Tom's Chinese BBQ

Restaurant $ 4.3 (113)


Tom's Chinese BBQ is known for its high-quality roast duck and authentic Cantonese BBQ offerings. Patrons rave about the flavorful dishes like BBQ pork and dim sum, often describing the food as some of the best in San Diego. The service is friendly and efficient, although the atmosphere can feel a bit basic due to the hole-in-the-wall setting. Overall, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for authenticity in its cuisine.

Overall:

4.6

(102 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.7

Atmosphere:

4.0

Service:

4.4


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (619) 563-8225

Address: 4414 University Ave # A, San Diego, CA 92105, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" After hearing so many positive reviews, I finally had to try Tom's. I indulged in the BBQ buns and found them to be a bit overly breaded with too little filling. In contrast, the roast duck was stellar! While the pork was good, I was disappointed in the dim sum offerings. The storefront had a casual vibe, perfect for a quick grab-and-go, but if you’re expecting a sit-down restaurant experience, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a mixed bag for me. " (*Curated Review*)

" I appreciate that Tom's Chinese BBQ captures the essence of authentic Chinese cooking! My family often gets takeout from here, and we’re always impressed by the taste. The roast duck is frequently a highlight for us, and the dim sum items are a great bonus! The restaurant is usually busy, which I think reflects its popularity. The staff works fast and are always cheerful. I would definitely recommend this for takeout rather than dining in. " (*Curated Review*)

" This is one of my favorite spots when I crave Chinese BBQ! Their roast duck is always juicy and flavorful. It's a cash-only place, so don't forget to bring cash as I've seen some patrons frustrated by not being able to pay with cards. I've often come here for takeout, and while seating is limited, the food is what truly stands out. Tom's is not the fanciest spot in the area, but the food surely makes up for it. I highly recommend the pork belly too! " (*Curated Review*)

" As someone who’s eaten at some top places in Chinatown, I can confidently say that Tom's does not disappoint. Their roast duck has earned its reputation and is truly the best I’ve had outside of the San Gabriel Valley. I keep coming back here to stock up for family gatherings. The prices are unbeatable for the quality served. The vibe is laid back, nothing upscale, but it's all about the food, and they nailed it! " (*Curated Review*)

" Visiting Tom's Chinese BBQ was a delightful experience! The ambiance may not be fancy, being a small eatery, but the food makes up for it. I tried their roast duck and was impressed by the generous amount of meat and rich flavor. Although I think the parking situation can get chaotic, especially on weekends, I truly believe this place is worth the trip. I also appreciated the speedy service from the staff, who were very accommodating and friendly. For anyone who loves authentic Chinese BBQ, this is a must-visit place! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (92)

" I went to Tom's with a friend after hearing great things about their BBQ. I ordered the BBQ pork and was a bit disappointed as it was drier than expected. However, the duck was wonderful! I think the staff genuinely care about your experience and are super friendly. Although parking is a nightmare, I think the quality of the food makes up for any inconvenience. I’d probably visit again but might try different dishes next time. " (*Curated Review*)

" Tom's BBQ has been my go-to for reliable Chinese food. The roast duck is consistently juicy and flavorful every time! The staff is helpful and accommodating, making the whole experience enjoyable. The place is small with limited seating, but most of the time, I just get my food to-go. One heads up, they are cash-only, so make sure to prepare beforehand. Overall, it's a great spot to visit regularly for quick, tasty bites. " (*Curated Review*)

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