Greats all around Chinese foods and friendly services!!!
(5)
Olivia A.
Omg DO NOT eat here! We ordered sweet and sour chicken and the sweet sour sauce was BURNT. I called to see if they'd replace it and told me it'd be a waste of time because that how their sauce is. Barf.
(1)
David T.
This is one of the best Chinese restaurants that I have been to. When it comes to their food, they don't skimp. Their egg rolls are huge. The other portions are amazing. The flavor of their food is fantastic. This is one of the best take out Chinese places there is. Of course, they only have one table, so eating there isn't the best option. What really stands out is their Wonton Soup. Unlike most restaurants that give you dish water with noodles and some green onions, Gilberts actually puts a ton of stuff in theirs. What separates theirs is not just the taste, but the amount of pork they put in it. I swear, they take a rib and just slice it up. It is amazing. The Wonton Soup itself is a meal, and well worth it. Gilberts is also affordable. I started going here as a kid in the mid-80s and the restaurant hasn't changed a bit.
(5)
Audrey P.
I don't understand why this place only has 3 stars. The food tastes fresh and the flavors are good. I like that they put veggies with their entees. We ordered 3 lunch specials that only cost about $6 each. It was my 1st time eating here. I was a little hesitant because of the reviews but I will def go here again.
(5)
Amanda M.
I have been going to Gilbert's for a long time now. Over the years, I have seen their overall quality go down a bit. Their prices have risen, they charge you for extra condiments, and there is more filler in mixed dishes. My beef and broccoli has become 30% onions. They really aren't bad and I have to agree the eggrolls are the best (probably worst for you), but they are definitely becoming more average. They used to be my go-to must-have Chinese take out. I've found better places over in Elgin.
(3)
Rich P.
I have been a loyal customer of Gilbert's Kitchen since the early 80's. Their food in terms of quality and portions were legendary. It was a grand experience to have their food especially when entertaining people from out of town who were endowed with some of the best Chinese food they've ever tasted. Upon introducing it to friends, they would travel as far as Chicago to partake in their cuisine. But as of November 2014 this all has turned upside down. The food portions shrunk, the quality fell off, and the taste of their food which we adored all changed. It's a genuine travesty to share this information to you as it appears to be as a direct result of new management having taken over this once distinguished establishment. This new management has created a genuine kitchen nightmare and unless they go back to what works, I will not be returning there ever again nor will anyone who has the same expectations of both quantity and quality of the past.
(1)
Steve K.
Got a flyer in the mail today at home , never heard of Gilbert's before but decided to try it out. The sweet and sour sauce is amazing! The sweet and sour chicken is tastey and the egg rolls are huge! My new favorite restaurant now
(5)
Erich S.
I'm saddened to say Gilbert's is not the same. Like so many others my family has been going here for the last 35+ years. Sadly they have new owners and have changed things. I made a point to call and let them know (kindly) what I thought. They said they still had the recipes so lets hope they go back. I would encourage others to reach out to them and let them know the new way is not necessarily better.
(1)
Donna L.
Best authentic Chinese food in the area. Amazing egg rolls! Consistently delicious and orders are prepared quickly. Never disappoints. I've been a loyal customer for 4 years and counting.
(5)
Carolyn G.
I started going to this place when I was a child and it started my love affair with Chinese food. Now that I have moved away I make a point to come here whenever I'm in town. Their egg rolls and fried wontons are wonderful, I've searched high and low to find ones that compare but my search has been fruitless so far. My other loves are the pork fried rice and the egg food young. If you get the chance to try this place do yourself a favor and please do so!
(5)
kevin s.
Best egg rolls I've ever had. Any time i visit a friend in elgin, we order them. They're amazing. And the sweet and sour chicken. I'm sure everything is really good, but I always get those two things and I love them every time
(5)
George H.
I am not sure what these other reviewers are talking about. I have been a loyal customer of Gilbert's since 2003. Their food is (and was) the best in the area. I get food from here on a weekly basis for myself and my my coworkers and we have yet to be disappointed. Food here is delicious! My favorites are the Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef. They have added Thai food (haven't tried those yet) but the best part is that they now do DELIVERY!! :) That is wonderful, especially for work lunches.
(5)
Paul K.
Simply put the worst Chinese food I have ever had and overpriced. Incredibly salty and greasy. No leftovers here as it all went in the trash. We took a chance on this place, but learned our lesson. We will be going back to China Garden. This place is awful, stay far away.
(1)
Tricia M.
I have been eating Gilbert's ever since I was a kid. There recipes have not changed since then either. I have my staples that I order and have never been disappointed. Please understand though that if you order the egg rolls, they are meal. They are the size of a small burrito. Not joking. It's standard Chinese take-out fare. There is no delivery option so be prepared to pick up your order. It's never terribly busy so the wait time to pick-up is usually no longer than 30 minutes. Obviously, it is busier on the weekends than during the week so keep that in mind.
(4)
Linda L.
