Somewhere like Crustacean

[anvali]

I'm taking my friend out for her b-day and I know that she'd really like the idea of Crustacean, but would probably think that it was over hyped for what it costs (as I think most of us do). I have hear of places in SGV that serves the similar roasted crab and garlic noodles. Is there anywhere closer?
I'm willing to drive as far as downtown (from the westside).

[cls]

Phillipe Chow comes to mind.
If your friend likes Crustacean, she might also like Koi, similar appeal, different food.

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Koi Restaurant
730 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069

[attran99]

cls, I think OP is trying to stay away from the prices of Chow and Koi.
I think bulavinaka's on the right track with Newport Tan Cang...they might not have th garlic noodles, but the crab and lobster there are wonderful.

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Koi Restaurant
730 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069

[bulavinaka]

I'd think that the crab and lobster would be the crowning dishes for the OP and friend who could probably live without the garlic noodles and sub that with the tons of other great dishes there. No glass floor over koi pond, no BH A- and B-listers, no premium to pay for that either. I think the extra 15 minute drive past downtown LA would be well worth it.

[attran99]

I quite agree...I've had the "fancy"/"upscale" Chinese/Vietnamese food before and I always prefer places like Newport Tan Cang more.

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Tan Cang Restaurant
18441 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

[Jwsel]

I can't speak to the specific places in the SGV, but if you are willing to go downtown from the westside, Monterey Park is only a few minutes farther.

[bulavinaka]

Maybe Seafood Village in Monterey Park (closer, good crab), or Newport Tan Cang in San Gabriel (further but nice digs and great live crustaceans)?

http://www.newportseafood.com/

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Seafood Village Restaurant
684 W Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Newport Tan Cang
518 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776