When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Ho Ho Gourmet
Why Ho Ho Gourmet is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ho Ho Gourmet is a well-established Chinese restaurant with over 35 years of experience, making it a beloved spot for friends and families to gather and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine. Located prominently in Salt Lake City and St. Paul, MN, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for casual meetups, family dinners, and business lunches. Its menu features a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, including specialties like BBQ pork ribs, General Tso's chicken, potstickers, pork fried rice, and Chinese broccoli. Beyond its flavorful entrees, Ho Ho Gourmet also offers a lunch buffet and weekend dinner buffet at select locations, which provides an excellent opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes. Many guests appreciate the quality and consistency of the food, which has earned the restaurant a solid 4.2-star rating based on over a thousand reviews. The combination of its rich history, diverse menu options, familiar yet expertly prepared dishes, and friendly service makes Ho Ho Gourmet an attractive location to meet up with friends and enjoy classic Chinese cuisine in a comfortable environment.
Here's what people think of Ho Ho Gourmet
As of recent, Ho Ho Gourmet holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1093 reviews.
Reviews of Ho Ho Gourmet reveal a generally positive impression from its customers. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant's consistent quality over the years, praising signature dishes such as the General Tso's chicken, BBQ ribs, and potstickers. Positive remarks often focus on the flavorful seasoning, generous portions, and the nostalgic appeal of traditional Chinese favorites done well. Customers also appreciate the friendly, family-run vibe and the unpretentious dining experience, noting the value offered by their buffet services during lunch and weekend dinner times. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues like inconsistencies in food preparation, service speed, or restaurant ambiance. A few patrons have expressed that certain dishes could use more creativity or better freshness, reflecting the challenge of maintaining quality across a busy kitchen. Despite these critiques, the majority find the experience satisfying and continue to return for the authentic tastes and reliable menu. In summary, Ho Ho Gourmet receives commendations for its dependable traditional Chinese cuisine and approachable setting, making it a favored choice among local diners and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Isaac Romero
I was craving some Chinese food, and I wanted to give this place a try, as I always see this place full. The building itself is not that great, but this place is a hole in the wall. I got my food to go, and the packaging and the portions were great. The food tasted pretty fresh.
Sara B.
This is a true hole in the wall gem with home style asian food and very sweet staff. I loved being able to laugh with the workers. I adore the Walnut Shrimp from here. Other dishes we got are the General Tso’s Chicken, Orange Chicken, and a combo plate. The servings are hefty and one dish could easily feed 2-3 people. This place is great for family dinner. The Walnut Shrimp is so heavenly to me. The sauce is creamy and sweet. The shrimp has delicious breading, and the orange slices & cabbage compliment the dish very well. The Orange Chicken was also great. It wasn’t my favorite dish due to a lighter citrus flavor than I expected, but still a great quality dish. Perfectly cooked chicken and the perfect subtle crunch to the breading. The orange slices were candied and were great to eat, skin and all. The General Tso’s Chicken was also very flavorful. I loved the vegetables that seeped their flavors into the chicken as well. It wasn’t very spicy. From the combo plate, there are honorable mentions for the ham fried rice and the low mein noodles, especially the latter. The low mein had a smoky flavor to it that was spectacular. Overall I plan on coming back since I’ve had multiple positive experiences here! It’s a great atmosphere.
Joshua Angeles
Always love coming here for an affordable and delicious food. They have a lunch special that was so cheap and it comes with a main dish, soup, and an egg roll. Definitely worth it! Their walnut shrimpy and crispy noodles are my favorite! Would definitely recommend to anybody!
Vanessa Van
Most dishes were extremely tasty! Beef green beans 5/5 amazing flavor, beef was tender and green beans cooked perfect!! Walnut shrimp 5/5 So much shrimp! Tasted fresh, seasoned perfectly and walnut were fresh and crispy! Chefs special Fried tofu shrimp 2/5 - ordered for nostalgia bc it’s honestly so good if made correct but this had no seasoning at all! Even the sauce tasted bland! Should’ve done the salt Baked tofu or calamari instead.. Service 5/5 noticed waiter even spoke Spanish for other customers Portions were large expect to pay $12-20 per entree but they’re huge. I would stick to popular dishes that get reviewed bc that one tofu dish I got was so bad and such a contrast to the other great stuff we ordered.
