HIM: I would have the Generals Chicken for breakfast if it was socially acceptable. It is simple the best chicken I have ever put in my mouth. I have referred friends to this dish, and they have agreed. Ditto for the hot and sour soup. I am not impressed with the atmosphere, it’s a bit plain. With a little remodeling and advertisement (maybe even a sign here or there), this restaurant could charge a lot more for their dishes. But for now, I am enjoying the small check and empty restaurant (even on Friday and Saturday nights). It takes a lot to give a 5 in the taste category, but anything else would be short-changing them. A word of caution, they get real busy for lunch, but seem to handle it well. I have never had an excessive wait even during busy times. If you have to go to the bathrooms while your there, try to hold it until you get home. Note: they do run a weekly advertisement in the newspaper; use it to get a buy one get one free dish.
Pros: unbelievable food
Cons: bathrooms could be cleaner, atmosphere is drab
Ranking (1-5 stars, 5 being the best)
Cleanliness: 3
Atmosphere: 2
Taste: 5
SubTotal (HIM): 10 out of 15 stars
HER: Do you want the low down dirty truth? The China House is a paradigm of darn good food at a great value. The China House has become a regular rotation in my diet, and I can not say that it ever gets to be old. In fact, I often find myself craving their “to die for” Hot and Sour Soup while driving home from a long days work. But the goodness does not stop with the soup. For appetizers, their pot stickers are top notch and are accompanied by a hot, tangy sauce that adds to the flavor. For dishes, the General Chicken has a taste and texture that goes unmatched by any other Chinese restaurant, as does the Orange Beef. If you are looking for a restaurant to try new things, China House is one of the places I would recommend. Thus far, there is nothing to complain about, and I look forward to all the new tantalizing experiences in new dishes that await me. A word of caution however, the atmosphere has a quite, family-run feel great for casual families and dinners. Don’t expect immediate service, a fine-dining atmosphere, or a wine list.
Pros: Unbelievable General’s Chicken and hot and sour soup. A “can’t miss” well diversified menu.
Cons: Atmosphere and service could be better, but is not lacking
Ranking (1-5 stars, 5 being the best)
Cleanliness: 3.5
Atmosphere: 3
Taste: 4.5
SubTotal (HER): 11 out of 15 stars
Total (HIM & HER): 10.5 out of 15 stars
Price: $25, including tip and appetizers!
China House
711 E Bidwell St #5 / (916) 983-3919
Reviewed By Mike Volkin & Wife