This place is definitely worth making a trip out for. The Chinese food is absolutely delicious the flavors are good the crab rangoon is to die for and the owners work themselves and you can tell they are very hard workers and bring the authentic Chinese take out restaurants. I hear this place has been here for a very long time and I recently moved around the area and needed some Chinese food as that is what I am and I miss my home cooking and this was the closest place to me and im definitely impresses. Delicious beef chow fun. Mongolian beef. O I cant wait to try more!!!
(5)
Mandi G.
Huge portions. Best egg rolls and chicken tenders any where. Pricey BUT you get 3x the food.
(5)
Dawn M.
Food was average. Egg rolls were huge and greasy. Became very flavorful once the included ginger sauce is added - and ginger sauce helped cut the grease, making it more palatable to me. (Husband loved the grease - so it's personal taste I guess.) Egg roll alone is a meal. I had (small) wonton soup (enough for 2) and egg roll and that was all I could manage. Wonton soup was enjoyable. Tasted Beef Chow Mein - had an odd taste I didn't enjoy. Also tasted Orange Chicken - it's spicier (hot) than other restaurants in the area - it was ok. Husband, who loves orange chicken was unexcited by it. Service was great. Very friendly and kind. Would we go back? It's out of the way for us, so only if we happened to be driving by (unlikely) and were craving asian at that moment. Would we recommend? We might mention it as a possiblity to someone who lives in West Dundee, if asked. Wouldn't go out of the way to tell anyone about it.
(3)
Tracy K.
I was spoiled by growing up near here. Their egg rolls are so huge (and delicious - lots of ginger!) that I commonly refer to them as "leg rolls" because they are comparable in size to the leg of an infant. Everything else I've tried from here has been good too. The family who runs the place is friendly and pretty quick at getting you your food.
(4)
Paul C.
It all depends on what you order, I think. Anyway, I've been there twice, liked it the first time, hated it the second time. Nothing, however, would be considered excellent. The standard fare, fried rice, egg rolls, etc. are OK. The other things we've tried from beef to chicken to seafood ranged from OK to poor. It ain't cheap either, so you don't want it to be hit and miss. Since there are so few so-called Chinese takeout options in the Elgin vicinity, I would have to say that Gilbert's is slightly better than Chinese Wok. Oh well.
(2)
Rebecca F.
We drive from Algonquin to get Gilberts, and have been doing so since probably the 80's. This is by far the best carry out Cantonese (at least I think it's Cantonese) in the area. No, it isn't authentic, but it's really good food to go! The egg rolls are TO DIE FOR, the Pork Fried Rice, General Tso's Chicken, POT STICKERS (!!!), Crab Rangoon, Mongolian Beef... all awesome! I could go on and on, because they have so many good (albeit Americanized) dishes, I should just post the entire menu. It's all good. Real, real good. Blows all other "Chinese Takeout" joints in the area completely out of the game.
(5)
Ryan H.
After being a customer of Gilbert's for the better part of 30+ years, my opinion of the operation has changed. The portions have shrunk, the quality of the food has declined and the prices have gone up. I ordered lunch there today and got a measly portion of Mongolian beef, a small scoop of fried rice and an egg roll that was no larger than my pinky finger. Completely disappointing on all counts. I will definitely be exploring other Chinese carry-out locations in the area. Hong Kong Chef just up the street has Gilbert's over the barrel.
(2)
Lynette P.
Worst food ever! Chicken pieces too big to eat, hard chewy chicken soaked in oil, I ordered a large order and recieved a small rice with some hard rice inside. The sweet and sour sauce was so disgusting. Dark brown that tasted like black licorice. I called minutes after my kids made plates. They couldnt even bite into them! I wanted a refund!!! All he said was thay large chicken mam....I can care lesz about size, tastes horrible! Very very disappointed...as new neighbors, nice welcome. Spreading the word....horrible customer service!
(1)
Mark W.
I know has been in business over 20 years + , however has really gone downhill seen better days.My extended family is Chinese so I know what good Chinese food tastes like. My egg roll was huge, but nothing but cabbage and seemed re-fried the entree was really bad too no fresh ingredients. Hard to believe was made by a professional cook. Sorry, never again, to those who like this place enjoy.
(1)
Ryan S.
I ate at Gilbert's last night while in town for business. I agree with other reviews that portions are huge, prices are a bit high and service is great. However, I'd rather get less food that is more interesting. Quality from a perspective as it was clean, fresh etc. was fine, but there were far too many onions, sprouts and other "cheap" ingredients and most of the ingredients I am used to in Chinese food were missing. I got the veggie moo shu and the chow fun. Both were greasy and largely flavorless. The plum sauce was bland too and there were more sprouts in the chow fun than noodles. I also don't feel as if this very authentic.
(2)
Vick C.
Good for carryout but not dine in, standard Chinese carry out restaurant with the standard quality of food. My beef chow fun came out too greasy and the noodles just too thick. They are just OK
(2)
That One Girl V.
I love, love, love this place. I have driven 45 minutes to get it. The only reason I would give it 4.5 stars is because of some inconsistency*. But usually it's fabulous and reliable. I've been coming here since my mom introduced it to us as kids, 25 years ago!! I've never found a place that serves fried rice as good as this place or as big sweet & sour chicken pieces!! (**Note: I think the inconsistency is due to the type of chicken produced in America today, NOT Gilbert's cooking style.**) Also, this is TAKE-OUT ONLY- They only have two tables and two chairs for walk-ins who are waiting to pick up their food and go.