B Joseph
Last time I went here, the service was horrible. The wait staff now is excellent. The food has always been very good. This time was no exception. My family has their normal items to order...and again, food was great. Glad the staffing has improved. The dining area leaves a lot to be desired...but do not let that hold u back. Give it a try.
How to reach Ho Ho Gourmet
None
Website: None
Why Ho Ho Gourmet may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ho Ho Gourmet with your friends?
Ho Ho Gourmet stands out as an inviting and enjoyable spot to gather with friends, offering a blend of authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere that makes group meetups memorable. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from over a thousand reviews, it has a strong reputation for generous portions and excellent value, which naturally lends itself to sharing plates and trying different dishes together. The ambiance strikes a nice balance—it feels warm and casual rather than overly formal, making it a comfortable place to chat and enjoy each other’s company without pretense. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just catching up after a long week, Ho Ho Gourmet’s friendly vibe and dependable food quality create a relaxed backdrop where socializing is the focus. The menu’s variety caters to diverse tastes, including popular favorites like General Tso’s Chicken, Hong Kong Beef, and plenty of vegetarian options. This assortment encourages group orders that everyone can sample, turning meals into a shared, communal experience. Overall, it’s an ideal destination to rally your friends because it combines the comfort of great food with the joy of conviviality in a spot that feels like a casual, local favorite.
What kinds of food and drink options does Ho Ho Gourmet offer for groups?
Ho Ho Gourmet offers an extensive menu featuring classic and authentic Chinese dishes perfect for groups wanting to explore a variety of flavors together. Popular dishes include sweet and sour chicken, almond chicken, beef and broccoli, Szechuan chicken, General Tso’s chicken, and specialties like Hong Kong Beef and Yang Chow fried rice. Many reviewers highlight the generous portion sizes, which means groups can order multiple dishes to share without worrying about shortages. The restaurant also accommodates special requests, such as substituting steamed rice for fried rice commonly served with entrees, making it flexible for dietary needs and preferences. Drinks range from classic soft beverages to tea options, which complement the meal well. The menu’s balance of meat, seafood, and vegetarian offerings ensures that every member of your group finds something they enjoy. This diverse selection, combined with affordable pricing, enhances the group dining experience by allowing considerable experimentation through shared platters, encouraging lively conversation sparked by culinary discovery.
What activities can you enjoy during your meetups at Ho Ho Gourmet?
While Ho Ho Gourmet is primarily a dining destination, it naturally cultivates an engaging social experience through food sharing, which turns every meal into an event. The casual setup invites groups to linger over several courses, offering ample time for conversations, games, or casual celebrations. Many groups use the meal as an opportunity to try new Chinese dishes together—comparing flavors and preferences, which enhances group bonding. This communal sharing style is particularly conducive to lively interactions and helps break the ice for new friends or reunions with familiar faces. Occasionally, the restaurant hosts buffet-style meals that further simplify group dining since everyone can pick what they like while staying together at the table. The comfortable and authentic atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a perfect backdrop for birthdays, casual hangouts, or after-work gatherings. Overall, on top of the food, the real "activity" is the shared enjoyment that Ho Ho Gourmet fosters through its warm environment and varied menu.
Why is Ho Ho Gourmet ideal for a group meetup or family gathering?
Ho Ho Gourmet’s layout and service style are well-suited for larger parties and family-style dining, which is ideal for group meetups. The generous dish sizes encourage sharing and social eating, typical of Chinese cuisine, making it natural for groups to bond over communal plates. The space is designed to accommodate groups comfortably without feeling cramped, with attentive staff ready to service multiple guests efficiently. While some reviews note occasional unevenness in service, many guests appreciate the value and quantity of food compensating well for that. The casual ambiance also helps groups to feel relaxed and less rushed, encouraging longer visits that allow for full, unhurried conversations. Whether it’s a birthday party, reunion, or informal gathering, the combination of diverse menu options, accommodating portions, and a friendly atmosphere makes Ho Ho Gourmet a dependable choice for bringing people together.
