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Yo Yo's
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
318 Pacific Ave(between Battery St & Sansome St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighbourhood: Financial District
(415) 296-8273
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
295 reviews for Yo Yo's
Review Highlights
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"The seaweed salad was amazingly cheap and soo good." In 57 reviews -
"the udon and soba are so delicious." In 24 reviews -
"Nice couple that runs the place." In 7 reviews
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295 reviews in English
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Review from Anna S.
Hayward, CA
4/14/2012
This place was a life saver when I had my internship in San Francisco last Winter!
As you might imagine, living in a student budget is super hard, and San Francisco is one of those places that you can be grateful that no one gave you a ticket for breathing too much!
Yo Yo's is literally a whole in the whole, it is just a kitchen, no seating areas, in which you go in, order, and leave. They have a small menu, which makes them fast and great at what they do.
I woould always order my favorite, soba noodles with eveything in it. The food was always warm, tasty, and cheap! I think it's healthy too, I mean, it's buckwheat noodles, fish ball, seaweed, and spices! :]
For the price you're paying, less than $5 IN SAN FRANCISCO (yes, in San Francisco!), this place kicks ass by delivering food that fills you up and keeps you warm and cozy in a cold winter day at work.
This is like fast food, but it all around beats Mc'Donalds.
Keep it up Yo Yo's!
You'll always have people going back to you... like a yo yo...
omg... i'm such a cornball!!! HAHAHA -
Review from Aiza B.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place. Good food. Cheap. Friendly owners!
I always get the half-order of udon ($2.50) or half-order of hot soba noodles ($3.00). It's the perfect portion for lunch. I always get it with everything: seaweed, tofu, and tempura flakes. I also add on chili powder before he closes the lid. It is definitely worth it and very affordable, especially in the Financial District.
It gets really busy during peak lunch hours, around noon and they close at 3pm. -
Review from Nina Y.
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
On one of the day working at a client's office, my coworker and I walked here from their office. Ordered a half udon and some CA rolls - about $6. Really good deal for FiDi.
The owners were hilarious. It was the day of the big Mega Million Drawings and seemed to be making fun of some regulars. It's great! I love that.
Definitely will drop by and try it again, when I have more time for work. -
Review from Jasper D.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
excellent cheap lunch in the fidi. Mom & Pop shop - very well run.
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Review from Julie W.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2012
The BEST cheap udon lunch in town!
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Review from Victor R.
Emeryville, CA
5/4/2012
This place is affordable, delicious and friendly - what a great way to start the day :) I'm a big fan of a half-order of soup.
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Review from Christine V.
San Jose, CA
3/2/2012
I work only a few streets down from this wonderful little hole-in-the-wall place, and I come here whenever I want some super cheap and super satisfying Japanese grub. They've got udon, soba, seaweed salad, sushi, chicken teriyaki, gyoza and more, and it's ALL tasty. It's not a 5 star restaurant, but it's not pretending to be.
My personal faves are the full-size udon (a little under $5!) and the half-order of chicken teryaki, which comes in a large to-go container with rice, a little bit of salad and orange slices (a little under $4). Hard to beat in the Financial District, where stupidly expensive food prices are the norm.
On cold, blustery, miserable SF days, expect a line going out the door and around the corner -- they're THAT popular! But don't let that line worry you -- the 2 people working behind the counter are so efficient at taking orders and getting them out to you.
The only con I can think of about this place is that it's cash only, but it's a small price to pay for...well, small prices! And if you work in the area but haven't gone to Yo Yo's, why haven't you gone yet?? -
Review from Christina W.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012
Started a new job in this neighborhood 3 weeks ago and have been trying new places. I happen to walk by this place while I was running an errand and made a mental note to check it out. Glad I did because it's definitely a new go-to place for me.
I had the full size udon with all the fixens and sushi rolls. Really good and check, hit the spot. Will definitely try the half order of cihcken + half order of udon next time. -
Review from B. Y.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
Had the udon with all the toppings (tofu, seaweed, tempura bits) for $5. Tasty. Not the best I've had, but definitely the cheapest. Very friendly service.
