Betelnut: A pan-Asian House of Nanking?

[vulber]

Went here on the recommendation of a friend today and was extremely disappointed. Everything was just loaded down with sauce, especially hoisin sauce, and unlike HONK, not even a good value for portions.

At least they don't pretend to be authentic, having no problem hiring people of all ethnicities to work and cook here.

[Melanie Wong]

Any reports on the roast pig special on Tuesday nights or the beggars chicken at Betelnut?

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Betelnut
2030 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

[nicedragonboy]

I've been there specifically for the roast pig, and really, it's just okay for a relatively small portion for the price as compared to a traditional chinese restaurant. Not worth the effort IMO for the the prettily prepared plate. Better to stick to your regular roasted pig haunts and several other dishes on the side for the same price.

[pauliface]

And what is your favorite roasted pig haunt?

[Shane Greenwood]

I've never understood the appeal of the food here. It's okay, but for the price it should be much better. The success of this restaurant seems to be driven by the prime location and the bar. It's a see-and-be-seen scene for the 20-something, professional, marina crowd. Left at Albequerque and some other really average restaurants down there are equally popular despite serving average chow.

Next time head over to A16 for good food.

[vulber]

It was lunchtime yesterday and I wanted A16 (except they're not open for lunch on Tuesday) and my friend really wanted Thai and my non-foodie friend had recommended Betelnut, I should have just gone with Yukol.

I also know that it's owned by the same people as Bix and Buckeye Roadhouse, both of which I have enjoyed, but I guess that means very little.

[pauliface]

Well, I have not been in years because it went downhill a bit.

But!

There was a time in the mid-90's when I loved this place. They were the first ones I knew to do lettuce wraps (they were here before Slanted Door, I believe), one of the early Asian Fusion type places, and they did not super-sauce everything back then.

[Mick Ruthven]

>There was a time in the mid-90's when I loved this place.<

I agree. It was even on my list to take visitors to. Share plates of very good and creative food. The last time i was there was a few years ago (3?) and the menu was much more limited and the quality of what we ordered was way down. I haven't been back.

[myst]

Definitely a touristy destination. Fun for silly cocktail on a warm night. The only thing I like on the food menus is a really spicy dumpling - no hoisin sauce, but lots of fresh chilis. Never tried dinner options.

[OldTimer]

Apparently, the HON sauce is like a giant, sweet amoeba...creeping throughout San Francisco.

[wolfe]

It could be worst, it could be molasses.
http://edp.org/molasses.htm