JL China House

Chinese restaurant · Chula Vista

JL China House

Chinese restaurant · Chula Vista

1

1403 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911

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JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null
JL China House by null

Highlights

Generous portions of delicious Chinese-American standards & sushi.  

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1403 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911 Get directions

jlchinahouse.com
@jl_chinahouse

$10–20 · Menu

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1403 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911 Get directions

+1 619 691 1285
jlchinahouse.com
@jl_chinahouse

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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South Bay San Diego Restaurants Still Open Offering Takeout and Pick-up Service | Eater San Diego

"Carryout service from the buffet bar is still available at this Tijuana-style Chinese kitchen via phone." - Mario A. Cortez

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/south-bay-san-diego-restaurants-offering-delivery-and-carryout
View Postcard for JL China House

Chris Crane

Google
I ordered from yall on DoorDash…. Oh my Goodness. I was reading the reviews and people were saying “oh they stuffed my plate” I’m like ya ok. So I ordered….. yep. Confirmed. More food that could feed the Congo and its delicious. I went out of my way to post this on Google. Was not able to type on DoorDash but my word I’m coming to visit yall soon. I couldn’t even finish the food so I brought it to work the next day. Working on it now

TM Laws

Google
Expensive for what it is (no dine in, only get to dine outside on tables that aren't cleaned after guests eat there). The make a plate deal ended up being 17$ (chow mein $6.99, sides 5.50 to 6.99). On the side of the building it says free soda with dine in, but like I said, they are only outdoor. I only ate here because I didn't want Jack in the Box but maybe I would have been better off there . I will admit the portions are huge but the orange chicken is so so, beef with broccoli is better, and the chow mein is alright.

Jeb Garcia

Google
On a Sunday I wanted red BBQ Pork and this was the restaurant I wanted to try. The combo #11 was ready in about 10 min from a walk in order. It is more than enough food for 2 meals, and great tasting food. The shrimp were nicely done too, crispy without excess oil. You can call in orders to pick up. Great bargain.

Bernard Cayetano

Google
Went today and the lady at the counter was nice. I didn’t get any bad attitude like the reviewers mentioned. Got my food within 10min to go. I love going to this place and when I looked at the reviews, I was like, what happened? Food is still packed and good!!! Maybe the customers had bad attitude. Will come back here!

Denise Luevano

Google
I left San Diego 6years ago. Just moved back, and couldn't wait to eat there. I was so bummed out that you're not able to go inside the restaurant anymore and sit down and eat. I always enjoyed and love going to this restaurant , especially the shrimp 🍤 I always enjoyed the buffet 😋 👌 ☺️

Raymond Porciuncula

Google
We went on a Sunday lunch after church and our first impression was quite surprising. We knew that the place was small but the food was great according from what we read on reviews but when we got inside. It was reallt small... You will eventually bump with somebody while getting your food. But the food was great and the price is cheap. Unlike other Chinese buffet, this place looks clean and smells clean as well. I can recommend this to my fellow friends.

John Cronin

Google
I'm going to preface this with the fact that I live in Bakersfield and haven't lived in Chula Vista since 2005. I got a phone call today from this place and the woman who called from here was incredibly rude. She said "I had an order from a lady with this number". Ok? I guarantee you that the owner of this phone number didn't place an order from you. *Shift in tone from inquisitive to hostile* "Ok...well a lady called and placed an order from this number and it needs to be picked up now". ...I don't know what to tell you...? There is no lady here that placed an order, I don't even live in the area. 😤 "Ok...well I'ma have to block your number then". Good, save me the trouble of blocking yours. Maybe consider you either got pranked by someone with a program that can change the caller ID number, or the customer simply gave you the wrong callback number, don't cold call someone and immediately get hostile when they didn't place an order NOR EVEN LIVE WITHIN 4 HOURS DRIVING DISTANCE. Check your employees and have them brush up on their professionalism.

Deniss Angulo

Google
Well, I didn't have a good experience of restoring apart from the fact that it has very powerful workers and they want you to order Fast in his food in the very chewy rice
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SL G.

