Sam Woo BBQ in Alhambra is one of the original locations (or is it THE original?). Barbecued ducks hanging in the window, only like ten tables, waiters speaking Cantonese, and being out of certain items, this is as traditional as you can get. My mom loves this place - literally pulled up and she was so happy - like "this is my favorite place". Had a good meal - got their BBQ pork, rice noodles, won ton soup (mom's choice during this heat wave!) and black bean clams - my dad's favorite. Limited parking in the lot. read more

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I ordered some barbecue pork (char siu) and roast pork on this visit. They are known for good barbecue stuff. However this time I was disappointed. The roast pork was very bland. It has no flavor. The skin was not crispy. It was terrible! The barbecue pork (char siu) was still good. It is too bad that they don't have quality control on the quality of their food. read more

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Haven't been to a Sam Woo for a while but seriously wanted a no nonsense lunch and this little hole in the wall hit just right. They have Chinese BBQ items which many take away. They have a very small sitting area but with the quick and efficient service the turn over is pretty high and if you wait it shouldn't be too bad. Their menu is full of Chinese staples and you are sure to find something to please your palate. We chose beef fried noodle and the 2 BBQ and rice plate. We chose chicken and pork with crispy skin. That skin packed the perfect crunch! Both dishes are authentically flavored. Come out quick and hot. The table service comes with tea which is nice! read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Beef fried noodle - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

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Parking = pain Food = ordered duck plate, literary just duck and rice. Their n San Gabriel location is much better. They actually give vegetables and an egg read more

Get the roast duck. Get the chow fun. Get the Dan tat - custard pies. All delicious! Not all Sam Woos are created equal. But this location has some amazing food! read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

Sam Woo BBQ in Alhambra has always been one of my favorite spots whenever I'm craving wonton noodles and Cantonese BBQ. While some dishes can be hit or miss, most of the food is consistently good. We visited on Sunday and ordered the Yang Chow fried rice, a two-item BBQ combination rice platter (roasted duck and roasted pork), sweet and sour pork, and chicken chow mein. This time, the Yang Chow fried rice was our favorite. It was flavorful and the highlight of the meal. The chicken chow mein, however, was a bit too salty, and the chicken itself tasted bland. The sweet and sour pork was decent and enjoyable. The BBQ combination platter was a little disappointing, as both the roasted duck and roasted pork portions seemed smaller than usual and didn't have much meat. Even though the restaurant was busy over the weekend, the service was still friendly and attentive, which we really appreciated. read more

Sam Woo feels like one of those restaurants that has earned its reputation over time. I came in for some of their Cantonese classics and really enjoyed the wonton noodle soup and BBQ dishes. The portions were generous, the flavors were comforting, and you can tell this is a place that has been part of the community for years. If you're exploring the San Gabriel Valley, this is definitely one to add to your list. read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

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Got to try the Kogi - Sam Woo collaboration today. Shout out to my cousin RY who stood in line for 2 and 1/2 hours and delivered the food. This is what I tried: - Roast Duck Kimchi Taco - Char Siu Blackjack Quesadilla I've been coming to Sam Woo in Alhambra for years. But this collaboration was worth a try. The roast duck taco had the perfect balance of flavors. The quesadilla was a bit too saucy for my taste. I felt the sauce overpowered the char siu. Overall, I enjoyed the experience. I hope Kogi and Sam Woo continue this collaboration. Maybe with the classic Sam Woo roast pig... read more

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Sam Woo is a classic SGV staple. I came here for their wonton noodle soup and bbq pork. Service is friendly and efficient. They offer a breakfast menu from 9am-11am with congee, wonton noodle soup, rice rolls, chow mein, etc for $7.99! The wonton noodle soup comes with 2 wontons and the best bounciest egg noodles you will eat outside of Hong Kong. Simple yet so tasty. The bbq pork is also delicious, sweet and savory. There is also some parking available on the side of the restaurant. Overall, can't go wrong here. read more

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Nice staff. Cash only. I've always liked coming here but today my plate was so mid. The roast pork was undercooked with blood. The duck pieces I got were mostly bones. It was like $15 so I guess it's fine. I'd still come back but was disappointed by the meats today. The store ambiance is fine, just remember it is cash only so don't be surprised! read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

