Chinatown Express has been one of our go-to spots for YEARS! The food is ALWAYS served well, tastes authentic, and they seriously never disappoint. At this point, I feel like I've tried just about EVERYTHING they have to offer, and I can confidently say there's always something worth coming back for. This place has also been a longtime family favorite. My parents would make time to go out of their way to stop here after making a Home Depot run just to enjoy their favorite dishes. It has always been my parents' personal favorite hole-in-the-wall spot, and that's how I've been coming here for many years now with my own family. What I love even more is the service. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, and once you become a regular, they actually start recognizing you and remembering what you like. Eventually, you don't even feel like just another customer--they treat you like family. The ambiance is simple, calm, and comfortable. It's one of those places where you can actually sit down, enjoy your meal, and relax without feeling rushed. Nothing overly fancy--just a nice, laid-back atmosphere with good food and friendly people. And the PRICES?! They're seriously hard to beat, especially for the quality and portions you're getting. There are plenty of Chinese food spots around, but when you find one that consistently gives you great food, great prices, AND great service, you stick with it! Like we ate A LOT of our food, and we still have plenty of leftovers. Don't let the current rating fool you. I've eaten here more times than I can count, tried practically the entire menu, and they've consistently been good to us. Great food, unbeatable prices, a relaxing atmosphere, and people who make you feel at home. Chinatown Express will continue being one of our favorites! Stay hungry & happy eating! read more

Chinatown Express - LEFTOVERS! Main plate: half/half (chow mein & fried rice) with 2 sides (broccoli beef, teriyaki chicken the sauce on side) - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

Not bad, but it didn't really stand out. I was impressed with the customer service during my lunch visit on June 26. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which made for a good first impression. That said, the food selection at the time of my visit didn't look very appealing. I still wanted to give it a try because I'm searching for a great Chinese food spot here in Oceanside, but unfortunately, I don't think this is the one. The egg foo young was a bit too spongy for my taste, although the gravy was flavorful. The hot and sour soup leaned too heavily on the vinegar, making it much too sour. The teriyaki chicken portions were carefully measured rather than generous, but the fried rice was actually the highlight of the meal. Maybe I came in expecting that classic '90s Chinese takeout experience where your to-go container is overflowing with food. This wasn't that. The restaurant has an old-school neighborhood lunch counter vibe, but it doesn't quite capture the energy or flavor of a true Chinatown-style Chinese restaurant. I'll probably come back for the spare ribs, but for now, I'm still on the hunt for my go-to Chinese food spot in Oceanside. read more

Chinatown Express - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I'm sad this place isn't better because I live very close by. Many of these reviews are spot on. Very large portions, but the food just isn't that good. It tastes like it may have been cooked many hours ago and not alot of flavor. I went there more than 10 years ago when first moved to this neighborhood and had same experience so I never went back until today. With that said, yes the lady there was super friendly. read more

This is a wonderful "hole in the wall" place to get a well-cooked inexpensive Chinese meal in west Vista. They have a massive Egg Roll that is one of the best I have eaten. Located right next to the Home Depot off College and Vista Wy, they have been providing bountiful and delicious meals for many years. This family owned and run business, managed by "Jenny" is another little-known gem for good food in Vista. The quick service at their serving counter does not provide a lot of elegance but it gets the good food out to the customer steaming hot. In addition to getting something from the buffet presentation, you can order custom made to order meals at the counter. Make sure you get an Egg Roll with your meal, yummy! While the tables and booths are a little dated, they provide plenty of elbow room for hungry eaters. There is always a steady procession of working trades people picking up a quick to go order. There is a choice of condiments available to go with your meal, but you need to ask them since they are not out on the tables. The soda dispensing machine seems not to work except to get ice and water, but they do have a good selection of canned and bottled drinks in coolers. read more

I LOVE this place! their food is always super yummy. It's a little hole in a wall local owned restaurant. They usually have specials on their plates so look at the signs that they have. I usually order a combo plate and add my regular order of orange chicken with rice and noodles and egg roll on the side and some ragoons. They also have smaller combo plates if you eat small portions. They still serve a lot of food, enough for seconds or to share. The owners wife is the one serving the food and best believe she remembers everyone who comes in. I had a while without going and she asked me how I was doing and that she had not seen me in a while. I was very impressed because I don't go there often! She is amazing. The ambiance is simple. It's like any Chinese food place easy to order, easy to sit down and eat and leave. read more

Chicken in the noodles like what the heck, also the rice is thick like concrete and the front desk lady seems to want you to spend more

Great food the portion is so good. We ordered a special combination with two entrée. It was perfect enough to split it with my husband. The cream cheese wonton for appetizer was so delicious!! The service is phenomenal. She's very friendly. A great place to eat in Oceanside, fast and easy, but home cook meal ! read more

Frank Guan is an absolute legend of the game. He makes the best Chinese food ever. His service is amazing, would highly suggest going there. The ambiance, is great. 10/10 best spot read more

