China & Hibachi

China & Hibachi, located at 464 W Main St in Forest City, NC, offers a diverse menu that caters to those seeking both classic Chinese dishes and Japanese hibachi-style cuisine. As a part of the Chinese Restaurant category, China & Hibachi has garnered attention from local residents, many of whom have shared their experiences online. Based on the available customer reviews, the restaurant is particularly praised for its fresh and delicious food, friendly service, and the fact that dishes appear to be cooked to order.

One long-time resident of the county, who had never visited China & Hibachi before, decided to place a phone order shortly before closing time. They appreciated the restaurant's transparency in informing them that they were busy, setting an expectation for a potential wait. Upon arriving to pick up their order, the customer did experience a delay, noting that other patrons were also waiting. The staff, particularly a lady who was present, was commended for her frequent apologies and polite demeanor towards all waiting customers. This suggests that even when busy, China & Hibachi strives to maintain good customer relations through courteous communication.

The standout item for this first-time visitor was unequivocally the egg rolls, which they enthusiastically described as the "BEST I'VE EVER HAD," using a series of emojis to convey their extreme satisfaction. The fact that they were so eager to eat them that they forgot to take a picture speaks volumes about their deliciousness. Beyond the egg rolls, the customer also raved about the freshness and overall quality of the food, specifically mentioning the Orange Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice as their favorites. Additionally, the Crab Rangoons received high praise, further indicating the restaurant's ability to deliver flavorful and satisfying appetizers and main courses.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the food, the same reviewer did note a minor issue with their order – an item was missing. However, they were understanding about this mistake, attributing it to the restaurant being very busy at the time. This suggests that while the restaurant generally maintains high standards for food quality, order accuracy might occasionally be affected during peak hours.

Another customer echoed the sentiment about the food being consistently hot and fresh. They also highlighted that the sauces used in the dishes are well-balanced, avoiding being overly sweet or overly salty. This indicates a thoughtful approach to flavor profiles, catering to a wider range of palates. A key feature mentioned in this review is that "everything always seems cooked to order." This is a significant advantage, as it ensures that the food is served at its best quality and freshness, justifying a potential wait time.

Regarding the environment and services, this second reviewer noted that while the building's appearance might not be exceptional ("not great" and "aging"), the quality of the food and the friendliness of the employees more than compensate for this. For customers opting for takeout, the reviewer advised that it might be necessary to move their car to the side after placing an order and wait for the food to be brought to their vehicle. This procedure likely stems from the food being cooked to order and ensures a smooth flow of traffic, especially when the restaurant is busy.

While indoor dining is available, the atmosphere is described as "lacking a bit of its gleem," again referencing the aging building. This suggests that while the focus might not be on a modern or luxurious ambiance, the priority is on the quality of the food and the friendliness of the service. For local users who prioritize delicious, freshly cooked meals over a fancy setting, China & Hibachi appears to be a worthwhile option.

Based on the available reviews, China & Hibachi's key features include: fresh food cooked to order, delicious and well-flavored dishes (particularly the egg rolls, orange chicken, shrimp fried rice, and crab rangoons), friendly and polite service, and affordable prices (implied by the positive comments on the overall experience despite minor issues). The restaurant seems to be a popular choice among locals, often experiencing busy periods, which can sometimes lead to short waits or occasional order inaccuracies.

Promotional information is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews. However, the consistent praise for the food quality and the indication of reasonable pricing could be considered an ongoing draw for customers. The fact that locals are willing to wait for their orders and return despite minor inconveniences suggests that the value proposition of China & Hibachi lies in its tasty, freshly prepared food and welcoming service.

In conclusion, China & Hibachi in Forest City, NC, stands out as a local Chinese restaurant that prioritizes fresh, cooked-to-order meals. While the building itself might be aging and the atmosphere described as basic, the quality of the food, especially the highly recommended egg rolls, orange chicken, shrimp fried rice, and crab rangoons, along with the friendly service, appears to be the main attraction. Local users looking for delicious and freshly prepared Chinese and hibachi cuisine should consider giving China & Hibachi a try, keeping in mind that they might experience a short wait during busy times and that takeout orders should be checked for accuracy. The positive reviews strongly suggest that the quality of the food is well worth any minor inconveniences.