I had such a wonderful experience here tonight. I don't usually order Chinese food, so I honestly had no idea what I was choosing at first, and I ended up not loving my original order -- but the staff was unbelievably kind and patient with me. The waiter at the front desk was so cheerful, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. He worked with me to find something I would actually enjoy, replaced the dish, and even refunded part of the order without making me feel uncomfortable at all. That level of customer service is rare. In the end, the food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and satisfying. What stood out most, though, was how caring and accommodating everyone was. They turned what could have been an awkward situation into a really positive experience. Five stars for both the food and the kindness. I'll definitely be back. read more

As usual... This place is completely empty. I mean nobody around at all every table empty every chair empty. Waiting 10 minutes for someone to say hello. I like their food. But if you want to feel like a loner. This is the place to go. If you just wanna be alone... Have dinner at Tam. I will call it quiet and peaceful. Very quiet. Very peaceful. They don't even play goofy Chinese music in the background. It's literally dead silent in here. read more

Tam's Restaurant - Nobody here. Again. - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I do have to echo some other reviews that the place is very quiet. We went late on a Sunday and there was no one else there. Service was relatively quick, and the food was great! read more

Tam's Restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Got the hot and sour soup to go. Large container. I could only eat half. Not the color that I'm used to but it Had a good flavor. I liked that it had a little crunch from what I think is water chestnut. Not at all spicy. It the spot and helped with my hangover lol would order again. read more

Tam's Restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

The food here is amazing, big portions and great portions. Restaurant is quiet and good for meeting with friends.

Very good reliable Cantonese food choices. Efficient staff and cooks. I often go there as a back-up to my favourite which is Yan Flower. read more

Never order on yelp they steal your money. I was never helped and the app lies to you that it is open when you truly don't know unless you go in person read more

The outside seating was nice and my food was served promptly. As for the wonton soup, it was okay, but the chili sauce made it much better. Great wontons, and a good amount of soup mix ins! read more

Tam's Restaurant - 105. Wor Wonton Soup - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I live in SF but work in Santa Cruz 3 days/week and usually stay at the Hampton Inn across the street from the restaurant. The first two times that I ordered take out from Tam's was ok. Generally, what I would call generic gweilo Chinese-American food. Nothing wrong with that. The last time I ordered take out, I ended up puking/etc. all night long. The food tasted fine but well.... Do not recommend. Will not return. Ever. read more

Great food. The stars are all for the food. The atmosphere is bad. We used to dine in a lot there. It was never the best atmosphere but it used to be ok. They seem to have given up on the sit down restaurant aspect now, though. These days it's often too cold in there to even eat and it's kind of dim and the vibe is like you are eating in the kitchen of a take out only restaurant. The interior just feels neglected. I find it kind of depressing to eat there now. I'm sad about that because it's still my favorite Chinese food in town and we used to eat there about every other week. We still order take out from them once in a while and it still tastes great but I'm not that much of a fan of eating take out at home so I probably get food from them 1/10th as much as I did before the pandemic. If they ever decide to improve the atmosphere even a little I'd be thrilled and a regular customer again. read more

Great Chinese food open on Christmas Day. Thoroughly enjoyed the food. Lots of Chinese people dining there.

It's a good restaurant for kungpao chicken. The service is courteous. The ambiance is old school. The maybe is because im not sure if there are lo-carb options. read more

YUM! This place makes some really Good basic Asian food! Everything is fresh and tasty and it's always delicious and satisfying! Service is always friendly and prompt. The place is nothing fancy but always clean and comfortable. All in all it's a good place with tasty dishes served hot and fresh! The menu has many different dishes with meat options that include beef, pork & chicken or there are seafood options that include shrimp, calamari, scallops and different fish. So, meat's not your thing, don't worry, Tam's has a number of tasty vegetarian dishes that are delicious and include fresh regional produce. Also there are a variety of tofu dishes that are available and are delicious! I'll be honest, Tam's makes really good, no nonsense "Chinese food" that is definitely delicious and I am a fan! The prices are reasonable and servings are generous! They have a very "family" run business vibe, which is always a nice thing They also serve "lunch specials" available Every Day of the week and they are quite a bargain! So check out Tam's, you'll definitely be satisfied! read more

FOOD POISONING. The worst I've ever had. Walnut Shrimp. Ordered 11/27 @ around 9/9:30 pm. read more

