Some California restaurants come and go faster than a fortune cookie gets cracked open. These five have stayed open through decades of change, serving chow mein, dim sum, and honey walnut shrimp to grandparents, parents, and now their grandkids.
One opened in Sacramento in 1939, one has served Los Angeles since 1946, and three San Francisco Chinatown spots trace their roots back more than a century. If you love food with a story behind it, this list is for you.
1. Frank Fat’s, Sacramento, CA
Since 1939, Frank Fat’s has been feeding downtown Sacramento from the same L Street address. That makes it one of the capital city’s longest-running dinner tables.
The entrance is easy to miss, but the long, narrow dining room inside has a polished, old-school look. It manages to feel historic and dressed up without being stuffy.
The menu leans toward elevated Chinese classics. Honey walnut prawns are a big draw, along with chili beef chow fun, duck noodles, crispy fried chicken, and Hunan chicken chow mein.
I would save this one for a date night or a dinner with out-of-town family. There is a private dining room for bigger gatherings, plus full vegan and vegetarian menus.
Plan ahead on weekends, since Friday and Saturday evenings get busy and reservations are recommended. The restaurant is closed Mondays and opens at 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Find it at 806 L St. Expect to spend about $20 to $30 per person.
2. Paul’s Kitchen, Los Angeles, CA
Dodgers fans, take note. Paul’s Kitchen has been dishing up chop suey and chow mein surrounded by Dodger mementos since 1946.
The downtown LA spot on San Pedro Street keeps things simple and wallet-friendly, with most meals landing between $10 and $20. Portions are generous, and dishes are made to order.
Classic Cantonese comfort food rules here. Think egg rolls, egg drop soup, chicken fried rice, and a house chow fun that also comes in a vegetarian version.
Plenty of families have been coming for generations, and the dining room has kept much the same look for decades. That steady, unchanged quality is a big part of the charm.
Timing matters. Paul’s Kitchen is open 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM and closed Tuesdays, so it works best as a lunch or early dinner stop.
Reservations are not accepted, but parking is usually easy to find, which is a small miracle in downtown LA.
3. Sam Wo Restaurant, San Francisco, CA
Few restaurants can point to 1907 as their starting year. Sam Wo has been serving casual Chinese meals in San Francisco since then, earning a reputation as one of the oldest eateries in Chinatown.
The restaurant now operates from a newer location at 713 Clay St. The family-owned spot keeps prices low, usually $10 to $20 per person.
Menu favorites include tomato beef lo mein, raw fish salad, scrambled egg with BBQ pork over rice, and BBQ pork rice noodle rolls. It is the kind of food that hits the spot after a long day of walking the city.
Seating is limited, and there is usually a wait. Reservations are not taken, so a weekday lunch is a smart move.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays closed.
4. Far East Cafe, San Francisco, CA
Walk down Grant Avenue and you will pass a restaurant that has anchored Chinatown since 1920. Far East Cafe is a true neighborhood fixture, with old-school decor that sets it apart from newer spots nearby.
The menu covers both Cantonese and Sichuan cooking. Honey walnut shrimp, Mongolian beef, orange chicken, and Yang Chow fried rice are popular picks.
Groups have a real reason to come here. Family-style meals are served in private dining rooms, which makes it a solid choice for birthdays and reunions.
Service moves quickly, and prices stay reasonable at around $20 to $30 per person. Reservations are accepted.
The cafe serves lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 4 to 9 PM, closed Tuesdays. Street parking can be tricky, so public transit may save you a headache.
5. Hang Ah Tea Room, San Francisco, CA
Dim sum lovers, this one comes with bragging rights. Hang Ah Tea Room calls itself the oldest dim sum house in the United States, and it has been in San Francisco since 1920.
You will find it at 1 Pagoda Pl, a small alley spot in Chinatown. The setting is no-frills, and the focus stays on the food and the friendly staff.
Fresh bao buns, pot stickers, and crisp scallion pancakes are standouts. A good tea selection rounds out the meal.
I like that it opens every day at 10:30 AM, which makes it an easy choice for a late breakfast or lunch. Thursday through Saturday, hours stretch later into the evening.
Reservations are accepted, and takeout is available. Parking nearby is tough, so walking over from elsewhere in Chinatown is the way to go.
Five restaurants, five long stories, and plenty of dumplings and noodles between them. Save this list for your next California road trip.
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