Sam Wo

This is a no frills Chinese restaurant. It was great for my friend and I because we just wanted good food. Sam Wo delivered that. It’s very small on the inside so you may not get a seat. We got lucky. The service was very basic, yet quick - they provided our needs, but not overly friendly or accommodating, which is fine considering the atmosphere. We ordered mixed vegetables with noodles, sweet and sour chicken, fried tofu and garlic broccoli. Everything was good; however I was a little disappointed with the ratio of pineapple and peppers in my chicken dish. Overall - no real complaints, but a word to the wise is to not have super high expectations and you’ll be fine. 🙂

Was in the area celebrating the Autumn Moon Festival and got hungry. I was craving won ton mein noodle soup, so we came here for dinner. My girlfriend had a vegetarian plate with tofu and mixed vegetables. This is traditional no-nonsense Chinese food! Sam Woo's always hit the spot , especially when I was in my 20s. I have great memories coming here with a group of friends late at night and eating upstairs! Although they slightly renovated, the vibe and long staircase have not changed. Such a nostalgic place which has been operating for over 100 years. I also recently read that the owner was going to close the business if they couldn't find a buyer in 2024 , as he wants to retire after dedicating so much of his life to the restaurant. He took it over from his grandfather and deserves to enjoy life now!!

So glad this place reopened and kept it’s aesthetic and preserved the history with improved service, menu and drinks option. Adult beverages (Lagunitas IPA, Modelo, Heineken, Sapporo, Tsing Tao, Wine and Sake). Must try the Sam Wo home made Hot mustard (so hot you have to blow your nose), Beef Stew Wonton and Duck noodle, Parking validate $5 discount if park at Portsmouth Square Garage. So comfy sitting at the wooden stool!

Tasty food that hit the spot and good service! We shared the duck fried rice, chicken rice roll, beef fried noodles and wonton soup. We were obsessed with the duck fried rice! So delicious! The chicken rice roll was very refreshing and nothing like I’ve ever tried before. Just be careful of the sauce-suggest a dab vs a dunk bc it’s got horse radish in it! Noodles and soup were also solid choices.

Really solid food. Was a big fan of the BBQ Pork Noodle Roll. I've always had it hot with a sweet sauce but this place has a unique version of the roll that was cold, and served with spicy mustard. I have a soft spot for places with actually good spicy mustard, and this place has definitely been added to my list. Their congee was also really flavorful. Just some solid good classic cantonese food (plus the unique roll), not expensive, and our server was also very nice!

Restaurant is one of the good hole in the walls. Service was a bit slow, yet being a good hole in the wall and seems to be famous with write-ups. It was quite busy with phone rigs, takeout pickup, and walk-in customers. Unfortunately, I was not offered or told about the dining room upstairs. Now I know. Next visit.. UP STAIRS I GO. food was good quality. I'm a toughie critic from Manhattan. Takes alot to blow my skirt up. Sam Wo is definitely a go again. Employees were lovely.