Sad that it is gone. 28 years. Part of my life. So many good Sundays where you had hot soup and all kinds of crispy shrimp dim sum, surrounded by generations of family gatherings. And anyone who loved old school Peking duck came here. Michael the waiter was always kind and calm in the midst of noisy celebrations. He had the peace of mind to paint beautiful landscapes in his spare time. Thank you all. Til we meet again.
Sheri Schutte
This location is permanently closed as of December 13, 2021.
Z W.
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the permanent closure, Sam Woo's restaurant has been a part of our lives since we arrived in the area around the same time 28 years ago. In the last few years, even though I've moved away from the area I continued to drive from LA to pick up food here on a regular/weekly basis as my family loves the food. On the takeout side, food was always being replenished during peak times and the portions given were so generous. Consistency in the freshness, quality, and taste was maintained throughout. By far, this was the number 1 location among all the others (Cerritos, San Gabriel, etc). Regrettably, I must've blown past that closure sign in the last dozen visits -- so when I got there on 12/13 1:30pm. To my horror, lights were out except for one person inside stacking up the steam trays. Even then, I must've still been in denial because I didn't see the sign until someone actually pointed it out to me. That sudden realization hit me like a ton of bricks and I'm still devastated by it. Many, many fond memories through the years, I'm grateful for the staff, they've always been so wonderful and friendly over the years, *especially* on the take-out side, I will miss you. I wish I had a chance to give my thanks to each of the staff in person. Thank you to the owner Edith and family for an amazing 28 years.
K T.
I will miss you Sam Woo Restaurant and the BBQ side. We always come here all the time for last twenty years living in Irvine. The staff, the food and the quality has always been very reasonable. This is a staple and it will be hard to replace. The hanging duck, the yellow chicken dish, chow mein, wonton soup with noddles and almond jello as dessert was always such a treat. Thank you to the staff and workers for all your years of service!
Patrick W.
Adios sam woozie!! Good things must come to an end. Gonna miss the Bittermelon dishes and overfilled chow mein
Karl G.
Came here with my family for lunch. Food came out quick and was all traditional cantonese food. We had salted fish fried rice which wasn't listed on the menu, string beans, beef with chinese broccoli, roast pork, taro with fatty pork, chicken feet, siu mai, and honey walnut shrimp. The waiters spoke cantonese and there was a diverse clientele. Sad to see this place close, but glad we got to try it once before it did!
Alan S.
Sad to hear the news that Sam Woo's is shutting down permanently - not as a casualty of COVID but because the owner was found guilty of tax fraud. The Irvine restaurant was a local favorite of my dad's and he always got the VIP treatment, so we've enjoyed countless family meals there over the years. Feeling thankful and blessed for one final dining experience before closing time. Food photography is for my remembrance and nostalgia purposes.
Charles L.
CAUTION, during this difficult COVID time, they did not clean the table and argued with me! Please read on. I have the the highest regards for Sam Woo and being a long time customer I have frequent all three stores. Their Service had always been exceptional. Today I went to the middle store for lunch, the service was slow , although there were tables available, I still waited at least 30 minutes. As we were waiting to be seated, a few tables had decided to leave. The server began to clean the table where he was going to seat us but decide not to wipe it down. I politely asked him to please wipe it down but instead he was very argumentative with his response and a don't bother me look replied, "they did not use it." My wife and I looked at each other and decided to leave. The server with a pissed off voice started to repeat bye bye multiple times. At this time another lady came over and I expressed to her that the gentleman did not wipe the table. She started to push us out. I was furious! I went to the seafood side asking for the manager but was rejected. When I explained what had happened, her reply was we are closed tomorrow. Then she said I do not control that side. What happened to consistency, quality, and standards? Three important aspects for a restaurant? Most importantly, what happens to keeping at the minimum the tables clean at all times especially during this pandemic. Eat there at your own health risk and enjoy their rude service. I understand that there's a lot of uncertainties and people are vulnerable during this time but all we ask for is common courtesy. I'm very sad that they will permanently closed tomorrow but I hope the employees will learn better customer service skills at their next place of employment.
Daniel F.
