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oChef » The Happy Crane – San Francisco
The Happy Crane - San Francisco
451 Gough St, 94102 San Francisco
7.6
von 10
von 10
Photo from The Happy Crane
The Happy Crane at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
€€€€€
Price per Person 91 – 100 €
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#230 von 500 Lokalen in San Francisco
#26 Chinese Restaurant von 86 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
277
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional cuisine
- Elegant setting
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service variability
- Ambiance issues
The restaurant The Happy Crane invites you to discover authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley. As a dedicated Chinese restaurant, it offers you a delightful escape where you can enjoy a memorable dinner.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for an evening out. They also serve a selection of cocktails and alcohol to complement your meal, ensuring a complete dining experience.
Overview: Introducting The Happy Crane
The Happy Crane presents a culinary experience where the `food` truly shines, often described as exceptional with `balanced and clean flavors`. Many appreciate the `beautiful decor` and a generally refined `ambiance` that sets a pleasant tone.
While the dining experience has its highs, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall `value` for the `price`. Occasional remarks about the `service` and the restaurant’s `layout` suggest there’s room for a more consistently smooth visit.
Good
7.6 von 10
277
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
58
negative
16
neutral
203
positive
The Happy Crane earns a solid overall score of `7.6`, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a `Customer Satisfaction` rate of `73.3%`, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable amount of feedback, with 203 positive observations against 58 negative ones out of 277 total comments. Digging deeper, the `Food` (7.9) stands out as a clear strength, consistently impressing diners.
The `Ambience` (7.6) also contributes positively to the experience. While `Service` (7) is generally good, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food.
The primary area for improvement appears to be `Value` (4.1), which falls into the poor category and is a notable point of contention for some guests.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Beautiful, refined decor
- Attentive, warm service
What people don't like
- Poor value perception
- Inconsistent service pace
- Ambiance/layout concerns
With a solid `Recommendation Score` of `7.7`, The Happy Crane is a compelling choice, especially if you prioritize excellent food and a refined setting. It’s a place that delivers on culinary creativity and a pleasant atmosphere for a special occasion.
However, be prepared for the price point, as `value` can be a sticking point for some. If you’re seeking a memorable meal and are less concerned about the cost, this restaurant is certainly worth considering for its strengths.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Happy Crane
Food (7.9 von 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.2%, with 139 positive remarks out of 180 total. Diners rave about Firecracker Shrimp, Maitake Biang Biang, and Chasui Iberico Pork Jowl, praising the flavors as balanced and clean, often with creative twists. However, not every dish is a winner, with 29 negative comments noting some food as bland or overcooked.
Specific items like certain dessert options and biang biang noodles were sometimes found to be salty or lacking flavor, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
180
Reviews
77%
Satisfcation
29
negative
12
neutral
139
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, delicious flavors
- Artistically presented courses
- Standout pork jowl
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland or overcooked food
- Lackluster desserts
Often praised
- foodI had to tell him how pleasantly surprised I was. The food felt like it was prepared with the kind of love and care you'd expect from a mother—a deeply comforting and authentic experience I never thought I'd find here.
- pork jowlloved the pork jowl. I never thought I'd want chasiu with gingered pear, but what a great combo
- FoodFood:5
- Chinese foodThis Chinese food taste so different
- Firecracker ShrimpYes you need a 🌟Firecracker Shrimp and golden coin per person.
- disheselevated the dishes - only discoverable through trial and error
- flavorsThere was none of the excessive saltiness, sweetness, or lingering aftertaste of MSG that typically leaves me reaching for a glass of water. Instead, the flavors were balanced and clean. Bartender Antonio added to the experience with a thoughtful and fun cocktail that he perfectly timed to complement my courses.
- ginger scallion scallopIt's a truly beautiful restaurant, and the food was absolutely delicious. I particularly enjoyed the doupi tofu salad, ginger scallion scallop, and the firecracker shrimp, which was a flavor bomb! In the medium and large plates, the XO little fry king and the maitake biang biang with its amazing noodle texture were highlights.
- golden coinYou’ll want the whole thing to yourself, it’s so good! 🌟Golden coin was a bit messy but I liked it because it was different. The mousse was delicious and the flavor was A+.
