Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » R & G Lounge – San Francisco
R & G Lounge - San Francisco
Photo from R & G Lounge
R & G Lounge at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 157 of the guests
#1440 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#124 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
753
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality dishes
- Great service
- Comfortable vibe
Frequently criticized
- Variable pricing
- Slow service
- Parking issues
The restaurant R & G Lounge, a renowned Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their exceptional cuisine.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, complementing every dish beautifully.
Overview: Introducting R & G Lounge
R & G Lounge offers a culinary experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many guests consistently praise the food for its quality and flavor, making it a reliable choice for those seeking well-prepared dishes.
While the service often receives commendation for its attentiveness, the overall atmosphere can be a mixed bag, sometimes described as lively but at other times as simply functional. However, diners should be mindful of the value proposition, as opinions vary on whether the cost aligns with the experience, particularly for certain items.
Despite some occasional inconsistencies in service or the bustling environment, the restaurant maintains a reputation for its core offerings, drawing a steady crowd.
Good
7.2
out of 10
753
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
164
negative
73
neutral
516
positive
R & G Lounge achieves a solid 7.2 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a mixed customer satisfaction rating of 68.5%.
While the score suggests a good performance, the satisfaction level indicates that some guests leave with reservations. This assessment is drawn from 753 customer remarks, with 516 positive observations outweighing 164 negative ones.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (7.6), frequently described as flavorful and high-quality. Service also performs well at (7.1), often noted for its attentive staff, and the Ambience is rated (7.0), contributing to a comfortable, if sometimes bustling, setting.
The primary area for consideration is Value, which registers an average (4.7), suggesting that pricing can be a point of contention for some patrons.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Lively, comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value/pricing
- Occasional slow service
- Parking difficulties
For those prioritizing well-executed dishes and attentive care, R & G Lounge is certainly worth considering. The strong culinary performance and generally good service make it a compelling choice, especially if you appreciate a lively setting.
It holds a respectable 7.6 recommendation score, indicating many guests would suggest a visit. However, be prepared for potential variations in pricing perception and the occasional service hiccup.
If you can overlook these minor points and are seeking a place with a vibrant energy and delicious food, this spot could be a good fit for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on R & G Lounge
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a 7.6 score indicating good quality and a 73.6% customer satisfaction, many diners rave about the flavorful, fresh dishes. Out of 444 total comments, 327 highlight the great taste, quality, and authentic flavors, especially for signature items like the salt and pepper crab and Peking duck.
However, its not always a perfect plate. About 78 comments point to occasional inconsistencies, with some dishes described as bland, oily, or having quality issues. Specific concerns sometimes arise around the Peking duck, which can be bony or dry, and some find portion sizes to be smaller than expected.
Food
444
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
78
negative
39
neutral
327
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful, fresh dishes
- Signature dishes excel
- Authentic taste
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Peking duck issues
- Some dishes bland
Often praised
- foodThis included two crabs and a whole Peking duck, making the a la carte option a much better deal. We had just enough food for everyone to share family-style. We ordered: 2 x salted egg yolk crab, Whole Peking duck, 2 x Steamed clam and egg, 1 yang chow fried rice, 1 special fried rice, Combination seafood garlic noodle, Honey spare ribs, Salted egg yolk pumpkin, Garlic stir fry pea shoots, Scallops w/beef steak, and Prawn with honey walnuts.
- Peking duckThe peanuts themselves were plain, unroasted, and unsalted. Most of the dishes were great. However, the special fried rice was disappointing; it tasted like plain egg fried rice with nothing special about it.
- FoodI especially loved the eggplant dish! The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. While parking can be difficult to find, the free street parking is a plus.
- crabI opted for the ginger and scallion preparation for the crab instead of their usual salt and pepper style — and I’m so glad I did. It was incredibly flavorful and just packed with goodness. The sticky ribs were also a highlight — so tender!
- salt and pepper crabThe highlight of my meal has always been the salt and pepper crab. It is amazing.
