Essence of China
| Address: | 1727 Willamette Falls Dr, West Linn, OR 97068, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-656-6578 |
| Site: | theessenceofchina.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 12–10PM 12–10PM |
Location
Photos 36
Reviews 13
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John
Ive been ordering from this restaurant for quite a while. Their food is the typical Chinese fare. Its good enough, but nothing extraordinary. But Im a loyal patron. And theyve always been friendly and accommodating. The thing I really loved about them was that they were so flexible with their menu. Id order their "four of a kind" menu item and switch it up. Id double up on rice or chicken or whatever, and the worst that happened was that Id pay an extra buck. Well tonight, they would rather see me not order anything at all from them and lose a loyal customer because they suddenly dont do that with their combination plates. Theres nothing on the menu about this change. And the lady on the phone didnt seem very concerned about losing my business when I explained that they were about to lose a loyal customer and that Id be posting an unfavorable review on Yelp. Granted, she was a new employee. I was very kind. And a bit surprised at the cavalier attitude she was expressing. The manager was also "too busy" to speak to me when I voiced my concern and asked to speak with him/her. Strange. They must have recently had a change in ownership, because the way theyre doing business tonight isnt the way to keep a business running. Looks like Ill be finding another place to get my take out! Too bad
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Joanne Colbert
Our party of 8 had the #1 Family style dinner. We arrived at 7pm on a Thursday night to the lovely "old towne" location surrounded by landscaping, al fresco dinners, and antique shops. Parking was difficult, but we were immediately seated and given menus. We requested no pork or shrimp, and had several substitutions to accommodate family members with gluten and egg intolerance. The appetizers came in 10 minutes, and the meal within 30 minutes. The food was correctly prepared, and excellent over all. Of the 8 different things we were served, most were quite good (Egg Rolls, Lo Mein, Sauteed String Beans, Beef Skewers) and some were epic, (General Tsos Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Tien Fu Chicken, Banana Coconut Ice Cream). There was also a pleasant family/date night atmosphere. By the time the modest check was placed on the table, the whole family agreed wed found our new "spot". Because the staff was so friendly, the order done right, and because its now my favorite Chinese Restaurant in town, I wont knock off even a single star for the stuff that needs improvement.The sweet and sour chicken and the fried rice were just average--a little dry and a little plain. I cant think of a single bad thing to say.
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Ben Copeland
Was having a craving for a certain dish, didnt know the name or even if they had it. Walked in. Amazing Atuned staff, GREAT customer service. Described the dish, said they didnt have anything like I described but said they could do a custom dish... Turned out AMAZING! Genuinely the best Chinese Ive ever had, wasnt super greasy make you feel sick, satisfied my craving, they said it would take 15 minutes.... Done in 5. Super impressed with the service and quality of food and accommodation. Also side note, before we moved here my favorite Chinese place closed down in WA was super disappointed- never found wonton soup as good... Until now. 150% satisfied!
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Michelle Eve Moline
Great family owned business serving excellent "real deal" Chinese food. Friendly service, clean restrooms and nice dining room. We have had many wonderful family dining experiences & frequent this restaurant when in the area. Appropriate environment for a business lunch or 2-3 time date. This restaurant is located in the beautiful & well groomed West Linn Historic Willamette District. Although the interior is pleasent, I gave 4 not 5 stars because the interior could feel more authenticly "Chinese" and convey as much personality as the food does flavor. Our favorite restaurant in that area hands down!
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A Private User
We were hungry but didnt really fancy traveling last night so decided to give their delivery service a try. Having not dined there before we werent quite sure what to expect but given the awesome reviews thought that it was worth a shot. We called our order in and they were happy to make everything we wanted, to order, no veg with this, make this mild, this on the side etc. Anyway, we got our food exactly when they said it would arrive and it was delicious and the portions were huge!!! Definitely the best Chinese food we have had in a long time and thoroughly recommended!!!
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George Mead
I come from NYC and consider myself a connoisseur of Chinese food. When I go to NY and San Francisco, I will have crispy whole fish and Squid with black bean sauce. Having said that my expectations about Chinese food are realistic, and I do not expect that level of cuisine in West Linn, or anywhere in PDX for that matter. Fro what is here, Essence of China is great value and really good food. The staff are attentive, the food is good and sometimes great ,and the prices are reasonable. For basic god Chinese food and a basic atmosphere you cannot do better. .
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A Private User
I have eaten there 20 times. 1 time I had a tasteless, small bland meal. (The time I took my Mother of course)All of the other times? Awesome!! Unbelieveable!! Remarkable!! Only reason I didnt give 5 stars? The atmosphere and service is creepy. Its silent and the servers are so whispery and apologetic its uncomfy. I put up with it because I hate "to go" chinese and my husband cant live without their general tsaos. Its soo good! . If they had cocktails I would probably only half notice the service. :)
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A Private User
Yes its the best in West Linn. Unfortunately West Linn is so far from a restaurant mecca that it seems our standards are lower. These guys do decent Chinese...good...but by no means great. Last time I ordered pork fried rice I got brown rice (no pork, no veg...just brown and rice). I emailed them and of course got zero response. The only reason they are still in business is because we have no better option at this time. BTW...I dont consider $23 for 2 items and 2 spring rolls "cheap."
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A Private User
This is by far our most favorite chinese restaurant in the northwest!! The service is always friendly and timely... We highly recommend their pot stickers, the chicken and broccoli and the chicken and asparagus dishes. They also make eggplant dish that is done with a general tso sauce.....very nice! Just a quick trip off the I-205....this place is worth the trip.
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Chad Hohman
This place is healthy and really well done. My wife and I love it, best Chinese in Portland. Any one complaining about the food is wanting dirty over cooked Chinese food. This is fresh and healthy. One review said the rice was brown! Its suppose to be brown, its brown rice you ignorant bastard!
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jennifer cooper
Amazing! I absolutely love the Shrimp Lomein. We had several different dishes, and they were all fantastic,AND they deliver, in another city! The delivery was quick. The food was fresh, and hot. The delivery driver was professional, and very kind! Thank you to the staff and owners, love it!!
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Allen Jiang
I was disappointed with this place, after seeing such great review score. The Ma Po Tofu I ordered was drowned in sauce and lacked any type of mix vegetables. The rice provided with the meal was cold and the egg roll was mediocre. One bright side was the price was very reasonable.
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Elizabeth Eck
Got takeout here tonight. The food was barely edible. Only the shrimp was somewhat decent. The chicken wasnt white meat and had way too much breading. It was hard to chew. The cocktail and sweet/sour sauces tasted like theyd been sitting out way too long. Nasty!
