First Chinese BBQ

Welcome to First Chinese BBQ, a Chinese restaurant located at 10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753, USA. As a part of the Austin Chinese Restaurant community, First Chinese BBQ aims to serve quality Chinese cuisine, with a particular emphasis on their barbecue dishes. You can reach them at (512) 835-8889 or their mobile number +1 512-835-8889 for inquiries.

Based on recent customer feedback, First Chinese BBQ presents a straightforward dining experience where the focus is primarily on the food rather than an elaborate setting. One reviewer noted a sign claiming the restaurant to be among the top 50 Chinese restaurants in the United States. While expressing some skepticism based on their experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its high-quality Chinese food scene, this reviewer conceded that for Austin, First Chinese BBQ is "certainly a very good restaurant."

This reviewer described the seating area as "nothing special," characterizing it as "pure laid functional." However, they did not view this as a drawback, stating that "you don’t go here for a five star experience, you go here for great food." This suggests that First Chinese BBQ prioritizes the quality of its dishes over an upscale ambiance, catering to customers who value authentic flavors and good cooking above all else. Given this focus, the reviewer offered a "thumbs up" and recommended trying the restaurant.

In contrast, another customer's experience was less positive, particularly concerning the restaurant's namesake offering, the BBQ. This reviewer stated that they visited specifically "for the BBQ" only to be informed that it was unavailable on that day ("no BBQ today"). This unavailability of their primary interest led them to order other items from the menu, which ultimately left them "not impressed."

The reviewer provided specific feedback on some of the dishes they tried. A "veggie dish" was described as being "cooked in hot water, then stir fry it," a method that might not yield the most flavorful results. Other dishes were characterized as "just average at best," indicating a lack of exceptional quality in the non-BBQ items sampled. This review suggests that while the restaurant's name implies a specialty in BBQ, the availability of these items might be inconsistent, and other menu offerings may not meet the same level of expectation for all diners.

Considering these two reviews, First Chinese BBQ appears to be a restaurant with a reputation for potentially "very good" food, at least according to one experienced diner familiar with high standards of Chinese cuisine. The environment is described as basic and functional, suggesting a casual dining experience where the emphasis is on the taste of the food rather than the decor or ambiance. However, there seems to be a potential issue with the availability of their BBQ, which could be disappointing for customers visiting specifically for those items. Additionally, the quality of other menu items might be perceived as average by some.

Based on the available information, key aspects of First Chinese BBQ include:

• Focus on Food Quality: While the ambiance is simple, the restaurant aims to provide "great food" that might be considered very good for the Austin area.
• Functional Environment: The seating area is described as basic and not intended for a "five star experience," suggesting a casual and unpretentious setting.
• Inconsistent BBQ Availability: The BBQ, implied to be a specialty by the name, might not always be available.
• Average Non-BBQ Dishes: Some customers have found the other menu items to be just average.

There is no information provided about specific services beyond dine-in, such as takeout or delivery. Similarly, no promotional information or special offers are mentioned in the reviews.

For local users in Austin considering First Chinese BBQ, it's important to manage expectations regarding the dining environment, which is likely to be straightforward and unadorned. If you are specifically interested in their BBQ, it might be wise to call ahead to confirm its availability. The experience of one reviewer suggests that the non-BBQ items might be hit or miss, with at least one finding them to be average.

However, the positive assessment from a diner with experience in a strong Chinese food region indicates that First Chinese BBQ has the potential to offer very good quality dishes, at least when they are available and well-prepared. This suggests that the restaurant might have certain specialties that are worth trying.

In conclusion, First Chinese BBQ in Austin seems to be a no-frills establishment where the quality of the food is the primary draw. While one reviewer found it to be very good for Austin standards, another had a less impressive experience with the non-BBQ items and was disappointed by the unavailability of the BBQ. Local users looking for a casual Chinese meal where taste is prioritized over ambiance should consider trying First Chinese BBQ, perhaps inquiring about the availability of their BBQ beforehand and being prepared for a functional dining setting.