Mandarin House

My name is Alan, and Martin, the manager, is my uncle on my mother’s side, and my family and I (father’s side) owned this restaurant. After 30+ years, we closed the doors on this business on 10÷31÷13. (We have another restaurant, which I mention at the very bottom, but that is not the subject of this post). This post is about thanking the customers AND letting everyone know how Martin is doing.
We thank everyone for their patronage, and we want to let everyone know that business was doing well — but unfortunately, a third-​party purchased the property that we had leased for over 30 years, and coupled with the adjacent historic establishment (Victorian-​looking house) that was adjacent to the restaurant and also a part of the property, we could not afford to purchase the property outright (it was well in the 7-​figures).
This was truly a family-​run establishment. My father, Bill, passed away in 2004 and was the main operator and often a manager in the late-​90s before he got cancer., His younger brother was the head chef during the 30+ years. I continued to provide help to the restaurant after my father passed away in 2004. Even my mother, a pharmacist, helped with the hostessing on the very busy nights.
The most important thing I want to convey is that we want to thank EVERYONE for their patronage, and it was due to no cause of the customers that the restaurant shut down.
Equally important is my message to patrons that Martin is incredibly moved by all the truly lovely notes left by you amazing patrons.
Martin, as the manager, truly made it the type of restaurant «where everybody knows your name.» He was lucky that he loved his job (he would often work 7 days a week just to see customers), and he was even luckier to have a fantastic customer base.
He is now retired, and I see him at least once or twice a month, and I will continue to show messages as they come in (please do post, if you can!). Obviously, the business doesn’t benefit or lose anymore from ratings, but Martin and other staff members benefits from notes left for them. I know that Martin truly cherishes these notes.
Martin is now a new grandfather to a 4-​month old, and he is enjoying the retired life as much as he can, but he would step back into managing in a millisecond to see familiar faces.
I had always avoided looking at our Unilocal page partially out of superstition, but I see that I have been missing out on showing Martin the lovely messages left for him while the restaurant was still open.
Again, it really warms my heart to see so many messages complimenting Martin, the staff, and the chefs. We worked with what we had (yes, it was an outdated-​looking restaurant, but I like to think of it as its charm), and we tried to provide top-​quality food and service, and Martin was the face of that.
So, please, continue to leave messages if you can, and I will be checking so that I can relay them to Martin and any others.
(BTW, we have a restaurant at 6765 La Jolla Boulevard, 92 037, but that is not at all the point of this post. I only mention it because if you miss the Kung Pao Chicken or Asparagus Beef or any other dish, they’re available there — but Martin does not work at that location unfortunately).
Thanks again to everyone, and thank you for a wonderful 30+ years!

Good food. decent service. old school chinese resturant vibe. Recommend the orange chicken, lightly breaded with white meat. Worst fried rice i’ve ever had, basically day old rice cooked with soy sauce. Also, no refills on soda, seriously!!! What resturant do you know that doesn’t offer free refills? The wait staff was friendly but not very attentive. The vibe and décor are retro which is fun; however, more attention to detail would be nice, for example the vents had accumalated lots of dust. Overall, the food was good, and the service was decent. would go back or better yet, probably order take– out.

Martin, you are the greatest person ever! I was so sad to find out from our friend that you closed down. It literally ripped the soul out of me. I’m from New Jersey originally and have eaten NYC-​style Chinese food, which has always been touted as the best, my entire life. When I moved to San Diego in 2006, I searched and searched for Chinese restaurants that were up to par, but could only find greasy, deep-​fried garbage. That is, until we moved to Banker’s Hill.
Martin, you went that extra step with your cuisine and used REAL chicken, not 99% breading and a lot of sugary sauce. The amount of respect I have for you is unparalleled. I’m going to miss stopping by MH on my way back from school and picking up my sweet and sour lunch special. Your restaurant was absolutely in my top 3 favorite eateries of all time. That’s saying a lot since my wife and I are really into fine cuisine. I really hope you find some way to reopen and feed the people of San Diego quality Chinese food. If I don’t see you again, I just want to say Thank You… From your friend Tanner.

