I chose Hunan Empire for a Saturday dinner and ordered the sizzling assorted seafood platter entree for $19.50 and added a small bowl of steamed rice for another $2 at the recommendation of the waitress. The food took about 15 minutes to arrive. The entree had fish, shrimp, squid and scallops with snow peas, mushrooms and carrots all bathed in a garlic sauce. When added to the rice the food was not only delicious but filling too. The amount of seafood was generous and I would recommend this dish. The table service was prompt but this restaurant was surprisingly slow the night of my visit. It was basically empty. Closed Sunday. read more

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Really good food at an affordable price hidden in the back. Fast and love the decor Will come back read more

We love walking down to Union and grabbing Chinese food here. It reminds us of the classic neighborhood takeout spots we grew up with. The staff is always friendly, the food is consistently great, and the prices are very reasonable. Recommend the kung pao chicken, Mongolian beef and the potstickers!!!!! They seem to do a large volume of takeout orders, but we usually dine in when we can. If the dining room looks quiet, don't let that deter you--it seems like most of their business comes from takeout and lunch time. A great local spot that we keep coming back to. read more

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. read more

Hunan Empire - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Was in the area and hungry, stopped by Hunan Empire and was not disappointed. It is definitely a family owned restaurant and even got to meat the owners, who was not wrong when mentioning his wife cooks delicious food. The service was personal, fast and nice. It was our first time in the restaurant and felt welcomed. The ambiance is more intimate, family friendly, and 'quiet' but not boring. Was able to enjoy my delicious food and have a good convo w my friend. Kept thinking of this place and the food long after passing by. Def going again soon (perhaps today). When I was there there was a large group of elderly ladies having to what seemed like a friendly outing, service and ambiance stayed great! Come through if it's just you, some friends, family or a group! Definitely recommend. read more

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I absolutely love their general's chicken and chicken chow mein. SO GOOD and the mushu is incredible as well. Very well priced Chinese food that I'm so happy I found in my neighborhood. read more

Good food at a fair price, even after they just raised prices. Family owned and operated. Try the lunch special, still the best deal in town. read more

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

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. read more

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Hunan Empire gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it. It had been a long day, we were tired, unfocused, un-agreeing, and soon enough would be very hungry. Someone finally said "this is it" and we were walking through the entry to an office building, past the elevators and directory (lots of dentists!) straight ahead to Hunan Empire. It was well into the dinner hour and we were the only ones there and would be for the duration. Good? Bad? Not sure, but the red tasseled lanterns, white banquet hall chairs, even the plastic covered table clothes just felt homey and I didn't care. To my surprise, there was a single serve dinner combination, something I've only seen offered for lunch--a spring roll, chicken chow mein or fried rice, and entree of your choice from a hearty list of selections. This was perfect for us since we couldn't take any leftovers and often have very different preferences on Chinese menus. Three combos were ordered in Sweet and Sour Pork, Mongolian Beef, and General's Chicken. The spring roll, while hot and crispy, was the least popular item amongst us. It had a flavor I've had before in other rolls but don't come across too often and I just can't put my finger on what it is. A spice of some kind? The Mongolian Beef and General's Chicken were not very spicy even though they were labeled as so, but still perfectly decent. read more

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

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! read more

Hunan Empire - 11. Broccoli with Chicken over Noodles - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I love this place! I work close by & love to order their lunch specials. The lunch specials are very affordable compared to the other restaurants on union street. The salt / pepper pork chop & the salt / pepper chicken wings are my favorite. Extremely crunchy. The other dishes are amazing as well. The food is not overly oily & tastes delicious. Also, Jim & Michelle are so welcoming & nice. EAT HERE! read more

Love this spot, great prices, great portions I usually do take out but I've ate at the restaurant before and it nice and cozy. I love that they give soup with your order it's so good and my chicken fried rice usually last me a day because I can't finish but will because of how good it is. read more

