I've been coming here for more than 20 years with my family. So this has a special place in my heart. Most people go here for their reasonably priced lunch specials range from 13-16$ that comes with a side of rice and a cup of hot and sour soup. They also have live seafood that are in tanks in front of the restaurant and you can pick from. Their seafood varies depending on market price. Restaurant: It's spacious and plenty of seating. Lunch time is the most popular time it's from 11a-3p. The restaurant has been repainted during the past 3-4 years. Staff & Service. The staff are friendly and there's always plenty of them around and attends to your needs quite fast. Food: They serve dishes ranging from stir fried dishes , soup bowls, Peking duck, fresh seafood depending on market price for that day and good veggies options. Some of my favorite dishes are ginger beef green onions, pepper steak, the fried flounder fish with soy sauce, and braised strong beans. FYI the food can come out salty I usually say not too much msg or light on the msg. Other than that it's one of the best Chinese dine in at South Pasadena. Parking: They have adequate parking that's in a shared plaza. I usually don't have trouble finding a space but in keep in mind lunch time tends to get busy if you have issues with parking you can park on the street. Final thought: I would highly recommend them and give them a shot on a Sunday afternoon with the family. read more

Oak Tree Inn - Wonton was with shrimp, chicken, bbq pork Beef ginger green onions Braised string beans - Chinese Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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My friends wanted to come here to have a little celebration. We called ahead to make a reservation for 10 as well give them our food order ahead of time so it would be ready shortly after our arrival. We ordered the beef soup west lake style, Honey glazed walnut shrimp, Hong Kong style shrimp chow mein, Oak Tree special tender beef, orange peel chicken, sizzling beef filet, hot braised string beans, shrimp fried rice, and the spicy salted pork chop. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant and shortly after a few of us arrived they brought us the soup and served it for those of us who were there. The entrees came out shortly after. All of the food was so delicious. It was some of the best Chinese food I've ever had in my life. Everything was a hit and I wanted to keep eating even after feeling full. The service was amazing. They were very attentive, nice and accommodating. They gave us the white rice complimentary which was nice of them. The part that really got to me was that the fortune cookies they gave us in the end were dipped in chocolate! I've never had them like this and it was certainly a pleasant surprise. This restaurant is a little out of my way but I'd return here again for their fair prices, excellent service, and even better food. read more

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Oak Tree Inn is a solid Chinese restaurant in South Pasadena. They have all the classics: lunch specials and a dinner menu with over 350 items. I had the war wonton soup and the sauteed seafood in the edible basket. Everything was tasty, and I especially liked the edible basket -- it was crispy and fun to eat with the seafood. Dinner was a bit awkward because we were literally the only ones in the restaurant. I found that odd on a Saturday night at 7:30pm. The servers were happy to wait on us despite the fact that the restaurant was empty. Too bad there wasn't a bit more life going on, because being alone in an empty and dead-quiet restaurant was rather blah on Saturday night, but things happen. Definitely a good place to come when you have a hankering for Chinese classics. read more

Oak Tree Inn - War Wonton Soup - Chinese Near Me - South Pasadena, California

We ordered to-go, they very nice and helped us with some question. Food was ready fast with a full house so that was super cool. Portions were great like the food, it was so good and flavorful. We will be back read more

DELICIOUS! First off this restaurant takes COVID precautions very seriously. Upon entrance they confirmed proof of vaccination in order to dine inside. They also seat you away from other guests as a precaution. The lunch special is a pretty good deal because you get a ton of food for about $12/dish. It's definitely a size to share with a group of people because I had a ton of food left over. The chicken chow Mein, orange peel chicken, hot and sour soup and beef was phenomenal. Everything tasted very fresh, the meat was so tender and when I finished eating I was already excited for the left overs. The chow mein noodles were very thin and had a yummy almost Smokey taste which a great balance of sprouts that added a great texture. Parking is also very easy, it's located in a parking lot. read more

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It's hard to believe that this place has gone from being one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area to one of the worst. Twice I've ordered the same food. Wonton soup and fish in black bean sauce with a small rice. Over $50 and it was so bland it makes hospital food seem tasty. I don't know what happened but please make it right. read more

Been here a number of times for lunch and a couple times for dinner. Consistent flavors and fresh ingredients. Some odd choices in composition (e.g., vegetables in kung pao chicken), but there are some standouts like their honey walnut shrimp. Pricing is on the high side, but reasonable given the ingredient quality. Ultimate not the best, but serviceable and worthy of repeat business. read more

