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Big Lantern
Master Critic Review
Big Lantern
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Mission Dolores Chinese spot where BBQ pork spare ribs and black-bean–sauced ribs join a broad Cantonese menu with late hours. A practical, affordable rib option when you want Chinese-style sweetness and char.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork Spare Ribs (6 pcs), Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce, Orange Spare Rib
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chinese-style ribs—sweet glaze or black-bean savory—served late.
Who should go: Casual diners craving Chinese-style ribs
When to visit: Late dinner after 8:30pm for fastest service
What to order: BBQ spare ribs; black-bean ribs; hot-and-sour soup
Insider tip: Pair ribs with rice noodles to balance the sweetness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Valencia and side streets; metered until 10pm, can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and T-shirts are common.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is possible though the dining room can hum during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes without reservation, usually manageable.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu, veggie stir-fries, and noodle dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited – can request vegetable-based dishes without meat/egg, but sauces may contain oyster or fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some rice and protein dishes work, but soy-based sauces usually contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual bite than a romantic date—service is quick, but the setting is simple and practical.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t common here; walk-ins are usually seated quickly, especially late night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with a broad menu, though no high chairs or kids’ play space provided.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Chinese-style ribs with a sweet glaze, plus a full Cantonese menu at affordable prices.
Skip if: You’re seeking craft cocktails, trendy ambiance, or refined dining—opt for a sit-down BBQ spot instead.