Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Little Sweet – San Francisco
Little Sweet - San Francisco
Photo from Little Sweet
Little Sweet at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍜 Taiwanese Restaurant
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#2239 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Taiwanese Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
74
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Good ambience
- Tasty drinks
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High prices
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant Little Sweet, a charming Taiwanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you to discover its culinary delights. You’ll find a truly impressive selection of teas here, making it a standout spot for both food and beverage enthusiasts.
This local gem offers a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine right in the heart of the city, promising a memorable experience.
Overview: Introducting Little Sweet
Little Sweet offers a varied experience, often praised for its popular drinks like boba and coffee. Many guests highlight positive interactions with staff members such as Alex, who provides excellent customer service, and Mili, noted as an outstanding barista.
These personal touches often make a visit more enjoyable. However, the experience isn’t uniformly positive.
While the setting often provides a pleasant atmosphere with spacious tables, some customers have raised concerns about the overall price and occasional issues with staff conduct, suggesting an inconsistent level of service.
Average
5.6
out of 10
74
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
31
negative
6
neutral
37
positive
Little Sweet achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6, placing it in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 50%, indicating a mixed reception among its patrons.
These figures are drawn from 74 customer comments, with 37 positive remarks and 31 negative observations. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.2) stands out as a strong point, offering a comfortable and inviting space.
The Food (6.1) is generally considered acceptable, though not exceptional. However, both Service (4.9) and Value (3.8) present areas for improvement, with service being a particular concern for some visitors.
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Flavorful boba and tea
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Perceived high prices
- Hygiene concerns
Little Sweet presents a somewhat mixed offering. With a Recommendation Score of 5.4, it’s a place that might appeal if you’re seeking a comfortable spot for specific drink items, particularly if you encounter the more attentive staff members.
However, you should be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and value. It could be a pleasant stop for a quick beverage, but perhaps not a destination for a consistently flawless or budget-friendly experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Little Sweet
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
Let's talk about the food! Many customers have found some real gems here, with the ricotta pancakes and their delightful orange syrup earning strong recommendations. The boba is often praised for its fresh ingredients, and the Thai green milk tea with ice cream has even been called the best ever.
While the overall score for food sits at an average 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 55.2%, there are clear highlights, with 16 positive remarks out of 29 total. On the flip side, there are some areas needing attention. A few customers reported issues with drink orders, like getting full ice despite requesting less ice or drinks being switched.
More concerning are mentions of soy matcha causing sickness, and even claims of rotten food or contamination. The coffee has been described as terribly done due to untrained baristas, and a strawberry matcha latte was served missing its key ingredient. These 9 negative comments highlight some significant inconsistencies.
Food
29
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Ricotta pancakes shine
- Fresh boba drinks
- Best Thai milk tea
What people don't like
- Rotten food concerns
- Terribly done coffee
- Incorrect drink orders
Often praised
- bobalooking for bobba to hit the stop? Well it definitely did.
- drinksall the drinks she prepares
- Black Sugarbuy my favorite Black Sugar
- FoodFood:4
- Thai green milk tea with ice creamDuring the pride parade, I stumbled across this place with my friends and had the Thai green milk tea with ice cream. To this day, it remains the best milk tea I’ve ever had. It's also a great place to hang out with friends, study, or relax.
- coffeeCoffee tastes quite good
- foodthe food was great
- hot onethen they made me a hot one
- hotel illy coffee makerhotel illy coffee maker makes better coffee
- juicesI visit this restaurant about 3 times a week and I really enjoy the juices with bubba. I'm grateful for the new staff member, Jorge, who provides excellent service and, most importantly, speaks Spanish.
Frequently criticized
- coffeecoffee is terribly done
- contaminatedcontaminated it
- diner foodMy experience was that the restaurant is overpriced for what would be considered diner food on the east coast. They make a big deal out of serving Sightglass coffee, but then they don't have a trained barista on site, so the coffee is terribly done.
- drink was switchedApparently my drink was switched
- less icechose less ice on the system, but she gave me full ice
- rotten foodused rotten food
- soy matchasoy matcha that made me sick
- strawberry matcha lattestrawberry matcha latte, but didn’t give the matcha… just strawberry
- teaThey made my tea cold by accident
If you're after standout items like the ricotta pancakes or the highly-praised Thai green milk tea, this spot could be a hit. Just be mindful that consistency can be a bit of a gamble, especially with coffee and specific drink preparations, and there have been some serious concerns about food quality.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Looking at the service, there are some definite bright spots! Many of the 13 positive comments out of 31 total highlighted individuals like Felipe H. and the friendly staff at the Geary Street location for their attention to detail and helpfulness.
