Mei’s Kitchen — Restaurant in Griswold

Latest edit/update 9/2021 - 2+ hours is Unforgivable - THIS IS NOT HOW YOU RUN A BUSINESS. It is not often a favorite and long recommended restaurant can ruin an evening - but they did when this happened.

Ok - So I can appreciate it is difficult these days to get staff to work. I can appreciate there might be an occasional unforeseen delay. I have seen delays here many times of up to 30 minutes beyond what was expected (this alone is unacceptable really!!). Heck - I am not sure I can remember the last time my order was ready within 15 minutes of being told it would be. I remember the days when food would be ready in 20 minutes total.

But this latest issue involves the LIES being told to everyone.

Every one calling in an order - "30 minutes".

Everyone picking up and order - "they are working on it now".

They are NOT working on it now!!

I was told they were working on my order when I arrived the 30 minutes after placing it. I had lots of time (over 50 minutes) to see what was said to EVERYONE. I left the restaurant 50 minutes after being told "they are working on it now" and I left without my $80 in food.

I had kids waiting in the car. Kids that had been waiting in the car over 50 minutes. Kids don't wait well!

THIS IS NOT HOW YOU RUN A TAKE OUT RESTAURANT!!.

While I do appreciate the owner calling me after I (calmly) cancelled my order and left the store. I was called over TWO HOURS after placing my order by the owner with an apology and the offer of delivery of my order.

I ordered at 6:30pm - My plans for dinner did not extend to beyond 8:30 - especially when I was told my food would be ready at 7pm. I was able to pickup food elsewhere and feed my family BEFORE I was called and offered delivery of my meal.

Much as I would like to give this place another chance - this was likely the deal breaker for me. Too many lies - to EVERYONE.

It is not the girl taking the orders - she is following instructions. I did hear customers calling back to cancel orders after being told 30 minutes. I heard her explain to others who may have waited just as long as I did that she can't say any longer than 30 minutes for fear of cancellations.

The owner is aware of the issues - she is there through it all. I told her over the phone that they cant just tell everyone 30 minutes and expect people to wait hours. So I feel I can do my part and free up some time by ordering elsewhere for a while.

Much as I have loved the food and service here in the past - this definitely left a bitter taste!

Older reviews from better days below.

....................................................................................................... 12/2020 Have been a fan of this restaurant for some years (well this one and the one it replaced). Food is among the best we have found from those we have tried locally, norwich, and Groton. Prices are reasonable.

Only complaint is that we have had long wait times recently. Today my order was 25 minutes later than the time promised. I get there are busy times - but when I order online and arrive 45 minutes later to pickup and then wait 25 more minutes - it is not ideal. Hope they can work on this - it has happened 3 times with today being the longest.

Great food and friendly...

Today we dined in at Mei's Kitchen. It was fantastic as it has been every time we have eaten Mei's food. Mongolian Beef is one of our favorites, and Mei has the best Mongolian beef around (no lie, we try it everywhere). My sister in law is visiting from Belize and she always has Mongolian beef when she visits. Mei's is her new favorite! The 24oz size comes with about 8oz of steak, which is typical of this dish. So it's 33% meat, 66% veg which in this case is white and green onions. I have tried the Thai basil chicken, Curry shrimp, scallion pancakes, szechuan wontons, singapore mai fun, lo mein, fried rice, and peking beef. The meats are tender, vegetables bright and fresh, and sauces on point. The scathing review for this restaurant from last night appalls me. I would never expect to have 3 different menu items remade if one menu item was made incorrectly. I remember when Chopstix sent us home with a raw fried half chicken. I didnt ask for the other things we ordered to be redone! That has to be the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard. Anyone who reads that review should only take the most important piece away from it. Mei remade the dish in question, and when the customer was still unhappy refunded all of the money. A total loss for the owner! Free food for the guest.... and then a terrible review that the restaurant did not deserve. As a chef by trade I am sympathetic to the challenges of the industry. I also know that Saturday night is one of (if not the most) busy night of the week. We as chefs try SO hard to make everything perfect..but mistakes sometimes happen. What matters is the way it is rectified-and Mei's Kitchen did everything right in that respect. To Mei and staff-you dont know me but keep doing what you are doing. We love your food and we will keep...

No idea how this place is ranked so high because the quality of service/food is just outright terrible and this was a first time visit. They were way off on the pickup timing, they forgot $10 worth of food in my order and they gave me a hard time on the refund once I drove back to get my complete order. For a second the owner made it appear as if it’s my fault, denied me the refund and slipped free crab rangoons in my order that I never asked for. I had to remind her that gas is expensive (they don’t deliver btw) and that we already agreed over the phone that I can pickup the misplaced order with a full refund on the item. I wish I could stop there but I can’t, the rice and noodles were overcooked and it looks like overcooking/mushy food is a theme with this place according to other objective reviews. Unless you order a spring roll, it will be undercooked and cold in the center. Unreal. I highly suggest you avoid this place and try your...