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oChef » S & E – San Francisco
S & E - San Francisco
Photo from S & E
S & E at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#1403 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
150
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- HK comfort food
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Long waits
- Pricey items
The Chinese restaurant S & E offers a delightful culinary experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. You can enjoy authentic flavors and a casual atmosphere, perfect for any meal.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or looking for delicious late-night food, this spot has you covered. It’s a welcoming destination where you can savor traditional dishes and enjoy convenient service options.
Overview: Introducting S & E
S & E offers a comforting experience, often described as an old school Hong Kong style cafe with a welcoming sense of community. Many appreciate its late operating hours and the overall vibe, making it a pleasant spot to gather for a meal.
While the food generally satisfies, some visitors have noted inconsistencies with the service, occasionally experiencing long wait times. However, for those seeking a fast place for a meal, it can still deliver a decent experience.
Good
7.3
out of 10
150
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
26
negative
16
neutral
108
positive
Overall, S & E garners a solid 7.3 out of 10, with 72% of customers expressing satisfaction. This positive sentiment is largely driven by the Food (7.7), which is frequently praised, and the pleasant Ambience (7.4).
These insights are drawn from 150 customer observations, with a clear majority of 108 positive remarks. The Value (6.7) offered is generally seen as good, though some find certain items a bit pricey.
The Service (6.2), however, presents a more mixed picture; while some experiences are excellent, others report issues like slow attention or rudeness. This aspect accounts for a significant portion of the 26 negative comments.
What people like
- Solid HK comfort food
- Welcoming cafe atmosphere
- Generally good value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Potential long waits
- Some menu items pricey
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for Hong Kong style comfort food with a genuine community feel, S & E is worth considering. Its late operating hours and generally good value make it a convenient choice for many.
With a 7.4 recommendation score, S & E is a solid option, especially if you prioritize the food and atmosphere over consistently swift service. Be prepared for potential waits, but the overall experience often proves satisfying for regulars.
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Verdict: Our expert take on S & E
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 customer satisfaction of 80.9%. Many diners rave about the authentic HK Style Cafe vibe and comforting dishes, especially the chicken baked rice varieties. The generous portions and excellent quality are frequently praised, with 72 positive remarks out of 89 total.
However, not everything is perfect. A few customers noted issues with the food temperature, describing some dishes as only warm. There were also comments about bland taste and surprisingly small portions for certain items, with some even mentioning hard rice.
These points, though fewer with 9 negative remarks, suggest areas for improvement.
Food
89
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
9
negative
8
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- HK comfort food
- Generous portions
- Excellent quality
What people don't like
- Lukewarm food
- Bland taste
- Hard rice
Often praised
- foodThe food itself was a bit above average
- Chinese foodGood Chinese food without having to go into China town
- HK comfort foodMy experience at this restaurant was that of a super low-key neighborhood joint for your HK Style Cafe cravings. It's really affordable and serves solid HK comfort food. Their best dish has to be the chicken baked rice varieties (Portuguese, HK, or Macau style).
- Fish with Fry Riceespecially the Fish with Fry Rice
- HK Cafe comfort foodSolid HK Cafe comfort food
- HK Style CafeMy experience at this restaurant was that of a super low-key neighborhood joint for your HK Style Cafe cravings. It's really affordable and serves solid HK comfort food.
- HK cafe style ordersthey offer HK cafe style orders
- HK cafe type of foodVery seldom do I crave HK cafe type of food, but whenever I do, this is usually my first choice. Plus it's open 'til 2am!
- Hong Kong style foodbest Hong Kong style food in San Francisco
- Portuguese style pork chopTheir Portuguese style pork chop is a must-try!
Frequently criticized
- Chinese foodbudget cafeteria style chinese food
- FoodFood is bland
- Food temperatureFood is served temperature warm
- Hong Kong style milk teathe drink ie Hong Kong style milk tea is not so good
- foodThe food was bland and not that tasty
- portionssuper small portions for what you are paying
- ricethe rice is hard can not even eat
- stylesHop they can set more style 4 old peoples!!!!!!!!
- tastenot yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Taste r so so
If you're craving reliable HK comfort food with good portions and quality, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for their baked rice dishes. Just be mindful that a few experiences mention lukewarm food or occasional blandness, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 and customer satisfaction hovering around 51.9%. Many guests rave about the friendly service, especially highlighting staff like Kery for their menu knowledge and quick, great services. With 14 positive remarks among 27 total opinions, theres definitely a bright side to the hospitality here.
However, its not all smooth sailing. About 11 opinions point to some noticeable drawbacks, including frustratingly long wait times for food and even for getting the check. Some experiences mention a lack of service altogether or issues with reservations, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency and efficiency.
