Garden Cafe Chinese Restaurant

Garden Cafe Chinese Restaurant, located at 1580 Space Center Dr in Colorado Springs, offers Chinese cuisine to the local community. They can be contacted at (719) 622-8622 or +1 719-622-8622 for inquiries or orders.

Based on customer reviews, Garden Cafe Chinese Restaurant presents a somewhat mixed experience. One recent review reported a significant food safety concern, stating that a small piece of metal, appearing to be from a steel wool dish scrubber, was found in their sesame chicken. The reviewer expressed understandable alarm at this discovery and indicated that this incident would be their last visit to the restaurant. This is a serious issue that potential customers should be aware of, as it raises questions about kitchen practices and food preparation safety at this establishment.

In contrast, another reviewer with a long history of visiting the restaurant over the past 15 years described it as a "decent Chinese restaurant" but noted that it is comparable to many other Chinese restaurants in the Colorado Springs area. This suggests that while it might not be exceptional, it has been a consistent option for some over a considerable period.

One aspect where Garden Cafe seems to differentiate itself, according to this long-term patron, is their wings. The reviewer found them to be "pretty good," noting that they are large and reasonably priced, especially when compared to wings offered at other establishments. However, they also pointed out an inconsistency in the quality of the wings across different visits, indicating a potential lack of standardization in their preparation.

The teriyaki chicken is another dish that received positive feedback, being described as "pretty good" and not dry, which the reviewer appreciated in comparison to teriyaki chicken from other places. This suggests that Garden Cafe may have some well-prepared and flavorful standard Chinese-American dishes.

A consistently positive point mentioned in the reviews is the generous portion sizes offered at Garden Cafe. One reviewer noted this as a positive attribute, although they also recalled a time when prices were significantly lower. This indicates that while the quantity of food is satisfactory, the value proposition might have changed over time with price increases.

The wontons at Garden Cafe received a neutral assessment. The reviewer mentioned that they are "not bad" but noted that they are simply filled with cream cheese. They contrasted this with wontons from other restaurants (including one they worked at) where the cream cheese filling is enhanced with ingredients like crab, green onions, and sugar, which they found to be tastier. This suggests that while the wontons might be acceptable, they may lack the complexity and flavor found elsewhere.

The egg rolls were not favored by the reviewer, who prefers them with more meat. They described the egg rolls at Garden Cafe as "pretty standard Chinese egg rolls," implying that they are typical of what one might find at many similar establishments but do not stand out in terms of filling or flavor.

Based on these reviews, the environment and services at Garden Cafe Chinese Restaurant are not explicitly detailed. However, the fact that one reviewer has been a repeat customer for 15 years suggests that the ambiance and service have likely been adequate enough to retain some level of patronage over time. The focus of the reviews is primarily on the food itself, with varying opinions on different dishes and the significant food safety concern raised in the most recent review.

No promotional information was mentioned in the provided reviews. Without any specific details, it is not possible to comment on whether Garden Cafe offers any discounts, specials, or loyalty programs. Local users interested in such information would need to contact the restaurant directly.

In conclusion, Garden Cafe Chinese Restaurant in Colorado Springs presents a mixed profile based on recent customer feedback. While it has been a long-standing option for some, and is noted for generous portion sizes and potentially standout items like the wings and teriyaki chicken, significant concerns have been raised. The recent report of finding a piece of metal in the sesame chicken is a serious food safety issue that cannot be overlooked. Additionally, opinions on other standard dishes like wontons and egg rolls are lukewarm, suggesting they are average compared to other Chinese restaurants. The inconsistency in the quality of the wings also indicates a potential issue with food preparation standards. Potential customers should weigh the positive aspects of portion size and some potentially good dishes against the serious food safety concern and the generally average ratings of other menu items when considering dining at Garden Cafe Chinese Restaurant. It would be prudent for the restaurant to address the reported food safety issue immediately and ensure consistent quality across all its offerings to regain and maintain customer trust.