(4)
Jenny J.
Love the food from Gilbert's. It's been a carry-out tradition in our family for years! The food is always spilling over the containers because the portions are so huge!!!!! The Happy Family & Chicken Fried Rice are favorites!
(4)
JC Y.
A buddy of mine swore by Gilbert's. So, one day after work, I stopped by for a little fried rice, and mongolian beef. They were decent, but fried rice was too bland, and the beef was too spicy. I really don't get what the fuss was about. I found this place to be mediocre at best. Perhaps, I should give them another try, but with the high price tags, I don't know if I really should...
(3)
Zhong Y.
This is a chop suey place for the fried rice and egg roll crowd. Do not expect an authentic Cantonese meal here, but you can get a good egg foo young, chicken wings, etc.
(2)
Rob M.
We have been going to Gilbert's for over 10 years now. It was by far the best Chinese take out in the area. While it was not very close to our house for takeout, it was well worth it. We even bought catering trays of food for parties from them it was that good. We used to go to them all the time but over the past couple of years have been going less and less. The quality of the food has been declining as well as taste. The last time we went will be the last time-worst experience with them ever!. Take-out bill was over $50.00 which we never this high before. Wife ordered a chicken dish and asked it not to be spicy. It was so spicy, she could not eat it. I even had a hard time with it. I ordered Mongolian Beef. It is always served with those white rice noodles to go under it. I did not get the noodles, so the dish was incomplete as it needs this to soak up the sauce and flavor. I called them about this and was told they stopped including noodles with this over a year ago and they don't have them anymore. Not true, it hasn't been a year since I got them last. I then was handed to someone else over the phone and the story changed to if you want them, you have specifically ask for them and pay $2.00 extra for a small bag of noodles which probably cost them 25 cents. If they are now serving a dish which is missing an important component to it, you would think they would let you know. Just another way to jack of the price. If that wasn't bad enough, the meat was like shoe leather. In the past it would be very tender, now it hurts you jaw you have to chew this leather so much. Obviously, they are using much cheaper cuts of meat. Our kid got cashew chicken which used to be very good. The stuff they gave us had almost no cashews, was very dark looking and not very good at all. My wife and kid ended up eating almost none of this $50.00 feast at all. I had to finish all of their food over the next week as lunch leftovers, and no it did not improve with age. Also, ordered bbq pork fried rice. Instead, they gave us beef fried rice which we do not like and was not very good. When I called to complain about this as well, they only said that someone else had the same thing happen to them, Tough luck was the attitude, not we will give you a credit or replace it. The only good thing was the egg rolls, they continue to be the some of the best I've ever had. I know the ownership has not changed, it's the same guy at the front for the past 10 years. He has just decided to save money by cutting the quality of the food and jacking up the prices and charging for what should be free. Didn't even get the damn fortune cookies they used to include in all orders. Felt totally ripped off and got no apology's for screwing up the order. Never going back. What a shame, it used to be so good.
(1)
Mike C.
I've tried several chinese carry out places throughout algonquin, lake in the hills, ect... and after a friend told me to try gilberts IM HOOKED. So far it's the best carry out chinese i've had in the burbs. Yes the prices are kinda high, not higher than most places, but the food is EXCELLENT and the portions are huge. one large item is easily 2 dinners, sometimes 3. I've yet had a bad meal from here. I just wish they were closer to me, its a 20 minute round trip drive. The sweet & sour sauce is GREAT and they sell it in a ketchup type squeeze bottle. I always buy one for 3$ and it last months.
(5)
Matt P.
Gilbert's Kitchen is not the best out there but is certainly the best I've had in the area. If you're just feeding a couple people than it is a little pricey, but you get A LOT of food. That might make up for it but I'd suggest ordering the small size whenever possible. Just like others have said...the egg rolls are the biggest I've seen. Pictures on the website just don't do them justice. They are literally the size of a small-medium burrito.
(4)
Rian S.
THE BEST CHINESE FOOD EVER! I miss Gilbert's so much since moving to California. I have even had my mom bring Gilbert's frozen on the plane with her when she has come to visit me, that is how much I miss it! When I lived in IL we would eat here all the time. We compare every Chinese restaurant we go to against Gilbert's, and no one else even comes close. The portions here are huge, they have to staple to tops of their cartons together! The wontons are yum, I have never found a wonton anywhere else that actually has meat in them. The chicken for the sweet and sour is HUGE and juicy, the egg foo young is AWESOME, especially if you ask for it well done. Even when I lived in Illinois, we would drive 45 minutes to get Gilbert's, and I have friends in Libertyville that would ask me to bring some to them if I was in the area. I have been eating at Gilbert's for 25 years - even since before the location burned down forever ago. Go and have some yummy, delicious, fattening Chinese food for me! Now my mouth is watering....and oddly Chinese food in California SUCKS. Oh, and they have really no dine-in seating, (I think they have a table or two, but I wouldn't want to eat here, it is very busy with people going in and out for take-out.) It is pretty much just a take out joint.
(5)
John H.
