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Wo's Restaurant - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Chinese Chinese [Edit]
4005 Judah St(between 45th Ave & 46th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
(415) 681-2433
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Serving delicious Hunan & Mandarin Chinese food for lunch and dinner. Quick, good service, a comfortable environment, and fit for all ages. You are… read more »
81 reviews for Wo's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"I love their garlic beef fried rice." In 17 reviews -
"Pot Stickers of delightfulness." In 7 reviews -
"...is run by a very sweet husband and wife who always have a..." In 5 reviews
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81 reviews in English
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Review from Bart p.
San Francisco, CA
I was really surprised to see this restaurant close. It just seemed like the type of mom and pop restaurant that would be on Judah street forever. I got take out here a lot when I didn't feel like cooking and some of the dishes I really loved. As everyone else noted very nice owners.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/2/2008
I like this restaurant..For the me the food ranges from kind of average to good. There are some… Read more »
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12/2/2008
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Review from Julian P.
San Francisco, CA
Good food , lovely people, great prices. Happy daze in the sunset.
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Review from Steven R.
Berkeley, CA
Not what we expected! Waiting time is a bit long(20min until the first dish came), the free tea they offer tasted like crap..
We ordered a total of 5 dishes
-Sweet&sour soup, which can actually taste the vinegar, over-nighted pork.
-Deep fried squid, small serving, but it is the best overall dish that we had for the night.
-Thai iced tea...or condensed milk?
-BBQ chicken, over cooked, w/o any kinds of sauces
-sweet and sour fish fillet, this is actually the only ok tasting dish for its price
-Braised tofu, very small portion, with MORE bok choy than tofu
Our bill was $50, its not too pricey for a 4 dish meal with soup, but NOT for this quality
I will definitely go elsewhere -
Review from Andrew P.
San Francisco, CA
I may be a little bit biased, as this was one of the first Chinese restaurants I'd ever been to (I grew up in the neighborhood), but I still think it deserves all the credit it can get.
It is very affordable, I have not had a single bad item on the menu in my many years and phases, they authentically cook both Cantonese and Vietnamese dishes in no time at all, the staff is always full of joy, and the portions are ample. -
Review from David M.
Everything was a-ok. After a long wait at Outerlands and making no progress on the list, we decided to take a street goer's recommendation and check out Wo's Restaurant. I thought to myself, "a family spot, with lots of character..."
After being promptly seated by the friendly server, we ordered the house special fried rice, shrimp and snow peas, and the house special tofu dish (a recommendation from our server). After waiting for a few minutes, we were approached by someone from the kitchen letting us know that our snow peas dish wasn't going to happen (sad face), but they could sub green beans, which was fine with us...we're easy going about these things.
Anyways, after receivng all our dishes, there was nothing particularly memorable about any of our dishes. Yes, the staff is uber friendly, the service is quick, and the ambiance is well...forgot I mentioned the ambiance, but the food as to live up. If you're in the neighborhood, and you're looking for some quick Chinese/Vietnamese take out, sure you can visit Wo's but don't say you weren't warned. One more thing, our fortune cookies were stale... :( -
Review from Kevin L.
Awesome potstickers! $4 something for 8 freshly fried pockets of pork and veggies. Definitely smaller than expected and not fully packed, but for the price, not so bad. The vinegar dipping sauce also has little pickle dices in it. Mm. Will come back to try their other dishes, priced around $5 too.
Run by a cute older Cantonese-speakin' couple and a helper lady who mans the wok. -
Review from L A.
San Francisco, CA
So good! So friendly! So cheap!
I love going to Wo"s dinner or lunch with my sweetie and ordering at least one dish we have never tried before. Trust me, there are more than enough dishes to lure back those with adventurous appetites again and again. On our last visit we had the fried oysters, which gave us instant food orgasm followed by food coma. Their seafood soup is flavorful and not skimpy on the seafood. The chow fun is well done and perfectly spiced.
