DJ's Chinese Cuisine

Spend a minute asking locals of Larkspur about the long-running Chinese restaurant in the heart of town, and you are bound to hear about three things: Mongolian Beef. The jelly bean jar. And the patio. All three are signs of a beloved restaurant that’s held onto its game for multiple decades and owners, serving as a nostalgic gathering place where generations of Marin families have celebrated everything from milestones to casual weeknight dinners.

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Many visit for the Luncheon Special, which still includes fried wontons and hot and sour soup, along with one of 28 entrée choices. (There’s a similar special at dinner). Of course, there are other items on the menu, like Mongolian Scallops and Snow Peas with Water Chestnuts. The kitchen has wisely left these core recipes untouched, honoring the classic, comforting flavors that put this neighborhood staple on the map.

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That beef at lunch on the patio, though… It is legendary for a reason. When the Marin sun breaks through, there is no better ticket in town than a seat on that sun-drenched terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and the easygoing energy of downtown. And of course, no visit is truly complete without the ceremonial stop at the counter on your way out to grab a handful of sweets from the iconic jelly bean jar.