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Capital Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Capital Restaurant
8.1
No-frills Cantonese spot famed for salt-and-pepper chicken wings, run by Samantha Lo since 2007. The compact dining room turns out late-evening plates ideal for sharing after a stroll through Portsmouth Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & pepper chicken wings, Clams with black bean sauce, Garlic pea shoots
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Beloved wings with puff-crisp skin and jalapeño heat.
Who should go: Wing chasers and casual share-plate crews
When to visit: Evenings after 7:30pm for faster seating
What to order: Wings, black bean clams, pea shoots
Insider tip: Bring a card backup—credit minimums can apply.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Grant Avenue and Clay Street is limited but metered until 6pm; Portsmouth Square Garage is the closest paid lot (2-minute walk).
Dress code: Casual—hoodies and sneakers fit right in after-hours.
Noise level: Lively late at night; you can talk across the table but expect clatter and Cantonese chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, faster for small groups or late arrivals after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady flow of regulars.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Very limited—sauces often contain oyster or fish base.
Gluten-free options: Minimal accommodations—many dishes use soy sauce; best to ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values great food over ambiance—expect fluorescent lights, fast service, and killer wings, not romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Capital doesn’t take reservations. Just walk in; turnover is quick, especially after 8pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with family-style dining and noise; no high chairs or dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Crispier, spicier salt-and-pepper wings than nearly any other Chinatown late-night spot; dependable flavor consistency.
Skip if: You’re seeking atmosphere, cocktails, or vegetarian-forward options—this is a classic Cantonese fry den focused on meat and seafood.
Capital Restaurant
8.2
Old-school Cantonese spot famed for salt-and-pepper chicken wings—light, shatter-crisp, and jalapeño-tossed. Portions are generous and pricing is friendly, making it a go-to pre-or post-work wings run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, Beef Chow Fun, Garlic Pea Shoots
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: City-famous salt-and-pepper wings at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Wing purists and budget diners
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Salt-pepper wings, beef chow fun, pea shoots
Insider tip: Half-order wings plus greens is the ideal solo combo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Chinatown can be scarce, especially evenings and weekends. Closest paid garages are Portsmouth Square Garage and St. Mary’s Square Garage within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual. Locals come in work attire or street clothes—no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible at smaller tables but expect background bustle from groups and takeout orders.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though tables fill fast after 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable plates can be made vegan, but wings and most specialties are not.
Gluten-free options: Not explicitly marked; some stir-fries can be made without soy sauce on request, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than romance—focus is on food value and lively energy rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s first-come first-served. Solo diners and pairs usually seated quickly; groups may wait during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, children are welcome. Big portions, family-style tables, and no formal setting make it easy with kids.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, generously portioned wings that beat trendier spots on price and flavor authenticity.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, upscale setting—this is a bustling Chinatown gem built for value and group dining.
Capital Restaurant
8.4
Old-school Chinatown spot best known for salt-and-pepper fried chicken wings with shatter-crisp skin and jalapeño aromatics. Efficient service and share-friendly plates make it a go-to for quick comfort and casual group meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, Dry-fried Garlic Jalapeño Wings, House Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: San Francisco’s quintessential salt-and-pepper fried chicken wings.
Who should go: Wing lovers and casual groups
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Salt-and-pepper wings; garlic wings; Chinese broccoli
Insider tip: Ask for extra jalapeño-garlic sprinkle for more punch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is limited; nearest paid garages are Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St) and St. Mary’s Square Garage (433 Kearny St). No valet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are common. No dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate—can chat easily at small tables, but group meals get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes, especially during peak 6–8pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though small lunchtime rush around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like Chinese broccoli, tofu dishes, and stir-fried greens.
Vegan options: Limited—stir-fried vegetables are available but most entrées use sauces with oyster/soy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; fried items and sauces often contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than formal ones—fun for sharing wings, but not a quiet or romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Capital doesn’t typically require reservations, but expect to wait during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids who like fried chicken will enjoy it. High chairs are limited, and the room can be busy, so best for school-age children.
Best For
Better for: Famous for its salt-and-pepper wings—crispy, aromatic, and served hot. Ideal for groups wanting shareable plates.
Skip if: If you want upscale ambiance, vegetarian/vegan variety, or quieter fine dining, look elsewhere.
Capital Restaurant
8.5
Old-school Chinatown stalwart famous for dry-fried salt-and-pepper chicken wings—light, shatter-crisp skin with jalapeño and garlic aromatics. Fast pacing and shareable Cantonese plates make it a reliable stop for a wings-first meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, Garlic Chicken Wings, Chinese Broccoli w/ Oyster Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: San Francisco’s canonical salt-and-pepper wings.
Who should go: Wing lovers and casual groups
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Salt & pepper wings; garlic wings; Chinese broccoli
Insider tip: Ask for extra jalapeño–garlic sprinkle for more punch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is scarce, especially evenings; nearest paid garage is Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St, about 3 minutes’ walk).
Dress code: Casual; jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but expect a bustling, energetic dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 10 minutes, often seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some vegetable sides like Chinese broccoli and tofu dishes are available, but limited overall.
Vegan options: Very limited—stir-fried greens are the safest option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; sauces and batters often contain soy sauce or wheat flour.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts or food-focused outings than romantic first dates—the atmosphere is lively and a bit chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Capital doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early for faster seating or expect a short wait during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle noise and shared plates; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: The city’s most famous salt-and-pepper wings—lighter, crispier, and more aromatic than most competitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or extensive vegetarian/vegan choices—this is a wings-first, Cantonese comfort spot.
Capital Restaurant
8.0
Old-school counter and round-table spot turning out Cantonese comfort staples fast. Spare ribs come sticky and bold, with portions and pricing that make it a reliable Chinatown standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Capital Spare Ribs, Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings (non-rib benchmark), Beef Chow Fun (non-rib benchmark)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sticky Cantonese spare ribs served fast with generous portions.
Who should go: Budget-minded classic Cantonese fans
When to visit: Late morning or early dinner for shortest waits
What to order: Spare Ribs; wings; beef chow fun
Insider tip: Bring cash as backup; turnover is quick and seating rotates fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be found on nearby Grant or Stockton, but spaces turn over quickly; no valet available.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, t-shirts, and everyday wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are possible, but the dining room is lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes depending on group size, faster for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick turnover keeps seats available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several Cantonese vegetable stir-fries, rice, and noodle dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes without oyster sauce can be requested.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—soy sauce and marinades often contain gluten; best to ask staff for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more casual and functional than romantic. Better suited for friends or family meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables are first come, first served. Turnover is quick, so even busy times usually clear within 20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome and families often dine here, but note that seating is tight and there are no high chairs or play areas.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Cantonese spare ribs and classic comfort dishes served in generous portions.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, extensive vegan options, or a quieter, date-night atmosphere.