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oChef » J & E – San Francisco
J & E - San Francisco
Photo from J & E
J & E at a glance
San Francisco Potrero Terrace
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#2168 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#247 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
194
Reviews
57.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
- Family business
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Cash only
- Slow service
The restaurant J & E is a delightful Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Potrero Terrace neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice its cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment. You can enjoy healthy options and vegetarian choices, making it a versatile dining destination for everyone.
Overview: Introducting J & E
J & E often receives praise for its generous portions and generally affordable pricing, making it a practical choice for many. While the food is frequently well-regarded, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in preparation, occasionally receiving cold food.
The service is often described as helpful, with a friendly, family-owned business feel. However, be aware that some experiences mention a potential wait for your food and occasional issues with order accuracy, despite the generally positive atmosphere.
Average
6
out of 10
194
Reviews
57.2%
Satisfaction
70
negative
13
neutral
111
positive
Overall, J & E holds an average standing with a Restaurant Score of 6, reflecting a generally acceptable experience. Customer Satisfaction sits at 57.2%, indicating a mixed reception where opinions are somewhat divided.
This assessment is drawn from a total of 194 customer observations, comprising 111 positive remarks and 70 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Value (6.8) and Ambience (6.8) are the strongest aspects, suggesting patrons appreciate the pricing and overall setting.
Food (5.9) and Service (5.5) hover around the average mark, indicating areas where experiences can vary. While not outstanding, these scores suggest a functional establishment that meets basic expectations for many.
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Budget-friendly prices
- Family-run establishment
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Cash-only policy
- Service can be slow
With a Recommendation Score of 6.1, J & E presents itself as a functional option, particularly if you prioritize value and substantial portions. It’s a place that can satisfy a craving for straightforward Chinese-American fare without breaking the bank.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food preparation and service, and remember that some experiences note a cash-only policy. If you’re seeking a no-frills, affordable meal and can overlook minor hiccups, J & E might be worth a try.
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Verdict: Our expert take on J & E
Food (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.9 score putting it squarely in the average category. Many diners, about 73 out of 131 comments, rave about the generous portion sizes and the classic, hearty Chinese dishes, often highlighting that the food is cooked fresh. Youll find plenty of praise for tasty options like their wok-fried Chinese food and various rice plates.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 55.7%, reflecting some notable downsides from 50 comments. Some experiences mention inconsistent food quality, with dishes sometimes described as bland, overcooked, or even served cold. There are also concerns about specific items like orange chicken and fried rice not meeting expectations, suggesting a need for more consistency in flavor and preparation.
Food
131
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
50
negative
8
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Tasty Chinese dishes
- Food cooked fresh
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Dishes can be bland
- Food served cold
Often praised
- foodfood is always prepared well and portions are generous
- good foodoffering good food
- portionMy experience at this restaurant offered decent food with big portions that were reasonably priced. However, be prepared for a bit of a wait for your food during lunch time.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great prices and big portions. However, the service required self-sufficiency; we had to set our own place setting.
- Chinese foodJ&E has been our go-to Chinese food place for many years. My uncle found it when he worked at SF General.
- pork bbq fried riceStraightforward and the food was delicious. The beef was tender and the pork bbq fried rice was well seasoned. Also a five minute walk from the general hospital.
- portion sizeThe portion was generous
- portion sizesthe food portions was bigger then I expected
- Asian American foodloved their twist of Asian American food
- BBQ PorkChop Suey and BBQ Pork were quite good
Frequently criticized
- foodfood doesn't taste the same as before
- fried riceThe fried rice was overcooked, dry, no flavour
- orange chickenorange chicken tasted like it was made in fish oil
- riceHowever, this is now the second time I've been served cold food. The broccoli was still chilled from the refrigerator, the rice was undercooked, and the fried chicken had cold spots. It seems like you get what you pay for, which is quite a bummer.
- BBQ pork fried riceThe rice was so bland and tasted funny.
- Chinese foodTHIS WAS THE WORSE CHINESE FOOD I HAD IN MY LIFE.
- Sweet & Sour PorkSweet & Sour Pork was way overcooked and difficult to eat
- amountthe amount is very little
- beef with double mushrooms over riceIngredients very basic little slices of beef, white mushroom and shitake.
