We have been ordering from this restaurant for years, mainly because we are in the range of delivery, and we used to think the food was good. The last few times, however, we have been disappointed -- the dishes taste bland. I will be looking for a new spot.
(2)
Joseph C.
Standard American-Chinese fare, with a good side selection of pan-asian dishes (including Thai, Korean, and Malay). Offers standard lunch special dishes at fairly cheap prices (at least on Weekdays -- not sure about Weekends), ranging from 5.50 to 6.95 or so. (NOTE: edited to more accurately reflect price -- two dollar signs was too much)
(3)
ali n.
Nice location and decor in this restaurant. Unfortunately that's where the niceness ends because of the rude, cold and cocky attitudes of the host and server. We went there on a Sunday and the dining room was nearly empty so you would think that they would be gracious. The waiter talked to us as if we were stupid. This is the first time I have ever experienced a condescending waiter! He had absolutely no people/hospitality skills and he reminded me of the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. The food was bland, I think they do not use a lot of sodium in their ingredients which may be a good thing but I am not there to eat healthy, it's all about flavor. The prices were definitely high considering the bland taste. My cousin ordered the cashew shrimp and it was just gross. It looked and tasted as if it were slathered in barbeque sauce. My brother ordered a very spicy beef dish and instead he received a dish that was not spicy at all and was actually sweet. I ordered the house delight, #1 on their specialty menu page. I asked the waiter if I could have a side of lo-mien instead of white rice and he said NO IT COST 7 DOLLARS! He didn't say "let me check with the chef" or "I'm sorry but it isn't possible" he just barked a stern "NO." Substituting the starch in a meal is standard in any restaurant and I have NEVER been told no for substitutions. I really like lo-mien so I went ahead and switched my selection while he was taking my order. Instead of asking me for clarification he brought me both entrees! In short, the guy was a jack-ass and this place isn't worth going to. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.
(1)
april g.
There's not much in this area of Bethesda, especially if you want delivery. China Pavilion is your go to place if you don't feel like ordering from Potomac Pizza and waiting an hour. When we first started ordering, it was actually pretty good (and is still better than the chinese place in the seven locks/mac arthur blvd shopping center). Over time, the quality of the food seems to have gone down. For example, we ordered the sweet and sour shrip once and though it was AMAZING. The next time we ordered it, it was terrible, I thought I had ordered the wrong thing. So I ordered it a third time, after my husband assured me it was the sweet and sour shrimp, just to check and it was terrible again. I swore off of china pavilion for several months. Recently, my brother was in town and wanted chinese food. I explained the whole situation but we were too tired to go out and he didn't want pizza. This time, it was surprisingly good, back to what I remember it being. The beef chow fun wasn't all soggy like usual....and you could actually chew the meat without having to spit it out. All this to say, I will try again because everyone needs some chinese delivery every now and then. But, for others who may be closer to better chinese food, go that route, I continue to eat here only out of necessity.
(2)
Samantha B.
Not a big Chinese fan and with that being said, but the place was convenient and the food was decent and reasonably priced. It is extremely convenient as well in terms of location. Right near a CVS, Starbucks, Safeway, Capital One Bank, Chicos, Potomac Video and Pralines (oooohhh). Also located near Mall shops where you can get your shoes fixed, get a hair cut, and take ballet lessons. It is right off of Clara Barton Pkwy and not too far from 495, so it is good for a quick eat. This place is usually packed around lunch time. There are several businesses in the area, so you must get there early. The restaurant is spacious and they offer a full bar. They do carry out which is pretty quick. The menu is extensive. When I came here, I ordered wonton soup, steamed rice; orange chicken; seaseme chicken and the sweet and sour chicken. The sweet and sour soup is great too, but I felt like there needed to be more broth. The food was okay, but not the best I have had in the area (See House of Dynasty Review), but not the worst. I would not come here if I wanted amazing Chinese food, but would come here if I wanted some quick and decent for a decent price. The staff is great, Ruby was always our waitress the few times I have been here. Drinks: The only alcoholic beverage I ordered here was a Suffering Bastard. It was pretty intense. Here is what the recipe is according to drinksmixer.com 1 1/2 oz rum 1 oz overproof rum 3/4 oz Orange Curacao liqueur 1/2 oz orgeat syrup 1 ozfresh lime juice 2 ozfresh orange juice Read more: Suffering Bastard recipe drinksmixer.com/drink745…
(4)
Nandini M.
