Pagoda House

Located at 148 W Alma Ave A in San Jose, California, Pagoda House operates within the Chinese Restaurant category and appears to be a modest, family-owned establishment catering to local diners. Based on the limited customer feedback available online, Pagoda House offers quick service and affordable options, particularly for lunch, although it might be considered a basic choice in terms of overall dining experience. This detailed introduction aims to provide local users with an objective overview of what Pagoda House has to offer, based on the available reviews.

The environment of Pagoda House is described by one reviewer as a "small family owned hole in the wall." This suggests a casual and unpretentious setting, likely focused more on functionality and quick service rather than elaborate décor or ambiance. While this might not appeal to those seeking a refined dining experience, it can be a comfortable and convenient option for those looking for a quick and affordable meal, especially for takeout. The reviewer also noted that the interior was "not great but not bad either," indicating a somewhat neutral impression of the physical space. For those prioritizing convenience and value over ambiance, Pagoda House might be a suitable choice.

The service at Pagoda House is generally viewed positively in the provided reviews. One customer who stopped by after a visit to the DMV mentioned that the service was "great" and that their food was cooked "pretty quickly." This highlights the efficiency of the service, particularly for those who are on a tight schedule or looking for a fast meal. Another reviewer echoed this, stating that when calling in an order, it is "usually ready within 15 minutes," emphasizing the speed and convenience for takeout customers. The staff appears to be efficient in preparing and delivering orders in a timely manner.

The food at Pagoda House seems to be a mix of standard Chinese-American fare, with some dishes receiving specific mentions. One customer enjoyed a plate of chicken, veggies, and rice for $13, which they found satisfying. The inclusion of a fortune cookie is a typical and often appreciated touch in many Chinese restaurants. Another reviewer mentioned regularly ordering the "deep fried roasted garlic and chow mein at lunch time," noting that it is a "very healthy portion for the price." This suggests that Pagoda House offers lunch specials that are not only affordable but also provide a substantial amount of food, appealing to those looking for a filling midday meal.

A notable feature of Pagoda House, as mentioned by one reviewer, is its convenience as a local option when there aren't many alternatives in the area. This suggests that for residents or workers in the vicinity of 148 W Alma Ave, Pagoda House serves as a readily accessible choice for Chinese food. While the reviewer's overall assessment was "not great but not bad either," they acknowledged its utility as a fallback option ("it will do in a pinch").

One potentially inconvenient aspect for some customers is the recent change in the credit card minimum to $20. The reviewer who mentioned this noted that their usual lunch special with a coke comes in under this amount, making it less convenient for smaller orders when paying with a credit card. However, they did appreciate that the restaurant does not charge a fee for using a credit card. This policy might be a consideration for customers with smaller orders who prefer to pay with a credit card.

Currently, the provided customer reviews do not contain any specific information about ongoing promotions or special offers at Pagoda House, beyond the mention of a "generous lunch special" in terms of portion size for the price. Local users interested in learning about any daily specials, discounts, or new menu items are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly at (408) 293-3192 or +1 408-293-3192. Inquiring about any advertised promotions when placing an order or visiting the restaurant might also provide additional information.

In conclusion, Pagoda House in San Jose appears to be a small, family-owned Chinese restaurant that prioritizes quick service and offers affordable options, particularly its lunch specials with generous portions. While the environment might be basic ("hole in the wall"), the service is generally seen as efficient and friendly. The menu includes standard Chinese-American dishes, with the chicken with veggies and rice, deep fried roasted garlic, and chow mein receiving specific mentions. The recent credit card minimum of $20 might be a consideration for customers with smaller orders. For local users in the area looking for a convenient and reasonably priced Chinese meal, especially for takeout or a substantial lunch, Pagoda House serves as a viable option, particularly when other alternatives are limited.