Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江

Located at 917 Taraval Street in San Francisco, Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江 falls under the platform category of Chinese Restaurants, specializing in the bold and flavorful cuisine of the Szechuan province. Based on the available customer reviews, this establishment offers a mix of highly praised dishes and some inconsistencies, particularly regarding takeout orders, all within a casual and unpretentious setting.

The overall sentiment from one reviewer can be summarized as "not fancy place but delicious food at reasonable prices." This sets the expectation for a dining experience focused more on the quality and taste of the food rather than elaborate decor. The reviewer, who dined with a family of five, sampled several dishes that were met with positive feedback. The specialty pulled chicken was noted for its flavorful taste, although it was also mentioned to be a bit bony. The fish with tofu was described as a "classic," suggesting a well-executed and popular dish. The pork belly received high marks for being "soft and tender" and "full of flavor," indicating a mastery of this often rich and decadent dish.

Beyond the food itself, the service at Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江 also received positive mentions. The restaurant was accommodating to the family, providing space in their refrigerator for a cake brought in by the customers and offering a knife, plastic forks, and plates without any additional charge. This gesture highlights a level of hospitality and a willingness to go the extra mile for their diners. Furthermore, the reviewer noted that they were not charged for rice, adding to the perception of reasonable pricing and good value.

The total bill for a family of five, including five food items and rice (without drinks), came out to $150 after tip. This provides a tangible sense of the cost for a group dining experience, suggesting that while not the cheapest option, it offers a reasonable price point for the amount and quality of food received by this particular group.

However, another customer shared a less positive experience specifically related to a takeout order. This reviewer, whose Chinese husband had ordered from the restaurant many times before with delicious results, placed a takeout order herself. Upon arrival, the restaurant did not have her order, requiring her to order again and wait. The more significant issue arose when she got home and her husband found that the General's Chicken was made with "tiny scraps of chicken, double fried with batter to look bigger," resulting in a texture described as being "like eating walnuts." This negative experience led the reviewer to believe that the quality of the meal received might be influenced by the customer's perceived ethnicity or language proficiency, suggesting a potential bias in how orders are prepared or portioned for non-Cantonese speakers. This is a serious concern and indicates a lack of consistency in their takeout service.

The stark contrast between these two reviews highlights the importance of considering both positive and negative feedback when evaluating Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江. While the dine-in experience described was largely positive, with delicious food and accommodating service, the takeout experience reported raises red flags about potential inconsistencies in food quality depending on who places the order.

In summary, Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江 on Taraval Street offers a casual dining environment where the focus is primarily on serving flavorful Szechuan cuisine at reasonable prices. Dishes like the specialty pulled chicken, fish with tofu, and pork belly have been praised for their taste and quality. The restaurant also demonstrates good hospitality, as seen in their accommodation of a family's celebration. However, there is a concerning report of inconsistency in the quality of takeout orders, specifically with the General's Chicken, and a suggestion of potential bias in how meals are prepared for non-Cantonese speaking customers.

For local users considering Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江, it would be prudent to weigh these differing experiences. If you are planning to dine in, you might expect delicious food and friendly service in a no-frills setting at a reasonable cost. However, if you are considering takeout, it is essential to be aware of the reported inconsistencies in food quality. If possible, having someone fluent in Cantonese place the order, as suggested by one reviewer's experience, might be a strategy to ensure a better meal. Despite the mixed feedback, the positive comments on several of their dishes indicate that Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江 has the potential to offer a satisfying taste of authentic Szechuan cuisine.

To experience Szechuan Taste Restaurant 长江 for yourself, you can visit them at 917 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116, or contact them at (415) 681-8383 or +1 415-681-8383 for inquiries. While no specific promotional offers were mentioned in the provided reviews, the generally reasonable prices and the praise for the flavor of their Szechuan dishes might be incentive enough for those seeking this specific type of cuisine. Be mindful of the potential for inconsistencies with takeout orders based on the available feedback.