Standard American Chinese fare but great for what it is. I was in the mood for greasy, bad for me but tastes good Chinese and this fit the bill very well. It's in a random strip mall near the border of the Palisades and Bethesda but it was easy enough to find. The restaurant was very clean inside and the menu varied. The service was also prompt and polite. It's hard to find Chinese restaurants like this in the area, so my family and I were pleasantly surprised.
(4)
Eve L.
There was a bug in my food. Then they gave me the check and hiked up the prices of every plate we ordered. The check is written in Chinese, but the prices are written in English. Good luck trying to read it... remember what you ordered and how much things cost, otherwise, you will pay an extra $5 + for your meal. I wouldn't have minded if there wasn't a huge roach in my food.
(1)
JR C.
What the deuce? This place is just plain weird. I'm working around the corner, and minus a little bodega down MacArthur, I haven't found any decent places that are close for lunch. Yesterday, some coworkers said that there were a couple places to eat in this shopping center, so we all hopped in the car and went. Some wanted Chinese food, and I needed some grease to wash down the scotch from the airport bar the night before. We all ordered the buffet without seeing it, and it was an absolute mistake. $9 for a buffet that included six or eight dishes, including mystery meat Lo Mein, fried rice, shrimp and creamed corn, General Tso's chicken, and Kung Pow chicken. The Lo Mein was somewhat tasty, but how is this a buffet? Seriously! There's like nothing to eat! We should have sat and ordered from the menu.
(2)
Susan M.
We hadn't been there for a while and went yesterday for lunch. Passing on the tired looking buffet we ordered from the menu. One of the dishes we ordered was Singapore Noodles which is a favorite of ours. it looked someone boiled noodles and threw in some leftover meats, ie shrimp, chicken, pork.. No moisture of any kind and no hint of curry taste. The only way we could eat it was to add soy sauce. We will not be going back.
(1)
Aileen F.
Just called to place an order for delivery. The woman who answered the phone was so rude I almost hung up before placing my order. When asking for my address I was trying to be helpful by mentioning I live right across the street and she cut me off by saying, "I still need your address." Well obviously I know that. Most importantly according to her the menu which is linked in this yelp listing is not their menu. When I tried to order the eggplant and pork dumplings she kept repeating, "thats not our menu." Well maybe China Pavillion should do something about that because I'm certainly never ordering anything from them in the future. Don't people understand if you want to retain/attract customers step 1. would be to be pleasant and helpful? Waste of my time.
(1)
Charles A.
I ordered eggpplant in garlic sauce for lunch. The price is decent (6.95) and tastey. The eggplants were fresh and were not cooked to mush; the sauce was good too.
(4)
Dan B.
Best bang for your buck Chinese food in the area. I only ever get delivery but they are quick and its all delicious. I have never been disappointed with a dish and have gone hear at least 30+ times. Definitely check it out if your looking for some standard Chinese take out. Not as cheap as some other places but the quality is worth it.
(4)
Veronique B.
I have been ordering deliveries and going since 2001. I live within walking distance. They were awesome at the time. It saddens me but I just ordered my last order today: I have watched the prices skyrocket and the quantities shrink like snow in the sun... to the point that it's just not wrth it anymore. There are humdreds of better options around. This use to be a good value but now The China Pavillion is dead.
(1)
Bonnie W.
The China Pavilion is our local Chinese take out restaurant. There are only a couple in the area and after a change in ownership of the other handy one on River Rd, we have come to rely upon the Pavilion. My husband loves their hot & sour soup and anything spicy, like the Szechuan beef while I tend to go for the garlic sauce dishes, be it chicken or shrimp with a nice spring roll. This is "traditional" american chinese food with lots of vegetarian combinations - I love the bok choy. The take out dinner portions are plenty for two people. They have good lunch specials and are generally speedy. I love getting the bill in both english and chinese. Location: it is in the corner by the CVS in the strip mall section of Little Falls Mall in the Sumner area of Bethesda. No problems parking in the lot.
(4)
Lindsay D.
The portions are HUGE! It is a little more expensive than other Chinese Restaurants in the area, but one order of anything can feed you for at least 2 days. The Kung Pao Tofu is absolutely delicious.
(3)
Simeon T.
