Peking House Restaurant

Peking House Restaurant, located at 1125 Van Voorhis Rd in Morgantown, West Virginia, holds a significant place in the local dining scene, with one reviewer referring to it as "A long time staple of Morgantown!" This longevity suggests a history of serving the community, and indeed, the same reviewer highlights several positive aspects of their experience. They specifically praise the "combination platters for lunch," noting that they "Can’t beat" them due to being "good, filling and more than reasonably priced!" The inclusion of soup with these lunch specials further adds to their value. This positive feedback indicates that Peking House may offer appealing lunch options that are both satisfying and affordable, served in what this reviewer describes as a "nice atmosphere." Additionally, they mention that there are "Plenty of good options to choose from at dinner time as well," suggesting a diverse menu beyond the lunch specials.

However, a contrasting perspective is offered by another Morgantown native who has been a customer since childhood. Their review begins by stating that "Peking House is such a mixed bag," immediately indicating an inconsistent experience. This long-time patron notes a "decline" in the restaurant's quality that has become "MUCH more notable within these past few years." This suggests that while Peking House may have enjoyed a positive reputation in the past, recent changes or a lack of consistent standards may be affecting the current customer experience.

One of the key issues raised by this reviewer is the significant difference in food quality between in-house dining and takeout orders. They state that "the food in-house versus takeout is completely different," and while acknowledging that some variations are expected, they feel that the food eaten in-house is "leagues more fresh than to-go." This is a crucial point for local users to consider based on their preferred dining method. If opting for takeout, the quality may not be on par with dining at the restaurant itself, according to this personal experience.

Providing a specific example, the reviewer details a recent takeout order of "General Chicken and Chicken Fried Rice." They reported that the "white rice (which I had asked them to not include despite coming with the General Chicken), was cold and hard. The type of rice you’d expect that would be left out for hours." This description paints a concerning picture of the freshness and preparation of a basic staple. Furthermore, they found that "The breading on the Chicken was falling apart, and it was more onions and peppers than chicken," suggesting a lack of quality in the main dish, with a disproportionate amount of less expensive filler ingredients. While the "Fried Rice was fine," the reviewer noted that "it just tastes like the white rice with some veggies and soy sauce tossed in," implying a rather basic and perhaps uninspired preparation.

Beyond the food quality, the second reviewer also expressed significant dissatisfaction with the service, describing it as "abhorrent." They state that "The service was never something good in the first place," recalling past instances where the hostess seemed "irritated to even be there." However, their most recent experience was described as "especially was the worst." The issues began with the phone order, where they were met with an abrupt and impolite "What do you want?" instead of a proper greeting. The reviewer was then "scolded" for requesting no white rice and was hung up on without receiving an estimated time for the order. The only positive interaction seemed to occur upon arrival, which the reviewer attributes to the staff member recognizing them as a grandchild of familiar patrons, suggesting that the standard service for unfamiliar customers might be consistently poor.

Adding to the unusual aspects of Peking House, the reviewer mentions a sign near the kitchen stating something to the effect of "we’re known for warm beer, poor service," followed by a third item they could not recall. This self-deprecating humor, while perhaps intended to be quirky, could also be interpreted as an admission of shortcomings in key areas of the dining experience. Furthermore, the choice of displaying "Fox News" on the television at the bar was deemed inappropriate for a Chinese restaurant, or any restaurant for that matter, potentially creating an uncomfortable or politically charged atmosphere for some patrons.

The only redeeming quality mentioned by the second reviewer was the pricing, which they found not to be "horrible." However, they immediately qualify this by stating, "but considering the quality and service, you get what you pay for." This suggests that while the prices might be reasonable, they are reflective of the subpar food and service experienced. Ultimately, despite the potentially lower cost, this reviewer could not recommend Peking House over other Chinese restaurants in the area.

Considering these two contrasting reviews, Peking House Restaurant appears to be an establishment with a history in Morgantown that may offer affordable lunch options and a potentially "nice atmosphere" for dine-in customers, at least according to one long-time patron. However, recent experiences reported by another long-time local suggest a significant decline in food quality, particularly for takeout orders, and notably poor customer service, starting from phone interactions. The restaurant also seems to have some unconventional aspects to its ambiance and self-perception.

Given the mixed feedback, local users considering Peking House should weigh the potential for affordable lunch specials and a pleasant dine-in atmosphere against the reported issues with takeout food freshness and quality, as well as the concerns about rude and unprofessional service. The unusual acknowledgment of "poor service" by the restaurant itself is also a factor to consider.

As there is no mention of any specific promotional information in the provided reviews, local users interested in any potential discounts or special offers at Peking House Restaurant are advised to contact them directly at (304) 598-3333 or +1 304-598-3333. Inquiring with the restaurant staff may provide information on any current promotions that could influence a dining decision.

In conclusion, Peking House Restaurant in Morgantown, WV, presents a complex picture. While it may have once been a reliable local staple with affordable lunch options and a pleasant dine-in setting, recent feedback indicates significant concerns regarding the quality of takeout food and a pattern of poor customer service. The restaurant's own acknowledgment of "poor service" and the choice of television programming further contribute to a potentially unconventional dining experience. Local users should carefully consider these factors and perhaps prioritize recent experiences when deciding whether Peking House Restaurant meets their expectations for Chinese cuisine and overall dining satisfaction.