A longtime San Francisco restaurant is preparing to close its doors, ending a three-decade run in one of the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods. The restaurant became a neighborhood favorite for its Chinese food, quirky atmosphere, and reputation for offering an affordable meal in an increasingly expensive city.
Restaurant closing after three decades
Alice’s Restaurant in San Francisco’s Noe Valley will permanently close on August 31, 2026, after 30 years in business. James and Sharon Sung, who founded the restaurant in 1996, are retiring, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Located at 1599 Sanchez St., Alice’s specializes in Hunan and Mandarin Chinese cuisine. Its menu has included dishes such as beef with black bean sauce, basil-and-peppercorn chicken stir-fry, and spicy eggplant.
The restaurant’s name came from Sharon Sung’s favorite niece, Alice. Over the years, it also became known for its eclectic interior, including Sharon’s collection of clown figurines and colorful glass vases.
A reputation for affordable food
Alice’s developed a loyal following not only for its food but also for its affordability. Former San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer highlighted the restaurant in 1997 and again in 2000 as one of the Bay Area’s best affordable restaurants.
That reputation helped Alice’s stand out in San Francisco, where restaurant prices have increased substantially over the years. The restaurant offered familiar Chinese dishes in a casual neighborhood setting while maintaining prices that made it accessible to local diners.
The recognition also came relatively early in the restaurant’s history, helping establish Alice’s as a reliable option for reasonably priced Chinese food in Noe Valley.
Family restaurant legacy continues
Although Alice’s Restaurant is closing, the Sung family’s presence in San Francisco’s restaurant industry will continue. The family also owns Eric’s, another Chinese restaurant located just a few blocks away that has been operating since 1991.
For Alice’s customers, however, August 31 will mark the end of a 30-year neighborhood institution — one remembered not only for its food and distinctive décor, but also for providing an affordable dining option for generations of San Francisco residents.
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