Bing Kong Tong

Welcome to Bing Kong Tong, a somewhat enigmatic establishment within the Chinese Restaurant category, located at 374 8th St in Oakland, California. Based on the limited but intriguing customer reviews available, Bing Kong Tong seems to offer a diverse culinary experience that extends beyond traditional Chinese fare, potentially blending it with American favorites. This unique approach could make it a noteworthy spot for local users seeking a menu with varied options in a neighborhood setting.

One customer's detailed account of a late lunch visit provides the most comprehensive insight into the Bing Kong Tong experience. Arriving in search of a place to eat, the reviewer noted a personal indecisiveness between ordering a burger and mussels, indicating that both American and potentially European-inspired dishes are part of the offerings. This suggests that Bing Kong Tong might not strictly adhere to a traditional Chinese restaurant format, but rather presents a broader culinary palette.

The service experience described in the review was initially mixed. The customer recounted a significant delay in the waitress returning to take their order, attributing it to jet lag-induced forgetfulness. While this lapse in service is a point of concern, the situation was somewhat mitigated by the waitress offering a complimentary glass of Pinot noir. This act of service recovery suggests a willingness to address shortcomings and ensure customer satisfaction, even if the initial experience had a hiccup.

The environment at Bing Kong Tong appears to offer an appealing outdoor seating area. The reviewer who dined outside mentioned the availability of bottomless French bread served with soft butter, a touch that enhances the dining experience, particularly for those who enjoy soaking up flavorful sauces or simply having a comforting accompaniment to their meal. Furthermore, the presence of heat lamps ensured a comfortable temperature despite the winter cold, indicating that Bing Kong Tong aims to make its outdoor space usable even in cooler weather. This suggests a thoughtful consideration for customer comfort, allowing for an al fresco dining option throughout the year.

The dish that ultimately won the reviewer's favor was the mussels with garlic and lemon. The description of it being "amazing" and the repeated requests for bread to enjoy the broth highlight the quality and flavor of this particular menu item. This positive feedback suggests that Bing Kong Tong excels in preparing mussels, a dish often found in European or American cuisine, further supporting the idea of a diverse menu. The enjoyment of this dish could be a significant draw for those who appreciate well-prepared seafood.

The reviewer also commented on the "cute neighborhood" surrounding Bing Kong Tong and noted the ample parking available, at least during the late lunch hours of their visit (around 1:45/2:00 PM). This is a significant advantage, as parking can often be a challenge in urban areas. The mention of a pleasant neighborhood adds to the overall appeal, suggesting that the restaurant is located in an area that is enjoyable to visit and easily accessible.

Intriguingly, the reviewer mentioned a desire to try the burger with Brie on a potential return visit. This reinforces the notion that burgers, an American classic, are also on the menu at Bing Kong Tong. The specific mention of Brie as a topping suggests a potentially gourmet or at least thoughtfully prepared burger option, which could attract a different segment of customers looking for something other than traditional Chinese dishes.

Despite the positive aspects of the food and outdoor setting, the initial service delay and the need for the customer to wave down the waitress led to a three-star rating instead of a higher one. The forgotten water order, which had to be requested twice, further contributed to this rating. While the waitress was friendly and offered an explanation, the cumulative effect of these service lapses detracted from the overall experience for this particular customer.

Another very brief review simply stated that the "food was great an service was good great surounding talk to a lot people an ate a lot of foodi would go back again it was fun an exiting." While lacking in specific details about the dishes ordered, this positive feedback corroborates the idea of good food and service, and highlights a social and enjoyable atmosphere ("talk to a lot people," "fun an exiting"). The mention of "great surounding" aligns with the other reviewer's comment about the cute neighborhood.

Considering these two contrasting yet complementary reviews, Bing Kong Tong appears to be a restaurant that offers a somewhat unexpected blend of culinary styles, with both a well-received mussels dish and the promise of an appealing burger. The outdoor seating area with heat lamps provides a comfortable and inviting space, and the neighborhood seems to have a pleasant charm with convenient parking during certain hours. While service might have occasional inconsistencies, there are also indications of friendly staff and a generally positive atmosphere.

As Bing Kong Tong is listed within the Chinese Restaurant category, it is possible that it also offers traditional or fusion Chinese dishes that were not specifically mentioned in these reviews. The "Tong" in the name might hint at a connection to Chinese culture or cuisine, perhaps in combination with other culinary influences. Local users interested in exploring a restaurant with a potentially diverse menu, a pleasant outdoor space, and a neighborhood feel might find Bing Kong Tong worth a visit.

Given the limited information on the full scope of the menu and any specific promotions, it would be advisable for interested customers to contact Bing Kong Tong directly at (510) 451-8359 or +1 510-451-8359 to inquire about their current offerings and any specials they might have. Located at 374 8th St, Oakland, CA 94607, USA, Bing Kong Tong presents an intriguing option for those looking for a dining experience that might offer more than just traditional Chinese cuisine in a welcoming neighborhood setting.