What a great place. The decor is beautiful, the food great and a wonderful value. We had Sizzling rice soup for two loaded with seafood and vegetables, a pot of jasmine tea, two entrees and healthy brown rice for just over $29.00! I have read reviews that the restaurant is "dated" - people visit Chinatown in New York and San Francisco to see "dated" classic Chinese restaurants like this! It is a treasure.
(4)
Tom R.
This restaurant has gotten mostly good reviews here but lots of bad reviews at urbanspoon. So, I went with some trepidation. I must say I was very pleased. Being in an old movie theater, the space was grand and beautifully decorated -- quite a feast for the eyes. My daughter and I ordered the jasmine tea for two, which was served in a beautiful clear glass decanter liberally infused with jasmine petals. It was placed on a clear glass star-shaped support that held a small votive candle to keep the tea hot. It was really beautiful. The menu is immense, with dishes ranging from the usual Amerinese stuff to more interesting ethnic fare. You'll definitely find *something* good to try here. We first ordered the fried beef won tons, which were the low point of the experience but still good. The spicy mustard served with them cleared my sinuses out in a heartbeat! The won tons themselves were rather tough, almost chewy. My entree was the tea house crispy duck. It was **outstanding**. The crispy skin and underlying fat were cooked perfectly, resulting in an almost bacon-like feel and flavor. The meat was delicious too, especially when dipped in the hearty plum sauce that accompanied the dish. My daughter got the pineapple shrimp. She liked it very much although she did feel there was a bit too much sauce on it. I definitely recommend this restaurant, as much for its quirky ambiance as its delicious food. I'll be having that crispy duck and jasmine tea again someday soon. Oh, and the prices were perfect for what you got.
(4)
Dennis T.
Although overall the food tasted pretty good, this dinner visit was fraught with difficulties from the time we entered the restaurant. At the hostess stand there was no hostess in sight. A few other persons were seated by the aquariums, waiting for take-out orders, and after we had been waiting there over 5 minutes, one finally told us that other would-be diners had already left when they, too, had waited in vain for a hostess to greet them. But I was hungry for Chinese food, so walked deep into the restaurant where I finally found a harried hostess. We were then seated in the dining room amid charming Oriental influences, but now had to endure a 15-minute wait before the sole waitress came over to take our orders. It was not our last delay. Getting any Hot Tea took two requests and 20 more minutes to arrive at our table. Vegetable Spring Rolls were good but fairly small, and complimentary deep-fried noodles were good dipped in a fruity Sweet & Sour Sauce. Sizzling Rice Soup had pretty good broth but consisted mostly of zucchini slices, 3 chunks of chicken, 2 medium-sized shrimp, and 1/4 of a scallop. For our entrees, fork-tender lengths of Beef with small Snow Peas plus Mushrooms and Brown Sauce tasted very good, along with Hot Tea supplemented with a sweetener. Moo Shu Pork with scallions and Hoisin Sauce was also very good, but I had to prepare each pancake myself. Our server just dropped the pancakes and fillers on our table, and left. Then, the oddest thing occurred at the end of our meal. I was given the wrong bill. And, rather than making a correction, the server asked me to pay it anyway, since another party had mistakenly received and paid our bill, and had already left the restaurant. She further asserted that we would be paying $2.00 less than what our bill should have reflected. I calculated that this was correct. Our server seemed intent on trying to cover up her errors, but I ultimately did as she asked--not to save two bucks but to finally exit this establishment without incurring oppressive red tape and further delays from an obviously incompetent server who I feared was incapable of otherwise satisfactorily straightening this out. Between the amount I paid on the wrong bill and what the other party paid that had unwittingly been $2.00 too much, the restaurant came out even. Then, on the way out, Diane overhead the manager telling our waitress that the chef was angry because he had to re-cook too many orders that were not correctly reflected on the tickets concerning how diners wanted their food prepared. I do not plan on ever eating here again. But 2-1/2 stars is about right, because the food itself was not too shabby.
(2)
Adam R.
It was once a great restaurant. Now I think they use less quality items.
(3)
Adam S.
First time visit. Got great service, great food. Owner very personable and even refilled my drink. Some really awful lady and her husband were here causing a scene (I almost called police) and threatening to leave a bad review. So I'm here telling the truth.
