West Seattle restaurants: Ho-Win planning to close

You won’t see them in our file photo at right, but two “for lease” signs are now up on the facade of Ho-Win Chinese Restaurant on California just south of Juneau – thanks to Lizzy for the tip. WSB contributor “Hutch” went over to check on the signs, and found out that the restaurant’s owners have decided not to renew their lease when it runs out at the end of next month. It’s been under the same ownership for twelve years, and they want to thank everyone who’s patronized Ho-Win over that time. We have messages out to the real-estate company handling the listing to see if they have anything more to say. Ho-Win is next door to the Juneau Street Market, which recently reopened after an ownership change.

jgonplay March 4, 2011 (9:06 pm)

Oh no! This is my favorite W Seattle place! Where will I get the best Kung Pao Chicken! sad :(

Jenny March 4, 2011 (9:07 pm)

So sorry to hear that they will be closing – our favorite Chinese restaurant by far. We’ve eaten there almost since the beginning. Maybe they will open up another restaurant. Please let us know if you find anything out.

MargL March 4, 2011 (9:09 pm)

Aww darn- no more haw wah praw! We used to get take out from there all the time when me and my hubby worked downtown!

WSB March 4, 2011 (9:13 pm)

Jenny – I realize I left out one bit of what “Hutch” reported back upon investigating – asked about future plans, the person he talked to said she hoped to ‘relax.’ So probably not a new restaurant in their future.

LeeAnn Balbirona March 4, 2011 (9:36 pm)

Haven’t lived on Juneau & 44th for twenty years, but I have lots of memories of eating in that spot when it was a Mexican restaurant (Paradiso ?) and of course hanging out in front of the 50-50 Market every day since it was our school bus stop. We jokingly called it the So-So market because of the funny way the sign was painted. Wasn’t that spot a watch shop before it became a restaurant? I think I remember going in there to watch an older gentleman fix a clock once.

Carrie Ann March 4, 2011 (9:38 pm)

They were my go-to for some tasty honey walnut prawns. Sad to see them closing.
And I was looking forward to moving back and checking out all of our local Chinese joints to see how many had any of the authentic dishes we’ve been enjoying here in Beijing. Guess I’ll have to cross this one off the list. :(

Jaf March 4, 2011 (10:06 pm)

Sad! I love that place and that they deliver!

catlady March 4, 2011 (10:08 pm)

Bummer! We just had Ho Win delivered on Wednesday night. We love their sweet & sour chicken. Now who are we going to order from????

PS – good luck to the owners, they’ve always been very nice to us.

Momof3 March 4, 2011 (10:23 pm)

That’s such sad news. The lazy susan’s in the back room and their lo mein will be hugely missed by my family. Now to find a new yummy and family friendly Chinese restaurant in West Seattle.

lenguamor March 4, 2011 (11:11 pm)

Damn shame; many a good meal savored and remembered. Thank you for your hospitality over the years, and all the best to you.

Jacob March 4, 2011 (11:12 pm)

Ho-Win’s food has always been a little too greasy for my tastes.

For anyone looking for a replacement, New Teriyaki & Wok in Morgan Junction has a decent selection of Chinese food on their menu, and they always do a good job with it. Their general tso’s chicken is the best I’ve found in West Seattle.

Bob Loblaw March 4, 2011 (11:42 pm)

noooooooooo :-(

Rachel March 4, 2011 (11:52 pm)

New Teriyaki and Wok is far superior, highly recommend it!

Rick March 5, 2011 (6:48 am)

West Seattle is losing it’s character bit by bit. Guess I’m just getting old. Oh well……

Westie March 5, 2011 (7:34 am)

Go to Lee’s Asian Restaurant in the junction on California. It’s very good.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lees-asian-restaurant-seattle

Tom Jensen March 5, 2011 (7:58 am)

Very sad that our favorite go to place for to go food is closing! Such warm friendly folks, too. Good luck to them. Yes Lees is good-but on a cold rainy night-Ho Win is so close with ample parking that our food was home piping hot in minutes!!

