Dot-Wo Chinese restaurant is closing their location at 30th and Portland at the end of the month. Don't be sad, they are relocating to 6161 N May Avenue. They will have more room and be in a better location. They will not be a buffet like the previous owner. Just the same great food we are used to. Official opening date of the new restaurant is the 1st of November.

The one in Edmond is my favorite Chinese restaurant. The owners are great.

How did I not know this? I was just there last week for lunch. I have gone there at least once a month for the last 15 years. I am shocked.

Dot Wo on the Southside is great too. They bill themselves as a San Francisco style Chinese restaurant and as a former resident of that city I can say it's as good as anything you find there.

The old location always seemed a bit shady looking to me there on Portland, which was part of the appeal of it. Better hurry and try it before it moves.

The old location always seemed a bit shady looking to me there on Portland, which was part of the appeal of it. Better hurry and try it before it moves.

We ate there for lunch today. It was great. I love eating there.

I always liked the one in Edmond, I don't get food from there enough.

Dot Wo on the Southside is great too. They bill themselves as a San Francisco style Chinese restaurant and as a former resident of that city I can say it's as good as anything you find there.

Went to Dot Wo in Chatney Square [SW 104th & Penn] today for lunch. Even though this restaurant is only a couple of miles from our house, we'd never gone there. Oh my. Our mistake not to have gone sooner! :o The food, service, and prices were wonderful! How in the world did we ever miss this real 'gem'? If you like a sit-down Chinese restaurant, this is the place to go. And truthfully, the serving sizes are such that a second "doggie bag" meal can certainly be had from it. We tried cashew chicken, chicken chow mein, and sweet & sour chicken; all great. The egg rolls were marvelous, and the egg-drop soup sensational! We WILL be going back.

Will have to agree, chuck johnson! You are spot on with your analysis!

The southside location was always pretty good. Not great but filling. The Portland location stank from the get go.

The southside location was always pretty good. Not great but filling. The Portland location stank from the get go.

I liked the Portland location under the owners that now have Dot Wo Garden at 63rd and May. The Portland location is now operating under the same name with different owners that also have a Vietnamese restaurant within Dot Wo. I do not like it as much under the new owners. I have only been to the location at 63rd and May once, right after it opened. It has a totally different atmosphere than it had on Portland. It is very large, almost has a night club feeling to it. The only time I went there the egg drop soup and the fried rice lacked flavor which was never a problem when they were on Portland. It may have just been a new cook because of the transition. My favorite Chinese restaurants in OKC are Canton, Fungs, Grand House, Dot Wo, Golden Palace Buffet, and Taste of China Buffet. I like Golden Phoenix ok, but they did not have enough inexpensive combination options the last time I was there that other sit down Chinese restaurants have in OKC. It can get kind of expensive to get variety there, although their food is well prepared.

Bigray in Ok

MustangGT,
Did you go to the Portland location in the 80's? It was where Dot Wo started and it was always busy with Asians and the food was excellent. A Taiwanese friend took me there the first time in 1985-1986 and I was hooked. Admittedly, I haven't been there in years, so no idea what it's like now. I have been to the one in Edmond and it was good, but it's been a while since I was there.
C. T.
The Portland location stank from the get go.

I ate at the one on N May for lunch today. Fantastic food.

I liked the Portland location under the owners that now have Dot Wo Garden at 63rd and May. The Portland location is now operating under the same name with different owners that also have a Vietnamese restaurant within Dot Wo. I do not like it as much under the new owners. I have only been to the location at 63rd and May once, right after it opened. It has a totally different atmosphere than it had on Portland. It is very large, almost has a night club feeling to it. The only time I went there the egg drop soup and the fried rice lacked flavor which was never a problem when they were on Portland. It may have just been a new cook because of the transition. My favorite Chinese restaurants in OKC are Canton, Fungs, Grand House, Dot Wo, Golden Palace Buffet, and Taste of China Buffet. I like Golden Phoenix ok, but they did not have enough inexpensive combination options the last time I was there that other sit down Chinese restaurants have in OKC. It can get kind of expensive to get variety there, although their food is well prepared.

Bigray in Ok


Canton! I have been eating at Canton since I was a kid. Great egg rolls.

