Tom's Chinese BBQ — Restaurant in San Diego

Dishonest Practices at This Chinese BBQ – Customers Beware!

I recently had a very disappointing experience at this Chinese BBQ that has completely destroyed my trust in this business. I purchased a whole BBQ duck and specifically asked for it to be cut. However, I witnessed what appeared to be a deliberate bait-and-switch.

An older woman with short hair took the duck I had chosen and brought it to the cutting station at the right corner. Instead of cutting my duck, she appeared to hide it to the side and replaced it with leftover pieces from another duck. She even leaned her body toward the divider wall, seemingly to block my view of what she was doing.

This isn’t the first time I suspected something like this—it happened once before when I briefly left to re-park my car after placing an order. This time, I made sure to watch carefully, and I’m certain of what I saw.

I brought this to the attention of the staff, including Mr. Tom, whom I had trusted for years. Sadly, they all acted as if they didn’t know what I was talking about.

It's incredibly disappointing to see a place I used to support engage in what looks like long-standing dishonest behavior. I can no longer recommend this business and will not...

I'm sure I'm already preaching to the choir when I say that this is easily the best roast duck in San Diego. As for the buns, don't let people's reviews stop you from trying them yourself, like I foolishly almost did. The bread is soft and sweet and the BBQ pork inside is really good. I added some pictures for reference (There was more duck, but my mom already started eating before I took pictures.) You won't regret trying it, and it's all reasonably priced. I honestly think that the 1 star and 2 star reviews complaining about the taste come from lifelong smokers who burnt out all their taste buds. 🤷‍♂️

Also if you do end up LIKING this place, give it a GOOD REVIEW. Businesses, especially smaller ones need as much help as they can get during these times, and a lot of people drop reviews only if they had a bad experience. Help out your...

Called ahead to ask when they close since they don't have a website and couldn't be bothered to at least update the free Google map entry. I was told 7pm. Drove 5 miles out of my way based on the glowing reviews. I got there at 6:17. Greasy Windows, chairs stacked, floor mopped(?), steam table empty and large case with some dried out dregs of food. I asked if they were still serving. Yes, I can do take out , motioning toward the odds and ends. When I asked why they were closing so early, all I got was a shoulder shrug and a weak sorry. Having called just 30 min prior, they could have said something. Nothing I could see worth ever coming back for. Just grungy and sad. Thankfully, several chains...