This was our favorite go-to. I am assuming either it has new owners or new chefs. Food was very disappointing. Everything needed more flavor. The person who answered the phone was rude and didn't even know what XO Steak was when we ordered it. Salt and Pepper Calamari needed salt, the pieces were too large and was not at all crispy. Easy to pop in the oven to crisp up, but the flavor was flat. Hopefully they can improve. read more

I've passed Lotus Coffee many times in my many trips to the Home Depot across the parking lot. I always assumed it was a Chinese takeout spot. Turns out I was wrong; Lotus Cafe serves what seems to be authentic Chinese food and there is a good amount of seating in the restaurant. The place is pretty clean but I noticed the drop ceiling panels showed signs of aging and the place overall was a bit dimly lit. My family ordered 5 dishes: salt and pepper fried pork loin, X.O. beef casserole, Zar Jiang Mein, rice cakes and shredded pork, and Squid & Pork Rendezvous. We also got Yeung Chow fried rice. The pork was fried and seasoned well. It wasn't overly salty as the dish sometimes can be. They had a little crunch to them but they were also tender. The beef casserole was quite large with flavorful and tender beef. It was also teeming with mushrooms which I enjoyed. The dish had a little too much sauce for my liking but it was still a good dish. The Zar Jiang Mein was good, and I'm not sure how true it was to the original dish as this was the first time I've had it. It's flavor was a bit understated but the different textures made it enjoyable The rice cakes and pork was surprisingly enjoyable. Lately I've been a big fan of savory rice cake dishes. I'd probably get this again. The squid and pork was just okay to me. Though to be fair I'm not the biggest fan of squid. Then yeung chow fried rice was good but a little wet. I prefer my fried rice to be more dry. Service was a little gruff, but no different than a typical a Chinese restaurant (I don't mind at all). On the plus side all the food came out rather quickly. All in all it was a solid experience here. Based off the food alone I'd say 3.5 stars but at the price I have to round down. I'd come here for their lunch specials sometime. read more

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This place is amazing. The food is great. Excellent seating and service. Waiters are attentive; complimentary hot tea and noodles are served. It is refreshing dining here without breaking the bank. I am reminded of the old traditional style Asian restaurants I grew up with in NYC. read more

It used to be our favorite Chinese restaurant in the area. We haven't been able to go out much lately, and we are outside their delivery area. So when we went by the place around dinner time, we decided to get some takeout. We should have noticed something odd about the place being nearly empty at 6:30 PM, though. We ordered Tang Tang Noodles, but requested no sesame seeds sprinkled on top. We were told they don't do that. They do and they did. The Tangerine Chicken was made with mostly gristle and skin. And, finally, the XO Beef Casserole had no XO sauce whatsoever. Not going back again. read more

AMAZING Chinese food!!! I'm not a huge Chinese food person AT ALL! However, if I could eat at Lotus Cafe daily I would! The BEST EVER!!!! So fresh and so delicious!!! True gourmet food that tastes homemade! Never a bad meal and always great service!!! I wish I could give ten stars!! read more

Order from here all the time; food is always correct (when ordering takeout), clean and very flavorful. General Tso's Chicken is our favorite. Good fried rice as well. read more

I don't go to Chinese restaurants because while they used to be everywhere, I hardly see them around these days. So I can't compare this to others and I refuse to go to chain restaurants like PF Chang's. But I thought this place did an excellent job yesterday. My Office Manager invited the entire team out to lunch and they did a great job. It isn't easy to manage 7 full tables but they did. The food kept coming out continually and well timed. As soon as 1 platter was passed around the table and eaten another was delivered. All the food was well prepared and delicious. We had soup (choice of 4), dumplings, egg rolls, shrimp fried rice, a noodle dish, chicken & broccoli, beef with brocoli and shrimp with vegetables as well as the traditional fotune cookies at the end. People asked for water, glasses with ice cubes and it came quickly. My Office Manager had supplied wine as this is a BYOB restaurant. All I can say is that they really did a terrific job with the food and service. I did read the bad reviews and the consistent complaint was service and attitude. Well, I found neither to be lacking. Waiters are obviously not born here by their accents and perhaps that's part of the problem with the reviews about bad service. It's a 2 way street. They have to understand you but you also have to understand them in my view. When anyone comes to the US, they come speaking a different language from a different culture. IF you go anywhere where the staff is clearly here recently, understand this and appreciate the nuances. Ok, ok I get it. It's a restaurant, a service business. If the food is bad that's 1 thing but if someone comes from a culture where being criticized can land you in jail or worse, well understand that. You have a choice. Go to that place or don't. To our credit, we all "got it" and so when our waiter had a tough time getting our order (he was new), we all smiled and said "How about we raise our hands" and that worked. He thanked us too. No one had an issue about it. Why? Because if you look back far enough, you have a relative who was like that waiter too. read more