This is my favorite Chinese Restaurant! I have been going here for over a decade mostly for family celebrations or simply just dining with family. They have a parking lot, so parking shouldn't be difficult, unless it's busy, you will have to find street parking. For large parties, I recommend making a reservation in advance especially if you plan for the weekend. They have a little fish tank that can keep young kids occupied while waiting to be seated. My most recent visit was my first sit down experience since the pandemic had begun and they did check vaccination cards. We were seated right away as it wasn't very busy. My favorite dishes never change and Oak Tree makes them perfect! I love the Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet and the Crispy Chow Mein (pan fried noodles) and the Fried Tofu! I always order these things when I sit down or take out. The service is always great. They are very welcoming and do their best to suite your needs! read more

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Have been coming to the oak tree inn for over 10yrs with my family we always leave happy. Food is delicious and well served. Service is the best they make sure you are happy with the food and give you recommendations. If I can give them 10 starts I will read more

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Food is good price is ok not too expensive. Ambience can be crowded at dinner time, then you wait to be served takes time. I understand when the restaurant is busy it's gonna bit wait which is ok with us read more

It's been over a decade since I have reviewed this place, so I thought I'd post an update. My family came here to celebrate my cousin's graduation with an early dinner (4PM). We had reservations, which was likely unnecessary since it wasn't busy. I do recommend making reservations if you have a big party and eat dinner later. They can get packed later into the evening. Orders: Spicy eggplant Chicken chow mein BBQ pork fried rice Peking duch Spicy squid Sautéed green beans Mongolian beef Real talk, everything was fantastic. There was not one dish that did not slap and the service was great. If you're in the area, show this place some love! You won't be disappointed. read more

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Great Cantonese Food. Nice service. Parking is a bit tight. Clean bathrooms. Need signage to indicate the cuisine.

It's been a bit since we've ventured here for lunch, which is a terrific special at $12.75 each with an individual heaping bowl of rice (white or brown with no cost difference), complimentary hot 'n sour soup (not vegetarian), hot tea, and the most delicious vanilla - coated fortune cookie. Generous portions, delicately cooked with veggies still crunchy, and kindest staff to a one each and every time. Husband & Wife owners uphold a standard of genuine kindness and most thorough and prompt service, yet never pushy. We feel like part of their family here, which truly adds to the overall enjoyment of your meal! What else can you ask for? Oak Tree Inn exudes our wishes for an excellent dining experience!! read more

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My wife and I have been coming here for at least a couple of decades. My Mom is very critical of Chinese restaurants, living in San Francisco, and I was hesitant to bring her here and surprised when she declared that she loved the food. I think of her fondly now when we dine at Oak Tree Inn. read more

Delicious, fresh, high quality, Chinese Food ... check out the lunch specials.. Today, I tried shrimp and vegetables in a clear sauce. read more

Look no further for delicious, high quality food. All the dishes we have tried have been amazing, portions are large and the lunch specials are phenomenal. Service is good and the waiters are friendly. It's very clean too. We won't be driving to China Town for Chinese food anymore. This is our new spot! read more

Oak Tree Inn - Family time! - Chinese Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Excellent food and service. Very reasonable prices. Parking! What's not to like? I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a Chinese option in this area. read more

Oak Tree Inn is my go to spot in South Pas !! The food is Great and the Service is always sooo welcoming !

Great Chinese food hidden in south Pasadena! I've only known most great Chinese restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley, but this restaurant hits the spot too! It's authentic and clean. Parking is easy to find. Even on the weekday, it was busy! Food came out fairly quickly for how busy it was. I saw their lunch specials and it is very reasonably priced as well. I think the only overpriced item is the rice for dinner. Especially if you're at a table of 10 adults, you might want to opt for their fried rice instead. Will definitely be back to try their lunch specials! But great option for family meals and banquet style as well! They can host groups. read more

Solid Chinese food. Great lunch specials which go till 2 or 3 during the week which is nice. I recommend the Scrambled egg with shrimp which is the perfect brunch menu item. Add a little chili. I usually get the lunch specials to go. If you dine in, then the cup of hot & sour soup is solid. read more

