Someone had reminded me about the review I had done in the past for this restaurant, I have been meaning to update this review. I realized one of the problems I have had with Delaware asian food is the Americanized versions that are served around the area. There have been many times that I have noted there is food on the menu that isn't that great, but I see the staff cooking and eating their meal that looks awesome. I went back to the Crownery to try different things on the menu and ordered off the Special Oriental Flavor dishes. This made a HUGE difference. The food was excellent and well made. The noodles with gravy are not repurposed poorly cooked italian pasta. The gravy is thick, rich, and have a layered flavor to them. The seafood, chicken, and vegetables are well prepared and complemented by the gravy. This menu makes the difference and tastes like what I expect of Chinese food. The Crownery is the best Chinese food I have had in Delaware and I continue to return there for food. Unfortunately it is a little out of the way for me, but worth it.
(4)
Blondi S.
The Chicken with Ginger Black bean sauce was highly saturated in oil. So much oil you could pour it off and still not lose the black bean sauce. It was very greasy and heavy as a result. The chicken breading absorbed a lot of the grease too. The pork fried rice barely had pork in it. You really had to look for it and It tasted like white rice. The Crispy Beef Orange flavor was breaded too much. For the price it was not worth it. If you spend a lot they give you a free quart of Wonton soup, eggroll or chicken wings.I would rather have had good chinese food not greasy tasteless chinese food. Live and Learn!
(2)
Francine S.
I just finished speaking on the phone with the people at this restaurant. After FINDING A CATERPILLAR IN MY FOOD. I have NEVER written a poor review for a Chinese restaurant- I order Chinese take out every Friday night (and could barely live without it). I was happily eating my steamed shrimp with mixed vegetables when I realized that what I had previously thought a piece of mushroom, was an insect. A big one. With a lot of legs. And eyes. After I finished throwing up, we called the restaurant. They offered a free meal next order... Then told me "I'll tell the cook to watch out for these things." I understand gross things happen. But please don't offer me more of your food or a really mediocre response. They did refund us eventually but I cannot possibly eat there again and had to let other people know what had happened. (The extra star is because they did refund our money)
(2)
Caitlin M.
This place is just alright. Food doesn't have that much taste. If you want something to have interesting flavor and not be greasy and boring, order off the Chinese menu. It is way better.
(2)
Mr D.
The Crownery has the best steamed dumplings in the area. I have been a long time customer - double digit years. Spicey wantons are great too. However, my last visit has me worried a little. The service was bad. Waitress was texting on her phone so much - it was hard to get a water refill. No one was correcting her actions either. We decided to try "crunchy ribs." They were $18.95. The Crownery should be embarrassed to serve this dish - especially for that price. We will try again...another strike and we will look elsewhere.
(3)
Mary M.
Quick service. Never had a problem with take-out food. Eating in The Crownery always tastes better. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It's the only Chinese restaurant I will use in the immediate area.
(4)
Alistair G.
Excellent food from both the regular and the "Oriental" menu (names written in hanzi but with English descriptions). A little pricier than nearby competition but the atmosphere is off-the-charts superior. This is a proper restaurant that does takeout NOT a takeout with a few tables. Food wise The Crownery is the one to beat in the area - I have found individual dishes that prefer elsewhere but that is rare. This place is consistent and just a nice place to eat.
(5)
Dianne C.
I'm surprised this restaurant gets high ratings as, we haven't been here for a while after being disappointed by their food. We decided to give them a try after church on a Saturday night. It was around 6:15 and not crowded at all. I am thinking they do a better take out business. The prices are very high in the first 4 pages or so until you find the pages with the combo specials, which to me is usually a better value for your buck. Our son ordered Shrimp with Cashews off the regular menu and said it wasn't that flavorful to him and 'just okay'. I ended up tossing his leftovers and he always usually eats them, but he also said his stomach bothered him the next day and was afraid to eat the rest! Hubby ordered shrimp chow mein and a eggroll off the combo menu. The shrimp was small (as was our son's shrimp) and the chow mein part was a soupy mess. I offered him some of my rice to sop up the 'gravy'. I had a very small bowl of Won ton soup and Sweet and Sour chicken. The rice and chicken were both dry and tasteless. The sauce was very watered down and bland too. Thank goodness for the pineapple on the side as it offered the dish some taste. The guys had egg rolls which looked a bit over fried. This cost almost $50 and my son was treating us and we felt bad that we couldn't rave about the food. A family came in, a large group of 8 or so who obviously knew the owner and they were treated with kid gloves. Our server didn't even offer us a pot of tea which we saw the people next to us being served. How strange for a Chinese restaurant! Last time here.
