Kung POW!
| Address: | 500 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-208-2173 |
| Site: | kungpowpdx.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 19
HA
Hank Sawtelle
UPDATE: Bummed, but this place has lost a few steps. XLB (soup dumplings) removed from the menu - probably too difficult to do consistently. The quality of the other dumplings has skidded. Pot stickers very tough/doughy, with dry overcooked filling. Sichuan dumplings not spicy, no chili oil present. The mains were okay; Id like to see more color on the brussels sprouts. Pork belly is still crispy and good, but that one note is a lot to hang a restaurant on. The main dining room (on Glisan) is very hot on hot days. The adjacent room to the north is a bet better. Not many diners there at 7pm on a weeknight... but the food was still kind of slow. The staff is still very positive and friendly, which is great. ------------------------------------------- It is great to have another option near the stadium for Timbers/Thorns pre-funking! The zodiac cocktail list is a cute idea and the drinks are well made. Tap list is short but well-curated. The food is solid if a little goofy. They are "modernizing" typical Chinese fare, so there is lots of pork belly and other trendy twists. The XLB (soup dumplings) are good -- the first time they were a little fragile but the second time they were great. The other appetizers/dumplings are pretty good, not perfect. Wonton soup is very solid. Szechuan dumplings in hot oil and potstickers are not as delicate as youd get in "real" Chinatown, the siu mai are kind of unwieldy. But its great drinking food. Mu shu was solid; nice delicate pancakes. As for mains, my favorite so far has been the pork belly (haha) ma po tofu pot. The service is great, from the hostess to the friendly servers, runners/bussers, and even the jovial chef who pops in to say hi. Everyone is very positive, welcoming, and accomodating. No "Portland Hipster" vibe, like you dont belong here cuz youre not cool enough. Their game is on point in terms of timing, tracking orders, etc. Frankly its kind of spendy for Chinese food, but the location, good vibes, and outstanding service put it over the top for multiple repeat visits.
GR
Greg Siu
Innovative and tasty Chinese food that has a little different spin on traditional flavors. Flavors cator to the American taste bud in a good way. Impressed with the portion size and amount of meat. Lemon Pepper shrimp had lots of large shrimp (~size 20 count) around 30 shrimp swimming in cooked yellow onions. The lemon pepper powder flavor definitely came though. It might be better with some lemon zest. Zhen Bang chicken was dry friend with the flavor on the outside. It could do with some marinade to make the pieces more flavorful. My favorite dish. Spice was just a momentary tingle that eating some rice got rid of. It tasted better as leftovers. Silverware on the table is chopsticks and a fork. That spares anyone embarrassing moments of asking for a fork. Seriously, eating rice on a plate with chopsticks is hard!
BJ
Bj Sanders-Lunsford
Went with my daughter and was very disappointed. Weird warm water left at the tables, terrible-over priced food and lack luster service. I wouldnt go again if I had a 90% off coupon. Cant really say it actually deserved one star. I was hoping to find a good place closer to home (we drive to Troutdale for Chinese food which is like 18 miles from our home). Not sure why the others gave such high reviews. It was a waste of time and money both Ill never get back.
ST
Steph Vi
BEST Chinese food Ive had in Portland, hands down!! Handmade noodles, incredible soy curl and tofu dishes and my meat loving friends love it as well! They have two different types of fried rice... One with and one without soy sauce (I prefer without which is nearly impossible to find in this town!). Try Judys noodles and red curry noodles and sesame tofu!! Large portions!
KE
Kevin Adair
Everything tasted like fish sauce. I was excited to have a new Chinese place only two blocks from my apartment but the food is to disappointing to return. Im fairly certain the "fried" rice was just regular rice with veggies and pork tossed in, after the nearly cooked pork had been marinating in fish sauce. Never again.
BR
Bryce Bartell
Out of all the Chinese restruants I frequent, Kung POW is my absolute favorite. Delicious and great service every time. Specifically Alice with the purple hair. She always seems like shes trying above and beyond, and really gives an "at home" feel too it. Between her and how great the food is, 10/10.
KI
kimberley craig
This place is vile and has MSG in the dishes. A sad representation of Chinese food and Chinese food fusion. Just because NW Portland is slim in Chinese restaurants is not a valid reason to give this place any good reviews. YUCK !! Amazed anybody can stand the food....
WI
Will Richards
The Fish Balls. Nough said. Been a few times now and its fast becoming a favorite. The fish balls are amazeballs!!! And the noodle bowls are awesome! I love a good pulled noodle and Kung POWs locally sourced ingredients show me theyre invested in the community as well!
AN
Andrew Novotny
Great food, fast service, and nice environment. My family had kung pow chicken, chicken and broccoli, Hunan pork, and pork fried rice. All were delightful, not sure how it compares to local resturants as this is my first and last Chinese food place in Portland. A+
RI
Riley Berger
I went here on Christmas and all of the servers, the bartender, and cooks were amazing. There are a ton of great vegan options, and the drinks had lots of great, local liquor options. If you like Shangdong, the sister restaurant is absolutely a must-visit.
JA
Jasmine Bradley
Always a good experience. Best Mapo tofu since my trip to China. Theyre pressed tofu (in every dish they offer) is the best for those who have never had tofu and are afraid to try! Also, their fishball soup is a go to when Im sick - so glad I live nearby.
HE
Hermes Kriophoros
Nom nom nom!!!!! Amazing Chinese food. Amazing vegan options, and appetizers. Cute resturaunt. Friendly customer service. Relaxing atmosphere. I suggest everyone goes, and tries this food out!. Its not full vegan, so everyone can get their fix!
SC
Scott Erickson
Read all the reviews. Got the Judys Noodles with chicken. It did not disappoint! Spicy and tasty and a huge heaping portion. Great vibe. The owners walk around and check on you.just a great experience. Ill definitely come back.
ME
Melissa Rae
Tried ordering gluten free. Two stars because the person on the phone was willing and knowledgeable about what I couldnt get. Ultimately there wasnt much and I didnt know where to start with what I could get besides ...soup.
S
S Li
Surprisingly good American Chinese food with good service. It was an enjoyable and delicious meal. Environment is nice and well decorated. Restroom is clean. I like it. We had Judys noodles with shrimp and Kung pao chicken.
SU
Suzanne McIlnay
Weve been here a handful of times. (Some for take-out) I want to like this place..but dont. Food is just ok. Service is is either great or terrible. I was there with my family on Saturday and the bathroom was not usable.
AN
Anne Cummings
We stopped in on a whim and were treated like family. The food was well prepared and very tasty. My children loved it as much as we did. Fantastic atmoshpere in a fun neighborhood. I highly recommend this restaurant.
LY
Lyndsay Gomez
I dont know why this place is never busy, it is FANTASTIC! The food and drinks are great. I have never had to wait for a table which was actually a bit concerning considering every restaurant on 21st is always busy.
AS
asian panda
At this restaurant the food came out very fast. They have good vegan options and they make food gluten free. The severs and host was very hard working even tho it was very busy on the weekends.
