Huge freaking menu. Really small hole in the wall restaurant, but it has good food. Not much for seating, it feels a bit claustrophobic when it's busy.
(4)
Justin D.
I come here a lot because one of my friends likes their Generals Chicken. That particular meal is pretty good. It's what you would expect. I almost invariably get the salt and pepper chicken. It's very good. It has just the right amount of spice, salt and tang.
(4)
Laura G.
Okay, this review is just for the Americanized dishes: that being said, the Chinese brocolli and sesame tofu were both delicious. Seriously, the best in the area. I would give the food itself 5 stars, but the service was... odd. The lady taking our order repeatedly got it wrong, so I was nervous about the order being put in correctly. The tofu came out close to ten minutes after the other two dishes we ordered, which was a little much. Overall, I really like the place and will definitely get take-out there in the future.
(4)
Jennifer V.
China Gate deserves 4-stars in comparison to the other Chinese joints in the Ann Arbor area, and the rest of Michigan, mostly. I've never actually eaten IN the restaurant - always ordered take-out. Their fried rice is generally light and fluffy, without being too greasy. The chicken dishes I've had have been pretty good, especially the General's Chicken. I can't really complain about much else. When I'm really aching for Chinese food in Ann Arbor, this is typically where I'll go! It's definitely better than Middle Kingdom (bleh).
(4)
Esther Y.
I know this place may be kind of hit or miss, but when I went, it was great. I love Chinese food, and I am glad that there is a solid place close to campus. We had a variety of foods: eggplant, ma po tofu, butter fish and the crab rangoon. Everything was really good, but the crab rangoon had like a yellow cheese-which was a little strange. All in all, great value, good tastes and would definitely eat here again.
(3)
Ben Y.
I want to give this place 2 stars. I really do. Their pho is love-it-or-hate-it, I hate it personally (but I dislike pho to begin with), and their salt and pepper pork (my yardstick for Chinese-ish places), is on the lower end of mediocre. Their lunch combos are far from the most appetizing - the flavors always just seemed unnecessarily artificial to me (neon orange sauces). American Chinese food in the worst way. But the saving graces were from my last visit there: the special stuffed eggplant (something like that) with shrimp, and the crispy fried duck. Both were excellent, things I would definitely order again. The eggplant was savory, flavorful, and interesting while the duck was salty and crispy as fried duck should be. In my experience, with the exceptions of those dishes, save your money and go to TK Wu, Asian Legend, Middle Kingdom, or heck, even Lucky Kitchen or Panda.
(3)
Christina L.
Meh you have to know what to order in order to get a 4-star experience. Maybe around 95% of their dishes would earn 2 stars from me while the rest are 3-5 star. Also, I'm really tired of finding pieces of plastic wrapping in maybe 1/4 of the takeout I get here. :/ But my friend once got the kungpao (or szechuan?) chicken and it was AMAZING. I tried recreating the experience by ordering kungpao shrimp and was disappointed, the sauce was very slightly sweet and sour, and each shrimp was covered with batter 1cm thick. I love the beef hefun and tofu stuffed with shrimp isn't bad. It's close, though, and they're fast at getting your food out.
(2)
Meredith F.
Definitely my favorite Chinese food close to campus. Their location is very convenient and I LOVE their crab cheese. I have tried a few different chicken meals and enjoyed them all as well. It is a bit small for a restaurant, and I have had a few problems trying to get a table when I go there for dinner. But during the day, I love to stop in and have a quick bite between classes (when my budget allows it, that is).
(4)
Allen L.
Blech. Cheap chinese-like food. One star for being quick. Walking through some of the prep areas to use the bathroom downstairs is not for the faint of heart. Question: why bother? Answer: because it's the only chinese food on South U.
(1)
John Paul P.
Currently China Gate is my favorite chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor. Over the past couple of years, any trip to Ann Arbor included a visit here, and this month is no different. I've had good experiences previously with the dan dan noodles, lion head meatballs, watercress. This time we got the salt and pepper softshell crab, which was absolutely delicious with white rice, good crunch, not too greasy, good flavor. The curry fried rice had a nice saltiness to it. The duck ... oh how wonderful the duck was. Skin amazingly crispy, not overly seasoned, wonderful flavor. I left full and happy. The service was polite and attentive, yet not overbearing. The atmosphere is typical for a college setting.
(5)
Dingle D.
Terrible chinese food. Period. I've order three things from this place, each time hoping to be impressed by something and each time, very disappointed. I tried the beef noodle soup my first time there. Beef noodle soup should be raw noodles in a acidic beef stock with tender pieces of stew meat. The only thing they got right was the stock. The meat was dry and gritty slices of what seemed to be leftovers (not even like the beef served in beef and broccoli). The noodles were dried noodles that were barely intact (lots of noodle "crumbs"). I also order the kung-pao chicken and the beef & broccoli. The meat in both were clearly over starched in an attempt to make them tender and there was about a centimeter of grease floating on top of the gravy. In Ann Arbor, I would check out Middle Kingdom or Kai Garden in the Main Street area. Both are more authentic and have better chefs although the reviews say otherwise (clearly not written by those who ordered off the authentic menu).
(1)
Emily H.
This review is solely for the pho at China Gate, which the have recently started to serve. I was surprised by it. I guess I wasn't expecting much. Since when did a Chinese restaurant have good pho? I was slightly alarmed when we got the standard side "condiments" (basil, bean sprouts, jalapenos, lemons) because the veggies looked a little wilted/not fresh, and we got lemons! I wanted limes! But most of my fears went away as soon I got the bowl. I was happy to note that the aroma coming from the broth was rich and savory. It was good. The meat portion of the pho was small and left me wanting more (just sliced beef of lower quality and meatballs, no tripe or tendon), but I will not complain too much about it. Not as good as the best I've had, but definitely better than I expected. A 3.5 star, really, but of course we can't do that on Yelp.
(3)
Vi V.
My stomach hurt everytime i ate here but I kept coming back. Its one of those things you continue doing even though you know is bad for you. Michigan Daily names China Gate as the Best Chinese Restaurant in Ann Arbor for many years in a row and I'm not going to disagree. I am absolutely in love with their Sesame Chicken - my staple whenever I come here. Everything else is good too but I have to have Sesame chicken. However, this is one of those "American Chinese" places that I've always been embarrassed to be seen at. Many times have I been the only Asian person in a restaurant packed with diners (White). But whatever....Bring on the Sesame Chicken! =)
(5)
Peng H.
i really hope that the chef on their poster is not the chef that's cooking up some of these dishes... i must say, china gate (ranked by me, the second worst chinese food on campus, after "Tragic Wok") has given me some memorable experiences. freshman year, decided to pay 8bucks for sweet and sour pork before lunch. and ended up having sweet and sour dough...there was no pork. they batter was sooo thick that there's hardly any inside... overall: i don't think many of their dishes are well prepared...
(2)
Sandy C.
Pho was ok... Better at Saigon Garden. Steamed dumplings were horrible! Bad tasting, dry filling, like leather. Haven't tried anything else.
(2)
Juliet C.
Ok so i worked at China Gate for 4 years while in college (just graduated) and i swear im not biased at all. I'm Chinese, so you'd think I wouldn't want to eat any Americanized Chinese food, and also that I'd be sick of the food. NOT POSSIBLE! my Chinese roommates and i would eat there at least once or twice a week. and now that i've left ann arbor, i still miss it!! Responding to the Chef Jan "myth", Chef Jan opened China Gate like 20 years ago, and then he went on to open other restaurants/ focus on competitions. All the original recipes were created by him...think Emeril...but now his daughter and her husband owns it! China Gate has expanded its menu TREMENDOUSLY to include many authentic Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, the best are: Beef Chow Fun, Grilled Chicken Vermicelli, the Beef PHO is the best i've had EVER (and i lived in NorCal and NYC), Eggplant Stuffed with Shrimp, Tofu stuffed with Shrimp...make sure to try the scallion pancake for appetizer! On the Americanized side, the best dishes are: general tso's chicken, kung pao chicken, and crab cheese!!! Ppl who rated poorly obviously just need to expand their horizons and stop ordering the same stuff if they don't like it. china gate has like 300 items on its menu! also, there are other chinese restaurants on south u- but they just aren't as good! ppl obviously enjoy china gate (there were nights where i would be sweating from running around), and the food there is what the ppl are asking for! they make americanized chinese food bc are just catering to the customers, you can't compare it to some authentic big city restaurant. ***EDIT*** A word about the service at China Gate...it is a family run establishment. While working there, I really felt that I was part of the family. The general feeling at the restaurant is to go to any length to make the customer happy. They will customize your dish however you want (don't I know it, how many sorority girls have I served who had a million specifications for their food?). The key thing is that they strive for SPEED. Since the restaurant can get quite busy, the wait staff is usually running around trying to take all the orders and serve everyone. If it isn't busy, they often are helping out or doing side jobs to keep the restaurant running. The wait staff is often helping the hosts with the carry out or vice versa. If someone is curt or seems rushed it is just the nature of a restaurant with high turnover- or there may be some lost in translation. If you want a nice fancy slow paced meal, go to Main street. But I will tell you, all the wait staff is very friendly and willing to chat IF they have the time.
(5)
Alan W.
I'm very picky when it comes to Chinese food. Some of there stuff are done pretty well, but everything has too much msg. Not good chinese food, but for the location, it has some authentic stuff there.
(2)
ting b.
I'm trying to be unbiased and rate based on relativity. After all, I spent the last 5 years of my life in San Francisco and the last 3 months traveling throughout Asia, so my idea of good Chinese food is very, very skewed. Given that, it would be unfair to rate China Gate relative to those experiences (and such good ones they were!) Overall, China Gate is actually not bad! I would never recommend their lunch specials (the almond chicken is really disgusting, it's smothered in Campbell's soup or starch or something) but for dinner, I will often order takeout. Items I recommend include the eggplant stuffed with shrimp, scallion pancakes or seafood tofu claypot. I've wanted to try the Lion's head meatballs they have on their chef's selection specials but they never seem to have it, it's always "sold out". Prices are alright, about $10/ dish, which is pretty cheap. Overall, as a student, I'd recommend ordering takeout here when you know you have a loooooooooooong ass night to get through.
(3)
Justin G.
Not the greatest Chinese place ever, but you can't beat if for the location or the price. I went here on a weekly basis all throughout college. The Kung Pao Chicken lunch special was like crack to me for like 2 full years (and I still come back to AA every now and then for it).
