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oChef » May Lee – San Francisco
May Lee - San Francisco
Photo from May Lee
May Lee at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#1161 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#88 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
319
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Small dining
- Price inconsistency
- Parking issues
The restaurant May Lee is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual and welcoming atmosphere here, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
They pride themselves on offering delicious vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting May Lee
May Lee offers a straightforward dining experience, often praised for its flavorful cooking and generous portions. While many appreciate the value found in their offerings, particularly for a quick meal, some find the pricing a bit inconsistent or higher than expected.
This spot cultivates a warm, family business atmosphere, often described as a cozy neighborhood spot with a homey feel. However, the physical space itself, including the dining area and limited seating, occasionally draws less favorable comments from patrons.
Good
7.5
out of 10
319
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
63
negative
22
neutral
234
positive
May Lee earns a solid restaurant score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a good overall performance. This is supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 73.4%, which also falls into the ‘good’ category.
With 234 positive remarks against 63 negative ones out of 319 total customer observations, there’s a clear leaning towards positive experiences. Delving into specifics, Food leads the way with a strong (7.7) score, frequently highlighted for its quality and flavor.
Service also performs well (7.9), often noted for its speed and friendly staff. However, Ambience (6.3) and Value (6) hover in the average range, suggesting these areas could see some refinement.
What people like
- Flavorful, quality food
- Fast, friendly service
- Good value for lunch
What people don't like
- Limited dining space
- Inconsistent pricing
- Parking challenges
If you’re seeking reliable, flavorful Chinese cuisine with efficient service and a comfortable, unpretentious vibe, May Lee is certainly worth considering. It shines for its culinary offerings and the friendly interactions with staff, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
With a recommendation score of 7.7, May Lee generally delivers a satisfying experience. Just be mindful that while the food and service are consistently good, the dining environment and perceived value might not impress everyone equally.
It’s a dependable local option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on May Lee
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 75.9%, many diners rave about the generous portion sizes, delicious General Tsos Chicken, and fresh, authentic flavors. Based on 154 positive remarks out of 203 total, it seems theyre doing a lot right.
However, not every dish is a winner. About 34 comments point to some issues, including food being overly greasy or salty, and occasionally having an off taste. Some found dishes like orange chicken to be overcooked, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in preparation.
Food
203
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
34
negative
15
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great portion sizes
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Good vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Overly greasy/oily
- Salty or off taste
- Overcooked dishes
Often praised
- foodFamily members run this with passion. The food was excellent and rich in flavor. Highly recommend.
- portionsthe portions were large enough
- chow meinWhen I walked back to ask for them, the same worker displayed attitude again. The chow mein was really good, but the wonton soup, which was supposed to be combination, only contained two pieces of shrimp and some chicken. The taste wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best either.
- flavornothing compares to the flavor and quality
- fried riceOur party of four was all happy with our meals, which was a perfect outing after visiting the De Young museum. I particularly enjoyed the Kung Pao chicken over fried rice; it was exactly what I needed. My daughter also enjoyed her Chick'n broccoli and rice.
- orange chickenchow mein with orange chicken. It was tasty
- vegetablesThe wontons were large and clearly homemade. The soup also contained a generous amount of chicken, shrimp, delicious shitake mushrooms, and vegetables. The broth was good.
- ChineseArguably the best Chinese in the neighborhood
- Chinese foodbest Chinese food we've had in YEARS!
- deliciousEverything was delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodDespite reading many great reviews, I was let down. I would not recommend this place; it's overpriced and the food was overcooked. I suggest doing your research for other Chinese cuisine options because this is not it at all.
- FORTUNE COOKIESI specifically requested my sweet/sour chicken with the sauce on the side to avoid soggy chicken, but this request was completely ignored. The Veg fried rice was not worth ordering, and to top it off, THE FORTUNE COOKIES WERE STALE AF. On a positive note, they did include utensils in the bag.
- Mongolian beefthe Mongolian beef wasn't spicy(enough)
- Veg fried riceVeg fried rice is not worth ordering
- chili containerstwo small chili containers for a order of soup and a order of chow mein
- eggThe egg flavor is overwhelming.
- food qualityFoods are mediocre at best.
- food smellThe plates were not full and were small, meal prep-sized plastic containers. The food had an off taste and smell, particularly the orange chicken and sweet and sour pork. Neither I nor my family could finish any of it due to the taste and quality.
- food tasteThe food had a off taste
- general chickenbeware of the general chicken, a lot of grease/oil used
If you're craving classic Chinese-American comfort food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit greasy or salty, so choose wisely for the best experience.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 80.6%, it's clear that most folks have a good experience. Many of the 50 positive remarks highlight the excellent takeout and delivery services, praising the friendly and fast staff who provide great service.
