Mission Chinese – Why Wait?

I was craving Chinese food, specifically Mission Chinese, on Sunday. To our benefit, we’ve gone to the restaurant during off-peak hours. The first time was early afternoon, way past lunch hour. This time, it was barely past 5pm. Getting seated wasn’t a problem. But when we left around 6pm, there was a small rock concert of customers waiting for their name to be called.

Really? How little do these people value their time? We see this everywhere. The long line outside Red Door Cafe, Blue Bottle, Swan Oyster Depot. Really?

While Mission Chinese is arguably the most publicized gastro-hot spot right now, it’s not worth a wait. No restaurant is worth a wait. GAWD.

There are options.

Here’s my current eater heat map. No lines, no wait. Just good food when you want it.

Aziza

Bistro Aix

Buckeye Roadhouse

Foreign Cinema

La Mar

Mission Beach Cafe

Presidio Social Club

Ryoko’s

You can also do take-out from Mission Chinese, but I’ve heard it’s not so good.