Located right on Union St, this restaurant is located at a bustling part of the street. While typically difficult to park, there is paid public parking in the building (I think they still validate) and also across the street is another paid garage. As you walk into the main entrance, the restaurants lot is at the rear of the lobby past the elevators. The interior is simple and casual, great for large groups and families. Service is straightforward and warm, everything you'd expect from your friendly Chinese spot. Get the Hunan Chicken!! Will never get tired of it. Also snag a side of fried rice, you won't regret it. Don't forget the egg rolls! Excellent and crispy. read more

We have wanted to try Hunan Empire since we moved offices to Union Street two years ago. I hate that we keep forgetting since it's tucked away off the street. So glad we gave this a try today. Service was wonderful, the food was delicious and the prices are great. We had the Kung Pao chicken (not spicy, but still great), and some other staples. We'll be back weekly for our newest go-to lunch spot! read more

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. read more

Hunan Empire - Inside - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

Hunan Empire - 1. Mongolian Beef - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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! read more

Hunan Empire - Daily soup - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been coming here for decades and love this place so much, I've referred the restaurant to many friends, who go there when they come into the city. It's a small place, not fancy like some Marina restaurants and not hoity toity (very clean), located inside 2001 Union building, so off the street but has a tent advertising in front of the building. The food is delicious, lunch prices are ridiculous ($15 for entree, w/ white or fried rice and small soup). I don't know if they ever raised their prices although prices may have increased $2 after Covid. The owners, who are always there, are attentive and professional. They get a lot of laborers during the day and will speak Spanish to them. The reason for this review is that I've been unwell lately, have no appetite but have been craving their stir fried veggies w/tofu and fried rice. They are so accommodating, since I can't have high sodium, I asked them to make everything with a lot less sodium. It was still delicious and I'll probably always order it that way from now on. read more

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

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We been customers for years almost like an extended family ; even give you holiday treats. Warm service; quick delivery and they give great servings sizes too!! Food service -top shelf and gladly customize something for you!! read more

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! read more

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My lunch spot for about a year now, only across the street from my office. Their fried rice is solid. So good! And the lunch special is pretty reasonable. Their always nice when I come in and it looks like they have a nice stream of customers. They're inside a parking garage on Union Street so they could be missed. I'm happy to have them so close. read more

Love most all of the dishes but they're Wor Wonton soup is so good has shrimp chicken beef and barbecue pork lots of vegetables great broth just love it! Everything is so fresh and the owners are so nice my go to for good Chinese food! read more

Hunan Empire - Wor Wonton Soup ! All there soups are amazing but this one is my fav ! It has shrimp , chicken, beef and bbq pork so good . - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been looking for some down-home, no fusion frilled, Cantonese food on Union Street. I saw the Hunan Empire sign on an office parking lot. Checked Yelp and sho'nuf, the store seemed legit! Played it safe and enjoyed Chicken Chow mein. Savory with thick noodles, chunks of thigh meat and sliced onions. The order was plenty for me and leftovers for another day. Convenient and a fair price. Will try the combo rice plates another day. read more

As far as chinese delivery goes these guys have been consistent. The delivery is prompt and the food is warm to hot. This is not "amazing food" it is clean and hot. Two things that seem impossible for other places to get right. I order any and all of the "salt and pepper" items... chicken pork or fish. Bbq pork and shrimp fried rice... wor won ton soup. read more

I don't care if the chow mein was good, owner is a JERK, no bathroom either, he has no code wants you to go upstairs. Excuse me? Yeah I'll never return, no patience for an asshole after I've patronized your DUMP. read more

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!!!

