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oChef » Joy Hing B.B.Q – San Francisco
Joy Hing B.B.Q - San Francisco
Photo from Joy Hing B.B.Q
Joy Hing B.B.Q at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#1847 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#188 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
179
Reviews
64.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Efficient service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent value
- Service attitude
- Flavor inconsistencies
The restaurant Joy Hing B. B.
Q. , a beloved Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, offers you a taste of authentic flavors.
You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a quick bite, whether you’re exploring the city or seeking healthy options. This casual eatery welcomes you with its inviting atmosphere, making it a local favorite for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Joy Hing B.B.Q
Joy Hing B. B.
Q presents a generally positive dining experience, with many guests appreciating the flavorful dishes and the efficient service. The restaurant often earns praise for its authenticity and welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies, particularly concerning the overall value and occasional issues with staff interactions, which can temper the experience for a few. Despite these points, the culinary offerings remain a strong draw.
Good
6.7
out of 10
179
Reviews
64.2%
Satisfaction
44
negative
20
neutral
115
positive
The restaurant holds an overall score of 6.7, indicating a solid, above-average performance. Customer satisfaction stands at 64.2%, suggesting a mixed but generally favorable reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 179 customer remarks, comprising 115 positive and 44 negative observations. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.2) and Food (7) are clear strengths, frequently highlighted for their quality and appeal.
Service (6.2) is rated as fair, often described as efficient, though some experiences vary. The Value (5.5) aspect, however, is perceived as more average, indicating room for improvement in some guests’ eyes.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic dishes
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Service attitude issues
- Flavor inconsistencies
Joy Hing B. B.
Q offers a worthwhile visit for those seeking authentic flavors and a pleasant, traditional dining environment. While the food often stands out, it’s wise to set expectations for potential variations in value and service interactions.
With a recommendation score of 7, it’s a place many find enjoyable. If you prioritize taste and a genuine atmosphere, it’s certainly a solid option to consider, but be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience in other areas.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Joy Hing B.B.Q
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7, which is quite good! Many diners, with 72 positive remarks out of 105 total, raved about the delicious and flavorful broth, tender beef, and delicate noodles. The crispy chicken wings and generous portion sizes also earned high praise, often complemented by tasty sauces and excellent ginger scallion dip.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.6%, indicating some room for improvement. About 22 negative comments pointed to issues like food lacking flavor or being too salty, and some felt the quality of food, particularly the meat, was inconsistent. A few also noted small meat portions or a desire for more vegetables in certain dishes, occasionally finding the presentation messy.
Food
105
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
22
negative
11
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful broth
- Tender meat
- Crispy wings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor
- Small meat portions
- Salty or bland
Often praised
- foodFood was served quickly and was very tasty
- FoodFood:5
- beefThe beef was cooked with a Smokiness flavor to it.
- brothabsolutely perfectly flavorful broth
- chicken noodle soupknown for their chicken noodle soup
- phoone of the best bowls of pho I have ever eaten!!!
- portion sizethe portion is small, but it is huge! Very generous and filling.
- BBQ beef noodlesThe shrimp was fresh, too, not fishy at all in the slightest which I was scared of because I get turned off easily from seafood due to that. The noodles were super good and I asked for something off-menu and they were happy to make it for me (BBQ beef noodles). Large portions.
- Mongolian beef over riceMongolian beef over rice was the best I had in a long time
- Pho Gait's so good, that's all I'll get
Frequently criticized
- foodFood was a bit on the salty side
- beefI spent $14. When I get home, I had a plate of rice, broccoli, and 4 baby shrimp, and no beef 🤬🤬. I thought that was so messed up.
- beef belly with noodlesthey made beef belly with noodles
- beef belly with riceordered beef belly with rice, but they made beef belly with noodles
- chicken flavorThe chicken itself didn’t have much flavor tho.
- chow fun noodlesnoodles were bland compared to the shrimp and egg topping
- coconut drinkPity they didn’t have the typical coconut drink
- food flavorFood did not have any flavor
- lunch rice platethe lunch rice plate is a little too expansive
- mealMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They give very little meat for a large portion size, and I believe there are better places you can go for a meal.
Overall, if youre looking for generally good food with some standout dishes like flavorful pho and crispy wings, its worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences might be a bit inconsistent in terms of flavor or portioning, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely some sunshine! Many guests raved about the friendly staff and attentive waiters who took good care of them, often noting the fast service and efficiency. With 22 positive remarks out of 36 total, its clear many had a pleasant experience, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 61.1%.
