Kung Paoor Kung Pao
- KungPow ChickenKungPow Chicken was Kungewe
If you're seeking authentic Chinese flavors and generous portions, especially from the Chinese menu, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in freshness or flavor, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side to explore, with many guests praising the friendly staff and their accommodating nature. Out of 109 comments, 47 highlighted positive experiences, often mentioning quick serving and attentive service. Many appreciated how staff handled special requests and ensured a pleasant dining experience for groups of all sizes.
However, the service experience isnt always smooth sailing, reflected in a 4.9 score and 43.1% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed bag. With 61 negative comments, issues like slow service, rude staff, and feeling ignored by servers frequently popped up. Some also faced problems with incorrect hours, being turned away, or even a forced service charge, leading to frustration.
Service
109
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
61
negative
1
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Staff ignores guests
Often praised
- serviceThe portions were huge, and everything was cooked to perfection. While it took a little while to get seated and served on a busy Saturday night, once we had ordered, our dinner came out extremely fast. I highly recommend the Sweet & Sour Cod.
- staffThis was the best Chinese food our family has ever had! The portions were huge and the staff was so friendly. My daughter is a very picky eater and they made her the best steak with no vegetables.
- ServiceAlways a pleasant experience
- accommodatingEvery dish delivered! The management and staff were very friendly and extremely accommodating. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone!
- attentionthe attention is very good
- box for leftoversBox für das übrig gebliebene Essen
- customer servicethe customer service was great
- groups of all sizescan accommodate groups of all sizes
- hot teaThey also bring hot tea to you when you sit down.
- management and staffThe management and staff were very friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the terrible service. When I asked if I could order for takeout, the staff member told me 'later.
- serverThe server wouldn’t even let you order some food
- customer serviceRude customer service, server was extremely rude.
- opening hoursThis info is not posted on the door or online
- ordershaking her head at what I was ordering and rolling her eyes
- staffthey only repeated they were closed and immediately walked away
- waiting timetardan muchísimo en tomarte la orden y más en servirte la comida
- WaitersWaiters were unmotivated
- attentionnobody came to ask if everything was fine
- being seatedUnfortunately, our experience was soured as we were completely ignored by the servers and host staff when we walked in. We even asked and waited for the possibility of being seated, but to no avail. For obvious reasons, we were both turned off and decided to take our business elsewhere.
So, whats the verdict on service? It seems to be a bit of a gamble; you might get quick, friendly, and accommodating staff, or you could encounter slow, inattentive, or even rude interactions. If youre looking for consistently excellent service, this might not be your go-to, but if you're willing to roll the dice, you could have a great experience.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.4 with customer satisfaction at 44.9%, indicating a mixed reception. Out of 78 total comments, 35 were positive, often highlighting the family dining feel, unique decor with ancient murals, and the fun karaoke room that adds a lively touch to the experience. On the flip side, 35 negative comments pointed to some significant drawbacks.
Recurring concerns included cleanliness issues, with mentions of cockroaches and a weird smell. A noisy environment and less-than-pristine bathrooms were also noted as detracting from the overall ambience, suggesting areas that could use some serious attention.
Ambience
78
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
35
negative
8
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-friendly vibe
- Unique decor
- Karaoke rooms
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Noisy environment
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was casual
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- EinheimischeEs kommen sehr viele Einheimische
- Lao Huo (old fire)The atmosphere is enhanced by ancient murals on the wall, contributing to a sense of old and generations. They truly have the Lao Huo (old fire) burning here. I particularly enjoyed their pork belly rice plate, which comes with soup – make sure to ask for it!
- WiFiHere is WiFi
- ambienceGreat place w beautiful ambience
- ancient muralsAs someone who has spent time in Hunan, I can attest to the deep fire and bombastic taste. The atmosphere is enhanced by ancient murals on the wall, contributing to a sense of old and generations. They truly have the Lao Huo (old fire) burning here.
- clean, small, and cozy restaurantWhile attending a Car Show in Chinatown, we searched for the top 5 restaurants and chose Hunan’s. Upon arrival, we were immediately seated in this clean, small, and cozy restaurant. Customers were coming and going, and I felt we made a good choice!