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3/26/26 CASH ONLY, found out when we're there, in small writing. ATM available inside the restaurant. Good food, great fast service, good portions, small shop, clean & bright. Met up with long time friends for dinner, ended up here. See our choices of food, pictured-- very quick & piping hot. Our server, Johnson is pleasant funny gentleman, charming & efficient. Dedicated parking, free. Will surely return. read more

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This was our first time to try Sam Woo in Alhambra. Was surprised located in a Main Street. It was a small restaurant and offered take out also. The place was very casual Chinese place busy and lots of take out order . The food was freshly cooked as you order. We got Deep fried sole, seafood fried rice set and sour soup, sautéed green beans, spicy pork salted . Servings were enough for 6 people. Prices were reasonable. Parking was very limited read more

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There are so many Sam Woo locations that have popped up over the years, I just assume they are interchangeable. Today, not so much. Is it the original? I don't know but it sure feels like an ancient artifact. Hole in the wall with a capital H. This Sam Woo location is very old, very aged. Tiny standalone building. Hand written Chinese shorthand menus taped up the walls, glass displays, peeling on the edges from age and wear. Fried rice was burnt. Chaw siu pork noodles were flavorless. Not much to write home about. I would go to other Sam Woo locations. Will skip this one in the future. read more

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I am glad to have read the reviews here on yelp because this place is cash only. I never been to any sam woo's in san gabriel and finally decided to check this location out. Time stands still here as it looks like the space is from the 90s. It's small but the service is good and we got the beef brisket wonton noodle soup and their golden chicken skin soy sauce chicken. Loved every bite! read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

We order, thru Doordash, from here twice a week. Yesterday we placed our regular order (Kung Pao Chicken, Black Pepper Beef, rice, and 1/2 Soy Sauce Chicken) and when it arrived, the Kung Pao had melted the styrofoam container. I called the store to let them know and the man that answered said it was safe to eat it. I asked for his name (3 times-he finally said to call him "Joe") and explained that I wasn't comfortable eating it. He said I could return it, but I explained they aren't close to us. He repeated several times that it was safe to eat, then asked me to hold and disconnected me. I was shocked, considering the amount of business we give them. I guess we'll be looking elsewhere for our deliveries. read more

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Sam Woo BBQ is our go-to spot, and honestly, this location is the only one our family comes to when we're craving BBQ meats. We've tried others, but nothing hits quite the same. The roast duck is consistently flavorful and juicy, with perfectly tender meat and just the right amount of richness in every bite. The BBQ pork is another solid favorite...its sweet, savory, and cooked just right without being dry. But the real MVP for us? The sausages. Hands down our ultimate favorite. They're packed with flavor, slightly sweet, and ridiculously satisfying. Pair that with their signature sauce, and it's game over. That sauce is everything...its just wo good that the kids love pouring it over their rice and eating every last grain. This place is all about comfort, familiarity, and dependable quality. When it comes to BBQ meats, Sam Woo BBQ has earned our loyalty, and we'll keep coming back for the flavors that never disappoint. read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Didn't get to take photos of all the yummy meats we ordered...but I got the duck - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

I happened to be in MP picking up some dim sum and I needed to get a soy sauce chicken for my mom. Got a 1/2 Soy Sauce Salty Brown Chicken ($13.50). My mom said it was delicious. SWBBQ also has a section for dining. However, today's review is only for their deli section. There's limited amount of parking directly outside and some additional parking down the alley before you hit the street. read more

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This is one of my favorite Chinese restaurants it's been around for years . I always order the wonton soup with no noodles and you get more dumplings. The second dish is big shrimp fried rice. Last but not least least is the 3rd and final dish beef chow fun with soy sauce. It's rated an A which is great. I highly recommend this restaurant nothing fancy just good meals. We been coming to this particular restaurant over 40 years and never disappointed . read more

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Picked up a Big Shrimp Fried Rice yesterday. Big Shrimp (lots of it), Big Flavor, Small Price ($16) This is probably my single most favorite menu item from this Sam Woo, apart from their BBQ meats. Don't get the regular shrimp fried rice. Get the BIG shrimp fried rice :-P read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Big Shrimp Fried Rice $16 (8-26-2025) - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