As we say in Cantonese, this place is "Not Bad " (which is actually a compliment). Being Cantonese and have had real Chinese food from Hong Kong, China, Vancouver BC, I consider myself an expert in this subject. I had ordered take-out from Hunan Empire before and found it kind of mid. Ever since my favorite Chinese restaurant in the area raised their prices to a point where I can't bear to bring myself from ordering there anymore, I was willing to give Hunan Empire another shot. I was pleasantly surprised with my take out order: Beef Chow Fun and roasted salt pepper fish. For the price point, the Chow Fun was tasty and while the fish dish wasn't quite authentic, it met my craving for fried fish. Given how reasonably priced it was (for the area) I will definitely try this place again. read more

Such a hidden surprise! We head over at least once a month to get yummy won ton soup, corn soup, pot stickers mushu pork. Price is on point and food and service is amazing! read more

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

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

I am giving three stars because the man on the phone was very nice as was the delivery driver. I am not sure if it was an off night as there are many great reviews. I ordered the orange chicken which was alright, ok, not bad, not great, not crispy, a little mushy ya know. And the Mongolian Beef which was edible if you just each the vegetables. Meat was a bit chewy but I am not complaining as the calorie burn from the extra work probably balanced it out. Always need to see the upside. Anyway, give it a try for your self and let me know. read more

We order from this restaurant once a week. the delivery man and owner would be so nice and friendly. I would really enjoy our brief encounters when he'd drop off our food. We had a incident last week where we ordered dinner and once I got up stairs I noticed we were missing an item. I'm not the one who order, it was my sister. So she calls to tell them they forgot an item and all hell broke loose. The lady answering the phone says it was out in there and we are mistaken. We told them repeatedly and they insist on us sending photos of how the bag was delivered. We comply send all they are requesting while they are being very rude continuously saying we are wrong. This goes on for a while mind you, my family is waiting to eat dinner. We tell them it doesn't really matter we needed the food so go ahead and charge us. He finally drops it off and has a huge attitude saying it was there he knows it because he has a "photo" of my order showing a Chinese container in it. I don't know who's it was because it wasn't in my bag. Fast forward, today we ordered dinner. He drops it off per usual and I ask him to please wait while I check it in front of him. He says ok. When I said everything was good and wave goodbye to him he walks away shaking his head like I did anything offensive. Unbelievable how rude he is acting when he was so sweet and kind before. Disgusting treatment. We always tip and never had a problem before these incidents. Too bad for them. The food isn't bad. Regular standard Chinese food. Nothing special but also tastes fine. If you or your family are reading this sir, you need to learn how to treat your customers better. We have been getting food from you for a decent amount of time and this is the way you handle mixed up orders? You have left a bad taste in my mouth. Shame on you. I hope you get your act together and maybe do the right thing and apologize. Seriously, you lost nothing. We paid for your mistake. You should be thankful to have regular customers. All for $10 bucks that they didn't have to pay. Ridiculous and highly disappointing. Buyers beware. Terrible service. Service is everything. Yes of course the food must taste good but if the service isn't good, it's a hard pass for me. read more

This restaurant is immaculately clean and pleasant. We had the Westlake Soup, House Special Chow Mein, and Mixed Vegetable with Tofu. All 3 items were tasty, appealing and very good! I would highly recommend. read more

I haven't been here for lunch or dinner in a few years. The sweet old man, and his family still owns this place!!! As you can tell I love most mom and pop owned places. The old man, and his family work so hard! Their food is cheap, and also super tasty! I love it!!! read more

This place is tucked away in a building and it a bit of a hidden gem. The food was delicious and the service is about what you would expect. In full disclosure I did get a bit of an upset tummy after eating there but I do every time I eat egg rolls and the egg roll was really good. Portions are very generous and it is very affordable. read more

I always go to this restaurant whenever I need to satisfy a chinese food cravings. Prices are very cheap, especially along Union St when everything else is so expensive, and the serving size is a lot! Fried rice is the best and pork suimai is a bomb! I work in this busy street and I always recommend them to people who craves for an affordable asian food. And they always come back to me saying it was really good! read more

The best sweet & sour pork and butterflied tempura prawns I've had in years. Delivered hot, fresh and delicious! Made the mistake of thinking the sweet & sour came with white rice. Needed to order it separately, but I still really enjoyed my meal. read more

Hunan Empire - Fried Prawns - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California