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Creek House Dim Sum Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Creek House Dim Sum Restaurant
8.1
Sit-down dim sum with a neighborhood feel steps from Civic Park. Baked BBQ pork buns, har gow, and scallion-tossed wings make it a reliable weekend brunch fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked BBQ pork buns, Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Salt & pepper wings
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Crowd-pleasing dim sum favorites without the long Chinatown waits.
Who should go: Dim sum fans and family groups
When to visit: Arrive at opening on weekends for fastest seating
What to order: Har gow, baked pork buns, XO noodles
Insider tip: Split wings and buns first; steamed baskets follow quickly afterward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking is available behind the building, with overflow street parking on Civic Drive that fills up by late morning on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—typical brunch attire is fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling during weekend brunch but still easy for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without reservation; turnover is steady.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately unless a large group arrives.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many dim sum dishes like vegetable dumplings and sautéed greens are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes qualify but most dumplings contain egg or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Limited—most dim sum wrappers contain wheat; rice noodle rolls are the safest choice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates—it's lively, bright, and focused on shared plates rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t required, but weekend mornings fill up fast. Arriving close to opening guarantees quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—ideal for families with kids of all ages. Booster seats are available, and the fast-paced service keeps younger diners engaged.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood dim sum without the chaos or long waits of larger banquet-style spots; perfect for smaller groups who want authentic flavors close to Civic Park.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale presentation, white tablecloth service, or extensive seafood specialty carts—this is a local go-to, not a grand dim sum hall.
Creek House Dim Sum Restaurant
8.4
Family-run Cantonese spot focused on made-to-order dim sum rather than cart service. Locals come for fresh dumplings and buns in a compact strip-center space near Civic Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Baked BBQ pork buns
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Focused, from-scratch dim sum with consistent execution all day.
Who should go: Dim sum traditionalists and family groups
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, baked BBQ pork buns
Insider tip: Ask which dumplings just came out—texture peaks right off the steamer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot with moderate turnover; usually open spots before noon or after 7pm. Street parking available along Parkside Drive.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire fine, though locals often come post-church or family gatherings dressed neatly.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch; lively at weekend dinners but still easy to converse.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes during peak hours; reservations recommended for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 5–10 minutes, though small queue forms around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several dumplings and buns are vegetarian; kitchen can advise substitutions for fillings.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegetable dumplings and sautéed greens, but doughs may contain egg.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal; most items use wheat-based wrappers or soy sauces with gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys sharing plates and casual conversation—intimate but not too formal, with steady buzz and quick service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays; weekends after 11:30am require patience or a short waitlist signup at the host stand.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—highchairs available, quick pacing, and approachable items like BBQ pork buns make it a hit for families.
Best For
Better for: Made-to-order freshness and small-batch quality; flavors hold up better than cart-service spots.
Skip if: You prefer large banquet-style dim sum halls or crave the visual bustle of roaming carts.
Creek House Dim Sum Restaurant
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Family-run Cantonese spot focused on fresh, made-daily dim sum with consistent execution. Locals lean on it for har gow, siu mai, and a reliable weekend queue that moves quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp har gow, Pork siu mai, Baked BBQ pork buns
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Handmade dim sum from longtime Cantonese operators, served all day.
Who should go: Dim sum fans and families
When to visit: Arrive before noon on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, baked char siu buns
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu seasonal dumplings—rotations appear on busy weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot behind the complex with overflow street parking along Parkside Drive; fills up quickly on weekends after 11:30am.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; standard weekend attire or business casual works fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak dim sum hours—conversation is possible but expect ambient chatter and cart clatter.
Weekend wait: Typically 25–40 minutes depending on party size; no reservations accepted for small groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable dumplings, tofu skin rolls, and noodle dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options such as vegetable dumplings and sautéed greens, but check fillings carefully.
Gluten-free options: Minimal – soy sauces and most dumplings contain gluten; steamed vegetables safest bet.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet first date, but great for casual, fun meals where shared plates break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they operate first-come, first-served. Arrive before noon on weekends or after 1:30pm to minimize waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs available and staff are welcoming to families; kids love the carts and bite-size portions.
Best For
Better for: Fresher, hotter dim sum served throughout the day without needing to trek to Oakland or Daly City.
Skip if: You prefer elevated tea service or banquet-style dim sum with luxury seating—this is a neighborhood-style operation focused on speed and consistency.