(2)
Albert L.
Grew up next door to Lantana Square, and still go to Crownery for reliable Chinese food. Family friends with the owners, so we know the quality that's put in here. Service is always good in my experience. You won't find any fancy schmancy tapas-style or modern fusion things at The Crownery. The interior decor has been basically the same since the 90's, so it's a great way to escape back to the times when you had large parties at large round tables. You're going to find honest, homestyle Cantonese and Mandarin dishes. Sure, you can order the Americanized stuff, but if you really want what's good, ask for the Chinese menu. Yes, there is a separate menu that is all in Chinese. If you can't read Chinese, then just ask your server for their reco based on what you like. One item that I do like from their Americanized menus is the Beef ChowFun - it's got that classic greasiness to it. Oh and their spin on Hot and Sour Soup is good because they use tiger lilies in it. Anywany, for some good authentic dishes, go for some "Fish Casserole/Stone Pot", "Pork, Tofu, and Veg Stir Fry", "Bean Shoots with Garlic", and the "Cracked Pan-Cooked Lobster". The reason I put these in quotes is because I really only know these dishes by name in Chinese. The "Salt and Pepper Squid" is good as well. This is the neighborhood place you want to go to for some quality Chinese food that you can pick from a large and comprehensive menu.
(4)
Mike P.
Used to love this place, but haven't been here for a while. So, the wife and I stopped for dinner last night. The rear dining room smelled like the automatic air freshener they spray in the bathrooms. The hot and sour soup (usually great) tasted watered down. My shrimp all had black, slimy, gritty veins in them, and were overcooked. A few had a slight taste of something like Pine Sol. The young waitress was sitting with a group of customers (giggling while they all checked out something on her iPhone), so we had to ask the hostess for our check. Then we waited for the waitress to take our credit card, but she was back at the other customer's table playing a game on her smart phone (again) - so I walked the check and my payment to the cashier. What a shame, this used to be a dependably nice place. A real shame.
(1)
Frank S.
This place has become my standard for Chinese food and I feel lucky to live down the street. I'm a regular take-out guy here and occasionally dine-in. Looking for dine-in Chinese place for a date where it's quiet and you can talk? Taking mom out for Chinese and you know she's particular about 'decor'? Want to go out for Chinese with a group and use one of those lazy susan tables? This is the place. By far the best in the area and better than most others I've tried in northern DE. Try the Singapore Mai Fun, Chicken w/String Beans, or the old standard Chicken w/Garlic Sauce.
(4)
Stef B.
Delicious Chinese food. I have been eating here since this place opened in the 1990s and it has been my favorite Chinese place ever since. Clean food, excellent service, and lightning fast takeout.
(5)
Barbara W.
Halfway between where we live and where my husband works is this yummy-rific Chinese restaurant. My new favorite place for lunch dates. In my eternal search for great hot and sour soup, the Crownery is as good as it gets, and it passed my "not vegetarian" test with the addition of tasty morsels of pork. The entrees we've had here are fresh and well spiced. Today we were there for lunch (it was a slow day) and the whole staff was pitching in de-stemming pea pods...apparently in anticipation of the dinner rush. I know, I have another good review out there for a great Chinese place in Delaware, but hot-dang...how often are we in a position to spend $50 (two people for lunch) to go to the other place? NOT OFTEN. For quality AND price, head to The Crownery.
(4)
Craig M.
Great food. We always get takeout. Generals chicken, sesame chicken, pork fried rice... All great.
(5)
Tricia R.
A family favorite when we lived in Delaware - this place serves authentic Cantonese-style food. Granted, if you order off of the English menu, you might miss out on some of the more traditional dishes. This place also does great menus for banquets/large parties, and service is always stellar!
(4)
Andrew M.
Maybe its the readers choice awards that make people expect more. But I question the negative reviews. I don't know what some people are looking for, but this is one of the best Chinese food restaurants I have been to. I have never had a bad meal here. And Chinese people eat here, so that says something. They even have a separate menu in Chinese. The regular menu is very large and my favorite is any duck meal. Wor shu opp and Hawaii 5-0 are 2 of my favorites. The service is attentive, but I wish some of the staff spoke better English. The food always comes out fast. They do not overcook the food, so many negative comments I read were about the veggies being undercooked, but they taste better that way. If this is bad Chinese food, please tell me what good Chinese food is and where I can find it. I challenge you. For Chinese new year they have a buffet for 3 nights in Jan or Feb. It is a great way to try some of the things you wouldn't know to order. The only negative thing I ever had happen here was they forgot an egg roll with a take out order once, but I go here at least once a month and have never had bad service or waited long for my food. And I just have never had a bad meal.
