Find My Perfect Chinese Restaurant Near Me

KIN LIN: A Beloved Chinese Culinary Gem in Kansas City
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. Missouri
  4. Jackson County
  5. Kansas City
  6. South Plaza
  7. Chinese Restaurant in East 51st Street
  8. KIN LIN

KIN LIN

584 reviews

KIN LIN Photos

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Hours

Monday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday, Closed
Wednesday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

About KIN LIN

Located at 314 E 51st St, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA, KIN LIN stands as a cherished Chinese restaurant that has garnered a strong and loyal following within the Kansas City metropolitan area. For those looking to enjoy their culinary offerings or make inquiries, KIN LIN can be reached by phone at (816) 561-4334 or via mobile at +1 816-561-4334. Operating within the "Chinese Restaurant" category, KIN LIN has distinguished itself through its consistent quality, diverse menu, and dedication to fresh ingredients, establishing itself as a true local favorite.

The environment at KIN LIN is consistently described as "very laid back." This suggests an unpretentious and comfortable setting, often characteristic of beloved neighborhood eateries where the focus is firmly on the food and the overall dining experience rather than elaborate decor. Such an atmosphere fosters a relaxed and inviting ambiance, making it a suitable spot for casual meals, family dinners, or quick takeout orders. While not explicitly detailed, a "laid back" environment typically implies a clean, functional, and unhurried space where diners can feel at ease and enjoy their food without formality. This type of setting often contributes to the overall charm and appeal of a local favorite, encouraging repeat visits from a diverse clientele.

Service at KIN LIN receives generally positive feedback, with a particular emphasis on the kindness and attentiveness of the waitstaff. Customers consistently describe the waiters as "nice and kind," highlighting a welcoming and accommodating approach. This positive interaction with the front-of-house team significantly enhances the dining experience, making patrons feel valued and well-cared for. However, it's worth noting that one reviewer mentioned the "owner being a little rude at times." This indicates a potential inconsistency in service demeanor, which might vary depending on who is managing the front of the house at any given time. Despite this occasional nuance, the overwhelming positive sentiment towards the general waiting staff suggests a strong commitment to good customer service. The kitchen staff is also commended for taking their time and cooking dishes "to the best they can," which, while not direct customer service, reflects a dedication to quality that benefits the diner.

The features of KIN LIN's cuisine are widely celebrated, with many proclaiming it to be "the best Chinese in the city." This high praise is attributed to several key aspects, primarily the consistent quality and flavor of the food. Reviewers highlight that the restaurant takes its time to prepare dishes to perfection, ensuring that they are cooked "to the best they can." This dedication to culinary execution results in fresh and flavorful meals that keep customers coming back, often from significant distances, reinforcing its status as a "MUST if you're in KC."

A significant feature of KIN LIN is its robust selection of vegetarian options. For patrons who are vegetarian, or follow dietary restrictions, the restaurant is highly accommodating. One reviewer, a vegetarian who includes fish on Fridays, specifically expressed love for their "vegetarian options" and noted that the staff "appease me when I ask for vinegar," indicating a willingness to customize dishes to suit individual preferences. This flexibility and variety in plant-based offerings make KIN LIN an inclusive dining destination for those with different dietary needs, which is a considerable advantage in the Chinese restaurant category.

Beyond vegetarian dishes, specific items that have received commendation include their "squid," which is described as "very good." While the provided reviews do not delve into a comprehensive list of all menu items, the emphasis on quality and fresh ingredients across the board suggests a wide variety of well-executed classic Chinese dishes that appeal to a broad range of tastes. The consistent positive feedback on the food quality, even from long-term patrons who have been eating there since they moved to the area, speaks volumes about the restaurant's ability to maintain high standards over time. The dedication to cooking things "to the best they can" also implies that the kitchen prioritizes flavor and proper preparation, contributing to the overall excellence of the dishes.

Regarding promotional information, no explicit deals, discounts, or loyalty programs are detailed in the provided customer reviews for KIN LIN. However, the restaurant's most powerful promotional tool is its overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth reputation. Being hailed as "the best Chinese in the city" and a "MUST if you're in KC" creates a strong organic pull for both local residents and visitors. The consistent positive feedback on food quality, the laid-back environment, and the kindness of the waitstaff all contribute to this strong reputation, encouraging new customers to try the establishment based on trusted recommendations. The fact that customers have "never had a problem" with the food and praise its consistency over years of patronage serves as a long-term testament to its value. This enduring customer loyalty, driven by a consistently excellent product and pleasant experience, is a far more effective and sustainable form of promotion than any temporary discount.

In conclusion, KIN LIN, located at 314 E 51st St, Kansas City, MO, is a highly esteemed Chinese restaurant renowned for its consistently excellent food quality and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a diverse menu, including a notable selection of vegetarian options, and is known for its accommodating service from kind waitstaff. Despite occasional minor service nuances, its dedication to fresh ingredients and meticulous cooking has solidified its reputation as one of Kansas City's premier Chinese dining destinations, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking authentic and satisfying Chinese cuisine.

KIN LIN Location

314 E 51st St, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA

Customer Reviews

3.0
584 reviews
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Emily Anthony
Mar 14, 2025

Dang I love this place. Very laid back. Good food. I'm vegetarian rn except for fish on Fridays. I love their vegetarian options, and they appease me when I ask for vinegar. Their squid is also very good.

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Anna Lovemoney
Apr 23, 2025

Been eating at Kin Lin sense I moved here! Never had a problem other then owner being a little rude at times. Other then that the waiters have been nice and kind and the food is actually the best Chinese in the city! They take there time and cook things to the best they can! This is a MUST if your in KC

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marchai ashley
Apr 03, 2025

Carry out order, online specific fried rice was to include peas, carrots,egg,green onion. As you can tell from the photo, nothing. They had 25 minutes to prepare my food. It was hot, but not favorable. Runny Orange sauce, that wasn't sticking to the chicken. I asked for additional soy packets along with plastic wear. Received 1 single napkin and a dirty plastic fork, that had a piece of hair on it. Needless to say, I prayed over my meal and ate 1/2 of it. Very disappointed. Maybe they target poor, hungry college kids, cause it's not Plaza worthy.

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Nirvani Amarakoon
Dec 10, 2024

Not enough words to describe how happy we are to have found this KC gem. We moved to the area a little over a year ago and have been so disappointed with all the mediocre restaurants in KC. But a friend suggested Kin Lin to us, and we have been hooked ever since. The food is absolutely amazing. We always go for the lunch special which is an amazing deal that you can’t find at most places anymore. Mimi is the sweetest server ever. She is very attentive and provides excellent customer service. We love her. Every experience here is wonderful. Thank you!!!!

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Luke Edmondson
Jan 15, 2024

Me and 2 coworkers got take out. I had the spicy and sweet crispy chicken they both had kung bao tripples. The chicken was not breaded as i had wished but still tasty and was more sweet than spicy. They both said the food was good but not great.

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