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Hang Ah Tea Room
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Hang Ah Tea Room
7.8
America’s oldest dim sum parlor (since 1920) tucked off Sacramento Street, serving late-evening baskets and rice rolls in a cozy alcove. Reliability and nostalgia lead—perfect for a low-key night bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Shrimp rice noodle roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Historic alleyway dim sum house with late service hours.
Who should go: Dim sum fans seeking a relaxed night bite
When to visit: Thu–Sat after 8pm for quieter tables
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, shrimp cheung fun
Insider tip: Look for the alley entrance—follow signs off Sacramento.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 6pm near Sacramento and Stockton; best to use the Sutter-Stockton Garage three blocks away.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and sneakers are fine, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly except for short peaks when large tables fill the back room.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait up to 45 minutes without reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetarian dim sum such as vegetable dumplings, turnip cake, and eggplant dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most items use egg or shrimp, but a few steamed veggie options exist.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—most dumplings use wheat wrappers; rice noodle rolls are the safer choice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you value charm over flash—the cozy, tucked-away setting feels intimate but informal. Ideal for relaxed conversation and shared dim sum baskets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are welcome, but expect short waits on weekend evenings or holidays. Smaller parties are seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often dine here. The staff is accommodating, and the familiar dumpling dishes tend to please younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Historic atmosphere and late-night dim sum—perfect for visitors seeking authenticity in Chinatown.
Skip if: You’re after ultra-modern presentation or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus; newer dim sum houses downtown fit that bill better.
Hang Ah Tea Room
7.7
Tucked in an alley off Sacramento Street, this legacy dim sum house (est. 1920) serves a broad menu in a cozy, memorabilia-lined room. Expect classic preparations and a relaxed pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & chive dumplings, Sesame balls, Chicken feet
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Historic alleyway dim sum house dating back to 1920.
Who should go: Families and dim sum traditionalists
When to visit: Early lunch on weekends; weekday dinners are calmer
What to order: Shrimp-chive dumplings, sesame balls, chicken feet
Insider tip: Look for the alley sign off Sacramento—parking is scarce nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is extremely limited; closest paid garages are Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St) and St. Mary’s Square Garage (433 Kearny St). No valet service.
Dress code: Casual—comfortable attire is fine; tourists and families often come straight from sightseeing.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are possible at most tables, though weekends can get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes; smaller groups may be seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins usually accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dumplings, noodles, and vegetable stir-fries are available.
Vegan options: Limited—steamed vegetable dumplings and some stir-fried greens are safe options, but cross-contact likely.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—most dumplings and noodles use wheat; safer picks are plain rice plates and stir-fried vegetables.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, history-loving couple than a romantic fine-dining night—cozy and nostalgic but not upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are not common. Walk-ins are the norm, though peak weekend hours can mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome. High chairs are available, and the broad dim sum menu suits kids willing to try dumplings and noodles.
Best For
Better for: Great for dim sum lovers who want a historic, low-key Chinatown experience in an intimate setting.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking polished service, modern presentation, or a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Hang Ah Tea Room
8.1
Historic alleyway tea house serving a broad dim sum lineup in a cozy, throwback room. The draw is nostalgic Cantonese standards—think sesame balls, bao, and dumplings—paired with friendly service and approachable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sesame balls, Shrimp har gow, BBQ pork bun
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A century-old tea house serving classic dim sum in an intimate space.
Who should go: History-minded dim sum fans
When to visit: Go early lunch to beat weekend rush
What to order: Har gow, BBQ pork bun, sesame balls
Insider tip: Enter via the alley off Sacramento Street; look for the vintage sign.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is limited; nearby paid garages on Stockton and Portsmouth Square are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and comfortable attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are possible but the small room can get lively at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—steamed vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, and tofu dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—expect a handful of options like veggie dumplings and stir-fried greens.
Gluten-free options: Not specifically accommodated—most dumplings and buns use wheat wrappers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more nostalgic and cozy than romantic—better for a casual date with someone who appreciates history and comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but weekends fill quickly. Arrive early or off-peak for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids often enjoy the dumplings and buns, and the casual setting works for families, though space for strollers is tight.
Best For
Better for: Historic charm and a cozy, family-run feel you won’t find at larger dim sum halls.
Skip if: You want cart service, a large banquet setting, or a wide gluten-free selection.