Seemor
Purple RiceA-Worth Trying
509 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
· Korean restaurant, Basque restaurant, Rice restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (302 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Cozy Korean spot with comforting stews and bibimbap, solid flavors and vegan options, but portions and pricing draw mixed reactions and service can be slow at busy times.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Purple Rice delivers strong food quality with comforting Korean stews and bibimbap that earn consistent praise, positioning it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. However, variable service attentiveness and occasional portion concerns on select dishes prevent grade A territory. The convenient Lower Haight location and loyal following support a reliable neighborhood destination rather than a must-visit destination.
Restaurant Summary
Purple Rice feels like a neighborhood Korean nook where bowls arrive steaming and the room stays warm and homey. Service ranges from brisk to meandering, but many note staff who will refill banchan when asked. One diner summed it up: "The stone bowl crackled and the rice crisped just right." The cooking leans classic and comforting Korean rather than flashy—think soondubu, bibimbap, and jhapchae with solid fundamentals. Flavors skew savory with occasional sweeter profiles on BBQ and sauces, which some love and others find a touch much. Portions on select items (pancakes, ribs) feel modest for the price, so value depends on smart ordering. Families do fine here thanks to a dedicated kids rice set and friendly staples like fried rice, noodle soup, and mild tofu stews. Vegan labels and customizable spice help mixed groups. If your crew expects huge BBQ platters, align expectations or steer toward stews and rice bowls instead.
At a Glance
- Comforting Korean stews and bibimbap with consistent praise
- Clear vegan/vegetarian labeling and customizable spice
- Portions can feel small for the price on some dishes
- Service pace varies; waits for food during busy times
- Parking in Lower Haight is difficult
What Sets It Apart
- purple_rice_default
- vegan_labels_on_core_dishes
- customizable_spice_and_add_ons
What People Love
- Crispy rice from the hot stone dolsot
- Hearty soondubu and yukgaejang with purple rice
- Fresh-tasting banchan refills on request
- Clear vegan labels and flexible add-ons
Points of Concern
- Pricing feels high relative to portions for ribs and pancakes
- Service can be slow or inattentive during rush
- Sweetness level in BBQ and sauces not for everyone
- Parking is tough; plan for transit or walking
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$40-56 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose stews ($19-24) for heartiness and value; add spice if desired
- Opt for Sizzling Dolsot when dining in to enjoy crispy rice
- Families: Kids Rice Set ($15) plus a stew to share
Perfect For
- A cozy weeknight comfort-food dinner
- Mixed-diet groups needing vegan-friendly options
- Solo bowl-and-stew cravings
- Cold-day warming meals
Location Insights
Area: Lively mixed-commercial street with neighborhood restaurants and bars; draws locals and passersby.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near Haight corridor dining and shops; limited dedicated parking; walkable and transit-friendly.
Haight-AshburyHaight-Ashbury is famous for its historic role in the 1960s counterculture movement, now blending vintage shops, trendy cafes, and diverse restaurants. The dining scene is casual and eclectic, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking unique and alternative culinary experiences in a lively, bohemian atmosphere.
Lower HaightLower Haight offers a grittier, more urban vibe compared to the Upper Haight, with a focus on craft breweries, indie restaurants, and a strong local arts scene, making it a hotspot for adventurous diners and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Tuesday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Wednesday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Thursday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Friday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Saturday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Sunday11:00–14:30, 16:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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