Cancel

Open app

Search

Mongol Cafe

3.6 (49 reviews)
InexpensiveMongolian, Cafes
Closed • 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Order Mongol Cafe Takeout or Delivery

Mongol Cafe Photos

Business Info

MONGOL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Outdoor seating
Good for kids
Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Mongol Cafe

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Chicken and rice lunch special

I ordered the chicken rice lunch special (which says is $9 on the menu) but was charged for $13 and the chicken meat is poor quality- similar to school cafeteria. Extremely dry and very salty. Overpriced. Never again.

Buuz ($10.25) - steamed dumplings with ground beef - did not give me a good Buzz. Average!
Ahmad J.

I haven't had exposure to a lot of Mongolian food so when I happened to cross Mongol Café a couple of days ago I decided to check it out. It is located on Geary and Larkin which technically speaking is in Nob Hill but for all practical purposes is in SF's hood (Tenderloin). Upon walking in on a Saturday afternoon, I saw about 2 tables with patrons partaking in what looked like soup noodles. I walked over to the counter to find it completely empty. There was another gentlemen who was waiting there and unfortunately I mistook him to be someone working in the restaurant something he quickly set straight. Well there was nothing more to do than just wait for the host/hostess to show up; which he did after almost 5 minutes. During this time a third patron walked in and then out after about a minute or so. Anyway, I asked for the menu and found a couple of things that looked familiar like Borsh and Goulash but what did not sound familiar and had a nice ring to was Buuz ($10.25) so I decided to go with that. As per their site its steam cooked bun, filled with ground beef and garnished with 2 small salad servings. Julienne cut carrots seasoned with garlic and dressed in mayonnaise. After ordering to my surprise I could pay with a card and then it was a short 10-minute wait and I was on my way. I got a decent sized container with about 10 steamed dumplings and a small salad on the side. The dumpling was big and had a thick outer layer (like har gow) and had a beef based filling. It was clear that these had been frozen or at-least refrigerated before because they had not fully thawed before being steamed. Unfortunately, the Buuz that I got was not the good type. As already mentioned I don't know a lot about Mongolian food so I can't say if they like their dumplings this way "back home" but what I can say is I did not. Price-wise I thought it was a little expensive for just dumplings but I guess the specialty food tag justifies it. I think I should have gotten the soup that the other patrons in the restaurant were having which is what I guess I plan to do during my next visit. But given what I had I'm in no hurry to do that. Generous 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 is how I'd rate this place.

Fresh beet, apple, celery juice. $5.75
Rania N.

Nice little hole in the wall spot. The fresh juices caught my eye so I ordered a squeeze of apple, beets, and celery. They were out of kale, cucumber, and spinach doesn't juice well with their juicer (so she said.) My juice came out beet pink and delicious. I was actually surprised. Sign with the special of the day: 1 coffee, danish or croissant for $3 Has an atm but they take card. Pretty cool for a bite or drink.

Huushur (half order)
Adam B.

I'm not that familiar with authentic Mongolian food (BBQ & Hot Pot don't count), so was pleased this tiny little cafe sold a few specialties. Kind of like at those Vietnamese-owned doughnut shops where you can usually sneak a bowl of pho. The food was novel to me (which is rare nowadays) so left a very positive impression. Since I'm not that familiar with Mongolian cuisine, I can't truly compare against any benchmark. Huushur: These are very hearty! Kind of like a dumpling wrapper shaped into large empanada, but still filled with dumpling meat. It was really enjoyable how the exterior was deep fried crispy but the inside still had some soft dough like you'd find on a steamed dumpling. After eating one, the friedness was getting to me and I could have used a nice dipping sauce (with vinegar and/or citrus) to complement it. The carrot salad on the side wasn't that exciting, unfortunately. Tsuivan: The noodles seemed like shredded up dumpling wrappers. A lot thicker than regular noodles. Despite all the thick carbs, it felt kind of light. Not drenched in any soy-based sauces. The beef had a subtly that worked well against all the scallions.

Piroshki(?) - they were out of huushur when I went, but they offered these instead! Like a bun, but fried
Larissa M.