- decorthe decor was on point
- family dininginside looks like a place for family dining
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this old and unclean Chinese restaurant was mixed. While the fried noodle was delicious, the chicken was terrible.
- cleanlinessneeds a little more attention in cleaning the carpet and walls
- bathroomthe bathroom was filty
- cockroachsaw a cockroach walking across a table
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placesee the place in a shamble
- restroomThe food was good and no MSG; they even had my favorite noodles instead of tiny vermicelli. The restroom could use a facelift, but overall, we left pleased. Anytime you visit Chinatown, you must dine and shop in that order to walk off the fullness.
- KitchenKitchen look teribble
- bad singingbad singing on a Sunday night
- bathroomsAlso, both bathrooms were pretty gross.
If you're seeking a lively, old-school spot with unique decor and a karaoke option for a fun gathering, you might find the vibe appealing. However, be prepared for potential cleanliness issues and a noisy setting, which could be a dealbreaker for those prioritizing a pristine or quiet environment.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, diners have a somewhat positive take, with a 5.7 score and 56.6% customer satisfaction. Based on 30 positive remarks, many appreciate the great value and affordable options, especially praising the lunch specials and good prices. Customers often find the quality-price ratio to be excellent, feeling they get good value for money on delicious food, making it feel like a steal.
However, not everyone is thrilled, as 21 negative opinions out of 53 total comments point to some significant concerns. Several guests felt overcharged due to unexpected 18% tips or obligatory gratuity added to their bill without consent. Some even mentioned hidden service charges or feeling like it was a tourist trap, leading to disappointment.
Value
53
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value food
- Affordable lunch specials
- Reasonable base prices
What people don't like
- Mandatory 18% tip
- Unexpected service charges
- Feeling overcharged
Often praised
- priceThe numbing beef soup was absolutely amazing and was legit spicy. I also appreciated the great price for the portion size.
- pricesof course, the prices (by SF standards of course)
- affordableIt's weeks later since my trip, and I am still thinking about the food, which is why I am leaving this review. The food was very flavorful, affordable, and delicious. I give it a 10/10 and would recommend it.
- value for moneyThe value for money is very honorable
- $9.50for $9.50
- a stealthat feels like a steal!
- economical lunch specialsMy experience at this restaurant was that of a basic, old-school establishment offering very tasty food. The economical lunch specials, as shown in the photo, were a great find. It's also a family-friendly environment.
- good priceslegit Chinese spot - good prices
- great priceThey offer fantastic regional Hunan food and great American Chinese options. I'm so happy they exist to provide such great food at a great price. Please give it a try!
- great valuegreat value on delicious food
Frequently criticized
- gratuityadded an 18% gratuity which we were very disappointed about
- overchargedThe food did not have the expected presentation. To make matters worse, they took my order wrong and then overcharged me. When I tried to get them to fix it, they refused, even after admitting their mistake.
- priceasked $5 more than the price on manu
- service chargeI ordered the fried chili shrimp and shrimp fried rice, which cost $45. A 15% service charge was included, so I didn't leave a tip, but the receipt still had a line for tipping, which was a bit irritating, likely a default setting. The fried rice was seasoned lightly, intended to be eaten with other dishes rather than on its own, which might feel insufficient for some as there are no condiments on the table.
- tipThe tip was already included into the bill unfortunately
- 18% TipAchtung, 18% Tip werden automatisch auf die Rechnung gesetzt
- added tipsadded 18% tips automatically
- amountHow they can alter the amount by themselves
- chargethey actually charge me $50.6
- hidden service chargesadditional hidden service charges are levied
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. You might find some fantastic deals, especially with lunch specials, but be wary of potential extra charges. Its worth trying if youre looking for affordable options, but double-check your bill for any unexpected additions.
How are the prices at Hunan House?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 107 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.
While the average is 29, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, with many falling into the $11–$20 range. It seems like there’s a nice mix of options, from more casual bites to slightly more premium experiences, though the sweet spot for most is definitely in the 11 – 30 $ bracket.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant, especially considering it offers a range of experiences. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank, but also have options if you want to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hunan House
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Chinese Food, Quick Service!
