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Dumpling Time (Design District)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dumpling Time (Design District)
8.3
Bustling Design District dumpling house where you can watch XLB and potstickers made to order; open to 10pm Fri–Sat. Locals lean on it for late-ish dinners before or after concerts and for consistent, shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings (XLB), Shrimp & Chive Dumplings, Pan-Fried Potstickers
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Handmade dumplings with visible production and late weekend hours.
Who should go: Dumpling fans and pre/post-show diners
When to visit: Fri–Sat 8–10pm for peak energy, shorter lines
What to order: Pork XLB; shrimp & chive dumplings; pan-fried potstickers
Insider tip: Add black vinegar and ginger to XLB—ask for extra ginger ribbons.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight around the Design District after 6pm; metered spots nearby or paid garage at 888 Brannan. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners come straight from concerts or nearby design studios.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversational but energetic with open kitchen and music; fine for groups, slightly loud for dates.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without reservation between 7–9pm; they text when your table’s ready.
Weekday lunch: Usually 5–10 minutes wait; quick turnover and plenty of counter seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian dumplings, noodles, and salads clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—two to three dumpling options and some sides can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some rice-based dishes qualify, but most dumplings contain wheat flour; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual, interactive meal with energy—watching dumplings being made adds a fun icebreaker, though it’s a bit loud for intimate talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—especially for small parties if you arrive before 7pm or after 9pm. They manage a waitlist via text; counter seats turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy dumplings and noodles; high chairs available but space is tight during dinner rush.
Best For
Better for: Watching dumplings made fresh, lively atmosphere, and consistent XLB execution make it more engaging than other SoMa spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, traditional Chinese dinner or need late-night eats past 10pm—other Chinatown options run later.
Dumpling Time (Design District)
8.2
Counter-service dumpling house where you watch the team fold in view. Expect crisp-seared potstickers, soup dumplings, and fast pacing ideal for pre-show or quick lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
King-Dum Xiao Long Bao, Pork Potstickers, Shrimp Har Gow
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Open kitchen with fast, handmade dumplings.
Who should go: Casual groups and dumpling lovers
When to visit: Midday weekdays to avoid peak lines
What to order: King-Dum XLB, potstickers, har gow
Insider tip: Order first, then grab counter seats to watch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Showplace Square; can be tight at peak lunch hours. Paid lots nearby on Division and Townsend.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, sneakers, and office attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversations are possible but the open kitchen adds buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours; expect lines if you arrive after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes; faster if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several dumpling and noodle options without meat.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 vegetable-based dumplings; not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; most dumplings use wheat wrappers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual date than a romantic one — the lively pace and counter seating make it fun but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only. Just order at the counter and seat yourself when space opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like dumplings; space is tight and high chairs are limited, so strollers are tough.
Best For
Better for: Watching dumplings made fresh in an energetic, casual space with quick turnaround.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options, prefer quiet sit-down dining, or want a leisurely, drawn-out meal.