So sad to see you go… as our wor wonton soup was dropped off last night we were told they are shutting their doors. Their lease expires today and development will start in about 6 months — but developers wanted to raise rent for them to stay during the interim.
You have been our go-​to-​delivery source downtown for… well can’t recall how long, but believe at least a decade now… you will be missed!

Meh. I’ve experienced better.
The delivery took about an hour which was expected because she was upfront with that over they phone. As my hunger grew over that hour I just knew that this food would be amazing. My hunger will trump the taste.
An hour on the dot the food was at my door. Every first meal I get the Mongolian Beef because you can’t go wrong with that, right? right? Wrong. The beef seem like a very low quality beef. Very very chewy. Almost remind me of deployment food. My house chow mein was okay, the meat was chewy and tasteless in that also. Thanks to soy sauce I managed to eat it. I wanted to try the egg drop soup but they only delivery by the pint.
But hey, they deliver.

They closed their doors permanently: 10÷30÷2013… sad face…
Good old Mandarin House, another one of my favorite San Diego staples, I have eaten here for years and years. It’s totally old school Americanized Chinese food that I used to love to eat when I first moved here 32 years ago and it never gets old.
I love their vegetable fried rice and Szechuan Beef with spicy sauce the best.
Great service and friendly staff and yeah it’s not the healthiest food on the planet but every Monday, I crave their vegetable fried rice, it just hits the spot some how. They have great egg drop and hot and sour soup too.
I would tell you to give this try, but alas, as the «Yuppification» and unnecessary «gentrification» that is happening in this area that didn’t need it, this place was sold and will be knocked down. Pretty soon the closest thing to this which isn’t even close will be «Pick up Sticks» because I honestly feel that developers and investors are hell bent on destroying any establishment that has been around San Diego for longer than 20 years.
Enjoy while you can, I bet construction starts this coming November.

I can’t go to SD without getting my Crispy Walnut Shrimp fix!
Looks can be deceiving, so don’t let this place fool you. Sure the place hasn’t been updated inside since the early 80’s, but isn’t that the charm of a hole in the wall?
We’ve never had an item from here that we didn’t love. Orange Chicken has a little spice to it, but great enough flavor that my 8yo even enjoys it. My husband loves the Salt and Pepper Chicken best, so much flavor and definitely one of the great items that keep us coming back. The Mai Tai’s are strong and come out perfectly layered (as they should). The menu is full of hilarious descriptions, as in one of the specialty drinks is recommended for «lovers only.» You can’t go wrong at Mandarin House, if you’re craving a happy ending for your tummy!

So, we decided to try this place since we were craving Chinese food. We called in our oder for pick up. BIG MISTAKE.
We ordered the Kung Pao chicken, Vegetable Lo Mein, Wonton soup, garlic chicken (i think was the name) white rice and brown rice
The kung pao chicken was terrible, it was not spicy, the chicken was mushy and it was extremely fishy. The lo mein was ok but was drenched in sauce, the garlic chicken was breaded and mushy, soup had ZERO flavor. We both felt gross after we ate what we COULD eat.
Please keep in mind I paid $ 43.40 not including the tip I left and we ended up not even eating this food.
I will never go back here.

What a charming little hidden gem! Looks a bit ghetto from the outside, but really cozy and nice on the inside. The staff is awesome… love the host and our server, both very sweet older Asian gentlemen. I believe the restaurant is owned and managed by a family, but if not, they had me fooled. :)
We had the Sizzling Double Happiness and Crispy (half) Duck. Both were delicious, but I wasn’t expected THAT crispy of a duck. It was tasty, but a bit too well done for my taste. I believe that is normal though. I’ve never had crispy duck anywhere before, so didn’t know. Next time we’ll go for Peking Duck. :)
The Sizzling Double Happiness (shrimp, scallops and veggies) was really yummy as well, especially over fried rice.
For two hungry adults, I’d recommended ordering a third item unless you plan to snack later.
Don’t let the torn seats, dustiness and old school feel freak you out. The food and service are great here!