Sam Woo in Irvine will close permanently this Sunday 12/12. I took my mom to dim sum today. Food is as good as Tim Ho Wan, and price is 40% cheaper than J Zhou. Staffs offer friendly service and do not charge for tea. We felt sad to say goodbye. Sam Woo was the oldest authentic Cantonese (Hong Kong) restaurant chain in California. Its BBQ duck and BBQ pork set the standard by which other restaurants are measured. Irvine location pioneered the cost effective design of 2 restaurants which share the kitchen, staffs and bathrooms. They offered customers the choice of 2 levels in menus, prices, and services. Sam Woo BBQ Express has no table cloth for everyday meals; so everyone can enjoy yummy food at budget friendly prices. Sam Woo Seafood Restaurant has table cloth for special events; like business meetings, birthday parties, and wedding banquets.
Madison O.
I was going to say Sam Woo deserves a key to the city, not an ejection by the Irvine Company, but upon doing some research it turns out Mr. Sam Woo has been hiding money from Uncle Sam. So now he's in jail and my family and I are absolutely devastated to be losing our go to Chinese takeout spot. Even though we live in proximity to countless other Chinese restaurants there's nothing like the Sam Woo experience. I'll truly miss waiting in the takeout line next to the hanging ducks, chicken feet, and pig skull before ordering cafeteria style and paying a reasonable price.
I'm a fan! I've only been to the Cerritos location and was shocked to learn that they have many other locations... I can see why! The char siu is delicious. Lovely, smoky flavor throughout the entire cut of meat. I'm not surprised to see the negative comments about the service - while I didn't experience it here myself, I know it was an issue at their other location as well. I will update my review accordingly if I have a bad experience, but for some takeout on Thanksgiving evening I'm quite thankful Sam Woo is around.
Karen Y.
What a horrible rude hostess- so mean - so rude I never need to step foot in the place again. We called yesterday they say no reservation but you can try and come in. We did 45 minutes wait, we said okay. 45 minutes later went in hostess said your party here we said yes they are outside we are gathering. She told us we were not all there - we don't need to eat there. Needless to say we will not ever ever ever By the way lovely Asian restaurant across the parking lot called meizhou dongpo could not be nicer
Emmett T.
FYI... word on the street is that this Irvine location of Sam Woo Restaurant & BBQ Express will be closing for good soon because their lease is expiring, and the rent is being increased. Between that and a shortage of workers, I'm sure the stress level among the staff has got to be high. You may encounter a lady at the hostess stand who can be rude when you ask about seating availability or the status of an order. Our group came recently on a weekend to enjoy a Friendsgiving dinner. The reservation was made early, and we showed up at 5 pm. We were one of the first parties to be seated in the dining room of the seafood restaurant side of the business. The place can hold about 80 customers, but they don't have enough workers to serve everyone efficiently if the room is at full capacity. The original intent was for each person to order a dish and share it with the group. While the conversation was happening, it ended up being one or two people who ordered all the food. Our dinner consisted of... * Peking Duck * Yang Chow Fried Rice * Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp * Mongolian Beef * Sautéed Black Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy * Fish Fillet with Spicy Salt The duck was easily the favorite of the bunch. It was served across two plates... the first containing the sliced meat with crispy skin along with twelve pillowy buns, and the second holding the leftover internal meat near the bones. Scallions and hoisin sauce were available to add as toppings to the duck as you enclosed it within a bun before devouring. I also enjoyed the black mushrooms as they were large juicy pieces that were a nice change up to the proteins. The only things missing to make the medley complete were a soup and a pork dish like char siu. I had few complaints about the food quality. The cost per person including tax and tip was $20 which was a really good value for six dishes.
Noah C.
F*** THIS PLACE AND THEIR WORKERS. They just randomly decided that today would be reservations only (despite calling yesterday to confirm walk ins would be acceptable) and said no one else could eat for the rest of the day despite it being only noon. Refused to help us and clearly couldn't care about anyone's reaction to it. I don't care if shitty customer service is a typical cultural thing, nobody wants to come to a restaurant where the workers couldn't give a f*** about you. F*** Sam Woo and his woo peeps.
Cat T.
I've been going to Sam Woo since I was little and was craving some noodle soup. I tried calling the restaurant but was referred to the BBQ line which was a different number. I called multiple times but they declined and hung up every time. I ended up going into the restaurant and waiting in line to order. The line was long but the food was made fairly quickly. Service isn't the greatest but my expectations weren't too high. I ordered the roasted duck noodle soup with wontons. They gave a very generous serving of seafood broth and the wontons are big. Some pieces of duck were very meaty and some were just bones but it was delicious either way. The broth was super flavorful and fragrant. The wontons were filled with pork and shrimp and was juicy and savory. The duck was tender with fresh flavor. This is as everything I wanted in a duck noodle soup! I'll definitely be coming back to try the roasted pork next!