Canton! I have been eating at Canton since I was a kid. Great egg rolls.

Their egg rolls and chicken chow mein are my favorite in Oklahoma City. Their prices are still really good also.

Bigray in Ok

MustangGT,
Did you go to the Portland location in the 80's? It was where Dot Wo started and it was always busy with Asians and the food was excellent. A Taiwanese friend took me there the first time in 1985-1986 and I was hooked. Admittedly, I haven't been there in years, so no idea what it's like now. I have been to the one in Edmond and it was good, but it's been a while since I was there.
C. T.

I did. My in-laws loved it and the best I can say is it was edible on a good day and choked it down on most days. It just was not what I consider good Asian cuisine.

MustangGT,
I am certainly NOT a Chinese food expert, but the amount of Asians that always seemed to be eating there impressed me. And I will say, at one time they served really good Mongolian beef which of course is an American invention. By the way, I'm not sure of my "netiquette" but the capitalized "NOT" was to emphasize my lack of culinary skills or taste when it comes to Asian food.
C. T.
I did. My in-laws loved it and the best I can say is it was edible on a good day and choked it down on most days. It just was not what I consider good Asian cuisine.

Their egg rolls and chicken chow mein are my favorite in Oklahoma City. Their prices are still really good also.

Bigray in Ok

I love Canton's actually. Their egg rolls are fantastic, and their chow mein is great, but I prefer white meat chicken in my chow mein and not dark meat. Their sweet and sour chicken is extremely good but their portions are kinda small. Still a good place to eat.

I've heard its very difficult to find authentic Chinese in the US outside of a few places. Most of what we have is extremely Americanized, like Taco Bell is to Mexican food. Why is that? Are Americans simply not able to handle the real thing or something?

I would say Kang's is my favorite out of everything I've tried here. Dot Wo is a close second.

I've heard its very difficult to find authentic Chinese in the US outside of a few places.

And OKLA is not one of those places for Asian Cuisine.

And OKLA is not one of those places for Asian Cuisine.

Actually it is, just not Chinese. The Vietnamese food here is supposedly top notch. I've had Pho once and enjoyed it pretty well.

I've heard its very difficult to find authentic Chinese in the US outside of a few places. Most of what we have is extremely Americanized, like Taco Bell is to Mexican food. Why is that? Are Americans simply not able to handle the real thing or something?

I would say Kang's is my favorite out of everything I've tried here. Dot Wo is a close second.

Having spent some time in China, I can first say that just saying "Chinese Food" doesn't cover what they serve...it is a big country with lots of regional variation. Secondly, many of the ingredients aren't easily available here. Third, there are many "traditional" Chinese restaurants in North America, but mostly in large areas of Chinese population...San Francisco, LA, Vancouver, etc. where the regional differences are recognized and appreciated.

Actually it is, just not Chinese. The Vietnamese food here is supposedly top notch. I've had Pho once and enjoyed it pretty well.

Vietnamese friends would on agree on one so called Vietnamese eatery. The vast majority are just Americanized Vietnamese. Most Americans would not eat true Vietnamese cuisine. I have tried home cooked with ingredients from Vietnam and no I was not liking it as good as the Americanized version served here. True Asian cuisine is also few and far between outside of the insular Asian communities.

This is above and beyond the best Chinese restaurant in OKC.

Ate here for the first time the other day after driving by it countless times going down May Ave. I think it used to be a Golden Corral.

Our server (I forget her name) was quick to make suggestions and was very attentive all throughout our meal.

Their Lo Mein is the best I have ever had. We also got a sushi roll which was surprisingly very good for a Chinese restaurant.

The interior is clean and open, but very dark. It could use some more lighting.

I definitely recommend!

Thanks for the review.

I've been meaning to give it a try.

NP!

The reviews on Yelp are very mixed.

Go in with an open mind.

NP!

The reviews on Yelp are very mixed.

Go in with an open mind.

Have you been to Szechuan Bistro or Chows? If so, I'd be intrigued to try it.

Have you been to Szechuan Bistro or Chows? If so, I'd be intrigued to try it.

I haven't.

I've been to many Chinese places in OKC throughout the years, but most have been run-of-the-mill and not very memorable. This is the first time I've walked out and was like "Woah, we are definitely coming back here!"