I've never had Mongolian food before, so I was really excited to give Mongol Cafe a try! I was honestly a little intimidated - I grew up eating pan-Asian cuisine, so it felt a little unnerving to go into a restaurant where I didn't know what things on the menu actually were (much less how to pronounce them). Going off of the Yelp reviews, I decided to order the buuz and huushur to split with a friend. The owner kindly let me know they were out of huushur, but offered us some piroshki instead. I've had Russian piroshki before, so I figured they'd be worth a try - and I'm glad I did! For one, I was impressed by the portion sizes - the 3 piroshki (a HALF order) were as big as an entire dinner plate. They tasted like Chinese beef dumplings, but inside piroshki dough. It was a really interesting fusion of cultures - which makes sense, since Mongolia is in between Russia and China. While we were waiting for the buuz, the owner gave us a free beef bun too! He explained that it has the same filling as the piroshki, but steamed instead of fried. I liked the bun even more - while I'm always a fan of fried things, steaming the dough really brought out the heartiness of the beef. The buuz were delicious as well - very similar to the piroshki and bun, but with a thick dumpling wrapper. I loved how meaty and soupy they were. I feel like dumplings I've had in the past are lighter (usually mixed with vegetables or seafood), but these are very hearty and filling. We ended up taking half of the buuz to go. I'd definitely come back to try more Mongolian food!

Dan B.

In true Korean(?*) fashion, owners' family is chillin taking up tables. Grandpa gave grandkid a face massage too - how much for one of those? I got the HUUSHUR as in huush ur mouth these fried beef pancakes are the bomdigi. Portion sizes are no effing joke either. Some dishes have a half size option. Remember that. *Yeah I know the resto / food is Mongolian, but listen to what the workers are speaking to each other.

Lamb stew for takeout.
Jana M.

My husband and I love lamb and so we decided to try the lamb stew. If you love starch (potatoes and white rice) you're in for a treat. Otherwise, you'll have delicious, fatty and tender lamb with a few large chunks of carrots and lots of baby potatoes on top of white rice. Two eggs on the side for added protein. On this particular Saturday, they ran out of mixed salad and without asking us, gave us mashed potatoes instead. The stew was delicious, but the whole meal starch heavy. I supposed if we were really on the steppes of Mongolia, the starch would have helped our stamina and our defense against the cold, but we would have preferred another veggie like carrots on the side. Meat and potato fans, this place is for you. Easy walking distance from the Motel 6.

Breakfast at Mongol Cafe
Khundaga K.

Good place for freshly handmade and homestyle cooked breakfast. The omelette and bagel sandwich we ordered came out quick and tasted good. It's a mom and pop shop, and even though she was there by herself in the morning, the lady was able to quickly make an order of huushuur to go while we were eating too. I recommend this place for the local vibe and freshly made food.

Huushur, served with veggies. Delicious. Ask for sriracha!!  ~$10

See all

Photo of N. H.
2
13
11

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Oz B.
31
1
0

10 years ago

awesome Mongolian food. try the tsuvan! the only authentic Mongolian food in the city. service was great.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 2

Ask the Community - Mongol Cafe

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Mongolian 1,491 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Sohunan - Sohunan dinner club

Sohunan

4.4(183 reviews)
0.9 mi•Financial District
•$$
Large group friendly
Grab-and-go

I didn't want to like this place at a $31 takeout price point, but wow, it completely exceeded my…read moreexpectations. I ordered the Mongolian beef, white rice, and hot and sour soup. The photos honestly do not do it justice, especially for takeout. Everything arrived hot, fresh, and packed with flavor. The Mongolian beef was tender with the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the rice was cooked perfectly, and the hot and sour soup was some of the best I've had in a long time. I was fully prepared to think it was overpriced, but after eating it, I get it. The quality, portions, and flavor were all there. If you're on the fence because of the price, just go here. You'll understand after the first few bites.

