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Mon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
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The go-to spot after any late night shinanigan. Open until 4AM, so you have plenty of time to make your way over when you get out of the bar/club/lounge around 2AM.
Usually crowded, but I never had an issue while waiting for a table. Mai Lai Wah always has their staff on the hustle and bustle since it gets pretty packed late night. But this in no way affects the quality of the food. I don't know how they do it, but with a full restaurant, we always seem to get about 5 orders on the table in less than ten minutes. Amazing.
I must say, they have the best fried dumplings. Always a must when I'm there. The garlic sauce that comes with it is super greasy. PERFECT! Just add some of that, a little red peppers, and soy sauce and you'll see why I love the fried dumplings. Other favorites include salt pepper squid, salt pepper chicken wings, beef pan fried noodles, and half duck.
Every late night Philly head should check out the place sometime. I'll probably be there. Say hi.
Used to walk here late night after drinks.
Greeeeat tripe over rice dishes.
Not sure how it is at the regular meal hours, but late night was always open, and fast food, if greasy.
Mai Lai Wah, you're so good to me.
The great thing about Mai Lai wah is that it isn't JUST a place for folks that may stumble in after a night of boozing .. it tastes just as good completely sober, so that basically means three thumbs up (one for when you're boozy, one for when you're hungover, and one for when you're sober)!
You can't go wrong with the salt and pepper chicken wings or squid, dumplings, and my favorite, beef lo mein.
The staff may be nasty but as long as the food is this good, I can overlook that.
Searching for a bar in chinatown isn't the easiest find. The sign said cocktails so this place had to do. I went with a friend before a Troc show, hoping to save a few bucks. It's a restaurant but they squeeze in a tiny bar/cash register with four or five stools. I doubt anyone even sits here, but we did. I ordered a five dollar rum and coke. I didn't look what he poured but most of the shit there was bottom of the ladder quality. So basically, I ended saving zero money. It was a strange experience, at least I had that going for me.
David's Mai Lai Wah has two great strengths:
1). They are open later than almost every other restaurant in the Chinatown area every day of the week (Sun-Thurs until 3AM; Fri&Sat until 4AM).
2). They sell take out beer in a part of town that is deficient in this aspect.
That being stated, the food isn't actually the best. It is certainly passable and hits the spot if it's late night or you've been out prior to arrival... or if you just need food and beer from the same spot. However, the beer is actually pricey. A six-pack of Yuengling Lager will run you $10.50. Other "premium" beers (Corona, Heineken, Tsingtao, Becks, etc.) will run you upwards to $15 for a six-pack. Don't forget to check the math. The servers seem to sometimes make it up on the spot.
One advantage though is the menu size. It is quite large, especially for a late night meal. I have tried the shrimp egg rolls, the fried rices, the lo meins, pan fried noodles with beef, kung po chicken, beef and duck chow fun with satay sauces, moo shu pork, char shu ding, and general tso's chicken (spicy) to name what I recall.
The general tso's chicken is actually quite good. The fried rices are fairly tasteless. The char shu ding is served with peanuts-- not almonds, fyi. However, the majority of the food I've had seem to melt into one homogeneous classification of slightly off vegetables, rushed meats, and glop. Unless your order states "dry" on the menu, chances are you're getting glop. Worse yet, the food doesn't hold its flavor overnight. Forget about having next-day seconds cooked in the microwave.
As for the waitstaff, either you love them or hate them. They are seasoned servers who are efficient, if not slightly rude... but not really. I like them. Just don't be offended if they walk away from you in mid-conversation.
And yet, I keep returning to David's for the fact that they're simply open when others are not and that they sell beer until 2AM. The food is passable. The beer is expensive. On second thought, if you want beer, go to Ho Sai Gai at 10th & Cherry. It's cheaper and the waitstaff is nicer.
A Fitting late night review for a fitting late night hang out spot. Upon going to dinner here with Aaron and Baby Badness for what I thought to be the first time I was able to piece together that it's been at least the 3rd time. When you have as many friends who've played the Troc as I have it just ends up being one of those places that you end up going to afterwards. But while I've always been able to place the saucy fried goodness of Kung Pao, I haven't always been able to place the name. But now that I have I can sum up that it's equally legendary.