- duckThe duck and bao buns were a true delight: flavorful
- Cantonese foodour go-to place for Cantonese food (粤菜） in SF
- Chinese foodThe duck was cooked well and had perfect seasoning. I would definitely come back for more delicious Chinese food. On 9-4-21, I returned for dinner and had a great meal.
- fried ricegarlic noodles & fried rice with dried scallop & egg whites (both classics) and sautéed pea tips…all of which were delicious
- Singapore noodlesSingapore noodles and long-life noodles kept the party going
Frequently criticized
- Peking duckThe service was very friendly, as is typical in the US. The food was decent, although I was expecting a boneless Peking duck. At the end, they give you fortune cookies, which is fun to see what everyone gets.
- foodtasted the food. It wasn't what I expected.
- duckFor $32. 50, I received only 4 pieces of duck and 2 neck pieces. This was my dinner, and I am unhappy with the value.
- bunsthey forgot to open the buns before streaming them
- crabthe crab which was just lacking meat and difficult to eat
- fried riceThe fried rice was bland with a lot of oil...disappointing.
- meatMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, particularly regarding the food. The Peking duck I ordered looked like roadkill, a flattened pile of bones and skin with absolutely no meat to be found. This was a significant letdown, especially given the price point.
- portion sizeportion size for the price! It's ridiculously small
- portion sizesdifficult to figure out how much to order because some food had massive portions and others were much smaller
- Lamb with cuminThe Seafood lettuce wrap was great. However, the Lamb with cumin and prawn with XO sauce and snow peas both needed more salt, cumin, and XO sauce. Downstairs, when full, it is hard to have conversations, making the atmosphere less ideal for discussions.
If you're looking for flavorful, authentic Chinese cuisine, especially their signature crab and duck, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in quality or seasoning, so choose wisely!
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.2%. Many guests, based on 110 positive remarks out of 159 total, rave about the great service from attentive staff and efficient wait staff like Jade and Larry, who make everyone feel welcome and well taken care of. However, 39 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some diners encountered poor service or unprofessional servers with poor attitude, leading to long waiting times for food or feeling rushed. Occasionally, dishes arrived at different times, and some felt ignored by their assigned server.
Service
159
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
39
negative
10
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Efficient service
- Friendly servers
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive servers
- Poor attitude
Often praised
- serviceThey took us to the underground part, which is an experience since it seems like you are entering another city. The service was excellent because the waiter was very patient since my English is not the best and he helped me choose the dishes. They welcomed us with tea, which they were very careful to serve.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Although they initially direct you downstairs, you're immediately greeted by a very friendly and attentive staff, many of whom have been there for a while. It seems the secret is out, as it's no longer just Chinese patrons.
- ServiceI especially loved the eggplant dish! The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. While parking can be difficult to find, the free street parking is a plus.
- reservationLuckily, we had a reservation and didn’t have to wait
- waitWas it worth the wait? Absolutely
- attentive staffThe Crispy green beans and Vegetable Chow Mein were delicious. I also appreciated how clean the restaurant was and the attentive staff.
- experienceMy friend and I were visiting town and were told we had to check out R&G Lounge—and we’re so glad we did! The entire experience was amazing from start to finish. Larry went above and beyond—truly incredible service.
- serversall servers are attentive and caring like babysitting
- Jade's servicewe loved Jade's service so much
- bartenderbartender was fast and nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceNow, the only downside to our experience was the service — specifically, our assigned server. Unfortunately, he seemed completely uninterested in helping us. He took our order and never came back to check in.
- waiting timeThe staff was good but busy handling the crowd. Be sure to book a reservation, otherwise, you may have to wait for an hour or so. On the Saturday night we went, we waited an hour.
- customer serviceBad customer service
- serverOur server was quite overwhelming when we were ordering as if he was rushing us to order.
- ServiceService was slow
- assigned serverour assigned server. Unfortunately, he seemed completely uninterested in helping us.
- courtesyDelicious food is not worth such disrespect. I advise finding somewhere else if you value basic courtesy.
