These 8 Old-School Chinese Restaurants Stand Out Across Washington For Classic Dishes
One restaurant on this list has swinging cowboy doors and more than 90 years of wonton soup behind it. I love that detail so much in Washington.
Another spot keeps a separate entertainment room called the Lotus Room, complete with a jukebox. A third still serves something called the Bo Bo Platter.
These are the places where egg foo young, chow mein, and sweet and sour pork never went out of style. Portions tend to run big, and the menus read like a family recipe box.
No foam, no fusion, no fuss. Just the classics, cooked the way people have loved them for years.
I can’t think of a better excuse for a comfort food road trip across the state. So which one would you hit first?
1. Tai Tung Restaurant
Swinging cowboy doors are not what most people expect at a Chinese restaurant. At Tai Tung, they are part of a rustic room that has served Seattle since 1935, making it the city’s oldest Chinese restaurant.
The spot sits on South King Street in the Chinatown-International District. It is widely known as a landmark, and martial arts legend Bruce Lee was once a regular.
You can grab a seat at the counter or settle at a table. Counter seating makes it a great pick for solo lunches, too.
Now, about that menu. It covers classic cross-regional Chinese fare, the kind of dishes that built Chinese-American dining in Washington.
Wonton soup is a must. The wontons come stuffed with shrimp and meat, and the bowl is huge.
Crispy oyster sauce beef and roasted duck are big draws as well. Lemon chicken and beef chow fun round out a lineup that feels like a greatest hits album.
Craving something extra familiar? Egg foo young, sweet and sour pork, Mongolian beef, and pot stickers all show up here.
Fried chicken wings are another highlight, which is a fun surprise for first-timers. Vegetable dishes give plant-based eaters something to order too.
Plan ahead on timing. The doors open daily at 11 AM, but closing times have shifted over the years, so call (206) 622-7372 before a late visit.
Saturday afternoon through evening gets busy, along with Sunday evenings. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be calmer.
Parking nearby can be tricky, but the restaurant has validated parking for spots behind the building. Reservations are accepted, which helps for groups.
Address: 655 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104.
2. Cathay Inn
Some menus have a Bo Bo Platter, and that alone earns a visit. Cathay Inn on North Division Street in Spokane is one of those menus.
This long-running restaurant serves familiar Chinese dishes alongside American plates. The setting leans retro, with an elegant and quaint dining room that feels pulled from another era.
Let’s talk about that platter first. A Bo Bo Platter is a classic sampler, perfect for the table that can’t agree on one starter.
The Cathay Pecan Shrimp is another house highlight. Pineapple chicken and fried dumplings also stand out on the menu.
Want the old-school basics? Cathay Inn Chow Mein, sweet and sour spareribs, and Kung Pao chicken are all part of the lineup.
Egg flower soup comes in a full order, and it is vegetarian. That makes it an easy starter for nearly any table.
Portions here are known for being huge. You may want to plan on leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Tea fans should take note, since the tea gets plenty of love. A hot cup pairs nicely with a plate of fried dumplings.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. There is also a private dining room, handy for birthdays or big group dinners.
Catering is offered too, if you want those spareribs at your next party. Takeout works well, but delivery is not available.
Hours run from noon to 9 PM daily. Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds, while weekday afternoons stay quieter.
Parking is free and usually easy to find. That is a small luxury worth enjoying.
Address: 3714 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99207.
3. Golden Wheel Restaurant
A Chinese restaurant with karaoke and a jukebox? Golden Wheel in downtown Yakima pulls off that combo with style.
This enduring, family-owned eatery serves classic dishes in a traditional space. The dining area stays quiet, while a separate room called the Lotus Room holds the karaoke and jukebox.
That split setup is pretty clever. Families can enjoy a calm meal while the singing happens somewhere else.
Golden Wheel has been voted the best Chinese food in the Yakima Valley. That is a big title in a region known for its farms and orchards.
The menu focuses on the comfort classics. Pork fried rice, almond chicken, and egg rolls are long-standing favorites here.
Almond chicken is a true old-school staple. It is the kind of dish that tells you a place respects tradition.
Vegetarians have options too. Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are ready for little ones.
Small plates make it easy to snack, and food is served right up until closing.
Timing matters here, so check before you go. The restaurant closes Sunday and Monday, and Saturday service starts at 3 PM.
Tuesday through Thursday runs noon to 8 PM. Friday stays open until 9 PM.
Thursday afternoon into evening tends to get busy. Wednesday is usually a calmer pick if you want a quiet table.
Free parking is easy to find, both in the lot and on the street. Reservations are accepted as well.
Address: 9 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98901.
4. Yen Ching Restaurant
Sizzling rice soup brings a little sound effect to dinner. At Yen Ching in Lakewood, it is one of several dishes that make the table feel lively.
This regional Chinese restaurant sits on South Tacoma Way. It is polished but unpretentious, with colorful decor that matches the playful menu.
Custom combos are a big part of the appeal. You can mix and match instead of committing to just one entree.
Classic fans will spot plenty of favorites. War won ton soup, mu shu pork, oyster sauce beef, and egg foo yung are all here.
Shrimp in lobster sauce is another throwback dish worth trying. Lemon chicken and shrimp with green onion also earn plenty of praise.
The house specials carry the restaurant’s name. Yen Ching Chicken, Yen Ching Beef, Yen Ching Fried Rice, and Yen Ching Chow Mein all hold spots on the menu.
Plant-based eaters have it good, too. The sizzling rice soup is vegan, and other meat-free dishes fill out the menu.
