Wow. This place is simply amazing - even by Charleston standards. I tend to get excited after a good meal, so I held off on writing this review until 3+ visits. The flavors are so distinct for Charleston, and stand out even amongst the other top (albeit limited) Asian dining options. Getting authentic Sichuan cuisine is difficult in the US, except for in the largest cities. The fact that Charleston has such a gem makes me smile to myself every Friday and Saturday. I would give recommendations, but the menu changes frequently and really everything is amazing. read more

Location is hidden and tricky to find b/c it's next to a bar with loud music. Makes you question whether you're at the right place. Outdoor seating has greenery and pleasant. We were disappointed b/c we were so looking forward to spicy Szechuan Chinese food. The month of August they only serve Cantonese food. Would be good to flag this on their website. The food was ok. Dishes that stood out were the dumplings b/c of the tangy sauce and Chinese vegetables and mushroom in vegan oyster sauce. Rest of dishes that we ordered were ok- crispy pork, orange chicken, beef noodles... forgot the rest. Server was attentive. Kitchen could work on service. Each dish came out 15 mins apart instead of all appetizers or all entrees at same time, be prepared to wait. Also, the white rice was served with appetizers instead of entrees. They gave us extra rice when our entrees were served to make up for it. Wish we had a chance to try their Szechuan dishes... alas it was not in the cards. read more

Ok, let's get real. We've traveled the world and eat Asian in every city. London, DC, San Fran, Vegas (yeah it counts!). Kwei Fei has their shit together. The pork and chicken might be one of the best I've ever eaten. The noodles (hell, can't remember name they are on app menu) are insane. Mix those with the pork or the chicken and it's to die for. Yeah, some of their food is spicy. And? Their flavor profiles are so well-developed that the chef could teach a class. We'll be back. Regularly. I'm so grateful for this fresh breath of culinary air, I'd invest to keep them open. Your local dive Chinese has nothing on this place! Save a cat, eat at Kwei Fei (yeah, politically incorrect). read more

Came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. I'm a fan of spicy, and the Angry Lady made a guest appearance on each item I ordered. We had the Sichuan beef and pork slivers - both incredible, but the latter was extra spicy and thus extra delicious. Neat location too - Can't wait to go back! read more

HORRIFYING CUSTOMER SERVICE. As my first review on yelp was deleted, I'll save time not rehashing the details. The owner and staff is unbelievably rude, arrogant, and condescending to their customers. Just take a look at her responses to other 1 star reviews and you'll quickly catch this HBIC's drift. Emphasis on the B. They charged us $200+ for an incomplete meal missing both entrees and sides. Congrats! At best, you have an average "authentic" Chinese restaurant (I lived in China for 2 months -- the rice is always included ) with disgusting customer service. I will never return to this establishment after experiencing their slow service and the most entitled attitude in the Lowcountry. read more

