30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
ABC Seafood Restaurant
7.8
A sprawling Chinatown banquet hall that still runs traditional cart-service dim sum on Ord Street, where the har gow and siu mai come to your table on rolling carts rather than off a printed order sheet. It draws weekend crowds of regulars who know the move is to go deep on the Cantonese classics—Peking duck for the table, BBQ pork between rounds—at prices that make it easy to over-order without regret. Expect a loud, no-frills dining room where the energy comes from packed tables and fast-moving carts, not decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck, Har Gow, BBQ Pork
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Chinatown banquet hall running traditional cart-service dim sum in a sprawling dining room on Ord Street
Who should go: Groups and families craving authentic Cantonese dim sum
When to visit: Weekday mornings for shortest waits and freshest carts
What to order: Flag down carts early for har gow and siu mai, order the Peking duck tableside for the group, and finish with chow fun off the menu
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small restaurant lot that fills up fast on weekends—street parking and a paid lot nearby are your backup options
Noise level: Bustling and loud—big open room packed with dim sum regulars, expect to raise your voice
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegetable section on the menu—Bean Curd Szechuan Style, Braised Bean Curd with Brown Sauce, Sauteed Mixed Vegetables, Chinese Eggplant with Szechuan Sauce, Pan Fried String Bean, and a dozen more wok-fired greens
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a bustling, banquet-hall style dim sum house with large round tables, bright lighting, and a high-energy communal atmosphere. Noise levels run moderate to loud, especially during peak dim sum hours when cart pushers call out dishes. It's a fantastic spot to share an adventurous meal, but not the place for intimate, quiet conversation. Better suited for a fun, casual outing than a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - ABC Seafood does not take reservations, so walk-in is the only option. During weekday lunches you can usually be seated quickly. Weekend dim sum (roughly 11am-2pm) draws crowds and you should expect a 15-30 minute wait. Arriving right at 11am opening or after the 2pm lunch rush significantly cuts wait times. Dinner service is generally easier to walk into without a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - this is one of Chinatown's most family-friendly spots. The casual, high-energy atmosphere means kids won't disturb anyone. Dim sum service is inherently kid-friendly since children can pick from passing carts and try small portions of dumplings, buns, and noodles without committing to a full dish. High chairs are available. The large round tables accommodate families easily, and the affordable pricing (most dim sum items under $10) keeps the bill reasonable even with adventurous little eaters.
Is it good for groups? Yes - this is an excellent group dining spot. The spacious dining room features large round tables that comfortably seat 8-10 people, making it ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, and big parties. Since they don't take reservations, larger groups should arrive early (right at opening) on weekends to avoid a long wait for a big table. The family-style service and affordable pricing make splitting a feast across a large group easy and fun.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Dining is entirely indoors in the large, air-conditioned banquet-style dining room. Street parking and a nearby lot are available for access.
Best For
Better for: Big group dim sum on a budget—huge open room with large round tables, cart service during the day, and prices that let everyone order freely
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner—this is a high-energy banquet hall, not a date-night spot
Hours
Monday8am - 10pm
Tuesday8am - 10pm
Wednesday8am - 10pm
Thursday8am - 10pm
Friday8am - 10pm
Saturday8am - 10pm
Sunday8am - 10pm