Oriental Chop Suey

Located at 8640 Frost Ave, St. Louis, MO 63134, USA, Oriental Chop Suey operates as a Chinese Restaurant primarily focused on carryout services for the local community. Like many "Chop Suey" style establishments, it aims to provide convenient and relatively quick Chinese-American cuisine. However, based on recent customer feedback, potential patrons should be aware of a mixed bag of experiences regarding its services and operations.

The environment at Oriental Chop Suey, typical of a carryout establishment, is likely designed for efficiency in order placement and pickup rather than extensive dine-in comfort. There would typically be a counter for transactions and a waiting area. However, one review explicitly mentions a highly unusual and concerning incident regarding the lobby. After a dispute over payment, employees reportedly "played victims" by "using a bench to create a makeshift barricade between the lobby and their employee entrance, as if they were real life victims of a crime and to display their so-called 'fear'." This description paints a picture of a hostile and uncomfortable environment during a dispute, which is highly atypical for a customer-facing business. While this may not be a daily occurrence, it suggests that the atmosphere can become extremely unpleasant under duress. Normally, such an environment would simply be functional, focusing on the transaction itself. Potential customers should prepare for a utilitarian setting.

The service at Oriental Chop Suey receives conflicting and, in some cases, severely negative feedback. While the aim of a carryout place is typically efficient order processing (phone: (314) 521-3855 or +1 314-521-3855), customer experiences suggest significant issues. One extensive review details a highly problematic interaction involving payment, where a cashier allegedly "tried to steal money" by repeatedly swiping a card after a successful transaction, then refused a refund and called the police, despite proof of payment. This account describes the staff as being uncooperative, making "false accusations," being "emotionally attacked and called liars," and creating a "hostile environment." This is an extremely serious accusation of "bad business" and "scamming," indicating a severe breakdown in customer trust and service ethics. The lack of apology after the situation was resolved further underscores the perceived poor handling of the incident.

Beyond this major incident, another review highlights a "big language barrier which caused issues with my order." This led to a missed item ("she forgot the egg role") and a generally "irritating" experience due to communication difficulties. While the reviewer notes "patience" is needed, this suggests a consistent challenge in effective communication during ordering. Furthermore, a follow-up edit to this review describes a phone interaction where the person answering the phone was "very rude," "kept cutting me off," said he was "busy and would call back," and "hung up on me" twice. This indicates a consistent pattern of poor phone etiquette and disrespectful customer interaction, leading to a customer deciding to "definitely lost a customer." These detailed accounts collectively paint a picture of highly inconsistent and, at times, severely lacking customer service and professionalism.

The culinary features of Oriental Chop Suey, despite the significant service issues, do receive some positive remarks for the food itself. Customers indicate that the "Food is good, and very fresh." This suggests that when the order is correctly prepared and received, the taste and quality of the ingredients can be satisfying. Specific dishes mentioned include:

• Shrimp Fried Rice: One customer ordered "half order of shrimp fried rice with bean sprouts," implying that customization is an option and the dish itself is a popular choice.

• Egg Roll: While the egg roll was described as "over cooked" and "a little burnt," the reviewer still found it "good." This suggests a decent base product, albeit with some preparation issues.

Despite these positive comments on freshness and taste, the consistent issues with order accuracy due to language barriers and the overall rude customer service detract significantly from the food experience. The large portions and reasonable pricing are mentioned as positives: "Very reasonably priced and big portions." This indicates good value for money if customers are willing to navigate the service challenges.

Regarding promotional information, no specific details are provided in the available customer reviews. However, Chinese restaurants, especially those operating primarily as carryout establishments, commonly employ various promotional strategies to attract and retain customers. These can include:

• Lunch Specials: Offering discounted prices on select entrees or combination platters during weekday lunch hours to appeal to office workers or midday diners.

• Combo Meals: Pre-designed meals that typically include an entrée, rice, and an appetizer, providing convenience and often a better price than ordering items individually.

• Family Packs: Larger meal combinations designed to feed multiple people, which can be a cost-effective option for family dinners.

• Cash Discounts: Some smaller businesses offer a slight discount for cash payments to avoid credit card processing fees.

• Loyalty Programs: While less common for very small carryout places, some may offer simple punch cards or similar schemes to reward frequent customers.

• Seasonal or Holiday Specials: Introducing special dishes or limited-time offers around major holidays, particularly Chinese New Year.

Given the severe nature of some of the service complaints, it is highly recommended that potential customers exercise caution and consider calling ahead to inquire about any current promotions or to place orders. You can reach Oriental Chop Suey by phone at (314) 521-3855 or +1 314-521-3855. It is crucial to be clear with your order and to verify it carefully, especially if you are paying by card, given the past reported issues.

In conclusion, Oriental Chop Suey at 8640 Frost Ave, St. Louis, MO, is a Chinese Restaurant offering carryout services with food that is described as "good" and "very fresh," with "big portions" and being "very reasonably priced." However, these culinary positives are overshadowed by significant and alarming concerns regarding customer service, including allegations of attempted fraud during payment processing, severe rudeness on the phone, and persistent language barriers leading to order inaccuracies. The environment, while typically functional for carryout, can become hostile during disputes. While the food itself might be appealing, the consistent and serious negative feedback on service necessitates a cautious approach for prospective customers. It is advisable to have patience and meticulously check orders and transactions, given the reported issues with this establishment.