Gilberts has been operating at this same location for a loooooooooooong time. My first time going was in the '70s and people would drive a good distance to get their carryout. That kind of longevity in the carryout business says they do it right. And, they do. As mentioned, their egg rolls are legendary, huge. The food is kind of Americanized, as the name Gilberts Chop Suey kitchen implies, but so what? Give it a try. P.S. I'm not sure what the first reviewer means by "There's not nearly enough room to sit down and eat if there are more then 2 people." Gilberts is carryout only. The table, chair and couch are for people waiting for pickup.
(5)
Angela P.
Fred and I tried this place on Saturday night for dinner because I have been reading on here about their awesome egg rolls. So, of course, I just had to try it! It is carry-out only, as others have said, and since we didn't have a menu handy, we just went there and ordered and waited for our food. We ordered a small order of Mongolian Beef (because a large was like $15.95), large Beef Chop Suey, Pot Stickers and Egg Rolls. The only thing negative I would say about this place is the high prices for some of the entrees. Everything else is very reasonably priced but I really don't understand charging $15.95 for a large anything at a Chinese take-out place. But, of course, that is just my opinion. Anyways, back to the food, and that...VERY GOOD! The Mongolian Beef was definitely the best out here in the Elgin area and same with the Egg Rolls! OMG...the egg rolls! They were very large and VERY delicious!! I seriously was thinking about going back today just to get some more of those! YUM!! And the pot stickers, as well, were the best out here! We had never had Chop Suey before so I have nothing to compare it to but it was tasty, the only bad thing about it was it used canned mushrooms, and that is a BIG no no in my book. But it really didn't stop me from eating it so it must have been pretty good, right?! =] Overall, I will definitely be making the extra 15 minute trip out here to get my Chinese food from now on...it was just that good!
(4)
Liz C.
Very sad to say that the food has now gone down hill. I'm assuming new owners or management. I grew up eating here and would go way out of my way to pick it up. I have eaten here most of my a life (at least 25 years) and I am sad to report that that have changed all the foods that we usually order and have replaced things with lower quality ingredients.
(2)
Vanessa C.
Best take out ever! Definitely a family favorite. I have been eating from here for years and years. Quality as always been the same, portions are huge and the food is just downright amazing. My favorites are the Sweet and Sour Chicken, Pepper Steak and the Orange Chicken. They get super busy at times as they are so popular but it is worth it.
(5)
Katie K.
Gilberts Kitchen has been a beloved tradition to many families in the area for decades. I, myself, have been getting Gilberts take out for over 20 years. When I moved away, it was the first thing I asked to eat for dinner when I visited home. Currently, I live several miles away from West Dundee and every time we drive to pick up our food from Gilberts Kitchen, we pass several 'average' Chinese food restaurants on our way, knowing that the few extra miles are well worth the above average quality Chinese food. Even when the owners would close shop for a few weeks and raise prices upon their return every year, we would continue to order from Gilberts because knew that the food was worth the extra money. With that said, I was very saddened to hear that the management had changed (?) and I was in denial when I read the recent Yelp reviews claiming that Gilberts had taken a turn for the worst. Although I was leery, I still placed a large order with a wide variety of food to accommodate 9 family members (my uncle was visiting from California and had specifically requested Gilberts). It is my great displeasure to announce that the other yelp reviews with poor ratings are indeed correct. Gone are the days of quality ingredients. Fresh arrays of vegetables and different kinds of mushrooms are now lacking from their dishes, replaced with typical cheap vegetables. Their fantastic giant shrimp and pork egg rolls are smaller and are now filled with only shredded cabbage as far as I could see. Their jumbo chicken nuggets are more like chicken tenders from Chilis. Instead of being the Gilberts Kitchen with exceptional quality that brought people from near and far, new management has dumbed it down to 'just another Chinese take out place'. It is officially the end of an era and this makes me very sad. From now on, I will save the gas money and time and get my Chinese take out from somewhere closer to home.
(2)
Sam H.
This place used to be the best Chinese food in the area but has really deteriorated over the past few years now they have these football sized egg rolls that taste horrible!! All oil and cabbage. If you stick with the rice dishes U will be ok but it's way over priced.
(1)
Deborah S.
We have been going to Gilbert's Kitchen for over 15 years because they HAD! the best Chinese food around. The portions were ridiculously huge and the Mongolian Chicken was to die for. They used really good chicken and big pieces of green onions in it and their fried rice was excellent too. It had been a while since we had been to Gilbert's kitchen and we got some take out tonight and it was the worse Chinese food I ever had. The chicken was cheap and rubbery and the flavor was horrible tasting. It was almost like they took a bunch of leftover chicken and vegetables from other pots and added some Mongolian sauce on top and gave it to us. Also the receipt I got has Ou's Pro-Wok on it even though the sign over the door says Gilbert's Kitchen.
(1)
Alex S.
I have been going to Gilberts since the 80s and have always loved it, but this its seems has faded into nostalgia. The huge eggrolls that made this place famous are gone. They are now 1/3 the size that they used to be. Where they used to be full of pork and shrimp there was only cabbage. I loved this place and it saddens me what it has become. Goodbye Gilberts you will be sorely missed.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No 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.