While the cleanliness wasn't perfect, I was looking for some good Chinese food, and that's exactly what I got! The food was delicious and the service was quick.
- Chinese food10
- food10
- service10
- cleanliness4
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Lunch Experience
I visited this restaurant on a Saturday, expecting a reasonable meal as a Japanese blog post suggested it was a spot frequented by locals. However, arriving on a weekend meant I couldn't order from the lunch menu, resulting in a more expensive meal than anticipated. This is not the kind of place to visit alone on a weekend.
I ordered the fried chili shrimp and shrimp fried rice, which cost $45. A 15% service charge was included, so I didn't leave a tip, but the receipt still had a line for tipping, which was a bit irritating, likely a default setting. The fried rice was seasoned lightly, intended to be eaten with other dishes rather than on its own, which might feel insufficient for some as there are no condiments on the table.
The shrimp in the fried rice were cooked wonderfully, offering a pleasant, plump texture. I mistakenly ordered the fried chili shrimp instead of the chili shrimp. It's a luxurious dish that uses a large amount of chili peppers just to flavor the batter, but it wasn't particularly delicious.
The shrimp were large enough, but lacked the plumpness. Despite many oily dishes, they generously served a large teapot of tea for free. The tea's flavor was quite subtle, tasting like inexpensive tea, but it was the type that doesn't interfere with the meal and actually enhances it.
There is WiFi available, so I asked the staff for the password. There's a power outlet under the table, but it doesn't seem to supply power.
- shrimp fried rice6
- shrimp8
- tea7
- fried chili shrimp3
- lunch menu3
- service charge4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Hunan Flavors in SF
I wandered into this restaurant after looking at the menu in the window while exploring Chinatown. It passed so many of my personal vibe checks for a Chinese spot. The timing was perfect, as it was employee mealtime and I could hear them chatting.
The moment they noticed I spoke Mandarin, ordering was swift, and they instantly served tea. The worn dishes and utensils added to the authentic feel of a shop that's strongly "been around. " And the flavors, oh the flavors!
It was a true "Ratatouille moment, " as I haven't had a good Hunan place in quite a bit. Oh yeah, and of course, the prices (by SF standards, of course). This is definitely one of the spots on my SF wanders map now.
- flavors10
- Hunan place9
- prices8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Decent Soup with Generous Portions
My experience at the restaurant involved receiving my sweet corn chicken soup. The restaurant offers great portions. Unfortunately, they added cilantro, which I had to remove.
Despite this, the soup itself was decent.
- sweet corn chicken soup6
- great portions8
- cilantro3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Chinatown Gem with Great Value
My experience at this restaurant in Chinatown was fantastic. It's a typical Chinese establishment where the food is delicious and the portions are very generous. I appreciated that it's not overly touristy, which contributes to an excellent quality-to-price ratio.
The menu features clear and accurate photos of the dishes, making it easy to choose.
- food9
- portions9
- quality-price ratio10
What Hunan House offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Hunan House accessible, and what are the parking options available?
Yes, Hunan House offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. When it comes to parking, you might find it usually difficult to find a space, but paid parking garages and paid street parking are available nearby for your convenience.
What dining options does Hunan House offer, and can you make reservations?
Hunan House provides flexible dining options, including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with table service. You can also choose between dine-in, takeout, or delivery. For planning your visit, you’ll be pleased to know that Hunan House accepts reservations.
What is the overall rating for Hunan House?
Hunan House has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4 out of 10, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 61.2%. While the Food (7.5) is a strong point, Value (5.7), Ambience (5.4), and especially Service (4.9) are areas where it performs more moderately.
What do customers like most about Hunan House?
Customers frequently praise the excellent food quality, noting that dishes are flavorful and authentic. Many also appreciate the generous portions and find the overall pricing to be quite reasonable, offering good value for money.
Are there any common complaints about Hunan House?
Yes, some customers have expressed concerns about the service, describing it as inattentive or occasionally rude. There are also mentions of issues with the restaurant’s cleanliness, and some patrons are displeased with the practice of automatically adding gratuity to the bill.