Tasty Choice

Welcome to Tasty Choice, a unique Chinese restaurant located at 200 S San Gabriel Blvd in San Gabriel, CA 91776. As a part of the Chinese Restaurant category, Tasty Choice offers a distinctive dining experience that harks back to the Chinese cafes of the 2010s. Based on customer reviews, this establishment presents a blend of nostalgic ambiance, diverse menu offerings, and a particular style of service. For local users seeking a Chinese restaurant with character and a wide range of options, Tasty Choice provides an interesting and potentially satisfying choice.

The environment of Tasty Choice is described as a "time capsule from the 2010s Chinese cafe." This suggests a decor and atmosphere that may feel familiar to those who frequented such establishments in that era. Notably, the restaurant features both smoking and non-smoking areas, which is a characteristic of that period. Additionally, it operates late into the night, catering to those seeking a meal during off-peak hours. A significant advantage highlighted by a reviewer is the "open generous parking," making it convenient for customers to drive to the location. The presence of "old school coffee/tea prep in the dining area" adds to the nostalgic charm and offers a unique visual element to the dining experience, where customers can witness the preparation of these beverages.

However, the environment also presents some potential drawbacks. The review mentions that "smokes spill inside from the patio," which could be a concern for non-smoking patrons. Furthermore, the "thick tea you could taste from just the air" suggests a strong aroma that might not appeal to everyone. The reviewer also noted a distinct taste to the tap water, advising customers to consider ordering tea or another beverage instead. While the parking lot is described as big and shared with what appeared to be a member-only pool hall, alternative parking on San Gabriel Blvd is also available.

In terms of services, Tasty Choice seems to offer a traditional, attentive style. One reviewer likened the service during their late visit to "wait staff in the old days where waiters actually waited around to service you, or like how some restaurants in China have people wait around to service you." This suggests a level of attentiveness that some diners may find appealing. However, it was also noted that "outside can experience less service than inside," although it was qualified as "not bad at all." The staff is reported to be bilingual, speaking Chinese, which can be beneficial for customers who prefer to communicate in that language.

A key feature of Tasty Choice is its diverse menu, which goes beyond typical Chinese restaurant fare. The reviewer mentioned that the shop has "steaks, fried rice, noodle soup, all the usual hallmarks of a Chinese cafe from the golden cafe era." This eclectic mix suggests that Tasty Choice caters to a broad range of tastes and preferences, offering both familiar Chinese dishes and Western-style options like steaks. This variety could be a significant draw for groups with differing culinary preferences.

The quality of the food appears to be somewhat varied, according to one reviewer's experience. The "acid test of a dry fried beef rice noodle was pretty good," indicating that this particular dish is a strong point. However, the "Hainan chicken was not so much," suggesting inconsistency across the menu. Despite this mixed feedback, another reviewer simply stated "Good food," indicating that overall, the culinary offerings are generally satisfactory.

Other notable features include a "good seating quantity" and "good seating quality," suggesting that the restaurant can accommodate a decent number of patrons comfortably. The availability of "lots of tables inside" and "covered outdoor seating" provides options for different preferences in dining environments. However, it's mentioned that the inside can get packed, so it might be advisable to consider this during peak hours.

Regarding the ambiance, the reviewer noted that "the posters, signs, some areas could use a refresher," suggesting that the decor might be a bit dated, consistent with the "time capsule" description. This might contribute to the nostalgic feel for some but could be a point of concern for those who prefer a more modern aesthetic.

In terms of pricing, the reviewer mentioned that prices are "$15 and up," indicating a mid-range cost for the area, as another reviewer noted "Average prices for the area." The visit occurred late, so the reviewer "didn't see any lunch specials," and it's unclear if these are offered during earlier hours. Local users interested in potential lunch deals or other promotions should inquire directly with the restaurant.

Overall, Tasty Choice seems to be an "okay place to get food" with some unique characteristics. The reviewer concluded their initial visit by stating, "I would recommend trying them." For local users in San Gabriel, CA, Tasty Choice offers a chance to experience a retro Chinese cafe atmosphere with a diverse menu and attentive service. While the environment has its quirks, such as the potential for smoke and the distinct tap water, the praised dry fried beef rice noodle and the extensive menu could make it a worthwhile visit. To learn about any current promotions or lunch specials, contacting Tasty Choice directly at (626) 286-3338 or +1 626-286-3338 is recommended.