Sad that it is gone. 28 years. Part of my life. So many good Sundays where you had hot soup and all kinds of crispy shrimp dim sum, surrounded by generations of family gatherings. And anyone who loved old school Peking duck came here. Michael the waiter was always kind and calm in the midst of noisy celebrations. He had the peace of mind to paint beautiful landscapes in his spare time. Thank you all. Til we meet again.
This location is permanently closed as of December 13, 2021.
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the permanent closure, Sam Woo's restaurant has been a part of our lives since we arrived in the area around the same time 28 years ago. In the last few years, even though I've moved away from the area I continued to drive from LA to pick up food here on a regular/weekly basis as my family loves the food. On the takeout side, food was always being replenished during peak times and the portions given were so generous. Consistency in the freshness, quality, and taste was maintained throughout. By far, this was the number 1 location among all the others (Cerritos, San Gabriel, etc). Regrettably, I must've blown past that closure sign in the last dozen visits -- so when I got there on 12/13 1:30pm. To my horror, lights were out except for one person inside stacking up the steam trays. Even then, I must've still been in denial because I didn't see the sign until someone actually pointed it out to me. That sudden realization hit me like a ton of bricks and I'm still devastated by it. Many, many fond memories through the years, I'm grateful for the staff, they've always been so wonderful and friendly over the years, *especially* on the take-out side, I will miss you. I wish I had a chance to give my thanks to each of the staff in person. Thank you to the owner Edith and family for an amazing 28 years.
I will miss you Sam Woo Restaurant and the BBQ side. We always come here all the time for last twenty years living in Irvine. The staff, the food and the quality has always been very reasonable. This is a staple and it will be hard to replace. The hanging duck, the yellow chicken dish, chow mein, wonton soup with noddles and almond jello as dessert was always such a treat. Thank you to the staff and workers for all your years of service!
Adios sam woozie!! Good things must come to an end. Gonna miss the Bittermelon dishes and overfilled chow mein
Came here with my family for lunch. Food came out quick and was all traditional cantonese food. We had salted fish fried rice which wasn't listed on the menu, string beans, beef with chinese broccoli, roast pork, taro with fatty pork, chicken feet, siu mai, and honey walnut shrimp. The waiters spoke cantonese and there was a diverse clientele. Sad to see this place close, but glad we got to try it once before it did!
Sad to hear the news that Sam Woo's is shutting down permanently - not as a casualty of COVID but because the owner was found guilty of tax fraud. The Irvine restaurant was a local favorite of my dad's and he always got the VIP treatment, so we've enjoyed countless family meals there over the years. Feeling thankful and blessed for one final dining experience before closing time. Food photography is for my remembrance and nostalgia purposes.
CAUTION, during this difficult COVID time, they did not clean the table and argued with me! Please read on. I have the the highest regards for Sam Woo and being a long time customer I have frequent all three stores. Their Service had always been exceptional. Today I went to the middle store for lunch, the service was slow , although there were tables available, I still waited at least 30 minutes. As we were waiting to be seated, a few tables had decided to leave. The server began to clean the table where he was going to seat us but decide not to wipe it down. I politely asked him to please wipe it down but instead he was very argumentative with his response and a don't bother me look replied, "they did not use it." My wife and I looked at each other and decided to leave. The server with a pissed off voice started to repeat bye bye multiple times. At this time another lady came over and I expressed to her that the gentleman did not wipe the table. She started to push us out. I was furious! I went to the seafood side asking for the manager but was rejected. When I explained what had happened, her reply was we are closed tomorrow. Then she said I do not control that side. What happened to consistency, quality, and standards? Three important aspects for a restaurant? Most importantly, what happens to keeping at the minimum the tables clean at all times especially during this pandemic. Eat there at your own health risk and enjoy their rude service. I understand that there's a lot of uncertainties and people are vulnerable during this time but all we ask for is common courtesy. I'm very sad that they will permanently closed tomorrow but I hope the employees will learn better customer service skills at their next place of employment.