Lotus Cafe has pretty good Chinese (non-takeout) food for a strip mall. My boyfriend, his Mom, and I came in on a Saturday at around 8, upon his Mom's recommendation. She had been there a few times and there were some dishes she liked, so we went with those. Here's what we ordered: Lotus Delight (a mix of cellophane noodles, shredded pork, bamboo shoots, and some other Chinese vegetables, with scrambled eggs on top). This is served with crepes and hoisin sauce. This isn't a dish I would normally order, but I actually really liked it. It was different and it was flavorful. Steak and Scallops combo (fried prime sirloin and scallops with vegetables in Kung Po sauce) - I liked the variety of fresh veggies it came with (broccoli, carrots, mushrooms), but the steak itself tasted a bit starchy. It was also salty so I would recommend asking them to either lighten up on the sauce, or ordering a bowl of white rice to go with it. Filet of sole with black bean sauce - the fish was fried, which we didn't know it would be, since it didn't mention it on the menu. But I must say, that it was perfectly fried. Even with the black bean sauce, it wasn't soggy. However, again, it was pretty salty. I don't know the area very well but I would say if you want Chinese food (and not Chinese takeout), Lotus Cafe is an OK option. Just tell them to take it easy on the salt. read more

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Been our go to place for great chinese food for a long time. Went back last April and ordered our favorites (Seafood Pan Fried Noodle + Sizzling Steak with Scallops). Told my wife that the SPFN does not taste like it was before and the SSS was just OK. Something changed and not for the better. Overall, food was not fulfilling and a huge disappointment. read more

Had the most horrible experience with a new hire, Minty, first day on the job Wednesday 7/24/24 she stated. The sale ticket stated Mandy therefore it could be another person or she lied about her name. Anyway she will be on their camera most definitely. I asked politely if I could have vegetable instead of white rice. She told me using a bad tone of voice and bad delivery that they do not allow that. I said to her nicely that some other restaurants will allow that as a courtesy. She told me to go to them then!!! I could not believe my ears, I was in shock !!! She was also eating at the checkout area!! I asked for her name and she asked me for my name as well in a nasty tone. She needs to be fired because of this attitude and demeanor, her customer service sucks. I could not even attempt such actions at my place of business. I purchase lunch many times from Lotus cafe and occasionally dinner . I hope management does something regarding Minty. I would not want someone acting like this in my place of business. read more

The food was excellent! The price was very reasonable. The kind of chinese food I thought i could only taste in NY chinatown i found in this place! I will definitely come back here! read more

Very rude people working there. The food was overcooked and it looked thrown onto the serving plate. i ordered scallops and squid. It looked old as if it were laying there a while. I used to come here two years ago when the food was actually veey good. I would never eat here again. The waitress and staff on the dining floor were nasty. read more

This place was recommended by my neighbour as being good chinese food - more saucey and less oil. I think they forgot the less flavour too.

so delicious I can't find good Chinese food in my own town. if you live in Bergen county you have to come here. It's fresh and packed with ton of flavor read more

