Seemor
spicy & cloud restaurantB+Worth Trying
823 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108
· Chinese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (189 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Bold, spicy Chinese comfort dishes in a humble basement space; great flavors and value, but expect occasional slow pacing and uneven portions.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Spicy & Cloud delivers bold, satisfying Sichuan flavors with generous portions and friendly, attentive service that earn solid neighborhood standing. However, inconsistent execution—occasional chewy meat, salty dishes, and small seafood portions—prevents higher grades, while the spartan basement setting with dated bathrooms lacks appeal. Worth visiting for authentic spice and value, but service slowdowns at peak times and variable quality control keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Down a short stairway in Chinatown, the room feels humble and bustling, with friendly servers who try hard even when stretched thin. Diners rave about bold flavors: one guest said the spicy broth dish "blew me away" and portions were shockingly generous. Expect simple decor but plenty of warmth from the team. The cooking leans classic Sichuan and Chinese-American favorites rather than theatrics—think wontons in chili oil, Mongolian beef, orange chicken with real zest, and hearty noodle soups. Spice levels can be tuned, and the menu ranges from crowd-pleasers to adventurous offal pots, making it suitable for diners who like big flavors. Families do well here. Kids can stick to fried rice, broccoli beef, sesame or orange chicken, and noodle soups, while adults explore spicier plates. There is no kids menu, and rice often costs extra, but the lineup has plenty of familiar options for younger eaters.
At a Glance
- Bold, satisfying Sichuan flavors with generous portions
- Friendly staff can adjust spice levels
- Service slows at peak times; some long waits
- Spartan basement setting and dated bathrooms
- Rice often costs extra; seafood portions can feel small
What Sets It Apart
- spice_level_customization
- offal_specialties
- hidden_basement_setting
What People Love
- Wontons in chili oil that pack flavor without harsh heat
- Orange chicken with bright real zest
- Noodle soups that satisfy and travel well
- Vegetable dishes like dry-fried beans and eggplant that shine
Points of Concern
- Peak-time waits can exceed 45 minutes for food and pacing can be uneven
- Interior is plain and aging; bathrooms upstairs feel dated
- Seafood and fish dishes sometimes feel skimpy for price
- Rice is often not included and must be ordered separately
- Review patterns show a high share of five-star ratings; mostly credible but tourist-heavy mix may skew expectations
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Combine a spicy main ($24.99) with a veggie ($15.99) and white rice ($2.99) to feed two affordably
- For kids, choose orange chicken or broccoli beef with steamed rice
- Vegetarians have strong options: eggplant, mapo tofu (check broth), and pea shoots
Perfect For
- Casual family dinners after exploring Chinatown
- Groups sharing spicy classics and veggie sides
- Travelers seeking authentic flavors without fuss
- Solo comfort meal with a bowl of noodle soup
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Chinatown corridor with tourists and locals; casual eateries and small shops dominate.
Safety: Generally busy and safe by day; typical urban grit; high foot traffic provides comfort.
Nearby: Steps from Grant Ave shops, near Financial District offices and Nob Hill hotels; heavy visitor flow.
Nob HillNob Hill is an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood known for its historic hotels, luxury apartments, and scenic views. The dining scene here includes a mix of fine dining establishments, classic American eateries, and trendy spots catering to both locals and visitors, with a generally sophisticated and quiet atmosphere compared to the busier Financial District.
Lower Nob HillLower Nob Hill is a more accessible and slightly more affordable subsection of Nob Hill, featuring a mix of older apartment buildings and newer developments. It has a growing dining scene with casual restaurants, cafes, and bars that attract a younger, dynamic crowd, blending residential calm with urban energy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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