(3)
Kathryn L.
I'm in love with this restaurant. Not only do they have the best chicken fried rice this side of the state, but they're willing to make everything to your picky specifications (no carrots or peas, egg on the side, half for here and half to go, etc etc). I've been here to dine in as well as carry out; they've never gotten my order wrong, and I've never gotten bad service here. Their location is great - in the heart of downtown. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Lily Z.
How many Chinese people actually eat at China Gate compare to Great Lake or Chia Shiang? Unless China Gate revamped their menu in the past 2 years, its actually one of the worst Chinese restaurant in the area. TK Wu, Asian Legend, and Middle Kingdom all have better food and more authentic options than China Gate.
(2)
Susan C.
Nostalgia-wise, China Gate gets 4 stars from me. It's almost unchanged from my university days. It's not elegant, the staff ranges through a bunch of college kid stereotypes, and it seems that the portions have shrunk a tiny bit. But from what I can tell, they still make their lemon chicken by coating it in chestnut flour, which gives it an unparalleled sweet crispness. Best lemon chicken I've ever had. Their Peking beef is still a standout, although it's always been just slightly oily for my taste. If you're on campus and need some takeout, it fits the bill.
(3)
David H.
I was fairly disappointed in the quality of the chicken that I was served. It was unnaturally stringy, dry, and flavorless. The service was prompt. But, the food certainly left much to be desired.
(2)
David S.
Note, this review is just for the Pho. I was excited to find out that they serve Pho now. I have not been able to find a place around Ann Arbor that served a decent Pho. A lot of people rave about Tomuken...but personally i was disappointed. So I went to China Gate with my wife to try it out. My wife actually worked as a hostess here when we both did out undergrad at UofM (late 90's) and from what she tells me, one of the owner's daughters is married to a Vietnamese...so I was hoping for authenticity. We both ordered the beef pho. The first thing you notice is the portion...it's HUGE. But it really didn't look all that appetizing. The broth looked oily and "dirty"...not sure if that is the right word to use. But it looked like water after you boil some beef in it. Thankfully looks were deceiving because the broth tasted very clean and crisp. The noodles initially seemed undercooked because they were clumped together at the bottom of the bowl. However, I think this was intentional go give them a change to cook while you are eating so that they don't get over-cooked. The beef and meat balls were nothing special. But for me, pho is about the broth and it was the best I've tested in a long time. A couple days later, i went back to try the sea-food pho. It was ok...but definitely would never get it over the beef pho.
(4)
Haroun K.
Update: So, I was curious about the Chef Jan legend, and it seems that he did at one point actually cook here. But now he runs a restaurant in New Jersey ( nj.com/entertainment/ind… ) Since it's pretty ridiculous to advertise the cooking expertise of a guy living hundreds of miles away, I'm taking away 1 star (the honesty star). I'll say this, if I had to pick a Chinese restaurant on campus to dine-inn, this would be it. The food is ok and not overpriced and the service is good. I don't think, though, that the chef is won his bevy of international silver medals by presenting this food. It is neither disappointing nor impressive. I would rather walk a bit to Kai Garden, or order in from San Fu. But when hungry on South U., this place will do.
(2)
Clayton H.
Pretty solid chinese! It's nothing to write home about, but certainly where I would go if I wanted Chinese.
(4)
Saul W.
The best way of putting this joint is that it's clearly a very talented chef's love letter to American Chinese food. There is no shame in this, but expect exactly what it is. My love of American Chinese food knows no bounds, so I love this place desperately. Bring friends and get some Yu Shan Fish and Mu Shu.
(4)
Chin N.
I think technically, this restaurent should be a 3-star, but I've decided to give it 4-stars. Normally, this restaurent fits the bill of 3-stars: it has a menu like what you'd expect from a take-out Chinese place (read: americanized), its pretty cheap, and the food is kind of greasy. However, what they do with that is amazing. Whenever I go there, I order the Orange Tofu (not on the menu, but if you ask nice, they'll make it), and it's truly amazing. This is the only restaurant I've been to where the tofu is good. When you walk in, you don't really expect much from it. It's not well decorated, the service isn't great, etc. Really, it takes its 3-star budget, and does something really good with it. Thus, I give it 4-stars.
(4)
Michael C.
China Gate was an absolute must when I was staying less than a block from it. You can only eat hot dogs and pizza so much until the very thought of them makes you want to vomit. I wasn't too into dining in; often it would be packed in there, and thusly the food took longer. It was much easier to call in our orders and just bring them back to the apartment. And it seemed like there was a little difference in how the carry-outs were prepared; the lo mein inside tasted different than the lo mein I brought home. Either that, or I'm just delirious. But regardless, they make really good egg rolls and fried rice. I'm pretty picky about my fried rice - can't be too slimy - and theirs isn't at all. It was all around good Chinese for the price, and a welcome change from the standard burger/hot dog/pizza affair.
(4)
Levent H.
Fair food, acceptable prices. Service is poor!
(2)
Krupa U.
What did we really know when we were young? When I was a student, I thought this was the best chinese place ever, but I've grown up now and so have my taste buds. This is your typical run of the mill american-chinese restaurant, nothing really special. It's one of those places that you will go to no matter what when you're a student, it's like a right of passage... like puberty - when you think you're cool but you're really in your dark ages and look awkward. You look back and think... what the hell was i thinking? There are probably better chinese or other asian cuisine restaurants in ann arbor.
(2)
K L.
The food was good enough for 4 stars, but the food poisoning brought it down to a 2.
(2)
Sonia M.
I LOVED China Gate Restaurant! I had the Pho Bac and the Pork Fried Rice and it was the best I've had outside of New York City and California. The service was fast and efficient and the food was delicious and a lot for the price. I am going to be back to try the Dan Dan Noodles (which you rarely find outside of big cities) and the Beef Chow Fun and the dumplings. Superb!
(5)
Young O.
haters. haters of generals chicken. haters of crab cheese rangoons. haters of cute chinese girls who work there.
(5)
Lisa W.
The shredded Szechuan chicken, the mongolian chicken, and the Sesame chicken are all solid dishes when you are starving. I usually do not opt for Chinese take-out, but I'll give in once in awhile and this place is fine. The waitresses always remember me there and I think that's cute. If you ask for a dish that's altered to suit your needs, make sure you re-iterate it over and over again. Back when I was a wimp, I'd ask for the Szechuan shredded chicken mild and not spicy (not the case now), and it would either come back really spicy or not shredded.
(3)
Mae S.
The food and service are both good -- in fact the waitresses put to shame a lot of the people who work at much classier places. The wall-mounted booths and central lines of formica tables are crowded together to seat many. So: no atmosphere, rather high noise and light level. Really good prices and very large portions no doubt designed for the local student crowd. Unlike some Chinese restaurants various dishes here really taste different from one another -- really sticky sweet-sour dishes; soft-shell crab in a sweet but not too sweet sauce; delicious savory noodle soups; spicy stir-fries; steamed fish. Spring rolls arrive at the table hot and crisp, which is nice. No beer. Beer would be good with these dishes. Remember, in heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here.
(3)
Eduardo R.
Looking for a Chinese restaurant that packs more quantity than quality? Want a good bang for your buck? Well, China Gate is the place for you. The food here is of medeocre quality, but what they don't have in good food, they make up in amount. I had the Hunan Scallops, and a few of the scallops were bad, plus the sauce was a bit too sweet. However, I could not finish eating my whole plate. That's a lot of food. Their lunches are cheaper than their dinners, and as such, it's not as much food, but it's still filling. And for a price in the low 10's, it's not horribly bad, pricewise. Just be careful what you order...
(3)
Dave Y.
pretty ok, just about comparable to panda express, maybe slightly worse. the chef is supposed to be award-winning, like he won some cooking award at some competition. but for someone who won a cooking award, this sure is a cop-out place. it's chinese-takeout, nothing more, nothing less. greasy, tasty lunch combos at about the right price (~$6-7). meh. i'll probably come here just for convenience
(2)
Katia M.
I wasn't exactly an adventurous eater while I was in college, and thus I hadn't really ever had Chinese food before. China Gate was the place that started it for me, and though I haven't been back since 2001, I gotta give the place props for introducing me to the wonders of fried rice and other, better, spicier Chinese cuisine. Thanks, China Gate!
(4)
Gene K.
Oh god... my top 3 contributor to freshmen 15. I used to live at E Quad so i used to get their food on a regular basis, not knowing any better. I guess my biggest complaint, aside from the copious amount of MSG and less than average Chinese food is the pure greasiness. Any take out I got had a good layer of oil on the bottom of the container by the time I finished eating. gross... Also where is the Chef Jen? Of all the years I've lived here, I've never seen him around. i'm beginning to think that he doesn't exist. Where are you Chef Jen?
(1)
Parisa K.
Are you looking for good, greasy Chinese food? Are you looking for decent Chinese food, on campus, that you can easily walk to? If you said yes, then China Gate is your place. Sure there are some better places that aren't that far, but there aren't really many Chinese places you can walk to on campus. Plus some people like the greasy Chinese food. In that category, this place is pretty darn good. Of course, I did stop liking Chinese food sometime during undergrad, but I don't think I can blame China Gate for that. And it wasn't until I had eaten there many, many, many times that I decided I just couldn't do it anymore. If you go, I recommend pineapple fried rice.
(3)
Sophia G.
I normally come to China Gate for a quick lunch. Unfortunately, due to its popularity and proximity to the University of Michigan campus, you'll find that your order may take a while to reach your table. The waitresses are attentive and the food is very good.
(3)
Debo P.
this place is great! the place itself could use a remodeling job but the food is outstanding!
(5)
Professional Eater S.
First of all, let's get things straight - Chef Jan has never stepped foot in this place. I have bugged and pressured the waitresses about it, and to sum it up, Chef Jan doesn't even know where Ann Arbor is. The food here wouldn't be so bad, except that everything is always really sweet. I got kung pao chicken, and it was sweet. It was off-putting. Then I got Princess Chicken - sweet. Seafood - sweet. Everything is sweet. Even when I asked them to not make it sweet, it was sweet. That said, they do a good job of getting through the packed campus lunch crowd - it'll be fast, and there really isn't much choice when it comes to good Americanized Chinese food.
(2)
Erin K.
