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oChef » Left Wing – San Francisco
Left Wing - San Francisco
Photo from Left Wing
Left Wing at a glance
San Francisco Merced Heights
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#2336 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Average
4.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
130
Reviews
34.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Chicken
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- Long Waits
- Cold Food
The Korean restaurant Left Wing – San Francisco in San Francisco’s Merced Heights offers you a casual and trendy dining experience. You can enjoy delicious small plates and quick bites, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot provides a welcoming atmosphere. With convenient service options like outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery, Left Wing makes it easy to savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Left Wing
Left Wing offers a mixed experience, with many guests praising its core offering. You’ll find the chicken to be freshly made, juicy, and well-seasoned, often compared favorably to authentic Korean styles.
However, some visits are marred by long wait times and occasional issues with the food’s temperature or consistency. While the speed of service is a highlight for some, others encounter slow employees and less attentive interactions.
The restaurant also receives positive remarks for its fair prices , making it an appealing option for those seeking good value, despite some concerns about overall cost.
Average
4.7
out of 10
130
Reviews
34.6%
Satisfaction
72
negative
13
neutral
45
positive
Left Wing holds an overall restaurant score of 4.7, placing it in the average category, suggesting a balanced but not outstanding performance. This is further reflected in a customer satisfaction rate of 34.6%, which falls into the poor range.
This divergence indicates that while some aspects are appreciated, a significant portion of patrons leave less than satisfied. Looking closer, Food (5.1) is the strongest area, with many positive remarks about the chicken’s quality.
Value (4.3) is also considered average, offering fair prices for some, though others find it expensive. Service (3.8) appears to be a notable challenge, often cited for slow delivery and inconsistent staff interactions.
Interestingly, Ambience (7.5) scores well, despite having very few comments, suggesting a pleasant, if understated, environment. These insights are drawn from 130 customer comments, with 45 positive and 72 negative observations.
What people like
- Authentic Korean chicken
- Efficient order speed
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent wait times
- Soggy/cold food
- Rude staff interactions
If you’re seeking authentically prepared Korean fried chicken and don’t mind potentially inconsistent service or a wait, Left Wing could be worth a try. The 4.5 recommendation score suggests it’s a place that some would recommend, but it’s not a universal endorsement.
Be prepared for a casual experience where the food often shines, but other elements can be hit or miss. Ultimately, Left Wing presents a classic trade-off: good food at a reasonable price, but with service and consistency that could use refinement.
It’s a spot for those prioritizing the main dish and willing to overlook some operational quirks, rather than for those seeking a seamless dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Left Wing
Food (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Alright, let's talk about the food! While the overall score sits at an average 5.1 and customer satisfaction is a rather poor 39%, there are some definite bright spots. Based on 30 positive remarks out of 77 total comments, many rave about the delicious soy and garlic bone-in wings, praising the crispy fried chicken and the appealing sweet & spicy options.
It seems when they hit, they really hit! However, 40 negative observations point to some significant issues. Common complaints include soggy chicken tenders, food often arriving cold, and concerns about subpar meat quality.
There are also mentions of inconsistent portion sizes, suggesting a mixed experience for many diners.
Food
77
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
40
negative
7
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy fried chicken
- Delicious soy garlic
- Authentic Korean taste
What people don't like
- Soggy chicken
- Food often cold
- Poor meat quality
Often praised
- chickenWe happened to come across this restaurant during a trip to H-mart. The chicken was freshly made, amazingly juicy and really well seasoned. Some of the online reviews for this place are ridiculous, citing long (10-15 minute.) wait times and noting the variety of cuts of chicken.
- foodenthusiastic four stars for the food
- fried chickenHands down one of the best fried chicken experiences we've had; comparable to the best we've found in Seoul & LA. We happened to come across this restaurant during a trip to H-mart.
- soy garlic flavorThe soy garlic tastes a lot like Kyochon chicken
- FoodFood:5
- authentically Korean chickenVery authentically Korean chicken
- bone-in garlic chicken with friesmy bone-in garlic chicken with fries and it's the best!
- boneless soy garlic chickenI liked my boneless soy garlic boneless chicken
- chicken at Kentucky Fried ChickenThe Soy Garlic and Honey Butter Garlic flavors were not good, and the fried chicken was soggy. Korean Fried Chicken is expected to be extra crispy, and even the chicken at Kentucky Fried Chicken is better/crispier. I ordered the Large, 15 pieces, classic bone-in with two sides for $34.