So I am biased here as I first ate at Henry's Hunan on my first trip to SF in college in 1986…read more It was the best I remember as I was really into spicy Chinese food. My buddies I drug there not as much. So this is a newer location and concept run by Henry's grandson and pretty small yet clean. My wife humored me and we opened the place up literally as he opened the doors at 11 on Sunday morning. We needed to get to the airport but I needed my Hunan fix. We just got the hunan dumplings and "harvest pork" with white rice side. He agreed with my assumption that it's twice cooked pork. I make these all myself and I use this pork dish to rate a Chinese restaurant quality. The dumplings were basically a steamed potsticker in a plate of light soy sauce, scallion, and small red chili pieces. Slightly spicy and very average but well made and tasty. The pork was fantastic from my standpoint, mostly because I didn't have to go through the twice cooked process and it was very well done. Unfortunately it was too spicy for my wife and she couldn't eat it..... she said she likes mine better but I don't spice mine as hard in consideration for my family and just add chili sauce to my serving. We were not hungry and didn't have time nor use for leftovers or we would have ordered the dry fried green beans and a noodle dish as well but I look forward to another shot earlier in a trip of eating in SF to experience more here or at the other Henry's location. Very nice fellow and chill place!

Photos
Sohunan - Hunan Dumplings, Mom's dumplings are the best!

Hunan Dumplings, Mom's dumplings are the best!

Sohunan - Hunan Smoked Pork Belly

Hunan Smoked Pork Belly

Sohunan

See all

Mensho Tokyo - Vegan Miso

Mensho Tokyo

4.1(3.4k reviews)
0.2 mi•Lower Nob Hill
•$$

Back in December 2018, I passed by and caught a whiff of something pleasant. There was a remarkably…read morelong line, but I decided to get in it thinking I could order quick, chow down, and be on my way. Alas! it was not to be, as I had to meet up with my group, and the line only moved in smidges. The intervening years visiting SF didn't provide me with any opportune moments to stop by. That is, until one Saturday evening August 2026 while I was walking around and by chance happened upon the same lovely scent. Although it was a few minutes before 11pm, the line to get in was closed off. Tomorrow was my last night in SF, so I made it my primary objective to dine here. Well, Sunday I was at the Chase Center till about 9:20pm where the Muni line was packed and going nowhere fast. In the spur of the moment, I ran all the way from Chase Center to Lower Nob Hill, a 2.3-mile journey, yielding to red lights and Pokémon fans. Exhausted, it was a couple minutes past 10pm when I arrived. Lo and behold, the line had not closed yet. Ordered their Signature Toripaitan ramen and was very pleased that it was ready in about two minutes. I'm not afraid to admit I literally vacuumed the contents of that bowl. Sure I was sweaty and famished, but the combination of chashu, menma, burdock root, ajitama egg, chicken broth, and every other element checked all my proverbial boxes. The waitstaff who took my order was likely aghast that I ate so violently, though she was professional and responded energetically when I showered her with thanks and praise for the meal. I also ordered a mazemen to-go for the next day's lunch, and that was a real treat. Recently, I learned that there is a location in Culver City. Heck, why wait another 8 years?

Really nice booth seating, although there is a time limit, and there was already a line right when…read morethey opened. The enoki mushrooms were great, with a spicy, savory flavor and a really crispy texture. They soak up quite a bit of oil, as expected, but that also helps them absorb all the flavor. The broth was incredibly rich, almost foamy and frothy. The noodles were interesting too, super chewy with a really satisfying bite. I also liked the king oyster mushrooms. I kept thinking I was about to bite into bamboo shoots, but the flavor and texture was a pleasant surprise. The crispy root vegetable on top was a nice addition as well, adding a different texture to round everything out.

Photos
Mensho Tokyo - Counter seating

Counter seating

Mensho Tokyo - Enoki chips

Enoki chips

Mensho Tokyo - A5 wagyu sushi

See all

A5 wagyu sushi

606

606

4.6(634 reviews)
1.0 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill
•$$
Family-owned & operated
Takes reservations

Food quality was good! However, quantity was quite less with everything except for tofu.read more

​606 took over the legendary New Sun Hong Kong spot--a neighborhood staple since 1989 known for its…read moreiconic hanging floating books outside on Broadway. It has been reimagined by the next generation of the family as a vibrant reboot that honors tradition while bringing fresh energy to Chinatown/North Beach. ​I came back tonight to sit down for a full meal, and the house was completely full--I love seeing them do so well! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by one of the owners, Eugene. He was super friendly, welcoming, and focused on making sure we got seated. His hospitality genuinely can't be beaten anywhere; he immediately made us feel like family. Thankfully, a couple of tables were finishing up their checks, and he had us seated in no time. ​We ordered the wonton noodle soup, seafood fried noodles, and garlic Chinese spinach, and the food came out fast! Everything tasted great, and unlike so many restaurants nowadays that serve individual-sized portions under the guise of "family style," 606's portions are huge and wonderfully generous. ​Wonton Noodle Soup: The broth was flavorful without being overly salty, and the wontons were packed with plump, tender shrimp--they definitely don't skimp on ingredients! ​Seafood Fried Noodles: Executed perfectly with just the right amount of savory sauce so the noodles retained that satisfying crispy, crunchy texture. ​Garlic Chinese Spinach: Cooked just right--not too soft and not undercooked. ​I'm so glad we came back to sit down and dine in. Not only do Eugene and his team make you feel right at home, but the food is fantastic, hearty, and full of heart. Highly recommend!