Original Review - "This place should not use Sichuan to describe its food. The Dan Dan Mian is Dan Dan Mian mixed with Re Gan Mian. The woman owner shouldn't be in the service industry, based on how she values their customers." In response to the owner that replied (on Google), I will go into more detail of our recollection of the evening: I had been extremely excited to come to Kwei Fei, it has pretty good reviews and appeared to be some of the more authentic Chinese food available in the region. My husband and I came in on a Friday night. We arrived towards the end of the evening rush, we waited 30 minutes for a table and were either last or next to last to be seated for the next half hour. We were patient and only asked once how many people were ahead of us. During seating, I sat in a puddle of water on the chair. This was enough water to soak through my clothes, causing me great discomfort. The hostess was notified and I attempted to dry myself as much as I could with the napkins provided. She used the napkins to dry the chair. It was not possible to dry my clothes enough to rid myself of the discomfort. This completely threw off my evening. My excitement was literally dampened by what happened. The hostess apologized, but her attitude was mostly dismissive of the issue as something that was neither her (or the restaurant's) fault and was not something that I should have been bothered by. I understand that she probably does face many horrible people that attempt to get a free meal by causing some accident. In no way did myself or my husband cause my chair to be wet, nor have we ever posted a review for a restaurant in the past or asked for a restaurant to provide us with something for free. However, I am accustomed to restaurants acknowledging their accidents and offering something to offset the evening. If a server accidentally spills water on a patron, a good restaurant will attempt to correct the now negative emotions of the patron with some offer. Had the hostess offered us something, a free drink, a free appetizer, a coupon to come back a second time, almost anything, I would have felt that the restaurant valued my enjoyment enough to be worth my business. If it was drinks, we would have refused since neither myself nor my husband drink alcohol, but the gesture would have been recognized and the evening would have been different. Instead we were met with a consistent line of apologies with an apathetic tone. I was infuriated that a place I was so excited for was ruined by negligence and an apparent lack of value for me. I did confront the hostess in that I expected to be valued. I recall her clearly saying "I'm not giving you anything", in response to me saying that I don't feel like an apology is enough. I do not recall asking for anything, but considering that it is a standard in good restaurants, perhaps I did. We decided that we wanted to try the food anyways, after all that was why I came. The food had strong flavor which could be said to be inspired by Chinese food with similar ingredients, but the balance was off. The spiciness was too strong compared to the sourness for one dish, the green beans were basically pepper, and the Dan Dan Mian lacked moisture and the right flavors to be Dan Dan Mian. All the while, I'm sitting in wet clothes knowing that leaving will cause me even more discomfort in the chilly weather. We finish eating and I'm still extremely upset. The hostess didn't speak to us the remainder of the time, and the waitress accomplished the bare minimum tasks of her job. I wanted to express my anger and my extreme frustration, so I poured the remainder of liquid from one of the dishes on the table and the chair, ensuring that it affected no one else. My husband informed the waitress as we left to make sure it did not bother any future patron. I then arrived home and left the only negative review I've made for a restaurant. I couldn't have been more disappointed in the service. They might be inspired by Chinese food, but they have a lot to learn about Chinese service, or even American service. read more

It burns so good. Flavorful chow, punk rock music, and a chef that knows what he's doing. What more do you need?

The dumplings were tough dry and tasteless better dumplings in your local Chinese take out..The gong bao JI ding was so hot without any balance of flavors , couldn't eat it . There seems to be zero management, when told how bad it was they basically said "too bad" what do you want to do with it . Never asked if you would like something else just said " you bought it" do you want to take it home? Oh and they serve warm drinking water ! read more

Worst experience in food quality, food service and bar service since my first restaurant meal in Charleston area 15 years ago. Noodle dish was tasteless, greasy, and the meat in it tasted very, very old. Never again! read more

Meh. Not good, not bad. Prices Charleston-high for what you get. A bowl of chili prawns $16 (no veggies), side bowl of white rice $3. Mealy noodles smothered in sesame, peanut, ground meat. Average dumplings. Obnoxious punk music blaring in a shopping mall setting and owners (who are very nice) who admittedly have never been to China. Still waiting for this city to get some diversity. Will save our $ for next trip to Asia. read more

The most authentic Sichuan I've had in the south! I've missed great Chinese food since living in Hong Kong and this was such a great find. The dry fried green beans are a must. read more

Overall, I would say this place is pretty lackluster. First, my husband and I asked to be seated at a table. There were at least 7 open tables (most of them 4 tops) and we were told we could only sit at the bar. I thought this was pretty ridiculous considering they weren't busy at all and had plenty of open tables AND no option for reservations. We ordered the cucumbers, Jiaoma wings, lamb dumplings, Sichuan steak and Dan Dan Mian. The dumplings were actually pretty good. The Jiaoma wings were terrible...they made your mouth tingle and left an awful minty after taste. No warning that it would make your mouth go numb. The Dan Dan Milan was basically just peanut butter with noodles. And the Sichuan steak had essentially no flavor. Service was subpar and overall the atmosphere was pretty snobby. The only reason I'm glad I came here is so I know to never go back. I would give it -1 star if I could. read more

Just okay. The dumplings were good. The Sichuan beef was spicy and good but far too soupy and the portion was small. Dan Dan noodles were boring. Lacking complexity. The chef seems to have no experience in China or training in the cuisine (from the bio). I wonder how many ChInese chefs could open an Italian or French restaurant without such training and be given high ratings. The food tastes inauthentic. Better can be found in any Chinatown. But it is better than nothing and better than the usual commercial Chinese restaurant fare. read more

Very bad customer service. Several tables are open, but the hostesses are not seating any of the 5 groups waiting to be seated. We have been waiting for half an hour, and there are empty tables just sitting there. I can imagine when we order the food, it'll be just as long of a wait. read more

Their food is pretty awesome and their service is great! Was not a fan of the baiju, but that's just me. Craft cocktails were pretty good.