Tam's is honestly a great gem of Santa Cruz, it's my favorite Chinese food hands down! This is a locally owned business and they are all very hard working peopled who make awesome fresh food to order. I think people underestimate Tam's because they have an old charm vibe to their establishment since they've been around for a while. But please don't be fooled, their food talks for itself! Stop by or order take out from Tam's and support a Santa Cruz small business!!! P.S. Everyone should try their potstickers because they are freshly hand made in house! read more

Tam's Restaurant - Orange Chicken - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I recently ordered from Tam's for a work event and for four entrees and two appetizers, our total came out to a disappointing $120 for some pretty bland Chinese food. For starters, their crispy egg rolls were $8 for two small pieces. I know inflation has hit an all time high but this was ridiculous given how much you're paying for veggies wrapped in rice paper. I ordered the Tofu Claypot with Veggies ($17) and because it was delivery, it came in a container as expected. However, for that price point, I was shocked to find it in a medium sized takeout container. The dish was very bland overall and it did not have a claypot taste that I was expecting. It really was just a veggie stir fry thrown together in a box. Rice was also not included in the price of an entree which was another disappointment. With high pricing and very, very bland food, I really can't give them much more than a 1-star here. read more

Pretty good comfy food. Surprised rice not included in meal - veggies variants. We enjoyed the dishes. Relatively authentic read more

Took too long Milk tea so bland, just like water combine with boba. The food... Even the boba took 20m minutes to make read more

Tam's Restaurant - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Big fan of Tams. Walking distance from our place and worth it, every time. The woman that works front of house is quiet but efficient. Never had an issue with my order and she leaves you alone. Food is consistently good. Service is adequate and how I prefer it. The restaurant itself is quintessentially Chinese. Maybe I'll see you there! read more

This was my first visit to the restaurant since it changed ownership from the original Tam. If you're expecting classic Cantonese cuisine, you might be disappointed--this place has taken a different direction. We tried several dishes, but they didn't quite meet our expectations in terms of flavor or authenticity. The taste overall was average. The one standout was the Special Won Ton Soup, which was genuinely satisfying. My dining companions, all from Hong Kong and well-versed in traditional Cantonese fare, shared the same sentiment. read more

the Hot and Sour Soup was neither Hot nor Sour. It was also a dull gray color. Ordered 5 entrees and only 1 was decent (Mongolian Beef).

Bland, simple and overpriced. Service at the bare minimum. Ambiance like in a prison. It used to be reasonable but not anymore. There are better places in town. read more

My favorite Chinese place to eat. I used to love the one in soquel so glad they came to this side of town. The special chowman is my favorite comfort go to.... Noodles with everything...shrimp, chicken, pork! read more

Yum. Classic good Chinese food. I like the sizzling platter. My son likes Chicken Chow Mein. We pick up or eat in. Fast, too.

The food was great! We ordered walnut shrimp, orange chicken, fried rice and egg rolls. I must warn onion haters.. the fried rice has a lotttt of onion. I didn't mind it. I like onion but just a heads up for others. read more

Tam's Restaurant - Lots of onion on the fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I love you, Tam's! your steam tofu Brown gravy is my comfort food!!! Your veggie chow mein is my cuddle muffin! And I rotate through the other veggie entrees to make me adore you. I think I always say the Buddha vegetable is the best, and it's so nice and delicate. You always give me 2 free egg rolls instead of 1 so omg, I LOVE you. And a ton of fortune cookies. How could I not. I plan on sticking around, so please stay with us! I don't know if I'll be able to make it 40 more years without you. xoxoxo p.s. I don't know why but your sweet and sour sauce is the best I've ever had. I usually don't like that type of sauce, but I tried it this time. Your kitchen always surprises me! In a good way! read more

On the counter is a very sad, lone fish swimming around in a filthy, barren aquarium. Do not support these cruel people! Picking up takeout and I was met at the counter with this heartbreaking view. I told the man sleeping behind the counter (turns out, he's the manager) that the fish's living conditions were cruel and inhumane, I was coming back in one week, and if the living conditions hadn't improved, I would call the SPCA. He asked me if I meant the water was dirty. I clearly spelled out that not only was the water filthy, but also the tank was barren, with no gravel, plants, or friends. I said one week, but I gave him/them two in an effort to be generous and allow time to make improvements. I went back first thing this morning. Nothing had changed. The "manager" told me the owner plans on taking the fish home. When? And how will that change the conditions for the fish? I've called Santa Cruz Animal Control. An agent will be visiting Tam's. read more