Don't expect the best service and the best quality food. But do expect something that's worth what you pay for, and more if your 21+ since you can score a Kirin for $3.50 and plenty of other cheap drinks. You'll be able to get a piled high plate of food and they hook up some satisfying soups, but remember to ask for that plate of rice otherwise you're not going to get it (d'oh!). But despite some of the few hang up's David's can make the late night hours pure bliss and egg rolls!
This is one of two post-clubbing hangouts for anyone in Philly, especially among the Asian set (it is Chinatown, after all). Even I've only ever been there after 2AM on the weekends.
It can get pretty packed late-night and it's usually full of drunk people, so be prepared for a moderate wait and/or a rowdy crowd.
Must-haves: the salt and pepper wings, orange beef, salt and pepper squid, walnut shrimp. Beef chow fun is really good, too. But at the same time, I am usually drunk when I eat here, so my credibility is a little suspect.
I had the egg drop soup once and it had this gross, congealed sort of consistency. Would not recommend.
Ever stumble around town drunk after an awesome night of partying thinking all you need now is some food to balance all the drinks you've had tonight? Or you've worked up an appetite from all that dancing?
Well, Mai Lai Wah's got your back! AND you can have another drink there to keep the buzz going.
I arrived there the other night around 2am, and the place was packed with party-goers. It was cramped...they're not trying to score any points for ambiance...just GOOD and cheap food! The 4 stars are based on a late-night appetite after a few drinks with friends.
Alright, so what could be better after a night of dancing and late night ridiculousness? Chinatown! What is open in Chinatown after 2 am? David's! They have a wide variety that is sure to please those with a near-empty wallet, vegetarians, meat lovers, and they also have a wide variety of drinks.
My only complaint is that the servers are oftentimes a little on the rude and careless side. I typically get either eggplant in hot garlic sauce or their mixed vegetable soup. Their portions are VERY generous.
The best chinese restaurant i've ever been to. Better than ny chinatown restaurants. You HAVE to order their salt pepper squid, salt pepper wings, chicken corn chowder soup, and general tso's chicken. TRUST ME, this isn't your ordinary general tso's. Service is fast, although not always friendly. Great for late nite. A MUST in philly!
Food is good. Atmosphere is typical. Prices are right for the gigantic heaps of food you receive. I wouldn't drink here if you intended on straying from beer or table wine. Everything is the lowest of well liquor except for the random bottles of Bushmills.
It's more worth sitting down with a group of people and sharing. If you walk in and order food to go it will reliably take at least 4 years off of your life with the anxiety of watching people walk in, order after you, and get their food before.
Do yourself a favor and go for a walk while you wait.
I walked in and no one was at the front bar area. A waitress came up and asked for my take out order and walked away. Then a guy came and did the same thing. The waitress came back up and I asked if they order was placed. She rudely told me that it was. The food finally arrived (it wasn't that busy), I asked for plates and utensils. The same rude waitress told me: "no forks, no plates" and walked away.
Just when you think the city is dead and you're the only one stumbling around at 3am in the morning, pop your head into Mai Lai Wah and have a revelation. The place is packed - and for good reason. The servers may be rheumy-eyed, but service is quick and the food is decent, especially at 3 am after a night of debauchery.
This place has saved me from a grumbling belly late at night and a killer hangover the next morning.
Same thing everyone else has said:
-awesome late hours
-large crowd during these late hours
-really large menu
-drinks
-lots of grease
All these factors probably means that this place will help you ease your hangover tomorrow :-P Enjoy!
I'm editing this to say that I haven't been to David's since the summer. Why? Because the last time I was there our booth was being rained on by COCKROACHES. I kid you not. I know that roaches happen but I'd rather they happen in the kitchen where I can't see them, not flying out of the side bowls of soy sauce. One was crawling up the wall, it was so disgusting. I'm still not 'over it' so until my memory fades a little bit or I require food at 2am in chinatown, I'm staying away.