The staff here is always so nice and welcoming to us. Such a contrast to Outerlands next door. I will come back to Wo's as long as my feet or the N can get me there. -
Review from Colleen W.
San Francisco, CA
I really wanted to love this place. It's a little family restaurant with the mom n' pop working the stoves and two lovely, well-mannered ladies hostessing. They shot us plenty of heartwarming smiles as we dined.
Tthe food, however, is another story. It's way too salty and greasy, even for the typical chinese takeout.
Seafood Chow Mein- Too salty. Too sweet. Too greasy.
Kung Pao Beef (my family is strange...)- I think there was an inch thick layer of oil covering it all! Major indigestion.
Seafood & Vegetable Soup - Sweet broth. Imitation crab, scallops, calamari, shrimp, straw mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. Bone broth was sweet in a nice veggie way, not MSG laden.
Bottomline? Cheap and filling, but not really worth splurging beyond my health conscious regimen of eating nor the indigestion. -
Review from Joseph V.
Los Angeles, CA
I wish there was a place like this in Orange County. The prices range from 4-8 dollars a plate and the portions are more than generous. I ordered 3 plates and a soda and my total was 18 dollars! The food tasted good and their service is awesome, very friendly people.
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Review from Verna L.
I love this place! Service is very friendly, maybe because they treat me like a little girl for some reason...but anyway, I've only tried the Wo's specials at the very top of their menu for lunch. the Chicken Steak with Corn Sauce over rice is yummy and cheap. the pan fried fish fillet with ginger fried rice is also super yummy and cheap - reminds me of something my mom would make at home, but slightly spruced up a bit with added "wok hei". the roast pork (not bbq pork) and fish filet tendergreen over rice is good too! they all remind me of homecooked meals without all the extra fancy flavorings that are typical of westernized (bastardized) chinese food. i'd like to try the other specials and other items as well, including the soup noodles. my only complaint might be the semi-long-ish wait time for the food 10min+ for a dish, BUT it makes it seem like they make it fresh on the spot for me!
semi update 10/21/11:
i just came back from having their wonton noodle soup, and am in a food coma. it's huge! the noodles are super al dente, maybe the best i've had in SF. they give you 8-10 large wontons heavier on the pork than on shrimp, which i LOVE (i'm not a shrimp fan.) AND, i had to take leftovers home! i still have 3 wontons left! and for a cheap price of course. my only semi-complaints with the wonton noodle soup was that they did charge me more than i thought, not the 4.25 listed on the menu, but 5.60. and the soup is sort of on the light side, which i guess is healthier.Comment from Kin Hung C. of Wo's Restaurant 11/1/2011
Thank you everybody for your support. Our last day… More » -
Review from Christopher B.
San Francisco, CA
I'm a firm believer that most Americans wouldn't want to eat /real/ Chinese cuisine. That said, I think Wo's might be the closest thing while still maintaining enough Americanization to be palatable to my American sense of taste.
The food is always hot and fresh. There are items on the menu that I have never seen in other Chinese restaurants. Interesting combinations.
The 'mom and pop' owners are very nice people and always make me feel welcome when I stop for take out.
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I want to give 4 stars but I reserve a star in my reviews for ambiance. Wo's is too brightly lit with tube flourescent lighting and yellow painted walls. The combination is too much to be relaxing. Take-out is a must here. That pretty much means that this is a locals-only place. -
Review from Althea R.
San Francisco, CA
OH NO!! Stopped by last week and it's CLOSED!! Windows all covered with butcher paper and a sign on the door: Wo's 1997-2011. You will really be missed! Zero stars would best express my disappointment.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/3/2008
No ambience whatsoever, but great Chinese and Vietnamese chow, and dirt cheap. Family favorites… Read more »
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5/3/2008
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Review from Tip S.
San Francisco, CA
A delicious surprise!
After perusing down Judah a bit, I realized I was starving. I was desperate to fill my belly with anything. Then I saw Wo's bright inviting "OPEN" sign.
I dug through my memory a bit, remembered a good yelp review for this place. So I rolled in, ordered the special beef noodle soup and kung pao chicken for my lady. Went home devoured it like a wild animal.