Eggplant and BBQ pork fried rice add even more variety. Orange chicken and sweet and sour chicken cover the crowd-pleasers.
A private dining room works well for bigger gatherings. Delivery, takeout, and dine-in are all available.
The kitchen opens at 11 AM every day. Friday and Saturday stretch to 9:30 PM, while other nights close at 9 PM.
Evenings get busy, especially on weekends. Mornings are much quieter if you want an early lunch.
Free parking is plentiful. Reservations are accepted for anyone planning ahead.
Address: 8765 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499.
5. Shang Hai Restaurant | Chinese
Booth seating and a quaint 80s vibe set the mood right away. Shang Hai Restaurant in Kennewick feels like a trip back in time, in the best way.
The space is unfussy and old-school, just like the menu. Traditional Chinese dishes are the focus, served in gigantic portions.
Here is a tip for first-timers. Start with the appetizer plate so you can sample a little of several things.
Crispy fried wontons are vegetarian and make an easy shareable snack. Pork egg rolls are another classic way to kick things off.
Now for the main event. Subgum chicken chow mein is a true throwback dish, and it is a highlight here.
BBQ pork lo mein and vegetable lo mein bring the noodles. The vegetable version is vegan, which is a nice touch.
Chicken chop suey shows up too. Not many places still keep that classic on the menu.
BBQ pork and pork fried rice round out the lineup. With portions this big, sharing family style makes plenty of sense.
Families will feel right at home. High chairs and changing tables are available, and the whole place is family-friendly.
Hours run late for the Tri-Cities area. Friday and Saturday stay open until 10:30 PM, while other days close at 9:30 PM.
Weekend evenings and Sunday nights bring the crowds. Weekday mornings stay quiet if you like a calm lunch.
Curbside pickup and takeout make leftovers easy, though delivery is not offered. Free on-site parking is easy to find.
Address: 3013 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336.
6. Emperor’s Palace Restaurant
Olympia runs the state government, but sweet and sour pork runs the show at Emperor’s Palace. It is the dish people call a must-try here.
This longtime spot on Cooper Point Road serves Chinese fare in casual digs. The dining area is clean and comfortable, with a retro feel.
Here is a twist you might not expect. The menu also includes Thai and Vietnamese options alongside the Chinese classics.
Still, the old-school favorites get the spotlight. Almond chicken, crab won tons, and lo mein are popular picks.
Lemon chicken is another highlight on the menu. Pair it with hot tea, which is a favorite here too.
Crab won tons make a great starter for the table. They are crunchy, shareable, and very hard to stop eating.
Plant-based diners will find meat-free options. Kids have their own menu, and high chairs are on hand.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Dogs are welcome outside, which is great news for pup parents.
Not in the mood to sit down? Curbside pickup, delivery, and no-contact delivery are all options.
The restaurant closes on Mondays. Tuesday through Sunday, it runs from 11 AM to 8:30 PM.
Afternoons into evenings get busy on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Mornings tend to be much calmer for an early lunch.
Free parking is plentiful in the lot and on the street. Reservations are accepted for groups.
Address: 400 Cooper Point Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98502.
7. China Cook
Crab cheese puffs on the side of your entree? At China Cook, that is just part of the deal.
This unassuming Vancouver spot on St Johns Blvd is all about hearty portions. Classic Chinese dishes come out fresh and hot.
The entree setup is a real treat. It comes with pork fried rice, silky lo mein, two crab cheese puffs, and a choice of soup.
Fortune cookies finish the meal. Extra condiments are yours for the asking.
Soup choices lean classic. Egg flower soup and hot and sour soup are both vegetarian.
The menu lists dishes in English and Chinese. That is a fun detail to notice while you decide what to order.
General Tso’s chicken and orange chicken cover the sweet and crispy side. Ma po tofu brings a bolder option for spice fans.
Shrimp with black bean sauce is another highlight. Salt and pepper calamari and coconut chicken add even more variety.
Sports fans get a bonus here. It is a good place to catch a game while you eat.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout give you plenty of options.
Watch the schedule before heading over. China Cook closes on Tuesdays and opens at noon on Sundays.
Other days run from 11 AM to 9:30 PM. Thursday through Saturday evenings get the busiest.
Free parking is easy to find. Pickup is convenient if you would rather feast at home.
Address: 2200 St Johns Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661.
8. Modern Restaurant | Chinese
Funny thing about a place called the Modern. It has been serving American-style Chinese food in Walla Walla for decades.
The name might suggest something new. Instead, you get an old-school, casual dining room with a mid-century look.
Keep an eye out for the fish tank. It is a cute vintage touch that adds personality to the room.
The menu sticks to beloved classics. Sweet and sour pork and pineapple chicken lead the way.
Pineapple chicken with fried rice is a standout pick. It is sweet, satisfying, and very much in the old-school spirit.
The house fried rice carries the restaurant’s name. Chicken lo mein is another solid choice for noodle lovers.
Portions here are huge. Splitting a few plates with friends is a smart way to try more dishes.
The crowd is a fun mix. College students, families, and visitors exploring Walla Walla all find their way here.
It is also known as an LGBTQ+ friendly space. Everyone should feel welcome when they sit down to eat.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are available. There is a private dining room for bigger groups, too.
Plan for an early dinner. The doors open daily at 11 AM and close at 7 PM.
Thursday through Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
Free parking is easy to find nearby. It is a sweet way to wrap up a Washington road trip, one plate of pineapple chicken at a time.
Address: 2200 Melrose St, Walla Walla, WA 99362.