I've been to this mandarin location a couple times now, and have yet to be disappointed. The server was quick to greet us and offered her knowledge of the dishes to help us decide. In the end, I went with her recommendation: the vegetable deluxe. It was delicious. The restaurant wasn't too busy; it was a Tuesday night. Our food came very quickly and I appreciated the free hot tea. Nice atmosphere and very friendly service. I will be back.
(5)
K. B.
I've been a fan of the Mandarin for years! Large menu. Fast and inexpensive lunch plus take away. Large portions and quick service. I would recommend Mandarin for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Brian W.
This is the best Chinese around. The Service is ***** as well! When in Ames and craving Great Asian- this where to go!
(5)
Aja L.
I'm a fan of Mandarin. Let the server know you're not from around there and they'll give serve you the real deal. There's even certain items not on the menu that the waitstaff makes for themselves that you can order if you ask about it. They really enjoy serving other dishes besides regular staples like kung pao and fried rice, though they have those too. The servers are really kind and the food is always so nice, hot, and tasty!
(3)
Crys L.
I've been hearing about this place from everyone I know in this area, and I'm glad I've finally managed to get there for dinner! It was fantastic, and I know it will become a go-to place for lunch and dinner now that we live here. Yay! The food was high quality, cooked to perfection, and offered in generous quantities. I loved my chicken, and the people I dined with were very enthusiastic about their seafood and beef dishes. And their hot and sour soup. And the soft noodles, yum! I love egg drop soup, and theirs is the best I've had. I wish we'd had some left over to take home, but it was so good that we actually emptied their "for two or more" bowl (which is more like an enough-for-three-or-four bowl). I also love egg rolls, and theirs are awesome. Some places have soggy egg rolls that just don't taste fresh...but not so at this place! The egg rolls were so good...the veggie insides AND the just-right flaky outer layer. I swear I'm going to go there and just have way too many egg rolls for lunch at some point. Gah, so good. The wait staff were all friendly and attentive. Our main server actually noticed and asked if I wanted a refill EVERY TIME I was getting low on my diet coke, which is a feat at the rate I go through it (I'm not an addict, baby...). When we ordered soup for two, he brought more bowls for other people at the table who might want to have some. Basically, he thought of all the "details" ahead of time, so we didn't have to ASK for bowls and etc., because he was already taking care of it. And he came over just enough that if we needed anything, we wouldn't have had to wait; but he wasn't at all intrusive. Awesome server skills (which I wish I'd had when I waited tables, because I would've totally made better tips than I did at the time! Sigh!). The restrooms were spotlessly clean, as was every other area we saw. The atmosphere was wonderful, great colors, lovely art and decor. I liked the dining room setup, which had great seating for large groups and for small-party, intimate dining. This place would be great for a big event OR for a romantic dinner. Or a dinner out with friends. Or pretty much anything where you want great atmosphere and incredible food. The prices are super reasonable -- I'd pay way more for the quality and quantity and the chance to enjoy the space. *Highly recommended*...and you'll probably run into us when you go, because I think we'll be going back quite a bit!
(5)
Jamie J.
Best Chinese food! Wonderful service! The service is always fabulous and so is the food! I've not once been disappointed!
(5)
Bhagyashree B.
Good ambience and food. Skip the drinks. Blue Hawaii cocktail tastes like lemon juice. Too sour, wouldn't make my worst enemy drink it.
(3)
Patrick T.
If you like huge portion sizes Mandarin is the place for you! Their Bean Curd tofu is amazing, and it actually probably a two person meal. I personally think this is one of the better tofu meals you can get in Ames, and this family owned restaurant is always a go to for me when I'm in Ames. Great staff, super fast, and a nicer atmosphere (white table cloth) then most Chinese Restaurants in town. Great for lunch and great for dinner.
(4)
Scott D.
By far the best Chinese food in Ames. From the busser to our waiter the staff was extremely friendly. I've never been to Mandarin before but it will definitely not be my last time. I got the Mongolian Beef, a popular item, and it was possibly the best I've had in my life. No joke. I have celiacs disease and they are very Gluten Free conscientious. Great gem for the city of Ames!
(5)
Haley R.
The only Chinese restaurant in Ames with real atmosphere, it's also got some of the best Chinese food in town. If you like your "spicy" food to actually have a kick, be sure to order your meal extra spicy.