- broccoliHowever, this is now the second time I've been served cold food. The broccoli was still chilled from the refrigerator, the rice was undercooked, and the fried chicken had cold spots. It seems like you get what you pay for, which is quite a bummer.
If you're looking for a quick, hearty meal with generous portions, this spot might hit the mark. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent quality and flavor, so it might be a hit-or-miss experience.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Despite a mixed bag of feedback, many guests appreciate the personal touch, often highlighting the family ownership and the friendly, helpful staff and servers. There are 11 positive remarks out of 24 total, with some praising the customer service as great and the overall experience as positive, even noting quick food preparation. However, the service isn't without its hiccups, contributing to an average score of 5.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 45.8%.
With 12 negative comments, issues like an impatient worker on the phone, long wait times for food and orders, and confusion around delivery and phone orders are frequently mentioned, suggesting some areas definitely need attention.
Service
24
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-owned business
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick food preparation
What people don't like
- Impatient phone worker
- Long wait times
- Poor phone orders
Often praised
- cookthe cook is Gee he makes me now food
- customer servicegreat customer service
- deliveryFound out they deliver and I get them all the time now
- family owned businessNice family owned business
- family ownershippast down to family member and it is still really good
- food preparation speedFood is made quickly
- overall experienceOther than that i am never disappointed
- peopleMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was great and the people were friendly. I was pleasantly surprised by the portion sizes, which were bigger than I expected for the money I paid.
- serverour server was great
- serviceThe service was helpful and to the point
Frequently criticized
- cooks or staffthe cooks or staff refused to full clean the shrimp
- deliverythey do NOT deliver
- drinkI had to get my own drink from the fridge!
- drinksdirected to the frig to see for ourselves
- menuit saids it on there menu
- orderThe food was not what I order
- phone ordersneed someone who speak English who can take phone orders well
- place settingset your own place setting
- waita little wait for your food
- wait timeIt would take another 5 minutes or so to change it!
If youre looking for a place with a family feel and dont mind potentially managing some aspects of your meal yourself, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for possible inconsistencies in service, especially with phone orders and wait times, which could lead to disappointment.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many folks really appreciate the cleanliness, ample seating, and good lighting here. The convenient location and the fact its a family-run spot also get a lot of love. With 8 positive remarks out of 13 total, the atmosphere generally feels welcoming, contributing to a solid 6.8 score, even if customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 61.5%.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A couple of folks (2 out of 13 opinions) found the place to be dirty and dingy, even describing the atmosphere as a D. This suggests there's definitely some room for improvement, especially concerning the overall upkeep and feel of the dining area.
Ambience
13
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very clean space
- Ample seating
- Good lighting
What people don't like
- Dirty and dingy
- Poor atmosphere
Often praised
- atmospheregood atmosphere, great customer service
- cleanlinessVery clean
- family-runFamily ran ever scene I was a kid and still going strong
- great little placeGreat little place to eat
- lightingLighting is good
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was positive, offering good food and generous portions for the price. It's also very conveniently located across the street from San Francisco General Hospital.
- restroomhas a restroom
- seatingAmple seating
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is a D
- placePlace is dirty and dingy.
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate the clean, well-lit, and conveniently located space, a few experiences point to a less-than-stellar atmosphere. If you value a family-run spot, it could be a good fit, but be aware of potential inconsistencies in upkeep.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 6.8 and customer satisfaction at 73.1%, many diners rave about the affordable pricing and generous portions for the money. Out of 26 comments, 19 highlight the great value, often mentioning good prices, cheap meals, and excellent lunch specials.
However, its not always a perfect score. A few of the 6 negative comments suggest that sometimes you get what you pay for, with some dishes feeling overpriced for their quality. There were also mentions of specific items not being worth the cost and the inconvenience of a cash only' policy in some instances.
Value
26
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Generous portions
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Poor dish value
- Cash only policy
- Quality inconsistent
Often praised
- priceThe chicken was exceptionally moist and tender, and the fried rice was also good. I was impressed by the huge portion for its price, which I believe was a little over $10. The restaurant is located near SF General Hospital, so it can get very busy during lunch hours.