RG March 5, 2011 (8:05 am)

Rick, I agree. Do you think WS is becomming gentrified as some would suggest?

Jennifer March 5, 2011 (8:13 am)

Darnit! They are so fast with their delivery and the food was pretty darn great for Chinese takeout. I hope another Chinese restaurant will take its place. Seems like they always do a brisk business–I wonder why they are closing?

Glenda March 5, 2011 (9:35 am)

I came on here to commend WSB for having a file photo of everything. That’s smart but also kind of funny.

But then I got taken by Rick and RG’s comments. I was born and raised here so I’ve seen it change 35 years out. I’m sorry, but the current WS blows away the old one which used to be mainly be medical supply stores and no restaurants to eat at. Sure we’ve lost some old standbys (Chuck and Sally’s) but we’ve gained amazing things too (Bakery Nouveau) and the old classics (Husky, NW Art and Frame, etc) are still here. We’ve also been lucky that we haven’t been taken over by big box chains, rather one owner or very small local chains (Elliott Bay Brewpub, Matador). Have some perspective people! It’s reminding me of an New Yorker cartoon I just saw, with two people lamenting to each other “I liked things better back when they were worse.” Yeesh.

redblack March 5, 2011 (10:10 am)

rachel: yeah, but do they deliver?
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chinese delivery is as american as apple pie.

bebecat March 5, 2011 (10:23 am)

The Yen Wor delivers http://yenworseattle.com/

stb March 5, 2011 (10:47 am)

Glenda,
As someone who has also lived here for quite a while now, all I can say is: Amen, sister.

sun*e March 5, 2011 (11:51 am)

OH NOOOOOOOO! Say it ain’t so! This is our favorite Chinese restaurant in WS. We will so miss letter A on the menu – it included all of our favorite things.
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BTW – We’ve given Yen Wor a couple of tries and unfortunately, it’s awful!
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I’m so bummed! :(

Beth Kostecki March 5, 2011 (2:07 pm)

First we lost the Chinese restaurant where Kokoras now resides (althought they are a great addition to WS), then Terrace West at the bowling alley, now Ho Win. Yes, Lee’s is good but sometimes we just want old-school Chinese food. Agree w/sun*e, we’ve tried Yen Wor a handful of times and it’s always been bad. Really sorry to see Ho Win go.

Moji March 5, 2011 (2:14 pm)

Nooooooooo!!
For our family, there IS NO other Chinese place in West Seattle! It’s been a true family favorite for the past 10 years, and my kids’ first memory of Chinese food — it’s the standard they hold all other Chinese restaurants to  Really hate to see them go, but wish the super sweet owners well in their relaxation phase!

Paul March 5, 2011 (3:48 pm)

Not Sad or Surprized at all, We used to get great take out all the time up til a few years ago when I got some breaded almond chicken that was actualy old and moldy ( like they took it out of the garbage and boxed it up ) , As a once a week regular customer I would have thought I could get a new order no problemo, Instead when I called to complain their first response was to try to lay the blame on me, saying I should have put it right into my refrigerator. I told them I only had the food for an hour. they said sorry nothing they can do, and I replied sorry, I won’t be spending my 30 bux a week with you anymore and good luck with your business. I am shocked they have last as long as they have, goodbye and good riddance!!

westsea March 5, 2011 (3:56 pm)

The Yen Wor doesnt deliver all over West Seattle. A lot of places in Burien do though. Sorry to see Ho Win close, their delivery guys are fast and nice.

