Tang Dynasty（唐潮酒馆/醉长安） — Restaurant in San Gabriel

Came back for the stinky tofu, left feeling disappointed. I used to really enjoy Tang Dynasty, especially for their Changsha-style stinky tofu. Unfortunately, this visit didn’t live up to my expectations. While the service and atmosphere were still decent, the food—especially the tofu—was a letdown, which is why I’m giving this place 3 out of 5 stars.

Ambiance: 3.5/5 The space is clean with decent lighting and seating. However, I think the vibe could be improved with better music—90s-era Chinese pop was playing the whole time, and it didn’t really match the energy of the restaurant. Some updated or lo-fi instrumental would’ve helped set a better mood.

Authenticity: 3/5 I came back specifically for the Changsha Stinky Tofu, hoping for the crispy, bold flavor I remembered. Sadly, the tofu this time was soggy with no crisp exterior, which took away from the authentic experience. The other kebabs were okay, but lacked the flavor punch I expected from a BBQ spot known for bold Chinese street food.

Flavor: 3/5 Besides the disappointing tofu, the skewers were just average. Some came out lukewarm and felt like they had been sitting out for a bit. Nothing in the meal really stood out this time, which was a letdown considering the reputation and past experience.

Cost: 3.5/5 Prices are reasonable for a Chinese BBQ place in the area. You won’t break the bank, but the value doesn’t quite match what you’re getting, especially when the food isn’t consistently fresh or flavorful.

Service: 5/5 The one bright spot of this visit was our server—super friendly, attentive, and welcoming. No complaints here. The staff made a real effort to make us feel comfortable.

Final Verdict: 3/5 Tang Dynasty still has potential, especially with such kind staff and a cozy environment. But for a place that once stood out for its stinky tofu, the decline in food quality really hurt the experience. Hoping they bring back the crisp and flavorful Changsha stink tofu that made this place a personal favorite in the...

Recently came across this budget-friendly meal deal—only $11.99 all day for one dish plus a bowl of rice, with 25 dishes to choose from! Do the math, and $100 gets you 8 dishes—basically 8 full rice bowl meals! Honestly, I haven’t had this kind of “eat a lot and eat well” happiness at a restaurant in a long time!

[Stir-fried Beef with Chili] This one’s the ultimate rice killer! Tender beef slices with a hint of spice, full of wok hei. I could easily eat another bowl of rice with this.

[Homestyle Tofu] Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms and green peppers. It soaks up the sauce beautifully.

[Garlic A-Choy] The light and refreshing option! A perfect balance to all the hearty dishes. Strong garlic aroma but doesn’t overpower.

[Pickled Radish & Chicken Gizzards] Super crunchy and full of texture! The sour radish is so appetizing—another perfect combo with rice.

[Shrimp with Soft Scrambled Egg] Ordered this one for the kid! Delicately cooked, eggs are super soft and creamy, shrimp is bouncy and fresh—plate was polished clean!

[Spicy Stir-fried Clams] Clams are big and meaty, cooked in a savory-sweet sauce with chili peppers. Pretty solid!

[Stir-fried Bullfrog] Okay, I cheated and got a non-discounted dish… but I had to. I love bullfrog, and this one tasted super fresh—definitely freshly butchered. Spicy, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable compared to other places.

They also do skewers and drinks at night—totally vibey for a night out. I have to come back for...

I hadn't been here since it was Chang'an and I really enjoyed it. The vibe and venue was really fun. There's free karaoke, but I was more impressed by the happy hour specials that they were running.

Apparently Monday through Friday, 5 to 8 PM, they have 50% off a number of the dishes. So they serve Hunan cuisine here and this is more of a gastropub. So there's some traditional Hunan dishes on the menu, as well as some that are inspired by local Californian seasonal produce, and other Chinese cuisines.

One dish I had never seen before. Was this preserved century egg, eggplant dish that came in a mortar and pestle. It was a really cute presentation and you're supposed to smash it up yourself, which ends up giving the dish really creamy taste to it. It ended up being a favorite of the table.

Barbecue skewers always hit the spot. And then we got some drinks as well, but I would definitely come back just during happy hour on a weekday for a quiet meal because I did really enjoyed the food.

The karaoke was enjoyable. People took turns, and they were quite good. I wish I was able try more dishes because they were multiple desserts that looked really appetizing.

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience and would definitely go back. The neon signs are also gorgeous backgrounds, so definitely come here and get...