Yelp
Delicious food, they need to expand their business. It was a very long wait and people waiting awhile, parking is not great at all
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Christine R.

Yelp
The person that answers the phone needs customer service skills or phone etiquette classes. Both times we've called to order food -to-go the same cranky lady answers the phone and seems bothered when asked any type of questions. This used to be our favorite place but we will never get food from there again. You don't have to be so darn rude to customers!

Yvette L.

Yelp
Placed an order by phone and was appalled by the customer service. The woman who answered the phone was immensely rude; half way through taking my order she became hostile and I was extremely thrown off by her attitude. If employees are having a bad day they shouldn't take it out on their customers. Good customer service is what keeps people coming back. I felt disrespected & will no longer give them my business.

Genaro V.

Yelp
I've been coming since 2005 I was in elementary school then. Fast forward to now I'm 25, Food has always been as delicious as I remember. They've been sticking to their original recipes and I'm all for it. I love the quantity they serve in every lunch box. Personally my whole family loves it and saying otherwise is truly crazy. This is truly a must try when here in Chula Vista !! That being said. I wish they had dine open up again I miss it
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Maria D.

Yelp
I ordered Uber eats from here because I was craving fresh vegetables but a lot something hot with noodles since it's still winter and I'm always cold! Haha. This place did not disappoint and I paid the extra few bucks for my driver to bring it straight to my house so food was hit and fresh! They have huge portions here so even though you're paying $15-$20 for entrees, they do give you your money's worth! The chow menu noodles are really good and the chop suet vegetables too. I ordered sesame balls and a side of white rice with the entree which I'll be eating for days now but it's so good! I like the food here very much and will order from here again!
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John S.

Yelp
Always stop here when I'm in the area. Some of the best Chinese food I've had. Now my wife is hooked, she doesn't really like Chinese food but she loves this place.

Eric L.

Yelp
This place is good le ponen un chingo de comida lo unico que no me gusta que es de ordenar afuera

Arcy R.

Yelp
It wasn't bad, but I've had better. Wait time was longer than anticipated, too. I think driving to Golden Chopsticks in National City would be my preference since it's not that far.

Johanna C.

Yelp
If I could rate it negative stars I would !!! Their customer service has never ever been it .. but today I had the unpleasant surprise of dealing with the worst cashier ... after I waited for them to approach the window for over 5 minutes he approaches it with the most disgusting attitude.. when he proceeds to toss the boxes after I asked him a question , I asked are you in a bad mood due to how he was treating me and tossing the boxes . He then continues to say as he rolled his eyes he had other things to do so he had to hurry up . Like fiRST of proper customers service would have been ." Sorry for the wait , how may I help you " but no he had ME WAITING THEN had the most rudest of attitudes I've ever encountered there ! So I simply walked away they lost immediately over 60$ aside of it all it's OVER PRIZED AND NASTY ! Not how it was back when it was an actual buffet ! There for I suggest the one on broadway called YingLi have a good one

Wendy B.

Yelp
I definitely recommend this restaurant if you want outstanding delicious traditional Chinese food and also have a twist of excellent Mexican food. It's more of a take-out food they do have some outside seating. Their Boba's are great tasting. Everything so freshly made to order I don't mind a little wait. All the Staff so helpful, welcoming and professional. Very reasonably priced options whether per person or for parties the serving are very well served. I have used them many times for family, work and business events / parties. The restaurant has always been very clean and well kept, also easy to understand menus. The staff also very helpful in helping you figure out what or how to order for events. Thank you! You are all awesome people!
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Vi L.

Yelp
This Chinese food spot is a gem! The extensive menu offers so many options, and the portions are generously huge. The consistently delicious dishes make it a go-to choice. It's not just about the variety; the ease of ordering adds to the overall positive experience. A reliable and satisfying destination for Chinese cuisine enthusiasts!
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Michelle T.

Yelp
The food was unsavory, the crunchy roll was all rice no crab and I ordered a medium rice and I received a small. A bit expensive for the lack of flavor and portion. Disappointed on quality and quantity.
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Fernando R.