MUST READ- I never give reviews but as someone who lived in China for three years this is AMAZING. I have been searching for authentic Chinese (specifically Sichuan) since I returned to the U.S and this deserves a great review. Not only was the food amazing and authentic but the staff was lovely and the chef and owner came to greet us. I recommend then Gong Bao Ji Ding (kung pao chicken) cucumbers and eggplant for any Chinese lover! Please give this a try! read more

Kwei Fei is a phenomenal Chinese Sichuan restaurant with a fun atmosphere and excellent service. We were treated with their Lunar New Year menu with several special dishes. Many stars of the night: the fried oysters, lamb dumplings, clams in black bean sauce, Dan Dan mian, dried rub wings.... Each dish was well prepared and tasty. While most are spicy, none are excessively so. The quality was as good as the best Sichuan restaurants we've dined at in the Washington, DC area. They also prepare excellent cocktails. read more

The food was excellent, but the restaurant was hot as hell. Did they not pay their electricity bill? Server was nice but inattentive. Drinks were empty for 20 min or more. Food was delivered without rice. Service was slooowwww. I'd dine here again, but hope service improves. read more

Best Chinese in town. The spice level is perfect on the three dishes we shared. I'd describe it as a warm blanket coating every surface of your mouth. Drinks were great. I have no complaints, and will definitely head back soon. read more

Very spicy, you have been warned so don't complain! But very fresh, flavorful, the chef has brought something new for Charleston diners. I admire his "take it or leave it" attitude, staying true to his vision. People today want to be catered to too much, and then they complain about the prices. The Hot and Sour soup is nothing like what we have come to expect everywhere else, a must-have on every visit. read more

There is something to be said for fun dining and not fine dining! The food delicious, it has salt (sweet Jesus Charleston get it together!) and the chef literally loves what he cooks! From pop ups to restaurant I've had the chance to watch this "concept" evolve and I love every bit of it. I almost deducted 1 Star for moving to James island.. mostly cause they are now far away from where I live.. but that just seemed cruel!! Go eat the mapo, cucumbers, eggplant, wings and the "ding"! You really can't ever go wrong! read more

Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh MAN! I had been dying to try Kwei Fei when it was just popping up around town but never managed to cross paths with them. I was so excited to hear that they were going brick and mortar (even though I will miss The Lot). Went to give it a try this past Saturday, and y'all...it's ON POINT. The Chinese food scene in Chas is so lack luster, but places like Xiao Bao Biscuit and now (thank the good lort) Kwei Fei are here to provide some real deal relief. Between the three of us, we ordered 7 different dishes (judge away) and every one of them was superb. Might have been the best dry wok fried green beans I've ever had. It took a while (about an hour and a half) for everything to come out, but it all trickled out of the kitchen at a steady pace, and we didn't care. Honestly, they could've made me late to my next event, and I wouldn't have cared. I was in Sichuan heaven. If you know and appreciate the burn and flavor of real Sichuan cooking, get here stat. If you think sweet and sour anything is actually Chinese...stay away...the rest of us need that seat at the table! read more

Definitely order the crescent dumplings--they are as homemade as they come. They actually reminded me of fresh and homemade pasta. Shrimp appetizer was great too. I ordered the chicken entree and was really pleased with how it tasted. The entrees have generous portions so I think two people could easily share one. The margarita I ordered was ok, a little small and needed salt on the rim. read more

Pricey but more unique than I was anticipating. They have unique flavors through each dish. Trying to get a table seemed kind of rushed/confusing though. read more

Go for the music....stay for the food!  Both are outstanding!  Creative and delicious schezuan chinese food served up in a cozy and super fun location!  Locals brews help wash down the heat!  The staff are awesome too!  Highly recommended! read more

May be the worst service ever. Was seated in a near empty dining room and given menu and water and soon there after a party of 8 was seated then a party of 2. While my party was left waiting the waitress took the orders from the party of 8 and then the other party's orders at which time we just got up and exited! read more