- chicken sandwichthe chicken sandwich is SOLID
Frequently criticized
- chickenHowever, the service was super slow for no apparent reason. On both occasions I visited, the chicken wasn't even that hot when I received it. For comparison, Bonchon does a much better job executing in a higher-volume environment.
- friesThe fries were a bit soggy and not hot anymore when served to us.
- fooddid not enjoy the food here
- wingsI was NOT A FAN. I was expecting to get just wings at a place called Left Wing. I would not go again.
- Korean Fried ChickenKorean Fried Chicken is supposed extra crispy
- Soy Garlic and Honey Butter GarlicSoy Garlic and Honey Butter Garlic is not good
- back piecesThere was a long wait. I received a few back pieces which were just bones. I was NOT A FAN.
- bone-inOrdered bone-in and received 1/3 boneless
- bone-in Chicken wingsordered the bone-in Chicken wings, we’ve been waiting
- chicken portionthey use the spare chicken portion like necks
So, should you try it? If youre craving genuinely crispy, flavorful fried chicken and dont mind a bit of a gamble, it might be worth a shot for those standout items. But be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as many have found the quality to be quite variable.
Service (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Based on 39 customer comments, there are some glimmers of hope for service. Guests appreciate the convenience of both self-serve kiosk and in-person ordering , and some have experienced speed during less busy hours. A few even praised the staff , particularly an older man for being very nice, making their visit enjoyable.
However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a 3.8 score and only 28.2% customer satisfaction. A significant 26 negative remarks highlight issues like long wait times, poor time management , and slow service . Many found employees to be inattentive or even rude, with concerns about employee's attitude .
Service
39
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
26
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Self-serve kiosks available
- Occasional fast speed
- Kind staff member
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Rude staff attitude
- Inattentive employees
Often praised
- serviceFive stars for service and care for the details
- ServiceService:5
- in-person orderingthey have both self-serve kiosk and in-person for ordering.
- older manThe older man who works there is so nice too
- order was readyOn the positive side, the restaurant excels at speed. My order was ready in nine minutes at lunchtime on a Tuesday.
- self-serve kioskthey have both self-serve kiosk and in-person for ordering.
- speedWhat Left Wing is good at is speed
- staffsuch kind staff
- waitGlad that I didn't look up the reviews before because I wouldn't have gone. My food was super hot both times and not that long of a wait, they must have improved things. The older man who works there is so nice too, I'd go back just for him.
Frequently criticized
- waiting time20 minutes later I noticed ppl who had ordered after and around when I placed my order were picking up food.
- counter personThe counter person was eating his lunch.
- long waitMy experience at Left Wing was disappointing. There was a long wait. I received a few back pieces which were just bones.
- waitvery long wait (30 min)
- wait timethe wait looked like it was going to take a while
- ETAAsked the man at the front if he had an ETA.
- cashierDespite the menu promising bone-in drums and wings, there were random chicken pieces included. Additionally, the cashier was quite rude and refused to fill my water, insisting I buy bottled water, making me feel nickel and dimed. Overall, not worth a visit.
- employee's attitudeThe employee's attitude made me wonder
- employeesemployees in the front are slow and are not as attentive as they should be
- fill my waterDespite the menu promising bone-in drums and wings, there were random chicken pieces included. Additionally, the cashier was quite rude and refused to fill my water, insisting I buy bottled water, making me feel nickel and dimed. Overall, not worth a visit.
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially excessive wait times and inconsistent staff interactions. While some find the speed impressive, the low customer satisfaction suggests its a gamble. Go if youre not in a rush and hope for a good day, but dont expect stellar service.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! It seems the Atmosphere here is a real winner, with customer opinions giving it top marks. The overall score for ambience is a very respectable 7.5, indicating a good experience, and customer satisfaction is an excellent 100%, based on 2 positive remarks.
Whats truly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. It appears this spot has nailed the perfect setting, ensuring every guest leaves feeling completely content with the surroundings.
Ambience
2
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Perfect Atmosphere
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic vibe, this is definitely it. The ambience is a clear highlight, promising a delightful and satisfying visit.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like theres a bit of a mixed bag here. While a few folks found the price and fair prices to be quite good, even saying they were glad they didnt check reviews first, the overall sentiment isn't quite as rosy. With a score of 4.3, it lands squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 16.7%, indicating a significant disconnect.
On the flip side, many customers felt it was simply not worth it, describing meals as expensive or pricey. There are concerns about the food not being cheap and feeling nickel and dimed, especially with issues like being asked to buy bottled water. Out of 12 total customer remarks, 6 expressed negative sentiments, highlighting these concerns about the overall value.