Unbelievable restaurant. What a find. Our family was looking for a non-​chain Chinese restaurant. This place was low key and the waiters were very responsive.
The food was well made and not overly seasoned or drenched in salt. I would predict that the taste would be different from day to day. And that was what we were looking for.
Recommendations. Try the egg rolls and try the orange chicken. The fried rice will be unexpected. No crazy frozen veggies, just white rice fried. Unique, simple. Loved it !
Highly recommended.

The first time I ever had a tiki drink was at the old Trader Vic’s at the Beverly Hilton. I mean, if you’re going to have to start, why not start at the top, right? The top back then was not that great, to be honest.
Turns out I didn’t need to look that far for a decent tiki drink.
Mandarin House still sticks by the old Beachcomber formula of tiki drinks and Cantonese food. The food is surprisingly serviceable and quite flavorful, and the décor is unassumingly 1980s modern. The drinks list runs the gamut of traditional tiki drinks, from the Mai Tai to the Navy Grog to the Scorpion bowl.
One will be enough to get a normal person warm and fuzzy. Two will be enough to get the drawers off. Three will probably put you to sleep at the table.
Round out the experience with great service — the staff had been there since the beginning of time and have never aged — and you have a great spot to sneak in some good conversation and a great buzz.

The quest for great Chinese food outside of Convoy continues while the list of good has gained one more with the addition of Mandarin House.
It’s old, a big grungy, very dark and I like it. I don’t want a slick looking place with beautiful young waitresses serving undersized portions to the tune of house music. It’s just not the way Chinese food should be served! It should be spilling over the plate by an old timer speaking in tongues. Mandarin House does just that and has been doing it for over 30 years.
The food is decent at best but better than just about any other Chinese option in the area. The menu is extremely standard — we had kung pow three ways (shrimp, chicken and beef), chicken fried rice, their po-​po platter, wonton soup and hot and sour soup. Make sure to give yourself a little buzz with one of their scorpion bowls. Loaded with booze and a perfect fit for two!
We actually took some time to talk to our waiter when he waived to somebody who was walking out of the kitchen. I asked, «is that the owner?» He replied, «no, one of the chefs. The owner stopped cooking because everyone wants to eat healthy these days — not happy.» He elaborated on this by showing us the condition of the plates after he had scooped all of out leftovers into the to-​go box. «See? Not greasy! Not happy! Greasy is happy!» I completely agree!
My next trip will be soon and I plan on ordering everything I had this time — happy style!

For me, the best Mexican food doesn’t come from some shinny new place. The best are the worn in, worked in places that have been around for a while. Same goes with Chinese food.
This location has been here for 34 years. It is a worn in, well oiled machine.
Wife and I have been coming in for years (they also deliver for a dollar!), and have yet to have something we did not like.
On a date night we usually will share a cocktail for two. Either the Scorpion or the Volcano, which they light on fire!
The Flaming Po-​Po sampler platter is a fun way to start the meal off.
Wor Won Ton soup is one of our usual staples.
Mo-​Shu Pork has become one of my favorites. They even make the little wraps for you.
Mandarin soft noodles are a must as well as the Salt and Pepper Chicken.
At this point I might as well just cut and past the rest of the menu, I don’t think there is anything I don’t like here.
Last night I noticed that there is a dish called the Double Happiness which is Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops… well, looks like I have to come back soon.

The outside looks like it came right out of the 80s and the inside reminds you of a setting where mobsters talk business over dinner. In the movies.
Even so, the food is awesome. My favorite hands down is the walnut shrimp. I would get that every time if I could. The Mongolian beef was also good and very tender. We also tried the sesame chicken, which had good flavor, but lacked the spiciness the menu claimed.
The place is very quiet and very peaceful. You could whisper a conversation just fine. The portions are designed for 2 people but we always have some to take home. For me at least, the leftovers are just as good as when you eat at the restaurant.

