New Luck Toy

5905 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136, United States
$$$ Bar , Restaurant
(679 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

New Luck Toy is a lively spot where the lines between a classic Chinese-American restaurant and a vintage dive bar blur into something uniquely Seattle. Located in the Junction, this place is known for its nostalgic décor—think well-worn booths, dim lighting, and quirky tiki-style touches that give the space a laid-back, slightly retro vibe. It’s the sort of place that welcomes both casual late-night crowds and those craving familiar flavors with a bit of personality.

The menu offers a mix of pan-Asian comfort food with standouts like General TSO’s Chicken with Rice, Shrimp and Pork Fat Dumplings, and Chow Mein with Duck. Portions tend to be on the smaller side, which pairs well with the cocktail program that dips into tropical flavors—Mai Tais, Mojitos, Pina Coladas, and a few intriguing house specials. Drinks lean toward solid, classic tiki-style cocktails rather than elaborate mixology, fitting the relaxed, no-fuss feel of the bar.

New Luck Toy thrives mostly as a spot for late-night eats or a casual dinner with friends who appreciate bold flavors and a slightly salty, dive-bar edge. The atmosphere is cozy and dim, making it conducive to lingering over a few plates and drinks while chatting. Service comes across as friendly and attentive, though it’s wise to arrive earlier in the evening if you want to snag popular dishes, as some items like the General TSO’s can run out on busy nights.

This place works well for those who enjoy authentic Chinese-American dishes without the polish of a high-end restaurant, plus a bit of kitschy charm. It’s less about fine dining and more about a relaxed, neighborhood vibe with an emphasis on flavorful and well-executed bar snacks and shared plates. Locals often come for the mixture of nostalgic eats and tropical cocktails that feel both familiar and a little bit adventurous.

Highlights
Has bar games
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has karaoke
Popular for
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Thursday

4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Friday

4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

4:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

Closed

679 Reviews
Fiadh

13 Dec 2025

What a fantastic place. They were out of some things because we showed up really late on a Thursday but it was still great. We ordered general tso and beef spare rib. Both we some of the best I've ever had. Crunchy and tender, with delicious seasoning. My wife got a passion fruit caiparinha, which was not her favorite drink but it was still definitely good. We'll be back for more late night eats, we loved it

Jacob Schmidt

03 Dec 2025

Loved the vibes of this vintage Chinese-American dive bar with just touches of Tiki-esqe flair. The food was good, but prices were high and portions small for what you get. They were out of the General Tso’s at 9 o’clock on a Saturday, which was a bummer. The cocktails were solid, but nothing particularly memorable or unique. Verdict? Come here for the character and enjoy the bar snacks along the way.

Violet Thompson

21 Nov 2025

One of my favorite restaurants in Seattle. The food is consistently delicious. The tropical cocktails are a nice balance to the food and are always strong and delicious. The staff are attentive and friendly. The cozy, dim ambiance is perfect. My husband and I live across town from this place so it usually takes us between 30-45 mins to get here, but it's always worth the drive. My only complaint? They're not open on Sundays! I always forget and end up craving it just when I can't have it. Otherwise, this place is a gem. Highly recommend.

Daniel Balderas

10 Nov 2025

Everything was amazing! Loved every single dish but specially the coconut shrimp and green beans. Drinks were delicious and interesting. Would definitely recommend it and will come back for sure. Really cool decor and vibe too.

nelbgarrido

03 Nov 2025

The food at this restaurant stands out as one of the most flavorful offerings among Chinese eateries in the area. One dish that I highly recommend trying is the BBQ Duck, which is cooked to perfection with a rich, savory flavor that lingers on your palate. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting, featuring cozy seating and a delightful backdrop of classical pop music that enhances the dining experience. One of the notable aspects of this place is the impressive speed of service. Most of the time, your food arrives in less than five minutes after placing your order, which is remarkable, especially during peak hours. However, it’s worth noting that during busy periods, navigating the restaurant can be a bit puzzling for first-time visitors. You’ll need to make your way to the back of the restaurant to take a number. After that, you should write down the number of guests in your party on a designated board and then wait patiently for your number to be called. Despite this small challenge, the delicious food and enjoyable atmosphere make it well worth the visit.

Patrick Rachford

10 Oct 2025

I go to NLT at least once a month. I love the food and the portions are great. You have to get their honey walnut prawns. I’ve tried a lot of HWP and nothing comes close This place can have a bit of a wait at peak times, but it is totally worth it. It’s a bit off the beaten path which makes this an absolute gem of a spot!

Macy M

10 Oct 2025

Salt & Pepper ribs and general tso's chicken were the highlights. Fries at good with a generous portion. Prawn & pork dumplings and chow fat noodles aren't things I'd order again. Service is great, really dark interior.

Vik Galosta

15 Sep 2025

Hands down one of the best hidden gem bars in Seattle area. Everything - food, drinks, vibes and service - are incredible! Dumplings are to die for! Absolutely loved this cute little place

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