What other way is there to eat Chinese food if not in a communist fashion? Mao's Kitchen boldly declares their red roots serving up Chinese comfort food in Hollywood and Venice Beach. So far, I've only been to the location on Melrose and it's very stark with white walls, sparse Chinese art, and a video installation playing near the front door. There is also a side patio, but I'm yet to come here in good enough weather to sit outside. It is, however, a great place to come with friends and you'll often find groups of friends enjoying some drink and conversation over large plates of food. The food is definitely different than what you'll find at most other Chinese places, with things like peasant's onion pancake, sesame & yam beef, and model citizen soup. Another thing that sets this place apart from your run-of-the-mill fast food Chinese is the prices. Most dishes are $9+, unless of course you opt for the $1 salad (house salad). I've tried the hot & sour soup, which I have to say I didn't really enjoy that much since it had tomatoes in it, something I'm not used to in this variety of soup. I've also tried the sweet & sour pork and the chicken chow mein, which I have to admit was pretty good. Every time I come I am always curious to try the peasant onion pancake and the curry rice-stick, but I am yet to try either. Something to know before you go would be that Mao's is BYOB, but I don't believe there is any corkage fee. Due to location, the clientele can at times be interesting. The last time we were here there was some really weird guy that had a sex toy on the floor in the bathroom when Chase went in there. Truly bizarre. On the bright side, they do have their own parking lot and it's usually pretty easy to get a spot in there.
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