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    Hunan Empire

    3.9 (197 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Hunan Empire Takeout or Delivery

    Hunan Empire Photos

    HUNAN EMPIRE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Hunan Empire

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    Stephanie C.

    They have a great lunch menu. The lunch menu comes with house soup and your main dish. For a warm cooked meal for $12. I used to work near this place and have my lunch here. The service is great as the owners also work. The ambiance is clean but dated furniture and plastic on top of the table cloth. Support this family restaurant.

    Lunch for 4
    Lorissa W.

    I was curious about this Chinese restaurant as it is across the street from my favorite SF restaurant, Wildseed. The restaurant is inside a large office building that also has a garage (3 dollars per 30 minutes). It is very convenient. I took my mother and brother to the SF Botanical garden and came here afterwards for lunch. I noticed that the restaurant is very dark and looks extremely old as if it's from the 80's and time was frozen. I have to admit the ambiance is depressing. It's the ugliest Chinese restaurant I have ever been to. Lots of construction workers and office workers come here for lunch (all men). The staff looks like a large family. The service was very clumsy. A young man gives us the menus and when I told him I already knew what I wanted, he looked confused. The owner was told that I had looked at their website beforehand so he came out to get my order. I don't know why no one else could take my order except the owner. The others stood around in the back of the restaurant. Their website mentioned free vegetable chow mein with a 40 dollar purchase and since our meal was 75 dollars, I inquired about this. The owner explained the free chow mein was only for dinner time. I ordered 4 dishes. We had beef chow fun, large size wor wontons to share, dry cooked green beans, and shrimp with broccoli. The chow fun was authentic and was good but not great. The beef was tasteless and cut very small. The broccoli had a beautiful green color but soft and mushy. In fact, everything was soft enough to be on the menu of a nursing home. The shrimp was on point (succulent and not overcooked). The dry cooked green beans had a cloying hot sauce that tasted like cheap bottled sauce. I wish they would use fresh chiles to add spice. They didn't bring out my mother's rice even after all the dishes came out and I had to remind them. The food was pretty good, the restaurant is ugly, the service inconsistent and strange, and the portion sizes were average. We probably won't return.

    11. Broccoli with Chicken over Noodles
    Sharon B.

    Hunan Empire has one of the best lunch specials I've seen in SF! They have a bunch of meat+rice/noodle combos with soup for $11. The portions sizes are pretty reasonable, I even had a bit leftover. The service was very curt but efficient, similar to what you would expect from a classic takeout spot. The ambiance is nothing special either. But it's rare to find a good cheap eats spot in SF (especially in Marina) and Hunan Empire did a great job for the price you pay. Similar meals would be double the price or more at other restaurants. Will definitely be back!

    Inside
    David B.

    The food was great and served quickly. Some of the furniture could use an upgrade. This place is in a strange location, it does not face the street. You have to enter the building, then you will see the restaurant.

    Sign
    Marissa R.

    Best orange chicken; dumplings are tasty and large; mu shu pork was delicious. Service was excellent.

    1. Mongolian Beef
    Jillian S.

    Shocked by the good reviews. The only thing that was averagely good was the bbq pork fried rice. Mongolian beef didn't even look like beef let alone Mongolian beef (pic attached). Hot and sour soup was weirdly sweet like dropped sweet and sour sauce in it. Pork dumplings tasted like chicken. Seems expensive for the quality of food. Maybe something fried that is hard to mess up like Orange chicken could be good... wouldn't go back.

    Daily soup
    Shannon W.

    I love it, reminds me of a dining hall (NICE ONE) at a college campus because they serve quick, hot food, and lunch hour specials are from 11:30 -3:30pm (correct my hours if they're wrong pls). The restaurant sits inner in the building, and you can find refuge away from the cars and business of cow hollow. I think my hunan beef had enough kick for me to feel this has Wok hei google:"translated into English means 'wok thermal radiation' or, metaphorically, the 'breath of the wok.' The menu is very reasonably priced because dishes are categorized by the protein you want, they can do so because the main ingredient is the same just depends what sauce you want it stir fried in. I suggest you change out regular rice to the fried rice, worth it. Another way this place makes me nostalgic because they have unlimited tea to wash down the msg!