So what do you do when it's 1am and for some odd reason, House Of Chen is closed and you're in chinatown, starving?
You hit up David's Mai Lai Wah!
The aforementioned scenario happened to me last month, and it was nearly a disaster. The bright neon lights of David's were still on and our party of 6 took a peek in to ask if they were still open. It was packed and noisy so we assumed the answer was yes.
We got seated without so much as a blink of an eye at a round table in the back, the type with the spinning top. A server was over quickly to get our drink and appetizer orders. The place is rather small and everyone is close to everyone else, so making friends was easy! Again, it was bustling at 1 am and we felt right at home.
With a group of 6, everyone ordered something different and shared. I got to sample the egg rolls, hot & sour soup, fried rice, general's chicken, and lo mein. It was all spectacular. Just honest, good chinese food. No msg, no salt, no weird flavors. We were happily floored by the quality!
At the risk of cheating on Bob Chen, I have every intention of visiting David's again. Most likely for a lunch date. By the rest of the reviews, I'm fairly confident that they're consistantly delicious food and I can't wait to go back!
A typical American-Chinese joint. That being said, the choices are extensive and the food is pretty good when you're looking for something late at night. I think they are open till 2am or so.
They also have a limited bar with pretty cheap drinks. I've been here more than a few times because it was the only place open after my boyfriend came home from work (at 11pm). It's a guilty pleasure but i really like the salt and pepper squid. I also very much enjoyed the steamed whole stripped sea bass with ginger and scallion (market price: usually around $24 - the price is unlisted on the menu).
The servers know us and generally are very efficient. The only problem I would have is the level of grease or oil in some of the food. One time I ordered the buddha's delight (I make the traditional one for new year's) and it contained barely any of the signature ingredients of the dish (like gingko nuts, wood ear fungus, tofu, tofu skin, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, rice noodle, etc). I think the one I got had maybe tofu and mushroom in it. And it was loaded with grease - which it's not supposed to be!
Still, it's a good late night place to grab a bite to eat, and from what I gather, the lunch menu is also very reasonable (I think less than $7)
Duck Chow Fun may overtake the beef
Beef chow fun. Amazing place late night and everything you can expect from a restaurant full of… Read more »
This place is really good. I mean awesome. They're open all night, and serve that great late night food that one craves after a night of partying. The issue is that the place is really crowded late night, and the people aren't all that attentive. But it is worth it, because it is just so good. I'm more of a NYC person, and this place reminds me of my fav late night Chinese spot in NY CT, NY Noodle Town.
I recommend the roast duck with wonton noodles. So good. Make sure you get the roast duck because the flavor of that seeps into the soup, which makes the soup amazing. If you want more of a dry dish, get the beef chow fun with American broccoli,. It sort of has to be beef because the beef flavor seeps into the noodles which makes it all the much better. For an appetizer, the regular fried chicken wings are really really good. They are just plain, but they are nice and crunchy on the outside, and so juicy on the inside. Watch out! They always come out piping hot.
My favorite Chinese dish is the sizzling beef short ribs with peppers and onions. But David's did not make it so well (at least not to what I like). So I do not recommend that here.
Overall this place is wonderful. I turned all of my friends onto this place.
Thanks, David, for welcoming a big group of us into your spot when we had no intention of eating and were already leaning towards drunk. You pulled up some seats at the bar, served us cheap beers with a smile, and waved when we left. Finally - a spot to grab a quick drink in Chinatown! I'd love to come back late night, when I have wontons and noodles on my mind and nothing but beer in my tummy.
Definitely one of the BEST after hours restaurants to hit up after a long night in the city. I haven't been here in a while, but from what I remember, food was pretty good - although everything is probably good at 3am after a few drinks. And I have to give shout outs to the wait staff and David for putting up with my drunk friends this late in the evening. And I definitely agree with Dave H - quick service, considering the time of night...
I still have yet to try this place during the day...
We always end up here after discovering tai lake is closed. We never regret the decision. I've never been before 3 am (or sober) and it is always packed.