Thomas M.
Greats all around Chinese foods and friendly services!!!
(5)Olivia A.
Omg DO NOT eat here! We ordered sweet and sour chicken and the sweet sour sauce was BURNT. I called to see if they'd replace it and told me it'd be a waste of time because that how their sauce is. Barf.
(1)David T.
This is one of the best Chinese restaurants that I have been to. When it comes to their food, they don't skimp. Their egg rolls are huge. The other portions are amazing. The flavor of their food is fantastic. This is one of the best take out Chinese places there is. Of course, they only have one table, so eating there isn't the best option. What really stands out is their Wonton Soup. Unlike most restaurants that give you dish water with noodles and some green onions, Gilberts actually puts a ton of stuff in theirs. What separates theirs is not just the taste, but the amount of pork they put in it. I swear, they take a rib and just slice it up. It is amazing. The Wonton Soup itself is a meal, and well worth it. Gilberts is also affordable. I started going here as a kid in the mid-80s and the restaurant hasn't changed a bit.
(5)Audrey P.
I don't understand why this place only has 3 stars. The food tastes fresh and the flavors are good. I like that they put veggies with their entees. We ordered 3 lunch specials that only cost about $6 each. It was my 1st time eating here. I was a little hesitant because of the reviews but I will def go here again.
(5)Amanda M.
I have been going to Gilbert's for a long time now. Over the years, I have seen their overall quality go down a bit. Their prices have risen, they charge you for extra condiments, and there is more filler in mixed dishes. My beef and broccoli has become 30% onions. They really aren't bad and I have to agree the eggrolls are the best (probably worst for you), but they are definitely becoming more average. They used to be my go-to must-have Chinese take out. I've found better places over in Elgin.
(3)Rich P.
I have been a loyal customer of Gilbert's Kitchen since the early 80's. Their food in terms of quality and portions were legendary. It was a grand experience to have their food especially when entertaining people from out of town who were endowed with some of the best Chinese food they've ever tasted. Upon introducing it to friends, they would travel as far as Chicago to partake in their cuisine. But as of November 2014 this all has turned upside down. The food portions shrunk, the quality fell off, and the taste of their food which we adored all changed. It's a genuine travesty to share this information to you as it appears to be as a direct result of new management having taken over this once distinguished establishment. This new management has created a genuine kitchen nightmare and unless they go back to what works, I will not be returning there ever again nor will anyone who has the same expectations of both quantity and quality of the past.
(1)Steve K.
Got a flyer in the mail today at home , never heard of Gilbert's before but decided to try it out. The sweet and sour sauce is amazing! The sweet and sour chicken is tastey and the egg rolls are huge! My new favorite restaurant now
(5)Erich S.
I'm saddened to say Gilbert's is not the same. Like so many others my family has been going here for the last 35+ years. Sadly they have new owners and have changed things. I made a point to call and let them know (kindly) what I thought. They said they still had the recipes so lets hope they go back. I would encourage others to reach out to them and let them know the new way is not necessarily better.
(1)Donna L.
Best authentic Chinese food in the area. Amazing egg rolls! Consistently delicious and orders are prepared quickly. Never disappoints. I've been a loyal customer for 4 years and counting.
(5)Carolyn G.
I started going to this place when I was a child and it started my love affair with Chinese food. Now that I have moved away I make a point to come here whenever I'm in town. Their egg rolls and fried wontons are wonderful, I've searched high and low to find ones that compare but my search has been fruitless so far. My other loves are the pork fried rice and the egg food young. If you get the chance to try this place do yourself a favor and please do so!
(5)kevin s.
Best egg rolls I've ever had. Any time i visit a friend in elgin, we order them. They're amazing. And the sweet and sour chicken. I'm sure everything is really good, but I always get those two things and I love them every time
(5)George H.
I am not sure what these other reviewers are talking about. I have been a loyal customer of Gilbert's since 2003. Their food is (and was) the best in the area. I get food from here on a weekly basis for myself and my my coworkers and we have yet to be disappointed. Food here is delicious! My favorites are the Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef. They have added Thai food (haven't tried those yet) but the best part is that they now do DELIVERY!! :) That is wonderful, especially for work lunches.
(5)Paul K.
Simply put the worst Chinese food I have ever had and overpriced. Incredibly salty and greasy. No leftovers here as it all went in the trash. We took a chance on this place, but learned our lesson. We will be going back to China Garden. This place is awful, stay far away.
(1)Tricia M.
I have been eating Gilbert's ever since I was a kid. There recipes have not changed since then either. I have my staples that I order and have never been disappointed. Please understand though that if you order the egg rolls, they are meal. They are the size of a small burrito. Not joking. It's standard Chinese take-out fare. There is no delivery option so be prepared to pick up your order. It's never terribly busy so the wait time to pick-up is usually no longer than 30 minutes. Obviously, it is busier on the weekends than during the week so keep that in mind.
(4)Linda L.
