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oChef » New Woey Loy Goey – San Francisco
New Woey Loy Goey - San Francisco
Photo from New Woey Loy Goey
New Woey Loy Goey at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#1944 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#193 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
448
Reviews
63.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Large Portions
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Tipping Issues
- Unfriendly Service
- Mixed Atmosphere
The restaurant, a beloved Chinese eatery in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, offers you a taste of authentic flavors. At New Woey Loy Goey, you’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot provides a welcoming setting for you and your family. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, from small plates to healthy options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Overview: Introducting New Woey Loy Goey
New Woey Loy Goey offers a culinary experience centered around its highly regarded cuisine, drawing in many locals. You’ll find the food to be a consistent highlight, often praised for its authenticity and generous portions.
However, the overall experience can be a bit of a mixed bag, with some aspects needing attention. While the value is often a strong point, with many finding it an affordable option, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in other areas.
Some guests have noted issues with the atmosphere and certain aspects of the service, which might temper expectations for a smooth dining experience.
Good
6.6
out of 10
448
Reviews
63.2%
Satisfaction
123
negative
42
neutral
283
positive
New Woey Loy Goey earns an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction at 63.2%, indicating a mixed reception among diners. This assessment is drawn from 448 customer opinions, comprising 283 positive and 123 negative remarks.
The restaurant’s strongest suit is undoubtedly its Food (7.8), which is rated as good and garners the most positive feedback. Ambience (6.6) and Value (5.5) both fall into the average range, suggesting they are neither standout features nor significant deterrents for most.
However, Service (5) is perceived as average, with a notable number of guests reporting less-than-ideal interactions.
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Generous portion sizes
- Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
- Aggressive tipping practices
- Unfriendly staff interactions
- Inconsistent dining atmosphere
If your priority is authentic, flavorful Chinese food at a reasonable price, New Woey Loy Goey could be a suitable choice. The 6.8 Recommendation Score suggests it’s worth considering, especially if you’re willing to overlook some rough edges in other areas.
However, if polished service and a pristine dining environment are high on your list, you might find the experience less satisfying. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promise but may require a bit of patience with its operational quirks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Woey Loy Goey
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 77.5%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 218 total remarks, a whopping 169 rave about the authentic Chinese food, generous portions, and delicious options from the large menu.
Sounds like a feast awaits! However, not every bite is perfect. Around 26 comments mentioned some hiccups, with concerns about food lacking taste, being greasy, or arriving cold.
While these are fewer, it's worth noting that some dishes might not hit the mark for everyone.
Food
218
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
26
negative
23
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous portions
- Vast menu options
What people don't like
- Food lacked flavor
- Greasy dishes
- Food arrived cold
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant was clean and the staff were friendly, though they only speak Chinese. The food arrived in about 5 minutes and all of it tasted great.
- authentic Chinese foodlooking for authentic Chinese food then this is definitely the place
- crispy tomato beef noodlescrispy tomato beef noodles $13
- portionsIt's important to keep this in mind, as it's not a place for those seeking a flashy, clean, or touristy vibe. The food was amazing, with very large portions and it was super cheap. I also enjoyed a really great Chinese beer, which was recommended by the staff and turned out to be great.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. It's a small, downstairs place that serves excellent Chinese food. I highly recommend the Mongolian Beef.
- Orange ChickenOrange Chicken was fried to perfection
- dishit is truly a delightful dish
- good foodgood food that hits the spot
- noodlesNoodles better than the variety you get from North American fast food joints
- plats typiquesdes plats typiques délicieux
Frequently criticized
- foodFurthermore, the workers are unfriendly. Based on what I've heard, the food is awful. It was very unsanitary and unclean.
- Christmas dinnerChristmas dinner may not mean anything to these people but it does to our family
- Dim Sumno Dim Sum
- Mongolian beefNor did the Mongolian beef.
- Peking DuckWe kept waiting for our Peking Duck & it never came!