I really like this restaurant until the night before. Their food was always good until this time. It really disappointed me. Nothing stands out to be good. They were just mediocre except for my HOT & SOUR SOUP, which was not edible. It was neither HOT (Temp or Spicy) nor SOUR. It wasn't adequately seasoned. The worst of all is it had some chemical flavor, and the soup was very muddy, not clear. It felt like the soup went bad, and someone in the kitchen wanted to save it. Not a good move. read more

this restaurant has gone down hill over the years. our meal was cold and had no flavor. the tea was cold in the pot and it seemed like they wanted us to eat quickly and leave. if you use a credit card they want the tip left in cash. I won't be going here any more, read more

Food was great service was adequate Took time and constant reminders to get tea water and main entrees read more

the food is so awful !!!!!! i was sick for 2 days from it omg!!!!!!!!!! if you wrote that you like this place rewrite it again because you are either a brother or sister of the owner the people at the desk are nasty and so rude like there doing you a favor since jackie left the place went down hill food is awful it should be shut down forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Good local Chinese restaurant under new management. Food has been tasty and consistent the last few times I have dined here. Highly recommended. read more

They have gone DOWNHILL. I mean really DOWNHILL. I thought I gave a previous review because I've been eating here for a couple of years. Never had a complaint, other they are expensive. But my motto is if it's good, I'll pay. All of my orders here are over $90, mostly take out. So I've spent a pretty penny. Let me start by saying the place is clean, table service is good. On the quiet side, which I like. What gets me is that when you dine in, they will clean while you eat. I mean, break out the big ol mop & bucket, spraying other tables next to you. Not a fan and a lil gross. Now as far as orders, my last order (today) was GROSS. They messed up (last order too), but I was already home when I noticed. If we can eat it, no biggie. Shit happens. But got oily flavorless pork fried rice, OLD spare ribs, oily flavorless beef & broccoli. OLD wings. Just nasty. Nasty enough that I will never eat here again. read more

Dinner with the cousin! Lotus reminded us of the traditional Chinese Restaurants we've grown up with, and in a very good way! Started with Wonton soup. The broth was flavorful, the wontons were tasty and tender. The three of us chose three dishes (anything more would have been too much!). The special Emperor's Pork was a good choice - delicious meat with excellent sauce. The Sesame Chicken and the Shrimp Chow Fun rounded out the meal, both excellent. The service was attentive, helpful and pleasant. We had an excellent evening. Will definitely return! read more

friendly staff and waiters. efficient service food very bland seems like they cut back on ingredients the spring roll in tofu skin was super oily and the cabbage was chewy, undercooked and left a bad aftertaste I imagine from reused oil the soy sauce dispenser was dirty and the salt shaker had a dead insect in it. I like most food some more than others but this was terrible. A lot of Asians here so what do I know? let them have it. Not me read more

I used to Love this place.....not so much anymore. I stopped going there primarily because their lunch specials got too expensive. Today mine almost cost almost $10 (without a drink, just water). I got the Chicken and mushrooms with veg fried rice and a hot and sour soup. The only thing I enjoyed was the hot and sour soup. The chicken and mushrooms hardly had any mushrooms and the water chestnuts tasted funky also. 2 stars for the good service and soup. read more

Lotus Cafe - Hackensack - Delicious hot & sour soup - Chinese Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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So i went to go have dinner with my boyfriend and the service was horrendous. The took soo long just to come and take our order and didn't answer our questions about certain items on the menu. I decided to order the chicken and broccoli and what i received was not appetizing at all. I ended up just eating the broccoli which also not appetizing. Over all was not a good dining experience. read more

Lotus Cafe - Hackensack - Chinese Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

Great authentic Chinese food. This place is a BYOB and serve large portions. I ordered the 11 ingredient fried rice which was so good. Definitely will be eating here again. read more

Lotus Cafe - Hackensack - Steamed dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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Situated in a strip mall while Christmas shopping we decided to try this Asian restaurant. We arrived at 5:05 p.m. and we wanted to eat from the lunch specials, Unfortunately they would not allow us to eat from their specials for lunch because it was 5 minutes after 5 and they only serve lunch specials till 5 pm. So we decided to order something light and went with soups. Complimentary tea is served with your meal. We ordered wonton soup and hot and sour soup, both were exceptionally good. Very well seasoned broth. Wontons were thin and tender and the hot and sour soup was just as good. I only gave then 3 stars for their rudeness and for setting a dirty spoon on our table. Service and hospitality count when rating an establishment. read more

