This "plaza" hasn't changed for literally decades...since the 80s when I was I teen. Yes it's still a dump. The property owners have long since paid off property and it's now just a decrepit income generator for the 3rd or 4th generation heirs. There is no incentive to do any upgrades, or even anything beyond what's legally necessary for maintenance. Sadly, this seems very prototypical of all of LA's chinatown and many urban chinatowns for that matter. Ironically, this neglectful mentality is what's held back the full force of gentrification. It's only taken root as hipster retail tenants (howlin rays, etc..) with no change in the physical buildings or infrastructure. Inside, there are a handful of small trinket stores, and a few small Chinese restaurants and a smattering of white hipster restaurants. The only thing that would bring us here these days is the old Ten Ren Tea shop or scoops ice cream. The Chinese merchant community moved to Monterey Park and San Gabriel and other areas long, long, ago. What's left is a decrepit series of rotting old, barely maintained buildings with a smattering of anglo/ hipster retail scattered around.

This mall is one of our cool go to places on our occasional visits to Chinatown. It offers entertainment for the little one and food for the adults. There is outdoor seating. The taiwanese street food restaurant upstairs was closed on our most recent visit in January 2022. We miss it because it is certainly worth a visit. See review from our visits in the past below: The noodles are authentic. Dumplings are nice too. The Taiwanese Bubble Tea Has a distinctive flavor; the fragrance is quite exotic. They are out side eating area; with a string of red lanterns overhead. It can get busy due to people waiting their turn for the office of immigration lawyers next door?

These are photos of the famous howlin rays fried Chicken it's worth the wait in line it's a great show the people are very nice. No wait in the line is well worth it it's a must-see and taste.the staff are a remarkable people they treat you like family they want you to have a great experience. Online are limited to any orders for customer.if you're going to feed a group 20 orders of howlin rays will be well worth it ordered in advance. It puts you forward in the line. And I think you have to order two days.

Giving 5 stars after reading the review two weeks ago. The 1 minute read by peabody and sherman was pretty arrogant. This shopping center is still lively with good eats. I get that the pandemic may have brought it down, but in no way shape or form is it to blame this mall whatsoever because of the events. Not political about it, but we are now getting mandates from our current potus. Many countries are suffering, but a bad review shouldnt be an appropriate response.

Yeah so like everybody else I went here for my spicy chicken fix. A word of advice to the developers. If you have one business in there killing it you better put some other things in there because nobody wants to be a one-trick pony. We went there had a three-hour wait in line. Got tired of waiting and left. There's nothing else to do in there not much else to see little book store in a couple other Mom and Pops. Not enough to hold my interest for 3 hours

It’s an interesting find in LA Chinatown. Many shops and restaurants located in this small alley/section. People wait long time for some of the little restaurants. Worth exploring every store and looking at menus at the tiny restaurants located here. There are bathrooms as well for a quarter or a token from a shop. If you are near by Downtown LA. Give Chinatown a visit and you can explore all these 1 off shoots with an intentional alley/shopping mall.

1 minute read: Far East Plaza use to be far out. Use to be 5 Stars. Sad. Not to get political here but, thanks to the Trump45Virus pandemic caused by a negligent Administration (in DC). FAR EAST PLAZA lost its charm. It’s probably 50% occupied with scattered restaurants like Kim Chuy and others. The original beauty salon near Hill Street side is still there. If you’re one of those refusing to wear a mask, DON’T BOTHER GOING THERE.

We went to Chinatown specifically to eat lunch and arrived a bit too early. So we toured the shops. The Plaza was packed with merchants and merchandise. It reminded me of an overcrowded indoor flea market. Some of the items had a real practical use like suit cases or shirts. Some, most really, was swag for tourists. I honestly couldn't find anything I had to have. Lunch was great. An interesting and fun day trip.

Specifically for parking: Wanted to check for prices, but you have to go down the ramp (one way/basement parking) and the only way out is to grab a ticket and go through. I literally went in and turned to exit…that’s maybe a minute = $2.00! What a rip off! You’re better off finding street parking..didn’t check the lot right next door, but if it’s $2 for less than a minute…total rip off

Been here many times since I was a kid. It's going through some modern changes. Howling rays has saved it from dying but it's also changing it a ton making less room for the older Asian owned businesses. If you go here to get howling rays, please consider also supporting one of the Asian owned businesses that have been there for decades.