However, its not all smooth sailing. Some experiences were quite jarring, with reports of rude behavior, servers yelling, and even demanding tips. These 13 negative comments, highlighting issues like impatience and a lack of attention, pull the overall score down to an average 6.2, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
36
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive waiters
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Demanding tips
- Servers yelling
Often praised
- serviceservice, hot green tea goes complimentary
- ServiceService:5
- auntieThe auntie that greeted me is very friendly
- customer serviceprovides excellent customer service
- efficiencyis very efficient
- food come up fastthe food come up fast
- good carewaiter did everything in his power to take good care of us
- senior waiterfriendly by a fairly senior waiter who recommended a nice soy milk
- serverserver is very friendly
- server Kai Tsuiserver Kai Tsui
Frequently criticized
- serviceold guy working the register/server demanded a 15% tip
- impatienceYou can tell the impatience look from their face
- new oneAfter my request to make me a new one, they simply just pick the beef up
- old guyOld guy who was serving us was rude.
- pissedThis time they look really pissed
- serverthe server was eating while working
- server attentiondid not check on us not once
- server yelledThe server yelled at me
- staffthey make me feel like I was the one who made the mistake
- tipWill not be returning there, never again. Check your food before you leave out of this restaurant because they will cheat you, and I gave them a good tip to them 😮. Check your food.
So, should you go? Its a bit of a gamble on the service front. While you might encounter wonderfully friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of a less-than-stellar interaction.
If youre feeling lucky, give it a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many folks are really digging it! With a solid score of 7.2, the atmosphere here is generally seen as quite good. Customers frequently praise the cleanliness, describing the space as both spacious and clean, and enjoying the cozy or charming Mom and Pop atmosphere.
Out of 19 comments, 12 were positive, highlighting a pleasant and authentic feel. However, despite the generally positive feedback, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63.2%, suggesting theres still some room for improvement. A couple of comments, 2 out of 19, did mention the atmosphere, with one person finding the place to be dingy'.
This indicates that while many find it pleasant, not everyone has the same experience.
Ambience
19
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless environment
- Cozy atmosphere
- Spacious layout
What people don't like
- Can feel dingy
Often praised
- atmosphereThe dishes were authentic, fresh, and truly relishing. The atmosphere was delightfully cozy, making for a very pleasant dinner. I especially loved their rice and noodle dishes, where you could tell they were made with love❤️💯💯.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Mom and Pop atmospherecharming "Mom and Pop" atmosphere
- authenticityYou know it’s a good sign when you walk in and you hear the uncs and aunties yappin. It just means this place is authentic !
- cafeThe cafe is quiet, there are few visitors and it is very pleasant.
- cleanIt's small, clean, and prices
- cleanlinessthis place is very clean
- historical significanceMy experience at this restaurant was rich and meaningful. It's a hidden treasure tucked into downtown San Francisco, boasting rich historical significance and a charming "Mom and Pop" atmosphere. The food was super delicious.
- restaurant cleanlinessThis is a very clean restaurant. I come here to satisfy my craving for chicken pho when I don't want to go to Turtle Tower.
- spacious and cleanit's spacious and clean
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe place is dingy
- placeTo my shock, the server yelled at me for not leaving a 10% tip. I strongly advise others to avoid this horrible place. NEVER AGAIN!
If youre looking for a spot with a generally clean, cozy, and authentic feel, this place is likely worth a visit. Just be aware that while most find the ambience pleasant, a few have noted it can feel a bit dingy. Its a mixed bag, but leans positive for atmosphere.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers appreciate the reasonable prices and the convenience of card payment and Apple/Google Pay. With 9 positive remarks out of 19 total, guests often find the spot to be quite cheap, making it an appealing option for those watching their wallets. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.5, suggesting a decent, if not outstanding, offering.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 47.4%. Some feel the price doesnt always match the portion size or quality, leading to sentiments of it being not worth the money. There were also 7 negative comments highlighting issues like unexpected tip demands, which can certainly leave a sour taste.
Value
19
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Easy payment options
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Demanded tips
Often praised
- pricesthe prices were nice not to expensive
- priceThe chicken pieces would be even nicer if they were more finely shredded. The portion size was good and the price is reasonable. It was a pity they didn’t have the typical coconut drink.
- Apple/Google Payneeded a spot with great food that also took Apple/Google Pay
- cardThey take card!