Watched the old lady cooking the food pick her nose, make eye contact with me and continue her business. Won't be coming here anymore. Food has gone down hill lately anyway. read more

This was my first and last time eatimg here. If I could give it a Zero (0), I would. Don't waste your hard earn money on this place. How do you mess up noddles? That's what I kept saying while trying to eat the lo mein in my combo plate. The teriyaki chicken, had NO flavor. The chicken wings were hard like they had been sitting for hours or even reheated. The only thing half decent was the fried rice and the broccoli, from the beef and broccoli. The other plate, the orange chicken tasted weird and the kung pao chicken wasn't spicy, it was rather bland. I spent $33.00 to throw away 97% of the food ordered. Was totally disappointed. read more

Good food, cheerful staff, great prices and quantity, always fresh or they are more for you

The prices weren't bad, the staff was friendly and the portions were quite large BUT There was no Teriyaki in my Teriyaki Chicken, it was canned chicken gravy There was no orange in my Orange Chicken, and the crust was so soggy I was almost afraid to eat it My wife's Egg Foo Yung had no vegetables or bean sprouts It was just egg and batter read more

This is the best Chinese food I have ever had. I always come here as my go to restaurant and my kids really enjoy it too. The best think is the lo mein you have to give that a try! read more

The food was bland and had a slimy texture. It also had the after taste of day old food. The texture on the orange chicken and flavor left a lot to desire and again very slimy. You are better off going to Panda Express you'll Save about $2 and get better tasting food. read more

The price is amazing The portions are huge The food is good, but not great. But I had to give it 5/5 because of what you get for your money. read more

This place could be great if they just upped their food quality a little bit. The food just isn't that good unfortunately. The Orange chicken wasn't too bad but the Teriyaki chicken was pretty bad, I think the sauce was too salty or something? The noodles and rice also tasted weirdly low quality. read more

I didn't have high expectations going in but I was craving some Chinese fast food so I gave it a go. Ugh. Panda Express seems like a Michelin-star restaurant by comparison. Pros: Huge portions and cheap Cons: Food is completely flavorless. Their noodles were soggy. Meat was cooked until it was completely dry or maybe it was sitting under the heat lamp too long so they mask this by dumping some flavorless sauce on top. Only come here if you care about getting the most calories for your buck. If you care about the taste of things that go into your mouth at all, go somewhere else. read more

Omg! Did they change ownership! Had Uber eats delivery and boy was it bad. Ordered orange chicken and received fried chicken pieces with no sauce. It was awful. Also ordered kung pow chicken and received chicken in brown sauce... even the rice was bad. Never again read more

I'm not much of a complainer and will eat pretty much anything, but this place is just terrible. I didn't even finish it because I was afraid I was gonna get sick. This chicken has been frozen for years then boiled overnight. The sauce is a goopy mess. Nothing tasted good. This place has to be a money laundering facility because there's no way they turn a profit selling slop like this. Do not eat here. read more

If you're looking for a good sized lunch plate for a good price this is a good place to go. The food is good and the servings are great! One plate has enough food to serve two. The woman at the front is always so nice. read more

I took a bite of the food in the parking lot there is no way this food was fresh the bell pepper was in the kung pap was slimy and the sweet and sour chicken tasted stale... the egg roll was ok and hot but the rest of the food was Luke warm at best don't love leaving bad reviews but I did toss the whole plate and have a gritty taste in my mouth some how read more

Food was good. Had the teriyaki chicken and rice and chow main. Wontons where good too.

I've been coming here for about a decade now. I can't believe I have not reviewed them before! Their food is delicious, their staff is always happy to serve. Their prices are awesome for the serving sizes. They're clean. I know Chinese food is hit or miss, but this place is always a hit with me. read more

Big Bang for your Buck!!! This place is great, the people are great. The food is really good for takeout, it's fast and they load you up! Can't beat it for a quick lunch read more

This place is bad, the food has no flavor. They offer good portions but why does that even matter if the food taste very poor. I don't know how this place is even open. The customer service is bad too. We weren't even done eating and the lady came to sweep all around us I had to get up and move out of her way..... sorry but my family and I won't ever return. read more

We go here twice a week to get food. My hubby and I get 3 styrofoam boxes for a little over $20. That saves us a lot. Pros * Food is great * Clean and friendly staff Cons * Hidden place * Closes at 9pm (bummer for me) read more

Chinatown Express - Updated Menu - Chinese Near Me - Oceanside, California

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This is the worst Chinese food I've ever had! First of all, the variety of food is very limited. I ordered the barbecue pork and teriyaki chicken. There's absolutely no barbecue flavor to the pork and it was mostly dry. The teriyaki sauce did not look like teriyaki sauce and was very runny and Bland. My wife ordered sweet and sour chicken and orange chicken. The orange chicken barely taste like orange and the sweet and sour chicken, well we don't know what it tasted like. The food tasted so bad, after just a couple bites of each item we threw it away and went to Subway. We wouldn't feed this stuff to our dogs! Total and complete waste of money! There is no chance we'll ever return to this place! 可怕 可怕 可怕 read more

