Empress of China

My wedding took place in this restaurant. Sad to see it closed down. I will always miss it.

Sorry the Empress closed.
This place was great for what it was (to the frequent guest), a great overlooking bar that never failed to thrill all those we brought. We filled out fortunes to insert into cookies, we worked on treasure hunt questions, entertained out of town guests, planning day or night in Chinatown, or often, just enjoyed the sunset.
Service in our many visits was fine, accommodating and hospitable,
They stayed open very late for a particularly large out of town crowd who got delayed en route.
The food was not the attraction, but the view, the ambiance and location were great.

I’m bummed that this closed. This was a special Chinese place we went to when in San Fran. Located in the heart of SF Chinatown, this was where many past dignitaries and actors frequented for many decades. Their autographed pictures lined a wall in the entrance lobby. And I mean famous people! Reagan, Chuck Norris (when he was famous), Sammy Davis Jr, Rock Hudson,… Okay, I am dating myself. If you’re a Millenial, you’d have absolutely no clue who those people are. Actually, even I was young to be their fan base! Anyhoo, it was a place with the most magnificent view of the bay during the day and night. The waitresses were decked out in slinky Chinese silk gowns, while male waiters wore suits. Swanky yet very affordable. Why oh why did they sell out? Another historical landmark on my book that is no more. And their cuisine was also exquisite.

After being open for 46 years, the Empress of China has closed. The building had sold and all merchants including the restaurant are being forced to close
A great restaurant in its day — sorry to see it go

This is more of a nostalgic review than anything else.
I remember coming here twice in my life, once as a child and once as an adult. As a child, I remember the large reception hall (well it was large when I was a kid, and let me tell you I was a big kid). I remember my sister and I just slamming chopsticks on our plates every time the adults would make a sappy speech during the wedding we were at so the bride and groom would kiss. I don’t remember the food much back then, and my palate wasn’t exactly that noteworthy like some of children you see on Master Chef Jr.‘s. But I did eat everything on my plate without complaining.
I also remember it more recently in the past 3 years visiting the bar and having a banquet reception on the top floor. The view was amazing from the room where we had our banquet to where I relaxed at the end of the event at the bar.
As another Mike C. said in this review, it is a bar that is out of an older time that is filled with the last of a era, the last of a generation. If you had a chance to plop down at the bar, and just stare out the window with your drink in hand as the sun set, you know what I mean. It was being part of a history, and getting almost a time trip to time before my time, and probably my father’s time.
it may have been 8 months or so since Empress of China closed, but I will remember it.

Once again, I have the displeasure of recollecting memories of what is now another closed restaurant from my recent past.
My last dining experience in this establishment was with a prominent Chinese businessman who was considering investing in my startup.
He was a very humble and affable fellow. His outward short stature veiled his true influence. I realized this when he had reserved parking in the underground lot, and as we entered this restaurant; we were ushered by the host into a private dining room with a gorgeous view.
I flew all the way to San Francisco to visit him, so that I could share the goals of my fledgling startup.
He was politely interested, even though it was far beneath his normal investment threshold.
Nonetheless, he was very gracious and accommodating, and was willing to share his journey of 70 years towards success.
We had the Duck, the Szechuan Beef, and the Chicken in Plum Sauce. Everything was wonderful, but the view was even more astounding!
Now, I know why this old san francisco artifact is being converted into high-​end office space.
You really do get a wonderful view of the city from this perspective.
I will miss this place, and this review will serve as another place marker for another dining experience in my life.
C’est La Vie!

If you want to get in a time machine and visit a restaurant that was popular when Sammy Davis, junior was in his later prime, a restaurant that hasn’t changed a lick in décor, or staff uniform, or seating since it won international restaurant magazine awards during Nixon’s presidency, go to Empress of China.
I started writing this review in September 2014, and was saddened to learn today (January 2014) that they have closed their doors. It is heartbreaking to lose this curiously-​unmoved-​by-​time culinary cultural icon to office spaces.

