Kings Co Imperial LES

Tried this place out the other day with a few friends - it was okay overall, and tried a few things from the menu but nothing stuck out as particularly outstanding. I did enjoy the tater tots, the scallion pancakes, and shrimp toast as apps. For mains, the eggplant and kung pao chicken were decent. I would definitely go back to try other things from the menu since it was decently expansive!

After a break for several months from this place, we went back and ordered about six dishes from Kings Co. Imperial on Delancey Street. It has been a long time since I have had takeout – and there are a number of very humble Chinese takeout places in this neighborhood – so listless and lacking in flavor. (On the other hand, at least half featured oversalting and several a certain zealousness with hot red peppers - I counted about 15 in one dish). Prior experience suggested that the menu was hit or miss which is why I'd skipped it for so long) - but this set a standard that is hard to come back from. You have to try, really try, to make something so basic as sesame noodles this flavorless. Food was ready quickly, and it’s a pretty spot. But on any given night, it can fail.

It delivers on all fronts: atmosphere, cocktails, service and food. Sesame Shrimp Toast, Crispy Sichuan Oyster Mushrooms, XLB, Cold Sesame Noodles, and Angry Pig Fried Rice were the dishes my friend and I decided on for our reunion dinner. We left extremely full and utterly satisfied. Both of us found the Crispy Sichuan Oyster Mushrooms a dish that we would immediately order again. Highly recommend for a nice evening out.

Absolutely love this place for the food and the drinks. The ambiance is awesome and let me tell you their dumplings are the absolute best in the LES!!! Shane the bartender was a fantastic host and a great bartender! Definitely please absolutely do yourself a favor and enjoy what this place has to offer. You won't regret it!

Positive: very friendly staff and delicious food Negative: took way too long to get our food (one dish came out, then had to wait 30 min for the rest when the place was not busy). Slightly expensive. I really think I would have gone with 4 stars if the food just came out consistently. We ordered 5 dishes around 5:30 PM when the place only had two other tables filled. We got our 2 appetizers then received one of 3 main dish not too far after. But then there was this long wait. I saw many Togo orders being filled and being picked up. 30 minutes passed and our fried rice (mind you it’s just fried rice and only had 3 shrimps) and half chicken were still missing. We almost wanted to cancel the order at that point. I would have been more understanding if the place was busy, but it really wasn’t either. Shrug Food was delicious and staff was very friendly, so no complaint there! Maybe we’ll give it another try next time.