My taste buds sent me a big alert sign in my head, "delicious!" This experience led me to about another 3 visits. Each time I was delightfully satisfied. So were the people who ate with me.
I'm truly glad that I found this quick, mouth watering, cheap, big portioned restaurant a few minutes from my home. =) -
Review from Jackie A.
San Francisco, CA
We need you back! What are we going to do for emergency dinner????
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Review from Rachel S.
This is a truly fabulous neighborhood "greasy spoon" Chinese place. Their chow mien is unlike anything I've had anywhere else. The noodles are made there, and they are thick and doughy and totally delicious. It's only $5 (+tax) for Beef Chow Mien that can easily feed 2 or 3 people.
Wo's has a super special place in my heart. Personal story:
I had Lasik eye surgery over the summer, and you're supposed to sleep right afterward so your eyes can heal. I was in so much pain from the healing process that I couldn't sleep, despite taking pain killers. So, my boyfriend went to Wo's and got me some of their chow mien. I ate the whole thing, and it sent me into such a great food coma that I was finally able to sleep and heal. When I woke up, I wasn't in pain anymore. And I wasn't hungry, either. ;-)
I credit their handmade chow mien noodles 100% for getting me through post-surgery pain, and am eternally grateful. If you want great, affordable food that leaves you feeling super satisfied, this is the place to go. -
Review from Anna B.
San Francisco, CA
Great food for takeout. Friendly staff. :)
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Review from sheila s.
San Francisco, CA
Although I haven't gone back. The owner of Wo's did respond to my review below and apologized. They said they were sorry and to let them know immediately if I am not satisfied and they will fix it. Great service!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/10/2010
Woah woah woah Wo's -- what happened. My go to sweet and sour pork dish was disgusting tonight.… Read more »
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12/10/2010
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Review from InfodivaMLIS B.
San Francisco, CA
Like "Wo"! This Pho Cantonese Vietnamese cuisine was plentiful and flavorful. I had it to go. I came and ordered and waited. Parking was not a problem at the time of day. Be forewarned there are other restaurants in close proximity. Parking does get hectic.
I had a rice plate Hot Chilies Spice Chicken Chow Mein. and a ala carte Chicken Fried Rice and a Deep fried Egg Rolls.
I like the variety of the menu and will be back.Listed in: CHOW !!!!!, Sunset Neighborhood Outer &…
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Review from Megan M.
San Francisco, CA
I love their chicken chow mein!! Everything else I've gotten has been great too!! And, it helps that I always get greeted with a smile.
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Review from Michael B.
San Francisco, CA
I am so glad I live out in the outer sunset! In big part to Wo's Restaurant, it's really good! As other reviews have said it's small, simple, dirt-cheep, generous portions, and to the point! Just good food! They are a really nice husband and wife, and one helper who make this place happen. I would recommend Fried Prawns for starts, Kung Pao, Bacon and Garlic Fried Rice, Chicken Chow Mien....but it's all great!
And for those looking for a little more authentic food choices, try the Pho, the place gets packed during lunch and most diners are eating Pho and other soups.
So take the N-Judah out to 46Th eat at Wo's and walk down to the beach for sunset! You will be glad you did! No delivery, eat in or take out only! oh and it's cash only! -
Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
I love these kind of Chinese Restaurants where it's not about the hype, not about the decor, not about alot of things except cheap and good food.
Been coming here for years and years and sometimes I forget about it being there but whenever I come back, the food is always extremely tasty and it doesn't burn a hole in my wallet.
One of those places you wish were closer to home so if you are lazy to cook, you have old reliable "right next door"......Listed in: Parkside - Sunset | SF.CA
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Review from Roy N.
Been coming here on and off for takeout (still haven't dined in), ever since I first reviewed Wo's back in June. The staff is always nice and friendly (including the cook!) and I've really enjoyed everything I've had here.