    Set up my own plate!
    Claire C.

    Officially my go-to Chinese place in the Marina. With so many fancy, expensive, modern/fusion restaurants in the area, sometimes what you need is the authentic, cozy home-cooked vibe. Large portion sizes, beyond reasonable prices, and considerate staff. I've had a great experience every time I've been!

    Wor Wonton Soup ! All there soups are amazing but this one is my fav ! It has shrimp , chicken, beef and bbq pork so good .

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    11 months ago

    Great hot and sour. No delivery Fer with minimum Prompt delivery. Veggie items spicy items available

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    5 months ago

    My favorite place to grab lunch. Very delicious cuisine, and perfect for family orders.

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    2 years ago

    Honestly my bf's and I favorite Chinese restaurant. Such yummy food and friendly staff. We love to dine in at least once a month. 5 stars!!!

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    2 years ago

    Affordable lunch specials! Yummy food for the marina area and very friendly staff! Super fast too.

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    3 years ago

    Great service and cheap lunch menu! Huge plates of not super greasy Chinese food with a great taste.

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    2 years ago

    Lovely atmosphere, wonderful service and very mediocre food. There's too many good restaurants in the City to settle.

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    Page 1 of 5

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    Rooster & Rice

    Rooster & Rice

    4.2
    (545 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Wasn't too busy on a Friday for lunch. Order came out Quick. Chicken was moist, the ginger sauce…read morepairs well with the rice and chicken.

    Rooster & Rice is a chain with multiple locations serving up Khao Mun Gai (or Thai style chicken…read morerice), but my most recent order with them really fell flat. I ordered "The Original" with jasmine chicken rice, extra cilantro, cucumber, chicken skin (love that those are free add-ons), and an egg, and while the bowl was fine, all of the flavors felt like they could've been amped up several notches as everything leaned pretty bland and one note. I even swapped in the ginger scallion sauce, usually my favorite with Hainanese chicken, but it still fell flat and didn't bring the dish together the way I'd hoped. The dark meat was okay, if under-seasoned, but the breast meat was honestly pretty rough as it was extremely dry to the point where I was chasing each bite with water just to get it down. I added the chicken spring rolls as well, which were poorly wrapped and fell apart after a single bite, and they used the same overcooked white meat, making them basically inedible. If this is the standard for their white meat, I really think they should either stick to dark meat or make it clear that dark meat is an option without an upcharge. That said, my order was ready right when I expected it to be, pickup was smooth, and the staff were very nice and friendly, which keeps this from dropping lower in rating as I'm likewise hoping this was just an off night.

    Photos
    Rooster & Rice
    Rooster & Rice
    Rooster & Rice

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    K Soul Chicken

    K Soul Chicken

    4.4
    (212 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    I ordered the gochujang chicken, half bone in, half boneless, and let me tell you something, this…read moreis some of the BEST fried chicken I have had IN MY LIFE. And this coming from someone who ate chicken and waffles at Lois the Pie Queen and Home of Chicken and waffles in Oakland (check those places out too). Back to K Soul Chicken though, I was one of the only people in there, there wasn't really anything that looked special about the place. Makes sense though because they have the sense not to waste the money on some foolish decorations and whatnot, and to instead spend it all on THAT CHICKEN. Don't judge a book by its cover. This chicken was perfect. Absolutely perfect. I love it so much. It was pricey (20 dollars for a serving) but it'll leave you super full, and I would have paid twice that for this. Perfect texture, perfect taste. It wasn't the spiciest gochujang so if you're korean maybe you'll feel different but I'm white with a medium spice tolerance so cut me some slack. To me, the flavors were perfect. I almost threw up because I didn't leave enough room for the meal beforehand. I walked out of there barely able to stand. With any other food I wouldn't have been able to finish it but this was perfect. To all the reviewers saying "I ordered the galbi and i thought the flavors were okay" OF COURSE because you didn't order the gochujang. I'm telling you, I know fried chicken, it's probably my favorite food. I've tried the worst of the worst (KFC and Safeway) to the best - which is K SOUL CHICKEN. I don't speak with authority on a lot of things but I'll rant about this because I loved the chicken that much. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Both times I've been there it's been nearly empty. This business deserves more. Bring your friends, order the gochujang, and prepare to be amazed by how incredible this chicken is. Perfect temperature. Perfect texture. Perfect taste of the chicken, the batter, and the sauce. Perfect spice (not overpowering or painful, but still spicy). Not to mention it comes with rice cakes (tteokbokki) and pickled radish. 10/10. I loved it so much. To the owner, I don't know your name, but thank you for opening my eyes to your food. Much love

