J&M A-1 Cafe

Chinese Restaurant 4.1 (254)


J&M A-1 Cafe is a charming spot known for its mostly authentic Cantonese cuisine, run by a dedicated one-man operation. Customers appreciate the cozy, no-frills atmosphere and the homey feel, making it a popular choice for those craving comfort food in Chinatown.

Overall:

4.5

(215 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.5


Address: 779 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children

Payment options

  • Debit Cards

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Perfect little hole-in-the-wall cafe in Chinatown! The food is traditional and made with care. The chef is super friendly and clearly loves what he does. I had chicken clay pot and it was absolutely delightful, definitely coming back for more. But it’s cash only and seating is limited. " (*Curated Review*)

" Visited J&M A-1 Cafe and loved the experience! The food came out quickly, and it was comforting. The way the owner handled everything made the experience feel unique. I really enjoyed the shrimp fried rice but, again, it’s cash only, so keep that in mind when visiting. " (*Curated Review*)

" If you’re searching for authenticity, you’ve found it here! While the decor is simple, the food is what matters. The fried rice was full of flavorful ingredients and freshly cooked. The owner is a delight and treats every customer like family. Very affordable too, just be prepared to pay in cash. " (*Curated Review*)

" While the ambiance was cozy and had that local feel, I felt the food was overpriced for the quality. The fried rice was underwhelming; it had a slightly burnt taste which didn’t sit well with me. You really do have to appreciate the effort of the one man running the show here, though he's a bit rushed. If you're looking for a quick meal after a long day of exploring Chinatown, it will do, but don't expect a gourmet experience. " (*Curated Review*)

" Not bad, but not great either. The food here was average—tasted okay but lacked seasoning. The owner is a sweet older man trying his best, which is nice. It’s just a hole-in-the-wall type of place. You get what you pay for, I guess. I can appreciate the effort, but I don't think I'll return anytime soon. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (205)

" This cafe has a very homey vibe! The chef is really talented and handles everything—cooking, serving, and cleaning. I enjoyed the wonton soup, which was flavorful and authentic. It’s a cash-only place, which I didn’t mind at all. Definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for a laid-back dinner spot in Chinatown. " (*Curated Review*)

" This place is unique! I love how one person handles everything from cooking to billing. It adds a personal touch that you don’t find in chain restaurants. The garlic beef was excellent, and I appreciated how quickly the food came—even on a busy night. Just remember to bring cash! " (*Curated Review*)

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