The doors are officially shut. End of an era.
From Imperial Palace to Tommy Toy’s, those Chinese versions of those old time NYC steakhouses where the sharped dressed locals made dining an event are a thing of the past. It was the last of that generation of restaurants where you’d often see celebrities having their meals served on white table cloth. The people who will likely work in building will not know who these celebrities are since they are probably of their grandparents’ generation (Bobby Darin who?).
Known more due to their floor sized banquet room, Empress hosted wedding banquets, fundraisers, red egg ginger parties, and even political events. The main dining room mainly catered to deep pocketed touristsnd and non-​Asian locals who wanted to dine in a nicer dining environ or grab a drink with a view of Nob Hill or Coit Tower. Neighborhood locals shied from coming due to their higher prices or «classier» dining style.
Yes, it will be missed and it signals a changing of the guard in Chinatown. Sign of the times.

Had to visit before they closed!
t’was a prime place when they first opened 50 years ago, but now that carved wooden trim, mirrored bar, traditional painting at the entrance, and peacock feather chandeliers are clearly faded beauties. The old cash register at the bar is a great summary– still works, but definitely past its prime.
The view is nice, being on the 6^th floor, but it’s not of anything special in particular… and the real letdown is the food, which is best described as so-​so at best.
Come for a large party, they serve you out of large heated trays with a complete absence of any grace. Servers literally plop onto your plate. We had six or seven tables (?) plus two more tables in two private rooms and were elbow-​to-​elbow with people.
Great for nostalgia, that’s about it. That said, definitely worth at least one visit in your lifetime, particularly if you’re a local or a 1960’s era swinger.

I came here for lunch today with a co-​worker and felt like I had walked through the Guardian of Forever back into the 1960s. It was glitzy and probably hip back in its heyday so I’m glad I made the effort to go to the Empress of China on its last day of operations. We sat in front of the great view.
After lunch, on our way out, a smiling older man was taking a selfie next to the Empress of China sign. I offered to take his picture for him. He told us, «My kids and grandkids all had their parties here.» It made me sad to think that he made a special trip down there to take a last picture.

We stopped by here upon learning this Chinatown staple would be closing after 48 years in operation, perhaps to tentatively open for «tech play» businesses in the future. This was our only shot at trying it out.
Entering itself was an experience — it’s up on the 6^th floor, and you pass by a photo wall of many celebrities who have attended over the past decades. A slightly tipsy gentleman narrated our ride up, but it made our adventure amusing.
Seated quickly, we ordered:
–Baby Quail Flambé
–Pressed Duck in sweet and sour sauce
–Mongolian Lamb
–Walnut Prawns
I liked witnessing the quail lit on fire. That and the Mongolian Lamb tasted decent. The duck had way too much sauce applied and was overcooked. Prawns were good though the walnuts needed help, on the verge of stale.
My drink was their Empress Lychee Mai Tai. Just okay, but included a pineapple with cocktail umbrella. Coolest thing was the stellar view of the city — could see Coit Tower head on. Took awhile to get our final bill. Can see why this is closing: a nice view, but I wouldn’t return if not a tourist.

After hearing about the upcoming closure of the Empress of China, we made a point of coming by here for drinks the other weekend.
It’s sad to see some of these old classic restaurants and bars going away to be replaced with more offices. Sure, adding more offices will make the area a little more upscale, instead of having an old rundown restaurant but as we keep losing these old landmark businesses, it leads to the neighbourhoods become more sterile and boring. The Empress of China is a quaint bar and restaurant with low lighting and some really great decore.
We came in just for drinks, but we are hoping to come back with a few more people to have more drinks and some bar food. I tried the Lychee Mai Tai and wow, it was strong. Definitely on the tipsy side just from that. My partner had the Empress Martini which was tasty and also really on the strong side (for me anyway!)
The view out the windows is beautiful and definitely worth taking a seat in the bar area just to look out.

