San Dong Noodle House

San Dong Noodle House in Chinatown is a takeout powerhouse. The cash-only Taiwanese spot exports mountains of dumplings and gallons of fresh noodle soup daily. Everything here is utilitarian: from the crammed shelves full of pre-made food, to the cramped-quarter seating of plastic furniture, to the shelf of do-it-yourself to-go packaging staples so diners don’t have to bother the staff if they have leftovers. Even the cost appears designed for quick and easy decision making, because a meal for two consisting of a plate of pan fried dumplings and a thick bowl of roast beef noodle soup totals less than $20. Meaning you can save your coins for dessert or a couple of extra rounds of karaoke.

photo credit: Quit Nguyen

photo credit: Quit Nguyen

photo credit: Quit Nguyen

photo credit: Quit Nguyen