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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Mongol – San Francisco
Mongol - San Francisco
Photo from Mongol
Mongol at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#1593 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#108 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
63
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Good value
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Service variability
- Dumpling quality
The cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood offers a welcoming spot for you to relax. Mongol provides a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a refreshing coffee.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast, grabbing lunch, or enjoying a sweet dessert, you’ll find comfortable seating options. You can also choose from convenient service options like delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, or dine-in, including outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting Mongol
Mongol offers a taste of authentic Mongolian cuisine, with many finding the food to be quite delicious. The friendly staff often makes for a welcoming experience, though some specific dishes might not always hit the mark.
It’s a place where you can expect a genuine culinary journey. While many appreciate the clean and genuine mom and pop shop atmosphere, and the value for money, there have been isolated reports of cleanliness issues.
Service, while generally good, can sometimes be a bit unpredictable, adding to the casual, unpolished charm.
Good
7.1
out of 10
63
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
47
positive
Overall, Mongol holds a respectable 7.1 score, with customer satisfaction at a solid 74.6%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most diners, based on 63 customer observations, comprising 47 positive remarks against 12 negative ones.
It suggests a reliable choice for many. Digging deeper, the Food stands out with a strong (7.6), frequently described as authentic and delicious.
Value also rates well (7.2), offering good portions for the price. Service is generally competent (6.7), though some experiences vary.
The Ambience (6.3) is the area with the most room for improvement, despite some finding it clean.
What people like
- Authentic Mongolian food
- Good value for money
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Occasional cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Specific dish quality concerns
If you’re seeking genuine Mongolian flavors and good portions for your money, Mongol is certainly worth considering. While the food and value are often praised, be mindful that the overall atmosphere and service can sometimes be a mixed experience, leaning towards a no-frills approach.
With a recommendation score of 7.4, it leans towards a positive endorsement. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal, especially if authentic cuisine is your priority, but perhaps not for a special occasion where every detail needs to be perfect.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mongol
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 81.3%, it seems most diners are leaving happy. Many of the 26 positive opinions rave about the authentic Mongolian food, highlighting tasty fresh dishes and traditional items like huushuur and various dumplings, often noting that everything feels homemade.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 4 negative opinions point out. Some diners werent thrilled with specific buuz preparations, mentioning they werent the good type or hadnt fully thawed. There were also mentions of unexpected ham in a side salad and a concerning, though isolated, comment about potential food poisoning.
Food
32
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mongolian food
- Tasty fresh dishes
- Homemade quality
What people don't like
- Buuz quality issues
- Ham in side salad
- Food poisoning concern
Often praised
- foodthe food here is delicious
- FoodFood:5
- Good foodGood food
- Mongolian cuisineAuthentic Mongolian food!! Great food
- assorted soupsMy experience at this restaurant offered a taste of Mongolian tradition with their fried beef dumplings, noodle dishes, and assorted soups. It seems to be a favorite among Mongolian immigrants, and the friendly staff are welcoming to newcomers, ready to answer questions.
- authentic Mongolian cuisinetry authentic Mongolian cuisine
- authentic Mongolian foodserve authentic Mongolian food
- buuzbuuz... all were great
- coffee and pastry shopDoubles as a conventional coffee and pastry shop
- dishesGreat dishes
Frequently criticized
- Buuzthe Buuz that I got was not the good type
- dumplingshad not fully thawed before being steamed
- food poisoningunless u want food poisoning
- ham in one of their small side saladput a little ham in one of their small side salad
If you're craving authentic Mongolian cuisine, this spot is generally a good bet for tasty, fresh dishes. Just be aware that some specific dumpling preparations might be a hit or miss, and keep an eye out for unexpected ingredients in side salads.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests (10 positive opinions out of 15 total) found the staff to be quite friendly, with kind people and even a polite owner making a good impression. This contributes to a solid score of 6.7, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%. However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 4 negative opinions noting issues like a lady seeming in a bad mood or horrible customer service.
Some also mentioned unpredictable hours and service and waiting for the host, suggesting there's still room for improvement.
Service
15
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Kind people
- Polite owner
What people don't like
- Bad mood staff
- Poor customer service
- Unpredictable hours
Often praised
- servicegreat service
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffThe friendly staff will answer the questions
- kind peopleThey are very kind people
- made from scratchmakes everything from scratch
- ownerpolite and friendly owner Cafe!
- pay with a cardto my surprise I could pay with a card
- waita short 10-minute wait
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceHorrible customer service
- hostwait for the host/hostess to show up; which he did after almost 5 minutes
- hours and serviceHours and service can be a bit unpredictable on weekends
- ladythe lady seem in a bad mood.
So, whats the verdict? While youll likely encounter friendly faces and good service, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience, especially regarding consistency. It's worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive, with a 70% customer satisfaction rate, which is pretty good! Many diners appreciate the hole in the wall food spot vibe, often describing the place as very clean and a true mom and pop shop. With 7 positive comments out of 10 total, guests often enjoy the unique touch of Mongolian live concert videos adding to the distinct atmosphere.
