0 Followers
Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood
8.1
Since 1993, this family-run Chinatown institution serves Cantonese BBQ alongside a sprawling 138-item menu available in three languages. The roast duck, BBQ pork, and seafood dishes draw late-night crowds, with kitchen hours extending to 1am most nights for post-bar cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Duck Chow Fun, BBQ Pork Combo, Lobster with Ginger Scallion
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Three-decade legacy serving massive Cantonese menu until 1am with multilingual service
Who should go: Groups wanting variety and late-night Chinese BBQ options
When to visit: After 10pm for late-night specials, weekend brunch
What to order: Roast duck, egg foo young, budget-friendly whole lobster
Insider tip: The late-night specials after 11pm offer exceptional value on seafood
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public lot on Broadway ($3-5), street parking available but limited on weekends. Easier after 8pm when shops close
Dress code: Completely casual - come as you are. T-shirts and sneakers are the norm
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect to speak up. Not ideal for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 15-30 min peak hours (6-8pm), minimal wait after 9pm
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, no wait typical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Buddha's delight, vegetable chow mein, tofu dishes, and mixed vegetable plates
Vegan options: Limited - a few veggie stir-fries, but most use oyster sauce. Ask for sauce on the side
Gluten-free options: Challenging - most sauces contain soy sauce. Stick to steamed fish, rice, and plain veggies
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for first dates - too bright, bustling, and cafeteria-style. Save it for when you're already comfortable and want great food over ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. Weekday evenings and late nights (after 10pm) are your best bet for no wait
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs available, lots of families, and the BBQ meats and noodle dishes are kid favorites. No one will judge if things get loud
Good for large groups? Perfect for groups of 4-8. Round tables encourage sharing, the massive menu offers variety, and family-style ordering keeps costs reasonable
Is the late-night menu limited? No - full 138-item menu available until 1am most nights. The kitchen doesn't scale back, making it a rare find for post-11pm cravings
Best For
Better for: Late-night authentic Cantonese without the markup - beats competing BBQ spots on price and hours. The sprawling menu means everyone in your group finds something, unlike more focused Chinese restaurants
Skip if: You want modern ambiance, quiet conversation, or a romantic setting. For upscale Cantonese or date-night Chinese, look elsewhere. Also skip if you need quick service - the massive menu means kitchen can get backed up
Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood
7.9
Legacy family-operated restaurant serving Cantonese BBQ and seafood since 1993 under late founder Chef Lupe Liang. Large affordable menu features Hong Kong-style barbecue, budget-friendly lobster, chow fun, and classic American-Chinese dishes available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster in Ginger Green Onion Sauce, BBQ Pork Chow Fun, Roast Duck
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: LA Conservancy Legacy Business with multilingual menu honoring founder's inclusive vision
Who should go: Families and groups seeking authentic Cantonese classics
When to visit: Late night until 1am, weekend mornings for breakfast
What to order: Lobster preparations, BBQ pork, chow fun, egg foo young
Insider tip: One hour free parking validation available for diners
Logistics & Planning
Parking: 1 hour free validation provided - multiple paid lots nearby ($5-8), street parking competitive on weekends
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, locals in everything from work clothes to sweats
Noise level: Lively to loud - large groups and families create buzz, better for group hangs than intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 15-30 min peak hours (7-9pm), faster after 10pm when late night crowd arrives
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seat immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable chow mein, Buddha's delight, tofu dishes, but limited compared to meat/seafood focus
Vegan options: Very limited - most dishes use oyster sauce or fish sauce, ask for modifications but selection narrow
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce in most dishes, rice plates safest bet but cross-contamination risk, not certified GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both adventurous eaters who value authenticity over ambiance. Loud, fluorescent-lit, communal vibe - better for 3rd date when you're comfortable being real together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they primarily operate walk-in. Weeknight dinners and late night (after 10pm) seat quickly. Weekend prime time (7-9pm) expect 20-30 min, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs available, mild Americanized options alongside authentic dishes, lots of families with young kids especially weekend mornings. Relaxed atmosphere where kid noise blends in.
Best For
Better for: Late night cravings, feeding groups affordably, budget lobster ($20-30 vs $50+ elsewhere), authentic Cantonese BBQ, multigenerational family dinners, post-bar food with substance
Skip if: You want romantic ambiance, quiet conversation, fast service, modern plating, extensive dietary accommodations, or Instagram-worthy presentation over flavor