(5)
Ruben L.
Digga Dang! Who knew in the state of Delaware, let alone a city called Hockessin could you find such tasty Chinese food. I came to our "nation's first state" for a wedding, and came here for my friend's wedding rehearsal. We had a traditional Chinese meal which rocked about 10 different courses. My personal faves were the duck, vietnamese style beef, and the lobster. Just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, they brought another course, and suddenly there was more room. If you happen to be out this way, and are craving Chinese, check it out. Chuck Norris Rating- Drop Kick... to your junk!
(5)
Alex M.
Good chinese food with decent dumplings.
(3)
Kevin B.
For years this was my families first choice for Chinese food in Delaware. Unfortunately, I have nothing good to report these days. My wife and I went there and ate in the dining room. All of the food we ordered was greasy as hell. One dish, and the rice was actually cold, COLD!. Delaware, you deserve better.
(1)
E F.
Best pork & shrimp eggrolls ever!! :) I love the Chicken in Ginger Sauce - lots of veggies!! I am a picky "chicken" eater and I like that this is white meat chicken. Much better quality than elsewhere. Also, love the crispy noodles. It's a nice touch and I don't see them anywhere on the west coast! I do mostly take out, but it's fun to eat in too!
(4)
Daniel S.
I have to give it 4 stars. The Crownery has a lot of great dishes and great food worth 5 stars, but I have heard bad things about eating in and I always do takeout. I definitely love their food. If you are having the Crownery for the first time, here are my personal recommendations. 1. General Chicken -A sweet chicken with a little bit of heat. 2. Pork Fried Rice -A delicious rice that isn't too salty. I also recommend the Chicken Fried Rice. 3. Wonton -This is my standard for all other wonton. Okay, so after reading my review I hope you order some take out and enjoy the Crownery for a long time.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Jason N.
Someone had reminded me about the review I had done in the past for this restaurant, I have been meaning to update this review. I realized one of the problems I have had with Delaware asian food is the Americanized versions that are served around the area. There have been many times that I have noted there is food on the menu that isn't that great, but I see the staff cooking and eating their meal that looks awesome. I went back to the Crownery to try different things on the menu and ordered off the Special Oriental Flavor dishes. This made a HUGE difference. The food was excellent and well made. The noodles with gravy are not repurposed poorly cooked italian pasta. The gravy is thick, rich, and have a layered flavor to them. The seafood, chicken, and vegetables are well prepared and complemented by the gravy. This menu makes the difference and tastes like what I expect of Chinese food. The Crownery is the best Chinese food I have had in Delaware and I continue to return there for food. Unfortunately it is a little out of the way for me, but worth it.
(4)Blondi S.
The Chicken with Ginger Black bean sauce was highly saturated in oil. So much oil you could pour it off and still not lose the black bean sauce. It was very greasy and heavy as a result. The chicken breading absorbed a lot of the grease too. The pork fried rice barely had pork in it. You really had to look for it and It tasted like white rice. The Crispy Beef Orange flavor was breaded too much. For the price it was not worth it. If you spend a lot they give you a free quart of Wonton soup, eggroll or chicken wings.I would rather have had good chinese food not greasy tasteless chinese food. Live and Learn!
(2)Francine S.
I just finished speaking on the phone with the people at this restaurant. After FINDING A CATERPILLAR IN MY FOOD. I have NEVER written a poor review for a Chinese restaurant- I order Chinese take out every Friday night (and could barely live without it). I was happily eating my steamed shrimp with mixed vegetables when I realized that what I had previously thought a piece of mushroom, was an insect. A big one. With a lot of legs. And eyes. After I finished throwing up, we called the restaurant. They offered a free meal next order... Then told me "I'll tell the cook to watch out for these things." I understand gross things happen. But please don't offer me more of your food or a really mediocre response. They did refund us eventually but I cannot possibly eat there again and had to let other people know what had happened. (The extra star is because they did refund our money)
(2)Caitlin M.