Alli March 5, 2011 (4:18 pm)

I am just THRILLED that no one will have to suffer through FOOD POISONING from their food anymore. I still have a $7,000 Harborview bill! Thanks, Ho Win! Who has two thumbs and WILL NOT MISS YOU? This Alli. P.S. Their kitchens have larger cockroaches than you could ever imagine. Maybe we will get some nice, CLEAN restaurant to take their place. Here’s to hoping!

foy-boy March 5, 2011 (4:38 pm)

Hey if you want good asian food head over to roxey’s bowling alley. There stuff is the best.

Delridge Denizen March 5, 2011 (5:17 pm)

Loved it, sorry to see it go. Always had good quality delicious food delivered from Ho-Win. I wish the owners well.

Keith March 5, 2011 (5:23 pm)

That space has potential to become something amazing.

MsEvelyn March 5, 2011 (7:46 pm)

Yes that location use to be John’s Watch Shop. There phone # was one number different from my families home phone so through the years we received many a call asking “is my watch ready to pick up?”. I was surprised that Ho Win lasted as long as it did. It is hard to see change in our small town. Hope the owners enjoy their retirement…

chicago March 5, 2011 (9:20 pm)

Seriously people! Sad to see it go?? You definitely need to get out more.

RG March 6, 2011 (9:07 am)

Glenda, stb,
*
//”I’m sorry, but the current WS blows away the old one… we’ve gained amazing things too (Bakery Nouveau) and the old classics (Husky, NW Art and Frame, etc) are still here. We’ve also been lucky that we haven’t been taken over by big box chains, rather one owner or very small local chains…”//
*
My question was about the gentrification of WS. I am especially interested in forced displacements of families who rent, the scaling up of incoming businesses, and the retention of neighborhood charms and flavors and characteristics.
*
People are divided on whether gentrification is a good or bad thing. There are many long-time residents of WS, and I’ve spoken to many of them and they feel that WS is losing it’s character; my neighbor recently said that people don’t smile or say hello anymore like they used to.
*
//”Have some perspective people! It’s reminding me of an New Yorker cartoon I just saw, with two people lamenting to each other “I liked things better back when they were worse.” Yeesh.”//
*
Really?…

dawsonct March 6, 2011 (9:09 am)

Seriously chicago, you’re surprised a restaurant that has lasted THAT many years would have a bunch of ardent fans, no matter the authenticity or quality?

bebecat March 6, 2011 (9:21 am)

The “not smiling and not saying hello thing” has been going on for along time now. There was a time in Seattle that you never passed a person without saying hello or nodding your head. Acknowledging people was a common courtesy in Seattle. I started feeling strange when people would look at me like I was crazy for speaking to them. I started to ignore those around me when I couldn’t find any consistancy in the responses of people to my Seattle friendliness. Then there just got to be so many people crossing my path with blank stares that I became the non-responsive one.

NotMe March 6, 2011 (2:31 pm)

Hey RG, I have to ask – who exactly is getting forced out? Also, I am so tired of hearing how many years someone has lived in West Seattle – as though that somehow provides some sort of authority. “Born and raised… duh dur duh dur dur…” – Whatever…
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Finally, one of the “born and raised” has spoken up about what is better today!
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This area is much better than it was 12 years ago when I moved (gasp, transplanted) here. Wanna know what’s better? These nasty food joints are going away, and much, much better places are opening. Springhill, Shadowland, and that amazing Bakery Nouveau and the beatiful fish market. And now, an option to one of the worst grocery stores in WS – the Jefferson Square Safeway. That new QFC is beautiful and in a perfect spot.
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Anyone lamenting these nasty old places that are closing up has it wrong. These nasty joints are going away because more people are going to the “new” and “better” joints. There are some great original funky spots in WS, but if you notice – they are clean, the food quality is pretty darn good, and you don’t see cockroaches in the food. I think that’s a good thing. If the older “originals” want to survive, they have to compete. Husky is doing it.

