The short of it is that my order was OK, but you shouldn't use to decide to go here, as the sample size is very low. I went for one dish that they make. They changed the recipe-- but the last time I was there was seven years ago. Perhaps the rest of the menu uses better recipes and my desired dish is the only one that suffered; I hope that's true. Certainly the service was good and fast. read more

Food was just ok but the hot tea was very good. Sewer smell in restaurant that came and went.

I went to Lotus Garden this weekend to get dim sum with some classmates, but when we sat down and started reading the menu we decided to share some larger dishes instead. The dim sum menu had a decent amount of options, but not many of my favorites that I find at other dim sum places back home. The normal menu on the other hand was huge and had plenty of options. Service was friendly and patient with us as we took a while to order off of the large menu and asked for some suggestions. There was only two other groups at the restaurant, so service was fast and food started coming out within a few minutes. We ordered two vegetarian dishes and two meat dishes since one of my classmates is vegetarian. The two vegetarian dishes actually ended up being the best in flavor! The eggplant was the perfect texture and had wood ear mushrooms hidden throughout. It was slightly sweet, tangy, just the right amount of salty, and you could still taste the natural flavor of the eggplant. The home style tofu was also good in texture and flavor. The braised pork belly was good, but was a little bit rich for my taste, this may just be because of the nature of pork belly itself though, being a very fatty cut. The only dish I was a little disappointed by was the chicken in red oil. I've had this before at other restaurants and loved it, but here the flavor just wasn't really there. The chicken didn't really absorb or hold much of the flavor of the sauce. Maybe if it was cut into thin slices instead of chunks it could better absorb the flavor and give bites that have flavor all the way through. Overall, Lotus Garden was good, but I felt that the food (that we ordered at least) was just average. I'd love to go again and try some other dishes and see if I like those better. The great flavor of the eggplant compared to the other dishes leads me to believe you just gotta pick your dishes wisely. I appreciate that they're serving authentic Chinese food in a small city like this. I also might just be a bit spoiled since there's a handful of great authentic Chinese restaurants back home that I prefer. read more

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I am surprised that Lotus Garden only had 3 stars now. It used to be me and my friends' go-to spot for authentic Chinese food in Btown. We ordered lamb noodle soup and spicy chicken in chilly sauce. The flavor was good. It was a little bit on the sweeter side, but it didn't bother me too much. The lamb noodle soup was huge portion. I wished the noodle could be more chewy, but the broth was flavorful. Overall, I still think it is a good spot in btown to get some authentic Chinese food. read more

Lotus Garden - Lamb noodles - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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报吃还死贵，分量特别小，不知道为什么来这家店。 The dim sum was bad. The wontons don't have any fillings and it tastes like pure salt/soy sauce. 真的太咸了难以下咽。The fish porridge tastes good but the fish tastes like it's been frozen for a long time - 真的很腥。排骨 (short rib?) was ok - not real dim sum tho and mainly just bones, what can I say. Siu mai and sticky rice with chicken (荷叶糯米鸡?) were ok, and I doubt most food here was pre-made... The burger was bad, fried chicken wings also bad. Could've been to McDonald's. Really regretted it :( read more

Lotus Garden - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

This hole in the wall is like a 3.5, but I'll round up for the homemade shumai dumplings. They were really good, and you get 6 in an order. You can see the bits of shrimp tail and different bites. The bbq buns were also freshly steamed, soft and delicious. I wish they would have had Hoison sauce for dipping the shrimp dumplings... also would have appreciated some light music or something in the background because it's weird to me when you can hear the entire person's conversation near you. Also, not much ambiance to the place. I was thinking we should have done takeout, but it was good. read more

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Lotus Garden was such a haven for me and my family last night!! We were driving through Bloomington and after being stuck in snow and traffic for hours we just wanted a nice warm meal - and Lotus Garden certainly delivered! Our food came out very quickly and we nearly finished all six dishes. We ordered two different styles of dumplings, the spring rolls, green beans, sesame chicken, and the chicken lo mien. I can't believe there weren't more reviews for the lo mien because it was so yummy!! I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Delicious food, good service, and best of all open during the storm!! Thanks Lotus Garden! Hope to be back soon when I find myself in Bloom again. read more

Lotus Garden - N13. Chicken Lo Mein P2. Spring Roll Sesame Chicken Dry Fried Green Beans Dumpling/Wontons with chili oil - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

We came for dinner and were the only customers for 15 minutes. There were three dirty tables that hadn't been bussed, one of which looked like the staff had been eating there. My "braised" ribs in chili sauce were deep fried, as was my wife's sweet and sour chicken. She had a few tablespoons of vegetables with hers. I had more, but they were so salty I couldn't eat them. I got my meal about seven minutes after my wife. The young lady waiting on us was very nice. This is on me. I didn't check Yelp before recommending this place. The low reviews would have scared us away. read more