This place is definitely worth making a trip out for. The Chinese food is absolutely delicious the flavors are good the crab rangoon is to die for and the owners work themselves and you can tell they are very hard workers and bring the authentic Chinese take out restaurants. I hear this place has been here for a very long time and I recently moved around the area and needed some Chinese food as that is what I am and I miss my home cooking and this was the closest place to me and im definitely impresses. Delicious beef chow fun. Mongolian beef. O I cant wait to try more!!!
(5)Mandi G.
Huge portions. Best egg rolls and chicken tenders any where. Pricey BUT you get 3x the food.
(5)Dawn M.
Food was average. Egg rolls were huge and greasy. Became very flavorful once the included ginger sauce is added - and ginger sauce helped cut the grease, making it more palatable to me. (Husband loved the grease - so it's personal taste I guess.) Egg roll alone is a meal. I had (small) wonton soup (enough for 2) and egg roll and that was all I could manage. Wonton soup was enjoyable. Tasted Beef Chow Mein - had an odd taste I didn't enjoy. Also tasted Orange Chicken - it's spicier (hot) than other restaurants in the area - it was ok. Husband, who loves orange chicken was unexcited by it. Service was great. Very friendly and kind. Would we go back? It's out of the way for us, so only if we happened to be driving by (unlikely) and were craving asian at that moment. Would we recommend? We might mention it as a possiblity to someone who lives in West Dundee, if asked. Wouldn't go out of the way to tell anyone about it.
(3)Tracy K.
I was spoiled by growing up near here. Their egg rolls are so huge (and delicious - lots of ginger!) that I commonly refer to them as "leg rolls" because they are comparable in size to the leg of an infant. Everything else I've tried from here has been good too. The family who runs the place is friendly and pretty quick at getting you your food.
(4)Paul C.
It all depends on what you order, I think. Anyway, I've been there twice, liked it the first time, hated it the second time. Nothing, however, would be considered excellent. The standard fare, fried rice, egg rolls, etc. are OK. The other things we've tried from beef to chicken to seafood ranged from OK to poor. It ain't cheap either, so you don't want it to be hit and miss. Since there are so few so-called Chinese takeout options in the Elgin vicinity, I would have to say that Gilbert's is slightly better than Chinese Wok. Oh well.
(2)Rebecca F.
We drive from Algonquin to get Gilberts, and have been doing so since probably the 80's. This is by far the best carry out Cantonese (at least I think it's Cantonese) in the area. No, it isn't authentic, but it's really good food to go! The egg rolls are TO DIE FOR, the Pork Fried Rice, General Tso's Chicken, POT STICKERS (!!!), Crab Rangoon, Mongolian Beef... all awesome! I could go on and on, because they have so many good (albeit Americanized) dishes, I should just post the entire menu. It's all good. Real, real good. Blows all other "Chinese Takeout" joints in the area completely out of the game.
(5)Ryan H.
After being a customer of Gilbert's for the better part of 30+ years, my opinion of the operation has changed. The portions have shrunk, the quality of the food has declined and the prices have gone up. I ordered lunch there today and got a measly portion of Mongolian beef, a small scoop of fried rice and an egg roll that was no larger than my pinky finger. Completely disappointing on all counts. I will definitely be exploring other Chinese carry-out locations in the area. Hong Kong Chef just up the street has Gilbert's over the barrel.
(2)Lynette P.
Worst food ever! Chicken pieces too big to eat, hard chewy chicken soaked in oil, I ordered a large order and recieved a small rice with some hard rice inside. The sweet and sour sauce was so disgusting. Dark brown that tasted like black licorice. I called minutes after my kids made plates. They couldnt even bite into them! I wanted a refund!!! All he said was thay large chicken mam....I can care lesz about size, tastes horrible! Very very disappointed...as new neighbors, nice welcome. Spreading the word....horrible customer service!
(1)Mark W.
I know has been in business over 20 years + , however has really gone downhill seen better days.My extended family is Chinese so I know what good Chinese food tastes like. My egg roll was huge, but nothing but cabbage and seemed re-fried the entree was really bad too no fresh ingredients. Hard to believe was made by a professional cook. Sorry, never again, to those who like this place enjoy.
(1)Ryan S.
I ate at Gilbert's last night while in town for business. I agree with other reviews that portions are huge, prices are a bit high and service is great. However, I'd rather get less food that is more interesting. Quality from a perspective as it was clean, fresh etc. was fine, but there were far too many onions, sprouts and other "cheap" ingredients and most of the ingredients I am used to in Chinese food were missing. I got the veggie moo shu and the chow fun. Both were greasy and largely flavorless. The plum sauce was bland too and there were more sprouts in the chow fun than noodles. I also don't feel as if this very authentic.
(2)Vick C.
Good for carryout but not dine in, standard Chinese carry out restaurant with the standard quality of food. My beef chow fun came out too greasy and the noodles just too thick. They are just OK
(2)That One Girl V.
I love, love, love this place. I have driven 45 minutes to get it. The only reason I would give it 4.5 stars is because of some inconsistency*. But usually it's fabulous and reliable. I've been coming here since my mom introduced it to us as kids, 25 years ago!! I've never found a place that serves fried rice as good as this place or as big sweet & sour chicken pieces!! (**Note: I think the inconsistency is due to the type of chicken produced in America today, NOT Gilbert's cooking style.**) Also, this is TAKE-OUT ONLY- They only have two tables and two chairs for walk-ins who are waiting to pick up their food and go.
