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The Happy Crane
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Happy Crane
8.7
Modern Cantonese from chef James Yeun Leong Parry (opened 2025) featuring refined small plates and dim sum–style creations at dinner. Expect pristine technique—stone-milled cheung fun, roasted meats—and a polished room fit for occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Rice Roll (cheung fun), Gold Coin Bao (liver mousse & coppa), Whole Roast Duck or Lacquered Quail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Dinner-only, chef-driven Cantonese with elevated dim sum–style plates.
Who should go: Cantonese fans seeking a polished night out
When to visit: Book mid-week evenings for calmer pacing
What to order: Crab cheung fun; gold coin bao; roast duck/quail
Insider tip: Duck is limited—reserve it when booking and graze on small plates while it’s finished.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Hayes Valley; Civic Center Garage 2 blocks away ($4–6/hr). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or dresses recommended. Jeans are acceptable if paired with nice shoes.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy, though peak weekend service brings a lively hum.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins face 60–90 minutes or are often turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and vegetable-focused dim sum options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted; check with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—stone-milled rice cheung fun and select proteins are gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished setting, attentive service, and shareable plates make it an elegant choice for impressing someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. Midweek early seatings may occasionally accept walk-ins, but booking is strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The upscale setting caters more to adults; older teens are fine, but there are no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Refined technique, chef-driven innovation, and luxury Cantonese dining—a step above casual dim sum parlors.
Skip if: You want traditional dim sum brunch or a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere—opt for Chinatown classics instead.
The Happy Crane
8.7
Modern Cantonese from chef James Yeun Leong Parry featuring stone-milled cheung fun, roasted meats, and polished cocktails. A sleek Hayes Valley dining room suits pre-show plans and special nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stone-milled Cheung Fun, Char Siu (pork jowl), Dry-Aged Quail
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Fine-dining technique applied to Cantonese classics à la carte.
Who should go: Cantonese fans seeking elevated plates
When to visit: Early evening before arts corridor rush
What to order: Cheung fun; char siu; dry-aged quail
Insider tip: Bar seats are easiest to snag day-of for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Hayes Valley; nearby paid lots on Gough and Grove; no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean dressy, especially for pre-show or date night dining.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but refined; you can hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though small tables can fill around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheung fun, seasonal vegetable dishes, and sides are strong options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but menu is protein-focused.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodle and steamed options are naturally gluten-free; inform staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the sleek setting, creative cocktails, and polished Cantonese plates create an upscale but relaxed atmosphere ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are sometimes seated at the bar, but prime dinner hours require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—ambience is more suited to adults; no kids’ menu or high chairs are provided.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Cantonese execution with fine-dining technique and standout cocktails compared to more casual Chinatown options.
Skip if: If you’re seeking quick, inexpensive Chinese comfort food or a large group banquet-style experience, other spots will be a better fit.
The Happy Crane
8.7
Modern Cantonese from chef James Yeun Leong Parry with stone-milled cheung fun, char siu from pork jowl, and a focused roasted-meats program. Sleek room and thoughtful cocktails make it a pre-show choice in Hayes Valley.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stone-milled Cheung Fun, Char Siu (pork jowl), Dry-Aged Quail
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Fine-dining technique applied to Cantonese classics without tasting-menu fuss.
Who should go: Cantonese fans seeking elevated plates
When to visit: Early evening before performance crowds
What to order: Cheung fun, char siu, dry-aged quail
Insider tip: Bar seats are easiest to snag day-of for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hayes Valley, especially after 6pm. Metered spots nearby but fills quickly; paid lots available within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many diners lean dressy given the polished setting and cocktail program.
Noise level: Moderate; lively buzz but still possible to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating can sometimes be available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; reservations not required at midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dim sum plates and vegetable dishes are designed vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options like seasonal greens and tofu dishes, but menu skews meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodle and roasted meats can be adapted; staff is attentive about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sleek interiors, balanced noise level, and thoughtful cocktails make it a polished but not stuffy first-date option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are sometimes seated at the bar or early evening before 6:30pm, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the menu and atmosphere are geared toward adults, though older teens with adventurous palates may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: Better for elevated Cantonese with modern technique, a strong roasted meats program, and serious cocktails in a stylish setting.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking inexpensive, family-style Cantonese or a wide dim sum spread—this is focused and upscale rather than casual and broad.