Dragon 109 of Columbus

Welcome to Dragon 109 of Columbus, a newly established Chinese restaurant located in the Upper West Side of New York City, at 1003 Columbus Ave A, New York, NY 10025, USA. As a recent addition to the Chinese Restaurant category in the area, Dragon 109 of Columbus offers local users a new option for their Chinese food cravings. Based on initial customer reviews, the restaurant presents a mix of convenience, affordability, and varying experiences with food quality and service.

Upon entering Dragon 109 of Columbus, customers are greeted by a self-order kiosk system. This modern approach to ordering might appeal to some for its efficiency, but it currently has limitations. One reviewer noted the absence of food pictures on the kiosk itself, with only a few images displayed on the wall. This lack of visual aids on the ordering machine could be a drawback for visually oriented customers or those unfamiliar with certain dishes. The reviewer expressed hope that pictures would be added in the future to improve the ordering process. Additionally, the presence of only one kiosk might lead to waiting times if multiple customers need to place their orders simultaneously.

Despite the self-ordering system, customers have provided feedback on a variety of dishes from Dragon 109 of Columbus's menu. The egg drop soup, priced at $3.50, was reported to be good. The chicken steamed dumplings, costing $8 for an order of eight, were also well-received, although one reviewer mentioned the wrapping being a little thick but with a generous chicken filling. The scallion pancakes, priced at $5.50, were less favorably reviewed, described as lacking in scallions and being quite chewy, leading the customer to state they would likely not order them again.

The restaurant also offers all-day combo meals, which appear to be a popular and affordable option. The garlic chicken all-day combo, priced at $12.50, typically includes fried rice and an egg roll. One customer opted for chicken fried rice for an additional $1, bringing the total to $13.50. Similarly, the beef and garlic all-day combo is also priced at $12.50. A common observation about the entrees was that they were "very heavy" and mostly filled with rice. However, the reviewers generally acknowledged that for the price, this was not a significant complaint, suggesting a good value proposition in terms of quantity.

One important aspect highlighted in the reviews is the spiciness of some of the dishes. One customer noted that the entrees they ordered were quite spicy, which was unexpected. They expressed concern about the heat level of the actual spicy dishes on the menu and advised other customers who are not fond of spice to inquire about the possibility of ordering milder versions. This indicates that Dragon 109 of Columbus might have a tendency towards spicier preparations, which could be a key feature for spice enthusiasts but a point of caution for others.

The egg rolls included in the combo meals were described as being a good size and filled with vegetables, primarily cabbage. This suggests a standard, satisfying side offering. The generous portion sizes of the entrees led one couple to have leftovers for the following day, further emphasizing the value in terms of quantity.

While one reviewer had a positive experience with the food and the convenience of the location, another reported a negative interaction with the staff during a night shift. This customer described the staff member as "very rude and extremely impatient." The specific incident involved a request for garlic sauce on the side, which was quoted at $2 despite the customer seeing online that it was listed as free for online orders. The staff member's dismissive and confrontational response ("would u like to place an order or not") led the customer to cancel their order. This highlights a potential inconsistency in service quality depending on the time of day, with the same reviewer noting that the lunch staff were "really nice." This suggests that the service experience at Dragon 109 of Columbus might vary.

Despite the negative service experience during the night, the same reviewer acknowledged that the "lunch special valid" offered a "lot of food for pretty cheap," reinforcing the idea of affordability, particularly during lunchtime.

Based on the limited reviews, the environment of Dragon 109 of Columbus seems to be a modern, perhaps more streamlined setup with the self-order kiosk. The presence of wall-mounted food pictures suggests an effort to showcase their offerings visually, albeit not directly at the point of ordering. The recent opening of the restaurant implies a potentially clean and new interior, although no specific details about the decor or seating arrangement are provided.

The services at Dragon 109 of Columbus include the self-order kiosk for placing orders, dine-in options (implied by the leftovers and the packed nature during the day in one review), and likely takeout, given the mention of online ordering and the phone numbers provided ((646) 838-6000 and +1 646-838-6000). The discrepancy in service quality between lunch and dinner shifts is a notable point based on one customer's experience.

Features of Dragon 109 of Columbus include its recent establishment in the Upper West Side, its self-service ordering system, its affordable lunch specials and combo meals, and the reported spiciness of some of its entrees. The generous portion sizes offer good value for the price. The menu includes a range of standard Chinese-American dishes like egg drop soup, dumplings, scallion pancakes, and various chicken and beef entrees with rice and egg rolls.

Currently, the only mention of a potential discrepancy related to pricing or included items is the $2 charge for garlic sauce that was listed as free online. There is no other specific promotional information available in the provided reviews. Local users interested in Dragon 109 of Columbus might want to inquire directly about any ongoing specials, lunch deals, or online ordering promotions when contacting the restaurant.

In conclusion, Dragon 109 of Columbus offers a new option for Chinese food in the Upper West Side of New York City, with a focus on affordability and generous portions, particularly through its lunch specials and combo meals. The self-order kiosk system is a modern feature, but its lack of visual aids at the machine is a current limitation. While some dishes like the egg drop soup and chicken dumplings received positive feedback, the scallion pancakes were less impressive, and the entrees were noted for being heavy on rice and surprisingly spicy. Service quality appears to be inconsistent, with positive experiences during lunch and a negative one during a night shift. Potential customers should be mindful of the spice levels and consider inquiring about milder options if needed. For those prioritizing value and convenience in a newly opened Chinese restaurant, Dragon 109 of Columbus is worth considering, especially for lunch specials.