This spot serves my go to delivery order of spicy crispy chicken wings. Out of the many, many orders I have placed they always arrive hot, juicy and crispy. I dare say the best fried chicken wings you can get in the city of Bloomington. Just make sure you order it under their pop up called fragrant chicken. DoorDash driver delivered ahead of schedule. For a typical late night Chinese restaurant this place sure knows how to fry some chicken. read more

If I can give this zero stars, I would. The quality was atrocious. I wouldn't even consider this as meat. I feel physically sick. This is the worst thing I ever put in my mouth. The stir fry was all fried chicken, no sauce, and 3 vegetables. That's not a stir fry. The soup is straight up water and oil and the dumplings are straight pieces of dough and no meet. The dumplings had the most scariest looking meet I ever laid eyes upon and the general tso chicken looks disgusting and is cold. I pray to god I never have to eat something so disgusting again. read more

Lotus Garden - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

The best Chinese food I have had in Indiana. Definitely try the Hot and Sour soup, as well as the Kung pao chicken

They straight up suck. Don't even bother wasting your time and money here. Fried rice isn't even fried. What a disappointment of a restaurant. read more

Honestly surprised the reviews here are only 3 star average. It is authentic Chinese restaurant with dim sum menu. Literally one of 2 restaurants in entire state that has formal dim sum menu which automatically provides props. Portions are solid. Non dim sum Sichuan style fare is good. I would love to have this place in indianapolis which is filled with americanized stereotypical overly sweetened low quality chinese take out. Tougher market in btown tho with around a dozen authentic Chinese joints I suppose. read more

Read the Yelp reviews and decided to check out Lotus Garden. Went for dinner on a week night. Large space and only one other table was occupied, so it was a bit strange. The space is odd, not sure what it used to be. There are big speakers mounted at one end of the room and odd art on the walls. Like foxes dressed in golf sweaters? Bizarre and funny. Very friendly server. We ordered soup, wontons in chile oil and salted shrimp. HUGE portions. Enough soup to feed four people. (there were only two of us for dinner) The hot and sour soup was hot but not sour. Needed more vinegar. The wontons in chile oil were good but a bit salty. The salted shrimp was tasty. Serving sizes were really large for each dish. We liked our dinner, but didn't eat any of the left overs. It was one of those dining experiences where you like it while you are there and then after you have time to think about it, you decide it wasn't really that good. Most likely won't go back, as there are other Chinese restaurants in Bloomington that we prefer. Would recommend that if you are looking for a spicy Sichuan meal, give it a try and see what you think. Prices are reasonable and portion size is good. Just something a bit off taste-wise for me. read more

Lotus Garden - Giant portion of hot and sour soup. It was hot but not sour at all. - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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I got a delivery from Lotus Garden in a late night. I ordered a braised beef with vegetables but look at it, how many garlics are there!!! I really don't know what kind of Chinese foods would need that many garlics. There was a really strong garlic smell when I opened the lid. That smell just made you feel so nauseous. I've been to many other Chinese places in Bloomington. I don't usually write reviews even foods are not tasteful. But this time, I would say it was the WOREST dining experience I've ever had. read more

Lotus Garden - G3. Braised Beef Brisket and Veggies - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

We were the only ones eating here which was quite strange at 6:30pm. Too expensive for the portions, taste, and time spent waiting for the food. The pork buns were 7.50 for 3 of them and they came with paper on the bottom that we had to peel off. The siu mai was not good. Not sure what exactly tasted off ... again it was 7.50. The shrimp chive dumplings were ok but way too gelatin to pick up with chopsticks. Again, 7.50. Won't come back. read more

We are not in Bloomington anymore Toto! Probably the most authentic in town and a great new dining room (much bigger and more accommodating than the 17th st location) and an extensive menu. Tables include special burners for hot pots. Tonight was packed with Chinese students and the two of us popping in for take out. Out order: Tomato egg drop soup Spicy eggplant Chicken with broccoli Total 27.70 We loved Lotus Garden in the old location and were thrilled to find out the moved (not closed). Tonight we walked in and were really impressed with the upgrades that happened in the move and met the new owner (very friendly). Food was fantastic and enjoyed on our couch like proper take out. Looking forward to dining in soon and updating the review with a dine-in experience. So happy to have Lotus back! read more

Lotus Garden was my go-to spot throughout college. The salty cashew chicken is my favorite Chinese meal EVER!

