Seemor
Bamboo Inn
2005 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
· Chinese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (384 reviews)
Takeout
Old-school Cantonese-American comfort food with rock-bottom prices, warm service, and strong nostalgia, but cleanliness inconsistencies and occasional food safety complaints make it a selective recommendation.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, the kind of tiny, time-capsule spot where servers pour hot tea and regulars greet each other by habit. One diner put it simply: "This tastes like home." It is a true hole-in-the-wall with aging decor, loved for comfort more than looks. The cooking leans classic Cantonese-American: chow mein, chop suey, egg foo yong, beef with broccoli, and bargain family sets. Dishes arrive fast and filling, tuned for cozy satisfaction rather than fireworks. Fans come for nostalgia and value, not modern plating. Families are common here. Kids tend to like noodles and fried rice, sweet-sour flavors, and simple soups. There is no kids menu, but the familiar options work well for younger eaters; note the cash-only policy and tight seating.
At a Glance
- Ultra-budget pricing with hearty portions
- Loyal multi-generation regulars and friendly service
- Cleanliness inconsistencies including pests reported in 2023
- Cash only; plan ahead
- Parking is tricky; expect to pay nearby
What Sets It Apart
- multi_generation_regulars
- ultra_budget_family_sets
- classic_cantonese_american_menu
What People Love
- Nostalgic flavors unchanged for decades
- Kind, attentive staff who pour tea and pack leftovers
- Prices that feel like a time warp
- Chow mein and wonton soup on repeat
Points of Concern
- Cleanliness and pests reported by a few diners in 2023; not universal but significant when it occurs
- One food illness report tied to sweet-sour shrimp; consider avoiding heavily battered seafood if sensitive
- Tight space and dated bathrooms reduce comfort
- Cash only; nearby paid parking adds friction
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$14-$20 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For picky eaters, choose Vegetable Chow Mein or Chicken Fried Rice
- Seafood lovers should consider Shrimp with Lobster Sauce over deep-fried shrimp
Perfect For
- Nostalgic Chinese-American comfort cravings
- Casual family dinners on a budget
- Solo quick meals with tea
- Neighborhood regulars seeking consistency
Location Insights
Area: Urban, high-foot-traffic corridor near MacArthur Park; working-class and commuter mix with strong local presence.
Safety: Mixed; some reviews allude to grit and aging building conditions. Exercise routine urban caution, especially late.
Nearby: Close to MacArthur Park and Wilshire corridor; mix of small shops, transit riders, and dense residential blocks.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–20:30
Tuesday
Wednesday12:00–20:30
Thursday12:00–20:30
Friday12:00–20:30
Saturday12:00–20:30
Sunday12:00–20:30
Available: Takeout
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