Emperor's Choice Chinese

Emperor's Choice Chinese is a Chinese Restaurant located at 10125 US-70 BUS in Clayton, North Carolina, serving the local community with a variety of Chinese dishes primarily focused on takeout service. Based on the available customer reviews, Emperor's Choice Chinese appears to have established a reputation as a go-to spot for many residents, with certain dishes being particularly well-received. However, the feedback also highlights some inconsistencies and areas where improvement could be beneficial.

One long-time resident of Clayton, who lived in the area for over 15 years, stated that Emperor's Choice Chinese has been the "best Chinese food I have had in the area." This strong endorsement suggests a consistent level of quality and satisfaction over an extended period. This reviewer also noted that the food was "always prepared fresh" and that they generally had "no issues" with their orders. This emphasis on freshness is a significant positive aspect and likely contributes to the restaurant's local popularity.

However, this same experienced customer offered a crucial piece of advice regarding ordering times. They cautioned against ordering food when the restaurant is closing soon, explaining that such establishments tend to begin shutting down operations prior to the official closing time, which can impact the freshness of the food. They recommended keeping "time" in mind to ensure the best quality and enjoyment of the meal.

Another, more detailed review provided specific feedback on various dishes, offering a more nuanced perspective on the menu's strengths and weaknesses. This customer advised against using the delivery service, recommending "pick up only" and suggesting arriving approximately five minutes before the projected "order ready" time. This implies potential issues with the delivery process, such as delays or food quality degradation during transit.

Regarding specific menu items, this reviewer categorized their experiences as follows:

1. Sesame Chicken: Rated as "great!" indicating a well-prepared and flavorful rendition of this popular dish.
2. Egg Foo Yung: Also rated as "great!" suggesting another strong offering on their menu.
3. Sweet & Sour Chicken: Described as "as expected," implying a standard preparation that meets typical expectations for this classic dish.
4. Moo Shu Pork or Chicken: The "moo shu" itself was deemed "good," but the pancakes were heavily criticized as being of poor quality ("shit!"). The reviewer mentioned using tortillas from LA Bonita as a substitute, highlighting a significant deficiency in this component of the dish.
5. Beef with Garlic Sauce: Praised as "awesome!" indicating a standout dish with excellent flavor.
6. Fried Rice: Strongly discouraged with the advice "don't waste your money," suggesting it is a significant weak point.
7. Dragon & Phoenix: Rated as "good," indicating a satisfactory dish.
8. Shrimp with Cashew: Also rated as "great!" suggesting another well-executed seafood option.
9. Wonton Soup: Strongly discouraged with "don't even," implying a very negative experience with this item.
10. Hot & Sour Soup: Rated as "good," indicating a satisfactory soup option.
11. Shrimp & Scallop in Pepper Sauce: This dish received mixed feedback. The reviewer noted "very few scallops" and suggested that sautéed shrimp would be a significant improvement over the "breaded and fried shrimp" which they found "mushy and gross." This detailed critique points to issues with the proportion of ingredients and the preparation method of the shrimp in this particular dish.

Finally, this reviewer also expressed a common frustration with excessive packaging, specifically requesting "an option to NOT put a bazillion packets of sauce in the bag?!" This suggests that the restaurant tends to include a large quantity of sauces with takeout orders, which may be unnecessary or wasteful for some customers.

Based on this comprehensive feedback, Emperor's Choice Chinese demonstrates strengths in certain classic dishes like Sesame Chicken, Egg Foo Yung, and Beef with Garlic Sauce, as well as Shrimp with Cashew. Their Moo Shu (filling) and Hot & Sour Soup are also considered good. However, there are significant weaknesses in their Fried Rice and Wonton Soup, and the pancakes with the Moo Shu are notably poor. The Shrimp & Scallop in Pepper Sauce also has issues with the quantity of scallops and the quality of the shrimp preparation.

In terms of services, the primary offering appears to be takeout, with a strong recommendation to pick up orders rather than opt for delivery. The long-time local resident's positive experience suggests that when the food is fresh and ordered at appropriate times, it can be highly satisfying. However, the inconsistency in dish quality and the potential issues with delivery need to be considered.

Regarding the environment, the reviews do not provide any information about a dine-in option or the ambiance of the restaurant itself, suggesting that Emperor's Choice Chinese primarily caters to takeout customers.

There is no promotional information available in the provided reviews. Local users interested in any special offers, discounts, or loyalty programs at Emperor's Choice Chinese should contact the restaurant directly at (919) 359-2288 or +1 919-359-2288 to inquire.

In conclusion, Emperor's Choice Chinese in Clayton, NC, offers a mixed bag of experiences based on customer reviews. While it has garnered a reputation as a local favorite for its overall freshness and some standout dishes like Sesame Chicken, Egg Foo Yung, and Beef with Garlic Sauce, there are notable inconsistencies in the quality of other menu items, particularly the Fried Rice, Wonton Soup, and the components of the Moo Shu and Shrimp & Scallop in Pepper Sauce. Customers are advised to opt for pickup over delivery and to be mindful of ordering times, especially near closing. For local users seeking Chinese takeout in Clayton, Emperor's Choice Chinese might be a good option if they focus on the highly recommended dishes and are aware of the potential pitfalls highlighted in the reviews. Further inquiry about the menu and any potential promotions directly with the restaurant is recommended.