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Dan Modern Chinese
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dan Modern Chinese
7.9
This contemporary Chinese spot brings handmade dumplings and noodles to downtown Santa Monica with a clean, modern aesthetic. Their dan mein noodles are perfectly chewy, and the three cup chicken delivers authentic Taiwanese flavors at prices that won't break the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Mein Short Rib, Steamed Chicken Dumplings, Garlic String Beans
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fresh handmade noodles and modern take on classics
Who should go: Casual diners seeking quality without pretense
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for easy seating
What to order: Dan mein, scallion pancakes, soup dumplings
Insider tip: Sidewalk tables welcome dogs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking limited, especially weekends. Public lot on 4th Street ($3/hour). Consider walking from Santa Monica Place garage
Dress code: Casual - anything from workout clothes to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Lively but manageable - easy conversation at regular tables, patio quieter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, up to 45 min peak times (no reservations taken)
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating before 12:30pm, 10-15 min after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including vegetable dumplings, noodle dishes, scallion pancakes
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable dumplings can be made vegan, ask about noodle broths
Gluten-free options: Minimal - rice dishes available but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - energetic atmosphere takes pressure off, sharing dim sum is interactive, and $$ pricing won't intimidate. Skip for formal romantic evenings
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations. Come before 6pm weekdays or put your name in and grab a drink nearby while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids love watching dumpling makers through kitchen window, and quick service keeps little ones happy. Best for ages 3+
Best For
Better for: Fresher, hand-pulled noodles than Din Tai Fung at half the price. More authentic Taiwanese flavors than typical Americanized dim sum chains
Skip if: You want traditional cart service dim sum (try Sea Harbour) or upscale ambiance for special occasions (go to Hakkasan instead)
Dan Modern Chinese
8.2
Contemporary Chinese spot where all dumplings and noodles are handmade fresh daily on-site. This modern yet authentic approach emphasizes clean flavors with fewer ingredients, letting the quality of hand-pulled noodles and 30-minute wait soup dumplings speak for themselves.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Xiao Long Bao, Hand-Pulled Dan Mein Noodles, Crispy Bottom Pan-Fried Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Every dumpling and noodle strand made from scratch daily
Who should go: Noodle lovers seeking handmade authenticity
When to visit: Weeknights to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: XLB, dan mein noodles, popcorn chicken
Insider tip: Order soup dumplings immediately - they take 30 minutes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public lot 2 blocks away on 4th Street ($3/hr)
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, popular with locals in everything from workout gear to business casual
Noise level: Bustling but manageable - can have conversations without shouting
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min peak times (remember soup dumplings add 30 min)
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12:30pm, 15-20 min wait at peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable dumplings, Buddha's delight, veggie dan mein available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetable dishes, ask about egg in noodles
Gluten-free options: Very limited - rice dishes available but cross-contamination risk with dumpling station
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - casual enough to keep it low-pressure, interactive dumpling eating breaks the ice, and $$ price point won't break the bank. Just avoid messy soup dumplings if you're nervous.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Weekend evenings are risky - either arrive by 5:30pm or prepare to wait 30-45 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids love watching noodles being pulled through the window, popcorn chicken is a hit, and the casual vibe means no stress about noise. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic handmade quality without the Chinatown drive - their hand-pulled noodles rival SGV's best, but with easier parking and modern ordering system
Skip if: You want quick takeout (30-min soup dumplings), elaborate ambiance for special occasions, or extensive vegan menu - try Night + Market or Chinois instead