Yelp
the best chinese restaurant in all san diego county no questions asked!!!! there food is finger licking good and i mean finger licking good! their food is magically delicious! i totally love this place!
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Laisha F.

Yelp
Love this place! I have been going with my family for years and the staff are so nice. When ordering take out, the plates are FILLED to the top, meaning they aren't stingy when serving you! Great food for great price. Food can be a bit greasy but that's a given due to a lot of it being drenched in sauce or baked.
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Duffy J.

Yelp
The "large" servings are very large. Delicious. Very reasonable prices. We fed 7 adults and 4 kids with a couple days of leftovers for $100. Try the Chili Rellanos. Quite tasty.
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Melody A.

Yelp
Best Chinese, never disappoint, the boba is better than legit boba shops. I feel bad when costumers come HANGRY =hungry angry, they're just doing their best since they're always busy
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Karen R.

Yelp
I will gladly share with you guys the information from San Diego to file a complaint Food and Housing Division (FHD) Complaint Liaison. (858) 505-6903. ... FHD Epidemiology (Foodborne Illness) Liaison. (858) 505-6814. ... California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch. ... Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ... FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition fhdcomplaints@sdcounty.ca.gov There is no doubt the place is good but full of roaches. I dont know why they still open. I went there 7/31/22 at 3pm it was crowded and slow rude af cashiers they took my order (72) and it was a big plate half noodles half rice and garlic shrimp in the other side. A small white square side of calamari & a small portion side of orange chicken. I live far from there when i arrived i only got noodles and chicken wtf & of course they dont give out receipt so i called and they ignored my call then in the next morning the lady who speak spanish named diddy or something like that asked me to go and get what i was missing. I went there and an ugly rude lady started calling me a lier and she was like "take this" and idk was there it was suspicious so i just asked for my money back plus gas money and nada. All they gave me was "cero fcks" no food and no refund. A waste of gas and time and my ability to communicate because they cant listen to you they just yell.
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Gemma S.

Yelp
Great take out!! Also great place for ordering for large parties! This place started out as a buffet place and ever since Covid restriction it's gone totally take out which I like best. I'm still a Loyal customer!!

Christian B.

Yelp
Place has bad customer service, Plus place a order ahead of time for a pick up of 12pm... food was not ready .. took a hour ..... unacceptable
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Vivian Z.

Yelp
First and last time I'll be eating here! The food was cold, and I only had to drive 3 mins home, and it was already cold. I only took one bite of each item, and threw the rest away. The food tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for hours. The lady is rude and not welcoming at all. The prices are ridiculous! I paid $27 for 2 item combo plate, and some cream cheese wontons. They charge you for everything individually, even the rice in the combo plate. I don't recommend this place at all, I'll stick with our favorite spot on E street.

Sarah C.

Yelp
Okay food, okay boba. A touch overpriced. I met the "rude woman" so many reviews talk about, and can't understand. She's just not a native English speaker! I encourage people to try understanding other cultures
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Thomas B.

Yelp
Food is ok. The combination plates are good. They give you plenty of food. A little pricey but not bad
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Pauline A.

Yelp
The food is always hot and tasty. Been coming here since 2017 and used to be the buffet spot but since COVID hit they only have take out. Syill good food, good price, big portions.
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Anjel T.

Yelp
The portions are worth the price but the taste is nothing extraordinary. I like their salt and pepper chicken. Since the inflation, of course prices are going up but they still manage to keep it cost efficient. The menu says 5 chicken wings for $5 but they have me 7 pieces for $5. I think because the other two wings were small

Larissa H.

Yelp
Best Chinese food in Chula Vista hands down!! Fast! Clean, & delicious. Only place worth going too! Get what you pay for, for sure!

L B.