Service is rushed but efficient. Once the crowd begins to file out, the waiters are much more relaxed (and really funny - albeit at our expense)
The general tso's chicken (ok, i'm not always the most adventurous eater) is perfection.
I've also tried a variety of dishes that my friends have ordered, none of which I could name to save my life (the food, not the friends). All of it has been great.
Plus, you can take a trip over to the fish tanks and make friends (or amends) with your food before they cook it.
I come here so much that they don't even ask me what I want anymore, they just bring it out.
All kidding aside, this is my favorite late night Chinatown spot in Philadelphia, and it looks like I'm not the only one. If you're coming on a weekend night expect to see it packed with people straight from the clubs, which can be annoying, but then again hopefull you're also drunk to numb the pain.
I usually stick with the regulars like garlic chicken, beef pan fried noodles, shrimp with walnut, beef with tomato, salt pepper chicken (or seafood) and the chicken corn soup... but that's just if I'm hungry.
I'm sort of kidding.
As a late night spot to grab some eats, this place is pretty darn good. It's an above average chinatown restaurant to begin with, so it stands up pretty well compared to other late night options. I usually get a salty fish and chicken fried rice with some mapo tofu and salt and pepper pork. Of course, anything that comes in a clay pot (or hot pot) is pretty mouth watering also.
I've never been there during normal hours and I'm usually pretty tipsy (or tired) when I get there so I guess there's a chance it's not as good as I think... but I doubt it.
Mai Lai Wah is a wonderful late night dining spot, Chinese or otherwise. Their kitchen dishes out dependably saucy entrees (order the fried rice and lychee duck!) for reasonable prices, and doesn't stop until after the last clubs close. Service is quick, food comes out even quicker.
The restaurant is comfortable, not huge. Still, our party of nine was able to secure seating quickly the last time I was there (a Friday a few months ago at 8 PM). Portions are not stingy, and easily shared family-style. Recommended, and don't forget the lychee duck!
Good, standard Chinatown food. Nothing great but every dish will be acceptable, if not a bit above average. Seating is generally not an issue. The staff works quickly and are friendly. They are open super late and have a full bar right at the door.
As another poster stated, the entrees always come out as they are done, which is pretty poor form, IMO. No one wants to eat while their guests are waiting!
I've been a few times and I'd go back again. Not my first choice, but I'd go if I'm in Chinatown late for some reason.
I've been to David's Mai Lei Wai soo many times. For dinner on a
Tuesday night, for Lunch on a Thursday afternoon, after getting drunk on the weekends. My favorite time to go is definitely after going out. I went with a couple of friends this weekend and we had a great time.
If you go after all the bars close, be prepared for a wait. The food is really yummy, and served so you can share. We had the Veggie Chow Fun, and the beef fried rice. Much better than diner food after drinking.
The atmosphere is fun Chinese Diner. There's crazy kitch all over, and a few surly diner waiters to go with it. Our waitress was really nice and attentive, even though it was 2 in the morning and there were drunk people all over the place.
Go here soon!! The food is very very good and affordable for anytime!!!
I have not found an entree that I have loved, however the Hong Kong Wonton soup was delightful. The noodle variety is thinner than typical providing a more pronouced meaty taste.
The soy sauce on the table is quite salty. I recommend asking for packets instead.
This has to be the best Chinese food in Philly.
They make their Duck Sauce in house...it's to die for. Service is usually prompt, the food, in my experience, is always fresh and delicious. They do an Egg Plant and Garlic Sauce that's just perfect.
Stay away from their orange beef though...it falls short. Spring Rolls are usually pretty good. Going to agree with John P. get the Dumplings...just so yummy! I go here pretty often...and things are usually pretty consistent, that's always important to me.
For years, I have gone to David's to pick up beer, when dining in Chinatown. Whenever I went to buy beer, the service was usually slow and I noticed that if you order a large amount of beer (about 20 bottles) you should double check the price that they quote you. I once saw someone do this, and get charged a little bit more than they should have. Despite that, they are one of the cheaper places to pick up a few bottles, if you're in Chinatown already.