Sam Woo in Irvine will close permanently this Sunday 12/12. I took my mom to dim sum today. Food is as good as Tim Ho Wan, and price is 40% cheaper than J Zhou. Staffs offer friendly service and do not charge for tea. We felt sad to say goodbye. Sam Woo was the oldest authentic Cantonese (Hong Kong) restaurant chain in California. Its BBQ duck and BBQ pork set the standard by which other restaurants are measured. Irvine location pioneered the cost effective design of 2 restaurants which share the kitchen, staffs and bathrooms. They offered customers the choice of 2 levels in menus, prices, and services. Sam Woo BBQ Express has no table cloth for everyday meals; so everyone can enjoy yummy food at budget friendly prices. Sam Woo Seafood Restaurant has table cloth for special events; like business meetings, birthday parties, and wedding banquets.
I was going to say Sam Woo deserves a key to the city, not an ejection by the Irvine Company, but upon doing some research it turns out Mr. Sam Woo has been hiding money from Uncle Sam. So now he's in jail and my family and I are absolutely devastated to be losing our go to Chinese takeout spot. Even though we live in proximity to countless other Chinese restaurants there's nothing like the Sam Woo experience. I'll truly miss waiting in the takeout line next to the hanging ducks, chicken feet, and pig skull before ordering cafeteria style and paying a reasonable price.
Restaurantji Recommends
I'm a fan! I've only been to the Cerritos location and was shocked to learn that they have many other locations... I can see why! The char siu is delicious. Lovely, smoky flavor throughout the entire cut of meat. I'm not surprised to see the negative comments about the service - while I didn't experience it here myself, I know it was an issue at their other location as well. I will update my review accordingly if I have a bad experience, but for some takeout on Thanksgiving evening I'm quite thankful Sam Woo is around.
What a horrible rude hostess- so mean - so rude I never need to step foot in the place again. We called yesterday they say no reservation but you can try and come in. We did 45 minutes wait, we said okay. 45 minutes later went in hostess said your party here we said yes they are outside we are gathering. She told us we were not all there - we don't need to eat there. Needless to say we will not ever ever ever By the way lovely Asian restaurant across the parking lot called meizhou dongpo could not be nicer
FYI... word on the street is that this Irvine location of Sam Woo Restaurant & BBQ Express will be closing for good soon because their lease is expiring, and the rent is being increased. Between that and a shortage of workers, I'm sure the stress level among the staff has got to be high. You may encounter a lady at the hostess stand who can be rude when you ask about seating availability or the status of an order. Our group came recently on a weekend to enjoy a Friendsgiving dinner. The reservation was made early, and we showed up at 5 pm. We were one of the first parties to be seated in the dining room of the seafood restaurant side of the business. The place can hold about 80 customers, but they don't have enough workers to serve everyone efficiently if the room is at full capacity. The original intent was for each person to order a dish and share it with the group. While the conversation was happening, it ended up being one or two people who ordered all the food. Our dinner consisted of... * Peking Duck * Yang Chow Fried Rice * Honey Glazed Walnut Shrimp * Mongolian Beef * Sautéed Black Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy * Fish Fillet with Spicy Salt The duck was easily the favorite of the bunch. It was served across two plates... the first containing the sliced meat with crispy skin along with twelve pillowy buns, and the second holding the leftover internal meat near the bones. Scallions and hoisin sauce were available to add as toppings to the duck as you enclosed it within a bun before devouring. I also enjoyed the black mushrooms as they were large juicy pieces that were a nice change up to the proteins. The only things missing to make the medley complete were a soup and a pork dish like char siu. I had few complaints about the food quality. The cost per person including tax and tip was $20 which was a really good value for six dishes.
F*** THIS PLACE AND THEIR WORKERS. They just randomly decided that today would be reservations only (despite calling yesterday to confirm walk ins would be acceptable) and said no one else could eat for the rest of the day despite it being only noon. Refused to help us and clearly couldn't care about anyone's reaction to it. I don't care if shitty customer service is a typical cultural thing, nobody wants to come to a restaurant where the workers couldn't give a f*** about you. F*** Sam Woo and his woo peeps.
I've been going to Sam Woo since I was little and was craving some noodle soup. I tried calling the restaurant but was referred to the BBQ line which was a different number. I called multiple times but they declined and hung up every time. I ended up going into the restaurant and waiting in line to order. The line was long but the food was made fairly quickly. Service isn't the greatest but my expectations weren't too high. I ordered the roasted duck noodle soup with wontons. They gave a very generous serving of seafood broth and the wontons are big. Some pieces of duck were very meaty and some were just bones but it was delicious either way. The broth was super flavorful and fragrant. The wontons were filled with pork and shrimp and was juicy and savory. The duck was tender with fresh flavor. This is as everything I wanted in a duck noodle soup! I'll definitely be coming back to try the roasted pork next!