However, the overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.3, suggesting there's room for improvement. While some find it charming, 3 negative comments highlight concerns. Some found the place to be less than ideal, with mentions of fruit flies and even more serious cleanliness issues, which could turn a visit into a nightmare for some.
Ambience
10
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hole-in-wall charm
- Clean environment
- Unique concert videos
What people don't like
- Pest problems
- Unsanitary conditions
Often praised
- place is very cleanThe place is very clean
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Mongolian live concert videosEnjoy the Mongolian live concert videos
- cleanclean and every thing is there
- hole in the wall food spotMy experience at this restaurant was that of a hole in the wall food spot. It was empty when I walked in, and the woman made everything from scratch for me.
- mom and pop shopA real mom and pop shop!
Frequently criticized
- fruit fliessome fruit flies flying around
- nightmareAND nightmare I would not go there
- placeThe place is disgusting, cockroaches walk free here.
If youre looking for a no-frills, authentic "hole in the wall" experience and dont mind a few minor quirks, this spot could be a charming find. However, if cleanliness is your absolute top priority, you might want to consider other options to avoid potential disappointment.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are quite pleased, often highlighting that the prices are good and you truly get a lot for your money. Folks found the food affordable and tasty, with dishes frequently described as reasonably priced. This positive feedback, accounting for 4 out of 6 comments, helps achieve a good score of 7.2.
However, its not a unanimous rave, as one diner felt the price was a little expensive for just dumplings'. This single dissenting voice among 6 total comments contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of 66.7%, suggesting that while generally good, value can be a bit subjective here.
Value
6
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Great value
- Affordable food
What people don't like
- Pricey for some
Often praised
- pricesI had the best khuushuur I've had in a long time. The dishes were great and the prices were very reasonably priced. The service was nice.
- affordable and tastyAffordable and tasty
- lot for your moneyYou get a lot for your money
Frequently criticized
- pricethought it was a little expensive for just dumplings
If youre looking for good value, this spot generally delivers, with many finding the food affordable and tasty. While most feel you get a lot for your money, be aware that a few items might strike you as a bit pricey. Its worth a visit if you prioritize reasonable costs, but keep an eye on specific dish prices.
How are the prices at Mongol?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 9 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend within this $11–$20 bracket, with just a few opting for something cheaper. While we only have 9 reviews, it gives us a good idea of what to expect.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 9 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives us a good indication of typical spending.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Considering its a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its a solid choice if you’re looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mongol
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Mongolian Food Experience
As a frequent traveler to Mongolia, I have a deep appreciation for Mongolian cuisine. On my travels to big cities in the U. S.
, I always seek out Mongolian restaurants. Mongol Cafe offered tasty fresh food, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to try authentic Mongolian cuisine.
- tasty fresh food9
- authentic Mongolian cuisine9
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Experience - Avoid!
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. I would not go there at all unless you want food poisoning and a nightmare. The customer service was also horrible.
- food poisoning1
- nightmare1
- customer service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Khuushuur and Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best khuushuur I've had in a long time. The dishes were great and the prices were very reasonably priced.
The service was nice. Thank you!
- khuushuur10
- dishes8
- prices9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Tasty Huushuur, Great Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The huushuur was different from other fried foods and tasted so tasty 😋. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- huushuur9
- fried food7
- Service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Mongolian Delights, Made with Care
I highly recommend the traditional Mongolian dishes here. I've tried the dumpling soup, buuz, and kotlet, and all were great! The service is unique; there's one woman who handles everything, taking orders and then preparing each dish from scratch in the back.
The place is very clean, which is impressive considering the neighborhood. A small tip: the door is often locked, so you might need to knock a few times to be let in.
- traditional Mongolian dishes9
- dumpling soup9
- buuz9
What Mongol offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and service options does Mongol Cafe offer?
Mongol ensures a comfortable visit with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, you can choose from various service options including delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, dine-in, and outdoor seating.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Mongol Cafe, and can you make reservations?
You can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere at Mongol, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and even dessert. It’s also good for kids. Yes, you can plan ahead as Mongol accepts reservations.
What kind of food can I expect at Mongol?
Mongol is known for its **authentic Mongolian cuisine**, with many finding the **food** to be **delicious**, including dishes like fried beef dumplings and noodle dishes. They also serve as a coffee and pastry shop.
How is the overall dining experience at Mongol rated?
Mongol has an overall score of **7.1** and a customer satisfaction of **74.6%**. The **Food** (7.6) and **Value** (7.2) are strong points, while **Service** (6.7) is generally good, and **Ambience** (6.3) is the lowest-scoring aspect.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks to consider?
While generally positive, some patrons have noted occasional issues with cleanliness, such as fruit flies, and some specific dishes like certain dumplings not being fully thawed. Service hours can also be a bit unpredictable on weekends.