Spicy King
San Francisco
At a glance
Spicy King offers an inviting dining experience amidst the bustling streets of San Francisco's Chinatown. Nestled on Waverly Place, this casual eatery serves up an array of Mandarin and Sichuan dishes in a setting that brings a touch of old-world charm. Its decor features hot pot tables that encourage a communal dining experience perfect for groups. The restaurant's moderate pricing makes it accessible for various budgets, appealing to both locals and tourists seeking authentic flavors. With the option to dine in, takeaway, or have meals delivered, Spicy King ensures flexibility in dining preferences.
Notable for its dedication to traditional Chinese cooking, the menu is a culinary journey through vibrant spicy notes and rich culinary heritage. The ambiance is relaxed, fostering an environment where guests can enjoy leisurely meals paired with a selection of beer and wine. Its atmosphere is both inviting and unpretentious, offering patrons a comfortable space to relish their meals.
Spicy King’s emphasis on group dining makes it ideal for friends and family gatherings, showcasing the communal aspect of hot pot dining. While its primary focus remains on the robust Mandarin and Sichuan culinary techniques, the eatery’s setup as a bar and restaurant hybrid adds an interesting dynamic, making it a point of interest for both food enthusiasts and those seeking a casual dinner with a twist. Visitors looking to dive into a cultural gustatory adventure will find Spicy King a fitting venue.
Reviews
Quality food always! The food comes out quick and the taste stays consistent across plates ordered. Staff is tremendously friendly and polite. Portions are generous, so there is plenty to share with everyone. 13+ tables available that can accommodate parties from 4-8 in a decent size room with nice lighting and easy access to restrooms. Although parking is limited in Chinatown on the streets, Spicy King is on the corner and easy to get to from Grant. Highly recommend the Cashew Chicken (thicker glaze sauce). Kung Pao Chicken is a great spicy option with a nice “kick” to it.
Dined in with 3 others. We each got a dish and 2 apps for the group. It was so much food! The food was very flavorful. I had the Kung Pao Prawns and they were spicy, I loved it. So good. So many juicy prawns. Try the crispy chicken dumplings, delicious. Price seemed fair. It got crowded shortly after we were seated. It was a popular place. I will go back again when in San Francisco.
A restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown. On vacation I ran into this restaurant while walking around this historical part of the city. The staff were welcoming and so was the atmosphere. They have chopsticks ready to use but will provide common spoons, forks, and knives. Very accommodating. We had crab puffs and I had the General Tao's with a side of white rice. My son had the Dan Dan noodles. The General Tao's was just the right spicy and my son enjoyed the noodles. The portions were plenty. This was a great spot. Price was $50-60 for two people. Well worth it. A great place to eat and enjoy the uniqueness of the city.
The Authentic Sichuan food, If you are looking for màlà flavour, this restaurant hits the nail on head. Cozy style atmosphere. Friendly staff.
When I tell you this place had some of the best Sichuan food I’ve had, I’m not exaggerating. The spicy wontons and cucumber salad are non-negotiable. That sauce was insane. Spicy, savory, garlicky, and the kind of sauce you keep going back to even after the dish is basically gone. The Kung Pao was stellar. The chicken chow mein had great flavor, with saucy noodles that actually hit. Mongolian beef was really good too, although definitely heavy on the onions. Service felt super homey, which made the whole meal even better. Just one of those spots that feels warm, authentic, and worth coming back to.