Definitely the best chinese food in Ann Arbor. The service is outstanding. You get your food minutes after you order and it is always hot and fresh. The food has great flavor too. There isn't a lot of ambiance since the restaurant can be very crowded. So if you are looking for candles, privacy, and plush seating...go somewhere else. If you want quick, delicious, cheap chinese food...go to China Gate.
(4)
Cristiana S.
The best chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor.. though I maybe somewhat biased since I worked there for three years. : ) Really though, the cooks are amazing and some of the non-traditional Chinese American food like their stuffed eggplant and crispy chicken in garlic and onions are really good. The lunch stand-bys (kungpao chicken, chicken and broccoli, emperor's chicken) are delicious as well. Get the kungpao chicken extra crispy. I like this place far better than tkwu's even though tkwu is $1 or $2 cheaper.
(5)
Bjorn G.
China Gate is arguably one of the best Chinese places in town, or at least around campus. They have a good menu with lots of items, use quality ingredients, and know how to make the food spicy if you ask nicely. Their specialty menu items (like Szechuan crispy fish) are generally better than their generic Chinese dishes, though the latter are pretty good too. The venue doesn't have much in the way of atmosphere (it used to be a dive called the Wolverine Den), but it's reasonably well-maintained.
(3)
Jerry T.
When I was in Ann Arbor, China Gate would have god 5 stars. But since I graduated (from UM and from Ann Arbor cuisine), I realized Chine Gate is a run of the mill American influenced chinese place with no personality or distinction. That being said, I remember liking the szechuan chicken so much it was with the hefty price tag (for a college student) and indulging.
(2)
J P.
China Gate...how I long for you. I'm a commuter to Ann Arbor and this place is a gem. Extremely fast service. You literally are served within 5 mins. The egg rolls are delish. Hot and sour soup. And the kung pao chicken is phenom. Restaurants from my podunk part of the state can not compare to their recipe.
(5)
Austin P.
It really bums me out that this place isn't good. I should have known. This place brags about its chef and its Chinese cuisine, but still serves french fries as a side. What was I thinking?! The folks who run the place seem really nice, but it was the most disappointing meal I've had in Ann Arbor. It's a cute li'l shop and it seemed like the perfect place to grab a take-out order for an afternoon of studying. I was really looking forward to getting to know this place! What a fool I was, dudes. I ordered a lunch special and the price was right (~$8.00 for an entree + rice + an egg roll that I think I paid $0.75 extra for). That's when tragedy hit: China Gate and I had barely met and I was already rapidly falling out of love. Emperor's Chicken: I received a teeny-tiny portion of heavily-battered chicken and a few limp veggies swimming in a brown sauce that wasn't particularly spicy, yet still managed to give me a scorchin' case of heartburn. Don't order this unless you hate yourself. If you hate yourself, shoot me a message 'cause I'm sure you're actually great! Y'know what isn't, though? This godawful chicken. Veggie fried rice: a far tastier dish, but mine was served lukewarm. Oh, and it was probably the saltiest thing I've ever eaten. Egg roll: the absolute worst part of the meal. I cannot stress enough how terrible my egg roll experience was. I've had bad egg rolls, I've had mediocre egg rolls, I've even eaten egg rolls that bordered on the ~~divine~~. This was so, SO far removed from those previous rolls. Other reviews say they serve up cream cheese crab rangoons. I believe it. This egg roll tasted like dessert, as if it'd been frying in oil next to a couple of funnel cakes at your local county fair. It was tragic what they did to that li'l egg roll. Absolutely tragic. I feel like a big ol' jerk, but you should probably seek out other spots if you get a hankerin' for take-out. I gave 'em two stars because the people seemed nice and it's possible that I just caught them on a really, really bad day...which is a shame. They're so close to my house! I thought we really could have had something, China Gate. I really did.
(2)
Athena K.
Quick, tasty, reliable. The main menu is Americanized Chinese but the specials are authentic Chinese and Vietnamese food. Pho comes in huge bowls. Prices are a bit high, but typical for Ann Arbor. Today's special was sour cabbage fish for $13.95. I forgot my wallet once and they let me pay the next day. Bathroom is through the kitchen but best to hold it.
(4)
Josh W.
Never again. It took a half hour to get the food when there was no line because the kitchen staff kept arguing with the guy at the register about whether they were supposed to make my meal. I got orange chicken and hot & sour soup, which maybe isn't the best option, but it was pretty bad. There are plenty of better places to go for lunch in this area.
(1)
Edward M.
Not sure how this place only has three stars, but the reviews that complain about it not being authentic... From what I see on the menu China Gate is mainly a place FOR Americanized Chinese food! All in all, this place is a better, yet a wee bit pricier than your average Americanized Chinese food joint. Their Kung Pao chicken is great! The tastes are all there, though it's not spicy, like I expect KP Chicken to be. Either way, it was very satisfying, and tasty! I always come here for some Kung Pao chicken. Their soup is also really really awesome. Their hot/sour is on point! Higher prices than your average take-out joint, once again, but solid food, and convenient location right on South U. Take out takes about 10 minutes, and staff are quick/efficient.
(4)
Robert W.
The beef pho here is actually not bad, coming from a Chinese restaurant. I've tried finding a good pho restaurant in Ann Arbor and this is the best I've found. I come here when I have classes near Central Campus, or when I feel under the weather and need something brothy. The service here is also pretty good.
(3)
Linda L.
Quick student low price style dining place. Never never never order english menu items For example Taipei beef noodle soup is far more better than beef noodle soup. Former one use real meat sauce and herb. Latter one uses beef broth. Beef stew ( with raddish inside) is good. Along with other pot such as tofu pot or sea food pot. But still those stew entrees are worth trying
(4)
Justin C.
So many memories of eating at this place and then taking a giant nap afterwards. The food here may be packed with MSG but it is so delicious. Best kung pao chicken hands down. Their soup isn't made-to-order but their egg drop and hot and sour soups taste so good. Every dish I've had here has been solid. Prices are totally reasonable so I don't see how you wouldn't have a good experience here.
(4)
Jeremy S.
It's a must visit when I return to Ann Arbor. Almond chicken is awesome. Crab cheese Rangoon are good. But light on crab but so tasty anyways Your water glass will never be empty!
(4)
Ben L.
Quick. Cheap. Pretty good. I ordered the almond chicken. I felt that the server was rushing me, nonetheless she was attentive.
(4)
N P.
This is a reliable place that I've been to dozens of times. It could be thought of as just a casual, cheap place to eat tons of food on campus but that's wrong. It's a casual, cheap place to eat tons of food on campus with delicious, flavorful, and (I hope) fresh food. It is also very fast. I've eaten here alone at lunch, with a handful of friends spontaneously and with larger groups as part of more formal dinner plans. Service has been outstanding at all times. The waitstaff is courteous and always willing to put up with my questions about what's vegetarian (hopefully with accurate answers lol). Now I'm just used to the place and know what to order so no more questions for you waitstaff lol! The best value is the lunch combos, about $7 for an entree with soup to go with it. Many times we were across campus and made the trip just for those. Please don't tell anyone but many times I did it alone too to avoid embarrassment that I had a "China Gate lunch craving" lol. The full menu lists 157 items. I think that is incredible. That is the type of detail most restaurants should show. If you can't find something to eat on that menu then you need to stay at home lol! If you do have food allergies or sensitivities, still by all means make sure which of those 157 items are safe for you. If you are vegetarian or vegan by all means ask too. It's important for any business to work with customer preferences. I was going to give this place 4 stars because sometimes the flavors are just either too strong or a little off. However, it's filling, affordable,and it has one of the friendliest waitstaffs in Ann Arbor. No this isn't dining perfection or culinary genius but it's done very well and a place I've always enjoyed. Great food and I hope that you try it.
(5)
Brendan M.
I happen to stumble upon the rating for ChinaGate during a google search and was appalled. 3 Stars? Unbelievable. Reading some of those one star reviews was almost comical. China Gate is without a doubt, the best Chinese food in the State. The Egg Rolls alone...Crunchy, greasy, delicious..You can tell they are handmade. Their fried rice is stupendous. The Hot and Sour Soup is to die for. Their dinner prices are a little pricey, so the lunch special is the way to go. My usual is the Emperor's Chicken with fried rice, Hot and Sour Soup and an egg roll. Make sure you put the spicy pepper oil on the egg roll. 8.75 out the door for a fantastic lunch, you can't beat that.
(5)
Peter T.
Very high price for mediocre food. Not my first choice for this type of cuisine in the area.
(3)
Don D.
Went there for the first time last week. Enjoyed it. Great food and great service. Had spring rolls, won-ton soup and sesame chicken. Excellent. Live in AZ and cannot wait to get back.
(5)
Laura C.
Wah wahhhh this place has seen better days! We went for what we hoped to be a festive dinner for Chinese New Year which was that day. No such luck. The waitstaff was uninterested, the food was bland, basic, and underwhelming. To their credit (and I gave them a star for this!) my husband did like his food. The low booths, bright lighting, and bored waitstaff will not inspire a return trip from me.
(2)
Jim H.
Best Kung Pao I've ever had. Not a fan of the Crab Rangoon, but it will not stop my family from going back. Our waitress was excellent.
(5)
Lindsey S.
uhhhh... you know how sometimes you know the food will not be the best, but you have to just try it to make sure 100% !! this place is pretty vile, the food is fair the prices are too high for the fake unidentifiable meat you are receiving. I ordered the mongolian beef, and added waterchesnuts and baby corn! thank gd i added the extra veggies or there would have been nothing edible to consume. the "beef" was a weird pinkish redish nastyness color, and weirdly chewy. my whole little nasty white box of food was 15$!! it totally only serves one person too. did it once, never doing it again. it sucks that this is such a convienent place to walk to.
(1)
Ted H.
It isn't fine dining. It isn't healthy. It isn't even a distinguishable experience. However, what it is, it is very well. China Gate is a cornerstone campus dining institution. It can be summed up as "Fast, Fried, and Frugal". You can expect to be in, fed, and out in under 15 minutes for under $8. Of course, taste matters. I've frequented them enough to assist you a little bit there. The Kung Pao chicken is like none other I've ever had - in the best way possible. Both the Sesame Chicken and the General's Chicken are indistinguishable, but that isn't to say they don't satisfy. The rest of the menu? Well, you can take it or leave it. Oh, lest I forget, the large sized Chicken Corn Soup make an incredibly cheap and tasty meal for two.
