Nathan's Chinese Cuisine — Restaurant in Elk Grove

I walked in after I saw several people coming out it with takeout orders, having passed the restaurant monthly for years. This was my first early evening visit to the post office, so I thought I’d stop in. The restaurant smelled delicious, only one couple was dining, and when my eyes met the waitresses, she came over. She asked what I wanted, and I asked her what smelled so delicious. Unfortunately, in time, I practically ran out of the restaurant after several exchanges with her, as it was obvious she did not want me as a customer! She went to the back as I studied the menu, and I asked the dining couple what was good there, and they shared what they had eaten and enjoyed. As the waitress boxed and bagged their leftovers, I waited. When she had to come back to the register (where I was still waiting) to run the couple’s card, and asked me what I wanted, she told me that one of the items I chose “people” don’t like. It was a salted fish with rice dish. I said that I wanted to “try it, anyway.” She responded, “no samples.” I said, “No, I want to order it.” She again repeated that “people” don’t like it” and more loudly now, “it costs $15.95” following it up with, “order spareribs, ‘people’ like that.” This went on and on, as she got progressively louder. After a few minutes of this, I left. Some folks do not belong in the “front office,” and she is definitely one of these folks! I had to laugh, because otherwise I would have been hurt. This woman had no idea what I like to eat, making assumptions about me by looking at my face. Salted fish, by the way, is a staple of my Caribbean heritage. I never even got to try the food at Nathan’s Chinese because I was made to feel unwelcome, even for...

tl;dr = Service that takes advantage of you, and poor food.

My wife and I stopped by for some takeout at 1:30 PM. We looked at the menus that they had laid out on the front desk, and ordered the chicken chow mein and orange chicken.

While waiting, I asked if I could see their live lobsters and crabs, which were in tanks in the back of the room. The attendant nodded with approval, and I went over.

After looking at the crustations for a few minutes, the attendant said to me, "There are a lot of things on the table. I actually think it's better if you wait in the front." I looked to my left, and there was a box of plastic forks on the table... Nothing more. I guess she was afraid that the guy who just paid $18 for food was going to steal them? I just said, "Oh, OK," and waited in front again.

Our food was then brought out to us. Moments later, before we left, an Asian woman came in, and was handed a menu for their lunch specials. I didn't see this menu until this very moment.

"Why didn't you show us the lunch menu?" I asked the attendant. "Because you didn't ask to see it," was her reply. So, she could have saved us money, or given us better value for what we did spend... But decided not to. Nice.

The food was sub-par, even by Chinese food takeout standards, which is saying a lot. I could taste the preservatives permeate the food, and the chicken tasted like it had been killed a year ago.

So, ya... It's not hard to find a better restaurant to...

Been coming here for years, simple service, and simply delicious chinese food coming from Nathans Chinese Cuisine.

Although when it comes to peak hours, there is only so many staff, they can only accomodate the people who grab their attention, but the only downside is, I feel like Im at yelling point to get the attention of the waiter. But rarely does that happen.

The look has not really changed much since it has opened, but It doesnt distract too much from the food.

The food itself is great! Ive always gotten the BBQ Pork fried rice, and always order it, the first time I call in to pick it up. The Chow Mein, while it does have a lot of sauce in it, it mixes in well with the other ingredients coupled with it, same with their chinese broccoli!

I do have to mention when there is sizzling food on another table across from me, it smells so good I find myself wanting the samething that person is having!

The owner himself always has that nice warm presence that hes happy with how things are, making customers, such as myself, more satisfied to keep coming back!

Lastly, when you call in for takeout, give or take 30-45 minutes, and if you live generally within driving distance of nathans, it will be ready as soon as you get there, all wrapped up in one plastic bag, or probably two if you ordered something that contained soup...