- Szechuan chickenSzechuan chicken was completely bland containing no szechuan peppers but a lot of chunks of grit
- amount of foodFor $80, I expected the to-go boxes to be filled. I have never been this disappointed in the amount of food given. 😞
- beef in the noodle dishThe food arrived relatively quickly, and the taste was just okay. The beef in the noodle dish was tough, though still edible.
- calamariExtremely salty calamari
- chow meinmost basic chow mein with very little flavor
If you're craving authentic Chinese with generous portions and a vast menu, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes are praised, a few diners found some items lacking in flavor or warmth. Overall, it seems like a solid bet for a satisfying meal.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5 and customer satisfaction at 41.6%. Many guests have highlighted the positive aspects, with 52 positive remarks out of 125 total. You'll often find praise for the friendly staff, fast service, and attentive waitresses who are quick to refill drinks and help with dish selection.
Owners are also frequently mentioned for being super friendly and welcoming. However, there are 64 negative remarks that paint a different picture. Some experiences describe rude staff, issues with demanded tips, and a noticeable language barrier that made communication difficult.
Other concerns include long waiting times for checks, staff not checking on tables, and a general lack of friendliness, leading to an overall unhelpful or rushed service experience.
Service
125
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
64
negative
9
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Helpful dish selection
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Demanding tips
- Language barrier issues
Often praised
- serviceOur favorite dish was the owner's recommendation, the Lamb Stew In Pot. The service was great; our tea and waters were constantly refilled, and the waitress was friendly and chatted with us about each dish. I'm looking forward to returning to try more dishes!
- staffstaff doesnt speak much english which you know means its good
- EnglishStaff speaks English
- ServiceService:5
- flexibilityvery flexible a la hora de servirl
- foodThe food took about 5 minutes
- food and drinksGot our food and drinks quickly
- food arrivedIt came out rather quickly
- friendly customer serviceFriendly customer service.
- friendly ladiesI highly recommend trying the clams in black bean sauce – they are all good! The staff are friendly ladies.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was the worst service in my life. After we finished eating, they demanded a very big tip and did not let us leave.
- staffI highly recommend the Mongolian Beef. However, be aware that the staff does not do well with English, which can make communication challenging. Despite this, the good is great.
- ownerthe, I presume, the owner, not knowing a lick of English
- tap waterdenied to serve us tap water
- waitressesThe waitresses ask for more tips
- customer serviceterrible, not because of the food but due to the customer service
- serversthe servers were kind of unenthusiastic and unfriendly
- tipour server had gone ahead and given herself a six dollar tip without my knowledge
- tipsWe were also charged for tap water, which was a first for me. They still had the audacity to ask for more tips. Maybe we should have checked out the many other restaurants down the street.
- waiting timeThis turned out to be a huge mistake, as it was an extreme bait and switch. We ordered our items, and it took a while to come out even though there was no one else eating. The food was also not that hot.
This restaurants service can be quite a gamble; you might encounter wonderfully friendly and efficient staff, or you could face rudeness and communication issues. If youre willing to take a chance, the food might make up for it, but be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here gets an average score of 6.6, with many guests finding the atmosphere quite appealing. Based on 36 positive remarks out of 59 total, customers often praise it as a hidden gem or a hole in the wall where locals hang out. Many appreciate the clean bathroom and the generally warm and laid-back vibe.
However, customer satisfaction is a mixed 61%, as some experiences highlight areas for improvement. With 15 negative opinions, concerns include the exterior being off-putting and the bathroom sometimes described as unclean or neglected. A few also mentioned an uncomfortable draft or the dining area feeling a bit old.
Ambience
59
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, local atmosphere
- Clean restrooms
- Authentic hidden gem
What people don't like
- Unclean, dirty bathrooms
- Unappealing exterior
- Cold, drafty dining
Often praised
- atmosphereThe presence of many locals dining here suggests it's a good spot. Overall, I loved the atmosphere and the efficient service.
