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Foo-Chow Restaurant
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.
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.
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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