There is a certain level of excellence found here that is not expected for an inexpensive box of takeout food. Everything here seems just better, nicer, and a little more deluxe than it has to be, especially for the price. In addition to the usual items, I tried their BBQ pork chow mein last night. The noodles were bigger and fancier than expected and they included nice, big slices of tasty BBQ pork, not the little slivers that you often see. Now that's quality and I just can't believe it's only $4.95!!!
Same as other Yelpers like Frank I., I love their Mongolian Beef over rice since the sauce is so deliciously savory, a perfect complement to the steamed rice. All this quality for the same price as or maybe even less than what other lesser restaurants in the area charge for their horrible food is downright amazing. There's just no comparison.
Wo! (whoa), this is good food! I love this place!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/20/2008
Thanks Yelpers!
I have been looking for a good Chinese restaurant in this area for quite some time… Read more »
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6/20/2008
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Review from Jade M.
San Francisco, CA
Me and the bf wanted something cheap, fast & good...ok let's try Wo's!
Good decision! We got the salted fish fried rice, mongolian beef, garlic pork & house chow mein.
Not only can you literally see them cook your food in the little kitchen, but the husband & wife (I think) are super friendly!
When I got my food and was leaving the guy who cooked my food made sure to yell "bye!" when I left!
Our food was delish when we ate it...the mongolian beef could have been a tad more spicy but everything else was on point! -
Review from Vijay P.
Morgan Hill, CA
This local Sunset district restaurant has been around for years. I practically grew up in the Sunset (80's), and I STILL need my Wo's fix when I'm up in San Francisco. By far my favorite dish is the Chicken Chow Fun (Dry). He makes it super spicy, just the way I like it. Mostly everything is made to order, and they have no problems making it to your expectations.
This is a family restaurant, and sometimes the service maybe a little slow when they're busy, BUT the friendliness and food make up for it, so don't ding this place for service. -
Review from Fog City W.
San Francisco, CA
Rarely is 5 stars given by me. This place with its tiny interior has kept me alive and nourished. Great food. Huge Servings. Light on the wallet.
Wish they took Visa. One of the best reasons to live in the outter Sunset. One of the best reasons to visit the outter Sunset. -
Review from Marco C.
San Francisco, CA
We happened upon the nondescript Wo's upon returning from a little hike down Ocean Beach. Something about it caught our eye, maybe it was the shabby exterior, I don't know, but there was some intangible aspect of it which said "this place makes good Chinese food." In fact, it was true.
To me, the true test of any Chinese restaurant is their wor wonton soup, which should be filled to the rim with wontons, pork, chicken, vegetables, and general flavor. In this aspect Wo's did not disappoint: their wor wonton soup was very satisfying indeed.
I also ordered some fried wontons, which turned out to be the west-coast-style mostly-noodle type (as opposed to east coast fried wontons which are actual wontons stuffed with pork and then fried, and which are generally more meaty). Still, these delicate fried noodles were curiously addictive. In addition we got the fried tofu, which was a tad bland, and some sauteed mussels. The mussels were really interesting: spicy, garlicky, huge meaty mussels. I don't know where they get these mussels but some of them looked like they could eat me.
Finally we ordered the spare rib chow fun. Here I would caution you that the chow fun at Wo's is very wet; they actually have "dry" versions advertised on the menu, and those might have been a better choice, although I don't fault Wo's for it -- I think chow fun is supposed to be that way.
Best of all, for all this food we ordered (and some sodas too), the bill came up to $32!
If I'm in the mood for good Chinese food and I find myself in the outer Sunset, I'll go back to Wo's. -
Review from Eryn S.
San Francisco, CA
4.5 Stars!
I eat at Wo's about once a week because A) it is mere blocks from my house and there's a hitchin post for my dog outside while I grab my food. 2) The owners are SO incredibly sweet and lovely. C) The sweet and sour shimp is amazing--huge portion, cheeeeap price and so simple and yummy, and I swear there is crack rock in the cashew chicken, really, it is THAT good!
