Orient Garden

Orient Garden is a Chinese restaurant situated at 202 W North Carolina 54 #401 in Durham, North Carolina, catering to the local community with a range of Chinese culinary options. As a long-standing establishment within the Chinese Restaurant category, Orient Garden has recently announced the reopening of its dine-in service, a welcome development for patrons who prefer to enjoy their meals at the restaurant rather than solely relying on takeout. This reopening signifies a return to a more traditional service model after a period where takeout was the primary offering, likely due to pandemic-related restrictions.

According to recent customer feedback, the menu at Orient Garden is currently smaller than it was prior to the shift in service models. Additionally, prices have reportedly increased, a change that is acknowledged by at least one reviewer as understandable, possibly reflecting current economic conditions or adjustments related to the resumption of dine-in service. Notably, soup is not yet available on the menu, although the restaurant has indicated that it will be added back in the near future. This suggests that the menu is still in a transitional phase as Orient Garden fully re-establishes its dine-in operations.

Customers who have recently experienced the reopened dine-in service have shared their impressions of some of the dishes. One reviewer and their spouse ordered spring rolls, which were noted to be larger than previously remembered. However, the quality of the spring rolls was perceived to have declined slightly compared to past experiences. This suggests a potential inconsistency or a change in the recipe or preparation of this particular appetizer.

For their main courses, the reviewer's spouse ordered the shrimp and mixed vegetables, which was described as "just okay" but came in a "very big portion." This indicates that while the flavor profile might not have been exceptional, the quantity of food provided was generous. The reviewer themselves ordered the Szechuan chicken, which was characterized by having "tons of huge pieces of chicken" but was also rated as "just okay." Similar to the shrimp and mixed vegetables, the portion size was substantial, leading to leftovers that were taken home. Interestingly, both reviewers noted that their leftovers tasted "much better" the following day, suggesting that the flavors might develop or meld more favorably over time.

The reviewer who dined in expressed hope that their experience was simply due to "reopening jitters," as they recalled Orient Garden always having "the best Chinese around" in the past. This sentiment indicates a history of positive experiences and a belief in the restaurant's potential to return to its previous standards once fully settled back into dine-in service.

In contrast to the mixed feedback regarding the dine-in experience, another recent review focused solely on takeout and offered high praise for Orient Garden. This customer described it as a "great place for takeout!" and highlighted the "above average" portion sizes for the area, while maintaining comparable pricing. This reviewer explicitly refuted the notion that larger portions might equate to lower food quality, stating that the food, especially the sesame chicken, is "delicious and filling." They further emphasized their preference for Orient Garden over several other similar restaurants in the area, declaring it their "go-to spot" for Chinese takeout.

Considering these varied perspectives, Orient Garden appears to be a Chinese restaurant that is currently navigating the re-establishment of its dine-in service while still maintaining a strong reputation for its takeout offerings. The environment for dine-in customers is likely still evolving, with a potentially reduced menu and ongoing adjustments. The service for dine-in was not extensively commented upon beyond the menu and food quality. However, the takeout service is praised for its generous portions, reasonable prices, and delicious food, particularly the sesame chicken.

Features of Orient Garden seem to include substantial portion sizes for both dine-in and takeout, although the perceived quality of some dishes might currently be inconsistent, particularly for dine-in customers. The reopening of dine-in service itself is a significant feature, catering to a wider range of customer preferences. The mention of a smaller menu and the temporary absence of soup suggest that the menu might be in flux. The strong positive feedback for takeout, especially the sesame chicken, indicates a specific strength in their takeout preparation.

Currently, no specific promotional information is available in the provided text. Local users interested in learning about any special offers, discounts, or the updated menu (including the return of soup) are encouraged to contact Orient Garden directly using the phone numbers provided: (919) 806-3333 or +1 919-806-3333. Given the recent reopening of dine-in and the positive reputation for takeout, it would be beneficial to inquire about any current promotions for either service style.

In conclusion, Orient Garden in Durham, NC, is a Chinese restaurant now offering both dine-in and takeout services. While the dine-in experience might currently be subject to some inconsistencies as the restaurant readjusts, it offers large portions and the potential for improvement as operations normalize. The takeout service, on the other hand, is highly praised for its generous portions, competitive pricing, and delicious food, especially the sesame chicken. Local users have different experiences, with some hoping for a return to past glories for dine-in, while others consistently rely on Orient Garden for quality takeout. It would be advisable for potential customers to consider their preferred dining style and perhaps inquire about the current menu and any specials before visiting or placing an order.