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Review from Ayaka S.
2/23/2012 8 Check-ins Here
Found my new favorite lunch place in SF!! The food is delicious and super affordable.
They serve sushi, udon, soba, and various side dishes like edamame, seaweed salad, and gyoza. You can get a full size or half size of the noodles which is great because I love to mix and match. I've been getting the half order of udon with everything (the toppings include fried tofu, tempura batter, and seaweed) and a 6 piece sushi. There are a few kinds of sushi such as California rolls, unagi and cucumber roll, smoked salmon roll, avocado roll, and takuan roll (pickled daikon). I really like the California roll and smoked salmon roll. The half order of noodles and the 6 piece of sushi is very filling for me, and I can get all that food for less than $6!!
The couple who owns this place works so quickly. The husband takes the orders and the wife packs the noodles. This place is definitely the definition of mom and pop shop.
Although it is a bit of a walk from my office in the financial district, the walk is totally worth it!! -
Review from Jasmin F.
2/21/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Super quick and friendly service, consistent meals, and CHEAP as heck!
It honestly doesn't get any better than this for locals looking for a quick and cheap work lunch to take back to the office (yes, I said back to the office because there is absolutely NO seating here. That is unless you care to sit by yourself in the corner).
What to order:
-Their teriyaki chicken over brown rice is pretty tasty! Their half order portions are very filling so you can honestly feed yourself (and maybe even a tiny friend) for under $4.50!
-Their udon noodles taste a little generic and aren't filled with the most substantial items, but hell, you are getting it for less than 5 bucks. What the heck are you complaining about? Eat it!
-Any of their pre packaged sushi. It's not Morimotto's by any means, but it'll do :)
Yay! I am a fan. I promise you'll be one too. Give this place a visit! -
Review from Margaret R.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/17/2012
I've actually come to love this place. The udon is very delicious and cheap. The sushi is okay, but it's nice to have with the udon.
The couple who owns the shop is cute and friendly. The wife and husband are always so welcoming. They are also super efficient at moving the line.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/12/2010
The food is okay, but it's incredibly cheap. I got a small bowl of chicken teriyaki for $3.50. The… Read more »
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Review from Tea P.
Alameda, CA
2/20/2012
This is one of my favorite stops for a cheap, good lunch in the Financial District. Sure, it's got no seating, but service is friendly and fast and the udon is really good. I usually order Udon with all the fixins, and perhaps some seaweed salad.
Most of the other items are solid, but not as impressive. Still, for less than five dollars and a one minute turnaround once you work your way through any line, it's hard to argue against for a lunchtime craving. I've dragged co-workers here more than once. -
Review from Mariela D.
San Francisco, CA
Have you ever tried to find inexpensive, decent Japanese food in FiDi? Why is it so difficult? Why am I starting this review with so many questions?!
I'm surprised. I've been consistently underwhelmed. So I'm glad I found the hole-in-the-wall take out spot that is YoYo's. It's a bit of a walk from most FiDi office buildings, but it's such a nice area you won't mind it.
It's a small palce but they've got lots of options:
- Soba, udon, prepackaged sushi, and teriyaki combos (a full order is $6.50, half order is $3.75)
- Take your food and eat on on the bench outside or go to the nearby park
- Cash only -
Review from Kevin T.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2012
Anytime that you can find lunch for under 10 dollars in SF, is an automatic 1 star. And when the food is above average? Another star.
They're a mom and pop shop, with the mom working the noodles and the pop running the cashier. Their Udon noodle ($5 bucks) is very hearty and a great change to the sandwiches around the areas. You can get fresh tofu, or soba noodles for alternatives.
Chicen teriyaki is ok...I would go for the udon.
Only one table in the store, expect to take it to go. There can be a line during rush hour (12:15-1pm). And I believe it is cash only. -
Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
What defines a hole in the wall? This place does.
Cheap. Fast. Mom and Pop.
It's not by any means gourmet. But this place is serious. About 7 options on the menu. Cash Only. In and out for under $6.
- Chicken Teriyaki: Half order is a good size with a salad and an orange sliver. It's basic generic teriyaki sauce over a baked chicken breast.
