Seemor
San TungB+Worth Trying
1031 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
· Chinese restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (2523 reviews)
Takeout
Crowd-pleasing Korean-Chinese spot famous for dry fried wings and black bean noodles; expect long waits, big portions, fair prices, and occasionally brusque service.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
San Tung delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by legendary dry fried wings and hearty noodles, paired with exceptional kitchen speed once seated. However, inconsistent execution on certain dishes and minimal service attentiveness prevent a higher grade, while crowded conditions and long waits temper the experience despite genuine local institution status and multi-year customer loyalty.
Restaurant Summary
Lines spill onto Irving for San Tung, where the room feels warm and bustling and servers move with practiced speed. A diner quipped, "Once seated, plates landed fast and hot," even as waits and a no-frills vibe are the norm. Expect shared tables and a bit of controlled chaos at peak times. The kitchen leans classic Korean-Chinese comfort over flash, turning out legendary dry fried wings, black bean noodles heavy with seafood, and garlicky string beans. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: hearty, familiar flavors, more about wok heat than theatrics, ideal for those craving bold, satisfying plates without fine-dining polish. Families fare well thanks to familiar crowd-pleasers like fried rice, noodles, and sweet-sauced wings. No kids menu is noted, but portions are shareable and prices fair. If little ones avoid spice or sweetness, balance the wings with plain rice or mild noodles for an easy win.
At a Glance
- Iconic dry fried wings and hearty black bean noodles
- Big portions and fast kitchen once seated
- Long waits and crowded, shared seating
- Service can feel brusque and chaotic during peaks
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- iconic_dry_fried_wings
- high_volume_speed
- shared_table_culture
What People Love
- That first shattering bite of the glazed wings
- Noodles packed with seafood and deep soy savor
- Portions generous enough for leftovers
- Speedy delivery of dishes after seating
Points of Concern
- Expect 30-90 minute waits at peak; whiteboard signup and shared tables common
- Service is efficient but can be curt; error resolution reports vary
- Some diners find wings too sweet or salty; soups can run salty
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-44 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair wings with Vegetable Soup Noodles ($14.5) or plain rice to balance richness
- Seafood fans: Three Ingredients ($32) offers scallops, shrimp, and calamari without heavy sweetness
- Vegetarians: Braised Bean Curd or Garlic Eggplant ($16-16.5) are reliable picks
Perfect For
- Craving crispy-sweet spicy wings
- Casual group dinners where sharing is the plan
- Weekday lunch mission to avoid long lines
- Out-of-towners seeking a local classic near Golden Gate Park
Location Insights
Area: Lively Inner Sunset corridor near UCSF; mix of students, hospital staff, families, and long-time locals.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic; typical urban petty theft risk; crowded sidewalks during peak dining hours.
Nearby: Steps from Irving St shops, cafes, and Golden Gate Park access; strong neighborhood dining scene.
Inner SunsetThe Inner Sunset boasts a diverse dining scene with casual cafes, Asian eateries, and family-friendly restaurants. The neighborhood is known for its relaxed vibe, walkability, and a mix of longtime residents and newcomers who enjoy a quieter alternative to downtown dining.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 16:30–20:30
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday11:00–15:00, 16:30–20:30
Friday11:00–15:00, 16:30–20:30
Saturday11:00–15:00, 16:30–20:30
Sunday11:00–15:00, 16:30–20:30
Available: Takeout
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