How does Ho Ho Gourmet’s value and quality influence group dining experiences?
Ho Ho Gourmet is often praised for providing an excellent price-to-portion ratio, a crucial factor when dining with a group. Groups appreciate knowing that they will receive generous servings of authentic, tasty dishes without breaking their budget. This financial accessibility means gatherings can last longer and involve more experimentation with menu selections, as cost is less of a concern. Affordability enables groups to order multiple appetizers, entrees, and side dishes, fostering a communal experience full of variety. Moreover, the flavor quality, described as great and authentic by many regular diners, helps maintain enthusiasm for returning visits. Despite some variability in service quality reported, the consistent food standard, particularly the signature fried chicken and specialty dishes like the Pipa tofu and beef brisket hot pot, reassures groups that they will leave satisfied. This balance of value, portion size, and flavor makes Ho Ho Gourmet conducive to positive group dining experiences and repeat celebrations.
What should groups expect regarding the atmosphere and service at Ho Ho Gourmet?
Groups visiting Ho Ho Gourmet can expect a no-frills yet authentic Chinese restaurant atmosphere where the focus is on good food and fellowship. The ambiance is described as casual and somewhat American-Chinese styled, making it approachable for everyone including families with children and groups of all ages. While not a high-end or trendy spot, its unpretentious vibe favors comfort and informality, which many groups prefer for social meetups. Some reviews mention occasional shortcomings in service, such as inattentive waitstaff or mix-ups with orders, so groups may want to manage expectations for smoothness. However, many diners find that the friendly kitchen and reasonable prices outweigh these occasional service hiccups. Groups can plan to enjoy a lively dining experience where the energy is focused on tasting and sharing dishes, joking, and socializing rather than formalities. This relaxed environment is part of the charm that keeps regulars coming back.
How can Ho Ho Gourmet accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions for a group?
Ho Ho Gourmet’s menu is sufficiently diverse to accommodate a range of dietary preferences and restrictions typical in group settings. The menu includes popular meat dishes as well as numerous vegetarian options like Pipa tofu with shiitake mushroom sauce, vegetable plates, and tofu hot pots. For those wary of allergens or certain ingredients, the staff has shown some flexibility, such as substituting steamed rice for fried rice to avoid pork or allergens, though this may require explicit requests. Many dishes can be customized to a degree by asking for milder spice levels or adjustments in ingredients. While some guests have remarked on occasional mix-ups, communicating clearly with servers usually ensures that dietary needs are respected. This adaptability supports groups composed of people with varied tastes or restrictions, making Ho Ho Gourmet a practical choice for inclusive social eating.
What makes Ho Ho Gourmet a recommended place for long-term group traditions?
Several diners report frequenting Ho Ho Gourmet over many years, highlighting it as a place that fosters lasting relationships and traditions. The consistency in food quality, especially for favorite dishes, encourages repeat visits by families and friend groups who make it their go-to Chinese restaurant. New management has maintained many beloved recipes and the friendly vibe, ensuring a familiar dining experience that can accommodate growing groups over time. The combination of value, taste, and a comfortable setting makes it possible for long-term group traditions such as monthly dinners or birthday celebrations to comfortably take place here. This continuity builds a communal feeling and a sense of belonging, which is often what groups seek when choosing a regular meetup spot. Ho Ho Gourmet's ability to provide a dependable, welcoming environment continues to attract loyal customers who consider it an integral part of their social lives.
This detailed overview underscores Ho Ho Gourmet’s appeal as a go-to destination for group gatherings, combining tasty, generous food with a friendly, casual setting ideal for socializing with friends and family. Whether you prioritize variety, value, or a relaxed atmosphere, this restaurant provides a reliable and enjoyable backdrop for creating shared memories around the table.