Dim Sum in Chintown NOT Empress Pavilion?

[NAspy]

A bunch of us are running the Chinatown Run this Sunday and the tradition has always been to head for dim sum at the Empress Pavilion afterward. Last year, the decline in food quality was too palpable to be ignored -- I am aware of the change in ownership that may be the reason for the change. So two questions:

1. Has anyone eaten there recently and if so, how is the food and atmosphere?

2. What are other dim sum options in the immediate area? I work in Monterey Park so I know about all the great dim sum there, but with a bunch of people we may not want to drive anywhere, so walking distance in Chinatown is a requirement.

Thanks for all suggestions!

[J.L.]

The quality in Empress has gone down a tad, but not considerably, from my recent visits.

Ocean Seafood's dim sum is a bit greasier, but maybe that's why I think it's better than Empress.

[wienermobile]

I like Ocean Seafood on Hill Street. I think its much better than Empress Pavilion. They also have cart service. The wait is never more than 15 minutes.
www.oceansf.com

[PurpleTeeth]

I second Ocean. Good fresh and no wait. Loved the tripe there and steamed pork buns

[broncosaurus]

I used to favor Ocean over Empress, but my last few visits were disappointments. But it has been quite a while. Hope they've recovered.

[attran99]

CBS in Chinatown is a popular CH pick.

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CBS Seafood
700 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012