Sam Woo Barbeque
| Address: | 514 Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA |
| Phone: | +1 626-281-0038 |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 9AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 9AM–1AM 9AM–1AM 9AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
SA
Sarah Schutzman
DONT COME UNLESS YOURE 1) mid-50s and speak fluent Cantonese, 2) part of the local Cantonese crowd. For everyone else, BE PREPARED TO BE CHEATED. I am 30yr old, but look early- mid-20s, and like an ABC (perfect English, speak basic Mandarin w a slight foreigner accent). I went to this location for the first time today to pick up takeout bbq meats to prepare at home. The lady at the takeout counter (clearly the boss) dropped a meaningful piece of my roast pork ($11.95/lb) AFTER weighing it, and instead of immediately apologizing, and reweighing my order/replacing the meat, she stared at the meat on the floor long enough for me to be certain that had I not been standing there, watching, she would have picked the meat off of the FLOOR and slipped it back into my box (who does that?). Finally, I had to politely ask, did a piece fall on the floor? She looked at me and said, Ill replace it-- without any mention of reweighing. I didnt want to make a big deal of a simple mistake, so let it go. She brought the replacement piece to me from the back, and stuck it in my box. After I got home, I was furious to see that the replacement piece was almost PURE FAT, clearly a leftover scrap. After piecing through just the first half of my 1.5lb roast pork order, I have already trimmed out a very hefty handful of fat, including significant lumps. The bbq pork I ordered was also slathered in sauce, which, in light of my roast pork order, Im positive was intentional, to tip the scales (at close to $10/lb). I dont know how they treat their regular customers, but my sense is that unless youre a tough-looking Cantonese local, you wont be treated fairly-- theyll jip who they can. I was too polite to make a fuss, but will never go back to this location. Congrats on losing a good potential customer. Also, as a more minor point, dont expect to pay the actual cost of your order-- they will round up to the closest figure thats convenient for them. My orders came out to exactly $15 and $10, which I know is not a coincidence.
BI
Bill Chiang
Im indifferent about this place. I grew up in Alhambra so Ive been eating here for years and I have to say, if you go here, you need to know what youre getting yourself into. Its an old asian staple in the SGV where theyre known for their duck, pork and asian dishes in general. Coming from someone who grew up in the area, I know you cant expect too much in terms of service. I love the food here but why a 3 star. Heres why. The food is good but at the same time is different in quality once in awhile. Its one of those family owned joints where the time you go matters. In terms of the service, its what really gives this place a lower rank and not a 4 from me. Theres been countless times that I go when theres no one there where the cooks or chefs, whatever you want to call them just sit there and talk and lag cutting my stuff. I get it, youre hanging out, you do long hours but my moms need to eat. Hustle up! haha Also, if you ever get the food on some holiday, consider this place a battle zone. They dont really follow line protocol and make their customers get in line. haha Its a free for all. Im a pretty big and tall guy but my asian aunts and uncles can care less as they push their way through. Overall, good chinese food as Ive been eating here for years. I go here because its cheap but sometimes the meat isnt consistant and lets be honest, this place is a "C" if that. I guess thats where the extra flavor comes form.
A
A Private User
Service horrible. I waited by the "wait to be seated" sign. After 5 minutes standing there w/o any acknowledgement I flagged down person. She looked at me & proceeded to a table. Then looked at me again & while she was taking down an order yelled out, "how many?" I said two & she pointed at a table for us to sit at. Food was okay. Ordered roasted duck w/ lo mein noodles. Kung pao chicken & bbq pork. Duck & pork came out about 3 minutes after I ordered it ( that worried me so fast) Kung pao took longer about 10 minutes (freshly made I hope). Ordered thai tea & to my surprise it was store bought still in bottle. All tables had plates & silver ware & chop sticks placed there. That worried me too because I saw 2 flies flying around in there & I would nt be surprised if they like to land on all those plates on the tables. I went there because it had a high score. Not until I left that I noticed the "B" rating letter posted on their window.
BE
Belinda thai
When me and my dad got to the place, the place looked like it hadnt been repaired in decades. Believe me. If you were to walk in there, youd believe me the second you entered. As my dad was asking for a certain piece of the pork, this guy (who has poor customer service and looked Chinese and spoke Cantonese) said, "OKAY! Wait!" He had terrible ATTITUDE! A couple minutes later, the man didnt even give us the piece of meat that we wanted but simply the one he chose for us. When we looked at the slab of meat, there was certainly too much sugar in it, and the burned parts werent even cut off like what the other stores would do.
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maria martin
WORSE customer service ever. Ordered a dish that costs 9.95 and instead of chicken I ordered shrimp. Jenny charged me 15.00 didnt give me the chicken and gave me mostly vegetables. Asked her nicely but she raised her voice and told me that she charged as if it was another dish because it had shrimp. 5 dollars more with out the chicken and about 5 pieces of shrimp. First and last time I come here. It was sad that they treat people like this.
AS
Ask Jighead
I come here for their roasted duck, soup of the day ($2) and wonton noodle soup. They also have a pretty nice late night special (after 9 pm) menu. Parking is horrible here, but just park on the street. The service is horrible if youre ordering to go, but if you understand the culture, youll make your way to the front but being loud. Hahah, good luck if youre new to the culture.
LI
Lisa Li
The food is honestly really amazing. Parking can be a little difficult, and the grade they received indicate they might not be the most hygienic, but I still love their food. Customer service is...well, it would be nice if they were friendlier. Theyre usually just straight to the point, not exactly rude though.
DA
Daryl Trinh
The food to-go counter side of the restaurant is great for picking up Chinese dishes, including meaty entrees and meal specials at great prices. I really like their Pork Sausage and Barbeque Pork (cha shu). Service isnt even average here, but it aligns with most businesses with similar culture.
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nava jos
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..........mmmmmmmmmm..........mmmmmmchump chump glup glup.....mmmmmmmmm
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Paul S
Sam Woo customer for 20 plus years I usually got to the Chinatown location. They have changed their at some locations but the food hasnt changed. I usually get the BBQ on rice. the duck, soy sauce chicken,salted chicken,sausage and roasted pork are my favorites. CASH only
JO
John Houser
Hurray for good late night eats. They have an excellent late night menu. They have good barbecue pork rice, fried chicken wings, and rice porridges. The service is a bit blunt but theyre fast and get you the food quick. What Im looking for in late night eats.
