We decided to eat lunch at this joint as we spent the morning visiting Chinatown. At first, we were surprised why all the windows are boarded up. The entrance is very cramped with lots of people waiting to be seated or to pickup to go orders. The lady in the front had no clue how to handle the crowd during peak time. There were empty tables but we were still waiting to be seated. Took a good 20-30 mins after asking her multiple times to get us seated. Once seated, we figured out that ordered is via the phone and no menu or waiters would come to take orders. Bit strange but I guess it makes sense due to COVID.The jasmine tea, dim sums and desserts were very good. The chop suey and fried rice weren't anything special. They do have a long path to go in terms of customer service. Hardly, anybody smiles or comes to the table to ask about the food or experience. This isn't your huge Chinese buffets so I do expect some service.
This place was highly rated on TripAdvisor and so we took a Lyft there. The driver, atypically a young white man who grew up in Seattle, was the talkative type, and volunteered that Jade Garden was his favorite go-to Chinese restaurant in the International District. The outside looked rather decrepit and almost turned us off, but the inside was clean enough though no frill. The cooking was very good, in an old school no nonsense way.
My son were in the area due to errands and were hungry. Jade Garden's website did not say the hours, as far as we could see. We called them and asked them if they were still serving dim sum and until what time. They said they served dim sum until 7 pm. We were surprised. We thought most restaurants stop around 2 or 3 pm. We were near, found parking and got in right away and food was served quickly because we had appointments elsewhere so everything worked well. Outside is boarded up like it was broken into and some man came out and asked if we were waiting. Apparently, it is a front and dining remodel. The new tables and chairs are nice and modern. They now charge a service charge with credit card purchases. They added a service station so lost 2-3 tables. Long waits before most of the time. Don't know if that will make it worse. Bathrooms disgusting and need a major remodel. Food very delicious.
One of the best places to get dim sum in Seattle. It usually gets really busy here, you can see people waiting around the door outside. This time we went around lunch time and we got seated right away. I haven't been here in awhile and didn't realized they have expanded the back area, looks very nice! You have to order with your phone. Not all of the dim sum menu has pictures which is disappointing. Shumai, sticky rice, bbq pork bun, radish cake were delicious. Didn't like the shrimp with chives dumplings, the wrap was too thick. Fried shrimp dumpling was interesting, I usually preferred fried shrimp wontons.
Great classic dim sum that comes to the table very quickly. The old school set up with chili garlic sauce in a little stainless container with a spoon and the Lee Kum Kee soy sauce was much appreciated. Also ordered the Singapore Noodles which were not to our liking but everything else was great. Parking can be an issue but if you arrive early enough you should be able to find a spot.
The dim sum offered at Jade Garden was wonderful. There was a wide selection. Every item we tried was freshly made and served very quickly. Their chow fun was also wonderful. We ordered more than we could finish. We just finished the leftovers and they were still delicious. The service was so nice and efficient. When we left they even used their own account to order an Uber because the taxis were busy. I would definitely go there any time I visit Seattle.
We have been coming to Jade Garden for years. It is old-school classic dim sum. The staff is efficient, and the food is consistently well prepared. The place was vandalized during the pandemic, so it may still be boarded up when you visit but do not let that dissuade you from supporting this wonderful local business.
My go-to dim sum place!! Hits the spot every time. The biggest challenge is the wait time on weekends, but you can beat the wait if you get here before 10am. My partner and I got here around 9:30am on a Sat and was able to get seated right away.Everything was delicious and authentic. There is a $3.5 charge if you pay with a credit card. But the price is fair here where the extra charge doesn't matter too much. Will continue to come back for yummy dim sum and look forward to trying out more of their regular menu items too!
Out of our 5 dim sum choices, only 2 were tasty with good flavor, rice noodle with shrimp and fried rice ball with shrimp. Service at our table was pleasant and efficient. Using online ordering was satisfactory until it was time to pay for our meal. Although the subtotal was correct online, no ticket was shown/offered, which resulted in being overcharging almost $2! Beware when you eat here!
The prawn, chive and sesame dumplings were amazing. Lots of flavor in the steamed BBQ pork buns. My niece loved the tea. Quick and friendly service.