(4)
Patrick T.
The food is just so so, even though it's cheap. From reading reviews about metal int heir food, I would just avoid this place completely.
(2)
Wendy H.
This review is only based on their Kung pao chicken, which is awesome! I have not anything better! Egg drop soup is average. I live on Livonia but am always willing to make the drive for the Kung pao!
(4)
Melissah L.
China Gate is great Americanized Chinese food. Everything about this place is perfect-- the delicious, greasy, salty, fried goodness that is the food, the location of the restaurant on campus, even the prices are pretty reasonable. So far I've been twice, and I've ordered the moo-shi chicken, sesame beef and the Mongolian beef. My favorite is the Mongolian beef- very flavorful and well-cooked... but then again, who doesn't love moo-shi chicken? I can't help but think that I'm eating Chinese tacos, yum yum yum. I' m getting hungry just thinking about it. Definitely a must-try for busy students who want a semi-quick dinner on their way to the library for studying!
(3)
Jay H.
Let's start with Chef Jan. The guy has won a dozen top gold medals for cooking. Top gold medals. They don't give those away, and that's how you know the food is awesome. I've been eating here since my freshman year in 2001, and I'd give Jan another top gold medal for the kung pao chicken, and maybe just a regular gold medal for general tso's. When it comes to sugary, Americanized Chinese food, it doesn't get any better than this boys and girls. The hot & sour soup isn't a dish to be trifled with, either. Ignore the reviews lambasting the decor and building amenities (i.e. restrooms). I don't pay $10 for a Michelin experience.
(5)
Javier G.
A little pricy but the entrees are very nicely portioned and there's unlimited rice. Tastes okay.
(3)
I G.
Went here for lunch today. Got the almond chicken. It was good. Nothing really special. They do really need to wash their glasses better. My glass of water was so dirty. Had old lipstick marks and looked like greasy finger prints. Gross!!
(3)
Rodger W.
Perhaps the worst Chinese food that I have ever had. I had two things that should be slam dunks, but these folks managed to mess them both up. I arrived on campus for my monthly residence and the chef was not cooking. Bummer. I had to fend for myself in Ann Arbor, which in my experience is a bit of a foodie wasteland. I went for a brisk walk around Central Campus and while walking down South University, I decided to get some Chinese food, my first since bariatric surgery this past fall. I saw China Gate and its window signs proclaiming the talents of their Chef Jan. I figured that it would at least be ok, WRONG! I had 2 very simple dishes. Tofu with mixed vegetables in brown sauce and hot and sour soup. The tofu was bland and rubbery, and vegetables totally overcooked. The soup was worse. Also bland, over oiled, and nearly devoid of any tofu or other items in the tasteless salty liquid. Downriver Chinese joints are better than this place. Hell, most Asian buffets are better. More evidence that having a close by, locked in customer base breeds incompetent cooking.
(1)
Red G.
I found several pieces of metal from the food. It looked like bits from the scrubbing tool. This is not just a strand of hair accidentally falling into the food. This is a serious health concern and one that could be easily avoided if they actually cared. I had to go through 30 minutes of hassle to get a refund. Seriously? I used to frequent this place. I won't be returning to this place.
(1)
Brendan L.
Food is overly salty and uses excessive amounts of MSG. Soup is not fresh. Experience: have been to mainland china many times, this food is not authentic at all. Is it fine as a college eatery? Yeah, probably. But I wouldn't pay to eat it again. if you want authentic, go to the Maynard area (near tian chu). The Asia city buffet on washtenaw is even better than this. And I usually don't even like buffet- style restaurants.
(2)
Ann S.
I am going to give this a 4 only because I have only ordered one dish ever and have always gotten take-out. The Chicken Kung Pao is the BOMB. Like delicious. Flavorful. Fresh. I don't recall ever eating here when I went to school in the area but it is now a staple whenever I come back in town. I have even gotten some for the road and manage to make 2-3 meals out of it during the week (for $10). Yes, it might be small and a little outdated, but this is by far the best Chinese dish I have ever had. I should probably venture out one day and try something new, but my taste buds keep pulling me back to the same old same old!
(4)
Elizabeth E.
As I write this review, I'm sipping my scalding hot Creamy Chicken Corn Soup - or, as I like to call it, Soup As Big As Your Head. Because seriously? It's as big as my head, and just what the doctor ordered on a dreary winter day when I'm under the weather. I can't vouch for anything else on the menu, but Soup As Big As Your Head keeps me coming back for more.
(3)
Rachel E.
So I had been wanting carry-out style chinese food for a while and Lucky Kitchen just doesn't do it for me. I always pass China Gate when I walk down South U but for some reason I had never tried it. This all changed a few weeks, when I went there with my friend on a whim. I got the singapore noodles and my friend got the orange chicken. We both got egg drop soups. I went again with my boyfriend and got the singapore noodles again (old habits, lol) and he got hot & spicy pork. I usually can't handle any spice, but I thought his was really good and so did he. The singapore noodles were very good, just how i like 'em. The egg drop soup and orange chicken were average, but not bad. You just have to take this place for what it is, a chinese takeout place, and it's actually pretty good.
(4)
Tina G.
Hate anyone? Take him to china gate. Wanna break up with ur girlfriend? Take her to china gate. Wanna give up ur passion for food? Go to china gate. The worst Chinese restraint in Ann arbor, without doubt.
(1)
Mike S.
Caveat: This review is on the basis of recent changes to their Pho. I have been coming here ever since I was a sophomore back in 2006 and have never had much to complain about. The food was good and the service was excellent! However, some recent changes has motivated me to write a review; but first the good: When Pho first appeared on the menu, I was extremely skeptical at first based on the overall level of Pho served in Ann Arbor, but I was pleasantly surprised! The broth was very tasty (the key to all Pho, IMO) the beef was rare delicious, and the portions were monstrous! It quickly became my winter go-to dish on a cold Michigan night. Most recently, however, their Pho has taken a drastic turn for the worse. I've had it twice now within the last 2 months and the change has been pretty evident. The portions have been reduced by a ridiculous level, and as a result, the broth now feels like something slightly better than what you would expect out of a ramen package. Its really too bad because in order to get my Pho fix now, I have to go to Saigon garden, who's Pho was never as good as China Gate's Pho back in the day. It is my sincere hope that they go back to doing whatever it was they were doing before to put out an excellent quality Pho.
(2)
Robert C.
I've been here many times and have always had good experiences - service has always been decent to quite good and the food has never failed to disappoint. I find their wonton soup quite yummy in particular, and all chicken dishes I've tried have been delicious. The atmosphere inside is cozy and comical - there are touches of classy decor, big mirrors, nice fixtures, and intermingled are various awards the chef has won. One wall is covered in corny pictures of certain dishes - the mix of ridiculousness makes me smile every time. Haven't had a chance to go in recent past, but next time I'm in Ann Arbor it will be a heated battle between China Gate and La Casita.
(4)
Ellen P.
This is our children's favorite Asian restaurant, from back in their University of Michigan days; they've lived in New York and LA and maintain that China Gate has better Chinese food than any they've tried in either city. It also has one of the largest menus I've ever seen -- just a crazy assortment of mostly Chinese dishes, plus a few Vietnamese specialties. On a recent get-together we stopped in for lunch; the rest of the fam got kung pao chicken while I got pho bac (something that's impossible to find here in northern Michigan). The kung pao is meaty and flavorful and spicy without being overpowering. The pho was -- it was so good that it's difficult to describe; a delicious, subtlely seasoned broth filled with generous strips of beef, some sliced beef meatballs for textural contrast, rice noodles and just enough cilantro to make it pop; it was like a warm hug in a bowl. I sampled my partner's hot-and-sour soup and it was great; a wonderful balance of sweet and hot, had a pleasing mixture of tofu and other add-ins (and no peas -- thank you!), not thick and cornstarchy like so many hot-and-sour-soups. The service is fast and courteous, and the staff is willing to make substitutions in dishes. Two things you need to know if you visit for the first time: The place is a dive in the model of any good dive-y big-city Chinese joint. (The dining area is clean but tiny and usually crowded.). Secondly -- do not use the bathroom. That's all I can say.
(4)
Benjamin L.
Disclaimer: I am rating this place purely on their Chinese-American food menu. I don't want this 4-star rating to affect my credibility in grading authentic Chinese food. That said. This place is an UofM institution. It's been there longer than most of the campus buildings. Back when I was a student, popular options were beef soup noodles, and ALL your standard American-Chinese favorites. Chicken Corn soup, sweet and sour chicken, General Tsou's Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken. There are hundreds of thousands of Michigan graduates who will vouch for the sweet/salty/fried goodness that is China Gate.
(4)
April J.
I truly can't give this restaurant even an "ok" review. It wasn't terrible but... way too much sauce - like triple the normal amount, and low quality chicken. I'd eat there again maybe for someone really special. Maybe. I think it left me feeling sick more than anything else. Not usually something I look for in a restaurant, even cheap chinese. It's not the worst cheap chinese I've had but I'd rather not come back.
(2)
Jason S.
***WARNING: FOOD MAY CONTAIN SMALL PIECES OF METAL*** While the food may be decent, do not eat here until they learn to take food safety practices seriously. I found four small 1.5 inch pieces of sharp metal in my food (Family Style Tofu) just a few bites in. I called to report it and they refused to issue a refund unless I drove the food all the way back and informed me that it was a known and ongoing issue for the past few months. They said there is "nothing they can do about it" and it "keeps happening". They even apparently know it is from the metal dishwashing tool they use, but clearly they don't really care enough about the health and safety of their customers to do anything about it. Needless to say, they can expect a visit soon from Washtenaw County Public Health. Do not under any circumstances eat from here unless you are looking to have a late-night hospital visit. If you are, by all means, go for it!
(1)
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Address :1201 S University Ave
Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Jess P.
