Mao's Kitchen

I live in Venice part-time and whenever I want Chinese food here, Mao's Kitchen is the only place I'll go to. There are elements of the food that remind me of my parents' cooking or the times we'd go to SF's Chinatown restaurants. And that's a good thing--for me, anyways. It's not quite authentic, but it's some good grub. My favorite is the salt and pepper shrimp--the flavors are simple and believe it or not, I enjoy the subtle flavor that comes from the oil in which it's cooked. I also enjoy their chow fun and chow mein--Hong Kong style. The onion pancakes (while not always cooked consistently) are usually a good dish to start off with. And you can't beat the $1 salad. Skip the delivery, though. Eight times in a row (literally!), they messed up on my delivery order. Now I just do take-out. Pros: great food, great price Cons: many delivery snafus more

I live in Venice part-time and whenever I want Chinese food here, Mao's Kitchen is the only place I'll go to. There are elements of the food that remind me of my parents' cooking or the times we'd go to SF's Chinatown restaurants. And that's a good thing--for me, anyways. It's not quite authentic, but it's some good grub. My favorite is the salt and pepper shrimp--the flavors are simple and believe it or not, I enjoy the subtle flavor that comes from the oil in which it's cooked. I also enjoy their chow fun and chow mein--Hong Kong style. The onion pancakes (while not always cooked consistently) are usually a good dish to start off with. And you can't beat the $1 salad. Skip the delivery, though. Eight times in a row (literally!), they messed up on my delivery order. Now I just do take-out. Pros: great food, great price Cons: many delivery snafus more

Venice locals flock to this funky spot for cheap, creative Chinese food. Order the pot stickers once and you may not start another meal here without them. Won ton soup and flavorful black bean chicken never disappoint. Order it to go or slide into a communal picnic table for prompt service and hearty servings. Just don't forget to bring your own beer or wine. Pros: Cheap Cons: Crowded more

Venice locals flock to this funky spot for cheap, creative Chinese food. Order the pot stickers once and you may not start another meal here without them. Won ton soup and flavorful black bean chicken never disappoint. Order it to go or slide into a communal picnic table for prompt service and hearty servings. Just don't forget to bring your own beer or wine. Pros: Cheap Cons: Crowded more