China Star

Located at 101 President Ave #15 in Fall River, MA 02720, USA, China Star offers a range of Chinese cuisine primarily catering to takeout and pickup customers, based on recent feedback. You can contact them at (508) 672-5223 or their mobile number +1 508-672-5223. While dine-in service appears to be discouraged due to the current state of the restaurant's interior, China Star has garnered praise for its phone service and the quality of some of its dishes.

Regarding the services offered, China Star seems to prioritize efficiency and customer satisfaction for takeout orders. One reviewer specifically highlighted the positive phone interaction, noting the seamless process of making substitutions, the clear confirmation of the order total, and the accurate estimation of the pickup time. This suggests that China Star values clear communication and strives to accommodate customer requests effectively over the phone.

The pickup experience is described as standard and satisfactory. Customers are greeted by a friendly employee upon arrival at the counter. The restaurant employs a system for tracking orders using either the last four digits of the phone number or the customer's name, indicating an organized approach to order fulfillment. Notably, at least one customer reported that their order was ready precisely at the designated pickup time, underscoring their commitment to timely service.

However, the atmosphere of China Star, at least in the customer waiting area, presents a significant area for concern, according to one detailed review. The description paints a picture far from an inviting dining environment. One of the most striking observations is an entire wall constructed of plywood, giving the impression of an "abandoned work zone." This, coupled with multiple overturned tables, strongly discourages any potential dine-in service. The reviewer's experience suggests that the current state of the restaurant's interior is not conducive to a pleasant on-site dining experience.

Further criticisms regarding the atmosphere include the cleanliness of the floors, non-plywood walls, and particularly the ceiling vents, which are described as being in "dire need of a deep cleaning." The reviewer even drew a comparison to entering an "underground NYC subway station," highlighting the perceived lack of cleanliness and potentially unkempt appearance of the space. This feedback strongly suggests that significant improvements are needed to create a more appealing and hygienic environment for customers, even those only coming in for pickup.

The pickup counter itself is functional, featuring a protective plexiglass barrier. However, its support structure consists of "exposed pieces of lumber," which contributes to the overall impression of a space that is either under construction or poorly maintained. Despite these concerns, the kitchen area, which is visible to customers, is noted as being "relatively tidy," suggesting that while the customer-facing areas need attention, food preparation areas are maintained in a more orderly fashion.

The reviewer strongly recommends that China Star invest time and resources into creating an inviting and clean waiting area. Additionally, they suggest the implementation of appropriate signage to explain the current condition of the establishment, which could help manage customer expectations and provide context for the observed state of the premises.

Turning to the food, customer experiences appear to be mixed, with some dishes receiving high praise while others fall short. The shrimp fried rice is highlighted as "flavorful" and "very good," with the contrasting textures of onions and bean sprouts being particularly enjoyable. The crab ragoon is also lauded for being "cooked perfectly" with a "very satisfying creamy filling." These two items are identified as "standout bites" that were "above average," encouraging further exploration of the menu.

In contrast, the boneless spareribs were described as "meaty but fell short on flavor" and were "a tough chew." Similarly, the chicken fingers had a "nice light coating," but the meat was "overcooked and dry." These criticisms indicate inconsistencies in the preparation and quality of certain menu items.

Despite these mixed reviews on specific dishes, another customer offered a more broadly positive assessment, stating that the "Mapo tofu and sweet and sour chicken are both very good." This suggests that the quality of dishes may vary or that different customers have different preferences. This reviewer also advised others to disregard potentially untrustworthy reviews and to "come and try it yourself to know how good it is," ultimately deeming it "worth a try."

In terms of value, China Star's prices and quantity are reported to align with those of its competitors. However, a notable difference is the restaurant's policy of charging an additional fee for homemade duck sauce, which is often provided complimentary at other Chinese restaurants. This is a minor point of contention regarding their pricing strategy.

Overall, China Star in Fall River, MA, presents a mixed picture based on recent customer feedback. The phone service and pickup process are commended for their efficiency and friendliness. While some food items, such as the shrimp fried rice and crab ragoon, receive high praise, others, like the boneless spareribs and chicken fingers, have been criticized for flavor and texture issues. The most significant area for improvement appears to be the restaurant's atmosphere, with concerns raised about cleanliness and the unfinished state of the waiting area, which currently discourages dine-in service. Despite these drawbacks, some customers believe the food is worth trying and the prices are reasonable.

For local users in Fall River, MA, China Star offers a convenient option for takeout Chinese cuisine with friendly phone service and efficient pickup. While the current state of the restaurant's interior is not conducive to dining in, those prioritizing the convenience of takeout may find value in trying some of their highly-rated dishes like the shrimp fried rice and crab ragoon. However, it's worth noting the mixed feedback on other menu items and the additional charge for duck sauce, a condiment often provided for free elsewhere. If you are undeterred by the reported issues with the atmosphere and are primarily seeking takeout, China Star might be worth a try to form your own opinion on their food.