(5)
Shelley M.
Somewhere in the 3 to 4 star range. I've only been here for lunch and not a huge number of times, but I like the place. It has a kind of old school New York City Chinese restaurant feel to it. Like a place I used to in Washington DC where all the politicians huddled around round tables and made secret deals over hot and sour soup. The place used to be a theater, so its got an interesting layout. The decor is over the top in a fun way, all carved dragons and red and gold and such. Service is decent. I've never been when it is busy and since the service isn't super speedy when it is quiet, I would have to wonder how they might handle a crowd or a large party. But the service is friendly and polite and unless you are in a huge hurry, there isn't anything to complain about. Food is good. Not greasy, crispy veggies, just the right amount of food that isn't insanely large nor skimpy. Bold flavors of garlic or pepper or whatever the particular dish calls for. Lunch specials include choice of egg drop soup or hot and sour soup. I have only tried the hot and sour which I consider quite good. I have never tried their sushi. Basically, this is a solid choice for a sit-down, non-buffet, reasonably "authentic" Chinese place that serves quality food at a good price.
(4)
Maranda L.
Eh. The food was good, but service was not. I arrived about 2:10 pm due to a late lunch break and there was literally one other table of patrons in the whole place. It still took 12 minutes to have someone take my drink order. I was largely ignored, which was fine, until I needed my check. The single person working the front end had disappeared. When she finally brought my check, she scolded me for using soy sauce in my food. If I pay for it, and I want to, I'll put kool aid in my food. I didn't complain, so I fail to see why it should matter. The 2 stars instead of 1 is because the food was fresh and flavorful.
(2)
Diane R.
The food was good and fresh. There was plenty of it. I got the garlic shrimp. My only problem with it was it was very salty. My friend loved his general jin chicken.
(4)
Ronald B.
Horrible food! The sesame beef was soggy, get them to cook it longer if you go. It tasted as if it had been frozen and thawed. They drown it in sauce so that it hides this. The fried rice is very different, not bad, just different - lacking the flavor of most outstanding fried rice. My wife ordered the General's Chicken, took one bite, and left the rest on her plate. This Must be a standard response from customers in that the waitress never asked "is there anything wrong with the food?". Instead, she simply asked if we wanted a to-go box. The table cloths are incredibly dirty, hidden by the fact that there is a paper cloth on top. I would hate to see what their kitchen looks like. Yuk!
(1)
Jaret H.
By far the best Chinese food in town. I've been eating here and carrying out sicne the mid 1980s when it first opened. You'll find the best hot & sour soup here. One of my favorite dishes is the sesame beef. This is the only truely great chinese restaurants in Louisville.
(5)
Paula B.
I have been dining and getting Take Out from this establishment for almost 15 years. They have never let me down. It is hard to find great Chinese in Louisville, but this restaurant does not fail me. The food is authentic, and they always smile and chat with you like old friends.
(5)
Kelly G.
My family and I have been going to Emperor of China for years - probably 1994? It was my first true introduction to Chinese food, and for years it has been my standard. Mongolian beef, won ton soup, egg drop soup, black bean shrimp...all of it is delicious. There have years where the quality dropped, but it really has brought it back to a place of excellence. We went there tonight and the Mongolian Beef and Black Bean Shrimp were at the best we've had in a long time. The service is always friendly, and the ambiance is classic - large golden dragons adorn the walls, fish swim in huge tanks in the entrance way, and there is plenty of space between tables to feel roomy and comfortable. If you are looking for Chinese food in the Louisville area, look no further.
(5)
Mark P.
Among the worst take-out meals my wife and i have ever ordered. We arrived to the carry out desk about 8 pm on a Sunday evening. The owner was at the register going through what appeared to be her bills - and grumbling about them. We carried out shrimp sizzling rice for 2. This luke-warm tiny portion didn't even fill a cup apiece for 2 people - far less than if served in the restaurant - and only included 2 shrimp. For our entree we attempted to split chicken with vegetables in light brown sauce. Although plentiful, it was so salty it was not edible. This restaurant, which hasn't been redecorated in the recent decade, also needs a menu makeover and a fresh attitude from the owner.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Waiter Service : 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.
Sally S.
What a great place. The decor is beautiful, the food great and a wonderful value. We had Sizzling rice soup for two loaded with seafood and vegetables, a pot of jasmine tea, two entrees and healthy brown rice for just over $29.00! I have read reviews that the restaurant is "dated" - people visit Chinatown in New York and San Francisco to see "dated" classic Chinese restaurants like this! It is a treasure.
(4)Tom R.
This restaurant has gotten mostly good reviews here but lots of bad reviews at urbanspoon. So, I went with some trepidation. I must say I was very pleased. Being in an old movie theater, the space was grand and beautifully decorated -- quite a feast for the eyes. My daughter and I ordered the jasmine tea for two, which was served in a beautiful clear glass decanter liberally infused with jasmine petals. It was placed on a clear glass star-shaped support that held a small votive candle to keep the tea hot. It was really beautiful. The menu is immense, with dishes ranging from the usual Amerinese stuff to more interesting ethnic fare. You'll definitely find *something* good to try here. We first ordered the fried beef won tons, which were the low point of the experience but still good. The spicy mustard served with them cleared my sinuses out in a heartbeat! The won tons themselves were rather tough, almost chewy. My entree was the tea house crispy duck. It was **outstanding**. The crispy skin and underlying fat were cooked perfectly, resulting in an almost bacon-like feel and flavor. The meat was delicious too, especially when dipped in the hearty plum sauce that accompanied the dish. My daughter got the pineapple shrimp. She liked it very much although she did feel there was a bit too much sauce on it. I definitely recommend this restaurant, as much for its quirky ambiance as its delicious food. I'll be having that crispy duck and jasmine tea again someday soon. Oh, and the prices were perfect for what you got.
(4)Dennis T.
Although overall the food tasted pretty good, this dinner visit was fraught with difficulties from the time we entered the restaurant. At the hostess stand there was no hostess in sight. A few other persons were seated by the aquariums, waiting for take-out orders, and after we had been waiting there over 5 minutes, one finally told us that other would-be diners had already left when they, too, had waited in vain for a hostess to greet them. But I was hungry for Chinese food, so walked deep into the restaurant where I finally found a harried hostess. We were then seated in the dining room amid charming Oriental influences, but now had to endure a 15-minute wait before the sole waitress came over to take our orders. It was not our last delay. Getting any Hot Tea took two requests and 20 more minutes to arrive at our table. Vegetable Spring Rolls were good but fairly small, and complimentary deep-fried noodles were good dipped in a fruity Sweet & Sour Sauce. Sizzling Rice Soup had pretty good broth but consisted mostly of zucchini slices, 3 chunks of chicken, 2 medium-sized shrimp, and 1/4 of a scallop. For our entrees, fork-tender lengths of Beef with small Snow Peas plus Mushrooms and Brown Sauce tasted very good, along with Hot Tea supplemented with a sweetener. Moo Shu Pork with scallions and Hoisin Sauce was also very good, but I had to prepare each pancake myself. Our server just dropped the pancakes and fillers on our table, and left. Then, the oddest thing occurred at the end of our meal. I was given the wrong bill. And, rather than making a correction, the server asked me to pay it anyway, since another party had mistakenly received and paid our bill, and had already left the restaurant. She further asserted that we would be paying $2.00 less than what our bill should have reflected. I calculated that this was correct. Our server seemed intent on trying to cover up her errors, but I ultimately did as she asked--not to save two bucks but to finally exit this establishment without incurring oppressive red tape and further delays from an obviously incompetent server who I feared was incapable of otherwise satisfactorily straightening this out. Between the amount I paid on the wrong bill and what the other party paid that had unwittingly been $2.00 too much, the restaurant came out even. Then, on the way out, Diane overhead the manager telling our waitress that the chef was angry because he had to re-cook too many orders that were not correctly reflected on the tickets concerning how diners wanted their food prepared. I do not plan on ever eating here again. But 2-1/2 stars is about right, because the food itself was not too shabby.
(2)Adam R.
It was once a great restaurant. Now I think they use less quality items.
(3)Adam S.
First time visit. Got great service, great food. Owner very personable and even refilled my drink. Some really awful lady and her husband were here causing a scene (I almost called police) and threatening to leave a bad review. So I'm here telling the truth.
