New Regent Cafe

Located at 638 Pacific Ave in San Francisco, New Regent Cafe has been serving the local community as a Chinese Restaurant for several decades. With a history dating back to the late 1980s, this establishment has witnessed changes in ownership and pricing while seemingly maintaining a consistent quality in some of its core offerings. This introduction aims to provide an objective overview of what potential customers can expect from New Regent Cafe based on available customer reviews.

Regarding the environment of New Regent Cafe, one long-time patron candidly describes the chairs and tables as "dirty nasty" and notes that this aesthetic has persisted even after a change in ownership. This is a significant piece of feedback that potential customers who prioritize a clean and modern ambiance will need to consider. The review explicitly advises that one might need to "get over the chairs and aesthetics of the place" to enjoy the food. This suggests that the focus of New Regent Cafe might be more on its culinary offerings and perhaps its nostalgic appeal to long-term customers rather than its visual presentation.

The service at New Regent Cafe appears to have mixed reviews. One customer describes the service as "fast and very friendly," highlighting a positive interaction with the staff. This suggests that when the service is good, it can be efficient and welcoming. However, another reviewer who visited for breakfast several times experienced "inconsistent" service. They reported instances of slow service, with waits of up to 15 minutes after ordering a simple breakfast. This inconsistency is a point of concern, particularly for those who are on a tight schedule or expect prompt service. The second reviewer rated the overall service as "average," indicating that while it wasn't always slow, it wasn't consistently excellent either.

In terms of its features, New Regent Cafe seems to have a few enduring specialties. The "milk tea" is specifically mentioned as being "good" by a long-time customer, suggesting it's a reliable and enjoyable beverage. Additionally, the "broth on the instant noodles" is noted to be "just as good as before," indicating a consistency in the preparation of this particular dish over the years. Breakfast is also a significant offering, with one reviewer stating that "breakfast was good." The price of breakfast with milk tea or coffee has increased from $2.99 in the late 80s to $7.95, reflecting the changes over time, but it still positions New Regent Cafe as a potentially affordable option for a morning meal.

However, there are also some practical considerations to note. One significant inconvenience mentioned by a reviewer is that New Regent Cafe operates on a "cash only" basis. In an increasingly cashless society, this policy can be a drawback for many customers who prefer to pay with cards or mobile payment options. Additionally, parking is described as "very tough," with a specific warning not to come if expecting to find parking on the street. This location-related challenge could be a deterrent for customers who rely on driving and may need to factor in extra time for finding parking or consider alternative transportation methods.

Considering the feedback, New Regent Cafe presents a mixed picture. On the one hand, it boasts a long history, a reputation for consistently "decent" food, a well-regarded milk tea, and a potentially affordable breakfast. The friendly service experienced by some customers is also a positive aspect. On the other hand, the consistently criticized "dirty nasty" environment, inconsistent and sometimes slow service, the cash-only policy, and the difficult parking situation are significant drawbacks that potential customers should be aware of.

For local users in San Francisco considering New Regent Cafe, the decision may hinge on their priorities. If one is primarily focused on affordable and decent food, particularly breakfast and milk tea, and is willing to overlook the unappealing aesthetics and potential for slow service, then New Regent Cafe might be an option. However, those who prioritize a clean and comfortable dining environment, consistent and prompt service, the convenience of card payments, and easy parking may find these aspects of New Regent Cafe to be unsatisfactory.

It's important to note that the positive aspects highlighted are primarily related to the taste and consistency of certain food and beverage items, as well as instances of friendly service. The negative feedback centers around the physical environment and the reliability of the service. Potential customers may want to weigh these factors carefully based on their individual preferences and needs.

In conclusion, New Regent Cafe offers a long-standing presence in San Francisco's Chinese Restaurant scene, with a history of providing decent food, particularly its breakfast and milk tea. However, potential patrons should be prepared for a less-than-desirable physical environment, the possibility of inconsistent and sometimes slow service, the inconvenience of a cash-only payment policy, and challenging parking conditions. It appears to be a restaurant that has cultivated a loyal customer base over the years, perhaps due to its nostalgic appeal and the consistency of some of its key offerings, but it also presents notable drawbacks that may deter other diners.