I have gotten lunch here on several occasions and every time I am pleasantly satisfied, which makes it the perfect three star contestant. The trick is to keep your perspective in order in that it is typical American-Chinese fare, and that if you want some MSG up in your grill this is the place to go. With that said I must say that on more than one occasion I have gotten one of the best hot & sour soups here, a bit of zing a bit of sour it is pretty great. Other than that I have stuck to the awesome lunch deal menu which includes entree, rice, and an egg roll. Side note the egg rolls are made of crack so be warned when you only order one. I would never go out of my way for here, but if you live and/or work here, don't be afraid.
(3)
Jon R.
My family's standard place to go for chinese. All your excellent traditional American-Chinese dishes. Great Sweet and Sour Chicken, even more delicious specials. A large dining hall, and a really friendly waitstaff as well. If you are looking for some quality Chinese food, this is the spot. Nuff' said. Haven't tried the delivery, but I will at some point!
(4)
Karim H.
This place is pretty good... there's a lack of good chinese places in this area, and China Pavilion delivers! Literally, they actually do deliver too. Beef Chow fun was fantastic! The noodles were the best I've had in a long time, and it was perfect comfort food after spending the day walking the Monuments and being out in the rain. The chicken with green beans was also delicious and cooked to perfection, though the green beans could have been a little fresher. A great place to get some quality pan-Asian food in this neck of the woods.
(4)
James S.
Went here for carry out on Saturday night. I got the half a Peking Duck and all it comes with- rice,pancakes, etc..., The food was fantastic and the staff are always welcoming and personable!! 5 stars!
(5)
J H.
I think China Pavillion is one of the better Chinese food places in town for the price and taste. The first time I got take-out from them, I was thoroughly surprised. Something tasted different but I liked it! We realized that the food wasnt dripping in grease, oil and heavy sauces. It was lighter and seemed healthier than its other area chinese take-out places. Duck - LOVED IT!!! Love the plum sauce, loved the duck. This is just a really really good dish that they make well. Their fancy, wonton soup for two with lots of vegies and seafood - Again, I am a fan. It tasted really good and wasn't overloaded with fat. The vegies tasted fresh. This is a bit pricey but well worth the money if you love wonton soup. General Tsaos- good balance of breading to meat and not dripping in heavy sauces. China Pavillion also has brown rice! The people are nice and are speedy with their take-out. I also get a TON of food for $25-$30 since most of their plates cost between $7-$10.
(4)
matt L.
Great place with very generous portions!! good and fast delivery or carry out. !
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes 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.
Sara P.
We have been ordering from this restaurant for years, mainly because we are in the range of delivery, and we used to think the food was good. The last few times, however, we have been disappointed -- the dishes taste bland. I will be looking for a new spot.
(2)Joseph C.
Standard American-Chinese fare, with a good side selection of pan-asian dishes (including Thai, Korean, and Malay). Offers standard lunch special dishes at fairly cheap prices (at least on Weekdays -- not sure about Weekends), ranging from 5.50 to 6.95 or so. (NOTE: edited to more accurately reflect price -- two dollar signs was too much)
(3)ali n.
Nice location and decor in this restaurant. Unfortunately that's where the niceness ends because of the rude, cold and cocky attitudes of the host and server. We went there on a Sunday and the dining room was nearly empty so you would think that they would be gracious. The waiter talked to us as if we were stupid. This is the first time I have ever experienced a condescending waiter! He had absolutely no people/hospitality skills and he reminded me of the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. The food was bland, I think they do not use a lot of sodium in their ingredients which may be a good thing but I am not there to eat healthy, it's all about flavor. The prices were definitely high considering the bland taste. My cousin ordered the cashew shrimp and it was just gross. It looked and tasted as if it were slathered in barbeque sauce. My brother ordered a very spicy beef dish and instead he received a dish that was not spicy at all and was actually sweet. I ordered the house delight, #1 on their specialty menu page. I asked the waiter if I could have a side of lo-mien instead of white rice and he said NO IT COST 7 DOLLARS! He didn't say "let me check with the chef" or "I'm sorry but it isn't possible" he just barked a stern "NO." Substituting the starch in a meal is standard in any restaurant and I have NEVER been told no for substitutions. I really like lo-mien so I went ahead and switched my selection while he was taking my order. Instead of asking me for clarification he brought me both entrees! In short, the guy was a jack-ass and this place isn't worth going to. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.
(1)april g.
There's not much in this area of Bethesda, especially if you want delivery. China Pavilion is your go to place if you don't feel like ordering from Potomac Pizza and waiting an hour. When we first started ordering, it was actually pretty good (and is still better than the chinese place in the seven locks/mac arthur blvd shopping center). Over time, the quality of the food seems to have gone down. For example, we ordered the sweet and sour shrip once and though it was AMAZING. The next time we ordered it, it was terrible, I thought I had ordered the wrong thing. So I ordered it a third time, after my husband assured me it was the sweet and sour shrimp, just to check and it was terrible again. I swore off of china pavilion for several months. Recently, my brother was in town and wanted chinese food. I explained the whole situation but we were too tired to go out and he didn't want pizza. This time, it was surprisingly good, back to what I remember it being. The beef chow fun wasn't all soggy like usual....and you could actually chew the meat without having to spit it out. All this to say, I will try again because everyone needs some chinese delivery every now and then. But, for others who may be closer to better chinese food, go that route, I continue to eat here only out of necessity.
(2)Samantha B.
Not a big Chinese fan and with that being said, but the place was convenient and the food was decent and reasonably priced. It is extremely convenient as well in terms of location. Right near a CVS, Starbucks, Safeway, Capital One Bank, Chicos, Potomac Video and Pralines (oooohhh). Also located near Mall shops where you can get your shoes fixed, get a hair cut, and take ballet lessons. It is right off of Clara Barton Pkwy and not too far from 495, so it is good for a quick eat. This place is usually packed around lunch time. There are several businesses in the area, so you must get there early. The restaurant is spacious and they offer a full bar. They do carry out which is pretty quick. The menu is extensive. When I came here, I ordered wonton soup, steamed rice; orange chicken; seaseme chicken and the sweet and sour chicken. The sweet and sour soup is great too, but I felt like there needed to be more broth. The food was okay, but not the best I have had in the area (See House of Dynasty Review), but not the worst. I would not come here if I wanted amazing Chinese food, but would come here if I wanted some quick and decent for a decent price. The staff is great, Ruby was always our waitress the few times I have been here. Drinks: The only alcoholic beverage I ordered here was a Suffering Bastard. It was pretty intense. Here is what the recipe is according to drinksmixer.com 1 1/2 oz rum 1 oz overproof rum 3/4 oz Orange Curacao liqueur 1/2 oz orgeat syrup 1 ozfresh lime juice 2 ozfresh orange juice Read more: Suffering Bastard recipe drinksmixer.com/drink745…
(4)Nandini M.
Standard American Chinese fare but great for what it is. I was in the mood for greasy, bad for me but tastes good Chinese and this fit the bill very well. It's in a random strip mall near the border of the Palisades and Bethesda but it was easy enough to find. The restaurant was very clean inside and the menu varied. The service was also prompt and polite. It's hard to find Chinese restaurants like this in the area, so my family and I were pleasantly surprised.
(4)Eve L.
There was a bug in my food. Then they gave me the check and hiked up the prices of every plate we ordered. The check is written in Chinese, but the prices are written in English. Good luck trying to read it... remember what you ordered and how much things cost, otherwise, you will pay an extra $5 + for your meal. I wouldn't have minded if there wasn't a huge roach in my food.
(1)JR C.
What the deuce? This place is just plain weird. I'm working around the corner, and minus a little bodega down MacArthur, I haven't found any decent places that are close for lunch. Yesterday, some coworkers said that there were a couple places to eat in this shopping center, so we all hopped in the car and went. Some wanted Chinese food, and I needed some grease to wash down the scotch from the airport bar the night before. We all ordered the buffet without seeing it, and it was an absolute mistake. $9 for a buffet that included six or eight dishes, including mystery meat Lo Mein, fried rice, shrimp and creamed corn, General Tso's chicken, and Kung Pow chicken. The Lo Mein was somewhat tasty, but how is this a buffet? Seriously! There's like nothing to eat! We should have sat and ordered from the menu.
(2)Susan M.
We hadn't been there for a while and went yesterday for lunch. Passing on the tired looking buffet we ordered from the menu. One of the dishes we ordered was Singapore Noodles which is a favorite of ours. it looked someone boiled noodles and threw in some leftover meats, ie shrimp, chicken, pork.. No moisture of any kind and no hint of curry taste. The only way we could eat it was to add soy sauce. We will not be going back.
(1)Aileen F.
Just called to place an order for delivery. The woman who answered the phone was so rude I almost hung up before placing my order. When asking for my address I was trying to be helpful by mentioning I live right across the street and she cut me off by saying, "I still need your address." Well obviously I know that. Most importantly according to her the menu which is linked in this yelp listing is not their menu. When I tried to order the eggplant and pork dumplings she kept repeating, "thats not our menu." Well maybe China Pavillion should do something about that because I'm certainly never ordering anything from them in the future. Don't people understand if you want to retain/attract customers step 1. would be to be pleasant and helpful? Waste of my time.
(1)Charles A.
I ordered eggpplant in garlic sauce for lunch. The price is decent (6.95) and tastey. The eggplants were fresh and were not cooked to mush; the sauce was good too.
(4)Dan B.
Best bang for your buck Chinese food in the area. I only ever get delivery but they are quick and its all delicious. I have never been disappointed with a dish and have gone hear at least 30+ times. Definitely check it out if your looking for some standard Chinese take out. Not as cheap as some other places but the quality is worth it.
(4)Veronique B.
I have been ordering deliveries and going since 2001. I live within walking distance. They were awesome at the time. It saddens me but I just ordered my last order today: I have watched the prices skyrocket and the quantities shrink like snow in the sun... to the point that it's just not wrth it anymore. There are humdreds of better options around. This use to be a good value but now The China Pavillion is dead.
(1)Bonnie W.
The China Pavilion is our local Chinese take out restaurant. There are only a couple in the area and after a change in ownership of the other handy one on River Rd, we have come to rely upon the Pavilion. My husband loves their hot & sour soup and anything spicy, like the Szechuan beef while I tend to go for the garlic sauce dishes, be it chicken or shrimp with a nice spring roll. This is "traditional" american chinese food with lots of vegetarian combinations - I love the bok choy. The take out dinner portions are plenty for two people. They have good lunch specials and are generally speedy. I love getting the bill in both english and chinese. Location: it is in the corner by the CVS in the strip mall section of Little Falls Mall in the Sumner area of Bethesda. No problems parking in the lot.
(4)Lindsay D.
The portions are HUGE! It is a little more expensive than other Chinese Restaurants in the area, but one order of anything can feed you for at least 2 days. The Kung Pao Tofu is absolutely delicious.
(3)Simeon T.
I have gotten lunch here on several occasions and every time I am pleasantly satisfied, which makes it the perfect three star contestant. The trick is to keep your perspective in order in that it is typical American-Chinese fare, and that if you want some MSG up in your grill this is the place to go. With that said I must say that on more than one occasion I have gotten one of the best hot & sour soups here, a bit of zing a bit of sour it is pretty great. Other than that I have stuck to the awesome lunch deal menu which includes entree, rice, and an egg roll. Side note the egg rolls are made of crack so be warned when you only order one. I would never go out of my way for here, but if you live and/or work here, don't be afraid.
(3)Jon R.
My family's standard place to go for chinese. All your excellent traditional American-Chinese dishes. Great Sweet and Sour Chicken, even more delicious specials. A large dining hall, and a really friendly waitstaff as well. If you are looking for some quality Chinese food, this is the spot. Nuff' said. Haven't tried the delivery, but I will at some point!
(4)Karim H.
This place is pretty good... there's a lack of good chinese places in this area, and China Pavilion delivers! Literally, they actually do deliver too. Beef Chow fun was fantastic! The noodles were the best I've had in a long time, and it was perfect comfort food after spending the day walking the Monuments and being out in the rain. The chicken with green beans was also delicious and cooked to perfection, though the green beans could have been a little fresher. A great place to get some quality pan-Asian food in this neck of the woods.
(4)James S.
Went here for carry out on Saturday night. I got the half a Peking Duck and all it comes with- rice,pancakes, etc..., The food was fantastic and the staff are always welcoming and personable!! 5 stars!
(5)J H.
I think China Pavillion is one of the better Chinese food places in town for the price and taste. The first time I got take-out from them, I was thoroughly surprised. Something tasted different but I liked it! We realized that the food wasnt dripping in grease, oil and heavy sauces. It was lighter and seemed healthier than its other area chinese take-out places. Duck - LOVED IT!!! Love the plum sauce, loved the duck. This is just a really really good dish that they make well. Their fancy, wonton soup for two with lots of vegies and seafood - Again, I am a fan. It tasted really good and wasn't overloaded with fat. The vegies tasted fresh. This is a bit pricey but well worth the money if you love wonton soup. General Tsaos- good balance of breading to meat and not dripping in heavy sauces. China Pavillion also has brown rice! The people are nice and are speedy with their take-out. I also get a TON of food for $25-$30 since most of their plates cost between $7-$10.
(4)matt L.
Great place with very generous portions!! good and fast delivery or carry out. !
(5)