Cool strip mall with tons of food options . But while we were in line for Howlin Ray's there was a lion dance troupe that randomly stopped by. Very annoying because the plaza echoes and they played really loud. Not a very good idea in a place where people are trying to talk to each other while they're eating

Chinatown has a lot more pleasant than Little Tokyo. Parking was quite a bit more accessible and affordable, the vendors were actually selling items at a price that was a paintable that did not have a huge markup. There were restrooms available for use, at the food there was quite Pleasant.

If you're ever there go to a coffee shop called endorfien its in front of howlin Rey's. It's one of the best coffee shops in LA. Meet jack and his cousin who operated the shop. Jack's mad scientist theme and love for coffee will translate when you take a sip of his coffee

Dynasty building. Not as nice as Ktown, but prices are better. Lots of different stores, plenty of everything. I started going there for men's pants. One store was perfect. Saleslady Mae, quick, friendly service. Nice clothes, great fit and super super price.

The directory was not clearly displayed. There was an immense crowd for one of the newer trendy restaurants which made walking inside the Plaza a traffic jam on steroids. Other than the trendy impolite congestion the Far East Plaza was fun,

This area is great. We hang out here all the time with our kids. They have really made an effort to put in quality restaurants and shops. Every 3rd Thursday they show a movie, have lots of food vendors come in, have karaoke and live music.

Fortune Restaurant, 2ndfl, very good, authentic Hong Kong style, delicious dishes, in LA Chinatown. Underground, street meter or lot parking. Hope "norms returns" with the outdoor picnic tables/benches on both floors. Good hangouts...

It's not what it was, and it doesn't look to be getting better. Temper your expectations and curb your enthusiasm. I would not visit again unless absolutely necessary. The glitz and glamour that ever existed has long evaporated.

Choices, choices. Located amidst the numerous shops of Chinatown. This place packs a punch! Discover food that'll delight your taste buds - Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, burger, ice cream, southern fried chicken.

Howlin'Ray's... favorite chix spot. Always order 2 for myself...one to eat right away, the other to take home & eat w/ fam. It's 60+miles r/trip. It's well worth it. Staff always the best. …

Parking is super expensive now, $2 per 20 mins and no vendor validates. Lots of outdoor dinning areas and most of the old eats left due to mgmt or fees. It is now a place for fusion food and hipters.

Great part of the history of Los Angeles. The middle of Chinatown. Although there are many closed shops and not as busy as it should be. In giving it 5 for its cultural and historical significance.

What is not to love about the far east? I mean, other than the part where it's far away, and that I, to be honest, prefer the west coast. But, hey, I have no beef with the plaza part of the deal.

Thanks to the American Asian community for keeping us feed and giving us a China town in L.A. They keep this place clean interesting and full of colors. Certified locations el homie. Org

Fun, busy and lively place with lots going on all around. Convenient parking nearby at a fair price and walking distance from Union Station too.

Great set of shops, diversity of restaurants I want to try and the best culinary bookstore I've met in my travels. A must stop in Chinatown

It is a good place and very safe. It is a good place to meet with Chinese culture and traditions. Authentic and

Ate at gourmet fortune. Lunch special was good.. Had chicken with bitter melons and sweet n sour pork

Great plaza including the legendary Howlin Ray's and a new favorite Fortune Gourmet Kitchen (Chinese)

Bento Box art gallery and Howlin Ray's Nashville Hot Chicken! Oh and can't forget Ramen Champ

Nothing special to be honest, but probably got the finest food in Chinatown.

As of now, nothing interesting to see here due to pandemic.

Fun to go and walk around. Nostalgic. Many places to eat.

Cool place, lot of it closed on Mondays unfortunately

U can buy things for a good deal an food great place

I bought an awesome samurai sword for under $100.

Came here for Howling rays. Loved the experience

Amboy quality meats has great hamburgers.

Nice plaza with hidden gems

Howlin rays was bomb!