I like their spicy chicken in appetizer, really delicious! Because I really like spicy food, so I'm trying to find good spicy Chinese restaurants in town. This dish is very authentic compared to the one I ate in China. I'm not quite like their boiled fish dish, especially those breads come with this dish, taste a little bit weird. The fish itself just normal, average taste. Overall, I may come back to try more dishes to see if there are more great foods there! read more

Lotus Garden - Spicy chicken. - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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All three dishes we ordered for take-out turned out to be pitifully small, yet they cost $47 in total. The spicy squid was pre-fried and not fresh. The pork belly was flood by sauce with just a few pieces of meat. Won't be back next time. read more

Lotus Garden - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Walked in. Place literally smelled of bathroom where someone just took a huge dump. Disgusting. Water is self serve and tastes awful. Had take the food to go because dining in wasn't an option. read more

On a business trip, I was in the mood for some quick take out and back to the hotel to eat and catch up on work. The staff was very nice and eager to please. My dinner was prepared quickly and was priced nicely. They didn't have any packets of hot mustard or soy sauce I could take with me though. They did offer to scoop some out and put in a big plastic container, but I declined. When I got back to my hotel, I realized I didn't get the meal I had ordered, but something else; Kung Pao Chicken. It was ok, not great. So, could have been a better experience for me. read more

Lotus Garden - Electric hot plates built into the tables to keep your food warm! - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

This is my favorite Chinese restaurant in Bloomington. Everything we've ordered here has been delicious. They have both authentic and Americanized options, so their food covers the very different types of eaters in my life . . . The baked cream custard buns appeal to my Americanized dessert requirements, and I crave them all the time. (I think the steamed version, which they also have, is authentic.) read more

Don't get any of their "crab" dishes it's just a bunch of shells that aren't worth your time. I ended crying, left hungry, and I was out $13 dollars. The pork buns were overpriced but at least they were substance of some sort and they tasted good. Also when they say Milkis on the menu they give you some milk drink that is $3. I had a horrible experience food-wise, but the staff were nice people. Regardless I will not go back because of this experience. read more

Lotus Garden - Pork buns, pretty good but a bit pricey. - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Authentic Sichuan Chinese cooking! The best in the area. I'd recommend that you order more authentic meals (dry shrimp and squid, dry green beans, anything Szechuan). If you want more of he American Chinese style (bland and sweet) this place isn't for you. read more

Lotus Garden - Chinese Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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I've tried out this restaurant 3 times now. This past time my complaints include very poor service when picking up the food and cold dumplings. Previous times they never understood English when ordering over the phone and were never transparent with how many items come per order and the total was $60 something for 3 people when it should've been much closer to $30 or so. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT. read more

We ordered and asked for nonspicy. We also told them that there is someone has stomach problem so please don't make it spicy. I repeated it for 4 times and the food came out was very spicy. read more

I didn't get a fortune cookie with my pick-up, other than that the food was pretty decent.

Great restaurant, fine service, solid Sichuan dishes. Not much more to say.

I'm not sure why this place has anything above a 1 star. We left 90% of our food on the plates and left without boxes, that is a painful waste. I normally don't review, but I'm trying to save someone a bad experience. read more

Truly authentic food. Dumplings I. Spicy sauce were amazing. Beef noodle soup was delicious although some of the meat was fatty. The hotpot boils right on the table heating element - you choose what to add. Service from the owner was very gracious and informative. Lots on the menu for the adventurous. Also traditional dishes. read more

I wish I could give minus stars! Three of us went to Lotus Garden to have lunch on a Saturday noon. The restaurant was more than half empty (only three tables were full ). There was no welcome greeting, no one to sit us on a table. So, we helped ourselves and grabbed a table. I tried to make eye contacts and later waved at one of the waitresses. She just nodded her head but no follow up. After sitting their for more than 20 odd minutes and still nobody even served us water, greeted us, or gave us menus!!! We stood up, were ready to leave, and the waitress saw us leaving. Yet, she did not come to us or apologize!! We felt very unwelcome and left. Not going to that place ever! read more

Lotus garden is probably the most authentic Chinese restaurant in Bloomington. In fact, both times that I dined there for lunch, I felt like I was back in China, as I was the only non-Chinese person in the restaurant. Portions are enormous, plan to go out with a big group if you would like to try more than one item. There is almost nothing vegetarian available other than actual vegetables. My husband enjoyed the spicy Schezuan dishes and the service was prompt and attentive. However, on my second visit, I ordered a spring roll, and was disappointed that the meat filling appeared to be uncooked. Uncooked meat is a dealbreaker for me... I won't be back. read more

Adds automatic 15% tips even if I wrote a less amount, due to the poor service they gave me. They did this twice to my bills, will never be back again. read more

The food reminds me of childhood, plus the service is very good. Recommend to everyone who loves Chinese food.

This place was great. For sure authentic asian vibes here, if you couldn't see outside you would think you were in the middle of fucking Hong Kong. Great food the spicy pork was delicious and the wonton soup was great as well. Will be coming back. read more

This is the best food in Bloomington. My friends and I come here at least once a week. It's a hidden gem that you should definitely check out! read more

If you're looking for great Asian food go to Lucky Express instead! I just went today and had a phenomenal experience.

Fantastic Chinese food in the town! The food was delicious and they got good environment. Highly recommend!

a gem of bloomington. their food is so authentic and good, they have good hotpot and they use home made noodles