- card paymentThis spot accepts card for payment, so I am happy
- cheapit's cheap
Frequently criticized
- tipleft $3 tip because like i said it was horrible service and food
- lunch specialA lunch special over rice is about $13.00 dollars
- moneynot worth the money
- priceI went to this restaurant to get a special order shrimp fried rice with extra shrimp and beef. I spent $14. When I get home, I had a plate of rice, broccoli, and 4 baby shrimp, and no beef 🤬🤬.
- worth coming backnot worth coming back for imo
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag. Youll likely appreciate the affordable prices and easy payment options, but be aware that some guests felt the portions didnt always justify the cost, and there were mentions of unexpected tip demands. If youre seeking cheap eats, it might be worth a shot, but don't expect premium value.
How are the prices at Joy Hing B.B.Q?
On average, youll spend about 20 per person here, according to 18 diners. This puts it squarely in the $11–$20 range. For a Chinese Restaurant, thats a comfortable mid-range price point.
Most guests find their bills clustering right around this average, indicating a pretty consistent experience without too many surprises.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a consistent mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Joy Hing B.B.Q
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Generous Portions in a Pleasant Cafe
My experience at this cafe was very pleasant. The portion size was surprisingly large, described as 'huge' and 'very generous, ' making it incredibly filling. The cafe itself was quiet with few visitors, contributing to a very pleasant atmosphere.
The food was rated highly, and the atmosphere was also excellent.
- portion size10
- cafe9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Authentic Chinatown Noodle Soup Gem
I discovered this place on Instagram and added it to my Chinatown must-visit list. The menu is extensive, offering something for everyone's cravings. Walking in and hearing the "uncs and aunties yappin" was a great sign of authenticity!
The Satay Beef Noodle soup was fantastic, with a unique, unidentifiable spice that made it stand out from other beef noodle soups I've tried. While I expected a taste closer to Bun Bo Hue, it was something different yet very tasty. The cucumbers in the soup were a surprising and welcome addition.
The chicken wings arrived piping hot and crunchy, though the chicken itself lacked flavor. I would definitely order the chow fun again; the beef had a pleasant smokiness. I was happy that the spot accepts cards, saving me an ATM trip.
The staff was very friendly and helpful with recommendations.
- Satay Beef Noodle soup9
- spice8
- cucumbers8
- chicken flavor4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
4
Wings were good, but not a must-return
I tried the wings with the special sauce. They were good, but in my opinion, not worth coming back for.
- wings7
- special sauce7
- worth coming back3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
1
Horrible Food and Service, Never Again!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The food lacked any flavor, and while the prices were okay, they were definitely not worth the quality of the food. The service was horrible; the server did not check on us once because they were eating while working.
The only time I got their attention was to get the bill. When I paid, I left a $3 tip because the service and food were so bad. To my shock, the server yelled at me for not leaving a 10% tip.
I strongly advise others to avoid this horrible place. NEVER AGAIN!
- bill5
- food flavor1
- quality of food2
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Dingy Atmosphere, Demanding Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a dingy atmosphere and a particularly unpleasant service interaction. The individual working the register, who also served as the server, demanded a 15% tip for our party of three. He even attempted to prevent me from leaving until the tip was paid.
If you enjoy being told how much to tip, this might be the place for you.
- food5
- atmosphere2
- service2
- tip1
What Joy Hing B.B.Q offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service and dining options does Joy Hing B.B.Q. Noodle offer?
At Joy Hing B.B.Q. Noodle, you can enjoy flexible service options including convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For dining, you are welcome for both lunch and dinner, with comfortable table service provided.
Is Joy Hing B.B.Q. Noodle accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Joy Hing B.B.Q. Noodle is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a welcoming spot for families.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Joy Hing B.B.Q?
Joy Hing B.B.Q has an overall score of 6.7, with customer satisfaction at 64.2%. Customers generally appreciate the Ambience (7.2) and Food (7), while Service (6.2) is fair and Value (5.5) is considered average.
What do customers like most about the food at Joy Hing B.B.Q?
Many customers praise the food for being tasty and flavorful, with specific mentions of perfectly flavorful broth, good portion sizes, and dishes like Mongolian beef over rice.
Are there any common concerns regarding service at Joy Hing B.B.Q?
Some customers have noted issues with service, including perceived impatience, rudeness from staff, and instances where servers demanded tips or were inattentive.