Service
27
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Quick, great service
- Attentive food service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow check delivery
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceThe service is absolutely excellent
- KeryShe was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, engaging in conversation, and attentive
- fast placejust a fast place to grab a good meal
- food serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by the outstanding service provided by Kery. She was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and engaging in conversation, all while being attentive with the food service. I typically don't expect much from service at a Chinese restaurant, but Kery would have been exceptional anywhere.
- friendly serviceThe service was friendly
- lady who looks like she is ownerespecially from the lady who looks like she is owner of the restaurant
- menu knowledgeMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by the outstanding service provided by Kery. She was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and engaging in conversation, all while being attentive with the food service. I typically don't expect much from service at a Chinese restaurant, but Kery would have been exceptional anywhere.
- open 'til 2amVery seldom do I crave HK cafe type of food, but whenever I do, this is usually my first choice. Plus it's open 'til 2am! Their Portuguese style pork chop is a must-try!
- quick and great servicesquick and great services
- smileShe always have a smile on her
Frequently criticized
- servicethere is absolutely no service at all
- changeforget to give you back your change
- getting the checkEven getting the check takes a long time
- long wait timessometimes there are long wait times
- ownerThe owner, who also waits on tables, is rude and dismissive
- reservationWe made a reservation at this place, which they recommended us to do because it was a holiday. However, upon arrival, we were made to wait on a first-come, first-serve basis, just like any regular walk-in customers.
- waitmade us wait on a first come first serve basis
- wait for foodThe wait for food can sometimes feel ling
- waiting timetake upwards of 15 minutes after you sit down
If you're looking for a quick meal and catch them on a good day, you might experience some truly friendly and efficient service. However, be prepared for potential delays and inconsistencies, especially during busy times, which could impact your overall experience.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.4 with a mixed customer satisfaction at 66.7%. Guests consistently praise the atmosphere and vibe, often highlighting its clean environment and the sense of community that makes it feel like a local spot. Many appreciate the old school Hong Kong style cafe feel, with 10 positive observations out of 15 total.
What's particularly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. Out of all 15 customer remarks, not a single one pointed out any drawbacks, suggesting a consistently pleasant and welcoming environment for everyone who visits.
Ambience
15
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
0
negative
5
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Strong community feel
- Authentic HK vibe
What people don't like
Often praised
- TVs insidethey have TVs inside to distract you
- atmosphereThe community is great because everybody seemed to know each other
- atmosphere and vibeatmosphere and vibe was perfect
- cleanplace is clean
- corner cafeit is the corner cafe that you can go chill with your friends
- indoor diningHooray! I'm happy to see we've turned a corner as they were closed for indoor dining for over two years.
- late operating hoursLove the fact that this place is open late
- locals eatThis is where the locals eat
- old school Hong Kong style cafeoffering an old school Hong Kong style cafe vibe
- sense of communityOn top of that, they also always give you a complimentary soup for your lunch and dinner, which is a plus. The part I love the most is there's a real sense of community; everyone here seems to know each other.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're seeking a welcoming spot with a genuine old school Hong Kong style cafe feel and a strong community vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. While satisfaction is mixed overall, the ambience itself receives high marks and no complaints, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant setting.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot quite appealing! With 12 positive remarks out of 19 total opinions, folks often highlight how affordable things are, noting it's often worth it and offers a good price for the portions. Seniors especially appreciate the CHAMPSS card benefits.
While customer satisfaction for value is a bit mixed at 63.2%, the overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.7. However, not everyone is thrilled with the pricing. There are 6 negative comments pointing out that some items on the menu can be quite pricey, especially certain American Chinese dishes.
The 3% charge for credit or debit card transactions is also a sore point, and some customers are puzzled by a noticeable price gap between different offerings.
Value
19
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very affordable options
- Good portion value
- CHAMPSS card benefits
What people don't like
- Some dishes pricey
- Card transaction fee
- Inconsistent pricing
Often praised
- priceTheir baked dishes with white or Portuguese sauce have been our go-to for years. The traditional Cantonese dishes, like beef chow fun, are really tasty and offer a good price for the portion.
- pricesThe prices aren't in any way expensive
- $4 for the entire meal$4 for the entire meal, including tax. & tip!
- CHAMPSS cardespecially good for seniors with the CHAMPSS card
- affordableReally affordable
- ice milk teaice milk tea $3.50
- restaurantsmuch better tasting restaurants with better pricing than this restaurant
- runny egg seafood crispy noodlesRegulars will notice there are slight changes to the menu. I had the runny egg seafood crispy noodles $17 and a ice milk tea $3. 50.