The availability of Spanish speaking staff was also a big plus, making many feel valued. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 41.9%, the service still manages an average 4.9 score. However, the service isnt without its challenges, with 17 negative comments.
Customers reported frustratingly long wait times and issues with the order terminal. More concerning were instances of rude behavior from staff, including unhelpful cashiers and staff who wouldnt take orders. There were even mentions of an untrained barista handling drinks improperly, suggesting a need for more consistent training.
Service
31
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attention to detail
- Spanish-speaking staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Long wait times
- Unhelpful staff
Often praised
- AlexThe boba was made with fresh ingredients, giving it a smooth and flavorful taste. The standout, however, was the excellent customer service from Alex; he was not only friendly but also took the time to recommend city highlights. It was a great touch that made the visit even more enjoyable.
- Felipe H.Felipe H. very polite and helpful
- GEARY STREET location teamThe GEARY STREET location team works the BEST
- ServiceService good
- Spanish speaking staffspeaks Spanish. Thank you for considering the Latino community
- attention to detailHer attention to detail is UNmatched!!!
- baristaMili is the ABSOLUTE BEST Barista here!
- customer serviceThe boba was made with fresh ingredients, giving it a smooth and flavorful taste. The standout, however, was the excellent customer service from Alex; he was not only friendly but also took the time to recommend city highlights. It was a great touch that made the visit even more enjoyable.
- friendly staffthe little brown boy was very friendly
- morning availabilityThank you for considering the Latino community. As a suggestion, I would appreciate having someone who speaks Spanish available in the mornings with the same great availability and kindness as Jorge.
Frequently criticized
- staffAccording to staff, the order has not been received
- Market Street locationFirst time ordering from the MARKET STREET LOCATION and not ordering from this location anymore
- cashierMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative due to the rude behavior of the staff. When I inquired about a specific tea, the cashier told me to read the menu instead of providing an explanation, which was unhelpful. Later, when I asked for hot water for my tea bottle, the staff member raised their voice and refused, stating it couldn't be done.
- cup lipwiped the lip of the cup by his bare right hand palm
- customersI ended up leaving without purchasing anything because my order was never taken. Given the "It All Starts Here SF" sign in the window, I would not recommend this place if this is how they treat their customers.
- handling of every ordertrain/seminar their employees for proper handling of every order
- orderhe wouldn't take my order
- order terminalOrder terminal does not work even though payment has been made
- refill drinksrefill drinks with stained dishrags
- rude behaviorrude behavior of the staff
So, should you go? Its a bit of a mixed bag. While some staff offer excellent, friendly service, especially at specific locations, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, including rude interactions or long waits.
If you value personalized, friendly service, you might find it here, but theres a chance you could be disappointed.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 70%, its clear most visitors enjoy the vibe. Many rave about the beautiful architecture and spacious tables, making it a nice place to unwind.
Plus, the handy power outlets and USB ports are a definite bonus, especially given its very good location for a relaxing break, as noted in 7 positive remarks. However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 10 total comments, 2 negative ones point out that the location can be hard to find for some, which is a bit of a head-scratcher given the positive mentions.
More seriously, theres one very strong opinion about hygiene being VERY DISGUSTING! ' – a significant concern that definitely warrants attention.
Ambience
10
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful architecture
- Spacious tables
- Power outlets/USB ports
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Hard to find
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- beautiful architecturebeautiful architecture on the inside
- locationThis is a nice place to take some rest, especially given its very good location. The coffee tastes quite good.
- nice timeI initially only wanted one Boba but ended up purchasing three drinks for my friends. It's truly the best place to spend a nice time.
- placeNice place to take some rest
- power outlets and usb portspower outlets and usb ports
- spacious tableslots of spacious tables
Frequently criticized
- hygieneVERY DISGUSTING!!!!
- locationHard to find
Overall, if youre seeking a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment with practical amenities, this place offers a good experience. Just be prepared for a potentially tricky search for its entrance, and keep that hygiene complaint in mind. Its largely positive, but with a notable caveat.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning towards needing improvement. While one customer did appreciate the "Good price too, " and mentioned the positive aspect of "price, " the overall sentiment isnt quite hitting the mark. The score for value sits at a rather low 3.8, and customer satisfaction is only at 25%, indicating significant room for improvement.
On the flip side, several guests have voiced concerns, with 3 negative opinions compared to just 1 positive out of 4 total comments. Issues like payment has been made. In the end, no order and lost money are serious dealbreakers.
Many also felt it was Overpriced for what would be considered diner food, with specific mentions of payment, price, and Price per person being points of contention, like a $6 for a matcha latte.