As a James Island resident I can't say how appreciative I am of having an excellent restaurant close to home. My wife and I have been here at least 10 times over the past couple of months. Consistently great food and friendly staff. Always a fun atmosphere. I'm looking forward to seeing the restaurant grow! read more

Another typical American restaurant that calls itself "Sichuan Food". First of all, the food is no where close to authentic Sichuan food since the food is not spicy at all. Too much vinegar in the Dan Dan Mian and Gong Bao Ji Ding. I guess they got the recipe online but the American chefs mess up the portions and the way of cooking. However the food is not too terrible because I personally do like vinegar and the service there is not bad at all. I guess Americans will like the food since they already had too much fake Chinese food. read more

I loved this place as a pop up when it was at the daily. The flavors of everything are unexpected and delicious. I just wish adding shrimp to the many noodle dishes on the menu was an option. An odd thing: a glass of wine for $12 is $58 for the bottle. So there's no real motivation to order a bottle and linger. It has a cool vibe and terrific service. Order the green beans. read more

We finally got a chance to check this place out and can't wait to go back. We started with the drunken wings and pork dumplings, amazing. The wings were a dry rub and full of so much flavor. We ordered the flank steak, chicken dish and glass noodle dish for dinner. All so good and flavorful. If you don't love spicy food this might not be the best spot for you, but I heard they can spice it down if you ask. Must try!!! read more

These guys are the best. We go at least once a week! Addicted to the Loud Hot Vibes for sure. The ambiance of the dining room and patio is FUN. The music is eclectic and keeps the room feeling like a party. The service is casual and friendly, and the cocktails are awesome. Love all the food. Always order something different and am never disappointed. So happy to have some great food on James Island!!!! read more

Glad to have a good szechuan restaurant around. I give it 5 stars because it is very bold to present those intense flavors for Charleston. Not sure if they will survive but hope people start appreciating this type of food. I am not fan of very spicy food but their menu is very good. The dumplings were disappointing though, texture wise they were too thick, but the lamb filling was tasty. The eggplant was my favorite plate, and the noodles are great. read more

Fantastic food now with a permanent location on Maybank Hwy. Spicy, you bet, but not overpowering the great tasting food. Went with 2 other people for brunch and shared dumplings, turnip cake and shrimp congee. An exciting change to the F$B landscape in Charleston. read more

My wife and son had attended a popup Chinese restaurant in West Ashley by this cook, and really liked it so we went Saturday 4/14 for dinner. We had the chicken wing and dumplings to start, then the garlic beef, spicy noodles and another sesame chicken dish. Way over ordered and brought it all home because it was great. The service was great and the owner, David came over and said hello. We are from the Philly area and are big foodies, my wife has a culinary arts degree, and I travel to China often. This is great Chinese food and the best in Charleston area, hands down. Also incredibly reasonably priced for the cool upper King neighborhood and in general for Charleston. Don't miss it, evenings only on the weekend at the Daily. Great food with a hip vibe at great value. Dan and Patti. read more

An excellent pop up has turned into a spectacular brick and mortar. Living in downtown Charleston after New York, ethnic food is what I miss the most, and Kwei Fei hits the spot time after time. For only being open a such a short time, the staff is doing very well. I saw a couple of tiny kinks, but significantly fewer than lots of restaurants I've seen, and the chef's wife/manager? as well as the rest of the staff handled them expertly. Staff is friendly and efficient without being robotic, and it's so evident how much they care about the restaurant. Specifically, the bartender with long blonde sort of ombre hair is just the perfect amount of friendly but not obtrusive to a single diner with a book- a surprisingly difficult medium to reach, but she nailed it. If you can, sit at the first or second seat at the bar closest to the door. You'll get to watch the kitchen, which again is extremely efficient and professional, but not stodgy or stuffy. It seems like the cooks are having as much fun as the patrons. They are extremely clean, and professional, including washing their hands often and changing gloves, but it seems like they all genuinely enjoy each other's company. Even when the chef corrected a cook, he took it to heart and got complimented on his change with the next plating. With any luck, more kitchens in Charleston will be run this way. Kudos to the entire team. read more