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Northern China BBQ
$$ · BBQ, Wings

294 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 829-3837
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Wings in SoMa Best BBQ in SoMa

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Northern China BBQ 8.2
SOMA
Vibes: Late Night Legends Group Dining Gatherings Hidden Gems Heaven Comfort Food Classics
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.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday4:30pm - 11:30pm
Wednesday4:30pm - 11:30pm
Thursday4:30pm - 11:30pm
Friday4:30pm - 11:30pm
Saturday11am - 2pm, 4:30pm - 11:30pm
Sunday11am - 2pm, 4:30pm - 11:30pm