Queens chopstick has been a favorite of my boyfriend and I for over a year now. It is our go to Chinese food option in Corvallis. To be fair it is actually very apparently asian-fusion (the food is often sweeter, and more "americanized" versions of asian dishes). I have never once ordered take out, as the atmosphere is part of the reason we go! It boasts a very clean and welcoming style, very friendly and helpful staff and since we are always two, we usually get one of the two lovely booth/chair combo tables next to the window.
The music is always on point as well. Basically, in place of traditional Chinese music lending the air of peace and authenticity, there is chill electronic vibe music playing at the perfect volume which adds to the "fusion" part of the restaurant category, and creates a younger more modern atmosphere. Although that vibe is prevalent, it is certainly not exclusive. All types of people seem to love it there. Cute older couples, families and lots of students are there all alike. For Chinese speakers, they even have a Chinese menu. I am unsure of whether or not it is the same menu just in Chinese, or if it is different all together, but it definitely lends some credibility with the Chinese client base.
At Queens chopstick the wait time for food is about what would be expected at the average restaurant (maybe 10-15 minutes even when busy) and it is moderately priced (roughly 13 dollars a plate). The portions have also never left me or my boyfriend wanting at the end of the meal. Being a pescetarian, there are often limited options for me, but there are a bunch of veggie and pesce friendly options at this restaurant. My favorite dish is their honey walnut prawns, which are served of a bed of lettuce with a cute little cherry in the corner of the plate (for decoration?) and a bowl of white rice on the side. Since finding this higher quality version of this dish in a nicer location, I never have a reason to eat at Panda Express again.
Not that I want anyone to compare this restaurant to Panda Express. Simply that the honey walnut shrimp at Panda was the one redeeming option of their food in my opinion, and since discovering a non-fast food version of the dish (and closer to my house) I will never revert back to my Panda regretting days!
Another dish I highly recommend is the prawns with hot mandarin sauce, best described as moderately spicy and delicious. If you know a pescetarian (or are one) who misses orange chicken. This is an awesome substitute. It would definitely fill the craving. That being said, even if you are generic meat eating George, you will still enjoy these prawns. They can stand alone, but I like them with a good veggie Lo Main and some chili oil to add some spice.
A good test of any asian-fusion restaurant is the hot and sour soup. Usually I prefer the more peppery versions of this particular soup so I am probably bias. The hot and sour soup at Queens chopsticks is quite good, not great (not very peppery), but good. I wouldn't go there for that, but sometimes it makes a warm and comforting start to the meal.
For those of you twenty-one plus, Queens Chopstick also features a bar. I am not so lucky yet as to be able to try one of the many options for cocktails and drinks offered, but the ones served at the tables near me look great, and the descriptions look wonderful in general. So please, when you go, live vicariously for me and try one (then comment on my post and fill the knowledge gap in my Queens Chopstick review). For now I will stick with my Pepsi.
Overall queens chopstick is great place to eat moderately priced Chinese food and have nice service in a welcoming and warm environment. There are a lot of options and pretty diverse options at that, so go try it, and try something new, or simply use it to upgrade from Panda. read more