Great for the BBQ meats, but be ready for the crowds and pay by cash only. The bbq pork and duck are solid. It's easy to order them and the line for the bbq items keeps moving. Picking up other items from the kitchen was extremely challenging. I called my order in advance, but it wasn't ready when I arrived. I paid for it and waited over half an hour. It was very uncomfortably crowded. I had to remind them twice for them to get my order for me. In comparison to other Sam Woo locations, this one does not take credit card, only takes payment from the bbq line which creates a crowd, and the stir fried dish like the rice isn't as good. Unfortunately, we need to hollar to get service because it's not as orderly. read more

I stopped by this OG spot after a recommendation from someone I met a while back. He told me this was the BEST Cantonese food in SGV. Upon arriving, this small unassuming building offers the beautiful sight of roast duck hanging for customers to see. One of the more unique aspects to Sam Woo is that carry-out is carry-out and dining in is dining in. If you prefer carry out, you can NOT eat in the dining room. I was here to try one thing. The Char Siu (BBQ pork). I ended up ordering a two meat combo on rice, I'm addition to the char siu I ordered roast pork. Ordering was easy and there are so many different protein options. The total for this packed plate was only $15. Starting with the roast pork, it was SOOO flavorful and tender with the perfect amount of crispy skin. Despite coming in the evening the pork was still very juicy. The char siu was tender, savory and sweet. The perfect balance of flavor! I can't wait to come back and bring others to try the dining side. The menu is huge. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Exterior - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

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Always came to get the delicious roasted duck, crispy pork, chasiu! The staffs are friendly and efficient service! Their fast food catering counter offers a variety of options Only if the store can be renovated, read more

Bad service. Waitress took the money from my mother without asking. We tols her we're not ready. Waitress responded she's going home. Sucks!!!!!! read more

Amazing dishes! Sam Woo is nostalgic for me. The wok hay is still strong. The char on the beef chow fun is still immaculate. They have a lot of lunch special deals. Don't expect top of the line service. It's a casual Chinese restaurant. Would recommend! read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

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got takeout from Sam Woo BBQ on Valley Blvd and mannnn... the duck was juicy, flavorful, and packed with that classic roasted goodness. skin had the perfect bite and the fried intestines were straight fire, crispy, savory, and insanely addicting. one of those meals where you keep saying "okay one more bite" till the whole box is gone definitely hit the spot. 5 stars easy. read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

A classic. Anyone who knows quality Cantonese food knows Sam Woo. It's a shame the franchise has lessened of late especially post pandemic. But this place is still the classical no nonsense traditional authentic Cantonese cuisine. Outsiders will always lament about abrupt no frills service and simple dining room but that's a staple of authentic Chinese restaurants and how you know the food'll be good. And it's good over here. The portions are ample, classically flavored, and scrumptious. This is the food of my childhood. I just wish the parking was better (had to circle around 3x til a spot opened up) and that they aren't cash only. read more

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I ordered the three delicacy (roast pork, roast duck, and the pork) to go and it was a disappointment. They gave me the worst meat. There was not even one crispy skin of the roast pork. All they gave me was a big chuck of dry meat. It was just horrible. The rice and meat were dry and tasted bitter. read more

We came in for an early dinner. There was a slight wait for their largest table. Dinning in is actually tight squeeze as this space is on the smaller side. They were pretty busy but that didn't impact the great service we received. We ordered all of our faves. Garlic green beans, Beef chow fun dry, Spicy wings, Crispy noodles with shrimp, steamed rice, Walnut shrimp and BBQ pork. Bottomless hot tea is a must. We love the oil chile and nearly emptied it with our meal. We were a party of five and brought home several to go boxes. read more

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Unbeknown to most people, this is one of the first Sam Woo branches that opened up around 1980 following their original location in Chinatown. So as far as ambience, one can only expect a nostalgic & classic Chinese kitchen. Sam Woo popularized the Chinese BBQ style in LA complete with hanging barbecued chicken, duck & roasted pig. They are also the first to offer Deep Fried Salt & Pepper Shrimp or Squid which were later copied by others. So, yes, I have known & eaten here over the years because their food always tasted flavorful & for a reasonable price but not stingy on volume. Their Yang Chow fried rice is by far the best that I have tasted & its smoked/roasted flavor is unmatched. And paired with BBQ meat it takes you to flavor-heaven. This is an unpretentious place that does not try to lure you in with opulent decor & ambience in the guise of fine dining. But rather a place that delivers fine food for the soul while dining. read more

