Phoenix Inn

This venerated L.A. institution’s original Chinatown location dates back to 1965, although you can now find 12 other sleeker outposts specializing in fast-casual meals and dessert scattered across the San Gabriel Valley. However, we’re most partial to the O.G. Phoenix, with its sparsely decorated dining room, steaming hot jasmine tea and long menu full of dependably delicious plates of Hong Kong-style and Americanized Chinese cuisine. House special congee, Hainan chicken and a delectable steamed Chilean sea bass in a bath of soy sauce and sesame oil are just three dishes from its hundred item-long menu worth an order when you visit Phoenix Chinatown, where time itself almost seems to stop entirely.