Jack's Bao — Restaurant in Monterey

Saw this new place in yelp today, decided to go give it a try. Small menu, which is ok as it is supposed to be specialized in wantons and buns. Ordered shrimp/pork wanton soup, shao loon bao, and fried wantons.

The pros: The soup base is good. Just like most of the northern Chinese restaurants in Bay Area. Reasonable price, considering it's located in a tourist trap area. Staff was friendly and decent customer service.

Cons: Wanton skin was really thick (I am used to thinner wanton skins) Fried wanton probably was pre-cooked. Because the burnt part (about 15% of the surface area) is crispy(good), but the remaining 85% was hard and chewy, I think had they actually used oil to deep fry the wantons to give it overall crispy texture is better than the current pan fried hard and chewy texture, especially when the wanton skin is very thick. Shao loon bao has no soup in it. And also very thick skin.

I would love to give them better reviews and ratings and to support their business. But as it stands, it needs much...

I ate here 2 times this weekend, and will return often. Love the food and very friendly staff. They fill a food category that’s been missing from Cannery Row… with the rich Chinese immigrant influence on Cannery Row dating back to the whaling days, Lee Chong Market, and the sardine era, they provide guests with amazing food while they reflect on Cannery Row’s rich history!

This is a family owned business, worked by a great husband and wife team. Pay no attention to critical reviews from difficult customers. Share concerns, if any, with the staff and they’ll take good care of you. Eat here with confidence, and bring all...

New Shanghainese “fast” food in the form of noodles and dumplings. Ordered at the counter and I was recommended the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) - they came freshly steamed, tasty enough and there was some scaldingly hot soup within each one. I could still see a tiny bit of flour dusting between the dumplings. This gave me an indication they were likely shaped earlier but steamed fresh to order. Authentically served with vinegar and julienned ginger on the side. For $15 they’re not cheap but, hey, that’s eating out in California for ya. I will be back to try the other items...