- worth itf**kin worth it
- worth your timethis is worth your time
Frequently criticized
- menuthe menu is a little expensive for the kind of food they serve
- American Chinese dishesAmerican Chinese dishes like sweet and sour pork, noodle dishes or kung pao chicken are super expensive
- credit or debit card transactionNow they charge you 3% for all credit or debit card transaction
- price gapI can't figure out why there is such a large gap in prices.
- priceya little pricey
If youre looking for genuinely affordable options and good portions, especially with a CHAMPSS card, youll likely find good value here. However, be mindful of potentially higher prices on specific dishes and the extra charge for card payments, which might make it feel less like a steal.
How are the prices at S & E?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 9 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 31, our data shows that most guests actually spend less, typically in the $11–$20 range, with a few opting for much higher-priced experiences. This suggests a pretty wide range of options available. Since we only have 9 reviews, this is a good indication, but more data would give us an even clearer picture.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 9 most recent reviews. Keep in mind, with only 9 reviews, this is a good snapshot, but more data would paint an even fuller picture!
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety in spending we’ve observed. It seems like there are options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about S & E
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Service, Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely defined by the outstanding service provided by Kery. She was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and engaging in conversation, all while being attentive with the food service. I typically don't expect much from service at a Chinese restaurant, but Kery would have been exceptional anywhere.
The food itself was a bit above average and offered a good price.
- Kery10
- menu knowledge9
- food service9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Cantonese Gold Standard
My experience at this restaurant was akin to rediscovering the gold standard quality of 80's Cantonese cuisine, reminiscent of Hong Kong or old San Francisco Chinatown. The chef's cutting skills are incredible, evoking the emotional impact seen in "The God of Cookery" movie, where a bite can bring tears of remembrance for how good food is supposed to taste. I highly recommend asking Paul, the new owner, to order the banquet-style sliced ham and perfectly cut chicken dish to witness these skills firsthand.
As a former biopharma R&D Chemist, Forensic Scientist, and Pharma Quality Management professional, I am a tough critic of Hong Kong-Cantonese food quality, and I cannot stand bad food. However, from the first to the last dish on both dinner occasions, the experience was superb, transporting me back to the golden era days. The ingredients procurement to preparation were all A++, and it's no wonder many celebrities frequent this establishment to taste traditional, authentic HK/Canto-food.
This restaurant stands out as the best in the Bay Area for family-style banquet-level food after the pandemic, especially with so many great restaurants having closed or lost their good cooks of traditional Cantonese food.
- gold standard quality10
- cutting skills10
- banquet style sliced ham perfectly cut chicken dish10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Hard rice ruined baked fish fillet
I ordered a rice plate of baked fish fillet with spinach. Unfortunately, the rice was hard and inedible, which significantly impacted my dining experience.
- baked fish fillet6
- rice1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Solid HK Cafe Comfort Food
My experience at this restaurant was one of solid HK Cafe comfort food. It's not a place that's too glamorous or glitzy, but it definitely hits the spot. Their beef Chow fun was pretty good, although I felt the portions could be slightly larger.
- HK Cafe comfort food8
- beef Chow fun7
- portions5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Perfect Re-opening Experience!
This place re-opened for dine-in following the pandemic, and the atmosphere and vibe were perfect. I had the baked ox tongue spaghetti, which was baked to perfection with cheese on top. The quantity was great and the quality was excellent.
For dessert, there was jell-o, which always makes a great treat. Overall, I would come back again.
- atmosphere and vibe10
- baked ox tongue spaghetti10
- quantity9
What S & E offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service options can you expect at S & E Cafe?
At S & E Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with convenient table service. For your convenience, the restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. If you’re on the go, curbside pickup is also available, making it easy to enjoy your favorite Chinese dishes.
Is S & E Cafe accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, S & E Cafe is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find free street parking nearby for easy access. Families will appreciate that it’s good for kids and offers a dedicated kids’ menu, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all ages.
How does S & E generally rate among customers?
S & E holds a respectable overall score of 7.3, with 72% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (6.7) is good, and Service (6.2) is considered average.
What kind of food does S & E specialize in?
S & E is known for its solid Hong Kong style cafe comfort food, including popular items like chicken baked rice varieties and Portuguese style pork chop. Many appreciate it as a good option for Chinese food outside of Chinatown.
What should I expect regarding service and atmosphere at S & E?
The atmosphere at S & E is often described as an old school Hong Kong style cafe with a strong sense of community and late operating hours. Service can be inconsistent, with some experiences being excellent and others involving long wait times.