Good to have been pushed a reminder to review this place. Been here on and off for decades, 4 to 7 times a year. Always a good experience. Most recently about 2 months ago. Won't mention what we had as over the years I've had nearly every dish, and every single one was the best ever version. If you are in the area and you want traditional Chinese (upscale, but not over the top), you can't go wrong coming here. Price is appropriate, not above or below the full package consideration. I wouldn't do weddings or funerals or large company parties here, not big enough; but for up to 5 or 7 tables, it'll work. read more

Oak Tree Inn is a dependable local Chinese restaurant in South Pasadena. We've been coming here since they've opened. I especially love their lunch specials, which are extremely generous for the price! Seafood is one of their strong points, and there tanks with live fish, crab and lobster. Their steamed whole fish is always a solid choice. I wish I had an Oak Tree Inn near me. Convenient free parking in the lot. read more

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I just love this place, their Special Oak Tree chow mein is the best ever. All the food is delicious .

Food: 5 stars. Legit. Just as good as China town without having to drive THERE. I had the lunch special with shrimp and asparagus. I like the hot and sour soup, eggplant and mu shu. I am very precise about food. I like what I like. Since I am an excellent cook, it is hard to impress me. This place always hits the spot. Every person I have ever taken to this place is also impressed. Service: Always great service. I mean I have gone many times in the last 10 years. We even had my dad's birthday party there last year. Ambiance: I like the decor and the restroom is fabulous. I mean, I am always very picky about a public restroom. This is has a great mirror and the decor is spot on as well. Thank you for always taking good care of me and my family. :) read more

If you're in the area this is the best Chinese Food / Restaurant in town. You will not be disappointed. Service is on point food is on point beyond amazing. I highly suggest you call and RSVP because this place sure gets packed. It's party and a feast when you come but the atmosphere is amazing. read more

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We tried the orange peel chicken and the corn sauce fish. The chicken was delicious. The fish was not my favorite. It seemed to be lacking something, and I will admit that I am very picky about the type of oil that is used to fry food not sure what they use, but not my favorite. It was recommended by my sister and her boyfriend who absolutely love the place. The service was good and the ambience was nicer than most Asian restaurants. Perhaps it's just me, but I've had better. read more

Good food and very generous portions! Pleasant decor, seating Service was very good...waiter made suggestions, prompt service read more

Often do take outs of Chinese food here. It is convenient. Food is tasty and hot and always ready when I arrive. My staples include the Moo shu Pork, eggplant and salty fish hot pot. Rice is charged separately. For more authentic Chinese at a better price point you could drive to Alhambra or Monterey Park but for a more upscale restaurant close by , this hits the spot. It is by far clearly catering to a clientele that is more discerning of ambiance. Service is ok, but better than most Chinese restaurants in the area. I will frequent this restaurant regularly when in town. read more

To be completely honest, this review is to help any Yelpers who might be nostalgic for Crispy Fried Duck with Taro Cake 芋泥酥鴨 or 芋茸酥鴨 (Yù Ní Sū Yā) which is a dish that used to be popular in the 1970s to 1990s but hardly ever find any longer and to make finding it more complicated the name(s) on Chinese restaurant menus in English sometimes overlap with Pressed Duck and Almond Duck (also oldies not often found anymore). Menu item #117 is the boneless pressed duck layered with mashed taro, deep fried, and served with a brown sauce -- yum! I also got the beef chow fun which did not disappoint. I did take out so I can't comment on the service but they brought my goods out in just half an hour. The clientele seem to be largely old school patrons (I held the door open for several with mobility issues) which goes along with the old school items still on the menu. Probably will return to sample some of the other nostalgia dishes. read more

I Love this place, so yummy! I've never been disappointed. One of my favorite places in the area

It was my first time dine in since the pandemic. Drum roll, please. The foods were delicious. The owner was friendly and gave us free watercress soup with pork hock soup. The soup was tasty and full of flavor. We ordered a total of eight dishes, and all were delicious. The place was packed, and the reservation was recommended. The shrimp-paste chicken was still delicious. I love their speaking style pork chips, unlike other restaurants, in bright red. The special beef fillet was delicious and was like the French-style beef cubes. The service was attentive. read more

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Great Chinese food. We love the green beans dish, broccoli beef & orange chicken. Quick service and usually very quiet, chill ambience. Consistent quality. read more

Great food! I'd driven by a few hundred times to and from work and finally we went there and will be back again soon

