Chinatown Express - Monterey Park

Chinatown Express - Monterey Park is a Chinese restaurant located at 2125 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754, USA. Situated in an area known for its diverse Asian culinary scene, Chinatown Express offers a range of Chinese dishes, primarily catering to those seeking quick and convenient meals. You can contact them at (323) 262-9196 or their mobile number +1 323-262-9196 to place an order or inquire about their offerings. As a Chinese restaurant operating in Monterey Park, it likely serves a variety of popular dishes, potentially focusing on combo meals typical of fast-casual Chinese establishments.

Operating within the Chinese Restaurant category, Chinatown Express aims to provide accessible Chinese cuisine for the local community. The available online reviews offer a mixed perspective on the dining experience, highlighting aspects such as cleanliness, atmosphere, food quality, portion sizes, and temperature. These firsthand accounts provide valuable insights for local users considering Chinatown Express for their next meal.

One customer who visited the establishment noted that the place appeared "fairly clean and organized" and found the atmosphere "inviting." However, their experience with the food was less positive. They observed that not all menu items were available at the time of their visit (7:20 p.m.). Regarding portion sizes, while initially appearing abundant, the reviewer felt they were ultimately "below average" for the price paid (approximately $10.80 for a one-item combo after taxes and fees). A significant concern raised was the oiliness of the food, which they found excessive even for typical takeout places that use heat lamps. The temperature of the food was also an issue, as it was described as lukewarm, leading the reviewer to question the functionality of the heat lamps. Despite these drawbacks, the chow mein was noted to have a "good and pleasant, white pepper flavor," although it lacked wok hai and scallions. The fried rice was described as oily and bland. The spicy beef with zucchini and mushrooms was flavorful but also lukewarm and oily, despite a request for no gravy. The condiments provided included sriracha sauce (described as salty with little acidity, but acceptable given the food wasn't too salty) and good quality soy sauce. Overall, this reviewer concluded that while the restaurant might be suitable for a quick meal, they were unlikely to return, also mentioning a $0.75 transaction fee for non-cash payments.

In contrast, another customer shared a long-term positive experience, stating, "I've been coming here my whole life and I've never had a problem." This reviewer specifically recommended the rice and the orange chicken, claiming the orange chicken was the best they had ever tasted, noting that other places often make it too sweet. This positive feedback suggests that Chinatown Express may have loyal customers who appreciate certain signature dishes and have had consistently good experiences over time.

Considering these contrasting reviews, Chinatown Express appears to be a local establishment with both strengths and weaknesses. The cleanliness and inviting atmosphere mentioned by one reviewer are positive aspects. The long-term positive experience of another customer, particularly regarding the rice and orange chicken, indicates that these dishes might be highlights of their menu. However, the concerns raised about oily food, lukewarm temperatures, below-average portion sizes for the price, and the lack of availability of some items are significant drawbacks that potential customers should consider. The additional charge for non-cash transactions is also a factor to be aware of.

As a Chinese restaurant in Monterey Park, Chinatown Express likely offers a standard menu of popular Chinese-American dishes, potentially with a focus on quick combo meals suitable for takeout. The mention of chow mein, fried rice, spicy beef with vegetables, and orange chicken suggests a typical selection found in many such establishments. However, the varying experiences with the quality and preparation of these dishes indicate potential inconsistencies. There is no information provided about any specific promotional offers, lunch specials, or unique features that might set Chinatown Express apart from other similar restaurants in the area.

For local users in Monterey Park looking for a Chinese meal, Chinatown Express presents a mixed bag based on the available reviews. If you are seeking a quick takeout option and are interested in trying their rice or orange chicken, the positive long-term review might be encouraging. However, the more detailed recent review raises concerns about oiliness, food temperature, portion sizes, and additional fees. It would be advisable for potential customers to weigh these factors and perhaps consider their priorities when choosing a dining option.

To obtain more information, such as their full menu, current pricing, and any daily specials, local residents may want to contact Chinatown Express - Monterey Park directly at (323) 262-9196. Inquiring about their preparation methods and any measures they have taken to address concerns about food temperature and oiliness might also be beneficial. Additionally, checking for more recent reviews on other online platforms could provide a broader and more current perspective on the overall customer experience.

In conclusion, Chinatown Express - Monterey Park is a local Chinese restaurant offering takeout in Monterey Park, CA. While it has some long-term loyal customers who praise specific dishes like the orange chicken, recent feedback also highlights concerns about oily food, lukewarm temperatures, smaller-than-expected portions, and additional fees for non-cash payments. Local users should consider these varying perspectives when deciding whether to patronize this establishment for their Chinese food needs.