Find My Perfect Chinese Restaurant Near Me

Considering Imperial Palace: A Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. California
  4. San Francisco County
  5. San Francisco
  6. Chinatown
  7. Chinese Restaurant in Washington Street
  8. Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace

120 reviews

Imperial Palace Photos

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Hours

Monday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

About Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace is a Chinese restaurant situated at 818 Washington St in the heart of San Francisco's bustling Chinatown. As a member of the Chinese Restaurant category, it aims to provide a dining experience rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. Based on available customer feedback, experiences at Imperial Palace appear to be varied, with some patrons reporting positive interactions while others have expressed significant concerns regarding the service.

One positive review from a tourist highlights a welcoming experience, even when arriving close to the restaurant's closing time. The server is commended for their kindness and helpfulness in suggesting menu items. The reviewer also noted that the food arrived hot and flavorful, and the staff did not rush them, allowing them to enjoy their dinner at their own pace. This positive account suggests that Imperial Palace has the potential to offer a pleasant dining experience, particularly for visitors to San Francisco, with attentive service and tasty food.

However, a contrasting and deeply concerning review paints a different picture of the customer service at Imperial Palace. This reviewer felt compelled to share their negative experience, describing the servers as unprofessional, dismissive, and condescending. A particularly troubling incident involved a forgotten order, where the staff allegedly accused the reviewer of lying and attempting to obtain "free food" instead of taking responsibility for the mistake. This accusation was described as shocking and significantly damaged the reviewer's perception of the restaurant.

This negative feedback raises serious concerns about the consistency and quality of service at Imperial Palace. The reviewer, identifying as someone who values the local community, expressed worry that such negative interactions could mar the experience of tourists and visitors to Chinatown. They strongly suggested that others explore the numerous alternative dining options in the area that offer both excellent food and respectful customer service.

Given this starkly negative account, it is important for potential customers to approach Imperial Palace with caution and be aware of the reported issues with service. While one positive experience suggests the possibility of a welcoming meal, the detailed description of unprofessional and accusatory behavior from the staff cannot be ignored. This inconsistency in service quality makes it difficult to provide a straightforward recommendation.

The available information does not offer specific details about the restaurant's environment or the particular features of its cuisine beyond the mention of "flavorful" food in the positive review. Therefore, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive introduction that covers all aspects typically associated with a restaurant, such as ambiance and menu highlights. The focus of the existing feedback is heavily weighted towards the service experience, with contrasting viewpoints.

There is no promotional information available in the provided text. The reviews focus solely on the personal dining experiences of the customers. Therefore, it is not possible to comment on any special offers, discounts, or events that Imperial Palace might be currently running.

In conclusion, Imperial Palace is a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown that has received mixed reviews regarding its customer service. While one tourist experienced welcoming and helpful service with flavorful food, another local patron reported deeply unprofessional and accusatory behavior from the staff. Potential customers should weigh these contrasting experiences when considering dining at Imperial Palace. The lack of information regarding the restaurant's environment and specific culinary features makes it challenging to form a complete picture. Given the serious nature of the negative service report, it would be prudent for prospective diners to consider alternative Chinese restaurants in the area that have a more consistently positive track record for customer service.

Imperial Palace Location

818 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Customer Reviews

2.0
120 reviews
J
Jennifer
Apr 13, 2025

I visited as a tourist and even though they were close to closing our server welcomed us in. He was very kind and suggested items from the menu. Our food came out hot and had lots of flavor. They did not rush us and let us enjoy our dinner. I had a positive experience here and was probably one of the most welcoming restaurants we visited during our trip to San Fransico.

R
Rizza Ward Gordon
Jan 30, 2025

I typically refrain from leaving negative reviews, but after my recent experience, I feel compelled to share my concerns in hopes that others can avoid the same treatment I endured. Unfortunately, my experience with the service at this establishment was deeply disappointing. The servers were not only unprofessional but also dismissive and condescending. When an order was forgotten, instead of taking responsibility, the staff accused me of lying and attempting to get "free food." I found this accusation both shocking and uncalled for, and it significantly impacted my perception of the restaurant. As someone who values the local community, I would not want tourists or visitors to have their experience in Chinatown marred by such negative interactions. There are many wonderful dining options in the area that offer both excellent food and respectful customer service. I would strongly encourage others to explore those alternatives. Given my experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend this place to anyone. It’s unfortunate that a place with so much potential has such a poor approach to customer service. I hope this feedback helps others make an informed decision.

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Isaac Ho
Apr 01, 2025

My visit to this restaurant was very disappointing to say the least. The atmosphere was chaotic, with the waitress’s child running all over the restaurant. The waitress was constantly interrupting and rushing us to finish our meal and pack up, making the experience feel anything but welcoming. The food was equally disappointing. It arrived cold, had a strange texture that’s hard to describe, and left a lingering bad aftertaste. Overall, between the poor service, bad food, and off-putting environment, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. There are far better options in Chinatown.

L
Lila Zhang
Feb 02, 2025

RUN!!!! Don’t try to come here for any food. Literally the worst food I’ve ever tasted in my life, had one bite of everything and felt like throwing up. Can’t believe this restaurant could survive in Chinatown cause there was nothing good we ordered. How could you even mess up Char Siu Bao?? Has the weirdest taste I can’t even describe. If they just heat up those frozen ones would be way better. Was super furious also because the waitress was pushing for sales of more food and kept nudging us to order more. When we got the bill, we were told the price on the receipt is if we pay with cash, and it would be 3% more if we pay by card. Since when does this become a standard for printed receipt to be in cash price??? The waitress kept asking for cash payment and for tips. We felt bad and still tipped in cash for 15% and she was still unhappy and said it should’ve been 18%. This is more than unacceptable to guilt tripping and even force customers to order more and pay more tips. Any other restaurants in Chinatown would have better food than this place. Just don’t come here please if you don’t want to ruin your day.

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Amy
Mar 10, 2023

The squab is 💯 delicious - we loved it! Recommend trying that if you like roasted meats. We also ordered lettuce, stir fry noodles, braised lamb and tofu skin - this could be a bit softer. Overall great service and great restaurant in San Fransisco chinatown!

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