Fried dumplings are one of my absolute favorite things to eat. If I could eat them once a week, it wouldn't be enough for me (although it might be too much for my arteries). Since people know I love fried dumplings so much, David's has been recommended to me on more than one occasion. So, the other night in Chinatown I decided to try dinner at David's, partly in an attempt to get out of my rut and partly because I just saw "No Country For Old Men" and was making all of my decisions based on a coin toss.
I'm torn about my dining experience. The service was fine. The restaurant is small, but it doesn't take away from anything. And the food was good. So what could I possibly be upset about? The dumplings! Oh the dumplings! They just weren't all they cracked up to be. First of all, the filling is straight pork that tastes like it's 50% hotdog. Very generic. The wrappers were ok, but they were PAN FRIED. If a menu says "Fried" I expect my dumplings to be fried! Say they are pan fried on the menu and I won't bother ordering them! That said, it is neat that they are served with a ginger relish sort of thing. However, it was cold, and I thought that was jarring with the hot temperature of the dumplings.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the dumplings, the entrees we chose (via coin toss) were pretty good. The sauces weren't too thick or gluey and the flavors of the proteins really shone through.
If I go back, it won't be for the dumplings, that's for sure. But, I'd be wiling to stop in for a small meal or a quick beer to go.
dependable, fast, warm and comforting. i love this place, much like i love my favourite blanket.
mai lai wah has better sauces, though....
David's restaurant is open late and everyone goes there for a late dinner or drink or just to see who's out late tonight. I went there late one evening-I mean one morning. It was 1:30 am and the restaurant was packed with young Asian kids and still drunk party goers. I was there with my niece Tanisha and we sat down and ordered some grub. There's a saying in Hawaii" the best Chinese food is not on the menu" so i tested that quote. Dave's is a noodle house so i ordered Duck Chow Fun with Choy Sum and a Satay sauce with a dry saute. We waited for our food eating those crunchy noodles and duck sauce when the kitchen door burst open. David was yelling "Who ordered this? Duck with Chow Fun and Satay sauce? Who?" I raised my hand and he said "You ordered this? Duck with Chow Fun and Satay sauce? Where you learn order Chinese food? When I see this order I come run to see who order it. You really know how to order Chinese food" And that is how I became a fan of David's Mai Lai Wah. It feels good when someone acknowledges your creativity.
after a night of partying definitely check out David's Mai Lai Wah. Its open til 4am I think and is definitely worth the trip. Expect a packed house of fellow partiers all chomping down the greasy fare. Dont miss the Walnut Shrimp, Singapore Noodles, Chicken Corn Soup, Chicken with Garlic, and Salt & Pepper Seafood. The service is rushed but you'd be in a rush if you've been there for 12 hours and its 346am.
Mai Lai Wah is open till the wee hours of the morning and is therefore always packed with a Deco/Shampoo/Silk City bleary eyed crew. The food is not anything to write home about. It seems as tho they skimp on quality to just pump as many people through as they can per minute. The snot soup is aptly named and the veggies are always a lil' understeamed/undercooked. 3 stars for the late night dining...it is a great place as a preemptive strike against hangovers.
Probably my favorite Chinese joint in the whole City. They are open really late, and the food is always excellent. They have a great selection of standard fare Chinese food. If your there, ask for the noodle menu, and try their different tasty noodle soups. They also have excellent dumplings. As far as alcohol goes, they have a decent selection, Tsingtao beer, among other Imports and Domestics. You can also get Saki Wine if you like. Another thing I like about this place is they give you orange slices at the end of the meal. Something about that makes for a more enjoyable meal.
David's is great. One of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia.
THIS place stinks. besides being open late (not the only one) the food here is bleh, i orderd ribs in a black bean sauce, peking pork chops, house fried rice, walnut shrimp (great btw) and salted squid. the peking porkchops were the worst i've ever tasted. the squid was chewy. thought i was chewing gum. ribs were bland. fried rice and the walnut shrimp were the only dishes i enjoyed besides the white rice. i'd never go again, knowing i could spend my money at the hundred other restaurants and get better food and SERVICE. the guy that waited on me, had to of been the rudest guy in china town.
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: Chinese
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