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Foo-Chow RestaurantB+Worth Trying

Name: Foo-Chow Restaurant
Address: 949 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Los Angeles, United States
Rating: 4.5

949 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Chinese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (1233 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Classic Chinatown spot with nostalgic Rush Hour movie appeal, big portions, fair prices, and generally satisfying comfort Chinese, but service inconsistency and a handful of serious cleanliness complaints warrant caution.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Foo-Chow Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood Chinese dining with strong food quality anchored by crowd-pleasing classics like orange chicken and kung pao, plus exceptional value through generous portions and lunch specials around $11–14. However, inconsistent execution on busy days and isolated but recurring cleanliness concerns prevent a higher grade, while the dated, nostalgia-driven setting appeals to film fans but lacks design polish. Best experienced during quieter service windows when kitchen pacing and seasoning shine.

Restaurant Summary

The draw here is the film history and the feeling of stepping into a scene, with walls dotted by movie photos and a room that feels old-school and welcoming. Servers seat you quickly, tea lands on the table, and plates arrive fast when the room is calm. As one diner put it, the meal was fresh, flavorful, and shareable, with portions that can easily feed two. However, expect a no-frills space that some describe as dated. The cooking skews classic and comforting rather than experimental, the kind of Chinese-American menu where orange chicken, kung pao, chow mein, and walnut shrimp shine. Think big portions and reliable flavors, with lunch specials delivering strong value. Highlights mentioned again and again include fragrant jasmine tea and crisp-fried starters; on packed holidays, pacing can slip and seasoning can skew mild for some tastes. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like fried rice, noodles, and sweet-and-sour dishes. Portions are shareable, prices are friendly, and the casual setting makes it easy with children. There is no noted kids menu, but the menu already reads family friendly with many familiar options.

At a Glance

Big portions and crowd-pleasing classics at fair prices
Movie-location nostalgia adds fun to the visit
Lunch specials around $11-14 offer strong value
Service can be brusque and course timing inconsistent on busy days
A few serious cleanliness complaints over several years warrant caution

What Sets It Apart

Rush Hour filming location
Large portion sizes
Value lunch specials

What People Love

Nostalgic movie setting that sparks smiles
Jasmine tea that feels special
Orange chicken and kung pao with comforting flavors
Hearty plates that feed a crowd
Quick service when not slammed

Points of Concern

Occasional reports of rude service and out-of-order course delivery, especially on peak holidays
Parking can require paid lots or meters; one lot noted cash only
Isolated but notable pest sightings reported across years; cleanliness vigilance advised
Review patterns show a strong tourist presence; expectations should be set for comfort-food style rather than quiet fine dining

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$28-42 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Vegetarians: Foo Chow Buddhist Feast ($14.95) and multiple veggie lunch specials
Seafood fans: Fish Fillet with Black Bean Sauce ($16.95) or Kung Pao Shrimp ($17.95)
Value hunters: Lunch specials $10.95-$13.95 include many favorites

Perfect For

Casual Chinatown lunch after sightseeing
Movie fans retracing Rush Hour scenes
Families sharing large plates
Budget-friendly group meals

Location Insights

Area: Historic Chinatown corridor with tourism draw and classic shops, blended with everyday local businesses.

Safety: Generally active during the day; mixed upkeep with some closed storefronts; typical urban street conditions.

Nearby: Near cultural landmarks, bakeries, and small markets; destination for movie fans due to filming history.

ChinatownChinatown in Los Angeles is a bustling neighborhood known for its rich Chinese heritage, vibrant street life, and a variety of traditional and contemporary Asian restaurants. The dining scene is casual to mid-range, attracting both locals and tourists looking for authentic Chinese and pan-Asian flavors in a culturally immersive environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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