Shanghai on Elm

Shanghai on Elm is a Chinese restaurant situated at 700 Elm St in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio (zip code 45202), USA. Catering to both early diners and the late-night crowd, Shanghai on Elm operates within the Chinese Restaurant category and can be contacted at (513) 906-7000 or via their mobile number +1 513-906-7000 for reservations or inquiries.

Based on recent customer reviews, Shanghai on Elm presents a unique offering, particularly its late operating hours and bar service, alongside its Chinese cuisine. One customer recounted a positive experience visiting after work on a rainy night. They chose to sit at the bar and enjoyed the "spicy mango pineapple margarita." Their food order was delivered quickly, described as "hot and delicious." A significant advantage highlighted was the kitchen being open late, making it a convenient option for those seeking a meal after typical dining hours. The reviewer also commended the bartenders for their excellent service and engaging personality, expressing a definite intention to return.

Another, more detailed review, characterizes Shanghai on Elm as a "Late-Night Gem in the Heart of Downtown." This customer, visiting around 1:30 AM on a Friday, corroborated the late operating hours, noting that the restaurant stays open until 2 AM, which they found to be a "true savior for night owls." They described the late-night atmosphere as "lively," evoking the energy of a bustling street eatery in Hong Kong or Tokyo. The downtown Cincinnati location was perceived as a "hidden gem" catering to the late-night demographic.

However, this second review presented a more mixed assessment of the food. The customer ordered the Mongolian beef with white rice and found the portion size satisfying. However, they noted that the dish was "drenched in excess oil or sauce," requiring them to drain a significant amount, which detracted from their overall enjoyment. Their girlfriend opted for the chicken pad thai, which she enjoyed. In contrast, the reviewer found the pad thai to have an "eggy taste and aroma" that was "overpowering" to their palate. Interestingly, the reviewer did appreciate the unique "tilting style" of the glasses, comparing them to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The service was described as "brief yet friendly," which the reviewer found fitting for a late-night establishment where efficiency is important. While they stated they "wouldn’t go out of my way to return," they would consider it again if in need of a meal after hours. The reviewer also drew a comparison between Shanghai on Elm's menu and that of Wong’s ‘ORIENTAL WOK,’ noting a near identical menu but suggesting that the quality at Shanghai on Elm does not match that of ‘the wok.’ The review concluded by suggesting that a visit to Shanghai on Elm could be a "hit or miss" experience and recommended trying it at least once to see if it meets individual preferences.

Based on these reviews, several key aspects of Shanghai on Elm can be identified:

• Late-Night Dining: A significant feature is its extended operating hours, staying open until 2 AM, catering to those seeking a meal late at night in downtown Cincinnati.
• Bar Service: The restaurant has a bar area and offers cocktails, such as the positively reviewed spicy mango pineapple margarita.
• Lively Atmosphere: Especially during late-night hours, the restaurant is described as having a lively atmosphere reminiscent of bustling Asian street eateries.
• Quick Service: Food appears to be served promptly, particularly noted by the customer who dined at the bar.
• Satisfying Portion Sizes: At least one dish, the Mongolian beef, was noted for having a satisfying portion.
• Potentially Inconsistent Food Quality: Reviews suggest a variability in the quality and preparation of dishes, with one customer finding the Mongolian beef overly oily and another finding the Chicken Pad Thai's eggy flavor overpowering.
• Friendly but Brief Service: The service is described as efficient and friendly, which may be typical for a late-night establishment.
• Unique Drinkware: The restaurant uses glasses with a distinctive tilting design that some customers find interesting.
• Menu Similarity to Wong's ‘ORIENTAL WOK’ (with a perceived difference in quality): The menu is reportedly very similar to another local establishment, Wong's ‘ORIENTAL WOK,’ but at least one reviewer suggests a difference in food quality.

The environment of Shanghai on Elm seems to transition from a regular dining setting to a more lively, late-night atmosphere as the evening progresses. The presence of a bar indicates a social element to the establishment. The comparison to street eateries in Hong Kong or Tokyo suggests a potentially vibrant and energetic ambiance, particularly appealing to the late-night crowd in downtown Cincinnati.

In terms of services, Shanghai on Elm offers both dine-in and bar service. The quick food delivery mentioned by one reviewer suggests efficient kitchen operations. As a late-night option, it provides a valuable service to those working late or enjoying the downtown nightlife. While delivery service is not explicitly mentioned, it is a possibility given the prevalence of this service among restaurants today, especially in urban areas. However, this cannot be confirmed based solely on the provided reviews.

The reviews do not contain any specific information about ongoing promotions or special offers at Shanghai on Elm. Restaurants often have promotions to attract customers, such as happy hour specials at the bar, discounts on certain menu items during specific times, or late-night deals. To learn about any current promotions, it would be best to contact Shanghai on Elm directly at (513) 906-7000 or visit their website or social media pages if they have them.

In conclusion, Shanghai on Elm presents itself as a convenient late-night Chinese dining option in downtown Cincinnati, complete with a bar serving unique cocktails. The atmosphere is described as lively, particularly appealing to the night-time crowd. While the service is reported to be quick and friendly, customer experiences with the food seem to vary, with some dishes receiving positive feedback while others are criticized for being overly oily or having overpowering flavors. The restaurant's menu is reportedly similar to Wong’s ‘ORIENTAL WOK,’ though with a perceived difference in quality. Potential customers, especially those seeking a late-night meal in a vibrant setting, might find Shanghai on Elm worth trying, keeping in mind that individual experiences with the food may differ. To inquire about their full menu, hours, and any current promotions, contacting the restaurant directly is recommended.