Shanghai Bistro

Shanghai Bistro, located at 2200 War Admiral Way UNIT 170, Lexington, KY 40509, USA, is a Chinese restaurant offering a range of popular dishes to the local community. It aims to provide a convenient and flavorful option for those seeking American Chinese cuisine in the Lexington area.

For inquiries or to place an order, Shanghai Bistro can be reached by phone at (859) 543-0888. A mobile phone number is also available at +1 859-543-0888, ensuring accessible contact for customers.

As a "Bistro" and given its address within a unit of a commercial complex, Shanghai Bistro likely operates with a focus on efficiency for both dine-in and takeout services. The environment is probably designed to be functional and clean, typical of a modern Chinese restaurant in a retail setting. While specific details about the decor are not provided, such establishments often feature a straightforward layout with seating arrangements that cater to various group sizes, along with a prominent counter for ordering and pickup. The overall ambiance would lean towards casual dining, suitable for a quick lunch, family dinner, or a convenient grab-and-go meal. The emphasis would be on providing a comfortable space where customers can enjoy their food, whether on-site or as a brief stop for takeout. The cleanliness and organization of the space contribute significantly to the perceived ambiance and overall customer comfort.

Shanghai Bistro primarily offers prepared Chinese cuisine for its patrons. The core services almost certainly include both dine-in and takeout options, catering to the varying preferences of customers. Given its location and the prevalent trends in the restaurant industry, it is also highly probable that Shanghai Bistro offers delivery services through its own staff or via third-party delivery platforms, providing an added layer of convenience for those who prefer to eat at home or work. The efficiency of service is a key aspect, with customers often expecting quick preparation times, especially for takeout orders. The interaction with staff at the counter is a critical part of the service experience, as highlighted by conflicting customer reviews. While one reviewer describes the "lady at the counter" as "always so friendly," another details a negative encounter where they were "yelled at by the worker" when inquiring about portion size. This suggests variability in customer service experiences.

The cuisine at Shanghai Bistro focuses on popular American Chinese dishes, catering to a broad palate. A key feature highlighted by customers is the **quality of the food**, with one reviewer enthusiastically stating, "The quality of the food is one of the best in town." This indicates a commitment to fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes.

Specific dishes that are prominently featured and recommended by customers include:

• Amazing Chicken: This dish is mentioned as a favorite, suggesting it's a signature item with a unique and appealing flavor profile, often a sweet and spicy chicken preparation.
• Cashew Chicken: Also listed as a favorite, indicating a well-executed classic with tender chicken and crunchy cashews, often in a savory sauce.

The concept of value also emerges as a feature, with a customer noting that "$17 for food I can get two meals out of is just a bonus." This suggests generous portion sizes for some dishes, providing good value for the price. However, this is directly contradicted by another review which found "very small amount of food for price" for a $20 dish, indicating inconsistency in portioning or a disconnect in customer expectation versus offering. The menu likely encompasses a wide array of typical Chinese-American fare, including various chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp dishes, alongside rice, noodles, and appetizer selections, aiming to offer a comforting and familiar range of options.

While specific, explicit promotional campaigns like discounts or loyalty programs are not detailed, the restaurant's pricing and perceived value for money serve as implicit promotional tools. The claim of "quality of the food is one of the best in town" acts as a powerful draw for potential customers seeking superior taste.

However, customer experiences with Shanghai Bistro present a significant dichotomy, particularly regarding staff interaction and portion sizes, which directly impact the perceived value and overall dining experience.

One customer expressed immense satisfaction:

• High Food Quality: "I absolutely love this place. The quality of the food is one of the best in town."
• Favorite Dishes: High praise for "The Amazing Chicken and Cashew Chicken."
• Good Value: "$17 for food I can get two meals out of is just a bonus," suggesting generous portions.
• Friendly Staff: "The lady at the counter is always so friendly." This contributes significantly to a positive interaction.
• Loyalty: "I will be back many more times."

Conversely, another customer had a profoundly negative experience:

• Poor Value/Small Portions: "This is 20 dollars. Very small amount of food for price." This directly contradicts the positive review on portion size and value.
• Rude Staff: "Person at the counter was rude. Asked about the portion and was yelled at by the worker." This serious complaint suggests significant customer service issues.
• Perceived Staff Issues: The customer inferred, "From looking at other reviews, I can see why now because it seems like she might have anger issues."
• Strong Dissatisfaction: "I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for decades so it takes A LOT for me to complain. Will never go here again 👎" This indicates a deeply negative and memorable experience.

This stark contrast in reviews, particularly concerning the same staff member ("the lady at the counter" vs. "the worker"), highlights extreme inconsistency in customer service. Potential diners should be aware that while the food itself might be of high quality for some, the overall experience can be significantly impacted by staff interaction and perceived value, which varies greatly among patrons. This mixed feedback is crucial for objective introduction to users.

In conclusion, Shanghai Bistro in Lexington, KY, offers American Chinese cuisine with a focus on quality, as evidenced by positive reviews of dishes like Amazing Chicken and Cashew Chicken. The restaurant's appeal is also tied to its potential for good value through generous portions, though this is a point of contention among customers. Crucially, the customer service experience appears to be highly inconsistent, ranging from very friendly interactions to instances of rudeness and yelling, which has led to significant dissatisfaction for some patrons. Prospective diners should consider these varied aspects when choosing Shanghai Bistro.