A friend suggested we visit China Gate for lunch this past Friday. After spending nearly an hour trying to figure out where we wanted to go, I gave in and told him that's fine. I really wasn't in the mood for Chinese food but whatever. Upon entering, we were kindly greeted by a member of the staff. She told us to choose wherever we'd like to sit and handed us a ton of menus. Literally 5 different menus! I felt overwhelmed but trusted that my friend knew what was good since he used to be a regular here when he lived close to campus. Since the entrées were big and my appetite wasn't, he suggested we share one. We settled on general tso's chicken and each got soup. I got wonton soup and tried my friend's hot and sour. They were both yummy. I could see myself ordering a large container of the wonton soup if I were stuck on campus, sick with a cold. While we were waiting on the entrée to arrive, I started to get upset with myself: I forgot to ask for sauce on the side and the worst part about fried Chinese food is coating it in sauce, making it soggy and spongy... Not this time! The chicken was very crispy, tender and coated in a savory sweet sauce with just a bit of spiciness. It was served with white rice (which I was hoping for) and the serving size was enough for us to share plus some. I really wish I would have known about this place sooner, like when I lived in A2 for 3-1/2 years. Oh well. Just another reason to visit again. I am not sure why some reviews are not good. The place was very clean, the service was just right... the waitress refilled our waters so they were never empty but didn't bother us much. It was a lovely visit.
(5)Megan K.
Huge freaking menu. Really small hole in the wall restaurant, but it has good food. Not much for seating, it feels a bit claustrophobic when it's busy.
(4)Justin D.
I come here a lot because one of my friends likes their Generals Chicken. That particular meal is pretty good. It's what you would expect. I almost invariably get the salt and pepper chicken. It's very good. It has just the right amount of spice, salt and tang.
(4)Laura G.
Okay, this review is just for the Americanized dishes: that being said, the Chinese brocolli and sesame tofu were both delicious. Seriously, the best in the area. I would give the food itself 5 stars, but the service was... odd. The lady taking our order repeatedly got it wrong, so I was nervous about the order being put in correctly. The tofu came out close to ten minutes after the other two dishes we ordered, which was a little much. Overall, I really like the place and will definitely get take-out there in the future.
(4)Jennifer V.
China Gate deserves 4-stars in comparison to the other Chinese joints in the Ann Arbor area, and the rest of Michigan, mostly. I've never actually eaten IN the restaurant - always ordered take-out. Their fried rice is generally light and fluffy, without being too greasy. The chicken dishes I've had have been pretty good, especially the General's Chicken. I can't really complain about much else. When I'm really aching for Chinese food in Ann Arbor, this is typically where I'll go! It's definitely better than Middle Kingdom (bleh).
(4)Esther Y.
I know this place may be kind of hit or miss, but when I went, it was great. I love Chinese food, and I am glad that there is a solid place close to campus. We had a variety of foods: eggplant, ma po tofu, butter fish and the crab rangoon. Everything was really good, but the crab rangoon had like a yellow cheese-which was a little strange. All in all, great value, good tastes and would definitely eat here again.
(3)Ben Y.
I want to give this place 2 stars. I really do. Their pho is love-it-or-hate-it, I hate it personally (but I dislike pho to begin with), and their salt and pepper pork (my yardstick for Chinese-ish places), is on the lower end of mediocre. Their lunch combos are far from the most appetizing - the flavors always just seemed unnecessarily artificial to me (neon orange sauces). American Chinese food in the worst way. But the saving graces were from my last visit there: the special stuffed eggplant (something like that) with shrimp, and the crispy fried duck. Both were excellent, things I would definitely order again. The eggplant was savory, flavorful, and interesting while the duck was salty and crispy as fried duck should be. In my experience, with the exceptions of those dishes, save your money and go to TK Wu, Asian Legend, Middle Kingdom, or heck, even Lucky Kitchen or Panda.
(3)Christina L.
Meh you have to know what to order in order to get a 4-star experience. Maybe around 95% of their dishes would earn 2 stars from me while the rest are 3-5 star. Also, I'm really tired of finding pieces of plastic wrapping in maybe 1/4 of the takeout I get here. :/ But my friend once got the kungpao (or szechuan?) chicken and it was AMAZING. I tried recreating the experience by ordering kungpao shrimp and was disappointed, the sauce was very slightly sweet and sour, and each shrimp was covered with batter 1cm thick. I love the beef hefun and tofu stuffed with shrimp isn't bad. It's close, though, and they're fast at getting your food out.
(2)Meredith F.
Definitely my favorite Chinese food close to campus. Their location is very convenient and I LOVE their crab cheese. I have tried a few different chicken meals and enjoyed them all as well. It is a bit small for a restaurant, and I have had a few problems trying to get a table when I go there for dinner. But during the day, I love to stop in and have a quick bite between classes (when my budget allows it, that is).
(4)Allen L.
Blech. Cheap chinese-like food. One star for being quick. Walking through some of the prep areas to use the bathroom downstairs is not for the faint of heart. Question: why bother? Answer: because it's the only chinese food on South U.
(1)John Paul P.
Currently China Gate is my favorite chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor. Over the past couple of years, any trip to Ann Arbor included a visit here, and this month is no different. I've had good experiences previously with the dan dan noodles, lion head meatballs, watercress. This time we got the salt and pepper softshell crab, which was absolutely delicious with white rice, good crunch, not too greasy, good flavor. The curry fried rice had a nice saltiness to it. The duck ... oh how wonderful the duck was. Skin amazingly crispy, not overly seasoned, wonderful flavor. I left full and happy. The service was polite and attentive, yet not overbearing. The atmosphere is typical for a college setting.
(5)Dingle D.
Terrible chinese food. Period. I've order three things from this place, each time hoping to be impressed by something and each time, very disappointed. I tried the beef noodle soup my first time there. Beef noodle soup should be raw noodles in a acidic beef stock with tender pieces of stew meat. The only thing they got right was the stock. The meat was dry and gritty slices of what seemed to be leftovers (not even like the beef served in beef and broccoli). The noodles were dried noodles that were barely intact (lots of noodle "crumbs"). I also order the kung-pao chicken and the beef & broccoli. The meat in both were clearly over starched in an attempt to make them tender and there was about a centimeter of grease floating on top of the gravy. In Ann Arbor, I would check out Middle Kingdom or Kai Garden in the Main Street area. Both are more authentic and have better chefs although the reviews say otherwise (clearly not written by those who ordered off the authentic menu).
(1)Emily H.
This review is solely for the pho at China Gate, which the have recently started to serve. I was surprised by it. I guess I wasn't expecting much. Since when did a Chinese restaurant have good pho? I was slightly alarmed when we got the standard side "condiments" (basil, bean sprouts, jalapenos, lemons) because the veggies looked a little wilted/not fresh, and we got lemons! I wanted limes! But most of my fears went away as soon I got the bowl. I was happy to note that the aroma coming from the broth was rich and savory. It was good. The meat portion of the pho was small and left me wanting more (just sliced beef of lower quality and meatballs, no tripe or tendon), but I will not complain too much about it. Not as good as the best I've had, but definitely better than I expected. A 3.5 star, really, but of course we can't do that on Yelp.
(3)Vi V.
My stomach hurt everytime i ate here but I kept coming back. Its one of those things you continue doing even though you know is bad for you. Michigan Daily names China Gate as the Best Chinese Restaurant in Ann Arbor for many years in a row and I'm not going to disagree. I am absolutely in love with their Sesame Chicken - my staple whenever I come here. Everything else is good too but I have to have Sesame chicken. However, this is one of those "American Chinese" places that I've always been embarrassed to be seen at. Many times have I been the only Asian person in a restaurant packed with diners (White). But whatever....Bring on the Sesame Chicken! =)
(5)Peng H.
i really hope that the chef on their poster is not the chef that's cooking up some of these dishes... i must say, china gate (ranked by me, the second worst chinese food on campus, after "Tragic Wok") has given me some memorable experiences. freshman year, decided to pay 8bucks for sweet and sour pork before lunch. and ended up having sweet and sour dough...there was no pork. they batter was sooo thick that there's hardly any inside... overall: i don't think many of their dishes are well prepared...
(2)Sandy C.
Pho was ok... Better at Saigon Garden. Steamed dumplings were horrible! Bad tasting, dry filling, like leather. Haven't tried anything else.
(2)Juliet C.
Ok so i worked at China Gate for 4 years while in college (just graduated) and i swear im not biased at all. I'm Chinese, so you'd think I wouldn't want to eat any Americanized Chinese food, and also that I'd be sick of the food. NOT POSSIBLE! my Chinese roommates and i would eat there at least once or twice a week. and now that i've left ann arbor, i still miss it!! Responding to the Chef Jan "myth", Chef Jan opened China Gate like 20 years ago, and then he went on to open other restaurants/ focus on competitions. All the original recipes were created by him...think Emeril...but now his daughter and her husband owns it! China Gate has expanded its menu TREMENDOUSLY to include many authentic Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, the best are: Beef Chow Fun, Grilled Chicken Vermicelli, the Beef PHO is the best i've had EVER (and i lived in NorCal and NYC), Eggplant Stuffed with Shrimp, Tofu stuffed with Shrimp...make sure to try the scallion pancake for appetizer! On the Americanized side, the best dishes are: general tso's chicken, kung pao chicken, and crab cheese!!! Ppl who rated poorly obviously just need to expand their horizons and stop ordering the same stuff if they don't like it. china gate has like 300 items on its menu! also, there are other chinese restaurants on south u- but they just aren't as good! ppl obviously enjoy china gate (there were nights where i would be sweating from running around), and the food there is what the ppl are asking for! they make americanized chinese food bc are just catering to the customers, you can't compare it to some authentic big city restaurant. ***EDIT*** A word about the service at China Gate...it is a family run establishment. While working there, I really felt that I was part of the family. The general feeling at the restaurant is to go to any length to make the customer happy. They will customize your dish however you want (don't I know it, how many sorority girls have I served who had a million specifications for their food?). The key thing is that they strive for SPEED. Since the restaurant can get quite busy, the wait staff is usually running around trying to take all the orders and serve everyone. If it isn't busy, they often are helping out or doing side jobs to keep the restaurant running. The wait staff is often helping the hosts with the carry out or vice versa. If someone is curt or seems rushed it is just the nature of a restaurant with high turnover- or there may be some lost in translation. If you want a nice fancy slow paced meal, go to Main street. But I will tell you, all the wait staff is very friendly and willing to chat IF they have the time.
(5)Alan W.
I'm very picky when it comes to Chinese food. Some of there stuff are done pretty well, but everything has too much msg. Not good chinese food, but for the location, it has some authentic stuff there.
(2)ting b.