    I was immediately greeted by friendly staff when I came in. It's a small restaurant and seems like…read morea lot of to go orders. The prices were reasonable, especially for SF. I was craving a sausage corn dog and ordered some fries as well. Everything came out quick, hot and delicious. My friend got garlic jalapeño chicken and it was also really good and packed with flavor. I will definitely be coming back here when I'm in the area next

    Photos
    K Soul Chicken
    K Soul Chicken
    #4 Sweet Chicken (HALF)

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    #4 Sweet Chicken (HALF)
    Minnie Bell's Soul Movement

    Minnie Bell's Soul Movement

    4.6
    (222 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Yelp Review…read more OMG, where do I even begin?! From the moment we walked into Minnie Bell's Southern Food, the service was AMAZING! We arrived around 8 PM and were seated right away. The restaurant wasn't overly busy, but there was a nice crowd. We started with Old Fashioneds, and they were AMAZING! The owner even came over to check on us and make sure everything was okay. She was such a sweetheart! She asked if we wanted to watch the fight, so we ended up moving over to the bar area, and the whole experience just got even better. But let's talk about the FOOD--the real star of the show! The fried chicken was fried to absolute perfection. JESUS CHRIST! And that macaroni and cheese? Didn't stand a chance! Everything was so good. If you're looking for some GOOD Southern food, please RUN, don't walk, to Minnie Bell's! You will not be disappointed. We will DEFINITELY be back!

    Finally got to try this place on a Friday night, about an hour before closing. The staff was…read morefriendly, welcomed us in, and seated us right away. Since it was Friday, they had the fried fish (fried basa) available, which comes with a side and a piece of cornbread. The portion sizes are incredible--three large pieces of fish fillets. The candied yams were delicious, with plenty of spices. They can get a little too sweet since they're soaked in syrup. The cornbread was also moist. We also ordered the 2 piece rosemary fried chikcen, which came with 1 small side and cornbread. The collard greens were slightly bitter, but paired nicely with all the fried food. When we ordered, we had the option to choose which pieces we preferred. The chicken was incredible-- juicy and flavorful with a noticeable rosemary flavor. Cherry on top was the throwback shows playing on the TV, including the fairly oddparents. Amazing decor and relaxed vibe inside with delicious food. Highly recommend if you are craving southern food.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    4 pieces chicken combo
    4 pieces chicken combo
    4 piece meal with cornbread, Mac and cheese, candied yams, and hot honey butter

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    4 piece meal with cornbread, Mac and cheese, candied yams, and hot honey butter
    Aria Korean Street Food