Wo's is NOT fancy
Wo's is KINDA dingy inside
Wo's is cheap and fresh and done right
Wo's is my go-to spot for a quick delicious dinner!
oh, and it's CASH ONLY!!! -
Review from abigail w.
San Francisco, CA
we live in the area and always glad to find a place thats pretty good and cheap. my bf told me we had to try this place out and tonight was the night. Chicken wings (i was just having a craving..), pot stickers, mongolian beef, shrimp with snow peas, and chicken chow mein. hot and tasty! bf didnt love the pot stickers, i thought they were good. beef had great flavor and it was pretty packed with the meat. chicken was more noodles then chick, but delicious. shrimp were cooked just right. we got the shrimp as a rice plate and beef as ala carte. that worked out perfectly, plenty of rice to go around in the dish.
the woman working, super friendly. and i did notice that their inspection sticker said '100'. yes, the kitchen did look super clean which is an extra plus in my books :)Listed in: outer sunset hidden gems
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Review from Kylie L.
I've passed this place A BAJILLION TIMES going to and from the beach, but I've never stepped in. The outside doesn't look very enticing.
I'm glad I yelped before I came here.
This place is very hole in the wall like. It looks sort of garage like, it probably is.
Three words...CHEAP TASTY FOOD.
Came with a friend and sis for dinner today. My sis had pho with beef balls and bok choy. They didn't have the pho broth so asked if we wanted the Hong Kong style broth, I said yes. I didn't know what the difference was...I assumed wonton type soup. It was good.
Friend had...smooth egg fried rice? It had shrimp, peas, rice, eggs. It was the healthiest choice out of the 3. It was tasty.
I had...beef chow mein. It was tasty and very large. The noodles came with beef and bok choy. For $5, it was a good deal. It was so big, I didn't think I could finish it, but I did & it was painful.
LARGE PORTIONS and CHEAP PRICES, I'd come again.
$.25 if you want a TO-GO box. Next time, I'll bring my own container.
We all left VERY VERY FULL. It was about $6 per person including tax & tip. It doesn't get any cheaper than that.
Oh yeah, SERVICE IS ALSO VERY GOOD. The lady is so nice. -
Review from Mike W.
San Francisco, CA
Better than average take-out, and just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from one of my favorite neighborhood bars! I ordered my favorite pre-drinking items...fried rice and chow mein. Each order filled up one of those dinner-sized Styrofoam trays....the square ones with the hinged top and no compartments. The fried rice was tasty, not mushy, and with just the right amount of MSG. The Chow mein was pretty good too. I got a couple bucks back from a ten-spot, and filled myself up even after sharing with a few guys at Pittsburgh's Pub ( http://www.yelp.com/bi... ).
Orders are taken over-the-phone or at the counter. A small dining area towards the back serves people who wish to dine on-premises, though the vast majority of orders are take-out. I didn't see beer available on the menu, but Pittsburgh's Pub is barely a half-block away. Get your order to-go, hoof it down to Pitt's, belly up to the bar, and wash it down with a pint of your choice... -
Review from Pauline S.
San Francisco, CA
I am very sad to hear that this restaurant has closed down. It has saved me from starving more times than I can count. They had really amazing food and the family there are the sweetest people. I know they worked really hard everyday and glad that they are getting rest! If they ever decide to go back into the business, I hope they let me know where it is!
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Review from Allie L.
Redwood City, CA
Can not say enough amazing things about this stupendous example of authentic Chinese cuisine. First, the staff is beautiful in looks and in spirit. Never have I been welcomed with such kindness and warmth! Second, the quality of the food is impeccable. Newsflash: Chinese food is greasy. Grease makes everything better. Everyone knows this. This restaurant's food boasts the authentic flavors of ideal Chinese food. In fact this is the "Chuck Norris" of Chinese Restaurants...Umm... well, maybe I should have said, "Jackie Chan"... You get the idea. Third, please try the "Salt and Pepper Pork Chops". TO. DIE. FOR. Yes. I would die for these delectable pig parts. I would go into battle over these chops. For those who do not agree with this review, you do not deserve to eat at Wo's. So "Wo" is you.