- placean amazing place to try it at
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was super delicious, the service was top notch, and the restaurant was well decorated. We enjoyed the dinner for 2, which was an excellent value.
- cleanlinesssurprisingly clean and orderly
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Chinese localsmany Chinese locals visit the restaurant
- TVB on their little 19" LCD TVsitting on the counter allowed me to watch TVB on their little 19" LCD TV
- air qualitySurprisingly the air quality is pleasant
- ambienceI love how it's not on Street level.... stairs lead down to the restaurant.
- clean bathroomClean bathroom.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe place did not have a nice atmosphere
- bathroomY algo que le resta mucho es el baño: pequeño y descuidado
- water cupmy girlfriends water cup had weird snotlike gunk on the rim
- dining areathe dining area is old and looks like a neighborhood bar
- dining room temperatureit was cold in the dining room because they had the street door open
- dishwasherThey need a new dishwasher
- draftit was really windy, kind of like a draft
- exteriordon’t be put off by the exterior
- parkinghard to find parking
- state of the restaurantMy experience at the restaurant was extremely negative. The state of the restaurant was unclean and gross, leading me to walk out immediately. Furthermore, the workers are unfriendly.
If youre seeking an authentic, laid-back spot where locals gather, youll likely enjoy the vibe. Just be prepared that the exterior might not impress, and some find the bathroom cleanliness inconsistent. It's a hidden gem for many, but not without its quirks.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found some real gems, praising the restaurant as a cheap option and an affordable spot with reasonable prices and excellent value. With 26 positive remarks out of 46 total, theres a definite sense that you can snag an economical meal here, contributing to an overall customer satisfaction of 56.5%. However, the value proposition isnt always straightforward, as reflected by an average score of 5.5.
Some customers felt a bait and switch on the price, with unexpected charges for things like tap water and issues around tip demands, leading to feelings that the food was not worth it. These 18 negative sentiments highlight areas where the pricing can feel less than transparent.
Value
46
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable dining
- Excellent value
- Good meal deals
What people don't like
- Forced tipping
- Unexpected charges
- Charged for water
Often praised
- priceIt's important to keep this in mind, as it's not a place for those seeking a flashy, clean, or touristy vibe. The food was amazing, with very large portions and it was super cheap. I also enjoyed a really great Chinese beer, which was recommended by the staff and turned out to be great.
- pricesthe prices are more than fair
- affordableit’s affordable and yummy
- affordable spotMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a simple, affordable spot for lunch. The basement location and simple decor might not be impressive, but don't let that fool you.
- cheap optionA cheap option for takeout
- dinner for 2We enjoyed the dinner for 2 - an excellent value
- economicalbastante económica para ser San Francisco
- lunch specialsmany lunch specials under $10
- package for 2The package for 2 people gives for 4
- price per personThe price per person is reasonable
Frequently criticized
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was the worst service in my life. After we finished eating, they demanded a very big tip and did not let us leave. I do not recommend this place!
- pricethought that the food was OK for the price
- bait and switchAfter a long day with my family visiting Chinatown, we looked at the menu outside the restaurant and thought the food was OK for the price. This turned out to be a huge mistake, as it was an extreme bait and switch. We ordered our items, and it took a while to come out even though there was no one else eating.
- bill priceThe food was also not that hot. The bill came out a lot more than the advertised price outside, with at least 5 over each item. We were also charged for tap water, which was a first for me.
- cheapWhile its "cheap" avoid like the plague!
- food is just not worth itfood is just not worth it
- greedy and disgusting behaviorAbsolutely greedy and disgusting behavior
- recommended tipOnce the food arrived, they never checked if we needed anything nor did they offer more water. The worst part was when it came to paying; the server yelled at us and demanded that the full recommended tip on the receipt be paid. I was still leaving a tip, just not as much as the server was hoping for due to the previously stated issues.
