Lulu Chinese Express

Lulu Chinese Express is a Chinese restaurant located at 11481 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141, USA. While no phone number is provided in the available information, the address indicates its location on Olive Boulevard in Creve Coeur. Based on recent customer reviews, Lulu Chinese Express presents a mixed experience, with high praise for the quality of its food being significantly contrasted by concerns regarding the service and the unusual nature of its location.

One customer who visited on Christmas Day reported being seated fairly quickly upon arrival. They also noted an immediate and somewhat unconventional approach to taking drink orders and appetizer selections, where a card circulated the restaurant from which they made their choices. This suggests a potentially efficient or perhaps unique method of initial ordering. Following this, they placed their entrée order. However, the experience took a significant downturn as they waited approximately two hours for their entrées to arrive. While the reviewer acknowledged that the restaurant was "very very busy," they also pointed out a lack of updates or drink refills during this extended waiting period. This indicates a potential issue with the restaurant's ability to handle high volumes of customers efficiently and to provide adequate service in such situations.

Despite the severely long wait time and the lack of service during it, the reviewer was emphatic about the quality of the food once it finally arrived, describing it as "fantastic" and "absolutely delicious." They were particularly impressed with the General’s chicken, stating they would "put it up against anyone’s." This strong endorsement suggests that Lulu Chinese Express has the potential to offer truly excellent Chinese cuisine. The reviewer concluded that had the service been more attentive, with drink refills and order updates provided during the wait, they would have easily given the restaurant a five-star rating. This highlights a significant discrepancy between the perceived quality of the food and the level of service experienced.

In stark contrast, another reviewer had a considerably negative experience that did not even involve tasting the food. This customer reported that while the food looked great, the location was misleading. They believed they were approaching a standalone restaurant entrance but discovered it was actually within a Dierbergs grocery store. Had they known this beforehand, they stated they would not have gone in. The person they spoke to indicated that the restaurant was located in the back of the store and supposedly had good food. However, the reviewer strongly advised others to "Keep your money, A HARD PASS EVEN IF YOU STORE!!!!!!" and even stated they "WOULD RATHER BE HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!" This extreme reaction suggests a significant dissatisfaction with the location and perhaps the overall perception of a Chinese restaurant being situated within a grocery store.

Adding to their negative experience, this same reviewer mentioned that the "WHOLE REASON WE WENT WAS THE MONGOLIAN BEEF THEY DON'T HAVE IT!!!!!!" This indicates a potential issue with the restaurant's online presence or word-of-mouth information not accurately reflecting the menu offerings, leading to further customer disappointment.

Based on these two reviews, the environment of Lulu Chinese Express is somewhat unusual, being located inside a Dierbergs grocery store rather than in a traditional standalone restaurant setting. This is a crucial piece of information for potential customers, as it significantly impacts the perceived dining experience for some. The initial reviewer who dined in did not comment on the ambiance, but the other reviewer's strong negative reaction suggests that the grocery store location is a major deterrent for some.

The services offered appear to include dine-in, as indicated by the first reviewer's experience. However, the second reviewer's reaction implies that takeout might also be a significant aspect, given their reluctance to even enter the store for the restaurant. The first review highlighted issues with the attentiveness of the service, particularly during busy periods, with long wait times for food and a lack of drink refills or order updates. This suggests that while they can seat and serve customers, their service efficiency and communication might be lacking, especially when the restaurant is busy. The unique initial ordering method described (using a circulating card for drinks and appetizers) could be seen as a feature, though its impact on overall efficiency is not clear.

A key feature of Lulu Chinese Express, according to one enthusiastic reviewer, is the quality of its General’s chicken, which they considered exceptional. This could be a signature dish that attracts customers. However, the lack of Mongolian beef, which was the specific reason for another customer's visit, is a notable drawback and suggests potential inaccuracies in menu information available to the public. The unusual location within a grocery store is another defining characteristic, though it is perceived negatively by at least one potential customer.

No promotional information is mentioned in either of the provided reviews. It is unknown if Lulu Chinese Express offers any specials, discounts, or other promotions to attract customers. Potential diners would need to check with the restaurant directly or look for any online presence they might have to find out about such offers.

In conclusion, Lulu Chinese Express in Creve Coeur, MO, presents a dilemma for potential local users. On one hand, the food, particularly the General’s chicken, is described as "fantastic" and "absolutely delicious" by a customer who did dine there. On the other hand, there are significant concerns about the service, especially during busy times, with very long wait times and a lack of basic attentiveness. Additionally, the restaurant's location inside a Dierbergs grocery store is a major negative factor for at least one potential customer, who found it misleading and undesirable. The disappointment of a customer due to the absence of a specific menu item (Mongolian beef) also highlights the importance of accurate menu information. Without more balanced feedback or information about improvements in service and a clearer understanding of the restaurant's environment and menu, local users should weigh the strong praise for the food against the reported issues with service and location before deciding to visit Lulu Chinese Express.