Vegas Wok — WashU Eats

At the end of the Greenway, towards the beginning of the Loop, a canopy hangs with bright green letters, all caps: VEGAS WOK. Below, set against the characteristic red brick of the Delmar Loop, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a brightly lit room filled with tables of laminated brown wood, occupied by bodies clad in Washu merch, hunched over plates of braised pork and bowls of steaming rice. Enter and notice the slate-blue tile that rises into white marble walls, framed with scenes of the Eiffel Tower and the Coliseum, the wafting air heavy with fragrant ginger and garlic and beef, muted conversations of Chinese and English in the brief moments between the next bite. Step in front of the plexiglass screen, remnant of the covid era, and trace your eyes down the twin-screens, blaring fluorescent, advertising American-Chinese classics of sesame chicken and general Tsao’s or more traditional tripe and celery. To your left, chalked against a blackboard, is a menu comprised solely of Chinese characters: a subtle promise of authenticity. Pay, marvel at the low price, and take a seat. Wait, and fill yourself with this restaurant’s charm. You will not be waiting long.

The food here is great. Regardless of your familiarity with Chinese food, there is a dish for you. Vegas Wok serves the Midwesterner and the international student alike, delivering heaping portions to hungry undergrads at an affordable price. The food is not meant to be pretty or impeccably plated; what you are handed is something delicious, something made with heart. I am reminded of my own parents’ cooking. A personal favorite is the braised pork and potato on rice, a concert of heat and starch and bursting pork fat, a richness tempered by intermittent mouthfuls of rice. Portions are large: you will leave full, and with leftovers. Pair an entrée with the fried chicken wing appetizer for a 101 on perfectly fried chicken. Add an egg atop anything of your choosing for an extra dollar. Perfect for groups of friends, solo bites, or carry-out.

But I would implore you to eat in person.

Student Testimonies

“If I’m ever on life support and have $10 in my bank account, tell my family to grab me Vegas Wok.” - Christian Robinson, 2026

“Vegas Wok tastes and feels the way this emoji looks: 🥰. Though the costumers are separated from the chefs by a small, tender curtain, after eating a bowl of steamy beef lo mein, blood couldn’t make the relationship closer.” - Matt Gomez, 2026

“I would sell my kidney to keep Vegas Wok in business. Truly.” - Lucia Umbreit

“Vegas Wok completes the loop. The loop without Vegas Wok is like Barca without Messi.” - Jonathan Lee, 2026