- Udon: Nice and warm, with a littl ebit a tempura and tofu kicked in.
- Sushi rolls: Cafeteria quality sushi, but it hits the spot for a quick fix.
This place has become a staple, because it's quick and easy. The married couple serving it up, with the wifey hustling in the back preparing the orders and the hubby taking in the cash. It's a great thing.
But tip: Go early, because line can get long. If you are in the line, line along the west part of the sidewalk, and move to the side. Don't block the sidewalkListed in: Lunching it in the Big Fidi
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Review from Maximillian M.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2012
One of the few cheap eats in downtown for lunch! $5 gets you udon soup with all the fixins. Too bad it's not closer to work.
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Review from Mauro M.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
Can you find delicious food for a very good price, prepared in a clean facility by a very friendly staff? Can all these good attributes be found in the same place of business, in San Francisco?
Yes, they can.
Yoyos is simply the best hole-in-the-wall food place in the city.
Japanese-style food to go, always delivered fast and with a warm smile from either one of the owners-operators of this welcoming joint.
It makes me so happy to see good people succeed, and to know that some of the best things in life do not have to cost an arm and a leg.
Someone should make a business case out of Yoyos to teach new business owners how to deliver excellent goods and services at incredibly competitive prices. -
Review from Analisa S.
Berkeley, CA
12/9/2011
Go ahead and treat yourself to a full order of udon, its only $4.50. I made the mistake of grabbing the half order for $2.50, thinking I was getting a steal of a deal on lunch. But my appetite begged to differ with me.
I got the udon with everything and sprinkled some chili powder on it. My friend and I went to the park to sit and eat, a nice, crisp lunch in the city. The udon was really good and I really liked the little tempura and tofu they added in. Its fresh and not too salty, but still flavorful.
Safe to say I am definitely going back and definitely going to get a full order for their udon soup. $4.50 is an amazingly small amount to spend on lunch when you're in the financial. -
Review from Cat C.
I wanted a super cheap not so filling lunch & didn't have too much time on my lunch break. I decided on trekking to Yo Yo's after reading the reviews.
Upon arrival I saw a line out the door but it moves very quickly as the sweet Asian couple running it takes your order boxes up your food & takes your money. I decided on the half order chicken teriyaki for ($3. 75). It comes with salad, a slice of orange & plenty of rice underneath half a chicken breast.
It tasted alright, definitely get what you pay for! The chicken isn't grilled but had enough teriyaki sauce and was moist. The salad was mainly lettuce & needed a little more dressing.
I'd come back though for the cheap prices, next time I'll try the udon. Remember everyone...*CASH ONLY!*Listed in: Cheap A$$-ness!
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Review from Krystal C.
San Francisco Bay Area
2/26/2012 6 Check-ins Here
This is my go-to Ma and Pa spot for good, cheap Soba or Udon. Literally one of the only places in the Fidi where you can cop a full lunch for under $6! I generally go for the Soba and Veggi pot stickers. The sushi rolls are pretty standard, not too fancy. The couple that runs the place are quick, efficient and nice. The line is generally wrapped outside during peak lunch time, but don't let that deter you, it moves fast.
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Review from charles h.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2011
Short, simple list of lunchtime items, all freshly made, served by the nicest people. When I worked downtown, I got lunch at Yo Yo's probably two days a week. Just went back, and they had added a few new items, but everything was perfect as usual.
Normally, one reserves 5 stars for something really out of the ordinary. The food here is not innovative or unusual, and it's not a sit-down place, but for what it is, it is as good as it gets, which is the definition of 5 stars on Yelp! -
Review from Eugene A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/28/2011
Really. I really, really, really love these folks. Half udon with everything, salmon maki, daifuki mochi (red!) and a bag of nori maki arare for later.
Mr. and Mrs. YoYo are beyond nice, the food is cheap and good, and it's fast fast fast.
I have been going here 2-3 times a week lately :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2011
As far as takeout noodles and food goes, this place is amazing.
Delicious udon and soba, amazing… Read more »
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Review from Becky U.