Hmmm The place need a face lift ASAP. Restaurant impossible HURRY!!! Smells very musty, lots of patch work on walls and ceiling from water damage and most likely the drywall falling apart.
My boyfriend and I shared the Shrimp lo mein, Mongolian beef, wonton soup, egg drop soup, and hot tea. I ate it, no reason not to. Just nothing to bring me back either. I’ll take Pick up stix over this place any day: S ouch!

We were staying at the Inn at the Park, and wanted a bite to eat… but at the same time, were looking to take in some local flavor.
And FLAVOR was the appropriate term.
This place was excellent! Great service, charming atmosphere and a delicious menu.
The Scorpion & the Volcano are highly recommended.

Mandarin House, I adore you! We have been searching for incredible Chinese food for a while. Once in a while, one of the Chin’s locations is good… but they aren’t consistent like Mandarin House is.
We have gotten takeout from here many times, and they even deliver to Golden Hill! Excellent! We brought our extended family here for Christmas Eve dinner and we all LOVED it.
I always get the lo mein, but I get it plain and have them add in broccoli, baby corn, and tofu. They are so easy to talk to and take my special order without any issues. The food is always INCREDIBLE — best lo mein I’ve ever had. Mandarin House’s lo mein is the ultimate comfort food!
Hubby has had many things from Mandarin House, including wonton soup, beef lo mein, sizzling happiness with lamb, fried rice, and a few other things and loves EVERYTHING that he’s had there.
I love Mandarin House. The food is incredible, the staff is so friendly, and they have a parking lot in an area of town where parking is somewhat scarce.

Effing gross. Wanted to send everything back but my fiancé was starving. Cant say anything good about this place. It was super dirty too… Yuck!

Let’s face it, Chinese food in San Diego BLOWS. Blows HARD. But, I do like Mandarin House for three reasons and three reasons only. I will religiously return for these three reasons, and be an undying fan for life.
1. Salt and pepper bean curd. Ridonkudiculous. Fried fluffy pillows made from what dreams are made of. Cooked with scallions and raw salty bits of peppery garlic. I will suffer through the following 24 hours of burping and heartburn for the deliciousness that takes over my body with a few bites of this. YUM.
2. Drinks. You can’t really go wrong. They’re juicy, kitschy, boozy, and sometimes flaming. The tiki mugs/​scorpion bowl ceramics leave me feeling so full of nostalgia I almost can’t handle it.
3. Walnut shrimp. Okay, I know, this is something as natural, exercising health food conscious people in the 21^st century we should all abhor right? NO! YOU MUST, I repeat MUST try these fried sweet sea bits slathered in mayonnaise and surrounded by crunchy candied walnuts and lettuce with blanched broccoli. The lettuce and blanched broccoli are only there to make you feel slightly less bad about yourself. The rest of the plate is pure, indulgent, sex in the mouth. I won’t say it again.
Veer away from these three and your experience may be the ultimate fail. I cannot promise you beyond these three holy grails… holy grails? Anyway, you’re SOL when it comes to San Diego Chinese anyway, so stick to these three golden rules and you can’t lose.

For what it is, it’s pretty good. Call it a 3.999 but I’m rounding up.
Good, fast, friendly service, good portions and good prices. You can also order a fruity rum drink (mai tai, fog cutter, etc.) without any fear of humiliation. They are stronger than they look and only cost $ 5.95 each. You’ll pay a lot more than that at the trendy bars.
The po-​po platter (not to be confused with a pu-​pu or poo-​poo platter) is a nice appetizer for two and only costs $ 11. It comes with a good sampling of many of the other appetizers.
And the potstickers are lights out. You get 6 of them as an appetizer and you’ll want 6 more when they are gone.
The place is family friendly, casual and comfortable. It’s a little rough around the edges but you can get a good meal and a buzz at a good price. And there ain’t nothing wrong with that.

Awesome chinese food. I’ve been coming here more and more lately. I stay away from their delivery because it seems like it adds up quicker even though a $ 1.00 delivery fee– the service when dining in and portions are better. I really like Mandarin a lot and feel this is the best quality chinese food in San Diego. Even better than many NYC and San Francisco chinese restaurants.