I'm trying to be unbiased and rate based on relativity. After all, I spent the last 5 years of my life in San Francisco and the last 3 months traveling throughout Asia, so my idea of good Chinese food is very, very skewed. Given that, it would be unfair to rate China Gate relative to those experiences (and such good ones they were!) Overall, China Gate is actually not bad! I would never recommend their lunch specials (the almond chicken is really disgusting, it's smothered in Campbell's soup or starch or something) but for dinner, I will often order takeout. Items I recommend include the eggplant stuffed with shrimp, scallion pancakes or seafood tofu claypot. I've wanted to try the Lion's head meatballs they have on their chef's selection specials but they never seem to have it, it's always "sold out". Prices are alright, about $10/ dish, which is pretty cheap. Overall, as a student, I'd recommend ordering takeout here when you know you have a loooooooooooong ass night to get through.
(3)Justin G.
Not the greatest Chinese place ever, but you can't beat if for the location or the price. I went here on a weekly basis all throughout college. The Kung Pao Chicken lunch special was like crack to me for like 2 full years (and I still come back to AA every now and then for it).
(3)Kathryn L.
I'm in love with this restaurant. Not only do they have the best chicken fried rice this side of the state, but they're willing to make everything to your picky specifications (no carrots or peas, egg on the side, half for here and half to go, etc etc). I've been here to dine in as well as carry out; they've never gotten my order wrong, and I've never gotten bad service here. Their location is great - in the heart of downtown. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Lily Z.
How many Chinese people actually eat at China Gate compare to Great Lake or Chia Shiang? Unless China Gate revamped their menu in the past 2 years, its actually one of the worst Chinese restaurant in the area. TK Wu, Asian Legend, and Middle Kingdom all have better food and more authentic options than China Gate.
(2)Susan C.
Nostalgia-wise, China Gate gets 4 stars from me. It's almost unchanged from my university days. It's not elegant, the staff ranges through a bunch of college kid stereotypes, and it seems that the portions have shrunk a tiny bit. But from what I can tell, they still make their lemon chicken by coating it in chestnut flour, which gives it an unparalleled sweet crispness. Best lemon chicken I've ever had. Their Peking beef is still a standout, although it's always been just slightly oily for my taste. If you're on campus and need some takeout, it fits the bill.
(3)David H.
I was fairly disappointed in the quality of the chicken that I was served. It was unnaturally stringy, dry, and flavorless. The service was prompt. But, the food certainly left much to be desired.
(2)David S.
Note, this review is just for the Pho. I was excited to find out that they serve Pho now. I have not been able to find a place around Ann Arbor that served a decent Pho. A lot of people rave about Tomuken...but personally i was disappointed. So I went to China Gate with my wife to try it out. My wife actually worked as a hostess here when we both did out undergrad at UofM (late 90's) and from what she tells me, one of the owner's daughters is married to a Vietnamese...so I was hoping for authenticity. We both ordered the beef pho. The first thing you notice is the portion...it's HUGE. But it really didn't look all that appetizing. The broth looked oily and "dirty"...not sure if that is the right word to use. But it looked like water after you boil some beef in it. Thankfully looks were deceiving because the broth tasted very clean and crisp. The noodles initially seemed undercooked because they were clumped together at the bottom of the bowl. However, I think this was intentional go give them a change to cook while you are eating so that they don't get over-cooked. The beef and meat balls were nothing special. But for me, pho is about the broth and it was the best I've tested in a long time. A couple days later, i went back to try the sea-food pho. It was ok...but definitely would never get it over the beef pho.
(4)Haroun K.
Update: So, I was curious about the Chef Jan legend, and it seems that he did at one point actually cook here. But now he runs a restaurant in New Jersey ( nj.com/entertainment/ind… ) Since it's pretty ridiculous to advertise the cooking expertise of a guy living hundreds of miles away, I'm taking away 1 star (the honesty star). I'll say this, if I had to pick a Chinese restaurant on campus to dine-inn, this would be it. The food is ok and not overpriced and the service is good. I don't think, though, that the chef is won his bevy of international silver medals by presenting this food. It is neither disappointing nor impressive. I would rather walk a bit to Kai Garden, or order in from San Fu. But when hungry on South U., this place will do.
(2)Clayton H.
Pretty solid chinese! It's nothing to write home about, but certainly where I would go if I wanted Chinese.
(4)Saul W.
The best way of putting this joint is that it's clearly a very talented chef's love letter to American Chinese food. There is no shame in this, but expect exactly what it is. My love of American Chinese food knows no bounds, so I love this place desperately. Bring friends and get some Yu Shan Fish and Mu Shu.
(4)Chin N.
I think technically, this restaurent should be a 3-star, but I've decided to give it 4-stars. Normally, this restaurent fits the bill of 3-stars: it has a menu like what you'd expect from a take-out Chinese place (read: americanized), its pretty cheap, and the food is kind of greasy. However, what they do with that is amazing. Whenever I go there, I order the Orange Tofu (not on the menu, but if you ask nice, they'll make it), and it's truly amazing. This is the only restaurant I've been to where the tofu is good. When you walk in, you don't really expect much from it. It's not well decorated, the service isn't great, etc. Really, it takes its 3-star budget, and does something really good with it. Thus, I give it 4-stars.
(4)Michael C.
China Gate was an absolute must when I was staying less than a block from it. You can only eat hot dogs and pizza so much until the very thought of them makes you want to vomit. I wasn't too into dining in; often it would be packed in there, and thusly the food took longer. It was much easier to call in our orders and just bring them back to the apartment. And it seemed like there was a little difference in how the carry-outs were prepared; the lo mein inside tasted different than the lo mein I brought home. Either that, or I'm just delirious. But regardless, they make really good egg rolls and fried rice. I'm pretty picky about my fried rice - can't be too slimy - and theirs isn't at all. It was all around good Chinese for the price, and a welcome change from the standard burger/hot dog/pizza affair.
(4)Levent H.
Fair food, acceptable prices. Service is poor!
(2)Krupa U.
What did we really know when we were young? When I was a student, I thought this was the best chinese place ever, but I've grown up now and so have my taste buds. This is your typical run of the mill american-chinese restaurant, nothing really special. It's one of those places that you will go to no matter what when you're a student, it's like a right of passage... like puberty - when you think you're cool but you're really in your dark ages and look awkward. You look back and think... what the hell was i thinking? There are probably better chinese or other asian cuisine restaurants in ann arbor.
(2)K L.
The food was good enough for 4 stars, but the food poisoning brought it down to a 2.
(2)Sonia M.
I LOVED China Gate Restaurant! I had the Pho Bac and the Pork Fried Rice and it was the best I've had outside of New York City and California. The service was fast and efficient and the food was delicious and a lot for the price. I am going to be back to try the Dan Dan Noodles (which you rarely find outside of big cities) and the Beef Chow Fun and the dumplings. Superb!
(5)Young O.
haters. haters of generals chicken. haters of crab cheese rangoons. haters of cute chinese girls who work there.
(5)Lisa W.
The shredded Szechuan chicken, the mongolian chicken, and the Sesame chicken are all solid dishes when you are starving. I usually do not opt for Chinese take-out, but I'll give in once in awhile and this place is fine. The waitresses always remember me there and I think that's cute. If you ask for a dish that's altered to suit your needs, make sure you re-iterate it over and over again. Back when I was a wimp, I'd ask for the Szechuan shredded chicken mild and not spicy (not the case now), and it would either come back really spicy or not shredded.
(3)Mae S.
The food and service are both good -- in fact the waitresses put to shame a lot of the people who work at much classier places. The wall-mounted booths and central lines of formica tables are crowded together to seat many. So: no atmosphere, rather high noise and light level. Really good prices and very large portions no doubt designed for the local student crowd. Unlike some Chinese restaurants various dishes here really taste different from one another -- really sticky sweet-sour dishes; soft-shell crab in a sweet but not too sweet sauce; delicious savory noodle soups; spicy stir-fries; steamed fish. Spring rolls arrive at the table hot and crisp, which is nice. No beer. Beer would be good with these dishes. Remember, in heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here.
(3)Eduardo R.
Looking for a Chinese restaurant that packs more quantity than quality? Want a good bang for your buck? Well, China Gate is the place for you. The food here is of medeocre quality, but what they don't have in good food, they make up in amount. I had the Hunan Scallops, and a few of the scallops were bad, plus the sauce was a bit too sweet. However, I could not finish eating my whole plate. That's a lot of food. Their lunches are cheaper than their dinners, and as such, it's not as much food, but it's still filling. And for a price in the low 10's, it's not horribly bad, pricewise. Just be careful what you order...
(3)Dave Y.
pretty ok, just about comparable to panda express, maybe slightly worse. the chef is supposed to be award-winning, like he won some cooking award at some competition. but for someone who won a cooking award, this sure is a cop-out place. it's chinese-takeout, nothing more, nothing less. greasy, tasty lunch combos at about the right price (~$6-7). meh. i'll probably come here just for convenience
(2)Katia M.
I wasn't exactly an adventurous eater while I was in college, and thus I hadn't really ever had Chinese food before. China Gate was the place that started it for me, and though I haven't been back since 2001, I gotta give the place props for introducing me to the wonders of fried rice and other, better, spicier Chinese cuisine. Thanks, China Gate!
(4)Gene K.
Oh god... my top 3 contributor to freshmen 15. I used to live at E Quad so i used to get their food on a regular basis, not knowing any better. I guess my biggest complaint, aside from the copious amount of MSG and less than average Chinese food is the pure greasiness. Any take out I got had a good layer of oil on the bottom of the container by the time I finished eating. gross... Also where is the Chef Jen? Of all the years I've lived here, I've never seen him around. i'm beginning to think that he doesn't exist. Where are you Chef Jen?
(1)Parisa K.
Are you looking for good, greasy Chinese food? Are you looking for decent Chinese food, on campus, that you can easily walk to? If you said yes, then China Gate is your place. Sure there are some better places that aren't that far, but there aren't really many Chinese places you can walk to on campus. Plus some people like the greasy Chinese food. In that category, this place is pretty darn good. Of course, I did stop liking Chinese food sometime during undergrad, but I don't think I can blame China Gate for that. And it wasn't until I had eaten there many, many, many times that I decided I just couldn't do it anymore. If you go, I recommend pineapple fried rice.
(3)Sophia G.
I normally come to China Gate for a quick lunch. Unfortunately, due to its popularity and proximity to the University of Michigan campus, you'll find that your order may take a while to reach your table. The waitresses are attentive and the food is very good.
(3)Debo P.
this place is great! the place itself could use a remodeling job but the food is outstanding!