- tap watercharged for TAP water
- tip to our billadded a tip to our bill without even specifying what it was
If you're seeking an affordable meal and are prepared for potential pricing quirks, you might find some good deals. Just be mindful of the bill and any automatic additions, as these have been a point of contention for others.
How are the prices at New Woey Loy Goey?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 71 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 22, most guests actually spend a bit less, clustering in the $11–$20 range, with a good number also in the $21–$30 bracket. This suggests there are plenty of options for both budget-friendly and slightly more indulgent meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value, especially with those popular $11–$20 options, making it accessible for a variety of budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Woey Loy Goey
Price per Person
- $101+
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Worst service and demanding tip
My experience at this restaurant was the worst service in my life. After we finished eating, they demanded a very big tip and did not let us leave. I do not recommend this place!
- service1
- tip1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing New Management and Food Quality
I used to frequent this restaurant often with friends from Chinatown over the past 30 years. I decided to revisit and see what was happening, despite some recent questionable reviews. Unfortunately, those reviews were quite accurate.
The most significant observation was the NEW management. The service was unhelpful, and the presumed owner struggled with English, relying on a translation app for communication with customers. The prices have been significantly jacked up, not only compared to the past but also to surrounding restaurants.
Most importantly, the food was very unappetizing compared to how it was in the past 5+ years. My dish took a long time to arrive, even though the restaurant was nearly empty. I suspect not only new management but also a change in kitchen staff.
Given the many options in Chinatown, it might be wise to try another restaurant. It's quite disappointing to see how things have changed.
- service2
- owner1
- price1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Friendly Staff, Large Portions
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, with the Peking pork ribs being perfectly sauced, offering a delightful sweet and savory balance. The black bean fish had a great umami flavor, and the vegetables were garlicky and refreshing.
The staff were nice and friendly, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. We were impressed by the large portions. I will definitely come again.
- Peking pork ribs9
- black bean fish8
- vegetables8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious, Copious, and Great Value!
What an experience at this restaurant! It truly deserves a visit, even with the few steps down to the dining area. The service was impeccable and very pleasant, and the typical dishes were delicious and very generous in portion size.
It was a great find that I highly recommend! Top!
- rapport qualité/prix10
- service10
- plats typiques10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
1
Unclean and Unfriendly Experience
My experience at the restaurant was extremely negative. The state of the restaurant was unclean and gross, leading me to walk out immediately. Furthermore, the workers are unfriendly.
Based on what I've heard, the food is awful. It was very unsanitary and unclean.
- state of the restaurant1
- workers2
- food2
What New Woey Loy Goey offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant?
At New Woey Loy Goey, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer lunch and dinner service, perfect for a sit-down meal with table service. If you’re on the go, takeout and delivery options are also available for your convenience.
Does New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant offer options for families and specific dietary needs?
Yes, New Woey Loy Goey is considered good for kids, making it a great family-friendly choice. You’ll also find healthy options on the menu, alongside small plates and alcoholic beverages like beer, catering to diverse preferences.
What is the overall customer sentiment for New Woey Loy Goey?
New Woey Loy Goey has an overall Restaurant Score of **6.6** and a Customer Satisfaction of **63.2%**, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. The **Food** (7.8) is highly rated, while **Ambience** (6.6), **Value** (5.5), and **Service** (5) are considered average.
Is the food at New Woey Loy Goey considered authentic and good?
Yes, many customers praise the food at New Woey Loy Goey, describing it as ‘authentic Chinese food’ and ‘super delicious’. Dishes like crispy tomato beef noodles and Orange Chicken are noted for their quality, and portions are often described as ‘very large’.
Are there any common issues with service or value at New Woey Loy Goey?
Some customers have reported negative experiences with service, including staff who ‘demanded a very big tip’ and were ‘unenthusiastic and unfriendly’. There have also been complaints about unexpected charges, such as being ‘charged for tap water’, impacting the perceived value.