7/7/2011 1 photo
The 2 owners that run the lil shop are great! Always with a smile and very prompt with orders. The guy is taking the orders up front and the lady is already prepping the order right behind him. Talk about ON TOP OF IT! ahahaha
I come here on cold days for their udon soup. TASTY! There are 2 sizes available small and regular. I get the small only because it's enough to get me warmed up and not too full. I would definitely recommend this spot to those who crave basic Japanese cuisine (California roll, tuna roll, salmon roll, seaweed salad, chicken teriyaki, etc..). Quick stop to fulfill that craving. Note: They are well known for one of the best independently owned businesses (Bay Area Finds). So stop by and you will not be disappointed. -
Review from claudia e.
San Leandro, CA
2/23/2012
Quick, cheap, close to work and the portions are just right!
their Udon soup is delicious....
I love this couple, they are very nice I've been going to them for the past 14 years.
$2.50 for half portions and $4.50-5.00 for a full order of their UDON or Soba soup.
Now, that's a good deal... -
Review from Maya S.
7/30/2011
I didn't read the Yelp details of Yo Yo's as a restaurant and only realized when I got there that it was a take-out place. With that said, Yo Yo's is a place to just grab and go with your lunch which is convenient for those on a time crunch. The couple running the place do what they can to get you in and out of there with your food. It is cash only and no additional tax is added to the prices that are advertised on their menu.
So for $6, I got a whole order of chicken teriyaki which came with chicken, rice, salad and a couple of slices of oranges. I was actually quite disappointed with my food as it just wasn't good quality. The meat tasted boiled and was topped with some random teriyaki sauce. The order came with way too much rice and the salad was nothing but torn iceberg lettuce with a sweet miso dressing. I would have rather paid an extra dollar to get a better chicken teriyaki meal at Tokyo Express.
I like that they do half orders here with the teriyaki plate and their noodles since the whole order of chicken teriyaki is such a huge portion. Yelpers seem to rave about the udon and packaged sushi which maybe, when I get the chance to try these items, would boost my feelings about this place. However, I really wouldn't go out of my way to stop by Yo Yo's. -
Review from Will T.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
This place is good because its cheap, convenient and edible. I don't think a place deserves more than three stars unless you can say something great about the food itself. I'd go back on days when i just want to "get lunch over with."
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Review from Krystle I.
Daly City, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
this place has charm and really great udon soup. for those qualities alone, they get 5 stars. the sweet couple who run the place are so efficient - they'll take your order and get you out the door within 2 minutes.
i work in the area, so i love coming here for lunch especially on cold days. the udon soup is only $5 and it's such a generous portion. warms my soul!
i love yo yo's!!
p.s. cash only yo...yo's -
Review from Julie L.
7/18/2011
I LOVE this place. It's near work and it's super cheap. I would rather buy lunch from here every day than bring my own lunch since it's SO CHEAP.
Lunch today for example was less than $6.00. That includes a half order of chicken teriyaki with brown rice and two pieces of sushi. They have a variey of sushi available for vegetarians as well. They have prepackaged gyoza and edamame. They also sell udon and soba, full and half orders. Cash only. It's a small mom/pop joint, so it's really awesome to support their small business!
This is a great place to go if you want to just grab and go at lunch time. -
Review from Liza T.
San Francisco, CA
Cheap , easy and fast!
I got the two 6-piece rolls (CA rolls and Smoked Salmon) and it was only $5. It tasted good but the rice was too much vinegar.
For this amount you paid, I would not expect too much from it. -
Review from Jenny P.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
The value's tough to beat--for five bucks you get a big steaming "tub" of udon noodles with a few fixings. They also have cold soba (buckwheat noodles), the perfect food for a hot summer lunch.
Other things they have on the menu: chicken teriyaki (totally skippable); a selection of small bites like seaweed salad, california rolls, smoked salmon rolls, gyoza, and a few sweets like mochi and stuff.
I love the old couple that runs this place. They're friendly and sweet, and super efficient. They'll have you out the door in less than 5 minutes flat! -
Review from Heather B.