- designated serverdidn't have a designated server
- dishes servedI ordered egg drop soup, but was brought won ton soup instead. Each dish was served at different times by different people, and no one checked on us to see if we needed anything. I was stuck with the wrong soup.
- disrespectworth the disrespect
So, is the service worth it? Youll likely find friendly and efficient staff, with many going the extra mile. However, be prepared for potential longer waits or occasional less attentive moments, especially when its busy.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The atmosphere here truly shines, with many guests loving the vibrant vibe and comfortable atmosphere, especially the unique downstairs seating. With a good score of 7 and 68 positive remarks out of 107 total, it's often described as a hidden gem with a happy, bustling, and social feel, perfect for special occasions or groups. However, customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 63.6%, as 26 negative opinions highlight that some found the place crowded and noisy, leading to difficulty in conversations.
A few also noted a lack of windows or an enclosed feeling, and some mentioned a general lack of atmosphere or cleanliness.
Ambience
107
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
26
negative
13
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Comfortable atmosphere
- Social and bustling
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Feels crowded
- Enclosed feeling
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile other dishes weren't bad, they consistently had minor issues with seasoning or texture, falling short of what's expected for the cost. The place is popular and offers a fun, photogenic atmosphere with a wide variety of dishes, but ultimately, the food just wasn't tasty enough.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was a 5 out of 5
- vibeOverall a good experience and vibe especially downstairs.
- noise levelThe food was great, but the portion sizes were on the smaller side, and there was a lack of variety. On the positive side, the atmosphere was comfortable and quiet, and the service was attentive. I do wish they would close later at night.
- dining areaDownstairs dining area is a real throwback
- Chinatownwalk around Chinatown
- bigger groupsand is perfect for bigger groups
- bustling vibeBustling vibe
- classthis one is one with class
- comfortable atmosphereThe dishes were incredibly delicious, with everything I ordered being full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The restaurant boasts a comfortable atmosphere and the service was great. It does get quite busy during peak hours, so arriving a bit earlier is advisable to avoid waiting.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereno atmosphere to speak of just a tiny and pack place
- parkingBe aware that the noodles contain cilantro, so take note if you're not a fan. The price per person was between $30-50, and parking was somewhat difficult to find.
- ParkingThe atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. While parking can be difficult to find, the free street parking is a plus. The price per person is estimated to be $20–30.
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- charmThis place no longer has the charm it once used to
- closing timeWish they would close later
- crowdeda bit too crowded with people going and coming by the table
- experienceit wasn't _that_ special
- frillsDo not expect a lot of frills
- loudEs ist leider relativ laut.
If youre seeking a lively, social spot with a unique vibe and dont mind a bit of a crowd, this place could be a great fit. However, if quiet conversations and spaciousness are your priority, you might find it a bit too bustling.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience quite positive, noting good value and reasonable prices, especially when opting for a la carte dishes. Many felt it was worth the money and comparable to more expensive places but at a better price point. These 11 positive remarks out of 43 total observations highlight moments of satisfaction.
However, a significant number of customers, 21 to be exact, felt things were expensive and overpriced, ultimately not worth the price. Concerns about unexpected surcharge fees, forced tip percentages, and high item prices were common. This leads to a rather poor customer satisfaction of 25.6%, contrasting with the topic's average score of 4.7.
Value
43
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
21
negative
11
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value found
- Reasonable prices
- A la carte option
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Unexpected surcharges
- Forced gratuity
Often praised
- pricesThe prices were also correct
- priceIt seems the secret is out, as it's no longer just Chinese patrons. The food is the same great quality as more expensive places, but at half the price, and the service is twice as good. I highly recommend the Dungeness Crab.
- price per personThe atmosphere had moderate noise, which was acceptable for our group. The price per person was between $20–30, which felt reasonable for the quality and quantity of food we received.
- a la carteended up being a better deal doing a la cart
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by great food and good value, complemented by fast service. However, the atmosphere was virtually non-existent, as it's a tiny and packed place.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt was awkward trying to eat the seasoning off the huge crab shell. I didn't see a price on the menu and didn't ask, so I was shocked to find it was almost $100. Overall, I left feeling hungry and cheated.