Tam's Restaurant - Sad, lonely fish in filthy, barren aquarium at Tam's Chinese in Santa Cruz. - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Food tasted ok. Especially enjoyed their hot & sour soup. Everything was fine until the next day when the three members of my household began experiencing horrific gastrointestinal issues. It got so bad, I started to get electrolyte imbalance. Maybe it was some funky veggies. Maybe the chicken was still cluckin. Maybe someone didn't wash up. All I know, we won't be back. The veil between life and death became a little thinner after eating here. read more

Had not been here in a few years. Ordered two dishes to go. The chicken with cashews was so bland. Ma Pa Tofu is a favorite of mine, and in fact I have made it myself. Tam's version was nothing like what Ma Pa Tofu is supposed to taste like. I won't be returning. read more

We love Tams restaurant. The outdoor dining can be fun with the jade plants. We routinely call in pickup, it's done and accurate in 15 minutes. The food i especially like is kung poa tofu, sizzling shrimp and wor wonton soup. read more

I ordered and the lady said 15 minutes, I waited 40 minutes. Such a liar!! I paid as soon as I got here and gave good tip, if I knew I had to wait 40 30 minutes more, I should have just left and not pay. read more

Tam's Restaurant - a counter with a fish tank - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This is our favorite Chinese restaurant in town. The portions are extremely large and delicious read more

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We love Tam's! Best dishes and such great soups! Yum! Highly recommend. Holy moly !

For a Chinese restaurant in Santa Cruz, it is probably one of the better options. It is very convenient if you are a student at UCSC as you can get delivery to campus very easily. In fact, you can see a lot of Tam's Chinese restaurant cars zipping by on campus almost every day. For the most part, the restaurant is cheap and the dishes are not too bad but not too great either. The one thing I have to say is a must-have from this restaurant is their Spicy dumplings. If you like spicy food, these are amazing! I usually get three orders ($7 per order), and I can eat the dumplings like candy. So if you are feeling Chinese food but aren't too picky, you will like this restaurant. If you are picky with your Chinese food, this place is not for you. If you like spicy food, the spicy dumplings are something you have to come and try! read more

I decided to take a risk on doordash.i wanted some potstickers and egg flour soup..Tams did not disappoint my taste buds .The order was super hot when it arrived and tasted fresh..i will definitely be coming back and/or ordering again from you guys!!! BTW, i love all the extras in the egg flour soup....corn ,tofu. Yummmm read more

I must change my opinion of Tams. They run hot and cold. I always ask for my favorite, sweet and sour sauce. They leave the pork, pineapple and peppers, dry and then give you a thimbles worth of sauce. If you ask for extra sauce, it will cost you, $1.00 . I asked them if they charge for the sauce as a dine in customer. The owner had nothing to say. I've had them come back, two times to bring me some more sweet and sour sauce and they must've brought us, two cups of the sauce. There seems to have attitude, for a normal request. The food can be expensive ,so they shouldn't charge extra. That is a true bummer. I now order Chinese food, down the road on Mission Street. That's too bad Tams can't be more reasonable. Consistently the quality changes, on any order. I would suggest another Chinese food, close by. read more

Food was ok, delivery person is shit. I got the food and it some of it were outside the plate. Waste of tip

The mu shu pork was delicious and fresh tasting. The kung pao chicken had lots of peanuts. Best of all we had a table outside on the nice patio area. The service was excellent. read more

Stopped randomly in a hunger panic and so glad I did. So delicious, I got the orange chicken lunch combo and subbed the rice for chowmein, 10/10. Big portions and super cheap read more

Tam's Restaurant - Orange chicken & Chk fried rice with free soup :) - Chinese Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Tam's is our go to whenever we're in Santa Cruz. They never disappoint! So when we had a baby shower, I ordered large party trays of Chow Mein, Salt n Pepper Ribs, Salt n Pepper Calamari, Mongolian Beef and Shrimp with Veggies. Thankfully, they deliver! The party trays were brimming so these items more than rounded out the trays from another place I ordered from, everyone had a great time and the food was plentiful. But Tam's is the place that made an impression with my guests. Thank you, Tam's! read more