Yelp
We ordered through Uber Eats last night, food arrived promptly and hot....but was the worst Chinese food we've ever ever had. Completely bland, with no flavor whatsoever. The only way to tell one dish from another was the texture. I couldn't taste the beef (which was dry and overcooked) in the beef with broccoli which had very little sauce. The Kung Pao chicken had nothing, like eating cardboard with rice and stuff, the fried rice-same thing. NO FLAVOR. Awful. Egg drop soup-NO, just NO! You might as well drink some hot water. Even the fortune cookies were stale. I've never left such a review before, but try another restaurant seriously. Worst $110 we've ever spent on dinner.

Gale S.

Yelp
Huge portions. Delicious spices. Recommend Mongolian beef! A definite place to order from again.

Ted R.

Yelp
I love this place, the orders are HUGE and the food is delicious. I always get great service

Juan E.

Yelp
Unfortunate communication skills. I called to put in a party tray order and was told it would take 20-25 minutes. It's almost an hour now and still waiting. Keep in mind I have a party tray for a party and I am running late now because they were wrong about when my order would have been ready. If I had known it would have taken over an hour for some wings I would have gone somewhere else. What's the strategy or tactic behind telling your customers an incorrect time to pickup a togo order? Wrong of them to do this.
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Leslie G.

Yelp
Great quantity and so delicious. Big portions and can easily be shared with 2 people if you order a lunch combo. Been coming here for years & i haven't found any other restaurant with portions and flavor like this place. Must try!
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Erwin E.

Yelp
For every party, our go to is the stuffed crab party tray. There is always a line there so naturally there's a wait no matter how advanced you make the order. Outside of the wait, everything is great!
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Matthew M.

Yelp
Was slightly mislead I thought it was a buffet but I pulled up and it was just takeout at a window.

Richard P.

Yelp
Not a bad slop house. Been there for years only because it' down the street. Expect a mini buffet and push your way through like everyone else

Isabella O.

Yelp
I don't usually leave reviews, but I was mortified when I ordered takeout today. I ordered a roll of sushi and a side of chow mein. When I opened the box of chow mein, there was a slug. I felt I needed to let people know because it's just disgusting, and I know I would want to know this before ordering. I would recommend going elsewhere.

Tania R.

Yelp
If I could give a negative review I would. TERRIBLE PLACE. The lady is awful and she was so agressive and RUDE when we tried to return the spoiled shrimp we got. Wish I could do a complaint for the smelly seafood they gave. DISGUSTING. DONT GO HERE.
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Christina K.

Yelp
I've ordered the Baja sushi roll twice now and have been pleasantly surprised both times. They add ample shrimp on top of the roll, if you order rice as well it's perfect just to add in. I ordered what is essentially the house rice as well, the small may as well have been a medium or large--plenty of leftovers! Very pleased :)

Ali S.

Yelp
I have been going here for years because I love their food. A few minutes ago I tried to make an order for pick up and the lady who answered the phone was unbelievably rude. Her tone was awful from the beginning, but whatever not that big of a deal but then she started talking over me and speaking to me like I was a child. I was explaining I wanted chow mein and fried rice in one plate and she said "say half and half then" very rudely. Literally ???? Thought it had to be a joke. Awful. Because of this one interaction, I will never spend my money here again.
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Ria D.

Yelp
The boyfriend and I were hungry and we wanted a Chinese buffet. We found this little restaurant on yelp and the pictures showed a plethora of food. We came on a random Saturday afternoon around 3pm and it was packed! There were people waiting and the parking lot was starting to get full. We waited for a few minutes and they asked us if we wanted a communal table - seeing how we were hungry, we agreed to it. They sat us down and they asked us what drinks we wanted. We ordered and then off we went. The area where you grab your food is a very very tight space. There were lots of people surrounding the food and at the same time those who wanted to go was also being helped at the same time. There were a lot of fried items - chicken wings, crab, shrimp and then there were your run of the mill items like beef with broccoli, four types of sushi and the like. Even though the space was small, there was a lot of choices. In addition, they have a dessert section too - fruits, and some pastries like cookies. I had the fried shrimp and fried chicken. The shrimp was good and so was the chicken - the first time around. After a second helping of chicken, I noticed that it was saltier. So I moved on to some veggies, which was cooked perfectly and not over cooked. The bbq pork was flavorful and some had crispy bits, which I liked. There was kung pao chicken that wasn't salty and there were a lot of chicken pieces in it. I also ate some noodles, which was flavorful. I wanted to try the crab but that was a lot of work and I was getting full from all the fried items. Overall it was a pretty inexpensive place with decent food. Would I come back? Only if i was in the area.