Have you been to Szechuan Bistro or Chows? If so, I'd be intrigued to try it.

I've never been to Szechuan bistro, but we love Chows. Chows is much better than Dot Wo, imo. I put Golden Phoenix before them as well

Golden Phoenix is great. Haven't eaten there in a while though.

I've never been to Szechuan bistro, but we love Chows. Chows is much better than Dot Wo, imo. I put Golden Phoenix before them as well

This. Szechuan Bistro is kind of similar to Chow's in that they have all kinds of non-Americanized things on their menu (had pork ear and fried duck tongues the last time we ate at Chow's) and things just taste fresh and a bit above and beyond the regular Chinese places. Chow's is going to be a reasonable substitute for Szechuan Bistro for us now that we live within a few blocks of Chow's. Dustin - since you haven't been to either, you should definitely check them out...

hmmm... i've only been to the southside dot wo and i've never really cared for it... everything I've ever had there is kind of lifeless and bland... definitely below even the average takeout place in my book.

kind of felt the same way about chow's... but it wasn't quite as bad as the southside dot wo. though i only visited once at lunch (and ordered from the 'americanized' menu) so it might've been an anomaly.

i did enjoy golden phoenix the couple times i've been for lunch, though... food just seemed way more fresh/flavorful than those two other places.

This. Szechuan Bistro is kind of similar to Chow's in that they have all kinds of non-Americanized things on their menu (had pork ear and fried duck tongues the last time we ate at Chow's) and things just taste fresh and a bit above and beyond the regular Chinese places. Chow's is going to be a reasonable substitute for Szechuan Bistro for us now that we live within a few blocks of Chow's. Dustin - since you haven't been to either, you should definitely check them out...

Yeah we've been meaning to try Szechuan Bistro, as we've heard good things. It's just out of the way for us, and chows is like 2 miles away.

I also like DotWo's LoMein. Another Asian restaurant with a great menu is VII Asian Bistro on 29th and Classen. I've never had anything there I didn't like.

I also like DotWo's LoMein. Another Asian restaurant with a great menu is VII Asian Bistro on 29th and Classen. I've never had anything there I didn't like.

Thanks for posting this, wife has mentioned trying VII and I had forgotten about it, now I've written it down on our list of places to go. :)

7 Bistro on Classen is a good choice.

agreed... vii bistro is a solid choice. everything i've tried there comes out really hot and fresh... i've never had a bad meal there.

agreed... vii bistro is a solid choice. everything i've tried there comes out really hot and fresh... i've never had a bad meal there.

Martin. If I recall correctly you went on a search for pad kee mao recently..... Have you tried Bistro 38?

I went and tried it Tuesday and while I didn't think their Level 4 was very hot. I thought it was some solid pad kee mao.

Martin. If I recall correctly you went on a search for pad kee mao recently..... Have you tried Bistro 38?

I went and tried it Tuesday and while I didn't think their Level 4 was very hot. I thought it was some solid pad kee mao.

Bistro 38 is our new go-to Thai spot, their food is really good, better than Lemongrass in Edmond, Panang 2, and a couple of other places we've tried but forgotten their names. Their Tom Kha and mango sticky rice are great, just wish they had duck... And yeah, level 4 isn't that hot, has an initial grab in the throat, but after that, it's more like a 2.

Martin. If I recall correctly you went on a search for pad kee mao recently..... Have you tried Bistro 38?

I went and tried it Tuesday and while I didn't think their Level 4 was very hot. I thought it was some solid pad kee mao.

you recall correctly... actually had that place previous to the 'big search' and it was pretty good. definitely near the top of the heap. it's been awhile since i've been... i want to say they put carrot slices in it? if that's the right place, then that was the only gripe i remember having.

haven't found anything in lunch range that completely replaces the goodness that was pho saigon... but i think the 'best' of the bunch is a place called siam noodle on 15th just east of air depot.

And yeah, level 4 isn't that hot, has an initial grab in the throat, but after that, it's more like a 2.

