The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in Birmingham

Update: Still a solid choice for Chinese food in the city. The food is as fantastic as ever, and the portions plenty to keep the hungry satisfied. First time back in a long time again (across town so not the most convenient for me), and this time I plan on revisiting much more often regardless of the distance. 👍🏾👍🏾

After literally years since eating there last, the wife and I - in an attempt to not just hit one of the same old places over again - decided to have dinner this past weekend at Great Wall. We'd recently discussed the fact that over all this time, the place was consistently voted one of the best chinese restaurants in the city; so we figured it was definitely good timing for a re-introduction. I don't remember much about my/our last dining experience there, but I very vividly remembered its building and location; and I have to say that the crazy-busy parking lot and neighboring gas station absolutely brought back memories - like things hadn't changed at all. The rest of this particular visit held no surprises either (which isn't to be taken as a negative thing, btw) - typical restaurant atmosphere, decor, etc.; and, for those that may have read other reviews and became nervous when seeing comments related to "real Chinese" vs. "American Chinese" cuisine, the offerings IMO leaned towards more non-traditional items being available to order rather than less/none of the "American Chinese" dishes to which one might be accustomed. (My wife was a bit worried she would find something unfamiliar and ultimately unappealing to her there, butbecame more at ease when she noticed many of the average "crowd favorites" - Sesame/Garlic Chicken, etc.)

The food at Great Wall was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We didn't venture too far from the "American Chinese" (me w/ G. Tso's and her w/ Mongolian Beef), so I can't say much on how tasty many of the atypical dishes might have been. Though we did - thanks to other reviews - give the pan fried buns a try, and they were just as great as everyone had mentioned. Nothing unusual or outrageous - pretty much a well-cooked pan-fried dumpling, and a generous serving of them as well. Absolutely a great appetizer to order if you're feeling a bit more peckish than for what their rather large entree sizes will accommodate.

The one thing I think really stood out for us w.r.t Great Wall was the incredible service we received. Every single person working - from kitchen to table to register - was absolutely pleasant and seemingly sincerely overjoyed that we decided to have dinner there. It was undeniably noticeable and alone was enough to solidify any notions in our minds about being return customers. We're talking this kind of amazing attitude on a Friday evening at 9pm, when for most smaller restaurants the customer count is getting low and management is preparing to shut down for the night. Not to mention the food was as piping hot and fresh as if it was primetime dinner rush. The staff made us feel as if the restaurant was open just for us, and they were happy staying all night long if need be just so we'd have a great experience. They unquestionably know how to make a great "first" impression and they definitely did with us; and apparently not just us, judging from the many take-out orders that went in and out while we were there.

As I mentioned, the wife and I will positively be revisiting Great Wall again. Great food, great serving sizes, and phenomenal customer service - it's pretty much a...

Title: Great Wall Chinese Restaurant: Unassuming Facade, Timeless Authenticity Embodied

Situated unassumingly along Valley Avenue in Homewood, Alabama, Great Wall Chinese Restaurant presents an inconspicuous exterior, concealing within its walls a realm of exquisite culinary craftsmanship and unwavering authenticity. Upon crossing the threshold, guests are instantly transported to an era reminiscent of classic Chinese dining, wherein vintage decor beckons with an alluring air of elegance and sophistication, sans any ostentation. Great Wall captivates the senses of those seeking an unforgettable gastronomic encounter, where traditional Chinese culinary artistry seamlessly intertwines with contemporary flair.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in the Spicy Pork Chengdu Style, a delectable dish that showcased the culinary prowess of Great Wall. The tender, succulent pork, bathed in a rich and aromatic spicy sauce, was a harmonious blend of flavors that delighted the palate. Accompanied by a side of fragrant fried rice, each bite transported me to the vibrant streets of Chengdu, evoking a true sense of authenticity.

To complement my meal, I also enjoyed an order of delicate and flavorful Steamed Shrimp Dumplings. Each dumpling was a work of art, with a thin, translucent wrapper enveloping a juicy shrimp filling that burst with freshness. The careful steaming process preserved the delicate flavors, allowing me to savor each bite with pure delight.

Beyond the dishes I savored, Great Wall Chinese Restaurant embodies a commitment to preserving authentic cooking techniques. Every meticulously crafted dish is a testament to their unwavering dedication. Prepare to embark on a gustatory odyssey where time-honored recipes are artfully reimagined, boasting a symphony of harmoniously balanced flavors and tantalizing textures.

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, nestled discreetly within Homewood, Alabama, is a hidden gem that intertwines vintage allure with an unwavering pursuit of culinary authenticity. Abandon any preconceived notions as you step into this culinary sanctuary, and allow yourself to be wholly immersed in an era where time-honored flavors and gastronomic traditions intertwine. From the first delectable morsel to the last lingering taste, Great Wall beckons connoisseurs to partake in a symphony of palatal sensations, accompanied by an ambiance that transcends temporal boundaries, embodying the spirit of an esteemed and timeless...

I USE to love Great Wall for years! I am SO disappointed in what I experienced this evening. They ruined what should have been a lovely family dinner. Shame you can't rate a zero or 1/2 star - after the evening my family had did not even deserve 1 star. First off it has been a few months since I ate there so I read all the reviews on here & other sites - they all pretty much said the same - service was excellent. So when I was asked by my family where I would like to go eat for my Birthday dinner - I said Great Wall. What a mistake!! Service was terrible. The restaurant wasn't even packed my family was on one side, the other side only had a few tables. So I cannot figure out why we had to wait so long for everything even water!! Either myself or someone in my party had to continuously go up front, wait for someone to FINALLY come out from back or find a server and ask if we could have refills on our water!! We told the server that we wanted separate tickets, so she brought me "the Birthday girl" the entire bill - really?? How can you go from 4 separate checks to giving me the entire bill?!? The bill was also incorrect but by the time we finally got it separated my son & son in-law were SO FRUSTRATED they just paid it so we could leave. My father ordered an unsweet tea & waited close to 10 minutes to get it (after I went up front & asked if we could PLEASE get a tea, the 2 glasses of wine we were STILL waiting on - which were ordered before my father even got there, so my dad gets there the server takes his drink order, we reminded her we still haven't gotten our glasses of wine nor refills on our water & we still had to wait another 5 - 10) We were charged for 2 extra fried rice that we NEVER got, the only extra fried rice was a very small saucer I got with very little rice and we asked for 3 more fried rice - yet the bill sure showed extras and that is what I saw before my son took the bill - so there is no telling what else was wrong. I pulled up their menu and added up what all we had - we were overcharged by about $20 - I included tax & few "extra" dollars in case I missed a drink. Thank you Great Wall for upsetting all of my family for making what SHOULD have been a fun family dining experience on my Birthday into an evening of...