I read that Empress of China is closing at the end of this year and figured I should visit this SF institution before it’s too late.
The syrupy martinis ($ 10-​$ 11) are not good cocktails by SF standards, but walking into Empress of China is really something. You feel like you’re stepping into scenes from a bygone era. Everything is a little bit sun-​faded. Some things look a bit dusty. The servers wear jackets. I’m sure the décor was once grand. The carved wooden panels are still beautiful.
I found myself nostalgic for a time period I didn’t actually live through. I also found myself wishing that someone would save Empress of China and revitalize the restaurant with a more modern food and cocktail menu.
The bar windows offer good views of Chinatown, Russian Hill, and Telegraph Hill. Goldfish in green tanks on the balcony join SF landmarks in your field of vision.
Despite the mediocre drinks, I came back a few weeks after my first visit and will probably try to come back again one more time.

Accurately described by a fellow Unilocal reviewer as «decaying opulence» Empress of China, failed to modernize with the changing times and will be closing at the end of the year. Unfortunate news as this almost 50 year old restaurant has become part of forming the cultural identity in Chinatown.
In its heyday, this palatial emporium was a staple for weddings in San Fran’s Chinatown and the restaurant celebrities frequented. The entrance walls are plastered with dated ‘Celebrity Wall of Fame’ photos and awards from decades ago.
The elevator transported us to the top floor of the restaurant. As we stepped out of the elevator, I was awestruck by the Han Dynasty décor. I immediately thought of Mrs. Havisham’s mansion in Great Expectations, unkempt lavishness in need of a facelift. The panoramic view of the SF area is slightly depressing because it is obstructed by black crosshatch reinforcements for the windows. I can only imagine how majestic this place once was in all its splendid glory.
With closing looming, it makes sense now why our dining experience was gloomy with less than enthusiastic service and not up to par food.
Bottom line: Despite the lackluster experience, I would recommend visiting the Empress of China to experience a fundamental slice of SF Chinatown’s history before it closes at the end of the year!

I went to a lovely wedding + reception at the Empress last night.
The wedding was fabulous. The music was a great band playing my music from the 1960s and 70s. (Glad to know these 30 year olds recognize that the music of my youth is way better than the music of their youth.) The women were beautiful. The guys were handsome. The children unbelievably cute. The service during the meal and at the bar before and after was great.
Ah, but the food. Now that’s another matter. It was Cantonese-​American food from the 1960s. Fried, colorful, and tasteless. A leftover from when there was one Chinese restaurant in every town in the US and the owners modified the food so gringos would eat it. Sweet and sour chicken in that bright orange, treacly sauce says it all.

I only been to this place for once for my friends birthday. It is a great atmosphere and definitely a different style bar. They’re happy hour is very well-​known.
At night time it is nicer because the atmosphere is really good with dimmed lights. He has a great view of the city. It makes it better and nighttime due to lighting of the city.
I would recommend this place for anyone.

This place is horrible. It is located on the sixth floor so the view is good. Other than that, I was not impressed at all. The place had a weird odor to it. Décor was old and not the good kind. Customer service, not friendly or good at all. We stood there for almost 10 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge we were there. finally an old and angry lady told us to sit down. We sat down at a table by the window and she handed us menus. We sat there for almost 20 minutes as a table of employees sat around laughed and ignored us. We walked out. It was probably best we did, because it was pretty dingy and scummy looking. You’re better off going to the Golden flower. It’s just a block over.
P. S. This place is rumored to close at least he end of this year. I can see why.