(5)Professional Eater S.
First of all, let's get things straight - Chef Jan has never stepped foot in this place. I have bugged and pressured the waitresses about it, and to sum it up, Chef Jan doesn't even know where Ann Arbor is. The food here wouldn't be so bad, except that everything is always really sweet. I got kung pao chicken, and it was sweet. It was off-putting. Then I got Princess Chicken - sweet. Seafood - sweet. Everything is sweet. Even when I asked them to not make it sweet, it was sweet. That said, they do a good job of getting through the packed campus lunch crowd - it'll be fast, and there really isn't much choice when it comes to good Americanized Chinese food.
(2)Erin K.
Definitely the best chinese food in Ann Arbor. The service is outstanding. You get your food minutes after you order and it is always hot and fresh. The food has great flavor too. There isn't a lot of ambiance since the restaurant can be very crowded. So if you are looking for candles, privacy, and plush seating...go somewhere else. If you want quick, delicious, cheap chinese food...go to China Gate.
(4)Cristiana S.
The best chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor.. though I maybe somewhat biased since I worked there for three years. : ) Really though, the cooks are amazing and some of the non-traditional Chinese American food like their stuffed eggplant and crispy chicken in garlic and onions are really good. The lunch stand-bys (kungpao chicken, chicken and broccoli, emperor's chicken) are delicious as well. Get the kungpao chicken extra crispy. I like this place far better than tkwu's even though tkwu is $1 or $2 cheaper.
(5)Bjorn G.
China Gate is arguably one of the best Chinese places in town, or at least around campus. They have a good menu with lots of items, use quality ingredients, and know how to make the food spicy if you ask nicely. Their specialty menu items (like Szechuan crispy fish) are generally better than their generic Chinese dishes, though the latter are pretty good too. The venue doesn't have much in the way of atmosphere (it used to be a dive called the Wolverine Den), but it's reasonably well-maintained.
(3)Jerry T.
When I was in Ann Arbor, China Gate would have god 5 stars. But since I graduated (from UM and from Ann Arbor cuisine), I realized Chine Gate is a run of the mill American influenced chinese place with no personality or distinction. That being said, I remember liking the szechuan chicken so much it was with the hefty price tag (for a college student) and indulging.
(2)J P.
China Gate...how I long for you. I'm a commuter to Ann Arbor and this place is a gem. Extremely fast service. You literally are served within 5 mins. The egg rolls are delish. Hot and sour soup. And the kung pao chicken is phenom. Restaurants from my podunk part of the state can not compare to their recipe.
(5)Austin P.
It really bums me out that this place isn't good. I should have known. This place brags about its chef and its Chinese cuisine, but still serves french fries as a side. What was I thinking?! The folks who run the place seem really nice, but it was the most disappointing meal I've had in Ann Arbor. It's a cute li'l shop and it seemed like the perfect place to grab a take-out order for an afternoon of studying. I was really looking forward to getting to know this place! What a fool I was, dudes. I ordered a lunch special and the price was right (~$8.00 for an entree + rice + an egg roll that I think I paid $0.75 extra for). That's when tragedy hit: China Gate and I had barely met and I was already rapidly falling out of love. Emperor's Chicken: I received a teeny-tiny portion of heavily-battered chicken and a few limp veggies swimming in a brown sauce that wasn't particularly spicy, yet still managed to give me a scorchin' case of heartburn. Don't order this unless you hate yourself. If you hate yourself, shoot me a message 'cause I'm sure you're actually great! Y'know what isn't, though? This godawful chicken. Veggie fried rice: a far tastier dish, but mine was served lukewarm. Oh, and it was probably the saltiest thing I've ever eaten. Egg roll: the absolute worst part of the meal. I cannot stress enough how terrible my egg roll experience was. I've had bad egg rolls, I've had mediocre egg rolls, I've even eaten egg rolls that bordered on the ~~divine~~. This was so, SO far removed from those previous rolls. Other reviews say they serve up cream cheese crab rangoons. I believe it. This egg roll tasted like dessert, as if it'd been frying in oil next to a couple of funnel cakes at your local county fair. It was tragic what they did to that li'l egg roll. Absolutely tragic. I feel like a big ol' jerk, but you should probably seek out other spots if you get a hankerin' for take-out. I gave 'em two stars because the people seemed nice and it's possible that I just caught them on a really, really bad day...which is a shame. They're so close to my house! I thought we really could have had something, China Gate. I really did.
(2)Athena K.
Quick, tasty, reliable. The main menu is Americanized Chinese but the specials are authentic Chinese and Vietnamese food. Pho comes in huge bowls. Prices are a bit high, but typical for Ann Arbor. Today's special was sour cabbage fish for $13.95. I forgot my wallet once and they let me pay the next day. Bathroom is through the kitchen but best to hold it.
(4)Josh W.
Never again. It took a half hour to get the food when there was no line because the kitchen staff kept arguing with the guy at the register about whether they were supposed to make my meal. I got orange chicken and hot & sour soup, which maybe isn't the best option, but it was pretty bad. There are plenty of better places to go for lunch in this area.
(1)Edward M.
Not sure how this place only has three stars, but the reviews that complain about it not being authentic... From what I see on the menu China Gate is mainly a place FOR Americanized Chinese food! All in all, this place is a better, yet a wee bit pricier than your average Americanized Chinese food joint. Their Kung Pao chicken is great! The tastes are all there, though it's not spicy, like I expect KP Chicken to be. Either way, it was very satisfying, and tasty! I always come here for some Kung Pao chicken. Their soup is also really really awesome. Their hot/sour is on point! Higher prices than your average take-out joint, once again, but solid food, and convenient location right on South U. Take out takes about 10 minutes, and staff are quick/efficient.
(4)Robert W.
The beef pho here is actually not bad, coming from a Chinese restaurant. I've tried finding a good pho restaurant in Ann Arbor and this is the best I've found. I come here when I have classes near Central Campus, or when I feel under the weather and need something brothy. The service here is also pretty good.
(3)Linda L.
Quick student low price style dining place. Never never never order english menu items For example Taipei beef noodle soup is far more better than beef noodle soup. Former one use real meat sauce and herb. Latter one uses beef broth. Beef stew ( with raddish inside) is good. Along with other pot such as tofu pot or sea food pot. But still those stew entrees are worth trying
(4)Justin C.
So many memories of eating at this place and then taking a giant nap afterwards. The food here may be packed with MSG but it is so delicious. Best kung pao chicken hands down. Their soup isn't made-to-order but their egg drop and hot and sour soups taste so good. Every dish I've had here has been solid. Prices are totally reasonable so I don't see how you wouldn't have a good experience here.
(4)Jeremy S.
It's a must visit when I return to Ann Arbor. Almond chicken is awesome. Crab cheese Rangoon are good. But light on crab but so tasty anyways Your water glass will never be empty!
(4)Ben L.
Quick. Cheap. Pretty good. I ordered the almond chicken. I felt that the server was rushing me, nonetheless she was attentive.
(4)N P.
This is a reliable place that I've been to dozens of times. It could be thought of as just a casual, cheap place to eat tons of food on campus but that's wrong. It's a casual, cheap place to eat tons of food on campus with delicious, flavorful, and (I hope) fresh food. It is also very fast. I've eaten here alone at lunch, with a handful of friends spontaneously and with larger groups as part of more formal dinner plans. Service has been outstanding at all times. The waitstaff is courteous and always willing to put up with my questions about what's vegetarian (hopefully with accurate answers lol). Now I'm just used to the place and know what to order so no more questions for you waitstaff lol! The best value is the lunch combos, about $7 for an entree with soup to go with it. Many times we were across campus and made the trip just for those. Please don't tell anyone but many times I did it alone too to avoid embarrassment that I had a "China Gate lunch craving" lol. The full menu lists 157 items. I think that is incredible. That is the type of detail most restaurants should show. If you can't find something to eat on that menu then you need to stay at home lol! If you do have food allergies or sensitivities, still by all means make sure which of those 157 items are safe for you. If you are vegetarian or vegan by all means ask too. It's important for any business to work with customer preferences. I was going to give this place 4 stars because sometimes the flavors are just either too strong or a little off. However, it's filling, affordable,and it has one of the friendliest waitstaffs in Ann Arbor. No this isn't dining perfection or culinary genius but it's done very well and a place I've always enjoyed. Great food and I hope that you try it.
(5)Brendan M.
I happen to stumble upon the rating for ChinaGate during a google search and was appalled. 3 Stars? Unbelievable. Reading some of those one star reviews was almost comical. China Gate is without a doubt, the best Chinese food in the State. The Egg Rolls alone...Crunchy, greasy, delicious..You can tell they are handmade. Their fried rice is stupendous. The Hot and Sour Soup is to die for. Their dinner prices are a little pricey, so the lunch special is the way to go. My usual is the Emperor's Chicken with fried rice, Hot and Sour Soup and an egg roll. Make sure you put the spicy pepper oil on the egg roll. 8.75 out the door for a fantastic lunch, you can't beat that.
(5)Peter T.
Very high price for mediocre food. Not my first choice for this type of cuisine in the area.
(3)Don D.
Went there for the first time last week. Enjoyed it. Great food and great service. Had spring rolls, won-ton soup and sesame chicken. Excellent. Live in AZ and cannot wait to get back.
(5)Laura C.
Wah wahhhh this place has seen better days! We went for what we hoped to be a festive dinner for Chinese New Year which was that day. No such luck. The waitstaff was uninterested, the food was bland, basic, and underwhelming. To their credit (and I gave them a star for this!) my husband did like his food. The low booths, bright lighting, and bored waitstaff will not inspire a return trip from me.
(2)Jim H.
Best Kung Pao I've ever had. Not a fan of the Crab Rangoon, but it will not stop my family from going back. Our waitress was excellent.
(5)Lindsey S.
uhhhh... you know how sometimes you know the food will not be the best, but you have to just try it to make sure 100% !! this place is pretty vile, the food is fair the prices are too high for the fake unidentifiable meat you are receiving. I ordered the mongolian beef, and added waterchesnuts and baby corn! thank gd i added the extra veggies or there would have been nothing edible to consume. the "beef" was a weird pinkish redish nastyness color, and weirdly chewy. my whole little nasty white box of food was 15$!! it totally only serves one person too. did it once, never doing it again. it sucks that this is such a convienent place to walk to.
