Empire Garden

Empire Garden, situated at 6203 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy in Maryville, TN 37804, presents itself as a family-run Asian restaurant that has garnered both positive feedback regarding its food and service, as well as some significant concerns raised by recent customer experiences. For local residents considering dining at or ordering from Empire Garden, it's important to be aware of the full spectrum of opinions and reported incidents.

On the culinary front, Empire Garden receives accolades for the taste of its food. One customer who had ordered delivery on two occasions described the food as "delicious." This positive sentiment suggests that Empire Garden has the potential to provide flavorful and satisfying meals. Another reviewer echoed this, stating that the food is "really good," further reinforcing the notion that the taste of their dishes is a strong point.

Beyond the taste, Empire Garden is also praised for its value. Customers have noted that the "prices are fair" and the "portions are huge." This combination of reasonable pricing and generous servings can be a significant draw for diners looking for a satisfying meal without an exorbitant cost. The large portions suggest that Empire Garden offers good value for money, potentially making it a popular choice for families or those with hearty appetites.

Another positive aspect highlighted by a customer is that "everything is cooked to order" and the food is served "very hot." This indicates a commitment to freshness and ensuring that meals are prepared with care and served at an optimal temperature, enhancing the dining experience. The fact that the food is cooked to order also suggests a willingness to accommodate specific requests or dietary needs, although this is not explicitly detailed.

The service at Empire Garden has also received positive mentions, particularly the attentiveness of the owner, identified as Jojo. One reviewer noted that Jojo "checked back several times to make sure everything was good and beverages were full." This level of personal attention from the owner suggests a commitment to customer satisfaction and a desire to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The proactive approach to checking on guests and refilling drinks is a hallmark of good hospitality.

For those looking for a budget-friendly option during the day, Empire Garden offers a "lunch special" that is described as a "good good deal." This special includes an entree, fried rice, and a choice of soup or egg roll for $8. This represents a significant value and could be an attractive option for weekday lunches for individuals working or living in the area.

Empire Garden also caters to the convenience of takeout, with "carry out very easy with online ordering from their web page." The availability of online ordering streamlines the process for customers who prefer to enjoy their meals at home or on the go. Additionally, one reviewer noted a difference in portion sizes, stating that "dine in portions are larger than carryout," which is useful information for customers deciding between the two options.

However, alongside these positive aspects, there are some serious concerns that potential customers should be aware of. One reviewer, who had ordered delivery twice and found the food delicious, reported a significant issue: finding "a staple in my Hibachi combo meal." This discovery of a foreign object in the food is a serious food safety concern and understandably led to this customer deciding not to order from Empire Garden again.

Adding to these concerns is the mention of a recent failed health inspection. The reviewer who found the staple in their food noted this and stated that they had not seen any follow-up score indicating whether a subsequent inspection had been conducted and passed. A failed health inspection can raise questions about the restaurant's hygiene practices and overall food safety standards. While the delicious taste of the food is appealing, these food safety issues are critical factors for potential customers to consider.

The customer who found the staple explicitly stated that the combination of the failed health inspection and finding metal in their food constituted "2 strikes and you are out" for them, despite acknowledging the good taste of the food. This strong reaction underscores the severity of these issues from a customer's perspective.

In conclusion, Empire Garden in Maryville, TN, offers delicious, cooked-to-order Asian cuisine with fair prices and large portions, along with attentive service from the owner and a convenient online ordering system for carryout. The lunch special also presents a good value option. However, potential customers should be aware of a reported failed health inspection and a recent incident of a customer finding a staple in their delivered meal. These food safety concerns are significant and should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to dine at or order from Empire Garden. While the positive aspects of taste, value, and service are appealing, the reported health and food safety issues may outweigh these for some individuals. It would be prudent for potential customers to inquire about the current health inspection status of the restaurant before making a decision. You can contact Empire Garden at (865) 984-0777 or +1 865-984-0777 for more information or to place an order, keeping these considerations in mind.