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Zhu's Tea
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Zhu's Tea
7.6
Tiny Chinatown counter serving boba plus affordable sushi rolls and simple sashimi sets. Useful for quick, budget-friendly bites when you’re exploring the alleys.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, California Roll, Hamachi Maki
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Alleyway grab-and-go with made-to-order budget rolls.
Who should go: Sushi on a budget, fast
When to visit: Afternoons before the evening rush
What to order: Spicy tuna roll; California roll; hamachi maki
Insider tip: Order ahead online; pickup is efficient despite the small space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is limited and competitive; public garages like Portsmouth Square Garage are the most reliable option within a short walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, no dress requirements.
Noise level: Low to moderate; counter-service space is compact but generally quiet enough to hold a short conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no significant wait since most orders are takeout-oriented.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; orders are typically ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and basic veggie sets available.
Vegan options: Limited—simple vegetable rolls, but most sauces contain mayo or fish-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated prep space, though plain sashimi is a safe choice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a counter-service, grab-and-go spot better suited for quick bites than a sit-down date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken, and seating is extremely limited. Most people grab food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sushi or boba, but the space is very small with no high chairs or kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Quick, budget-friendly sushi and boba on the go while exploring Chinatown.
Skip if: You want a proper sit-down sushi meal, high-end fish quality, or a place for group dining.
Zhu's Tea
7.6
Tiny Chinatown counter doing boba alongside made-to-order budget sushi rolls and simple sashimi sets. Best for quick, low-cost bites while exploring nearby alleys.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Hamachi maki, California roll
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Alleyway grab-and-go with fresh, budget-friendly rolls.
Who should go: Sushi on a budget, fast
When to visit: Afternoons before the evening rush
What to order: Spicy tuna, California roll, hamachi maki
Insider tip: Order ahead online; pickup is efficient despite the small space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is very limited; best bet is nearby paid garages on Stockton or Grant.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are—jeans and sneakers are totally fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—it's a tiny counter, so noise depends on foot traffic but usually conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes since most customers order to-go.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even during peak office hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and simple veggie maki available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 roll options plus boba drinks without milk.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—sashimi and some rolls without soy sauce, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a grab-and-go counter than a sit-down experience. Better for a quick snack together than a date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; just a couple of stools inside. Most customers order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy sushi or boba, but space is cramped and there are no high chairs or kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Quick, cheap sushi rolls and boba in Chinatown without the wait or price tag of full-service spots.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, a wide sake list, or high-end sushi experience.