FAQs

  • Mee Heng Low Social Club is a new gathering place in San Luis Obispo’s historic Chinatown, bringing together mahjong, retail, culinary experiences and special events. Located in the historic Mee Heng Low space on Palm Street, the Social Club carries forward the building’s long tradition as a place for family, community and connection while introducing new ways to gather, shop, dine and play.

  • There are lots of ways to enjoy Mee Heng Low Social Club! Stop in to shop our curated retail collection, grab a bite, enjoy a glass of wine, meet up with friends, or settle in around a table for a game.

    Mahjong is at the heart of our programming, with weekly Open Play, lessons, Guided Play and Table Reservations, but you don’t have to play mahjong to enjoy the Social Club. We’ll also host a rotating calendar of special events, culinary pop-ups, guest chefs and collaborations throughout the year.

    Mee Heng Low is also available for private gatherings and special celebrations.

  • Dining will remain an important part of the Mee Heng Low experience through a rotating calendar of pop-up dinners, guest chefs, culinary residencies, special menus and collaborations, with an emphasis on Chinese and Asian cuisines. Day to day, grab and go options will be available in our cold case for a quick bite or snack!

  • Mee Heng Low has been part of San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown for nearly a century and will celebrate its 100-year milestone in 2027. Operated by generations of the Gin families and, most recently, the Kwong family, it was much more than a restaurant—it was a place where family and community gathered for meals, celebrations and mahjong.

  • The goal is not to recreate the past, but to carry its spirit forward. Mee Heng Low has long been a place for family, food, mahjong and community. Those same traditions are at the heart of the Social Club, while the new concept creates a sustainable use for the historic space and new reasons for people to experience San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown.

    Be sure to check out Our History.

  • The two historic buildings sit directly across Palm Street from one another and together tell an important part of San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown story. Karson Butler Hospitality Co. has stewarded The Ah Louis Store for a decade and will now operate Mee Heng Low Social Club, creating opportunities for visitors to gather, shop, dine, play and learn across both historic spaces.

  • Opening dates, hours, mahjong programming, culinary experiences and special events will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Follow along @meehenglowsocialclub

  • Mee Heng Low Social Club is located at 815 Palm Street in the historic Mee Heng Low building on Palm Street in downtown San Luis Obispo’s historic Chinatown, directly across the street from The Ah Louis Store and next to Palm Theatre.

  • All 2027 Members receive:

    -10% Retail Discount: Save on eligible retail purchases at Mee Heng Low, the Ah Louis Store and Ah Louis Store Outpost.

    -10% Food & Beverage Discount: Save on regular food and beverage purchases at Mee Heng Low.

    -10% Off Table Rentals: Save on standard table reservations in both the Gin Room and Palm Street Parlour.

    -10% Off Open Play, Workshops & Lessons

    -One Complimentary Member Benefit Each Month: Choose either one Open Play admission or one 2-hour Gin Family Room table reservation — a $25 value.

    -Complimentary Mahjong Tile, Mat and Rack Rentals for use onsite

    -Priority Event Access: Receive priority access and special member pricing for select ticketed events, pop-up dinners and culinary experiences.

    A limited number of Founding Members ($450) include even more additional benefits:

    -Your name or business name on the Founding Members Wall

    -Invitation to our Grand Opening and exclusive VIP events throughout the year

    -A limited-edition Mee Heng Low Social Club sweatshirt

    -Early access to 2027 Member Benefits: Founding Member benefits begin immediately, so you can enjoy your benefits in November and December 2026 and continue through December 31, 2027

    Membership Term

    Founding Member benefits begin immediately and continue through December 31, 2027.

    2027 Member benefits begin January 1, 2027 and continue through December 31, 2027.

  • Not at all! Membership is available, but it is not required to enjoy Mee Heng Low Social Club. We welcome locals and visitors alike to stop in, shop, gather, play and experience the space.

    Members enjoy additional benefits and perks—visit our Membership page to learn more.

  • Not at all! Mee Heng Low Social Club is designed to be enjoyed whether you play mahjong or not. Stop in to shop, grab something to eat, enjoy a glass of wine, or simply spend some time in the space.

    While Table Reservations are perfect for gathering friends for a game of mahjong, mahjong isn’t required. Reserve a table to enjoy the atmosphere, catch up with friends, or play another game—we’ll have cards, Yahtzee and other favorites available, too.

    And if you’d like to learn mahjong, we’d love to teach you! Check our calendar for upcoming lessons and beginner-friendly programming

  • All styles of mahjong are welcome at Mee Heng Low Social Club! Our weekly Open Play includes tables for both Hong Kong Style and American Mahjong. Simply secure your Open Play ticket, then choose the style and table you’d like to join when you arrive.

    Our current lessons focus on American Mahjong using the NMJL card, with Hong Kong Style Mahjong lessons coming soon. Stay tuned as we continue to expand our programming and celebrate even more ways to play.

  • Yes! Whether you’re brand new to mahjong or looking to build your skills and confidence, we offer a variety of opportunities to learn and play.

    American Mahjong lessons are offered on Sunday afternoons, with Guided Play available for players looking for a little extra practice and support. Visit our Calendar of Events for current dates, availability and registration.

    And there’s more to come! Stay tuned for additional lessons and programming, including Hong Kong Style Mahjong.

  • Open Play is a relaxed, social way to gather and play mahjong with others in the community. It’s designed for players who already know the basics and are comfortable playing independently—Open Play is not a lesson.

    Simply secure a ticket for the Open Play session you’d like to attend, then choose a table when you arrive. Our weekly Open Play includes both American Mahjong and Hong Kong Style tables, with players welcome to join the style that best fits their game.

    If you’re brand new to mahjong, we recommend starting with one of our lessons before joining Open Play.

  • Yes! Table Reservations are a great way to gather your own group and enjoy a game on your schedule. Whether you’re planning an afternoon with friends, a regular game with your mahjong group, or simply looking for a beautiful place to play or relax, you can reserve a table in our Palm Street Parlor or Gin Room.

    Visiting San Luis Obispo, passing through town, or here for the weekend to see your Cal Poly student? We’d love to welcome you to the table. Gather your group, reserve a table and make Mee Heng Low Social Club part of your time in SLO.

    Tiles, mats and equipment are available for rent. (complimentary for Members)

  • Yes! Visit our retail section downstairs to explore our extensive collection of mahjong tiles, mats, racks, accessories and more for a variety of styles of play. We’re proud to offer the largest selection of mahjong goods on the Central Coast, with collections from Oh My Mahjong, Bo & Mei, Mahjong Studios, Hutch & Nook, Peace Love Mahjong, My Fair Mahjong, Haus of Tiles and more.

    One of the best parts of shopping in person? You can see the colors, feel the tiles, compare mats and find the set that feels just right for your game—or the perfect gift for your favorite mahjong player.

Do you have a question? Contact Us!

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