Chao Wei Ju — Restaurant in San Gabriel

I've been to many restaurants with various personalities from waitresses but this one is by far the worst!! Our waitress rushed us to order even though half of the party wasn't ready. I told her to just put in the current order and we'll finish the rest later since half of us were still deciding. She kept insisting and gave side eyes though I repeatedly told her we didn't mind the wait if it came to it later on. Instead, she went to the other side of the table and consistently urged the other half to hurry up to choose. I found that very upsetting and definitely irritated my family and me because why was she in such a rude rush? It was even worse when she started cleaning our table when we weren't even done with our food. It really made it seem like she wanted us out of there. There were plenty of empty tables around the restaurant and mind you, there was no line!! So I genuinely don't understand why she specifically targeted our group and lacked patience!

Regarding our food, it was decent (6.5/10). Their noodle soup tastes like a nice homemade meal and their house-made chili garlic oil definitely gives it a nice kick. I do want to highlight that their item A1 looks absolutely nothing like what they served us when compared to the menu. I grabbed a menu so that I could ask someone (not our waitress) if that was the same item (she said yes it's the same). I still wanted to look at the menu but our waitress reached to my thigh to attempt to take it away. I held on to it and told her I was still looking. Honestly so crazy to me that she even begun to take it in the first place when it was still on my lap!!

All in all, this place has decent food but that worker definitely needs to work on her patience and customer service skills. I didn't get her name but she has reddish hair that went above her shoulders. I get that the excuse would be "It's an Asian restaurant, that's how you know food is good" but dang, this isn't even defendable imo. There's a complete contrast between that saying and whatever she was...

I had a deeply disappointing experience at this Chaoshan beef hotpot restaurant, and I feel compelled to share it so others can make an informed decision.

To begin with, the service was shockingly poor. From the moment we walked in, the staff seemed uninterested and unwelcoming. When we asked questions about the menu, the responses were curt and dismissive, as if we were bothering them. We had to ask multiple times for missing condiments, and when they were finally brought over, there was no apology or acknowledgment. The overall attitude made us feel like we were not welcome, which is unacceptable in any restaurant setting.

Even more concerning was the quality of the food—particularly the vegetables. We ordered a vegetable platter to go with the hotpot, and to our dismay, it contained several wilted, yellowing, and even partially rotten leaves. Some of them still had dirt on them, suggesting they hadn’t been washed properly. This is not only unappetizing but also unhygienic. When we pointed this out to the server, they brushed it off and said, “That’s just how the vegetables are. If you don’t want them, don’t eat them.” No apology, no replacement offered—just complete indifference.

To be fair, the beef itself was decent, but that alone doesn’t justify such poor service and the lack of care put into the side dishes. The overall experience left a bad taste in our mouths—literally and figuratively.

A restaurant that claims to focus on fresh ingredients and quality service should at least treat its customers with basic respect and ensure all food served meets minimal standards. Unfortunately, this place failed on both fronts.

I will not be returning, and I would not recommend this restaurant to others. There are far better options out there that understand what good food and good service...

Discover San Gabriel's Hidden Gem: Chao Wei Ju on Valley Blvd

Craving Authentic Chaoshan flavors that'll make your taste buds dance? Look no further than Chao Wei Ju, where family tradition meets culinary excellence!

From the moment you walk in and see the bustling dining room, you'll know you've found something special. This isn't just another restaurant—it's a San Gabriel institution run by the passionate Amy and her family, who pour their hearts into every dish.

The star of the show? Their legendary beef hot pot that rivals anything you'll find in the San Gabriel Valley.

But don't stop there! Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll discover an extensive menu packed with mouthwatering options:

Succulent beef skewers that practically melt in your mouth Perfectly seasoned beef fried rice with every grain packed with flavor

Fall-off-the-bone beef ribs that'll have you ordering seconds. Soul-warming beef noodle soup that's comfort in a bowl

Complemented by house-made hot sauces and premium teas.

What sets Chao Wei Ju apart? It's the winning combination of premium ingredients, masterful preparation, and genuinely warm service that makes every visit feel like coming home. The attention to detail is evident in every bite, and the welcoming atmosphere keeps locals and visitors coming back again and again.

This is the kind of place that becomes your new obsession. Whether you're a hot pot enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable meal, Chao Wei Ju delivers an experience that'll have you planning your next visit before you've even left.

Don't miss out—your new favorite restaurant is waiting for you on Valley Blvd in...