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Twin Dragon
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Twin Dragon
8.2
An old-school, long-running Chinese spot on Pico that delivers the kind of familiar, savory plates locals grew up with. The vibe is straightforward and unfussy, but the wok work stays consistent and the menu hits all the right comfort notes. A dependable dine-in or takeout anchor in the ZIP.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Chow Mein
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Vintage neighborhood Chinese cooking that stays reliably satisfying.
Who should go: Regulars, families, and comfort-food seekers.
When to visit: Early dinner for the smoothest pickup.
What to order: Orange chicken, chow mein, beef broccoli.
Insider tip: Stick to the house classics—they’re what the kitchen nails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot in back plus generally workable street parking on Pico and adjacent residential blocks; fills up around peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are; no need for anything dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation is easy, but it gets lively during family-heavy dinners.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during prime hours, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick seating and fast pacing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetable-focused dishes and tofu options.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—ask for veggie dishes cooked without egg or oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Informal options only—some dishes can be modified, but no dedicated gluten-free protocols.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date unless you prefer a low-key, no-frills setting; it’s better suited for casual meals than romantic ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely necessary; walk-ins are the norm and usually accommodated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—family groups are common, the menu is accessible for all ages, and service is fast enough for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic Chinese comfort dishes with consistent execution and generous portions.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end regional Chinese cooking or a trendy, modern atmosphere—this is a traditional neighborhood spot.
Twin Dragon
8.2
A Pico Boulevard institution with a big-menu, old-school feel and a dependable dim sum section that keeps locals coming back. Expect straightforward execution—comfort-first dumplings, buns, and small plates that travel well for takeout. It’s not fussy, but it’s consistent, especially when you want dim sum without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Siu mai, Shrimp rice noodle rolls (cheung fun), Egg custard tarts
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Pico Chinese institution with reliable dim sum staples.
Who should go: Locals craving easy, no-drama dim sum.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for lighter crowds.
What to order: Siu mai, cheung fun, custard tart.
Insider tip: Add one pastry item for a sweet finisher.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot in the rear plus generally manageable street parking on Pico; fills up around peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; everyday attire is completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours, but still suitable for easy conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Usually 15–25 minutes, though larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, stir-fried greens, and a few veggie small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—steamed veggie dumplings and several vegetable sides; ask to omit sauces containing oyster.
Gluten-free options: Not formally gluten-free, but rice-based dishes, steamed greens, and certain dumplings may qualify; best to confirm at ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-key, no-pressure first date where comfort matters more than ambiance. Not ideal if you're aiming for something more atmospheric or polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in-friendly spot, especially at lunch and early dinner. Only peak weekend evenings might require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual seating, fast service, and familiar dumplings make it easy for families. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Dependable neighborhood dim sum without the commute—faster, easier, and more consistent than many corridor takeout options.
Skip if: You want destination-level dim sum variety, tableside carts, or a more modern Chinese dining experience.
Twin Dragon
7.8
Old-school Chinese takeout energy with a deep menu and fast turnaround. The kitchen shines on wok-fried staples and saucy classics that travel well. It’s the kind of dependable strip-mall counter you keep on speed dial for low-cost comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef chow fun, Orange chicken, Kung pao chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Reliable Chinese comfort plates at true neighborhood prices.
Who should go: Takeout regulars and budget-minded families.
When to visit: Early dinner for fastest pickup.
What to order: Chow fun, kung pao, fried rice.
Insider tip: Order family-style with one noodle and one rice dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared strip-mall lot with quick turnover; street parking on Robertson opens up after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; takeout crowd sets the tone.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout bustle with easy conversation if you dine in.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for takeout during peak window; dine-in seating usually available.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders come out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie stir-fries, tofu dishes, and fried rice options.
Vegan options: Limited but doable — request vegetable dishes without oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — no dedicated prep and most sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s more of a casual, counter-service spot built for takeout or low-key meals rather than ambiance-driven dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here. Seating is simple and almost always available, though many customers take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — fast service, mild noodle dishes, and booth seating make it easy for families; no dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive Chinese comfort staples that travel well and satisfy weeknight cravings.
Skip if: You want regional Chinese depth, modern presentations, or gluten-free certainty — this is a classic American-Chinese takeout lane.