It's been decades since I've eaten here that I forgot that it even existed. My son wanted noodles for dinner and I had thought perhaps go to the one in San Gabriel, but the GPS said there's one in Alhambra. So, we went there instead cuz it was just a few blocks away from where we were driving. Place was empty. We sat down and the servers were pretty much hovering over us to make a decision on what we want to order. It was a bit uncomfortable. They stood at the next table while hands rested on a chair waiting. We finally decided and placed our order. My sons meal came out first while mine took perhaps 15-20 minutes longer. I told my son to start eating so that his food doesn't get cold, but he was a gentleman and waited. My wonton noodle soup finally came. It was delicious. The broth was just as I remembered. I drank a lot of it and it was so satisfying. Throughout the evening, the servers still hovered over us and other patrons who arrived. It's like a creepy person just standing there, not moving or doing anything except watching you. I probably could've had a couple more wontons, not because I was hungry, but because they were yummy. I will be back... maybe at the other locations. read more

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We used to come here fairly often back in the days. Now, we've mostly been coming to grab their BBQ to go. This time around, we stopped by for dinner. Kind of busy but just had a short wait before being seated. A pot of tea was provided while we reviewed the menu. We ordered the Yeung Chow Fried Rice and the Pan Fried Yee Mein. The Fried Rice was delicious and tasted just like how it always did when we used to come here (definitely brought back those childhood feels lol). The Yee Mein... I was not a fan. A bit too saucy for me, but not horrible; it just wasn't what I was hoping for. Cash only. read more

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It's been a while since we were here! The food is fantastic and the menu is so big you can never get through it all. The service is great especially since this is a very small place and in the same place for over 50 years! Nothing special about the deco. But remember it's all about the food! What really neat are the Ducks hanging in the smoker by the front door as you enter! The restaurant to your left and the take out to your right! read more

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My favorite of the Sam Woo locations. Excellent BBQ pork fried rice and dry beef chow fun. Their kung pao chicken is a surprise standout; it has a nice balance of heat and sweet. The roasted pork is also good. The service is above average for a place like this, even if you don't speak Chinese. A bit dingy, like many hole-in-the wall restaurants, but great value for the price. read more

Still kind of trashy, still lacking any atmosphere, still the best producer of Cantonese bbq on the area. There are competitors but the flavor isn't like Sam Woo. read more

This OG location is exceptional and so much better than the Van Nuys location. It's been awhile since I've been here, but the quality of the food hasn't changed. The combination platter which includes a sampling of the various meats like roast duck, BBQ pork, soy sauce chicken, roast pork, and sausage was outstanding along with the BBQ pork fried rice, fish congee, and sweet and sour fish filet. This place is popular and busy with people constantly coming in and people calling in phone orders. I've never had issues with service. I recognize the same lady who has been there for years and she is always nice and pleasant. read more

Absolutely terrible. I used to buy from another one of their branches; I happened to pass by this one today and assumed it would be the same, but it was a completely different experience. First of all, the attitude was awful--I asked if they could pour some sauce over the rice, and they refused. When I got home and opened the food, half the suckling pig was just fatty gristle; they must have swapped the meat when I wasn't looking. Also, while I was paying, they kept making me change bills, picking through them one by one because they were worried about counterfeits--even though I had just withdrawn the cash from the bank the day before. This place is just garbage. read more

Simply delicious. We went to the original Sam Woo. For $40.00/ duck, I was able to eat three or four times. After second meal, I made spicy duck with Thai chilies kafir and sweet basil leaves. read more

After a long flight back home we picked up food from Sam Woo. This OG location never disappoints. Just as u enter the door you get a magnificent wiff of Chinese seasonings...roasted duck, pork, & chicken. The employees are busy but was ready to help with your order. read more

The best BBQ duck in town! 三十年已開始幫襯三和，那時周邊好幾間分店，連賭城也曾經開過一間，生意十分火紅！今早點咗細蓉、雙拼飯、及弟粥。味道啱啱好，價格親民，有機會再來！ read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California

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There is a reason this franchise has been around for years, simple entry level chinese cuisine. This location is consistant to the other locations. I recommend the full roast duck w/ extra sauce. Garlic sautes string beans and house special pan fried noodle with chicken and pork. CASH ONLY!!! If you forgot, they have an ATM machine inside. There is some tables for sit down. But i recommend take out. read more

Sam Woo Alhambra - June 2025, full menu - Barbeque Near Me - Alhambra, California