You can expect quick food delivery and a warm welcome from the team. However, out of 62 total comments, there were 10 negative ones that point to a few areas for improvement. Some customers noted a wait for order or issues with the online ordering system.
A couple of experiences mentioned an attitude from worker or forgotten utensils, suggesting occasional slips in attention to detail.
Service
62
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Convenient takeout/delivery
What people don't like
- Wait for order
- Forgotten utensils
- Worker attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great quality food, which was served with fast service by pleasant staff. The Mongolian lamb was wonderful, and the chicken breast and broccoli was also great.
- deliveryi would recommend take out or delivery
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great quality food, which was served with fast service by pleasant staff. The Mongolian lamb was wonderful, and the chicken breast and broccoli was also great.
- take outi would recommend take out or delivery
- utensilsThey ask if you want utensils... nice!
- ServiceService:5
- chefThe chef was friendly and respectful
- delivery servicedelivery service is top notch
- elderly coupleWonder elderly couple that runs this place is really nice.
- experienceWe’ve tried other places, but nothing compares to the flavor and quality of May Lee’s! We’ve never had a bad dish or experience.
Frequently criticized
- attitude from workernoticed attitude from one of the workers
- bad experienceOverall, bad experience
- cutleryThe food arrived warm enough. Sadly, they forgot to include cutlery, which was a negative aspect of the service. Overall, the food was good, but it was a little pricey, so I will not rate it as great value for money.
- deliverydelivery is supposed to be free
- delivery tipthey actually include delivery tip
- food waiting timeThe food took 45 minutes
- online ordering systembe very careful with their on-line ordering system
- utensilsrealized I didn’t have utensils
- wait for orderthere was a wait for our order to be taken
- worker had attitudesame worker had attitude because I asked for utensils
Overall, you can expect a positive service experience here, especially if you're opting for takeout or delivery. While there might be a rare hiccup with wait times or a forgotten item, the friendly and efficient staff generally make it a worthwhile visit.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has a certain charm that resonates with many, earning an average score of 6.3. Customers often praise its family shop and neighborhood spot feel, describing it as a hidden gem with a warm vibe that makes you feel right at home. Out of 27 total remarks, 15 were positive, highlighting its cozy, private atmosphere.
However, the customer satisfaction for the overall feel is a bit more mixed at 55.6%, with 8 negative remarks pointing out some clear areas for improvement. Concerns include parking being a nightmare, a run down dining area, and a filthy kitchen. The seating is also noted as very limited, which might not appeal to everyone looking for a flashy experience.
Ambience
27
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homey, family vibe
- Neighborhood gem
- Cozy, private feel
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Parking challenges
- Poor upkeep
Often praised
- atmosphereI keep coming back because it’s so dam good. Truly a gem in the city, it feels like you’re eating at home. The food is always fresh and the service is wonderful, truly feels like home.
- family businessenjoy eating at this family business
- family restaurantrecommend this family restaurant
- family shopGreat little family shop
- hidden gemWhat a hidden gem
- hole in the wallbest hole in the wall Chinese restaurant
- neighborhood spotGreat neighborhood spot
- neighborhood vibesYou get major neighborhood - ma and pop shop vibes here.
- nice placeNice place to grab a quick bite
- restaurantthe restaurant is nice
Frequently criticized
- Close on Saturdaywhy in the world would they decided after all these years to Close on a Saturday!?????
- ParkingParking is a nightmare
- dining areathe dining area/inside was run down
- dining roomthe dinning room is really small, only 3 or 4 tables MAX
- health code scoreThe sushi was the worst food I ate during my entire trip to San Francisco. To make matters worse, they also had a terrible health code score.
- kitchenthe kitchen was filthy
- placethe place isnt really flashy either, so it might be a turn down to some people
- seatingseating very limited
If youre seeking a no-frills, hole in the wall spot with a genuine, homey feel and dont mind potential challenges with parking or limited seating, this could be your next hidden gem. However, if a polished, spacious dining area is a must, you might find the experience a bit disappointing.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
Many diners found the prices to be quite reasonable, especially praising the lunch specials as a great deal for an affordable meal. Folks felt they got good quality and quantity for their money, often describing it as well worth the price. On the flip side, the value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 55.6% and an average score of 6.
Some diners felt the food was over-priced and pricey, questioning if it was truly worth the money they paid. This sentiment is noted in 11 negative remarks among 27 total comments.
