Cafe 3:15 - Chinese BBQ, San Bruno

1212 El Camino Real, San Bruno CA 94066

(650) 636-4380

Parking: shopping center lot

Last Visited: December 4, 2020

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: N/A - Takeout only, catering available

Service: 3 to 4 stars

Price: $$ 

This is my first post since sheltering in place, so it seems fitting to write about a restaurant that opened during COVID-19.  A friend mentioned that this place recently opened and to come check it out.

Cafe 3:15 doesn't have a sign with its name out front, but from the Chinese roast duck hanging in window, there is no mistaking what this bbq shop is selling.  Located in the former Dickey's BBQ spot, this place has now switched over to Hong Kong style BBQ. 

The ordering area is pretty small and can barely fit two people maximum, but plexiglass surrounds everything and the staff is masked.  One person takes the orders and bags up the food while the chef is chopping the meat, so I felt it was COVID safe.  

- Marinated Duck - I tried the leg, and it's so incredibly full of flavor, but not overly cooked.  Their duck is meaty and the skin is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.  The leg offering is written on a paper sign in Chinese and not on the regular menu. $2.50 Leg only,  $11.80/half duck, $21.80 whole duck 

 

- Roast Duck (as part of BBQ combo over rice) - I tried a piece of duck after bringing it home, but even hours after, the duck skin remained lightly crispy.  It's impressive how good the duck is without being too fatty.  I don't think I've had duck skin that good outside of a restaurant.  Highly recommend getting this.  $11.80/half duck, $21.80 whole duck

- Soy Sauce Chicken (as part of BBQ combo over rice) - Since we ordered two meats over rice and paired with the roast duck, the duck was dark meat and this was white meat.  If you know about Chinese bbq shops, if you request all dark meat, they will usually charge you more, or by default, give you one meat that is dark meat and the other is white meat.  Even though it was white meat, the soy sauce chicken was still pretty juicy.  The skin had absorbed the flavor of the soy sauce well and tasted very fresh.  Rice plates also come with vegetables - in this case, broccoli and half of a cooked salted egg which was a nice surprise. The rice itself wasn't as hot as if you just took it out of the steamer, so I would forego that next time.  Still nice that there is broccoli though.  $11.80/half chicken, $21.80 whole chicken

- Roast Pork - No matter what you do with an air fryer, you can't get the skin as good as this.  The pork had just the right amount of fat to meat ratio and the skin was on par with getting a suckling pig.  It's rare that the quality of skin is that high where it just melts in your mouth, but retains that crunch.  The color is also so beautifully golden.  Highly recommend this one too. $11.80 per pound

The line will likely be out the door in no time, even if it wasn't for the six feet requirements between parties during COVID.  Definitely check out the roasted duck and pork.  I hope to try the Peking Duck offering some time soon.