It's not the same as prior to Covid . No more winter melon soup . No more some special dishes. They still have *hundred flower chicken* read more

So I have been here twice and had two very different experiences of satisfaction. The first time was the better visit, and the second was kind of a total let down. One thing, however, is consistent here, and you might see it as a blessing or a deal breaker. Everything, and I mean every single dish we have tried is remarkably bland! I don't know if they don't use salt or do use low sodium soy sauce, but I believe the reason may very well be that they do not use MSG at all. Whatever the reason, by the end of the second visit we realized we would not be rushing back. The dishes we tried were the wor wonton soup. A small is enough for three people to have two small bowls each. I thought it was okay, but the overall opinion was it was bland (sorry but this description is gonna come up a lot). Then came the pan fried dumplings. These are okay but not my favorite. The menu says they have peanut butter in them, but don't worry because you will not notice it unless you're allergic. They taste like standard dumplings. The dumpling dipping sauce is good. The bbq pork fried rice was decent but once again slightly bland. It was a good sized portion, as were all the dishes on the first visit to this establishment. The kung pao chicken was great and had a real NYC style taste to it, except it was oddly missing that MSG kick at the end. Still, they accommodated us with white meat chicken for a couple extra dollars, but the portion was very generous. Finally we had the chef's special shrimp with crispy garlic and chilis. This was by far the most successful dish. If you've ever had Night Market crab, that was exactly what this dish tasted like. The shrimp were gigantic and there were a lot of them. For the first visit, I figured I would give them four stars and looked forward to trying it a second time. Well, tried it again, and this time everything but the dumplings was flavorless. The chicken in garlic sauce was totally bland. The kung pao shrimp was bland. But worst of all about these two dishes was the fact there were hardly any shrimp and not much chicken. Both dishes were packed with vegetables. It was the exact opposite of the first time. If the kung pao chicken has no vegetables why does the kung pao shrimp come packed with them? Finally, we had the seafood chow mein, and it had no flavor whatsoever. It was so nasty, we left half of it and tossed in the towel. Both times we went, the place had plenty of Asian people eating, which we hoped was a good sign. Sorry, but it wasn't. Parking is easy both on the street and in their lot, and service is friendly and attentive. Maybe if you love bland food without any hint of spice and take NO MSG very seriously, this is the place for you. There were a couple of times we called to go, and there was a long wait, so it's a popular place. I had hoped this could be my go to place for Americanized Chinese food, when I had that craving, but alas the search continues. read more

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Great tasting food and service. I would make a reservation if you have more than 2 people.

Great food. Tradition for years. Great menu, and a variety of choices. That's all there is to say. read more

Been coming here for the past 2 years thanks to my boss. The food to fresh and delicious. The portions are large so bring the family or friends. Highly recommend the pepper shrimp and general Cho's chicken. I've only gone during the daytime so I don't know how it is at night. But the food is absolutely amazing my go to when I'm in the area read more

If you're in the area and craving some tasty and legit Chinese food, this spot will not disappoint! The portion sizes and flavors were on point and very tasty. My fam and I ordered the following: -Sauteed Beef Filet w/ Black Pepper Sauce= super tender and my fav! -War Wonton Soup large= generous with wontons, beef, and veggies -Spicy Salted Pork Chops= perfectly seasoned, crispy, and my second fav! -Oak Tree Special Chow Mein (soft noodle)= flavors were on point and had a good mix of various proteins -Sauteed Asparagus w/ Shrimp & Scallops= had to be my least favorite, but a good lighter option with lots of asparagus -Braised Eggplant w/ Spicy Sauce= pretty good even if you're not a fan of eggplant. Out of all the dishes, if I had to just pick three, then I'd recommend the sauteed beef filet, special chow mein, and the salted pork chops for sure. The place was pretty busy on a Saturday evening, so try to get there early for dinner if you want to avoid a bit of a wait. Service was so-so at times, but the place does get quite busy with larger groups. Still, a must try if you're craving some tasty Chinese food that will give you more bang for your buck. Definitely gonna have to come back again w/ the fam and explore more of their seafood dishes and also try their Peking duck next time! read more

A true family-style Chinese restaurant. The portions are very generous and the food is delicious. We particularly enjoy the fried wontons, and the cashew chicken. It's the kind of place where you see big families celebrating birthdays and other special events. Highly recommended! read more