(4)
G L.
It's hard to understand why people at yelp have rated this restaurant low. Compare with other Asian restaurants in town, Mandarin can be dare to the best. The food was great, price was reasonable, service was good enough and the atmosphere, usually hard to anticipate in Ames, was good too. And, I could see many people dining there, packed parking places. It has been underestimated somehow.
(4)
Jill W.
First of all it was so cold in the place we had to eat with our coats on. The hot and sour soup was greasy and over salty. I ordered the broccoli tofu. It was mushy and the sauce was so salty. I could taste nothing but salt. The portions are large. That's all I an say.
(1)
Kathie G.
This was easily some of the worst Chinese food I've ever had! My first clue should've been the totally empty parking lot. I ordered the mandarin chicken which was describes as "slices of chicken in a spicy green onion sauce." Chicken was breaded and deep-fried and if there was any sauce other than the grease from the deep fryer, I couldn't tell--not one green onion or pepper in sight! I also ordered the lo mein, which was soggy and also had no sauce and barely any vegetables. Really, really poor quality.
(1)
Pia F.
We ordered in the crab rangoon which was deep-fat fried cream cheese. I called the restaurant asked why there was no crab and was told there is never crab in crab rangoon!!! Really? The Mandarin chicken was mushy fried, tasteless, no sauce whatsoever or one green onion. The pot stickers taste as if they came right out of a barn.....this is not even close to Chinese food of any sort. The Chinese at the Hy-Vee is better than this swill. Plus, way over priced and waitstaff rude.
(1)
Sophia P.
I LOVE Mandarin! They have the best crab rangoon in town! Their dinners for 3 and 4 are staples for us when we go. Everything we've ever had there has been amazing: Sizzling Rice Soup, Garlic Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Mongolian Beef, pot stickers, tea, everything! They are hardly ever busy (which truly surprises me since it is so good!), so getting a table is no problem.
(5)
Sara F.
Definitely my favorite Chinese restaurant in Ames. Good service and the lunch is awesome for the price. Its a great place to go for a group of friends or family.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Emilie G.
I've been to this mandarin location a couple times now, and have yet to be disappointed. The server was quick to greet us and offered her knowledge of the dishes to help us decide. In the end, I went with her recommendation: the vegetable deluxe. It was delicious. The restaurant wasn't too busy; it was a Tuesday night. Our food came very quickly and I appreciated the free hot tea. Nice atmosphere and very friendly service. I will be back.
(5)K. B.
I've been a fan of the Mandarin for years! Large menu. Fast and inexpensive lunch plus take away. Large portions and quick service. I would recommend Mandarin for lunch or dinner.
(4)Brian W.
This is the best Chinese around. The Service is ***** as well! When in Ames and craving Great Asian- this where to go!
(5)Aja L.
I'm a fan of Mandarin. Let the server know you're not from around there and they'll give serve you the real deal. There's even certain items not on the menu that the waitstaff makes for themselves that you can order if you ask about it. They really enjoy serving other dishes besides regular staples like kung pao and fried rice, though they have those too. The servers are really kind and the food is always so nice, hot, and tasty!
(3)Crys L.
I've been hearing about this place from everyone I know in this area, and I'm glad I've finally managed to get there for dinner! It was fantastic, and I know it will become a go-to place for lunch and dinner now that we live here. Yay! The food was high quality, cooked to perfection, and offered in generous quantities. I loved my chicken, and the people I dined with were very enthusiastic about their seafood and beef dishes. And their hot and sour soup. And the soft noodles, yum! I love egg drop soup, and theirs is the best I've had. I wish we'd had some left over to take home, but it was so good that we actually emptied their "for two or more" bowl (which is more like an enough-for-three-or-four bowl). I also love egg rolls, and theirs are awesome. Some places have soggy egg rolls that just don't taste fresh...but not so at this place! The egg rolls were so good...the veggie insides AND the just-right flaky outer layer. I swear I'm going to go there and just have way too many egg rolls for lunch at some point. Gah, so good. The wait staff were all friendly and attentive. Our main server actually noticed and asked if I wanted a refill EVERY TIME I was getting low on my diet coke, which is a feat at the rate I go through it (I'm not an addict, baby...). When we ordered soup for two, he brought more bowls for other people at the table who might want to have some. Basically, he thought of all the "details" ahead of time, so we didn't have to ASK for bowls and etc., because he was already taking care of it. And he came over just enough that if we needed anything, we wouldn't have had to wait; but he wasn't at all intrusive. Awesome server skills (which I wish I'd had when I waited tables, because I would've totally made better tips than I did at the time! Sigh!). The restrooms were spotlessly clean, as was every other area we saw. The atmosphere was wonderful, great colors, lovely art and decor. I liked the dining room setup, which had great seating for large groups and for small-party, intimate dining. This place would be great for a big event OR for a romantic dinner. Or a dinner out with friends. Or pretty much anything where you want great atmosphere and incredible food. The prices are super reasonable -- I'd pay way more for the quality and quantity and the chance to enjoy the space. *Highly recommended*...and you'll probably run into us when you go, because I think we'll be going back quite a bit!