Decaying opulence.
That’s the best — and only — way you can describe this ancient relic of SF days long since passed. Eating here is akin to opening in a time capsule buried in 1968; time has seemingly stood still in this high-​rise hotspot. I’d say «former hotspot», but a night of chowing down on completely average Chinese food proved the place can still draw a crowd.
I knew this was my kind of spot the second I walked in the street-​level doors. Display cases on the wall showcase faded photos of faded/​dead stars during their visit to the establishment — a black, bushy-​bearded Francis Ford Coppola, the scene-​chewing Jack Palance, Ricardo Montalbon flanked by two women, and Perry Mason himself, Raymond Burr, looking caught off guard by the sudden flash. Take your time and peruse this makeshift museum because it perfectly sets the tone for the impending meal.
Take the elevator up to the sixth floor and once the doors open, you’re greeted by the vintage décor of an ancient Chinese garden. Off to the left, there’s a very small bar that would feel at home in an old James Bond movie. I was almost surprised they didn’t have a rotary phone at every cocktail table.
The main dining area is spacious, with some gorgeous views of the SF skyline. Coit Tower looms off in the distance like a concrete monolith. The booths and dining tables look like they haven’t changed since the Nixon administration, with only the table cloths and silverware appearing (somewhat) updated. Again, these aren’t exactly complaints because I have a serious reverence for a strong late ‘60s/​early ‘70s aesthetic, which this place is dripping with.
Their menu is large and varied, but just know that it’s all totally average Chinese food; probably a step or two above, say, Panda Express. They obviously offer much more than you’d find at a Panda, but the quality is similar. We ordered up a bunch of stuff for the table, all of which was good and none of which was memorable. Even the pork fried rice my dad had raved to me about before the meal was nothing noteworthy.
Get a mai tai. It’s their signature drink, not too too sweet, and it is the perfect drink to suck up as you soak up all this aged atmosphere. I couldn’t care less about the food here — which is good enough that I’d come back — because, for me, it’s all about dropping into 1973 and appreciating the old days.

Carmel U. sums it up perfectly when she talks about the «penthouse view». It is truly amazing. The views from the bar of Russian Hill, Coit Tower, North Beach, and parts of the bay are to die for. Although, if you really want spectacular, a table in the restaurant by the windows is really the way to go. Not just the waiters are old school. the whole place feels like it hasn’t really changed much since the 70’s either décor-​wise or intent. If you look, you CAN find some modern touches, like Tyku in one of the cocktails. Now, they do make a pretty good Mai Tai, but in general, the cocktails are kind of lackluster. So were our bar snacks. Service was OK. They were nice, but kind of slow considering we were the only customers in the bar area.
I think if you come here, you are coming to touch a piece of San Francisco history. Go in the daytime for the maximum effect. Start with the wall of photos downstairs, which prominently features many 70’s era celebrities and a plethora of local politicians. Ride the elevator up to the 6^th floor, head left into the bar, and step into a swinging place with tiki-​style drinks and amazing views of your beloved city.

We came back here for another banquet style dinner but this time is for my father-in-law’s 80^th surprise birthday party. Two of the dishes were reprise such as the special wonton soup and lo mai gai.
Their wonton soup is no ordinary wonton soup since it’s pre-​fried before cooking into the soup. Very flavorful and creative I thought. My daughter even had 1 full one by herself.
Another favorite of the family is the lo-​mai gai where basically sticky rice is stuffed back to the skin of the chicken then deep fried until its skin bubbled to golden brown. Very tasty and I can’t seen to find this style of lo-​mai gai in Southern California.
Another dish that’s worth mentioning is the Beijing Duck, which I know in Southern California as Peking Duck. The dish is very flavorful, with duck fat perfectly render off so leaving just thin piece of crispy duck skin behind. Unlike the Peking Duck in Southern California which has more of a roasted look, this version is more of golden brownish look. This dish is usually the most popular and pretty much gets eaten up first and all the time since it’s just perfectly done. Their buns have this coconut taste. I’m not sure if that’s the norm in Chinatown here but it’s pretty tasty and the kids certainly loved them.
My only pet peeve about the Beijing Duck is they didn’t really clean out the «hair» very well. So, I’m bit hesitant to try the skin with the «hair» on but my husband loves it. He said you can’t really taste the hair since it’s crispy.
The place has very nice ceiling piece and a very nice city view. The room we had the banquet directly looking down at a playground. There were a bunch of seniors doing their dance in sync and it kept most of us (the kids especially) entertained.