- 4% SF mandateauto charge customer for 4% SF mandate
- Price per personPrice per person:$100+
- banquet menuwould also not recommend the banquet menu
- billThe bill was $82, I gave them $100 in cash
- changewaited forever with no change
- checkHonestly, he did everything our original server should have been doing. What frustrated me most was when the check came (which we had to ask the other server for), and suddenly our original server reappeared — just in time for the tip. It was disappointing because he did nothing to contribute to our dining experience.
- dungeness crabso expensive
- expensiveit is expensive
- experiencethe experience wasn’t worth the price
If youre looking for a good deal, you might find some value here, especially with a la carte options. However, be wary of potentially expensive items and unexpected surcharge fees, as many felt the overall price wasnt justified.
How are the prices at R & G Lounge?
You’re looking at roughly 55 per person – reported by 157 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps even leaning towards higher-end.
Whats cool is that while the average is 55 $, many guests actually spend less, with a big chunk in the $21–$30 range. This tells us there’s a wide variety of options, from more budget-friendly dishes to those premium experiences that push the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 157 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending habits and the San Francisco location, we think the pricing feels fair. It seems to offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal or a more indulgent dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about R & G Lounge
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Asian Food Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the best Asian food I've ever tasted. You absolutely have to check this place out!
- Asian food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Vibes and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was a solid 10/10 all around. I absolutely loved the vibes and the food was on point. The pecking duck was particularly outstanding and truly 🔥.
- vibes10
- food10
- pecking duck10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Service Good, Food Average
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The service was excellent, receiving a perfect score. The atmosphere was okay, though the place felt a bit crowded and small.
Regarding the food, the taste was average. The ingredients seemed fresh, but as I don't eat this type of cuisine often, I didn't develop a strong liking for it. I tried the roast duck, Lingnan beef, steamed clams with egg, char siu, jellyfish, diced beef, and pan-fried three items.
Personally, I found the food neither particularly good nor bad.
- service10
- atmosphere6
- food5
- place4
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Duck, Overpriced Meal
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing, especially considering the price. I ordered the Peking duck wrap, but was dismayed to find that every single piece of duck had bones, making it incredibly difficult to eat. This lack of attention to detail suggests a general disregard for food preparation.
While other dishes weren't bad, they consistently had minor issues with seasoning or texture, falling short of what's expected for the cost. The place is popular and offers a fun, photogenic atmosphere with a wide variety of dishes, but ultimately, the food just wasn't tasty enough.
- atmosphere8
- dishes6
- Peking duck wrap2
- seasoning4
- texture4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Salt and Pepper Crab is a Must-Try!
I visit San Francisco about 4-6 times a year, and ever since discovering this place in 2014, I've made it a point to return whenever I'm in town. The absolute highlight of my meals here has consistently been the salt and pepper crab; it is truly amazing. Everyone I've brought to R&G Lounge has agreed with my sentiment.
While the rest of the menu offers solid Chinese food, the salt and pepper crab is the star. Thank me later.
- salt and pepper crab10
- rest of the menu7
What R & G Lounge offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does R & G Lounge offer?
At R & G Lounge, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert with both counter and table service. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
Does R & G Lounge cater to specific dietary needs and what's the atmosphere like?
Yes, R & G Lounge provides vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a full bar with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
How does R & G Lounge generally perform?
It holds a good overall score of 7.2, driven by strong performance in Food (7.6), Service (7.1), and Ambience (7.0), though Value (4.7) is more average.
What kind of dishes are popular at R & G Lounge?
Many patrons enjoy the flavorful crab, especially the salt and pepper style, and the well-prepared Peking duck. Other favorites include the eggplant dish and various fried rice options.
What is the typical dining atmosphere and service like?
The restaurant often has a lively, bustling vibe, particularly downstairs, with generally attentive and friendly staff. However, it can get crowded, and finding parking might be a challenge.