Steven T.
Yelp
House of Bowls has been here since 2010, much earlier than when I first visited in--maybe 2017? Since then I feel it hasn't changed much. I've heard they've since expanded the restaurant since opening. I feel my first impressions were better, but at the same time, since dating the wife and getting a big boy job, the frequency at which I'm eating out had ramped up tremendously which has increased my sample and scope.
Bang for buck, it's fair. I think you really have to dig to find those golden nuggets that you can find yourself ordering time and time again. For a small cafe, it boasts an enormous menu--arguably too big. To expand the menu they have a separate laminated sheet, so I wouldn't be surprised if it kept growing throughout the years; I would be wary of the consistency in this case.
I've heard some users complain about service (rudeness, etc.), but my experience was ok. They had to grab an English speaking server who was a little rough but we made it through our order with very few problems that were easily reconciled.
Water is given in tiny cups that probably hold 6 oz of water with ice. For me, who doesn't drink that much eater during meals, they were on the ball with refills. My wife usually drinks 2 glasses before I get a sip, so most times she takes my water and trades me an empty glass. She didn't do that this day, so I'm going to assume the refills were consistent and prompt.
Moving onto food, our group ordered at leaat 2 styles of noodles. Chow fun (flat stir fried rice noodles), signaporean style (curry flavored with bbq pork), and we also ordered some fried chicken wings.
Forewarning, it takes 20-30 mins for these wings to be freshly made and there are about 4 different styles, although subtle. Is it worth the wait? For that price tag and quality, absolutely, yes. Not an ideal appetizer in this case, but luckily for the restaurant, it is my ideal dessert.
Singaporean style noodles were solid. A little bland but nothing table provided soy sauce and chili oil can't fix; honestly, I prefer being in control of changing flavor profiles in these kind of cases. Wife and I could barely finish the plate together.
Chow fun, on the other hand... not my favorite. Very oily, which I'm no stranger to when it comes to Chinese cuisine. Again, a little bland but nothing a bit of chili oil and soy sauce can't fix, though it wont fix my craving for more of a clean, savory taste. The noodles, ontop of being too oily, were also a bit mushy. I can see how it can appeal to other customers as playing with textures (yes, even the gooey-gooey) and having a variety is very important in Chinese cuisine.
3-stars. Still a good place to have something cheap and filling to eat. I can find myself eating here again out of convenience or if im craving specific items on their menu. I heard the spaghetti is the go-to here, though you should expect it to be sweeter--similar to the Filipino style spaghetti. I would also recommend throwing in an order of wings as it comes with 8 and is fresh.