Value
12
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Not worth it
- Expensive meal
- A bit pricey
Often praised
- fair pricesfair prices for the sides too
- priceI've been here twice now and thought it was really good and a good price! Glad that I didn't look up the reviews before because I wouldn't have gone.
Frequently criticized
- buy bottled waterDespite the menu promising bone-in drums and wings, there were random chicken pieces included. Additionally, the cashier was quite rude and refused to fill my water, insisting I buy bottled water, making me feel nickel and dimed. Overall, not worth a visit.
- expensiveThe fries tasted like nothing but old oil. It was a very disappointing and expensive meal.
- foodFood here isn't cheap
- priceSince the price went up
- priceyA bit pricey though
- worth itNot worth it AT ALL
If you're looking for a great deal, this spot might be a gamble, as many found it overpriced for what they received. While a few patrons felt the prices were fair, the majority opinion leans towards it not being worth the cost. Proceed with caution if value is your top priority.
How are the prices at Left Wing?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 21 diners. That puts this Korean Restaurant in San Francisco in the $21–$30 category, which is comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either. Interestingly, while the average is 22, most guests (13 out of 21) actually spend in the more budget-friendly $11–$20 range, with some also venturing into the $31–$40 bracket.
This means there are plenty of options, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Korean spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. There’s flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Left Wing
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Flavorful Chicken, Soggy Fries
My experience at H-Mart's Left Wing & Paik’s Noodles for a quick lunch was a mixed bag. I ordered the soy garlic chicken (bone-in, 8 pieces), which was good, flavorful, and hot. However, being soaked in sauce meant it wasn't as crunchy as traditional Korean fried chicken.
I also noted the absence of side dishes, which is common at other Korean restaurants we've visited. The fries, unfortunately, were a letdown; they were a bit soggy and not hot when served, suggesting they might have been cooked earlier or the chicken took longer to prepare.
- soy garlic chicken8
- crunchy6
- side dishes4
- fries3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the soy garlic flavor was good, the wings themselves were soggy. Additionally, instead of just wings and drums, the assortment included thigh pieces, which was not what I expected.
The quality of food keeps going down.
- soy garlic flavor7
- wings3
- thigh4
- quality of food2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Disappointing Wings and Soggy Honey Garlic
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered what was advertised as "wings and drumsticks, " but I received a random assortment of chicken pieces instead. Furthermore, the honey garlic sauce was really soggy, which detracted from the overall dish.
The food quality was a letdown, and I did not enjoy my meal.
- food2
- wings and drumsticks2
- honey garlic3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Wings and Rude Service
My experience at Left Wing was a disappointment. The “original” chicken wings were flavorless, and the meat quality was subpar. The honey garlic wings were soggy and lacked flavor.
Despite the menu promising bone-in drums and wings, there were random chicken pieces included. Additionally, the cashier was quite rude and refused to fill my water, insisting I buy bottled water, making me feel nickel and dimed. Overall, not worth a visit.
- original chicken wings2
- meat quality2
- honey garlic wings2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly kind, even bringing our food out to the table. We visited just before closing and ordered the soy garlic, hot, and sweet boneless chicken with sides, all of which were fantastic.
I was also impressed by the fair prices for the sides. I will definitely return for more.
- staff10
- food10
- fair prices8
What Left Wing offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at Left Wing - San Francisco?
At Left Wing – San Francisco, you’ll find a free parking lot, making your visit hassle-free. There’s usually plenty of parking available, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot when you come to enjoy your meal.
Does Left Wing - San Francisco offer options for families and various dining preferences?
Yes, Left Wing – San Francisco is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. You can choose from dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, or no-contact delivery. They serve lunch and dinner, with catering also available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Left Wing?
Left Wing has an overall restaurant score of 4.7 out of 10, indicating an average performance. Customer satisfaction stands at 34.6%, which is considered poor. While the Food (5.1) is generally well-regarded, Service (3.8) and Value (4.3) are average, and Ambience (7.5) is good.
Is the chicken at Left Wing worth trying?
Many customers praise the chicken at Left Wing, describing it as freshly made, amazingly juicy, and well-seasoned, with an authentically Korean flavor. Some even compare it to top fried chicken experiences in Seoul and LA.
What are the common issues customers experience at Left Wing?
Common issues include long wait times, slow service, and occasional rudeness from staff, particularly regarding water refills. Some customers also report receiving food that wasn’t hot or fried chicken that was soggy instead of crispy.