- quailOur highlights were the quail
Frequently criticized
- foodFor the price, you can go many places in SF for better food, more ambiance, and better service. The food was bland, and all the mains on the tasting menu were overcooked. The abalone tasted like overcooked calamari, and the desserts were lackluster.
- Little Fry Kingfar too salty for my taste
- Rosy Dawn cocktailtasted like watered-down scallion kimchi—so unpleasant
- abaloneThe food was bland, and all the mains on the tasting menu were overcooked. The abalone tasted like overcooked calamari, and the desserts were lackluster. The mochi was nearly inedible, and the chocolate lacked flavor.
- biang biang noodlesDidn’t love the biang biang noodles
- chocolatechocolate felt like it was melted down baking chocolate with no flavor
- chocolate in the mochi ballsThe food was notably bland, with all three main courses being overcooked and the sauces lacking any discernible flavor. The dessert was a particular low point, featuring overcooked chocolate in the mochi balls, a store-bought tasting mango sorbet, and a general lack of originality. While I enjoyed the drinks, the cocktail menu was excessively sweet and felt like it was missing a crucial element.
- cocktail menueverything on the cocktail menu was way too sweet and missing ‘something’
- cocktailsthese are not $20 cocktails. They aren’t sophisticated
- dessertThe dessert was a huge miss
If youre looking for creative Chinese fusion with standout dishes like the pork jowl and firecracker shrimp, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention bland or overcooked items, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (7 von 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
Overall, the service here lands a good score of 7, with many guests praising the experience. Youll often find the staff described as warm, friendly, and attentive, with special shout-outs to sommeliers and waitstaff for their intuitive service and excellent wine recommendations. Guests appreciated prompt seating and thoughtful timing of dishes.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as about 18 negative experiences out of 57 total observations highlighted some bumps. Some guests encountered significant wait times, felt rushed by waiters, or experienced indifferent service, including issues with bill handling and a perceived lack of interaction from staff. This contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of 64.9%.
Service
57
Reviews
64%
Satisfcation
18
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable sommeliers
- Intuitive service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Indifferent service
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere was friendly, yet elevated enough to feel special. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also great.
- staffIf she didn’t know, she would ask the chef and come back with an answer. All the staff were attentive. Took our plates away as we finished them but didn’t rush us to finish.
- ServiceWe were seated promptly with our reservation
- AntonioI had a grand time gabbing with my friend and Antonio at the bar. Although I'm sober, my friend explored the cocktail menu and I wished I had more time to delve into its lore.
- waitressThe waitress was kind and answers all our questions and asked for food allergies/restrictions.
- Christianshoutout to our server Christian! Warm friendly & standout service!!
- JustinJustin the Sommelier for all the fantastic wine recommendations
- MiaThank to Mia my server
- attentive serviceThe Canto-inspired food was a standout, offering not only creative twists on classics but also original dishes dreamed up by the chefs, each one full of surprises. The memorable drinks, attentive service, and a beautifully designed interior all contributed to an exceptional dining experience. It has already become one of my favorite spots in the city after just one visit, embodying the philosophy that "人間有味是清歡" – the simple joys in life are often the most flavorful.
- hospitalityThe service and hospitality was magnificent
Frequently criticized
- serviceService didn’t help either- our waiter seemed to be in a rush
- 18 minute gap18 minute gap between everything else and the fish
- availabilityno availability for all dates
- billthrew the bill down and said “thanks” and walked away
- experience at the barWe sat at the bar and had a very inorganic experience
- interaction with our tableno interaction with our table
- lost cardrealized they lost card
- managermanager seemingly hung out with them
- prepaying for the mealAdding to the string of letdowns, my girlfriend attempted to surprise me by prepaying for our anniversary meal. The restaurant forgot to run the card, then realized they had lost it, and we ended up helping them find it after it was dropped under our table. This was a consistent series of disappointments for a new establishment.
- snobberynot impressed by this snobbery
With a good score but mixed customer satisfaction, the service here can be a bit inconsistent. If you value attentive, knowledgeable staff and don't mind potential wait times, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for possible hurried interactions or occasional indifference.