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Review from Kimiko Q.
San Francisco, CA
Cheap, fast, tasty Chinese food. Your friendly neighborhood Chinese joint. Always busy around lunchtime.
Run by a husband & wife team, the restaurant has a nice homely feel to it. You do need to know what to order here in order to make sure you're getting the best out of this place (do not order the Vietnamese, it is not a Vietnamese restaurant, and obviously not their specialty).
I love the won ton noodle soup. I love their garlic beef fried rice. I love how they'll try to accomodate all the crazy substitions I always have.
I usually order with a group for take out and at $5-6 a meal, it's really a bargain. One meal can last you two days OR can feed two hungry co-workers. Great!
I guess to really like this place you just need to know what to order. -
Review from Jess R.
San Francisco, CA
Holy pot stickers, Batman!!!
I'm not even a fan of pot stickers really, but my boyfriend ordered these last time we got take out and I could've made a meal just out of those little pork filled pouches of loveliness.
They look and taste homemade, and after eating here for awhile now, I wouldn't be surprised if they were.
The take out rice plates are, by far, one of the best deals in town. $5.50 for a huge amount of food that for me always ends up being 2 meals.
The place is really a take out joint. They have tables but they are not really there for you to dine on. The first time we went here, we decided to stay and eat in. The woman had to search around for something to serve me tea in. haha. But, from where we were sitting we had a great view of the kitchen and watched an old woman make our food, which was awesome because we were able to see first hand that they use all fresh produce. Very nice. -
Review from Sana S.
San Francisco, CA
The fried fish fillet that's on the picture on their window is what I ordered. It comes with ginger rice. It was not bad, but I didn't like the egg rolls and I especially didn't like their potstickers. When bit down on one it tasted rubbery! It's not the best chinese food, but we were in a hurry (as usual) and decided last minute!
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Review from King L.
Sunnyvale, CA
GREAT Food! GREAT Price! GREAT Service!
Its one of those diamond in the rough that doesn't come by often. Portion is always generous. Wish I still live in the area...
AND if you're lucky...cute waitress too! ;) -
Review from Peter W.
Portland, OR
Fantastic place! An old couple runs the place and pops cooks every order from scratch in their tiny kitchen.
Five and a half bucks for an rice plate with more food than I can eat in one sitting and fresh, how can you bet that in a town where every meal is a ten dollar average. They are always busy with take out for the neighborhood folks like me, so be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes during peak hours.
I eat here a couple times a week because I can't afford not to...
Cash Only!! -
Review from Ris L.
San Mateo, CA
Went to Wo for the first time to get food to go. Cheap food and big portion! Rice place is around $5-$6 which can probably feed two. A lot of people came to pick up their food when I was waiting for my order.
I got the chicken steak with corn sauce!Yum!I definitely won't mind the 10 mins drive even though I live right next to 8 immortals. Oh, and this is not your typically small dirty Chinese restaurant. Their health inspection score is 100! -
Review from Chelsey G.
San Francisco, CA
I really wanted to love this place. The reviews were great, it is cheap as hell, the place was packed and the staff really seemed to know what they were doing.
BUT
it was nothing special, it was more just kinda sloppy and gross. Maybe I ordered the worng thing, and it is so cheap I would prob try it again, but I just cant see whay it would deserve all this hype. -
Review from Roz K.
Milwaukee, WI
I really like this place for sentimental reasons... or rather for a certain dish that I always ordered. Did anyone ever try their Ma Po Tofu rice? It wasn't exactly the real thing or whatever, but their take on it was creative -- I didn't expect the pickled Chinese mustard greens (I think that was it) or the sliced pork, but it was good.
Uh, besides that one highlight there, their food's mediocre for the most part. It's cheap (by cheap, I mean REALLY cheap), it's edible (for the most part, some of it's real greasy), and it's a popular neighborhood take-out joint. The place has a greasy smell and it's hole-in-the-wall, but really, they're nice folks and the place has its charm.