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The prices went up so much but the service went way down. The waiter ignore us for a long time then when he came to take our order he quickly turned around to take anothers table order who just seated. This waiter is a liability not asset to this business. read more

If you plan on ordering off the lunch menu (which runs until 5 PM) expect to get what you pay for. They should change Garlic Chicken to Garlic Celery. It was takeout for us today so unfortunately we realized the container was 90% full of shredded celery and almost no chicken at all when we got home. It was so shocking we decided to separate it. My husband was left with just the fried rice which was drenched in soy. I do recommend the General Chicken which is a legitimate size and not stuffed with space filler vegetables. read more

Lotus Cafe - Hackensack - 90% celery, 10% chicken and Garlic Sauce somewhere in between. - Chinese Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

I've been coming here probably since it opened. One of the best all around restaurants. For the first time, I tried their ta loo mein. This dish is phenomenal. Lots of veggies and different kinds of meat and shrimp. Since it looked a little like hot and sour noodle soup, but not spicy, I added a little pepper and red vinegar. This made the fish exquisite. read more

Lotus Cafe - Hackensack - Ta loo mein. Very yummy! - Chinese Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

This place makes delicious authentic Asian dishes. We've tried many Chinese restaurants and this one stands apart. The wonton soup has nice wontons, with vegetables and great flavor. Pork fried rice was flavorful, general Cho's chicken also nicely cooked and lots of flavor. So happy! read more

I ordered a delivery. I noticed that the amount of payment on the receipt was different from what I paid online. He said that because he was not satisfied with the amount of tip I paid, he changed it. He went further to demand me more tip. What kind of restaurant service does that? I told him that it's illegal to just change amount of credit card charge without customer's approval. I've never had this kind of experience. Very bad customer service. Will never order from this place again. read more

The Story: Had Lotus cafe a couple years ago - decided to check it out again. Food: Not good at all. Nothing is seasoned correctly. I feel like this place is catered to people with no taste buds. Decor: Okay size dining room but it has a musky feel to it. Price: $60 for a casserole dish and a beef stir fry. Not worth it. Service: Service is average. Parking & Finding the Place: This part is easy at least. Located in the same shopping center as the Home Depot, Port of Call, Staples and Applebees. Additional Thoughts/Tips: read more

Lotus Cafe - Hackensack - Chinese Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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Consistently good food and pleasing to the eyes! Consistently hard working, accommodating and well informed waiters. Owners always at the restaurant. Always busy especially during Jewish holidays!!! ---and that's a VERY GOOD sign!! Go here. Reservations are a must especially on weekends. read more

Best hot & sour soup on the planet! I have been going here for years (its near my job) and have tried just about everything, BUT, you have to get the hot n sour soup. It is the best anywhere and I have tried a lot of places including NY and SF china town mom and pops. I go here at least 3 times a week for lunch from work. Also must try is the cold sesame noodles and eggplan with garlic sauce, chinatown style, the best!! This is obviously a family run business and it shows, they take great care to have good quality and be friendly. Highly recommended!! Dont be put off by the location in a mall parking area. Its cozy inside. read more

When we came in, they seated our table of 5 people quickly. It's BYOB so that's awesome. We had our bottles of wine ready. The food was pretty good. I let my parents order since they know which dishes to order that are best. Everything we had was decent. Not the best authentic Chinese food I had but it will do. However, the waiter seemed a little annoyed with the fact that we didn't order a vegetable dish. We had ordered about 4 large entrees to be shared in the middle. He kept trying to push another dish on us. We asked if we had to order an entree per person - he said no, it's not a requirement. But kept pushing us to order another. We said we'd order an additional dish if we're still hungry. He seemed so annoyed by that! I don't know what his problem was?! But the rest of the staff seemed decent. I may go back but I'm not rushing to do so. read more