(1)Ted H.
It isn't fine dining. It isn't healthy. It isn't even a distinguishable experience. However, what it is, it is very well. China Gate is a cornerstone campus dining institution. It can be summed up as "Fast, Fried, and Frugal". You can expect to be in, fed, and out in under 15 minutes for under $8. Of course, taste matters. I've frequented them enough to assist you a little bit there. The Kung Pao chicken is like none other I've ever had - in the best way possible. Both the Sesame Chicken and the General's Chicken are indistinguishable, but that isn't to say they don't satisfy. The rest of the menu? Well, you can take it or leave it. Oh, lest I forget, the large sized Chicken Corn Soup make an incredibly cheap and tasty meal for two.
(4)Patrick T.
The food is just so so, even though it's cheap. From reading reviews about metal int heir food, I would just avoid this place completely.
(2)Wendy H.
This review is only based on their Kung pao chicken, which is awesome! I have not anything better! Egg drop soup is average. I live on Livonia but am always willing to make the drive for the Kung pao!
(4)Melissah L.
China Gate is great Americanized Chinese food. Everything about this place is perfect-- the delicious, greasy, salty, fried goodness that is the food, the location of the restaurant on campus, even the prices are pretty reasonable. So far I've been twice, and I've ordered the moo-shi chicken, sesame beef and the Mongolian beef. My favorite is the Mongolian beef- very flavorful and well-cooked... but then again, who doesn't love moo-shi chicken? I can't help but think that I'm eating Chinese tacos, yum yum yum. I' m getting hungry just thinking about it. Definitely a must-try for busy students who want a semi-quick dinner on their way to the library for studying!
(3)Jay H.
Let's start with Chef Jan. The guy has won a dozen top gold medals for cooking. Top gold medals. They don't give those away, and that's how you know the food is awesome. I've been eating here since my freshman year in 2001, and I'd give Jan another top gold medal for the kung pao chicken, and maybe just a regular gold medal for general tso's. When it comes to sugary, Americanized Chinese food, it doesn't get any better than this boys and girls. The hot & sour soup isn't a dish to be trifled with, either. Ignore the reviews lambasting the decor and building amenities (i.e. restrooms). I don't pay $10 for a Michelin experience.
(5)Javier G.
A little pricy but the entrees are very nicely portioned and there's unlimited rice. Tastes okay.
(3)I G.
Went here for lunch today. Got the almond chicken. It was good. Nothing really special. They do really need to wash their glasses better. My glass of water was so dirty. Had old lipstick marks and looked like greasy finger prints. Gross!!
(3)Rodger W.
Perhaps the worst Chinese food that I have ever had. I had two things that should be slam dunks, but these folks managed to mess them both up. I arrived on campus for my monthly residence and the chef was not cooking. Bummer. I had to fend for myself in Ann Arbor, which in my experience is a bit of a foodie wasteland. I went for a brisk walk around Central Campus and while walking down South University, I decided to get some Chinese food, my first since bariatric surgery this past fall. I saw China Gate and its window signs proclaiming the talents of their Chef Jan. I figured that it would at least be ok, WRONG! I had 2 very simple dishes. Tofu with mixed vegetables in brown sauce and hot and sour soup. The tofu was bland and rubbery, and vegetables totally overcooked. The soup was worse. Also bland, over oiled, and nearly devoid of any tofu or other items in the tasteless salty liquid. Downriver Chinese joints are better than this place. Hell, most Asian buffets are better. More evidence that having a close by, locked in customer base breeds incompetent cooking.
(1)Red G.
I found several pieces of metal from the food. It looked like bits from the scrubbing tool. This is not just a strand of hair accidentally falling into the food. This is a serious health concern and one that could be easily avoided if they actually cared. I had to go through 30 minutes of hassle to get a refund. Seriously? I used to frequent this place. I won't be returning to this place.
(1)Brendan L.
Food is overly salty and uses excessive amounts of MSG. Soup is not fresh. Experience: have been to mainland china many times, this food is not authentic at all. Is it fine as a college eatery? Yeah, probably. But I wouldn't pay to eat it again. if you want authentic, go to the Maynard area (near tian chu). The Asia city buffet on washtenaw is even better than this. And I usually don't even like buffet- style restaurants.
(2)Ann S.
I am going to give this a 4 only because I have only ordered one dish ever and have always gotten take-out. The Chicken Kung Pao is the BOMB. Like delicious. Flavorful. Fresh. I don't recall ever eating here when I went to school in the area but it is now a staple whenever I come back in town. I have even gotten some for the road and manage to make 2-3 meals out of it during the week (for $10). Yes, it might be small and a little outdated, but this is by far the best Chinese dish I have ever had. I should probably venture out one day and try something new, but my taste buds keep pulling me back to the same old same old!
(4)Elizabeth E.
As I write this review, I'm sipping my scalding hot Creamy Chicken Corn Soup - or, as I like to call it, Soup As Big As Your Head. Because seriously? It's as big as my head, and just what the doctor ordered on a dreary winter day when I'm under the weather. I can't vouch for anything else on the menu, but Soup As Big As Your Head keeps me coming back for more.
(3)Rachel E.
So I had been wanting carry-out style chinese food for a while and Lucky Kitchen just doesn't do it for me. I always pass China Gate when I walk down South U but for some reason I had never tried it. This all changed a few weeks, when I went there with my friend on a whim. I got the singapore noodles and my friend got the orange chicken. We both got egg drop soups. I went again with my boyfriend and got the singapore noodles again (old habits, lol) and he got hot & spicy pork. I usually can't handle any spice, but I thought his was really good and so did he. The singapore noodles were very good, just how i like 'em. The egg drop soup and orange chicken were average, but not bad. You just have to take this place for what it is, a chinese takeout place, and it's actually pretty good.
(4)Tina G.
Hate anyone? Take him to china gate. Wanna break up with ur girlfriend? Take her to china gate. Wanna give up ur passion for food? Go to china gate. The worst Chinese restraint in Ann arbor, without doubt.
(1)Mike S.
Caveat: This review is on the basis of recent changes to their Pho. I have been coming here ever since I was a sophomore back in 2006 and have never had much to complain about. The food was good and the service was excellent! However, some recent changes has motivated me to write a review; but first the good: When Pho first appeared on the menu, I was extremely skeptical at first based on the overall level of Pho served in Ann Arbor, but I was pleasantly surprised! The broth was very tasty (the key to all Pho, IMO) the beef was rare delicious, and the portions were monstrous! It quickly became my winter go-to dish on a cold Michigan night. Most recently, however, their Pho has taken a drastic turn for the worse. I've had it twice now within the last 2 months and the change has been pretty evident. The portions have been reduced by a ridiculous level, and as a result, the broth now feels like something slightly better than what you would expect out of a ramen package. Its really too bad because in order to get my Pho fix now, I have to go to Saigon garden, who's Pho was never as good as China Gate's Pho back in the day. It is my sincere hope that they go back to doing whatever it was they were doing before to put out an excellent quality Pho.
(2)Robert C.
I've been here many times and have always had good experiences - service has always been decent to quite good and the food has never failed to disappoint. I find their wonton soup quite yummy in particular, and all chicken dishes I've tried have been delicious. The atmosphere inside is cozy and comical - there are touches of classy decor, big mirrors, nice fixtures, and intermingled are various awards the chef has won. One wall is covered in corny pictures of certain dishes - the mix of ridiculousness makes me smile every time. Haven't had a chance to go in recent past, but next time I'm in Ann Arbor it will be a heated battle between China Gate and La Casita.
(4)Ellen P.
This is our children's favorite Asian restaurant, from back in their University of Michigan days; they've lived in New York and LA and maintain that China Gate has better Chinese food than any they've tried in either city. It also has one of the largest menus I've ever seen -- just a crazy assortment of mostly Chinese dishes, plus a few Vietnamese specialties. On a recent get-together we stopped in for lunch; the rest of the fam got kung pao chicken while I got pho bac (something that's impossible to find here in northern Michigan). The kung pao is meaty and flavorful and spicy without being overpowering. The pho was -- it was so good that it's difficult to describe; a delicious, subtlely seasoned broth filled with generous strips of beef, some sliced beef meatballs for textural contrast, rice noodles and just enough cilantro to make it pop; it was like a warm hug in a bowl. I sampled my partner's hot-and-sour soup and it was great; a wonderful balance of sweet and hot, had a pleasing mixture of tofu and other add-ins (and no peas -- thank you!), not thick and cornstarchy like so many hot-and-sour-soups. The service is fast and courteous, and the staff is willing to make substitutions in dishes. Two things you need to know if you visit for the first time: The place is a dive in the model of any good dive-y big-city Chinese joint. (The dining area is clean but tiny and usually crowded.). Secondly -- do not use the bathroom. That's all I can say.
(4)Benjamin L.
Disclaimer: I am rating this place purely on their Chinese-American food menu. I don't want this 4-star rating to affect my credibility in grading authentic Chinese food. That said. This place is an UofM institution. It's been there longer than most of the campus buildings. Back when I was a student, popular options were beef soup noodles, and ALL your standard American-Chinese favorites. Chicken Corn soup, sweet and sour chicken, General Tsou's Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken. There are hundreds of thousands of Michigan graduates who will vouch for the sweet/salty/fried goodness that is China Gate.
(4)April J.
I truly can't give this restaurant even an "ok" review. It wasn't terrible but... way too much sauce - like triple the normal amount, and low quality chicken. I'd eat there again maybe for someone really special. Maybe. I think it left me feeling sick more than anything else. Not usually something I look for in a restaurant, even cheap chinese. It's not the worst cheap chinese I've had but I'd rather not come back.
(2)Jason S.
***WARNING: FOOD MAY CONTAIN SMALL PIECES OF METAL*** While the food may be decent, do not eat here until they learn to take food safety practices seriously. I found four small 1.5 inch pieces of sharp metal in my food (Family Style Tofu) just a few bites in. I called to report it and they refused to issue a refund unless I drove the food all the way back and informed me that it was a known and ongoing issue for the past few months. They said there is "nothing they can do about it" and it "keeps happening". They even apparently know it is from the metal dishwashing tool they use, but clearly they don't really care enough about the health and safety of their customers to do anything about it. Needless to say, they can expect a visit soon from Washtenaw County Public Health. Do not under any circumstances eat from here unless you are looking to have a late-night hospital visit. If you are, by all means, go for it!
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