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ZipPicks Awards

Best Dim Sum in Downtown LA

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Long's Family Pastry 7.8
Chinatown
A Chinatown bakery counter operating since the 1980s, turning out fresh dim sum items alongside traditional Chinese pastries at cash-only prices that keep regulars coming back. The format is transactional—grab char siu bao and sesame balls, skip the ambiance—but 40 years of consistency speaks for itself.
Must-Try Dishes: Dim Sum, Char Siu Bao, Siu Mai
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cash-only Chinatown bakery serving fresh dim sum and traditional Chinese pastries since the 1980s
Who should go: Dim sum fans seeking authentic, affordable Chinatown staples
When to visit: Early morning for freshest pastries, before noon crowds
What to order: Grab char siu bao and siu mai hot from the steamer, add sesame balls for something sweet
Insider tip: The moon cakes are made in-house seasonally—ask if they have any fresh
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking only—look for spots on Spring St or nearby Chinatown streets; some visitors park at CBS Restaurant's free lot across the street
Weekend wait: Long lines almost guaranteed but moves quickly thanks to efficient staff—expect 5-10 minutes
Weekday lunch: No wait—in and out in under 2 minutes on weekday mornings
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several likely vegetarian options including Sesame Ball, Black Bean Bun, and Pineapple Bun—though not formally labeled
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a takeout-only bakery with no seating. There's typically a line out the door, especially on weekends, and the focus is on quick grab-and-go pastries. Better for picking up treats to enjoy elsewhere than for a date experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Not applicable - Long's Family Pastry is takeout only with no tables or seating. Simply walk in, order at the counter, and take your pastries to go. Weekdays are less crowded; weekends often have a line but it moves quickly due to efficient service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids love the sweet buns, cakes, and hot dog buns. Items are individually priced around $1, making it easy to let kids pick their own treats. No seating means quick in-and-out visits work well for families. The casual, no-fuss format is perfect for all ages.
Is it good for groups? For takeout purposes, yes - you can easily order a variety of pastries for a group to share elsewhere. However, there's no seating or dining space for groups to eat on-site. Best for grabbing items to take to a nearby park or gathering spot.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating. Long's Family Pastry is strictly a takeout bakery with no indoor or outdoor dining space. Nearby Chinatown plazas offer benches if you want to enjoy your pastries in the neighborhood.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious pastry lovers seeking $1 BBQ pork buns, custard tarts, and grab-and-go dim sum—no seating, just fast service
Skip if: You want elaborate artisan cakes, upscale presentations, or a sit-down dining experience—this is a no-frills takeout counter

Hours

Monday7am - 5pm
Tuesday7am - 5pm
Wednesday7am - 5pm
Thursday7am - 5pm
Friday7am - 5pm
Saturday7am - 5pm
Sunday7am - 5pm