This place is just alright. Food doesn't have that much taste. If you want something to have interesting flavor and not be greasy and boring, order off the Chinese menu. It is way better.
(2)Mr D.
The Crownery has the best steamed dumplings in the area. I have been a long time customer - double digit years. Spicey wantons are great too. However, my last visit has me worried a little. The service was bad. Waitress was texting on her phone so much - it was hard to get a water refill. No one was correcting her actions either. We decided to try "crunchy ribs." They were $18.95. The Crownery should be embarrassed to serve this dish - especially for that price. We will try again...another strike and we will look elsewhere.
(3)Mary M.
Quick service. Never had a problem with take-out food. Eating in The Crownery always tastes better. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It's the only Chinese restaurant I will use in the immediate area.
(4)Alistair G.
Excellent food from both the regular and the "Oriental" menu (names written in hanzi but with English descriptions). A little pricier than nearby competition but the atmosphere is off-the-charts superior. This is a proper restaurant that does takeout NOT a takeout with a few tables. Food wise The Crownery is the one to beat in the area - I have found individual dishes that prefer elsewhere but that is rare. This place is consistent and just a nice place to eat.
(5)Dianne C.
I'm surprised this restaurant gets high ratings as, we haven't been here for a while after being disappointed by their food. We decided to give them a try after church on a Saturday night. It was around 6:15 and not crowded at all. I am thinking they do a better take out business. The prices are very high in the first 4 pages or so until you find the pages with the combo specials, which to me is usually a better value for your buck. Our son ordered Shrimp with Cashews off the regular menu and said it wasn't that flavorful to him and 'just okay'. I ended up tossing his leftovers and he always usually eats them, but he also said his stomach bothered him the next day and was afraid to eat the rest! Hubby ordered shrimp chow mein and a eggroll off the combo menu. The shrimp was small (as was our son's shrimp) and the chow mein part was a soupy mess. I offered him some of my rice to sop up the 'gravy'. I had a very small bowl of Won ton soup and Sweet and Sour chicken. The rice and chicken were both dry and tasteless. The sauce was very watered down and bland too. Thank goodness for the pineapple on the side as it offered the dish some taste. The guys had egg rolls which looked a bit over fried. This cost almost $50 and my son was treating us and we felt bad that we couldn't rave about the food. A family came in, a large group of 8 or so who obviously knew the owner and they were treated with kid gloves. Our server didn't even offer us a pot of tea which we saw the people next to us being served. How strange for a Chinese restaurant! Last time here.
(2)Albert L.
Grew up next door to Lantana Square, and still go to Crownery for reliable Chinese food. Family friends with the owners, so we know the quality that's put in here. Service is always good in my experience. You won't find any fancy schmancy tapas-style or modern fusion things at The Crownery. The interior decor has been basically the same since the 90's, so it's a great way to escape back to the times when you had large parties at large round tables. You're going to find honest, homestyle Cantonese and Mandarin dishes. Sure, you can order the Americanized stuff, but if you really want what's good, ask for the Chinese menu. Yes, there is a separate menu that is all in Chinese. If you can't read Chinese, then just ask your server for their reco based on what you like. One item that I do like from their Americanized menus is the Beef ChowFun - it's got that classic greasiness to it. Oh and their spin on Hot and Sour Soup is good because they use tiger lilies in it. Anywany, for some good authentic dishes, go for some "Fish Casserole/Stone Pot", "Pork, Tofu, and Veg Stir Fry", "Bean Shoots with Garlic", and the "Cracked Pan-Cooked Lobster". The reason I put these in quotes is because I really only know these dishes by name in Chinese. The "Salt and Pepper Squid" is good as well. This is the neighborhood place you want to go to for some quality Chinese food that you can pick from a large and comprehensive menu.
(4)Mike P.
Used to love this place, but haven't been here for a while. So, the wife and I stopped for dinner last night. The rear dining room smelled like the automatic air freshener they spray in the bathrooms. The hot and sour soup (usually great) tasted watered down. My shrimp all had black, slimy, gritty veins in them, and were overcooked. A few had a slight taste of something like Pine Sol. The young waitress was sitting with a group of customers (giggling while they all checked out something on her iPhone), so we had to ask the hostess for our check. Then we waited for the waitress to take our credit card, but she was back at the other customer's table playing a game on her smart phone (again) - so I walked the check and my payment to the cashier. What a shame, this used to be a dependably nice place. A real shame.
(1)Frank S.
