A Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood has closed abruptly after a 20-year run.
Xiao Loong Restaurant at 250 West Portal Ave. appears to have wound down operations fairly recently, as Yelp lists it as “temporarily closed.” In a statement posted to the restaurant’s website, owner Jeff Louie thanked his neighbors, friends and customers.
“When I started out my business two decades ago, I never would have guessed that this journey would have far exceeded my expectations,” Louie wrote. “From day one, this neighborhood provided me and my family with the warmest of welcomes, where I have met so many wonderful customers (some of who have since become dear friends!).”
Fans approvingly cited Xiao Loong’s potstickers and clay pot curry chicken. Although the restaurant’s 3.5-star rating might appear average, a popular theory holds that that’s the sweet spot for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Restaurateurs and other business owners who have recently closed up shop have often cited issues surrounding crime and public safety, but Louie made no mention of his reason for Xiao Loong’s closure. The Standard has reached out for details but did not hear back by publication time.
Although West Portal’s commercial corridor is anchored by a major transit station, it’s primarily a residential neighborhood with many quiet streets and an “urban village” vibe. A small, mid-block eatery decorated with pottery and statuary, Xiao Loong was one of several Chinese restaurants in the neighborhood, including Tsing’s and Lazy Susan.