    Aria Korean Street Food

    3.9
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    "Oh holy crap" was my immediate thought when trying my first bite of Aria's Korean fried chicken…read more It's such a shame it took me so long to discover this place!! The food: -I ordered the 10 piece gangjung boneless fried chicken with garlic soy sauce. SO good! The sauce is a thick, sweet sauce with a tiny bit of heat (I'm a total wimp for spice/heat, but could handle this - but fyi if you have zero tolerance). -10 pieces didn't sound like it would be much chicken for the $20 price. Wrong! It's a massive box. -OK BUT THE BIGGEST THING: the chicken was still crispy crunchy when I got home an hour later!!! I was worried it would steam & soften in the box, defeating the whole purpose of going out of my way to such a highly rated place. It holds up!!! I was beyond pleased. Ordering: -I ordered ahead online and it was super easy. Didn't have to make an account to place the order, and overall smooth process. -I ordered at 2:30pm on a Saturday and the wait time was 20 min. I imagine it would be longer if ordering at peak hours. The restaurant: -It's just a pickup window, not an actual restaurant. So don't expect to dine there or use the restroom. Not a problem, just an fyi. Highly recommend! I'll be back. I'd love to see some banchan-type veggies as a side dish on the menu, since I usually like to get that on the side of my kfc to balance things. Maybe someday?

    No dine in To go/pick up orders can be done online or at the…read moredoor. We only waited ten minutes so it was good. We got the bulgogi bowl with extra kimchi. Did not disappoint. Love it. Partner for the Bulgogi fries. He liked them but by the time we got back to the hotel 5 minutes later (stay pineapple) they were so soggy because half the container was filled with sauce. I would recommend getting sauce on the side... or as super good just too much. Same with the chicken taco. It was really good just sooo nick sauce. The tortilla ripped. I'd like to come for sure just get sauce on the side.

    Photos
    HOMIES
    HOMIES
    Bulgogi Taco and Bulgogi Kimbap
    Bulgogi Taco and Bulgogi Kimbap
    BULGOGI FRIES

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    BULGOGI FRIES
    Hot Sauce and Panko

    Hot Sauce and Panko

    4.4
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    so first off before I get into it, there's no seating (see picture for reference), and it's on the…read morecorner. there is a lil bodega across the way which is where we got some lemonades to wash everything down, and you order either online, by phone, or to the cashier (what we did). It took maybe 20 mins, which was perfect. now, it's show time. holy hell. my boyfriend RAVES about this place all the time, and we finally went as a pre-AYCE snack. it took all my strength to not change my mind to eat here instead. when I think of chicken wings, I think of 3 flavors on the spot: buffalo, lemon pepper, and garlic parm. never, in my big back days, did I think to combine buffalo with garlic-parm (in this case, garlic bacon parm). I couldn't even wrap my head around it before I ate it and while I was eating it. I have to confess that I don't even like buffalo, the tang and that feeling in the back of your mouth that makes you want to drink a full glass of water after? I always hated it. don't get me started on the color/the way it stains EVERYTHING. BUT THIS RIGHT HERE? screw my white shirt, I'll use it as a napkin for these wings. Serg idk who you are but you're my new hero. Plus the spice level? not crazy hot, maybe like hot cheetos level (the regular hot cheetos, but also the flavor is too good to care about the spice) Their ranch is also hella good, and I don't like ranch like that. This place is making me redact all my statements about foods I DON'T like. If that doesn't tell you enough, idk what will. we will 100000% be back for more than just a 5 piece. I might even wear a white shirt next time.

    Solid spot! Ordered delivery since it is take out only, so have to factor that into the freshness…read moreof the order. I found the chicken to have a little bit of that moistened, soggy texture from the packaging but that's to be expected from a takeout spot. We had the traditional buffalo wings with lemon pepper boneless wings and were surprised that the boneless wings were better! They don't look like much, but they were so moist and tender it was delicious paired with the lemon pepper seasoning. The buffalo wings were good! Nothing to write home about. Rounded our meal out with an order of wedge fries which were great for those who like soft thick fries. Overall very good!

    Photos
    Front
    Front
    Chase's Wings Leedroooo's Lemon Pepper Wings
    Chase's Wings Leedroooo's Lemon Pepper Wings
    Chilli wings and crema pastor

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    Chilli wings and crema pastor

    Hunan Empire - chinese - Updated August 2026

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