New Hollywood

Introduction / Overview

For Californians seeking an authentic taste of classic Chinese baked goods and cuisine, New Hollywood stands as a treasured, multi-generational institution in San Francisco. Located near the vibrant border of Chinatown and North Beach, this establishment is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s an old-school Chinese restaurant and bakery rolled into one, offering a delightful blend of savory dishes and highly celebrated pastries. It has become a local favorite, known for its no-frills setting and a commitment to tradition that shines through in every bite.

New Hollywood’s reputation is particularly strong among local users for its exceptional baked goods. Patrons consistently rave about items that arrive fresh and warm, right out of the oven, delivering a level of quality that sets them apart from similar bakeries in the neighborhood. Beyond the sweet treats, the venue serves as a bustling eatery, often packed with locals, providing an extensive menu of Chinese dishes for those looking for a full meal, such as crispy tomato beef noodles or savory wonton soup.

In a city like San Francisco, where culinary trends constantly shift, New Hollywood offers a welcome connection to history and tradition. It successfully balances the fast-paced nature of a bakery counter, perfect for a quick visit, with the option for a relaxed dine-in experience. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the fact that friendly service and delicious, reasonably priced, authentic food will always draw a loyal California crowd. Whether you are craving the comfort of a warm BBQ bun for breakfast or a slice of an expertly crafted layered cake, New Hollywood promises a satisfying and genuine experience.

Location and Accessibility

The New Hollywood bakery and restaurant is strategically positioned at 652 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA. This address places it in a high-traffic, culturally rich area, making it easily accessible for anyone in the North Beach, Chinatown, or surrounding Financial District neighborhoods. Its location is a key part of its appeal, as it sits at the nexus of distinct San Francisco communities.

Accessibility is generally good for visitors in the city. For those utilizing public transit, the location is central to various bus routes and is a manageable distance from key Muni Metro lines. While exploring San Francisco is often recommended on foot, the establishment has been noted to offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring inclusivity for all members of the California community.

For visitors driving into the neighborhood, street parking can be challenging, as is common in busy areas of San Francisco. It is advisable to plan for potential difficulties in finding parking spots, but the central location makes it a simple destination to reach via ride-share or public transportation. Given its dual role as a quick-stop bakery and a full-service restaurant, New Hollywood is perfectly placed for a swift takeout order or a sit-down meal.

Services Offered

New Hollywood functions as a versatile food service provider, catering to diverse needs throughout the day, operating both as a traditional Chinese bakery and a classic sit-down restaurant.

• Full Bakery Service: Offering a wide array of authentic Chinese baked goods, including sweet and savory buns, cookies, and layered cakes, available fresh daily.
• Restaurant Dining: Provides a menu of traditional Chinese cuisine, with popular lunch and dinner options such as noodles and other specialty dishes.
• Takeout Options: Customers can quickly grab baked goods, buns, and full restaurant meals to go, perfect for a quick visit or a packed meal.
• Dine-in Service: Offers a casual, old-school atmosphere for patrons who wish to sit down and enjoy a meal or coffee in the restaurant.
• Breakfast Service: Catering to the morning crowd with fresh buns, pastries, and coffee, ideal for starting the day with a warm, comforting treat.
• Beverage Service: Coffee is available to complement the pastries and baked goods.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts credit cards for convenience, although customers should be prepared for what has historically been a very affordable pricing structure.

Features / Highlights

New Hollywood is celebrated by California locals for a combination of its traditional charm, quality of products, and cultural authenticity. These features ensure its ongoing status as a beloved neighborhood fixture.

• Authentic Chinese Baked Goods: The bakery is renowned for its commitment to classic Chinese pastries, which are praised for their authentic flavors and are often described as superior to those found in competing bakeries.
• Exceptional Cookies and Cakes: Highly acclaimed for having some of the best almond and walnut cookies in San Francisco. The walnut cream layered cake is particularly recommended by patrons over similar offerings elsewhere, noted for its rich flavor and texture.
• Fresh, Warm Buns: A major highlight is the frequent availability of buns—such as the Pineapple Bun and BBQ Pork Bun—served warm, often straight out of the oven, providing an unparalleled experience.
• Dual Identity: Functioning successfully as both a bakery and a restaurant, it provides flexibility for patrons—a fast and easy bakery pickup or a sit-down dining experience with a full Chinese menu.
• “Old School” Charm: The restaurant offers a nostalgic, classic ambiance that reflects its multi-generational history, providing a sense of cultural heritage often appreciated by local long-time residents.
• Friendly Staff: Despite being a bustling operation, staff are noted for their friendly and polite service, enhancing the overall welcoming atmosphere.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place a takeout order for New Hollywood, please use the following contact details:

Address: 652 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

Phone: (415) 397-9919

Mobile Phone: +1 415-397-9919

What is Worth Choosing

A visit to New Hollywood should always include a selection from their stellar lineup of baked goods, many of which are customer-favorites due to their warm presentation and superior flavor profile.

The Almond and Walnut Cookies are the undisputed stars of the show, repeatedly hailed by customers as the best in San Francisco. Their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch makes them an essential purchase for any first-time visitor. For cake enthusiasts, the Walnut Cream Layered Cake comes with a strong recommendation from locals, specifically noted as being superior to similar cakes in the neighborhood.

For a satisfying start to the day or a comforting snack, the Pineapple Buns and BBQ Pork Buns are must-tries. Customers consistently highlight that these are served fresh and warm, a key quality that makes them so delightful. The BBQ Bun (Cha Siu Bao) is a classic savory choice, while the Pineapple Bun, with its sweet, crumbly topping, is a satisfying fusion of texture and flavor.

Don't overlook the other specialties that showcase the bakery's skill: the Cream Horns with Cherry, known for their creamy filling and delicate pastry, and the rich Egg Tarts with their cookie crust, which offer a delightful indulgence. For a savory alternative, the Onion Rolls are another popular pick. Finally, the Pound Cake, described as moist and topped with walnuts, is a surprisingly hearty and comforting choice that reminds one of classic homestyle baking.

In short, New Hollywood is worth choosing for its authenticity, its highly praised cookies and cakes, and the pure comfort of enjoying a warm, freshly baked Chinese bun right in the heart of San Francisco. It provides a reliable and delicious culinary experience rooted in the city's rich cultural history.

New Hollywood

652 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA