Good, reliable, and tasty food... But so over priced for what it os and what you get!
Reviewed by :
Phil W.
On:
2/7/2013 4:56:00 AM
Very average old-school Chinese restaurant - like the ones you might have been to in the 1970s and 80s. If that is the type of Chinese food you prefer, I'd say No. 1 Chinese on William Street is better.The service is efficient and the food is not terrible per se, just not very interesting and quite expensive.I wavered between 2 and 3 stars, but I think the relative cost knocked it down to 2 stars.
Reviewed by :
Stuart B.
On:
1/25/2013 3:06:00 AM
Consistently good. A tad pricey, but they are the best game in town in the FIDI. Good egg rolls and hot and sour soup. Extra points for having dim sum and fast delivery. Also had Chilean sea bass which was very good too.
Reviewed by :
Rodney T.
On:
1/18/2013 2:14:00 AM
Good stuff
Reviewed by :
Pat C.
On:
12/24/2012 12:49:00 AM
I have been going here for years, first at the now closed John St location, then at the now closed Pearl St location and now here. The quality of the food has always been consistent and good. The menu is quite varied and substitutions/changes are handled without a problem. The staff is friendly and the service is prompt, which is just what you need in the hustle and bustle of the Financial District.For those who label this "Americanized Chinese", what do you expect? The vast majority of the customers are American and I challenge you to find a restaurant serving only "authentic" Chinese food outside of Chinatown where the population is predominately Chinese.
Reviewed by :
Puja P.
On:
11/19/2012 2:28:00 AM
UGH. I have to write this quickly just in case I die within the hour.I've wavered between 3 and 4 stars when considering the Chalet's review in my head before (nerd alert), but settled on a strong 2. "Meh, I've experienced better" is definitely a good summation of my various experiences with this restaurant.I've defended my decision to eat here to skeptical coworkers enough times, saying I wouldn't pay their prices if I didn't think it was worth it. For a while, it was...and only barely at that. I go between one of two dishes at standard (non-homestyle) Chinese places: shrimp fried rice, or shrimp with broccoli and white rice. Spicy, PLUS a side of hot oil, please. The standout feature of the fried rice is that China Chalet uses medium-to-large shrimp rather than the teensy ones most other places do, and it is seasoned well. I also prefer that my white rice is actually fried rather than being handed a bowl full of hot yellow rice with no other distinctive flavoring, and they also deliver on that front. The normal shrimp with broccoli order boasts perfectly textured shrimp that must've been fried twice, and broccoli still deliciously crunchy.The thing is, China Chalet is a little heavy-handed on the oil, so I tried once to get the shrimp and broccoli with less oil, and I could've sworn it came back swimming in twice as much. I joked about it then, but to be on the safe side , I asked for it steamed the next time. Broccoli - still good, shrimp - rubbery and twisted into weird shapes...I suspect it was overcooked.After today, I'm certain that the chef takes it very personally that I'm questioning his cooking skills, because though my coworker came with me and requested, in Chinese! (this was actually her idea...I had no idea why she was speaking to the host until he repeated the adjustments to my order in English and complimented her on knowing "how [I] like it"), less oil, there were actually TEASPOONS of oil left at the bottom of the takeout bowl when I finished eating. Now I know why only the first third of my meal was yummy, but it progressively felt more like I was trying to swallow gasoline. I can't go back anymore. I feel sick :(I feel guilty. The hosts - probably the owners - are adorable, and very animated. They also make an effort to get to know their patrons, and no one has ever mispronounced my name! The hot oil is the best I've ever tasted, which has me wondering whether they make it themselves. The mustard sauce is homemade, and it's awesome.Other things:Terrible fortune cookies (terrible cookies, terrible fortunes). The vegetable dumplings are green. Sat inside once and had lamb with scallions, and noodles, which was...good at the time, but unremarkable. My favorite thing about this place is the old-fashioned fancy Chinese restaurant decor. The novelty can make up for a lot, perhaps. I'm always half expecting Chinese businessmen who are actually in the mafia (is that a thing?) to take the table next to me, make plans in heated tones, laugh heartily, and exchange briefcases loaded with money.
Reviewed by :
Tina Y.
On:
11/14/2012 3:14:00 PM
Disgusting, overpriced, mediocre AMERICANIZED Chinese take out food.I usually don't get chinese food outside of chinatown, and that has usually been a good call, except after Hurricane Sandy left all of lower Manhattan without power, this place happened to be on Broadway and got its power back relatively soon. Our hungry electricity deprived selves decided to give this place a chance to redeem themselves from all the bad yelp reviews, but it lived up to it.I don't know how you can be so bad, yet still survive.
Reviewed by :
Luis F.
On:
10/15/2012 1:06:00 PM
Had some great authentic Chinese food right at Wall St! The place was "Wall St" prices, but nevertheless it was a tasty meal. Totally recommend the Spicy Beef plate, it was amazing an had me feeling big time.
Reviewed by :
Eugene H.
On:
9/28/2012 3:16:00 PM
I've got a long history of dining experiences in Chinese restaurants all over New York City. I ordered Szechuan-style bean curds on a Sunday evening near Trinity Church. For the price of something relatively simple such as bean curds, I don't think the dish was all that remarkable--at least not at $12.95. It had vegetables, mainly peas and carrots that looked like they came from the freezer section of any supermarket, and not much variety of vegetables at that, not even any of the more interesting Chinese vegetables that could've been in the dish. There was also a complete lack of spiciness that I've come to expect from Szechuan style cooking. I even asked the waiter to make sure the bean curds were to be very spicy. The outcome was very uninspiring.I've had far better Szechuan-style bean curds at half the price with better quality vegetables--large cubes of bean curd, sliced bamboo, water chestnuts, thick slices of carrots and fresh broccoli heads, high spice level--in Jersey City, and theirs came from solely a take-out, no-frills storefront in a poor neighborhood, not like Wall Street.The only thing good to say about China Chalet near Trinity Church is that their ambiance is excellent--considering that it is Wall Street--and the waitstaff is super fast and very polite, from the time I placed the order to the time I left for home.The dish I ordered is very much a standard menu item and they could've been more imaginative and generous in the dish's preparation for the price paid. Everything else on their menu is conspicuously OVER priced.
Reviewed by :
Tim G.
On:
9/13/2012 6:30:00 AM
Recently went here with some co-workers for an enjoyable lunch. Needless to say, the China Chalet provided that for us.Let me start off with- this place is gigantic inside. You walk up a flight of stairs and it seems like you walk through 10 rooms full of tables before you are seated. Not sure what they pay in rent, but dayum.I thought the food was OK, but OK is fine in this situation. It really met my expectation for a Chinese food place in the middle of the hustle & bustle of the Financial District.I'd probably go back here as it's one of the few sitdown Chinese places in the area. Seriously though, it isn't a bad place, thats why it's a 5 on the LBD.
Reviewed by :
Andrew D.
On:
9/4/2012 10:03:00 PM
The best Chinese in FiDii/Battery Park by far. Get the wet chow fun and the scallion pancake and don't forget to ask for a side of ginger scallion sauce (not on the menu), which is made fresh and rivals Great New York Noodletown's.
Reviewed by :
Howard H.
On:
8/29/2012 7:38:00 PM
Way overpriced and crappy fake Chinese food. Only my Jewish buddy from Long Island eats here (sorry Todd but it sucks).
Reviewed by :
Alexandra M.
On:
8/2/2012 7:32:00 AM
A little pricey, but the pork fried rice was really great. The beef with snow pea pods was more snow pea pods with a side of beef. Fast delivery though.
Reviewed by :
Patrick M.
On:
7/31/2012 3:20:00 AM
This has become my goto for chinese delivery in fhe Financial District. The entree prices are not as out of line with what one would expect to pay for american style chinese takeout/delivery. I will agree with the other yelpers' that the prices for soup, egg rolls etc. are out of whack. Still, it isn't as if anyone is breaking the bank on eggrolls. Try the Juicy Pork Bun.
Reviewed by :
Teresa M.
On:
4/9/2012 11:29:00 AM
Yes, it is a bit more expensive than Chinatown, but we're not in Chinatown. And the quality and amount of meat is worth it. I've only been twice since we've moved here last week. Both times I got the hua fun (but they call it mai fun here)? Sorry, I'm viet but my husband is chinese/taiwanese & the one who speaks mandarin. So the chinese words are the same, but the english translations are different from restaurant to restaurant or something?I order it everywhere I go and this is the best place of the 2 dozen chinese restaurants in Manhattan. It's flat broad noodles. It's like the Viet dish, "banh uoc" or "banh quan." They actually take the time to peel each strip so that more surface area gets soak in the marinade. I hate when restaurants get lazy and you get this big chunk stuck to each other and when I pull it apart myself, there are white spots that are not covered in the marinade. I know, I'm picky :). Also the beef is well seasoned and tender. And generous portions! I think it was $12-13 for the plate, but even lunch specials elsewhere for $6 would not give you as much meat even if you bought 2 orders of it.But not 5 stars because husband's dishes were not that yummy. Well, he liked his first dish of beef & asparagus. But did not like his 2nd dish of tofu. I dont see how any tofu dish could be edible, but that's just me. And he also thought it was supposed to be fried tofu and it came out the non-fried type, so maybe that's why he was dissappointed and not as appetizing to him.So maybe I just got lucky on one of my favorite dishes? And it seems like the yelp complaints are people ordering Americanized dishes?Also, we just worked out so were in our gym clothes while everyone else was in a suit...but they were still welcoming. I believe they even have a freaking coat check!?!?!Only complaint, no lunch specials! First time we came during dinner. But I thought 2nd time we come during lunch should have lunch specials, but apparently not? So I guess I'll only go here for dinner.
Reviewed by :
Christopher S.
On:
4/8/2012 3:43:00 AM
My family and I ate there last weekend and had no problems finding an open seat; for good reason. The food just didn't taste good. My Orange Chicken came out nearly burned and dried out. Apparently the Chicken Fried Rice came okay but the Lemon Chicken was drowning in sauce. I wondered what it was covering up but I wasn't in the mood to take chances. The service was fine but the restaurant itself was poorly maintained, a sure sign the managers didn't care about the experience. If you come across this place, keep walking.
Reviewed by :
John L.
On:
2/16/2012 8:39:00 PM
My wife and I had lunch here today - BIG mistake. First sign, you're greeted at the door by a nice older Caucasian man, the host, which i found odd at a Chinese restaurant. Second, the prices - ridiculous. Third, my wife found a small CENTIPEDE in her tea, it came out of the teapot, and thankfully she noticed it before she drank it. The managers came over and apologized, but did nothing as far as giving us a break on the overpriced bill. Third, the food was lame, american-ized chinese food that wasn't even cooked well, my sliced chicken was way too soft and her Wonton noodle soup was completely americanized. Really? and $40 including tip for this?? stay away.
Reviewed by :
Alexandra C.
On:
2/1/2012 1:06:00 PM
Are these ridiculously high prices for Chinese food for real? And for what?? At least I had my weekly serving of oil. Yum.Options in FiDi are really beginning to frighten me.Next! But where? .............
Reviewed by :
Vlad C.
On:
2/1/2012 10:25:00 PM
I should have read the reviews first, you should too.Place is dingy and antiquated. I got the chicken chowmein special. Server had a thick accent, I thought he said "you know the chowmein has noodles" but he actually said it DIDN'T. no apologies later either.The chowmein had a slop/gelatin consistency and it was horrible! Just chicken, some vegetables, and the sauce. It looked like someone threw it up. When food doesn't look good, it's not appetizing.The pork fried rice was decent as well as the spring roll. My buddy got general tsao chicken which was over done but it was ok.overall, the place look like crap, the food MAY be ok, but its pricey (area?) and the service is crap. when i visit new york again, i will NOT go back here.
Reviewed by :
healwhans
On:
2002-10-10
I went to this place twice, always give a place a second chance. Both attempts were not good. The first trip, they made me and my guests check everything at the door because they didn't want wet coats on the seats, etc. ...?
Reviewed by :
sluigij
On:
2003-02-01
I eat at China Chalet about once a month and always enjoy myself. Both locations are good - Broadway & Pearl St. It's not gourmet Chinese, but they do have a large menu and the food is tasty, the portions generous, and the prices fair ...?
Reviewed by :
harry t.
On:
2005-08-13
Don't get me wrong, China Chalet serves excellent food, but it's just way to expensive for take out. I know that things are usually more expensive downtime, but it can't be that expensive! I mean, any generic chinese restaurant can make ...?
Reviewed by :
pbrucas
On:
2006-01-30
I've been a customer for some twenty years. This place has become like an old friend. You know what to expect and they don't let you down. The food is fresh, tasty and well prepared. The restaurant is clean and comfortable. ...?
Reviewed by :
Michael
On:
2006-04-08
This is mediocre Chinese food at best, and is fairly expensive as well. If you can go to Chinatown, you can get much better for much cheaper. That said, it seems to be one of the only Chinese restaurants delivering to my area of Battery ...?
Reviewed by :
joedon
On:
2006-08-04
The waitress had no manners. They push you to buy appettizers that you don't want. Horrible experience. I totally think they sell you cat for chicken. ...?
Reviewed by :
MichelleT9805
On:
2007-10-13
are extremely reasonable. The setting and theme of all three of the China Chalet restuarants are cozy and comfortable. Service is fast and friendly. Among my favorite restuarants, as a resident of Manhattan. I would definitely recommend visiting if youre in the ...?
