China King

Welcome to China King, a Chinese restaurant located at 535 Troy Ave in Troy, Illinois. As a local Chinese eatery, China King has served the Troy community for a number of years and is described by one local professional as a "staple" for quick lunches, particularly for those working in nearby businesses. This suggests that China King has historically been a convenient and perhaps well-regarded option for the local workforce and residents seeking a quick and easy meal.

One positive aspect highlighted in the customer feedback is the friendly nature of the staff and the fact that it is a "wonderful family owned business." This personal touch often contributes to a welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere, which can be a significant draw for local patrons who value supporting small, family-run establishments. The reviewer from a neighboring business, Coldwell Banker, specifically mentioned their friendliness, indicating a positive interpersonal experience when interacting with the restaurant's staff.

However, it is crucial to present a comprehensive and objective overview, which includes addressing more concerning feedback from other customers. One long-term customer, who had been ordering food from China King for years, shared a deeply negative recent experience. While acknowledging a "revolving door of staff" and expressing concerns about the physical condition of the building, noting it "looks like it's falling apart" and mentioning rumors of roaches, this customer had previously remained loyal due to their enjoyment of the food.

Unfortunately, this long-time patron reported a significant decline in food quality in their recent orders, describing it as "borderline gross." Specific issues mentioned include food being burnt or undercooked, and a lack of consistency in the taste of the same meal ordered on different occasions. This indicates a potential problem with food preparation and quality control within the restaurant's kitchen operations.

Most alarmingly, this same reviewer recounted finding a "literal dead roach" in their food during their most recent order. This is a severe hygiene concern that raises significant questions about the cleanliness and pest control measures within the restaurant. Such an incident can understandably lead to a complete loss of trust and patronage.

Furthermore, the customer reported difficulties in obtaining a full refund for the contaminated meal. They stated that it was "like pulling teeth" to get a refund and that they were only reimbursed for the specific meal containing the insect after they physically brought it back to the restaurant to show the staff. This experience suggests potential issues with customer service and the handling of complaints, particularly those related to food safety and hygiene.

Based on this critical review, it is evident that while China King may have had a positive reputation in the past and continues to be seen as a convenient option by some, there are serious concerns regarding the current state of the restaurant's food quality and hygiene practices. The stark contrast between the positive feedback about friendly service and the deeply negative experience involving a pest in the food and difficulties with a refund paints a complex and concerning picture for potential local users.

For local users in Troy, IL, considering China King as a dining option requires careful consideration of the available feedback. While the friendly service and the fact that it is a family-owned business might be appealing, the serious allegations regarding the physical condition of the building, potential pest issues, and a significant decline in food quality, culminating in the discovery of a dead insect in a meal, cannot be ignored. These issues raise significant red flags about the overall dining experience and food safety at China King.

Given the severity of the negative feedback, particularly the hygiene concerns, local users may want to exercise extreme caution before choosing to dine at or order from China King. It would be prudent to consider alternative Chinese restaurants in the Troy area that have more consistently positive recent reviews, especially concerning food quality and cleanliness.

At this time, there is no information available regarding any promotional offers or recent improvements that might address the serious concerns raised. Without any positive updates or assurances regarding food safety and quality control, it is difficult to recommend China King to local users based solely on the provided information. Potential customers might want to look for more recent reviews or perhaps even observe the restaurant's current condition and practices firsthand before making a decision.

In conclusion, while China King in Troy, IL, has been a local fixture and is appreciated by some for its friendly service and convenience, recent and serious allegations regarding declining food quality and significant hygiene issues, including the discovery of a dead roach in food, present substantial concerns. Local users should weigh the positive aspects of friendly service against these serious negative reports before deciding to patronize China King. It may be advisable to seek alternative options until there is clear evidence of significant improvements in food quality and hygiene standards at the establishment.