Elaine's Kitchen — Restaurant in San Francisco

TLDR:

They’re currently takeout only. -(to me) not cheap (I don’t mind this def worth price) -HOLYYYY FLAVORRRR (better than any takeout I’ve had in SF -5 year span) generous portions insane quality even the broccoli that accompanied the general tso was seasoned and bonkers tasty 100% would recommend.

I WANT TO CRY. It has been my mission to find my go to American-Chinese takeout establishment - I have been in San Francisco for 5 years with no successes. I grew up going to a Chinese restaurant with my family that won awards and was one of my fondest childhood memories. The place has since changed chefs and no longer tastes as good my my memories did.

FAST FORWARD 15 years to spontaneously craving Chinese on my way home with ELAINES on the way. I’m floored, over the moon. The General Tso was crispyyyy perfectly spicy, seasoned to perfection, broccoli was not just steamed it had seasoningggg &&& was tasty. I’d like a smidge more salt in my noodles (but I’m a salt fiend) they were deep and rich in flavor. The spring rolls are as close to the egg roll flavor of my childhood 💛💛 100% saved and will return many...

This place was pretty awful, but my options were limited and I just needed food after traveling from the east coast on a six hour flight.

I ordered delivery via Uber Eats. My biggest issue, is the to-go container for my sesame chicken had two holes in the lid on opposite corners. I don’t know if this was intentional by the restaurant in attempts to avoid condensation, or if my Uber Eats driver made the holes, either intentionally or dropped it. But, that was really sketchy. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice until after I finished the meal - otherwise, I wouldn’t have eaten it, and I would have complained via Uber Eats. Which I might still do.

Other than that, the chicken was almost all breading. It was extra crispy, and tasted a bit burnt.

The fried rice left a weird taste.

Spring rolls...

Coming from Jackson and going up Broadway, be aware that this is uphill. It was so much easier going back down with food in your hand ready to eat. Thank goodness this restaurant accepts credit cards because most Asian restaurants don't.

Anyway, I ordered the lemon chicken lunch special here with fried rice and soup. This place was not heated, by the way. The door was open and it was January. Very chilly inside. The wait was ridiculously long as well. I waited about 15 minutes for my order.

Back to the food, the lemon chicken was amazing! It wasn't undercooked and it wasn't too crunchy. It was perfect cooking. The fried rice was flavorful as well. Just sprinkle some soy sauce over it tasted great. The soup, however, was all right. I didn't expect much but...