China 8

China 8, located at 31855 Date Palm Dr #8 in Cathedral City, CA, operates within the Chinese Restaurant category, aiming to serve the local community with a range of Chinese dishes. However, recent feedback from local customers paints a concerning picture regarding the current state of food quality and service at this establishment, which potential diners should carefully consider.

One recent reviewer expressed extreme dissatisfaction with their order, stating unequivocally that they would not order from China 8 again. They described several dishes in their order as being severely subpar. The teriyaki beef appetizer was characterized as being "as dry as jerky," suggesting it was overcooked and lacked moisture. The hot and sour soup, a staple in many Chinese restaurants, was described as being fundamentally different from expectations, essentially resembling egg drop soup with a single piece of tofu. This indicates a potential lack of authenticity or a significant deviation from standard recipes.

Furthermore, the orange chicken, another popular dish, was deemed "disgusting" by this reviewer. It's worth noting that their partner had ordered this dish on a previous occasion and had opted for Panda Express instead this time, implying a past negative experience with China 8's orange chicken. This suggests a recurring issue with the quality or preparation of this particular menu item. Ultimately, the reviewer's experience was so negative that they reported taking only two bites of each item before discarding their entire order, highlighting a complete lack of satisfaction with the food.

Another local reviewer shared a long-standing history with China 8, having patronized the restaurant since childhood under its previous ownership. They recounted fond memories of playing with the old owners' children and enjoying meals there, even recalling a time when their father had a trusting relationship with the establishment. This provides context that China 8 was once a well-regarded local spot.

However, this long-time customer noted a change in food quality after the restaurant was sold. While they initially continued to visit for nostalgic reasons and found the food "still pretty good" for a while, their most recent experience was alarmingly negative. They described the service as "rude, rushy & didn’t know how to pack and order." This indicates a significant decline not only in food quality but also in the professionalism and competence of the service staff.

The reviewer specifically lamented the poor handling of their order and the overall experience, questioning what had happened to the "fine establishment" they once knew. The fact that their order totaled $54 only compounded their disappointment, leading them to the painful decision that they would no longer be returning to China 8. This is a particularly strong indictment given their long history with the restaurant and their past positive experiences, and it underscores the severity of the recent decline in quality and service.

Interestingly, this long-time customer also mentioned that China 8 was the place that made them love wonton soup growing up. The fact that their recent experience was so negative that it overshadowed these positive memories speaks volumes about the current state of the restaurant. It suggests a significant departure from the standards that once made it a beloved local establishment.

Based on these recent and detailed reviews, local users in Cathedral City considering China 8 should be aware of the significant concerns raised about both the food quality and the service. The descriptions of dry appetizers, poorly executed soups, and disgusting main dishes are serious red flags. Additionally, the negative feedback regarding rude and incompetent service further detracts from the overall dining experience. The contrast between the fond memories of the past and the harsh criticisms of the present suggests a substantial decline in standards at China 8.

Given this feedback, it would be prudent for potential customers to exercise caution and perhaps consider alternative Chinese restaurants in the Cathedral City area that have received more positive recent reviews. The issues raised are not minor and indicate a potential risk of a very unsatisfactory dining experience at China 8. While individual experiences can vary, the consistency and severity of the negative comments regarding food preparation, taste, and service should give local users pause before choosing to dine here.