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ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Foo Chow Restaurant
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A family-run Cantonese-American kitchen operating since 1977, built on generous-portioned staples like crispy duck, honey walnut shrimp, and beef chow fun that keep multi-generational regulars coming back. The Rush Hour filming location doubles as a no-frills Chinatown anchor where the courtyard patio with paper lanterns is the nicest surprise. Go for a big group order at moderate prices and expect solid comfort food, not a reinvention of the genre.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Chow Mein, Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Chinatown staple recognized as the Rush Hour filming location, serving Cantonese-American classics since the 1980s
Who should go: Groups and families seeking no-frills Chinatown comfort food
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend Chinatown crowds
What to order: Start with egg rolls, split an orange chicken and chow mein for the table, add kung pao chicken if your group likes heat
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot—metered street parking on N Hill St (enforced Mon–Sat, free Sundays) plus paid lots throughout Chinatown starting around $5/day; a parking garage sits at 939 N Hill St, essentially next door
Dress code: Very casual, come-as-you-are—listed as 'Casual / Fast Food / Grab N Go,' so shorts and sandals fit right in
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — the interior is dated and the vibe is casual and family-oriented with moderate noise levels that pick up when busy. That said, the courtyard patio with its paper lanterns has genuine charm and could work for a low-key, no-pressure first date where good food matters more than ambiance. Best bet: grab a patio table on a weeknight when it's quieter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are generally easy here. Weekday afternoons have plenty of open tables, and even weekend evenings typically seat within 10 minutes. Reservations are accepted by phone if you want a guarantee, but this isn't a place that books out. For groups of 6+, calling ahead is smart to ensure a large enough table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a family-operated spot since 1977 and it shows. The casual atmosphere and moderate noise level mean kids won't be out of place. The menu has plenty of approachable dishes for younger eaters (fried rice, chow mein, sweet and sour options). High chairs available. A solid choice for family dinners, especially before the evening rush.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the spacious dining room handles larger parties well, with tables that can accommodate groups of 8+. Catering services are also available for bigger events. Family-style Chinese dishes are ideal for sharing across the table. Call ahead for parties over 6 to make sure they can set up accordingly, but walk-in groups of 4-6 are usually fine.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a courtyard patio was added in 2020 and it's a genuine highlight. The space is decorated with paper lanterns and has a relaxed, open-air feel that's a nice contrast to the older interior. No confirmed details on heating or cover, so it's best suited for mild LA evenings. Worth requesting when you arrive — it fills up on nice days.
Best For
Better for: A no-frills Chinatown classic since 1977—great for solo dining, impressing out-of-towners with the Rush Hour filming location, or enjoying the courtyard patio under paper lanterns
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 9pm