Spring by China Mama

If you think you know Chinese food in Vegas but you haven't hit Spring by China Mama yet, you're missing a serious piece of the puzzle. This Henderson spot is what happens when someone takes the chaos of authentic Chinese cooking and injects it with a shot of modern energy. It's loud, it's busy, it's occasionally chaotic, and the food is absolutely worth whatever wait you're going to endure to get it.

The Happy Hour Lowdown

Spring by China Mama does happy hour the right way—discounted dim sum, reduced-price cocktails, and beer and wine deals that make the decision to stay and eat a no-brainer. The specials typically run during that magical late afternoon to early evening window, perfect for those "should we grab dinner now or wait?" moments. Their cocktail program is way better than it needs to be for a Chinese restaurant, with drinks that actually complement the spice and complexity of the food.

Why You're Actually Here

You're here because you want soup dumplings that actually burst when you bite them, and maybe a cocktail that doesn't taste like regret. The dim sum selection here is legit—none of that frozen-then-steamed nonsense. These are made to order, bursting with flavor, and during happy hour, you can try twice as many for half the guilt. The space is stacked with tables and the energy is high, but nobody's rushing you out the door.

The Vibe Check

It's a vibe of controlled chaos. Exposed ductwork meets modern Chinese design elements, with a soundtrack that's occasionally too loud but who cares when the food's this good. The crowd is a mix of families early in the evening and groups of friends later on, all of them equally excited about what's landing on their table. This isn't romantic dim sum—it's "grab another basket and pass it around" dim sum.

Real Talk

Spring by China Mama doesn't need to be cool. It just is, by virtue of being genuinely excellent at what it does. The happy hour is smart because it gets you in the door, and once you're here, you're staying for dinner. Fair warning: some dishes are spicy enough to make you reconsider your life choices, but that's what the drink specials are for. The service can be brusque when it's busy, but that's part of the authentic experience—food comes fast and hot.

Pro Tips

Order the soup dumplings first, ask questions later. The wait can get real during dinner rush, so hitting happy hour is your move for a table without the torture. The cocktails are surprisingly good, but Tsingtao works just fine too. Don't sleep on the vegetable dishes—quality here too. Bring a group and eat family style, or come solo and let the bartender guide you through the menu.