Pagoda Restaurant

Welcome to Pagoda Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant located at 2037 Co Rd E East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, USA. As a part of the Chinese Restaurant category, Pagoda Restaurant aims to serve the White Bear Lake community with a variety of Chinese cuisine. However, recent customer reviews present a stark contrast in experiences, with some praising specific dishes as exceptional and worth the money, while others report significant issues with food quality, service limitations, and the overall environment. Potential local users should carefully consider these differing opinions when deciding whether to order from Pagoda Restaurant.

The environment of Pagoda Restaurant appears to be primarily geared towards takeout service at present. One reviewer noted tables being "barricaded at the door for take out" and explicitly stated "No table restaurant dining." This suggests that the dine-in option may currently be unavailable or severely restricted. The same reviewer also mentioned a lack of a chair to sit and wait for an order, implying a limited consideration for the comfort of takeout customers waiting on-site. Furthermore, the location was described as being in a "beat down old strip mall location," which might impact the initial impression of the establishment. Another concern raised was the potential unavailability of a public restroom for customers, although this was speculative ("probably not gonna let you use a bathroom if needed"). In contrast, the reviewer who had a positive experience did not comment on the environment, focusing solely on the food quality, suggesting that their interaction was likely limited to receiving their takeout order.

The services offered by Pagoda Restaurant seem to be primarily focused on takeout. The negative review highlighted several service-related issues, including the absence of chopsticks and napkins with the order. The process of ordering and receiving the food for takeout was not detailed, but the lack of basic eating utensils and condiments is a significant oversight. The barricaded tables suggest a clear prioritization of takeout over dine-in. The lack of seating for waiting customers and the potential restriction on restroom use further indicate a limited focus on customer comfort for those picking up orders. Conversely, the positive review did not detail the service process, only the satisfaction with the food received, implying that the takeout service itself was adequate for that customer.

In terms of features, Pagoda Restaurant's menu appears to offer a variety of Chinese dishes, with highly contrasting feedback on their quality. The negative review detailed several significant issues. The egg rolls, priced at $8.95 for two, were described as looking good externally but having an unsatisfactory filling that was soft, undistinguished, and lacking identifiable vegetables or meat. The shrimp fried rice, costing $12.95, was criticized for being light on shrimp (one shrimp per four bites) and for containing a shrimp that tasted "funky spoiled," leading the customer to spit it out. The sesame chicken, priced at $21.95, was also a disappointment, with more breading than chicken, soggy breading, and a weird-tasting sauce that lacked apparent sesame seeds, possibly indicating an incorrect order. This customer's overall experience with their $36 lunch was overwhelmingly negative, leading to a vow not to return. In stark contrast, the positive review lauded several specific dishes. The "beef brisket" was described as "literally to die for," being incredibly tender and melting in the mouth. The "beef congee" was praised for its simple yet delicious flavor. The "salt & pepper pig feet" were noted as delicious with a nice spicy kick. Additionally, the "soft shell crab" was described as "amazing," with the reviewer impressed that it was available out of season. This reviewer went so far as to call Pagoda Restaurant possibly the best Chinese restaurant in Minnesota. This extreme divergence in opinions suggests that the quality and consistency of dishes at Pagoda Restaurant may vary significantly.

Currently, there is no information available in the provided reviews regarding any promotional offers or special deals at Pagoda Restaurant. Local users interested in potential discounts or promotions should contact the restaurant directly at (651) 777-8333 or +1 651-777-8333 to inquire. Given the mixed feedback on food quality and the apparent focus on takeout service, it would be prudent to ask about the preparation methods and ingredients of specific dishes before ordering. Checking local online food ordering platforms or social media, if available for the restaurant, might also provide insights into any current promotions or updated information regarding their services, including the potential resumption of dine-in options.

In conclusion, Pagoda Restaurant in White Bear Lake, MN, presents a complex picture based on recent customer reviews. While one patron experienced exceptional quality in dishes like the beef brisket, beef congee, salt & pepper pig feet, and soft shell crab, another reported significant issues with the egg rolls, shrimp fried rice, and sesame chicken, along with concerns about the takeout service (lack of utensils) and the environment (takeout focus, location). The stark contrast in these experiences suggests a potential inconsistency in food quality and service. Local users considering Pagoda Restaurant should weigh these differing opinions and may want to inquire about specific dishes and the current availability of dine-in service before placing an order or visiting. Contacting the restaurant directly for any current promotions or to address concerns based on the negative feedback might also be a useful step.