0 Followers
Excelsior Chinese Food
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Excelsior Chinese Food
8.3
Community-built café known for dialed-in espresso, house chai, and photogenic toasts in a compact, design-conscious room. A neighborhood staple that spotlights local makers and keeps the vibe upbeat and welcoming.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Chai Latte, Avocado Toast, Ham & Cheese Croissant
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Small-but-mighty coffee program with photogenic plates.
Who should go: Design-minded coffee fans
When to visit: Mornings before 10:30am for quicker seating
What to order: House Chai, Avocado Toast, Almond Croissant
Insider tip: Grab the window bar seats for the best light and photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street or Excelsior Avenue is generally available but can fill up after 9am on weekends; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and camera-ready — think clean streetwear or cozy brunch attire that fits the café’s minimalist aesthetic.
Noise level: Moderate — lively espresso machine hum and soft music, but still comfortable for conversation or solo laptop time.
Weekend wait: N/A — closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait on weekdays; weekends can see 10–20 minutes for prime brunch window seats.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several toasts, pastries, and grain bowls are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Partial — oat milk drinks and avocado or nut-butter toasts available, but limited hot vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some baked goods can be swapped for GF bread on request, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — great for a relaxed, daylight first meet with good natural light, small tables, and easy conversational energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-in only; just arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid the short queue for the window bar or communal table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for stroller-aged or calm kids; space is tight but staff are accommodating and there’s a park a block away for post-brunch breaks.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward café atmosphere and presentation — ideal for solo creatives, coffee dates, and social posts.
Skip if: You want a full plated breakfast or table service — this spot leans light, counter-order, and minimalist.
Excelsior Chinese Food
7.6
Old-school takeout shop turning out classic American-Chinese comforts. Crisp fry work and big portions keep it in rotation for neighborhood dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange chicken, Salt-and-pepper pork chops, House fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, crispy classics with generous, budget-friendly plates.
Who should go: Neighborhood takeout loyalists
When to visit: Early evening for shortest pickup waits
What to order: Orange chicken, pork chops, house fried rice
Insider tip: Ask for sauce on the side to keep crunch on fried items.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Mission Street; easier spots on nearby side streets before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most guests pick up in everyday attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly quiet with light kitchen sounds, easy to chat while waiting.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for takeout orders during dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; orders ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable stir-fries and tofu entrées available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be made vegan if requested without oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep area; rice-based options available for mild sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's a casual takeout counter with minimal dine-in space, better for an easy meal at home.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk in freely, though seating is limited to a few tables; most orders are takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, mild flavors, and quick service make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, familiar takeout favorites done reliably and at budget-friendly prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern regional Chinese cuisine or dine-in ambiance.