When I was walking to my hotel after having Pho @ Pho 888 on 2nd Ave, I noticed the sign posted at…read moreChina Place restaurant that says that they're the best in Des Moines. Pretty bold claim.
Usually most places offer the usual suthentic or homemade recipes that drive sales. It's a bold statement to say you're the best in the city. With that said, I remembered this claim while hanging out at my hotel after check out and decided to walk to China Place and get a take out order for lunch on a Friday in October 2022 while waiting for my friend to pick me up. It was about 12:30pm when I walked in. The restaurant itself had seen better days and the lighting wasn't so good, but enough to see where things are. At the time, the restaurant was decidedly 3/4 empty and there was a group of people dining for lunch. I decided to get a take out order that day. In hindsight, I should have dined in, since my friend didn't get to the area until after 2:30pm. My bad. I decided to look at the menu and was shocked at how much prices were. At the same time, I looked at my order and you realize why they charge the way they do. The portions aren't really large, but not small either. I guess for the daily specials they probably charge accordingly versus the other dishes that they offer. I opted for the daily special, which comes with soup. I also ordered a side of plain noodles. The order didn't even reach $10, which is surprising and a lil bit shocking, to be honest. The food, however, isn't the best, but it was good and delicious. In hindsight, I should've ordered off menu and spoke in Chinese, maybe I would get something cool and exciting. That's an experience worth doing next time, if I come back. It was nice to see local people ordering take out after me.
The overall experience here at China Place Chinese restaurant was good and okay. The ambiance was interesting and deathly quiet. It was one of those experiences that you wouldn't want to be in, but at the same time, trying out a local place that claims that they're the best in the city I needed to experience for myself. Needless to say that, while the experience was good, I should have ordered more stuff, especially when I was on vacation and it seems like things are wicked cheap here, especially for Chinese food. That I can't get over. Maybe that's the gimmick, lower prices is the best in town. Not necessarily pointing at the food persay, but they go hand in hand. The service here was good and friendly. I waited about 10 minutes after putting in my order and shimmy out back to my hotel to eat and wait for my friend. In hindsight, that was a mistake, as mentioned before. I now regret ordering stuff that can really test the power of "the best in the city". Ugh. Oh well, that's a bummer for real. For the most part though, it's a lesson that I'll take with me on future trips. If you are in the area and craving Chinese food, consider China Place Chinese restaurant in the heart of downtown Des Moines, IA. Test out the best and see what you think.
China Place Chinese restaurant is located at 2414 University Avenue in Des Moines, IA. They accept major credit cards as well as cash. Since it was about 1/2 block away from my hotel, I just simply walked it. But still, to be honest, I think I would really need more information as to ascertain the validity of the "Best in Des Moines" category. But for now, it is what it is. Its definitely friendly on your wallet, especially when my shock turned to happy thoughts. I probably should have ordered more stuff, but I didn't want to overkill on food either. Still, it was nice. As far as parking goes, your best bet would be neighboring street parking where you can find it. If you love the DART bus system, you can come here thru public transportation. There's always lyft and uber too for your comfort and needs. If you are in the area and want to get your Chinese food fix or just a quick bite that's friendly to your wallet, come on by. They'd love to have you for lunch or dinner.
4.0 stars for the overall experience. 5.0 stars for the prices. 3.5 stars for the food and 4.0 stars for the service.
Support local!
B