(4)Jenny J.
Love the food from Gilbert's. It's been a carry-out tradition in our family for years! The food is always spilling over the containers because the portions are so huge!!!!! The Happy Family & Chicken Fried Rice are favorites!
(4)JC Y.
A buddy of mine swore by Gilbert's. So, one day after work, I stopped by for a little fried rice, and mongolian beef. They were decent, but fried rice was too bland, and the beef was too spicy. I really don't get what the fuss was about. I found this place to be mediocre at best. Perhaps, I should give them another try, but with the high price tags, I don't know if I really should...
(3)Zhong Y.
This is a chop suey place for the fried rice and egg roll crowd. Do not expect an authentic Cantonese meal here, but you can get a good egg foo young, chicken wings, etc.
(2)Rob M.
We have been going to Gilbert's for over 10 years now. It was by far the best Chinese take out in the area. While it was not very close to our house for takeout, it was well worth it. We even bought catering trays of food for parties from them it was that good. We used to go to them all the time but over the past couple of years have been going less and less. The quality of the food has been declining as well as taste. The last time we went will be the last time-worst experience with them ever!. Take-out bill was over $50.00 which we never this high before. Wife ordered a chicken dish and asked it not to be spicy. It was so spicy, she could not eat it. I even had a hard time with it. I ordered Mongolian Beef. It is always served with those white rice noodles to go under it. I did not get the noodles, so the dish was incomplete as it needs this to soak up the sauce and flavor. I called them about this and was told they stopped including noodles with this over a year ago and they don't have them anymore. Not true, it hasn't been a year since I got them last. I then was handed to someone else over the phone and the story changed to if you want them, you have specifically ask for them and pay $2.00 extra for a small bag of noodles which probably cost them 25 cents. If they are now serving a dish which is missing an important component to it, you would think they would let you know. Just another way to jack of the price. If that wasn't bad enough, the meat was like shoe leather. In the past it would be very tender, now it hurts you jaw you have to chew this leather so much. Obviously, they are using much cheaper cuts of meat. Our kid got cashew chicken which used to be very good. The stuff they gave us had almost no cashews, was very dark looking and not very good at all. My wife and kid ended up eating almost none of this $50.00 feast at all. I had to finish all of their food over the next week as lunch leftovers, and no it did not improve with age. Also, ordered bbq pork fried rice. Instead, they gave us beef fried rice which we do not like and was not very good. When I called to complain about this as well, they only said that someone else had the same thing happen to them, Tough luck was the attitude, not we will give you a credit or replace it. The only good thing was the egg rolls, they continue to be the some of the best I've ever had. I know the ownership has not changed, it's the same guy at the front for the past 10 years. He has just decided to save money by cutting the quality of the food and jacking up the prices and charging for what should be free. Didn't even get the damn fortune cookies they used to include in all orders. Felt totally ripped off and got no apology's for screwing up the order. Never going back. What a shame, it used to be so good.
(1)Mike C.
I've tried several chinese carry out places throughout algonquin, lake in the hills, ect... and after a friend told me to try gilberts IM HOOKED. So far it's the best carry out chinese i've had in the burbs. Yes the prices are kinda high, not higher than most places, but the food is EXCELLENT and the portions are huge. one large item is easily 2 dinners, sometimes 3. I've yet had a bad meal from here. I just wish they were closer to me, its a 20 minute round trip drive. The sweet & sour sauce is GREAT and they sell it in a ketchup type squeeze bottle. I always buy one for 3$ and it last months.
(5)Matt P.
Gilbert's Kitchen is not the best out there but is certainly the best I've had in the area. If you're just feeding a couple people than it is a little pricey, but you get A LOT of food. That might make up for it but I'd suggest ordering the small size whenever possible. Just like others have said...the egg rolls are the biggest I've seen. Pictures on the website just don't do them justice. They are literally the size of a small-medium burrito.
(4)Rian S.
THE BEST CHINESE FOOD EVER! I miss Gilbert's so much since moving to California. I have even had my mom bring Gilbert's frozen on the plane with her when she has come to visit me, that is how much I miss it! When I lived in IL we would eat here all the time. We compare every Chinese restaurant we go to against Gilbert's, and no one else even comes close. The portions here are huge, they have to staple to tops of their cartons together! The wontons are yum, I have never found a wonton anywhere else that actually has meat in them. The chicken for the sweet and sour is HUGE and juicy, the egg foo young is AWESOME, especially if you ask for it well done. Even when I lived in Illinois, we would drive 45 minutes to get Gilbert's, and I have friends in Libertyville that would ask me to bring some to them if I was in the area. I have been eating at Gilbert's for 25 years - even since before the location burned down forever ago. Go and have some yummy, delicious, fattening Chinese food for me! Now my mouth is watering....and oddly Chinese food in California SUCKS. Oh, and they have really no dine-in seating, (I think they have a table or two, but I wouldn't want to eat here, it is very busy with people going in and out for take-out.) It is pretty much just a take out joint.
(5)John H.