This place has become my standard for Chinese food and I feel lucky to live down the street. I'm a regular take-out guy here and occasionally dine-in. Looking for dine-in Chinese place for a date where it's quiet and you can talk? Taking mom out for Chinese and you know she's particular about 'decor'? Want to go out for Chinese with a group and use one of those lazy susan tables? This is the place. By far the best in the area and better than most others I've tried in northern DE. Try the Singapore Mai Fun, Chicken w/String Beans, or the old standard Chicken w/Garlic Sauce.
(4)Stef B.
Delicious Chinese food. I have been eating here since this place opened in the 1990s and it has been my favorite Chinese place ever since. Clean food, excellent service, and lightning fast takeout.
(5)Barbara W.
Halfway between where we live and where my husband works is this yummy-rific Chinese restaurant. My new favorite place for lunch dates. In my eternal search for great hot and sour soup, the Crownery is as good as it gets, and it passed my "not vegetarian" test with the addition of tasty morsels of pork. The entrees we've had here are fresh and well spiced. Today we were there for lunch (it was a slow day) and the whole staff was pitching in de-stemming pea pods...apparently in anticipation of the dinner rush. I know, I have another good review out there for a great Chinese place in Delaware, but hot-dang...how often are we in a position to spend $50 (two people for lunch) to go to the other place? NOT OFTEN. For quality AND price, head to The Crownery.
(4)Craig M.
Great food. We always get takeout. Generals chicken, sesame chicken, pork fried rice... All great.
(5)Tricia R.
A family favorite when we lived in Delaware - this place serves authentic Cantonese-style food. Granted, if you order off of the English menu, you might miss out on some of the more traditional dishes. This place also does great menus for banquets/large parties, and service is always stellar!
(4)Andrew M.
Maybe its the readers choice awards that make people expect more. But I question the negative reviews. I don't know what some people are looking for, but this is one of the best Chinese food restaurants I have been to. I have never had a bad meal here. And Chinese people eat here, so that says something. They even have a separate menu in Chinese. The regular menu is very large and my favorite is any duck meal. Wor shu opp and Hawaii 5-0 are 2 of my favorites. The service is attentive, but I wish some of the staff spoke better English. The food always comes out fast. They do not overcook the food, so many negative comments I read were about the veggies being undercooked, but they taste better that way. If this is bad Chinese food, please tell me what good Chinese food is and where I can find it. I challenge you. For Chinese new year they have a buffet for 3 nights in Jan or Feb. It is a great way to try some of the things you wouldn't know to order. The only negative thing I ever had happen here was they forgot an egg roll with a take out order once, but I go here at least once a month and have never had bad service or waited long for my food. And I just have never had a bad meal.
(5)Ruben L.
Digga Dang! Who knew in the state of Delaware, let alone a city called Hockessin could you find such tasty Chinese food. I came to our "nation's first state" for a wedding, and came here for my friend's wedding rehearsal. We had a traditional Chinese meal which rocked about 10 different courses. My personal faves were the duck, vietnamese style beef, and the lobster. Just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, they brought another course, and suddenly there was more room. If you happen to be out this way, and are craving Chinese, check it out. Chuck Norris Rating- Drop Kick... to your junk!
(5)Alex M.
Good chinese food with decent dumplings.
(3)Kevin B.
For years this was my families first choice for Chinese food in Delaware. Unfortunately, I have nothing good to report these days. My wife and I went there and ate in the dining room. All of the food we ordered was greasy as hell. One dish, and the rice was actually cold, COLD!. Delaware, you deserve better.
(1)E F.
Best pork & shrimp eggrolls ever!! :) I love the Chicken in Ginger Sauce - lots of veggies!! I am a picky "chicken" eater and I like that this is white meat chicken. Much better quality than elsewhere. Also, love the crispy noodles. It's a nice touch and I don't see them anywhere on the west coast! I do mostly take out, but it's fun to eat in too!
(4)Daniel S.
I have to give it 4 stars. The Crownery has a lot of great dishes and great food worth 5 stars, but I have heard bad things about eating in and I always do takeout. I definitely love their food. If you are having the Crownery for the first time, here are my personal recommendations. 1. General Chicken -A sweet chicken with a little bit of heat. 2. Pork Fried Rice -A delicious rice that isn't too salty. I also recommend the Chicken Fried Rice. 3. Wonton -This is my standard for all other wonton. Okay, so after reading my review I hope you order some take out and enjoy the Crownery for a long time.
(4)