(5)Shelley M.
Somewhere in the 3 to 4 star range. I've only been here for lunch and not a huge number of times, but I like the place. It has a kind of old school New York City Chinese restaurant feel to it. Like a place I used to in Washington DC where all the politicians huddled around round tables and made secret deals over hot and sour soup. The place used to be a theater, so its got an interesting layout. The decor is over the top in a fun way, all carved dragons and red and gold and such. Service is decent. I've never been when it is busy and since the service isn't super speedy when it is quiet, I would have to wonder how they might handle a crowd or a large party. But the service is friendly and polite and unless you are in a huge hurry, there isn't anything to complain about. Food is good. Not greasy, crispy veggies, just the right amount of food that isn't insanely large nor skimpy. Bold flavors of garlic or pepper or whatever the particular dish calls for. Lunch specials include choice of egg drop soup or hot and sour soup. I have only tried the hot and sour which I consider quite good. I have never tried their sushi. Basically, this is a solid choice for a sit-down, non-buffet, reasonably "authentic" Chinese place that serves quality food at a good price.
(4)Maranda L.
Eh. The food was good, but service was not. I arrived about 2:10 pm due to a late lunch break and there was literally one other table of patrons in the whole place. It still took 12 minutes to have someone take my drink order. I was largely ignored, which was fine, until I needed my check. The single person working the front end had disappeared. When she finally brought my check, she scolded me for using soy sauce in my food. If I pay for it, and I want to, I'll put kool aid in my food. I didn't complain, so I fail to see why it should matter. The 2 stars instead of 1 is because the food was fresh and flavorful.
(2)Diane R.
The food was good and fresh. There was plenty of it. I got the garlic shrimp. My only problem with it was it was very salty. My friend loved his general jin chicken.
(4)Ronald B.
Horrible food! The sesame beef was soggy, get them to cook it longer if you go. It tasted as if it had been frozen and thawed. They drown it in sauce so that it hides this. The fried rice is very different, not bad, just different - lacking the flavor of most outstanding fried rice. My wife ordered the General's Chicken, took one bite, and left the rest on her plate. This Must be a standard response from customers in that the waitress never asked "is there anything wrong with the food?". Instead, she simply asked if we wanted a to-go box. The table cloths are incredibly dirty, hidden by the fact that there is a paper cloth on top. I would hate to see what their kitchen looks like. Yuk!
(1)Jaret H.
By far the best Chinese food in town. I've been eating here and carrying out sicne the mid 1980s when it first opened. You'll find the best hot & sour soup here. One of my favorite dishes is the sesame beef. This is the only truely great chinese restaurants in Louisville.
(5)Paula B.
I have been dining and getting Take Out from this establishment for almost 15 years. They have never let me down. It is hard to find great Chinese in Louisville, but this restaurant does not fail me. The food is authentic, and they always smile and chat with you like old friends.
(5)Kelly G.
My family and I have been going to Emperor of China for years - probably 1994? It was my first true introduction to Chinese food, and for years it has been my standard. Mongolian beef, won ton soup, egg drop soup, black bean shrimp...all of it is delicious. There have years where the quality dropped, but it really has brought it back to a place of excellence. We went there tonight and the Mongolian Beef and Black Bean Shrimp were at the best we've had in a long time. The service is always friendly, and the ambiance is classic - large golden dragons adorn the walls, fish swim in huge tanks in the entrance way, and there is plenty of space between tables to feel roomy and comfortable. If you are looking for Chinese food in the Louisville area, look no further.
(5)Mark P.
Among the worst take-out meals my wife and i have ever ordered. We arrived to the carry out desk about 8 pm on a Sunday evening. The owner was at the register going through what appeared to be her bills - and grumbling about them. We carried out shrimp sizzling rice for 2. This luke-warm tiny portion didn't even fill a cup apiece for 2 people - far less than if served in the restaurant - and only included 2 shrimp. For our entree we attempted to split chicken with vegetables in light brown sauce. Although plentiful, it was so salty it was not edible. This restaurant, which hasn't been redecorated in the recent decade, also needs a menu makeover and a fresh attitude from the owner.
(1)Dylan D.
Terrible food
(1)