Gilberts has been operating at this same location for a loooooooooooong time. My first time going was in the '70s and people would drive a good distance to get their carryout. That kind of longevity in the carryout business says they do it right. And, they do. As mentioned, their egg rolls are legendary, huge. The food is kind of Americanized, as the name Gilberts Chop Suey kitchen implies, but so what? Give it a try. P.S. I'm not sure what the first reviewer means by "There's not nearly enough room to sit down and eat if there are more then 2 people." Gilberts is carryout only. The table, chair and couch are for people waiting for pickup.
(5)Angela P.
Fred and I tried this place on Saturday night for dinner because I have been reading on here about their awesome egg rolls. So, of course, I just had to try it! It is carry-out only, as others have said, and since we didn't have a menu handy, we just went there and ordered and waited for our food. We ordered a small order of Mongolian Beef (because a large was like $15.95), large Beef Chop Suey, Pot Stickers and Egg Rolls. The only thing negative I would say about this place is the high prices for some of the entrees. Everything else is very reasonably priced but I really don't understand charging $15.95 for a large anything at a Chinese take-out place. But, of course, that is just my opinion. Anyways, back to the food, and that...VERY GOOD! The Mongolian Beef was definitely the best out here in the Elgin area and same with the Egg Rolls! OMG...the egg rolls! They were very large and VERY delicious!! I seriously was thinking about going back today just to get some more of those! YUM!! And the pot stickers, as well, were the best out here! We had never had Chop Suey before so I have nothing to compare it to but it was tasty, the only bad thing about it was it used canned mushrooms, and that is a BIG no no in my book. But it really didn't stop me from eating it so it must have been pretty good, right?! =] Overall, I will definitely be making the extra 15 minute trip out here to get my Chinese food from now on...it was just that good!
(4)Liz C.
Very sad to say that the food has now gone down hill. I'm assuming new owners or management. I grew up eating here and would go way out of my way to pick it up. I have eaten here most of my a life (at least 25 years) and I am sad to report that that have changed all the foods that we usually order and have replaced things with lower quality ingredients.
(2)Vanessa C.
Best take out ever! Definitely a family favorite. I have been eating from here for years and years. Quality as always been the same, portions are huge and the food is just downright amazing. My favorites are the Sweet and Sour Chicken, Pepper Steak and the Orange Chicken. They get super busy at times as they are so popular but it is worth it.
(5)Katie K.
Gilberts Kitchen has been a beloved tradition to many families in the area for decades. I, myself, have been getting Gilberts take out for over 20 years. When I moved away, it was the first thing I asked to eat for dinner when I visited home. Currently, I live several miles away from West Dundee and every time we drive to pick up our food from Gilberts Kitchen, we pass several 'average' Chinese food restaurants on our way, knowing that the few extra miles are well worth the above average quality Chinese food. Even when the owners would close shop for a few weeks and raise prices upon their return every year, we would continue to order from Gilberts because knew that the food was worth the extra money. With that said, I was very saddened to hear that the management had changed (?) and I was in denial when I read the recent Yelp reviews claiming that Gilberts had taken a turn for the worst. Although I was leery, I still placed a large order with a wide variety of food to accommodate 9 family members (my uncle was visiting from California and had specifically requested Gilberts). It is my great displeasure to announce that the other yelp reviews with poor ratings are indeed correct. Gone are the days of quality ingredients. Fresh arrays of vegetables and different kinds of mushrooms are now lacking from their dishes, replaced with typical cheap vegetables. Their fantastic giant shrimp and pork egg rolls are smaller and are now filled with only shredded cabbage as far as I could see. Their jumbo chicken nuggets are more like chicken tenders from Chilis. Instead of being the Gilberts Kitchen with exceptional quality that brought people from near and far, new management has dumbed it down to 'just another Chinese take out place'. It is officially the end of an era and this makes me very sad. From now on, I will save the gas money and time and get my Chinese take out from somewhere closer to home.
(2)Sam H.
This place used to be the best Chinese food in the area but has really deteriorated over the past few years now they have these football sized egg rolls that taste horrible!! All oil and cabbage. If you stick with the rice dishes U will be ok but it's way over priced.
(1)Deborah S.
We have been going to Gilbert's Kitchen for over 15 years because they HAD! the best Chinese food around. The portions were ridiculously huge and the Mongolian Chicken was to die for. They used really good chicken and big pieces of green onions in it and their fried rice was excellent too. It had been a while since we had been to Gilbert's kitchen and we got some take out tonight and it was the worse Chinese food I ever had. The chicken was cheap and rubbery and the flavor was horrible tasting. It was almost like they took a bunch of leftover chicken and vegetables from other pots and added some Mongolian sauce on top and gave it to us. Also the receipt I got has Ou's Pro-Wok on it even though the sign over the door says Gilbert's Kitchen.
(1)Alex S.
I have been going to Gilberts since the 80s and have always loved it, but this its seems has faded into nostalgia. The huge eggrolls that made this place famous are gone. They are now 1/3 the size that they used to be. Where they used to be full of pork and shrimp there was only cabbage. I loved this place and it saddens me what it has become. Goodbye Gilberts you will be sorely missed.
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