New Lai Wah — Restaurant in Sacramento

Update: seems the service and the surroundings have gone down since covid which is unfortunate and prices have gone up.

We've been here about 3 times now and so far it's been pretty good since it became New Lai Wah. We've ordered chicken stir fry, seafood hot pots, chow mein, fried rice, yee noodles, crispy noodles, steamed live fish, stir fried Chinese veggies, etc, and all of it has been pretty good. Service isn't anything to write home (or rave) about here, but it's nothing unexpected or out of the ordinary as far as Chinese restaurants go. I just help myself to their shelf where you can self-serve and grab plastic soup spoons for your little ones, bowls if only plates were provided on the tables, and extra dishes or cups as your need arises. No need to bother the staff that may be too busy or might not be attentive (at all), so no need to get all huffy and puffy about the service or lack thereof. Actually, they're average nice far as Chinese restaurants go. The food is consistent and tasty and that's the main goal. 3 solid stars, 3.5 in my mind but rounded down BC the 0.5 star for being conveniently located to us is just...

Please read this review. It was exactly what I was expecting when I showed up based on the pictures and previous reviews. First of all, it’s not a cute little restaurant. Had an interesting smell and ok atmosphere. It seems like it’s more of an authentic restaurant based on the client base. I would’ve given them a 3 1/2 star but let me explain.

Pros Super low prices. Paid $10 for a broccoli beef lunch special and 2.50 for a can of soda. Large portions Free tea Service was quick and the waitress was nice.

Cons A bit of a smell. Very old decorative design. My particular dish was bland. Meat a bit chewy. But to be honest that was expected with the price. maybe some of there other meals are delicious so there’s no way no know for sure unless I try them. Table Was sticky. Soy sauce bottle was a sticky too. They should try to fix this.

So I would say that 3 star is merited.

If the location was a little clean looking, a little more modern, maybe just a little more presentable. I would’ve given them a sold 4 star for the price and ok food...

I ordered my last meal from New Lai Wah. Today I ordered 3 menu items and once again they gave me an item that I did not order. Instead of the seafood dish, I got an inexpensive vege dish. This is the third time in 2 months. they never give me a more expensive dish. I think they do it on purpose. When I got home I called them and asked they credit my credit card, the manner in which I paid. They said the could not. I would have to drive 40 minutes in one direction and physically provide them with my credit card in order to get a credit for that item. WHAT!? On top of it all, the broccoli (which was the incorrect item) was not washed well. I could feel the sand grinding as I chewed. Plus the service is very poor. I was treated like they could do without my business. Well, I can do without them. there are plenty of alternatives. I've been in the neighborhood for 45 years when it was the Old Lai Wah. I give them a ONE STAR for POOR SERVICE and for NASTY FOOD and for STEALING MY MONEY! I wish you the very worst of luck,...