Cheap, flavorless food with a dirty atmosphere. Tried this twice and I just cannot go back again. I love chinese food, especially the thick noodles but they somehow make me not crave them anymore. Place needs an upgrade because it just looks dirty and they have prices on pieces of paper. The beef they use tastes dry and off. The rice is forgettable and bland. Just not a good place overall. I rarely hand out 1 stars but if you want to improve start with the taste of the food qnd then move into remodeling the floors at least. I can live with cheap wooden tables that wobble. read more

I was steered here by Yelp and wasn't disappointed. I wasn't sure what to expect other than it was good and inexpensive. It IS both of those! Picture Panda Express but the food is good! You get to pick from the stuff in the steam table but you may be able to special order something different. I didn't ask. The orange chicken in my opinion is really good but could use a little kick in the spice department. I shot some rooster sauce (Sriracha) on it and it was much more to my liking. I also got the beef with broccoli and the flavor was darn good! My only complaint is the use of zucchini... it's gross and doesn't belong in Asian food in the first place but it's cheap filler and lots of places use it. AHEM: Memo to ALL Asian restaurants.. STOP using zucchini... *Steps down off the soap box* The girl behind the counter is very friendly and quite nice. SHe does her job with efficiency and has you on your way in no time. They have soy and rooster sauces to go and may have the hot mustard but I didn't see any or ask. a Bowl is about $4.50 and a two item combo is under 7 bucks! Cheaper than the buyer place with the Bozo look alike and better than the place with the stupid bears on the tv commercials. read more

They only had 2 entree options and when asked if they had mushrooms for my daughter cashier said " ooooh tell mama to buy mushrooms to cook for you" and looked me up and down . How rude. read more

big portions which is perfect for your wallet. but the food was bland. service was great friendly staff. very clean inside.

The food is very bland, not seasoned,oiliy and their static counter display is awful. Don't ask to use their bathroom, you'll have to go through their oil floor stained kitchen, back to dinngy smelly small bathroom, very dirty to. The BBQ pork sat in vat of dark colored liquid on the serving line, bad taste. I wasted $18.00 for nothing. read more

I felt compelled to write another review - it's that good! We had pork lo mein today, huge portion, great price and as always the friendly owner gave me a super warm greeting. If you like Chinese food, sit down or take out, this is the place! Just can't beat it, and we have eaten in virtually every Chinese restaurant in the Tri-city area. read more

I've been going here since 3 years and let me tell you! Their service is great i love to see the woman every time when i come in. They're all sweet and lovable! Their food portions are amazing! I don't understand why they have negative reviews. I believe those reviews are false and ignorant! I can't explain how much i love their staff and their food! I recommend you guys to try it out :) read more

Food was excellent!! Ordered from the menu and got enough for my wife and I w plenty of left overs for hungry teenagers!!!!! Although the place is a little dirty and dingy - the reason for three instead of four stars. The food taste was great! Fresh vegetables and meat! Wanton had so much flavor I almost ate the whole 32 oz container before digging into the massive amount of Kung Po chicken and Mongolians beef w rice and low mein. Total bill for all of that - 24.00!! That's NUKIN FUTS!!! Call ahead and pick up - you won't be disappointed!! read more

This place had always been good. Large portions, fresh food and friendly service. I am glad it is open again for business. Kung pow chicken and lomain noodles are yummy. I would recommend to a friend. read more

Amazing food. Way better than Panda Express. I got teriyaki chicken and veggies. Everything was tasty

I have been coming here literally since I was born.... and I'm 20 years old! This place always brings in memories of my childhood because we would always come eat here as a family . My family and I Came back to eat and everything was still amazing. Great customer service and good food. The lady serves alot for one plate and everyone comes out happy . I am really glad they have managed to keep this business open for so many years! Will be coming back forever and ever! read more

so happy to have this place in Oceanside now! they were in Luecadia for 22 years and recently moved. food is yummy and owner and his wife always friendly. quick service with a smile. Highly recommend. read more

Was looking for something to eat and seen a few places near the House Depot and decided to check it out. I hadn't had Chinese food in a while, so I popped in and grabbed some food to go. The price to food ratio was pretty nice! It's not often that you get a styrofoam take out box struggling to stay closed due to the large amount of food within. I'd say it was at least 1.5lb of food, I had the orange chicken and broccoli beef with a half noodle and half fried rice side. The food was pretty decent tasting to me, and definitely filling. They have a fairly small menu, but whatever you get you'll get a lot of. They have a drink machine and a fridge with bottles/cans for the drink choices with the usual drinks you see at any other restaurant. Overall I'd give it between a 3 and 3.5 for the price to food ratio and being pretty decent for taste. read more