Michelle F.

Yelp
They got my order wrong and the wait was horrible! Food was great and I was impressed the staff could speak Spanish, English, and Chinese, but still the communication was poor. Parking sucks and the place just looks old. At least the food is good.
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Monica R.

Yelp
Very good Chinese food. They have completely closed dining in and now have a window to order and a separate window for picking up. The wait time was short and the food is always fresh! The portions are huge! Definitely one of our favorites.
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Stephen W.

Yelp
Food is not bad only give them 4. Cuz they put new food on top of old food When they should bout new pan then old food on top But it was very good the price is only 15.20 with a drink small place sets 80 to 100 ppl they are fast to pick up the plates. I would come back again :) had great service!!!!!
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Raymond P.

Yelp
What can I say? We went on a Sunday lunch after church and our first impression was quite surprising. We knew that the place was small but the food was great according from what we read on reviews but when we got inside. It was reallt small... You will eventually bump with somebody while getting your food. But the food was great and the price is cheap. Unlike other Chinese buffet, this place looks clean and smells clean as well. I can recommend this to my fellow friends.
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Octavio M.

Yelp
Beat Chinese take out...generous portions....have been going there for many years. Every time they have new items in the menu.
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Melody B.

Yelp
I think this place doesn't get the credit it deserves. I think it's great that they are no longer a buffet, there is definitely more effort put into the food. It is by far one of the best Chinese restaurants in the South Bay.

Roman O.

Yelp
Cashier got mixed up with my order number an gives me wrong food order ,I take it back an tell them it's the wrong order,other employee tells me that's what I ordered when I didn't,manager comes out angry saying that's what I ordered he heard me....... "bull$#!+...don't lie to me I know what the hell I ordered" I said as he thought he was gonna try an scold me like a child he then tried being sarcastic an an say some sht under his voice talking crap about me ,he got me fkd up......then I told him I don't need to eat his sh#+ food anyways to give me my money back which he didn't want to an went to the back an made my order ,I'm hoping he tried to food poison me so I can take this food to the lab an get tested, an sue his ass for food poisoning ( if I get sick). food was gross an mushy I usually loved this spot but has went down hill with there crap service shitty attitudes an now nasty food ,at the end they still tried to keep the $1.25 that I paid extra for the other wrong order, cheap skates,your better off oin to ARIZONA down the street
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Joy F.

Yelp
Fam, I must say it's the best Chinese food I've had in my 20 years of being in San Diego! It is a buffet style and flavorful! The service was good and the workers had to roll me out since I ate so much! I will go back! It was crowded for a Monday afternoon- I see why too! There was a line for to go orders and containers were filled completely full to the top. I'd taken a pic of it, but I had two plates in my hand. I couldn't believe I ate all the food on my plate! Noodles, fried rice, teriyaki chicken, orange chicken, beef broccoli, friend shrimp, string beans. crab legs and soooooo much more! I can't wait to go back to try all the other stuff that I miss out on! So this gives me a reason to hang out in Chula Vista to eat at the BEST Chinese restaurant in San Diego Count!! Try and and tell me about a better place!!
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Cesar v.

Yelp
Star Great costumer service Star cheap prices Star fresh food Star prepare your food fresh to order Star cash only
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Antonio J.

Yelp
Stupid pack in here can even get my foot in the door, it's not because of the food it's cause there no room. Parking is the same way Just horrible This picture is of me at the Front Door.
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Chris C.

Yelp
This place is extremely small No space to eat your food and the food isn't that great Complete waste of money and I was just trying to enjoy some family time. But I couldn't seem to enjoy it and the taste was way different from any other Chinese buffet
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Gracel A.

Yelp
I always come here because the food is amazing and close by! 2 stars because as I was finishing up the crab shell I found a rubber band.