In recent years, the traditional Chinese game of mahjong has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity across San Francisco. What was once perceived as a pastime primarily for older generations is now capturing the interest of young people, redefining social gatherings across the city.
Nicole Yu, 28, recently shared her passion for the game as she shuffled a set of green-and-white tiles at a mahjong night hosted by St. Joseph’s Art Society in a beautifully renovated church in SoMa. Having observed her grandparents play the game as a child, Yu only learned the rules herself after being inspired by a pivotal scene in the 2018 film “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Along with her friend Andrea Mendoza, 26, Yu finds joy in the social aspect of mahjong, where strategic thinking and luck intersect in a lively atmosphere. They are joined by Peggy Krueger, several decades their senior, and together they illustrate just how much the game fosters connections among people from different walks of life.
Mendoza, who identifies as an introvert, values the game’s ability to facilitate conversation while also occupying social energy: “I love mahjong because I’m more of an introvert. And I like that it occupies some of the social energy, but you can still chat.”
Since the pandemic, the number of mahjong events in San Francisco surged nearly 150% from 2023 to 2024, according to statistics from Eventbrite. The game has spread to an array of venues across the city—public spaces like Union Square, Civic Center Plaza, and the Ferry Building are now home to lively games, and many bars and restaurants have embraced this cultural phenomenon. Notable venues such as Boichik Bagels, Pier 23 Cafe, and Mr. Mahjong’s now host mahjong nights, while Just for Fun offers tutorials on the game.
As people seek alternative forms of entertainment to typical trivia nights, mahjong provides a refreshing way to meet friends, interact with strangers, and indulge in friendly competition. Establishments often report increased patronage on previously slow nights, making mahjong nights beneficial for crafting a loyal customer base.
Mamahuhu, a fast-casual Chinese restaurant in Inner Richmond, exemplifies this trend. They host weekly events packed with both experienced players and novices, all enjoying $5 egg rolls and beer while engaging in the game. Maggie Timboe, the restaurant’s marketing manager, commented, “Mondays are typically a slow night in restaurants, but we don’t see that at all. We’re super busy because of mahjong.”
Dragon Well, a restaurant in the Marina district, has transformed its space every Tuesday evening into a “Mahjong Lair.” Here, players pay a $20 entrance fee that includes a selection of snacks along with drink specials. Co-owner Christina Tan expressed enthusiasm about observing the community come together: “I love seeing people having fun and utilizing our space in a different way; it becomes a real night out.”
To enhance this community spirit, each week, Tan welcomes instructors to teach newcomers the nuances of gameplay. Andrew Keeler, who teaches at various venues, shares his experience of bridging age gaps through mahjong. He mentions, “I’m 63, playing with all these 30-year-olds. Community-wise, it’s amazing. It’s not awkward for people to come alone because you’re meeting new people all the time.”
Keeler recognizes that the post-pandemic socialization needs and a young generation’s shift from traditional nightlife to more inclusive activities are key drivers behind mahjong’s rising popularity. Despite expecting some cooling off of events in the coming years, he believes the culture built around mahjong will remain resilient.
The game holds special significance for many who share their experiences. Jenn Lui, cofounder of Baba’s House, a community space that hosts mahjong every evening, expressed her delight regarding its newfound public appeal: “I love that it feels like we’re both preserving our culture and introducing it to the wider public.”
Nicole Wong, an Oakland-based author and creator of The Mahjong Project, shared insights into the game’s cultural impact. Wong noted the appeal of mahjong for those seeking to maintain their heritage, capturing the interest of younger generations as they connect to their roots through gameplay. She shared that mahjong can almost feel like “time travel,” evoking memories of the 1800s when the game originated or the mid-1980s when today’s players were children watching older family members engage in the tradition.
Wong highlighted another captivating aspect of mahjong—its ability to foster real-life connections in an era dominated by technology. With players unable to engage their phones during games, it offers a welcomed escape from the digital distractions of modern life.
Another entrepreneurial force in the mahjong revival is Ryan Lee, the 25-year-old founder of Youth Luck Leisure. His events are characterized by upbeat environments featuring specialty cocktails and DJs, all while ensuring the atmosphere remains conducive to gameplay and conversation. He expressed his goal of creating “a really organic way to meet people,” as many young adults of various backgrounds engage in the game.
While initially attracting players of Asian descent, Lee has witnessed increasing participation from diverse backgrounds. He believes that the community’s growing interest in sharing culture contributes significantly to the game’s success, providing social opportunities that resonate across generational divides.
As mahjong nights continue to flourish and diversify, Lee expressed his vision for contributing to the revitalization of San Francisco’s nightlife: “We want to be part of the rebuilding of San Francisco. Our nightlife is not as popping, and I think that people love that this is a change of pace.”
The excitement surrounding mahjong’s resurgence encapsulates a larger movement toward embracing meaningful connections, cultural heritage, and the need for relaxation amid the chaos of contemporary life. As venues across San Francisco spring up to host lively mahjong events, the game transforms social experiences, drawing players of varied ages and backgrounds together in a delightful blend of competition, culture, and camaraderie.
image source from：sfstandard