Ambience (7.6 von 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.6 which is quite good, and customers seem to agree with a 75.8% satisfaction rate. Many of the 25 positive comments praise the beautifully designed interior, stunning woodwork, and the overall California vibe, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Even thoughtful touches like purse hooks at the bar get a shout-out!
However, it's not perfect, with 7 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. A few found the layout a bit tight, while others felt the music selection was out of place or the lighting felt a bit cheap, suggesting minor tweaks could elevate the experience further.
Ambience
33
Reviews
75%
Satisfcation
7
negative
1
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautifully designed interior
- Stunning woodwork
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Tight layout
- Unsuitable music
- Cheap lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereInstead, they offer smart, modern takes on Cantonese dishes with a California vibe. The atmosphere was friendly, yet elevated enough to feel special. The food was exceptional, and the service and atmosphere were also great.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- California vibewith California vibe
- Hayes Valley🅿️PARKING: street parking can be difficult but there is the Performing Arts Parking Garage a block away which made it easy. 📍AREA: Love all the small shops around Hayes Valley. We did some shopping before dinner and contemplated getting salt and straw after but we were too full.
- addition to the neighborhoodit’s a great addition to the neighborhood
- ambiancethe ambiance was an inclusive mix of casual to well-heeled guests
- ambienceAmbience felt refined
- bathroomThe table we were sitting in, you could also see Chef James and his team working in the kitchen. The bathroom is gender neutral and the soap smelled amazing! Also they had the thick and folded paper towels, which always makes me feel fancy.
- beautiful decorcaptivated by the beautiful decor
- beautiful restaurantincredibly beautiful restaurant
Frequently criticized
- ambiancethe vibe wasn’t really existent
- ambient musicambient music up 10%
- layoutThe layout is a bit tight
- lightingThe lighting felt a bit cheap
- lightsThe lights should have been turned down 10%
- mealThe food itself was not memorable, and overpriced for the quality. Service didn’t help either- our waiter seemed to be in a rush the entire time and tried to clear plates before we were done, which made the whole meal feel hurried. We were in and out in an hour, not because we wanted to be, but because it felt like we had to be.
- music selectionWe came to celebrate my mother's birthday, but no one was impressed enough to stay for dessert. The music also felt out of place for a fine Cantonese restaurant. Having previously considered Monsieur Benjamin a top 10 restaurant, I was excited about this new opening, but this experience felt lacking.
If youre looking for a restaurant with a generally beautiful and welcoming atmosphere, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be aware that some minor details like the music or lighting might not hit everyones perfect note. Overall, its a good bet for a stylish dining experience.
Value (4.1 von 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found a silver lining, especially regarding the overall price for a San Francisco experience. For instance, one diner felt a $120 per person meal was quite reasonable by city standards. Plus, the convenience of the nearby Parking Garage was a definite plus, making the visit much easier.
Out of 7 total opinions, 2 leaned positive, contributing to an average score of 4.1. However, the value proposition seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 28.6%. Many felt the price was simply too high for the quality received, with one person stating the restaurant did not fit the price.
A particular sticking point was the absurd lack of wine by the glass options under $20. With 4 negative opinions out of 7, it's clear this area needs some attention.
Value
7
Reviews
28%
Satisfcation
4
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable SF price
- Easy parking access
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Expensive wine by glass
Often praised
- Parking GarageAlso they had the thick and folded paper towels, which always makes me feel fancy. 🅿️PARKING: street parking can be difficult but there is the Performing Arts Parking Garage a block away which made it easy. 📍AREA: Love all the small shops around Hayes Valley.
- priceall for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) $120 per person
Frequently criticized
- priceOverall the restaurant did not fit the price
- wine by the glassWhile it wasn't a bad experience overall, there were a few hang-ups. The lack of a wine by the glass under $20 is absurd. The server's explanation of 'wanting to elevate the wine list' didn't impress me, especially considering I've dined at world-class restaurants that offer respectable options.
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high price tag that might not always align with the overall experience. While some find the cost reasonable for San Francisco, others feel its overpriced, especially concerning wine options. It's a place where you might need to weigh the perceived value carefully before committing.
Wie sind die Preise pro Gast bei The Happy Crane?
