Iconic Sam Wo Plans Triumphant Return to Chinatown

After it was shut down due to Health Department concerns and the need for $300K worth of updates to its building, Sam Wo's resurgence is finally under way. Last fall, the 100 year-old restaurant announced plans to move into a neighboring location in Chinatown; now they've confirmed that Sam Wo will take over the Anna Bakery space, located just a few blocks from its original location.

Additionally, Tablehopper reports that the Sam Wo crew has acquired Anna Bakery's baker, resulting in a new entity: Sam Wo Restaurant and Bakery. Renovations should begin in the next couple of weeks, including the addition of a mezzanine to accommodate groups and a "soup kitchen," reserved specifically for the preparation of jook and wonton soup.

The new location will hold roughly the same amount of seats; hours will also remain the same (7 a.m.-3 p.m.), with a limited afternoon offering that will uphold the bakery's position as a neighborhood hangout for elderly Chinatown residents who stop by for afternoon tea. The restaurant plans to bring back their nocturnal offering as well, reopening from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. for late-night dining. The grand re-opening is currently slated for July.