China Lucky Star — Restaurant in Dearborn Heights

Updated review January 2023: ⭐⭐ I have no idea if the ownership has changed, or they are just severely understaffed, or just "over it." I walked in there and the joint looked as if the grease-covered windows hadn't been cleaned for a year. They still have the giant sheets of plastic draped in between the kitchen area and the lobby where customers wait: in 2020, this seemed like an understandable precaution, but now it looks depressingly filthy, like it is the same exact plastic probably coated with more germs than it hopes to prevent. The whole place had that heavy, greasy-spoon smell; e.g. if you sat there and waited for your food for 15 minutes you would come out smelling as if you'd worked a shift in front of a deep fryer. But, then again, that unfortunate phenomenon is sometimes a side effect of some really tasty restaurants. So, I was still planning to order some carryout despite all of this. Except...

As soon as I approached the counter, an employee looked at me and shook her head "no." This young lady said that they were not taking any more orders. It was 7:30pm. I asked what time they closed. She didn't answer and simply said they are too busy. On my way out the door, I read that they're supposed to stay open until 10 or 11pm. Two others waited in the lobby for their orders. Phones were ringing off the hook with nobody trying to answer them.

I've worked in food service, and seemed like some sort of hell. I hear it's a very tough business to be in, these days.

And that really is too bad, and I do (mostly) understand.

I just don't know that I will be returning here.

Sometimes, it's about the delivery... "How you say it."

I also get the sense the staff there could not care less about whether I do or do not return there.

Which is also too bad for both of us, because over time that seems like the sort of thing that will make a place go out of business.

Maybe it would be better for them to double down on their recruiting efforts / business management, or to cut their losses rather than see it run itself into the ground.

So, it was very good while it lasted. Maybe one day I will try this spot out again to see if they've made some improvements, but likely not.

1st review 2019-20: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hey, this place is surprisingly good! Not just another "Chinese joint."

I went out on a limb and tried the salmon Hibachi dinner. Very tasty! The first time I ordered it, the salmon was cooked perfectly; second time, close to perfect, only a little past how I would prefer it. I'm pretty sure it includes brown rice!? Nice touch. Only complaint with the hibachi dinner combination is the ginger dressing leaves much to be desired. Normally I can practically drink that stuff, and will even endure the typical iceberg lettuce just for the pleasure of the ginger salad dressing; here, not so much. Hint to owners: I am pretty sure the Benihana ginger dressing recipe is available online; just use that please! 😬

Overall this is a welcome addition to the neighborhood with friendly staff, fast carryout service, great food and reasonable prices. I'll probably...

Cute little restaurant. Seems to be mostly take out, I assume since Covid, there is some seating though. They are very fast with orders. It’s a bit pricey but I felt the portions were good.

I wasn’t a fan of the crab ragoon, it just tasted like cream cheese and they are fairly small. They give big portions though for everything else! I loved the beef and broccoli. The rice was very bland and lacked any flavor. It was quite dry too. The veggie lo mein is delicious!! I also didn’t really like the egg drop soup, the green onions in it weren’t great either. Their dinner deals are really good though! Overall i definitely recommend them. :)

I do want to add that while not everything is great; the negative reviews directed at the service are odd to me. The person behind the counter IS young; I presume it’s a relative as this is a small business. She was not rude. My experience felt no different than any other small family owned business I’ve been to. They got my order, gave me my receipt. I helped myself to chop sticks and I left after we each said to have a...

TL;DR-

Food quality and quanity: trash

Service: apathetic

Price: nowhere near worth it

Bad experience, will not return.

First impressions: I see a small boy behind the counter before I even go inside, place is empty and there's faded food posters in the window.

Get inside and what I assume is a young teenaged girl jumps up from behind the counter and asks "Pick up?!"

Me: No Girl: sits back down

I ask if they have sesame chicken and she says "yes. Is that it?" 😑 I begin ordering and after every...last....item..she asks "Is that it?"

I ordered what I normally get from New Hong Kong, which is closed tonight. Total is $46-not bad. Orders done and she sets it on the counter, lists 2 of the 6 things I ordered and walks away. No 'thank you' no 'have a good night', nothing.

Same items I get, $46. Only thing is the portions are way small. Large sesame chicken $12, theres barely 1 breast or thigh (w/e piece they use) in this container. Beef w/vegetables also skimpy.

For $46 I'll learn how to make sesame chicken at home.

Nothing tasted good,...