I went to Home Depot tonight with hubby and we decided to come to Lotus Cafe to eat because we were very hungry after shopping, and Lotus Cafe is right at the same plaza. Big mistake!!!! We walked in at the restaurant around 8:30pm and we were greeted immediately by the host. She was a very pleasant lady and the restaurant is spacious and looks very clean. We ordered calamari with salt and pepper and KaoFu ( this is made of gluten and a very popular cold dish in traditional chinese cuisine) for appetizers, and hubby order beef stew noodle soup, and I ordered a similar version of beef stew noodle soup but had beef tendon and Chinese vermicelli instead. The fried calamari is not bad, this was the only dish we ordered tonigth eatable. Our beef noodle soups were a big MEH, the soup broth is bland with no flavor, the beef and tendon were overcooked, and the noodle and Chinese vermicelli were really soggy and had no chew at all. The KaoFu I ordered was served last, and while I put it into mouth I was very surprised that it was really hot!! It was not supposed to be hot as this is a "cold dish plate", it was not supposed to be hot. When our check came, I asked the waiter why was my KaoFu dish served hot and he told me because not a lot of customer ordered this dish so they have it frozen and microwave while people ordered it. Can you believe this? The cold dish is supposed to be made fresh daily and served fresh. Serving cold Dish hot and charged $8.95 is beyond ridiculous. This place probably serves fine Americanized Chinese food, but they don't know how to make authentic Chinese food, if you are looking for authentic Chinese food, please don't come here. I gave it 2 stars because the restaurant is clean and the host makes you feel very pleasant, but the food was a big disappointment and over priced. I will never return. read more

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Usually a great place to go for lunch specials, but I recently went at 9:00pm on a Sunday night and the waiter we had was really rude. Rushing everything and even throwing money back at our table because of the tip he received. Or did not receive. He didn't deserve the tip anyway, but I was courteous to give him some. It was actually the first thing he grabbed when he gave me back my card. The food was great as always, but the service was horrible. Doesn't matter if you're having a bad day, you don't throw money at the table in front of people leaving. That's disrespectful. This waiter was probably over 40 too. You'd expect by now that he'll know what's right and wrong. Food 4/5. Service -1/5. read more

Went there to eat in for first time since pandemic. The service was never very good but it was awful this time. Communication with waiter was tough because of language. For some reason they were very annoyed when we tried to pay by credit card but they did finally agree to accept it. After eating I decided to get some takeout for some relatives. I ordered from cashier, paid by credit card after again being urged to pay by cash. I sat back down at table after telling cashier to advise me when it available. A while later, a few takeout orders were brought to cashier and she just continued doing what she was doing. I walked over and asked if one was mine. She checked and it was. A minor thing but just bad customer service to ignore a customer like that and leave the food sitting there. The food itself was good and generally better than other local places. However, it somehow seemed not as good as in the past. Probably will no longer use place for sit down but just call in and pick up. read more

Ordered from here with great expectations after reading the reviews and cravings for Asian food. It was a very disappointing dinner. Pros: The food was ready in time for pick up. Tea bags along with the order. Cons: Lack of flavor No utensils Lack of any chili oil with the dumplings One rice helping with two main courses We ordered Pork Dumplings and Scallion pancake for appetizer. The wrapping of the dumplings was quite thick with the meat portion minimal inside. The dumpling was heavy. The scallion pancake lacked the one ingredient that was meant to have, Scallions! For main course we ordered chicken in black bean sauce, general tso's chicken and Tang Tang Noodles. The chicken black bean was tolerable and probably the only item palatable in the entire order. The General Tso's chicken was too sweet and dry. The tang tang noodles were too soft and lacked any flavor. Overall not very happy. Probably the dine-in service is better but the pick-up was very disappointing. read more

The food is good but it has gotten very expensive. They not only charge a 5% fee for not paying cash but they don't give the customary Chinese sides anymore such dry noodles and fortune cookies. They would probably charge if I asked for these. Won't probably order there for a while. read more