House of Joy - La Crescenta

Located at 3220 Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta-Montrose, California, House of Joy is a Chinese restaurant that has served the local community for some time, with one reviewer noting it "used to be my favorite restaurant in the area." This suggests a history of providing enjoyable Chinese cuisine to its patrons. As a local establishment in the Chinese restaurant category, House of Joy offers both dine-in and delivery services, aiming to cater to various dining preferences.

One of the consistently positive aspects mentioned in the reviews is the availability of "plenty of parking." In a busy area like La Crescenta-Montrose, ample parking is a significant convenience for diners choosing to eat at the restaurant. This ease of access can be a major draw for local residents and those visiting the area.

The menu at House of Joy features several dishes that have received positive feedback. The "jiajia mien (black bean sauce noodles)" is specifically highlighted as "great." Jiajia mien is a popular and flavorful noodle dish, and the positive review suggests that House of Joy prepares it well, making it a recommended item for those familiar with or curious to try this dish.

Another dish that has garnered praise is the "glazed honey-texture chicken (aka Korean orange chicken)." Described as "good," this dish appears to be a unique offering, possibly blending Chinese and Korean influences. The alternative name suggests a sweet and savory flavor profile with a pleasing texture, making it another potentially popular choice among diners.

In terms of service, one reviewer noted that "Service is good," indicating a generally positive experience with the staff. The added touch of "hot tea comes with the meal" is also mentioned as a pleasant inclusion, enhancing the dining experience without additional cost. Furthermore, the restaurant offers "lots of seating inside," suggesting that it can accommodate a significant number of dine-in customers, reducing potential wait times and providing a comfortable environment for enjoying a meal.

The pricing at House of Joy is described as "average," suggesting that it aligns with the typical cost of dining at similar Chinese restaurants in the area. This can be helpful for local users to gauge whether it fits within their budget expectations for a casual meal.

However, not all feedback has been entirely positive. One reviewer shared experiences of repeated disappointment, expressing being "afraid to come back." The primary issues reported were being served "spoiled onions multiple times" through both dine-in and delivery orders. This is a significant concern regarding food quality and safety, and such experiences can understandably lead to a loss of customer trust.

The same reviewer also noted inconsistency in the preparation of the "Mongolian beef," stating that it "was not cooked the same as it was the first time we went." Consistency in food preparation is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction, and variations in how a dish is prepared can lead to a negative perception of the restaurant's quality control.

Despite these negative experiences, the reviewer did acknowledge that the "Owners seem very kind." This suggests that while there may be issues with food quality control, the management's demeanor is positive and customer-oriented. The reviewer also expressed a willingness to return if the food quality issues were resolved, stating, "If this issue was fixed we would love to return. The food used to be amazing." This indicates that House of Joy has the potential to regain their favor if they address the reported problems.

The contrasting reviews paint a picture of a Chinese restaurant with some strong points, such as ample parking, praised dishes like the jiajia mien and glazed honey chicken, generally good service, complimentary hot tea, and sufficient indoor seating. However, there are also concerns regarding food quality consistency, specifically the serving of spoiled ingredients and variations in dish preparation. The kindness of the owners suggests a willingness to address these issues, and the past positive experiences of some customers indicate that the restaurant has the capacity to provide enjoyable meals.

For local users in La Crescenta-Montrose considering House of Joy, it may be prudent to weigh the positive feedback on specific dishes and the convenience factors against the reported inconsistencies in food quality. If the issues raised by the concerned reviewer have been addressed, House of Joy could once again become a reliable option for Chinese cuisine in the area. Potential new customers might consider trying the highly recommended jiajia mien or the unique glazed honey chicken to form their own opinion. Given the mixed feedback, it might be worthwhile to inquire about the restaurant's current quality control measures when placing an order or dining in.

To obtain the most current information on House of Joy - La Crescenta, including any recent changes in their menu or quality assurance practices, contacting them directly at (818) 248-5884 or +1 818-248-5884 would be advisable. Visiting the location at 3220 Foothill Blvd can also provide a firsthand impression of the current dining experience. While online reviews offer valuable perspectives, direct engagement with the restaurant can provide the most up-to-date and specific information to help local users make an informed decision.