Photos
606
606 - Voted Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA! Thank you Yelp and our wonderful and supportive customers!

Voted Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA! Thank you Yelp and our wonderful and supportive customers!

606

See all

Little Szechuan - Based Fries w red chili oil

Little Szechuan

3.6(706 reviews)
1.0 mi•Chinatown, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
•$$

I love their hot n sour soup!! It's so good. They make it vegetarian with no egg…read more I also got their tofu and veggies, and the flavor is amazing. They are now connected to Nan Hot pot so when I first arrived I was confused if I was at the right place. But you can order from their menu without having to get hot pot.

Don't change a thing, the spice level is perfect!…read more Sincerely, I'd like to meet the people who think Little Szechuan goes easy on the heat because to me, it's a blast of mala spice and numbing sensation- and I have a high tolerance. The Spicy Garlic Pork with vegetables was HOT and there was no escape: Like an opponent's chess pieces trying to grab your king, one bite after the next puts you in jeopardy. It was a good kind of peril. The Chow Mein Select noodles with lots of fresh crunchy vegetables was nicely executed with firm, plump chow mein. It was a very generous helping. I thanked my stars for the relief of white rice. The quart of hot and sour soup will have to wait until tomorrow, so much delicious food. For vegetarians, lots of menu options for you as well as those looking for unique dumplings and lots of offal dishes for those who crave it. Ambience is fresh, polished, non-touristy yet in the very heart of Chinatown where this is not always guaranteed. Locals and visitors alike, bookmark this restaurant. Little Szechuan was another Too Good to Go find. We'll be back soon, before Chinese New Year. 新年快乐

Photos
Little Szechuan - Inside

Inside

Little Szechuan - Sesame Chicken (ig:@heatherr.eats)

Sesame Chicken (ig:@heatherr.eats)

Little Szechuan - Fish Fillet Boiled W. Flaming Chili Oil

See all

Fish Fillet Boiled W. Flaming Chili Oil

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Tonga Rolls

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

3.4(3.3k reviews)
0.6 mi•Nob Hill
•$$$

This was me and my best friends first time here. I give the vibes 5 stars. The service was great,…read morefood was beautifully presented, little heavy food but flavors were delicious. The price is expensive for the food and drinks it's not a budget friendly place if you are looking for one. We were surprised that there is a $20 per person** entertainment fee which I honestly believe the restaurant needs to pay for not the customers so that was annoying. The music was amazing a great vibe and they do song requests as well. I would of course come back to try other items. Also quick note the drinks are extremely strong. I'm not a fan of it I like my drinks enjoyable and smooth. You could say you get your moneys worth but it was painful to drink our drinks.

Go in with the expectation of kitschy fun and not fine dining and you will like the Tonga Room…read more It's been on my list for years and we celebrated a birthday evening this weekend at a poolside table. The drinks are pricy but great. The food was actually pretty good and served in huge quantities. The band was great and kept the energy flowing. The dance floor was busy. At one point a conga line circled the restaurant. It was easy to get up and dance with neighboring tables. The entertainment fee was expected so that was okay. Unexpected was a special event that pushed out the public crowd at 9pm, cutting our fun short. The band also took a long break. The entertainment fee should have been waived or lessened. It was the kind of place you need to go to once for a special event, with the correct mindset. We finished our evening at a famous bar at the top of a nearby hotel.

Photos
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Decorative sculpture.

Decorative sculpture.

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Lomi Lomi Salmon Poke

Lomi Lomi Salmon Poke

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Lava Flow- alcohol free

See all

Lava Flow- alcohol free

Mongol Cafe - mongolian - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...