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Northern China BBQ
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Northern China BBQ
8.2
Charcoal-grilled skewer house where chicken wing skewers come smoky, salty, and cumin-spiked. Late hours, QR-code ordering, and rounds of skewers make it a lively alternative to standard wing joints.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wing Skewers, Cumin Lamb Skewers, Potato & Cauliflower Skewers
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled chicken wing skewers with northern Chinese spice blends.
Who should go: Wing fans open to skewer-style grilling
When to visit: After 9 pm for peak grill action
What to order: Wing skewers, cumin lamb, roasted eggplant
Insider tip: Order in waves—skewers hit the table hottest right off the grill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Mid-Market; best bet is the 5th & Mission garage, a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual attire works fine—most guests are in jeans and shirts, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and loud, especially after 9 pm with groups—conversation takes effort at peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; larger groups should expect longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the kitchen isn’t always open mid-day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled eggplant, corn, and several veggie skewers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—roasted vegetables and tofu skewers, but most items are meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Some options, but cross-contact on the grill is likely; ask staff for recommendations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, smoky, lively atmospheres—less suited for quiet, romantic nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but on weekends after 9 pm expect a line. Smaller groups are usually seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids given late-night hours, smoke, and crowd energy; fine for teens or older.
Best For
Better for: Authentic northern Chinese skewer experience with charcoal-grilled wings and late-night energy.
Skip if: You want traditional sauced wings, a quiet sit-down meal, or dedicated gluten-free service.
Northern China BBQ
7.9
Late-night grill house focused on northern Chinese skewers cooked over charcoal—cumin, chili, and smoke lead the flavors. A quick, affordable stop for sticks, beer, and a lively counter vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cumin lamb skewer, Chicken wing skewer, Enoki-bacon skewer
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled skewers with bold cumin-chili seasoning till late.
Who should go: Skewer fans and late-night snackers
When to visit: After 9 pm for peak grill action
What to order: Cumin lamb, chicken wings, enoki-bacon
Insider tip: Order in waves—skewers arrive hottest straight off the grill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Mid-Market/SoMa area, especially evenings; nearby paid garages on Mission or 9th are more reliable.
Dress code: Casual attire is the norm—jeans, hoodies, and relaxed wear fit the late-night skewer vibe.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially after 9pm; expect background music and chatter that make conversation possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes after 9pm as skewers move fast and seating is limited.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-focused, so no daytime wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mushroom, eggplant, corn, and tofu skewers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie skewers work, but cross-contact with grills is common.
Gluten-free options: Some options are naturally gluten-free, but soy-sauce marinades mean cross-contact is likely; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than a romantic first date—the smoky grill counter is fun and lively, but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely needed; just walk in, though peak late-night hours may mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—late-night hours, smoky atmosphere, and bar-style seating suit adults and older teens best.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for late-night eats and affordable charcoal-grilled skewers when most other kitchens have closed.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quiet, formal sit-down meal or broad menu variety—this is skewer-focused and casual.