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Sam Wo Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sam Wo Restaurant
8.2
Chinatown’s 1908 icon, newly revived with chef Zhouxi Quan preserving the handmade rice noodle rolls and Cantonese comfort staples. Go for cheung fun and jook, stay for the late-evening neighborhood energy in a narrow, old-school space.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ pork rice noodle roll (cheung fun), Fish jook (congee), Beef chow fun
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Century-old Cantonese landmark with handmade rice noodle rolls.
Who should go: Night-owl traditionalists and Chinatown history fans
When to visit: Late evening midweek for shortest wait
What to order: Cheung fun, fish jook, beef chow fun
Insider tip: Ask for chili oil and hot mustard for dipping the rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington and Clay can be hit-or-miss, with limited metered spaces; Portsmouth Square Garage (Kearny & Clay) is the best bet and open late.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—hoodies and sneakers fit right in with the neighborhood’s late-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—small dining room with chatter and sizzling woks, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on groups and walk-in flow.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; mid-afternoon service is steady and quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable chow fun, tofu dishes, and plain cheung fun are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—some stir-fries and congee can be made vegan on request, but cross-contact is likely.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based noodles are safe, but soy sauce in many dishes contains gluten; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates Chinatown charm and old-school character—expect more nostalgia than romance, with tight seating and shared tables.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Sam Wo doesn’t take reservations; it’s first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast thanks to the compact menu and quick service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle chopsticks and adventurous flavors; no booster seats or kid-specific menu, but friendly staff and fun energy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Cantonese comfort food and cultural nostalgia—hand-cut noodles and rice rolls made to order remain unmatched nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, cocktails, or quiet dining—go elsewhere for that; this is about authenticity and history.
Sam Wo Restaurant
7.9
A century-old Chinatown institution serving old-school Cantonese plates in a narrow, no-frills space. Recent stewardship keeps signature rice noodle rolls and congee front and center.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ pork rice noodle rolls (cheung fun), Sampan jook (congee), Tomato beef chow fun
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Historic noodle house preserving classic recipes and late-night spirit.
Who should go: Nostalgic Cantonese comfort-seekers
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for shortest waits
What to order: Cheung fun, congee, tomato beef chow fun
Insider tip: Ask for extra cilantro in the cheung fun—true to house style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is very limited; best to use nearby garages like Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage (short walk, hourly rates).
Dress code: Casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—small space with chatter, not ideal for quiet conversation but manageable with friends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—congee, vegetable chow fun, and stir-fried greens are common options.
Vegan options: Limited—can request simple vegetable dishes, but broths and sauces often contain meat or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably—many noodles and sauces use soy sauce with wheat; not a safe option for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s narrow, bustling, and no-frills. Better suited for casual hangs than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typically taken. Arrive early on weeknights or be prepared to wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—comforting noodle and rice dishes are easy to share. Space is tight, so strollers and very young children may find it challenging.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Cantonese comfort food and a sense of Chinatown history that newer spots can’t replicate.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale dining, polished ambiance, or extensive vegetarian/vegan options.