Yep.... I would agree with that assessment.... The waitress acted shocked when I said 4 and then I was shocked when it barely registered on my heat scale. I'm used to Panang and when you tell them 4 on their scale of 1-5 it's going to have some kick.


i want to say they put carrot slices in it? if that's the right place, then that was the only gripe i remember having.

haven't found anything in lunch range that completely replaces the goodness that was pho saigon... but i think the 'best' of the bunch is a place called siam noodle on 15th just east of air depot.

It had big chunks of tomato in it. Had never seen that before but I liked it.

I have heard a lot of good things about Siam Noodle and always planned on trying it when I was shooting league pool in MWC but now that I'm in a house league I'm never in that part of town in the evening.

It had big chunks of tomato in it. Had never seen that before but I liked it.


oh wow... i know i've eaten there and when i did i'm almost certain i would've tried their pad kee mao... but totally don't remember the tomato. maybe i blotted it from my mind! : )

. . . the owners of Szechuan Bistro have opened Ding Fusion in Bethany. . NW 36th a little east of MacArthur. . .almost across from SNU. They have a great kale salad. It is in the old Italian/American/whatever bldg. . . they completely remodeled it including relocating the front entrance. . .really pretty and a beautiful bar.

Bistro 38 has a "Thai spicy" level that is above their range and it had a good kick to it, but still not extremely spicy. I mentioned this in another thread, but Chae is the only place that has made a dish so spicy that I couldn't finish it if anyone else is interested in really spicy food.

Bistro 38 has a "Thai spicy" level that is above their range and it had a good kick to it, but still not extremely spicy. I mentioned this in another thread, but Chae is the only place that has made a dish so spicy that I couldn't finish it if anyone else is interested in really spicy food.

I made the mistake at Panang once of telling them they couldn't make it too spicy..... I ate it all just to prove them wrong but..... OMG it was freaking hot!

I've not had anything so hot I couldn't finish it but I ate a vindaloo at Ajanta one time that almost had me in tears..... Good tears though... It was some really good food!

And just to not totally derail this thread on Dot Wo Garden..... The Mushu Pork is excellent and the server will roll the pork in the pancakes for you at the table using two spoons and never touching it with their hands.... I was so impressed with it when they did it I tipped them $10.

. . . the owners of Szechuan Bistro have opened Ding Fusion in Bethany. . NW 36th a little east of MacArthur. . .almost across from SNU. They have a great kale salad. It is in the old Italian/American/whatever bldg. . . they completely remodeled it including relocating the front entrance. . .really pretty and a beautiful bar.

Good to know now that Szechuan Bistro is too far away from us for a regular trip, thanks!

Good to know now that Szechuan Bistro is too far away from us for a regular trip, thanks! oops!! Make that WEST of MacArthur ��

WTH? I just read the story on the front page...

I hope they decide to open another location.

WTH? I just read the story on the front page...

I hope they decide to open another location.

I mentioned this on the AAA thread but on the Dot Wo Facebook page it says they have a "big announcement" coming in October and I suspect it will be a relocation.

I hope they will be relocating. I've always liked their food and they finally got voted best Chinese restaurant this year in "The Best of OKC"

I wonder what was so great about that location that AAA wanted it so badly. Seems like there are plenty of good locations for such an operation.

Walking distance to a Chick-fil-A?

Well, that IS a legit criteria for both employees and waiting customers I suppose.

Well, that IS a legit criteria for both employees and waiting customers I suppose.

Since I work within a 2-mile radius, I can say that it might be a proximity issue; there are quite a few offices within this area (many multi-story buildings), but not much in the way of services for autos.

It's also fairly easy to get too from NW Expressway, Highway 74, I-44, with lots of businesses in the area where people might want to come in during a lunch break or after work to take advantage of the other services they offer besides just car repair.

They confirmed that they are closing. Last day will be November 11th.

The southside location will continue to operate.

:(

Noticed the dreaded "MW" spray painted on the building over the weekend. Midwest Wrecking won't take long to raze the structure.

Demolition is done and the rubble has been carted away.

Looks like this site will be a Del Taco, at least the Oklahoman has building permits for it for 6161 N May.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-building-permits-from-the-oklahoman-for-jan.-20-2018/article/5579724

I wonder what was so great about that location that AAA wanted it so badly. Seems like there are plenty of good locations for such an operation.

How did you miss this?? :p

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43635

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/aaa011818.jpg