Value
4
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price
What people don't like
- Lost money
- Overpriced food
- Expensive drinks
Often praised
- priceGood price too
Frequently criticized
- Price per person$6 for a matcha latte
- paymentpayment has been made... In the end, no order and lost money
- priceOverpriced for what would be considered diner food
If youre looking for great value, this spot might disappoint, especially given the concerns about pricing and even payment issues. Its probably best to manage your expectations on cost, as many find it overpriced for what you get.
How are the prices at Little Sweet?
You’re looking at roughly 9 per person – reported by 7 diners. That puts it in the $1–$10 category. For a Taiwanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks kept their spending in the $1–$10 range, though one diner did venture into the $21–$30 bracket. Since we only have 7 reviews, this gives us a good indication, but more data would paint an even fuller picture.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 7 reviews. Since we only have 7 reviews, this gives us a good indication, but more data would paint an even fuller picture.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Taiwanese spot in San Francisco. Its not going to break the bank, and youre likely getting good value for your money.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Little Sweet
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
1
Rude Staff and Unsanitary Practices
My experience just ten minutes ago was very negative. The woman working there was incredibly rude. I am a regular customer and visit daily.
I specifically requested less ice through the system, but she filled my drink with full ice. When I pointed this out, she ignored me. I've never encountered such rude people.
It also seems my drink was switched. To make matters worse, I've repeatedly witnessed them refilling drinks with stained dishrags.
- woman worker1
- less ice2
- rude ppl1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Shocking Hygiene Issue at Little Sweet
As usual, I came here to buy my favorite Black Sugar at Little Sweet on 17 Powell Street around 11: 54 am July 5, 2025. The person behind the counter, Felipe H. , was very polite and helpful, but to my surprise and disbelief, he wiped the lip of the cup with his bare right hand palm 🖐️ after adding the boba.
I was really SHOCKED 😲 😱 and couldn't complain because there were people at the counter, and I didn't want to humiliate him. I hope the management or whoever runs this business trains their employees for proper handling of every order, especially since they are selling food. In his case, I don't know what was on his palm or whatever that hand touches – trash can, bathroom toilet, or worse, he scratches his butt!
😱 We are still in the Covid era, and I was a victim of this virus because I am a kidney transplant patient with low immune system or immunodeficiency. VERY DISGUSTING! 🤢 🤮 😷 🤮 🤢
- Black Sugar8
- Felipe H.8
- cup lip1
- handling of every order2
- hygiene1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Boba Fix Despite Service Hiccups
While the service isn't great, this is my go-to place when I want some boba before work. I experienced an issue during an order pick-up where the barista prioritized cooking waffles over handing me my drink, even though I mentioned I was in a hurry. This resulted in a wait of at least 5 minutes for something that only took a second to retrieve.
- boba8
- service3
- wait2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Great Boba and Price!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I was looking for boba, and it definitely hit the spot. The price was also good.
- boba9
- price8
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
3
Incorrect Order at Market Street Location
My experience at the Market Street location was disappointing. I ordered a strawberry matcha latte, but I only received the strawberry flavor, with no matcha included. This was my first time ordering from this specific location, and I will not be ordering from them again.
The team at the GEARY STREET location, however, works the best. I will be ordering from the Geary Street location for delivery next time because at least they get my order right.
- GEARY STREET location team9
- order9
- strawberry matcha latte2
- Market Street location2
What Little Sweet offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What service options does Little Sweet provide for its customers?
Little Sweet offers a variety of convenient service options to meet your needs. You can enjoy no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, or takeout if you prefer to dine elsewhere. For those who wish to experience the ambiance, dine-in service is also available at this San Francisco establishment.
Are there any accessibility features or parking options available at Little Sweet?
Yes, Little Sweet is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance for all guests. When it comes to parking in the Union Square area, you’ll find both paid parking garages and paid street parking options conveniently located nearby for your visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Little Sweet?
Little Sweet has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6 and Customer Satisfaction at 50%, indicating a mixed experience. While Ambience (7.2) is a strong point, Food (6.1) is average, and Service (4.9) and Value (3.8) are areas needing attention.
What do customers appreciate most about Little Sweet?
Many customers highlight the friendly and helpful Service from individuals like Alex and Mili, as well as the pleasant Ambience with its spacious tables and beautiful architecture. The boba and Thai green milk tea are also frequently praised.
What are the main concerns customers have about Little Sweet?
Key concerns revolve around inconsistent Service, with reports of rude behavior and issues with order handling. Some find the price to be high, and there are mentions of hygiene issues and inconsistent coffee quality.