(5)Jamie J.
Best Chinese food! Wonderful service! The service is always fabulous and so is the food! I've not once been disappointed!
(5)Bhagyashree B.
Good ambience and food. Skip the drinks. Blue Hawaii cocktail tastes like lemon juice. Too sour, wouldn't make my worst enemy drink it.
(3)Patrick T.
If you like huge portion sizes Mandarin is the place for you! Their Bean Curd tofu is amazing, and it actually probably a two person meal. I personally think this is one of the better tofu meals you can get in Ames, and this family owned restaurant is always a go to for me when I'm in Ames. Great staff, super fast, and a nicer atmosphere (white table cloth) then most Chinese Restaurants in town. Great for lunch and great for dinner.
(4)Scott D.
By far the best Chinese food in Ames. From the busser to our waiter the staff was extremely friendly. I've never been to Mandarin before but it will definitely not be my last time. I got the Mongolian Beef, a popular item, and it was possibly the best I've had in my life. No joke. I have celiacs disease and they are very Gluten Free conscientious. Great gem for the city of Ames!
(5)Haley R.
The only Chinese restaurant in Ames with real atmosphere, it's also got some of the best Chinese food in town. If you like your "spicy" food to actually have a kick, be sure to order your meal extra spicy.
(4)G L.
It's hard to understand why people at yelp have rated this restaurant low. Compare with other Asian restaurants in town, Mandarin can be dare to the best. The food was great, price was reasonable, service was good enough and the atmosphere, usually hard to anticipate in Ames, was good too. And, I could see many people dining there, packed parking places. It has been underestimated somehow.
(4)Jill W.
First of all it was so cold in the place we had to eat with our coats on. The hot and sour soup was greasy and over salty. I ordered the broccoli tofu. It was mushy and the sauce was so salty. I could taste nothing but salt. The portions are large. That's all I an say.
(1)Kathie G.
This was easily some of the worst Chinese food I've ever had! My first clue should've been the totally empty parking lot. I ordered the mandarin chicken which was describes as "slices of chicken in a spicy green onion sauce." Chicken was breaded and deep-fried and if there was any sauce other than the grease from the deep fryer, I couldn't tell--not one green onion or pepper in sight! I also ordered the lo mein, which was soggy and also had no sauce and barely any vegetables. Really, really poor quality.
(1)Pia F.
We ordered in the crab rangoon which was deep-fat fried cream cheese. I called the restaurant asked why there was no crab and was told there is never crab in crab rangoon!!! Really? The Mandarin chicken was mushy fried, tasteless, no sauce whatsoever or one green onion. The pot stickers taste as if they came right out of a barn.....this is not even close to Chinese food of any sort. The Chinese at the Hy-Vee is better than this swill. Plus, way over priced and waitstaff rude.
(1)Sophia P.
I LOVE Mandarin! They have the best crab rangoon in town! Their dinners for 3 and 4 are staples for us when we go. Everything we've ever had there has been amazing: Sizzling Rice Soup, Garlic Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Mongolian Beef, pot stickers, tea, everything! They are hardly ever busy (which truly surprises me since it is so good!), so getting a table is no problem.
(5)Sara F.
Definitely my favorite Chinese restaurant in Ames. Good service and the lunch is awesome for the price. Its a great place to go for a group of friends or family.
(4)