Oakland, CA
6/24/2011
This little place is perfect for lunch when you work in the area! They have a variety of perfectly portioned and delicious sushi, udon, and chicken teriyaki meals - that will never cost more than $10. I always feel like I'm getting a lot of items then the owner rings me up and it's so cheap!
One tip: CASH ONLY! -
Review from Derek L.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cheap. Fast. Good. Perfect for a quick working lunch. I enjoy the warm soba noodles. Get there early if you want to be order from the entire menu. The udon and select sushi rolls sell out.
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Review from Joy B.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/20/2012
Stopped by on a rainy day craving some udon. I didn't want to pay the overpriced placed all over FIDI....and was surprised to find this place. Pricing is very reasonable (huge container of udon to go for only $5!), portions are great and the food tastes pretty damn good! Also, the couple who run the place are incredibly nice and efficient. Would definitely go again.
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Review from Jason C.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
Decent place for a quick and cheap lunch. Half order of the chicken teriyaki. Comes with choice of white or brown rice, small salad and a slice of orange. Simple really.. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.
Plenty of other things too such as cali rolls, udon, etc. Will return when craving rice for lunch -
Review from Jean Y.
6/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This place is extremely popular among my coworkers.
The noodles here really aren't anything special. Think of the udon you get at a Japanese buffet. Or imagine if you bought packaged noodles, tofu, fish cake, seaweed, and powdered broth at an Asian supermarket and tossed everything into boilng water.
However, Yo Yo's is extremely quick and inexpensive. You can spend $5-6 on a meal and walk out in 5 minutes. Cash only. The owners are very nice. -
Review from Caitlin T.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
Cheap. Fast. Good. For a to-go lunch spot that offers healthy Japanse options, it doesn't get much better than this. I even questioned writing a review so as not to let more people in on the awesomeness of this hole-in-the-wall spot, but the couple that runs the place is just so friendly and cute, I have to give credit!
I've had the udon soup and the sushi so far. Nothing will blow your socks off but it's quality and tasty. A half udon with everything and california roll (they don't use mayo!) cost me $5.45. I really appreciate that you can do half or full orders because the half is enough food for me. Next time, I'm going for the chicken teriyaki (brown rice available!) and seaweed salad. Or maybe the pot stickers and soba noodles ... many options for a small shop.
Cash only. Sometimes the line is long but this couple is efficent so it goes fast. Just have your cash out and know what you want to order by the time you get to the counter or you'll annoy the regulars! -
Review from s m.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2011 1 photo
Usually when I want a hot lunch I run to Walgreens and buy cup-o-noodles. Bad, I know.
But today I was feeling adventurous and wanted to eat a real meal, a hot one for the rainy weather. I walked 5 blocks in the rain to Yo Yo's, and was so pleasantly surprised with my 1/2 order hot soba and 6 piece sushi.
http://media4.px.yelpc...
How cute is it that a 1/2 order comes with several sweet tofu skins (think inari sushi http://bit.ly/ij4J5F), fishcake, and tons of the dehydrated rice puffs (Korean package noodles always have these ^_^)? The 1/2 order is very decent size, and combined with the sushi I feel so satisfied, and healthy!Listed in: FiDi cheap lunch
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Review from Chloé N.
Mountain View, CA
5/12/2011
Yo Yo's used to be one of my favorite spot for lunch when I was working in financial district in SF--it is a little far to walk for lunch break, but a nice day, good walk, and cheap but delicious food, definitely worth it! Why not?
It is a take-out only place, run by a very cute couple, a tiny little store, usually have a line, but they are very efficient, the wait is always shorter than the line looks.
Their chilli sauce is definitely the BEST! and it is surely one of the key reasons that I become so addicted to their food.
While writing this review, I really miss it! Next time if I go back to that area, I will definitely go there--get the noodles with lots of chilli pepper, then eat at the park nearby...one of my best memories of the old days...Listed in: Restaurant
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Review from R F.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2011
I usually reserve terms like awesome, cheap, and friendly for my brothel reviews, but...
And I still don't know if the husband is also Japanese, but that only adds to the mystique.
