Wok Spicy 川天地 — Restaurant in Englewood

If I could rate this place 0 stars I would. My family and I wanted to try something new and found Wok spicy near by so we decided to give it a try. I am DEATHLY allergic to peanuts so before I try anything new, I always call and ask if they cook in peanut oil or use any peanut products. We called right before coming in and they told us no, they only used soybean products. So, I come in thinking I am safe to order. I double check the menu and see nothing that says contains peanuts or even a warning of allergens on the menu that other restaurants always have. We ordered spicy wontons as our appetizer and then our entrees, I let the server know I have an allergy. We get the wontons and as soon as I take a bite I know something is off. The server who didn't take our order comes to let us know the server who did take our order wants me to know the spicy wontons have peanut sauce they "hopes I am okay". I was NOT okay and thank god I am a nurse and know what to do. I start going into anaphylaxis once our other food comes and moments later we have to ask for to go boxes and the check to leave. I have been allergic to peanuts my entire life and have NEVER gone into anaphylactic shock at any sort of food establishment.

I call a few hours later for a refund because like I said I went into anaphylactic shock, had to take medication and inject myself with my epi pen. The female server answers and I repeat the situation, she says hold on and puts the phone down and I hear her laughing telling the other server "hahah I remeber this". The male server Devon picks up and he was the only one this entire time who had some sort of compassion so thank you. I repeat the situation to him and he puts me on hold to talk to the manger. He comes back on and says the best they can do is a coupon for the next time we come in and 10% off our meal. Respectfully, I am never returning so i speak with the manger Jason next.

The manager Jason proceeds to tell me calling to ask about my allergy vs asking in person is different. If your establishment uses peanuts especially in a popular dish, I would hope you and your staff would know and if they didn't know the answer (which they clearly didn't) I wish they would have asked. He then offers me a 7$ refund which thank you Jason, I was unaware my life was only worth a whole $7! He was only able to refund me $11 because it was my fault for "calling and asking and not telling the server" which as I mentioned before, I did tell them. I simply finished off by telling him they should at least put on their menu which items have peanuts or an allergy warning and he said they do. But if you just take a look at the picture of their menu for dine in, nowhere on there does it say anything about peanuts or any other allergens. Please update your menus to prevent any other person from going...

Excited to try a new Sichuan restaurant and this one is mostly great. Stopped by for a very late weekday lunch, so only a handful of other parties. Ordered the spicy pork hock, mapo tofu, Sichuan spicy boiled fish fillet, Sichuan string bean w. minced pork and Chongqing Chili Chicken.

The fish was probably not what I was expecting. They were probably using pickled chilis? It had a very strong acidity to it that wasn't what I was expecting. The fish was still good, but the broth it was cooked it wasn't for my taste.

Chongqing chili chicken was boneless, was expecting bone-in. Also the amount of chilis (not hat you eat them) was probably a fifth of what it should have been. Other than that, generous portion and excellent flavor.

Onto the standouts, Mapo Tofu here is the most traditional and best I've had in Denver. Plenty of spicy, soft tender tofu and plenty of chili oil.

Sichuan string beans, another incredible job. They really seared those beans, which added that wok hei, depth of flavor and another level of complexity. Most other places seem to just throw string beans in the fryer and call it a day, but not here.

The spicy pork hock was on the hand written board by the entrance and worth ordering. Never had pock hock prepared this way, but braised, then fried or dried and then stir fried? So much texture and flavor, from the slightly chewy skin to the crunch of the meat and the joy of having it served on the bone.

Overall, highly impressed with my first visit and need to make a return trip soon. One of the very few places with dry pot, which I will need to get next time. On the spice level, all the dishes were ordered without modifications and felt the spice level was on the medium low side. Will need to order the extra...

Let me give a bit of context with this review. I've eaten Sichuan food in Sichuan China, Chicago, New York, and LA chinatowns. Is this place at that level? Absolutely not. However, I have long been upset with the incredible lack of quality Chinese food in the Denver food scene. This place (by Denver standards), is fantastic.

The reason why many Denver Metro takeout Chinese places all suck, is that they all source from the same few (cheaper) bulk suppliers. In contrast, I can tell that the chili oil and sauces here are much better and made with much more attention to detail. Complain all you want about one thing being greasy or another, those reviews are more of a preference than an actual comment on quality. So far I have had are the chili wontons, Sichuan style green beans, salt and pepper tofu, and the Chengdu style spicy chicken. All were fantastic. The chicken and tofu for these dishes were always traditionally fried. Loosen up your belt a notch and just enjoy it.

Contrary to my expectations of more authentic Chinese restaurants, the service here was actually fantastic. Jason was an experienced and attentive waiter, and gave great recommendations. I will be coming back, and I will be trying as much of their menu as possible. If I continue to taste good things, I...