On average, you’ll spend around 97 per person – from 28 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 91 – 100 € category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
Interestingly, while the average is 97, most of our guests actually opt for an experience costing 101 € or more, suggesting a premium offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 28 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering most guests are happily spending 101 € or more, we’d say the pricing feels fair for a premium Chinese dining experience in San Francisco. It suggests that diners find the value matches the higher price point.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Happy Crane
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at the restaurant was exceptional. My wife and I sat at the bar and had a great time with the staff. The chefs choice and wine pairing is definitely the way to go. Everything that came out was delicious. Specifically, the golden coin, pork jowl, and black cod were so good. Highly recommended. Thank you!
- staff10
- chefs choice10
- wine pairing10
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Duck Reservation Worth It, Service Hiccups
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. I would definitely recommend making a duck reservation, as it was significantly better than the duck at Z&Y. However, the waiting time for the duck was longer than expected, taking 90 minutes from seating to arrival, exceeding the waiter's quoted 60-75 minutes. To compensate for this less-than-ideal experience, our waiter kindly offered free desserts. The highlights of the meal included the Tiger shrimp, Tofu skin salad, Golden baos, and the Duck itself, along with a refreshing sorbet. I would suggest skipping the ginger scallion scallop; while good, it wasn't a standout dish. The overall food and atmosphere were rated highly, and the service was also good.
- duck reservation9
- free desserts8
- Tiger shrimp9
- waiting time3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
A Delightful Culinary Adventure
I had a grand time gabbing with my friend and Antonio at the bar. Although I'm sober, my friend explored the cocktail menu and I wished I had more time to delve into its lore. She ordered the Serpent's Kiss and enjoyed it, but we suggested rimming the glass with the Sichuan spiced salt that accompanied our quail to give it more of a kick. My favorite dish was the oyster pancake, which she described as "pan East Asian. " The shrimp reminded me of a live prawn experience at noma, where I was too embarrassed to opt out. The quail was a solid substitute for duck, which I had forgotten to pre-reserve, and its skin was crackling greatness. Personally, I didn't love the biang biang noodles as I prefer them thicker and uneven. We skipped dessert, but I hope Ferraro doesn't pursue their mochi rocher 🤣.
- Serpent's Kiss7
- Sichuan spiced salt8
- oyster pancake10
- biang biang noodles3
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Rare Chinese Fine Dining Gem
It's rare to find Chinese fine dining, and this place does it really well. The experience was very filling. I would recommend the crab rice dish.
- Chinese fine dining9
- crab rice dish9
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Modern Cantonese Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We visited as a group of four and decided to order a la carte to sample more dishes, ending up trying about 75% of the menu. The pork jowl, quail, golden coins, doupi, beef shin, and biang biang noodles were definite highlights. The cocktails were also delicious and creatively incorporated nostalgic Chinese flavors. The ambience felt refined, and the noise level was moderate, which was a pleasant surprise compared to similar establishments. The service was very friendly, contributing to an overall wonderful experience.
- pork jowl9
- quail9
- golden coins9
Das erwartet dich bei The Happy Crane
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Offerings
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
FAQs
Does The Happy Crane accept reservations?
Yes, The Happy Crane accepts reservations, allowing you to plan your dinner experience in advance. You can secure your table for a delightful evening of Chinese cuisine and table service.
What parking options are available when visiting The Happy Crane?
When you visit The Happy Crane, you’ll find several parking options, including free street parking, paid street parking, a paid parking lot, and a paid parking garage. There is usually plenty of parking available for your convenience.
What are the standout features of The Happy Crane's dining experience?
The Happy Crane is particularly noted for its exceptional food, praised for balanced and clean flavors. Guests also frequently commend the beautiful decor and refined ambiance.
How does The Happy Crane score overall, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses?
The restaurant holds a good overall score of `7.6` with `73.3%` customer satisfaction. Its primary strengths lie in `Food` (7.9) and `Ambience` (7.6), while `Value` (4.1) is an area where some diners express concerns.
Is The Happy Crane considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While the food and ambiance are highly rated, some guests find the pricing to be on the higher side, leading to a lower `Value` score of (4.1).
Opening hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday – Saturday
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday
Closed