Value
27
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Prices are reasonable
- Affordable meal options
What people don't like
- Food feels overpriced
- Not worth money
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- pricesthe prices were very reasonable
- PricesPrices also reasonable
- pricewell worth the price for the quality and quantity
- affordable mealThe food was delicious and the service was very friendly. We would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a tasty and affordable meal in the area.
- decently pricedDecently priced
- great dealfor $14 great deal
- lunch specialsspecially their lunch specials
- reasonablefast and resonable
- valuegreat value
Frequently criticized
- billmy bill is more reasonable with the same exact order
- costwhat normally cost me 24 somehow costing me 36
- moneycertainly not worth the money
- money I paidconsidering the money I paid
- over-priced foodthinking of over-priced food
- priceIt’s overpriced
- price on the online check-outThe price on the online check-out is different
- priceySadly, they forgot to include cutlery, which was a negative aspect of the service. Overall, the food was good, but it was a little pricey, so I will not rate it as great value for money.
- sale receiptamount on the sale receipt
- total costthe total was almost $100 for 4 meals
When considering value, you might find some great deals, especially with lunch options. However, be aware that some customers felt the prices were a bit steep for what they received. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding the overall cost.
How are the prices at May Lee?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 34 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.
What’s interesting is that while the average is 29, most diners actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a great mix, from budget-friendly bites to some more premium options that can push the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 34 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant, especially with such a diverse range of spending options. It seems like theres something for everyone, whether youre looking for a quick, affordable meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about May Lee
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful, primarily due to the extremely friendly staff who seemed to be putting their heart into their work. I ordered the chow mein, which was very good. However, it was the service alone that truly made me want to leave this review.
- staff10
- chow mein8
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
6
Mixed Experience with Service and Food
I ordered for pick up and initially, the soy sauce was in the bag. However, when I asked for more soy sauce and chili or spice, I noticed an attitude from one of the workers. I received only one packet of soy sauce and two small chili containers for an order of soup and chow mein.
Upon returning to my car, I realized I didn't have utensils. When I walked back to ask for them, the same worker displayed attitude again. The chow mein was really good, but the wonton soup, which was supposed to be combination, only contained two pieces of shrimp and some chicken.
The taste wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best either.
- soy sauce5
- chow mein8
- taste5
- attitude from worker2
- chili containers3
- utensils2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Delicious Chinese Food Delivery!
I opted for food delivery from this restaurant because I have a great love for Chinese cuisine, and the food here was super duper delicious. The orange chicken was perfectly cooked, and the fried rice truly hit the spot. I was so full I couldn't finish everything, but I highly recommend this place.
It's a 5-star experience all around.
- orange chicken9
- fried rice9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Chinese Food, Amazing Service!
My partner and I were craving Chinese food and stumbled upon this place. I'm so glad we decided to try it because the food was incredibly flavorful, and the portion sizes were very generous. We both appreciated the ample amount of protein and vegetables included in each dish!
We ordered the Combo Fried Rice, Salt and Pepper Pork, and Hunan Chicken. It was difficult to pick a favorite because they were all so good. The Hunan Chicken had a subtle hint of spice and was coated in plenty of sauce.
The Salt and Pepper Pork was perfectly crunchy on the outside and wonderfully juicy on the inside. The service was exceptionally sweet and attentive. Overall, it was an 11/10 experience, and we will definitely be returning!
- food10
- portion sizes10
- protein and vegetables10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Absolutely Obsessed with This Place!
I’m absolutely obsessed with this place! My experience was fantastic. Everything is delicious, and their take out is also always so good and packed to the brim!
The food quality and portion sizes were exceptional.
- food10
- take out9
- portion sizes9
What May Lee offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Can you dine in or get delivery at May Lee Chinese Restaurant?
Yes, May Lee Chinese Restaurant offers both convenient dine-in service and delivery options, including no-contact delivery for your peace of mind. You can also enjoy their catering services for special events.
Are there vegetarian options and is May Lee Chinese Restaurant suitable for families?
Absolutely! May Lee Chinese Restaurant provides delicious vegetarian options to cater to diverse tastes. It’s also known to be good for kids, making it a great spot for family meals in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset.
What do customers generally think about May Lee's food and service?
Customers frequently praise May Lee for its flavorful food and the quality of its dishes. The service is also often highlighted as fast and friendly, with many appreciating the pleasant staff.
How does May Lee rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
May Lee holds a good overall restaurant score of **7.5** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **73.4%**. Its strongest aspects are **Service** (7.9) and **Food** (7.7), while **Ambience** (6.3) and **Value** (6) are considered average.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at May Lee?
Some customers have noted that the dining area can be small with limited seating, and parking can be a challenge. There are also occasional concerns about inconsistent pricing or the perception of dishes being overpriced.