Reviewed by :
marcb5335
On:
2007-12-18
location) at least once a week. The combo special is a good deal too, and at around $13 it cant be beat. Even if I didnt work in the area I would still probably come here from time to time! This place is Al Blum approved! ...?
Reviewed by :
PatriciaG0782
On:
2008-05-09
would want to eat here is a mystery to me. Maybe it's ok for Staten Island, where they started, but not for a neighborhood that's within spitting distance of Chinatown. Never again!! ...?
Reviewed by :
KenY1452544
On:
2008-05-09
Manhattan, I was a bit surprised at the cost at this place. The food was good, but you can get better Chinese food a few blocks up in Chinatown and at a lower cost. ...?
Reviewed by :
JosephS8701
On:
2008-05-12
good Chinese food for both dining in and take out, lunch as well as dinner. Popular take out for the late working crowd. Popular lunch spot for the wall street crowd as well. ...?
Reviewed by :
CarolynB376980
On:
2008-05-30
Menu specials add tasty options to an already large menu. The waitstaff is attentive, but can be too quick to clear some items. Good food at affordable prices. ...?
Reviewed by :
Anonymous
On:
2009-01-22
The delivery van from this place kill 2 little kids and injured many in some careless driving in chinatown. Keep this in mind when you want to patronize this restaurant.?
Reviewed by :
Amber M.
On:
2009-07-21
Great Dim Sum. And the service is fast and fresh. Delicious main courses, sized to share. Delivery service to the Wall Street area on the weekend is a big plus. On the weekends you can catch some raucous parties happening upstairs! ...?
Reviewed by :
BenB4395
On:
2009-08-06
If you order one of the house favorites you MAY get something good otherwise it depends on the cook who makes your dish. The combo plates are just that a group food at a low price. I tried the place four times before choosing to pass ...?
Reviewed by :
Anonymous
On:
2009-09-03
A Downtown institution with three locations that's been around for 30+ years, China Chalet has perfected their menu offerings through years of experience serving the hoards of bankers in the area. Known for their dependable quality and ...?
Reviewed by : Rob M. On: 3/15/2013 7:23:00 AM
Reviewed by : Phil W. On: 2/7/2013 4:56:00 AM
Reviewed by : Stuart B. On: 1/25/2013 3:06:00 AM
Reviewed by : Rodney T. On: 1/18/2013 2:14:00 AM
Reviewed by : Pat C. On: 12/24/2012 12:49:00 AM
Reviewed by : Puja P. On: 11/19/2012 2:28:00 AM
Reviewed by : Tina Y. On: 11/14/2012 3:14:00 PM
Reviewed by : Luis F. On: 10/15/2012 1:06:00 PM
Reviewed by : Eugene H. On: 9/28/2012 3:16:00 PM
Reviewed by : Tim G. On: 9/13/2012 6:30:00 AM
Reviewed by : Andrew D. On: 9/4/2012 10:03:00 PM
Reviewed by : Howard H. On: 8/29/2012 7:38:00 PM
Reviewed by : Alexandra M. On: 8/2/2012 7:32:00 AM
Reviewed by : Patrick M. On: 7/31/2012 3:20:00 AM
Reviewed by : Teresa M. On: 4/9/2012 11:29:00 AM
Reviewed by : Christopher S. On: 4/8/2012 3:43:00 AM
Reviewed by : John L. On: 2/16/2012 8:39:00 PM
Reviewed by : Alexandra C. On: 2/1/2012 1:06:00 PM
Reviewed by : Vlad C. On: 2/1/2012 10:25:00 PM
Reviewed by : healwhans On: 2002-10-10
Reviewed by : sluigij On: 2003-02-01
Reviewed by : harry t. On: 2005-08-13
Reviewed by : pbrucas On: 2006-01-30
Reviewed by : Michael On: 2006-04-08
Reviewed by : joedon On: 2006-08-04
Reviewed by : MichelleT9805 On: 2007-10-13
Reviewed by : marcb5335 On: 2007-12-18
Reviewed by : PatriciaG0782 On: 2008-05-09
Reviewed by : KenY1452544 On: 2008-05-09
Reviewed by : JosephS8701 On: 2008-05-12
Reviewed by : CarolynB376980 On: 2008-05-30
Reviewed by : Anonymous On: 2009-01-22
Reviewed by : Amber M. On: 2009-07-21
Reviewed by : BenB4395 On: 2009-08-06
Reviewed by : Anonymous On: 2009-09-03