Chong's Chop Suey

Welcome to Chong's Chop Suey, a Chinese restaurant located at 1101 E 7th St in Alton, Illinois. As a local establishment in the Chinese Restaurant category, Chong's Chop Suey offers a unique takeout-only experience that has garnered positive feedback for its delicious food, friendly service, and generous portions. While the building itself might give off a more traditional, "old run down" vibe, the quality of the food and the overall experience, particularly the service, appear to be significant draws for its customers. For local users seeking a reliable spot for Chinese takeout with some standout specialty items, Chong's Chop Suey is worth considering.

The environment of Chong's Chop Suey is a crucial aspect to understand, as explicitly stated by a reviewer: "There is no dining room here." This means that Chong's Chop Suey exclusively operates as a takeout restaurant. Customers place their orders and pick them up to enjoy elsewhere, such as at home or in a nearby location like Haskell Park, which was mentioned by one reviewer as a pleasant spot to eat their meal. The absence of a dining area might be a factor for those specifically looking for a sit-down restaurant experience, but for those prioritizing the food and convenience of takeout, this is the standard mode of operation for Chong's Chop Suey. The exterior appearance of the building is noted by one reviewer as "old run down," but they strongly advise not to let this deter potential customers, emphasizing that the quality of the food is what truly matters.

The service at Chong's Chop Suey receives positive remarks, particularly regarding the person who takes orders. One reviewer mentioned that this individual "made it a great experience," highlighting the friendly and helpful nature of the service. This positive interaction can significantly enhance the overall customer satisfaction, especially in a takeout setting where direct engagement is often limited. The reviewer's anticipation to try more food from Chong's after this positive service experience speaks volumes. Additionally, another reviewer noted that the food was ready in "about 15 minutes," indicating efficient and relatively quick service, which is a significant advantage for takeout orders. Calling ahead for pickup is also recommended by one reviewer, likely to ensure an even smoother and faster experience.

Chong's Chop Suey appears to have some standout specialty dishes that have garnered high praise from its customers. The "Saint Paul sandwich" is specifically mentioned as "perfect" by one reviewer, who was so impressed after just one visit that they vowed to return many more times. For local users familiar with this regional sandwich (often featuring an egg foo yung patty, dill pickles, white bread, mayonnaise, and lettuce), Chong's Chop Suey seems to offer a particularly well-executed version. Furthermore, the "egg rolls" are described as "some of the best I've had," which is a significant compliment given the ubiquity of this Chinese-American staple. These two items, the Saint Paul sandwich and the egg rolls, can be considered key features of Chong's Chop Suey's menu and are highly recommended based on customer feedback.

Beyond these specialties, other dishes mentioned in the reviews include the "beef with noodles," described as "kind of a soup" and "tasty"; the "beef broccoli," noted as "fairly saucy" and coming with fried rice; and the "cashew chicken," described as "extremely saucy" and also served with fried rice. A general characteristic of the food seems to be a heavier use of sauce, which is something for potential customers to be aware of based on one reviewer's observation ("it's heavy on the sauce, FYI"). Another important point to note is that the food can be "SUPER hot," so caution is advised to avoid burning one's mouth, especially for those sensitive to heat. The portions at Chong's Chop Suey are also described as "hearty," with one reviewer mentioning that a large order was enough for two meals, indicating good value in terms of quantity.

Features of Chong's Chop Suey include its status as a long-standing local establishment with a "genuine local vibe," which appeals to customers who prefer supporting non-chain restaurants. The focus on takeout service is a defining feature of its operation. The standout menu items like the Saint Paul sandwich and the highly-rated egg rolls differentiate it from more generic Chinese takeout options. The generous portion sizes and the heads-up about the saucy and potentially very hot nature of some dishes are also important characteristics for local users to consider.

The provided reviews do not contain any specific information regarding ongoing promotions or special offers at Chong's Chop Suey. Local users interested in potential discounts or any special deals should contact the restaurant directly via phone at (618) 465-2869 or mobile phone at +1 618-465-2869. They may also be able to inquire about their full menu and any daily or seasonal specials that might be available for takeout customers in Alton.

In conclusion, Chong's Chop Suey in Alton, IL, offers a distinctive takeout-only Chinese dining experience characterized by highly praised specialty items like the Saint Paul sandwich and egg rolls, along with other dishes known for being flavorful, saucy, and often quite hot. The service is noted as friendly and efficient, and the portions are generous, offering good value. While the physical building might not be the most modern, the quality of the food and the positive service interactions seem to be what keep customers coming back. For local users in Alton looking for a reliable and tasty Chinese takeout option with some unique and highly recommended dishes, Chong's Chop Suey is definitely worth a try. Just remember that there is no dining room, and it's advisable to call ahead for pickup to ensure a smooth experience. Be prepared for potentially heavy sauces and significant heat in some dishes, and enjoy the hearty portions and local charm of Chong's Chop Suey.