RG March 7, 2011 (1:05 am)

NotMe,

I don’t have specific figures on displacement, though I have yet to review an apartment-to-condo conversion report. I really don’t want to, but, who knows, it might prove apropos of my thesis.
*
You said: “Also, I am so tired of hearing how many years someone has lived in West Seattle – as though that somehow provides some sort of authority. “Born and raised… duh dur duh dur dur…” – Whatever…”
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Why are you saying this to me? You have no idea how long I’ve lived in WS and I’ve never said as much.
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You said: “Finally, one of the “born and raised” has spoken up about what is better today!”
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That’s subjective.
*
You said: “This area is much better than it was 12 years ago when I moved (gasp, transplanted) here. Wanna know what’s better? These nasty food joints are going away, and much, much better places are opening. Springhill, Shadowland, and that amazing Bakery Nouveau and the beatiful fish market. And now, an option to one of the worst grocery stores in WS – the Jefferson Square Safeway. That new QFC is beautiful and in a perfect spot.”
*
Lol! And, shout out to everyone at JS Safeway! Thank you so much for helping a panicked parent of an electrolyte-imbalanced child! ‘Clean-up on aisle 4!’ Thank you for telling me not to be embarrassed.
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You said: “Anyone lamenting these nasty old places that are closing up has it wrong…and you don’t see cockroaches in the food.”
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Wow, how big were the cockroaches you found in your food?
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You said: “If the older “originals” want to survive, they have to compete.”
*
Your parents must be so proud.

NotMe March 7, 2011 (12:39 pm)

Clearly, my entire rant wasn’t directed only at you. But since you are the center of the universe today only, please remember: tomorrow, it’s back to me. I am not sure what your focus was about Safeway, but I think my message was pretty obvious – that is not a good, clean store.
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Lee’s has some fairly small cockroaches. Oh, I would say about 3/4 inch length. That’s the only time I have seen any. I have seen what I would consider a large mouse or a small rat at Easy Street. Others posted here that they have seen the roaches, and I was simply jumping on the bandwagon. But, there you have the specifics. I do miss the food at Lee’s – especially the 7 Flavor Beef, but since seeing live roaches, I won’t go back. Others saw this, too. We left without eating or paying and nobody made a scene.
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Yeah, good job, RG. Oh, and my parents would like to thank you for your last comment, but they weren’t sure why you brought them into it.

MightBeYourNeighbor March 7, 2011 (12:58 pm)

Change happens. No one says “hello” on the street anymore… No shock there. We’re all huddled in front of our computer screens, flinging insults at our unknown neighbors’ comments.
I have never been to Ho-Win, so it won’t be missed by me, but thank you to all their fans who supported a local business for 12 years. Lets just hope that whatever business takes over the space manages to stick around for a while as well.

Julia March 7, 2011 (5:39 pm)

For folks interested in the cleanliness of their favorite restaurants, King County offers a handy search function for health code inspection results: http://info.kingcounty.gov/health/ehs/foodsafety/inspections/search.aspx

Bill Hibler March 9, 2011 (9:01 am)

“No one says ‘hello’ on the street anymore”???

I don’t know where you have been but I never go out with seeing people smiling and waving, even strangers. I’m fortunate to have gotten to know hundreds of people over the years and many stop and say “hi” to me even when I can’t remember who they are. My wife and I never fail to have strangers greet us when we are out for a walk.

I have lived all over King County and have never lived in a friendlier, more neighborly place than West Seattle.

sean March 9, 2011 (4:10 pm)

Coming from NY……these ain’t no cockroaches. These little critters are in every food joint. Not bad when covered in a beer dip batter.

Ray West March 29, 2011 (2:36 pm)

As far as a place that still delivers, I always thought the food at Ho-Win was hit or miss, but at least it was always better than the Yen Wor. That restaurant is the worst. Too bad they’re not the ones going out of business. I still miss the Golden Sun on Alki for cheap and good “generic” Chinese food, though Lee’s is probably the best overall. I also miss the old Luck Toy, not because it was great food, but it was where my family ate almost every week when I was a kid.

Sorry, comment time is over.