- good priceGood food at a good price
- affordableMy go-to Chinese spot is back and better than ever! The plates are very large and affordable. I'm so happy they are up and running again after closing down post-pandemic.
- cheap mealsgreat place for cheap and hearty meals
- credit cardsAccept credit cards here
- great valuestill offers great value
- lunch specialsCheap lunch specials great deals
- moneybigger then I expected for the money I payed
- portions for the pricegenerous portions for the price
- pricesGreat prices
Frequently criticized
- priceI went there with my daughter and spent $60 plus dollars on the worst food ever. The deep fried wontons had only 2 pieces of pork and a huge, hard, inedible piece of wonton.
- $11$11 down the drain!
- beef over riceFor $10.00 not worth it for beef over rice
- cash onlyyou can only use cash there
- what you pay forThe broccoli was still chilled from the refrigerator, the rice was undercooked, and the fried chicken had cold spots. It seems like you get what you pay for, which is quite a bummer.
For generous portions at a good price, this place is often a solid choice. Just be aware that some specific dishes might not always feel like great value, and payment options can sometimes be limited. It's a decent option for an affordable meal, but choose wisely.
How are the prices at J & E?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 24 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 sits in the mid-range, it’s interesting to note that many guests actually spend less, often clustering in the $11–$20 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
This graph illustrates how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. There seems to be a good range of options to suit different budgets, which is always a plus for diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about J & E
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious and Cheap Lunch Spot!
For a quick lunch, this is exactly the place I’m looking for. Straightforward and the food was delicious. The beef was tender and the pork bbq fried rice was well seasoned.
Also a five minute walk from the general hospital. Did I say it was so cheap?
- beef9
- pork bbq fried rice9
- price10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great food, helpful service!
I was recommended this restaurant by a few people and was greatly satisfied with the quality and quantity of the food I ordered. The service was helpful and to the point. This was good because my fiance and I were urgently hungry after recently having a baby and having been in the hospital for days.
- quality of the food10
- quantity of the food10
- service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Still Terrible After Ownership Change
I decided to give this place another try after it had switched owners and tanked in food quality and taste, and man, it's still terrible. My orange chicken tasted like it was made in fish oil and had an extremely fishy taste. The fried rice was awful in taste, and the chow mein tasted like it was seasoned with dishwater.
Don't ever go to this place; I can't wait until it shuts down.
- orange chicken1
- fried rice1
- chow mein1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Hot, Fresh, and Not Overly Salted Orange Chicken
My partner and I visited on a Saturday night and had a great experience. We ordered the orange chicken over rice and the green bean and chicken over rice. The food was served piping hot and fresh, and importantly, not overly salted.
There are indoor tables available for seating.
- orange chicken over rice8
- green bean and chicken over rice8
- food10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Cold food, disappointing experience
My first experience with cold food at this restaurant led me to believe it was an isolated incident. However, this is now the second time I've been served cold food. The broccoli was still chilled from the refrigerator, the rice was undercooked, and the fried chicken had cold spots.
It seems like you get what you pay for, which is quite a bummer.
- cold food2
- broccoli2
- rice3
What J & E offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at J & E in San Francisco?
At J & E, you can look forward to a cozy and casual dining experience. This Chinese restaurant in Potrero Terrace offers various dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with convenient table service. You can also choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery services to suit your plans.
Does J & E cater to specific dietary needs and offer accessibility features?
Absolutely! J & E provides a range of healthy options and delicious vegetarian choices, alongside small plates perfect for a quick bite. For your convenience, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. Restrooms are also available.
How does J & E generally rate among customers?
J & E holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6, indicating an average experience. Customers particularly appreciate its Value (6.8) and Ambience (6.8), while Food (5.9) and Service (5.5) are considered average.
Is J & E a good option for budget-conscious diners?
Yes, many customers highlight J & E for its affordable prices and generous portion sizes, making it a great value for those looking for cheap and hearty meals.
What should I know about payment and service at J & E?
While some customers report that J & E accepts credit cards, others have noted a cash-only policy. Service experiences can vary, with some mentioning a wait for food or needing to set their own place setting.