Red Chili's — Restaurant in Hanover Township

Even though we live down the road, this was our first time at this restaurant. While I had hoped to like it because I do prefer to support local businesses, I am certain that we will not be returning.

As soon as our entire family sat down, the waitress told us that we would each be charged a $1 dining fee and asked us if we would be okay with that. When I asked what the fee was for specifically, as I have never heard of such a practice, she told me that it’s for sitting in a restaurant that has AC/heat, silverware, wait staff, etc. If we didn’t have our three children already seated with us, I would have walked out upon hearing this, but we just accepted it and hoped that the food would compensate.

First of all, what kind of dining experience do you hope for your customers to have if the first thing you ask them is whether they will accept an absurd fee to sit in your establishment where they are paying for their food? Why not just raise the prices on your menu to incorporate whatever costs you feel are necessary? I’ve eaten at restaurants around the world and have never been asked to pay a fee to cover the owner’s overhead, and I’m certainly not interested in paying one to sit in a restaurant in a strip mall in Hanover Township. If that’s the case, then don’t expect me to additionally leave a tip.

As far as the food, it seemed fresh but it was truly the most bland Chinese food I have ever eaten. I ordered the chicken with garlic combo dinner and there was hardly any chicken to be found. It did not have any flavor and very little sauce. The pork fried rice was also very bland and tasted simply like regular rice with a few peas and carrots. The egg roll also did not have any flavor. The rest of the food that my family ordered was also just okay, most definitely nothing special and really not even as good as your reliable hole-in-the-wall Chinese places.

The restaurant did seem very clean, and while the only other party sitting in the restaurant said that they had been waiting an hour for their food, ours luckily came out more quickly. There were, however, numerous signs on the walls and door, indicating that people should call ahead to order. Definitely seems like time is an issue there, as most Chinese restaurants are able to get out food very quickly as the norm.

Even with the sitting fee, I would have considered coming back to this restaurant or ordering takeout if the food was really good, but I think we’ll stick with other options that offer better hospitality, a better atmosphere, and certainly...

We've been eating here for years and it was always excellent, but no more. First of all, you cannot eat in there only take out now. The food quality went way down. We get the same meals every time. When we find something good, we like to stick to it. Pepper steak with pork fried rice and chicken with broccoli, pork fried rice, wonton soup and boneless barbecue ribs. The first time we got takeout it was horrible. Hardly any pepper steak and no pork in the pork fried rice. It made me sick to my stomach. Thank God for Pepto-Bismol. My wife's chicken and broccoli had a weird smell and taste it horrible she drew it out in the garbage outside because it smell bad. That experience turned us off for a while. Until about two months ago. We figure was try it again. We ordered the same exact food. The pepper steak was good again hardly any pepper steak most peppers and onions, and again no pork in a pork fried rice. My Wife chicken and broccoli was good. No pork in the pork fried rice. The boneless barbecue ribs was good. The wontons was not fresh. But last night order was horrible. We got a large order of barbecue boneless ribs HORRIBLE we end up throwing 3/4 of them in the garbage. They were so hard you couldn't even chew them. One little piece cut the inside of my mouth. Again, no pork in the pork fried rice. Just two little pieces of steak no peppers just onion and sauce. Hardly any chicken and her broccoli was hard with white stripes on it. Made her sick to her stomach. Thank God again for Pepto-Bismol. The wontons in the soup taste like they were made a week ago. They were hard and chewy. We are definitely done with that place never again. We will find...

Friendly and fast family owned establishment. I've ordered more than a handful of times and my food has been consistently good. Typically order general tso, chicken dishes and some beef dishes. Only complaint is I wish there was more beef in my takeout. Though I usually order chicken dishes, not sure if this is the usual amount. Also, sometimes the boy answers the phone and he isn't as audible or clear to make out. However, my order is always right... So 🤷. Good American Chinese food.

Edit: For those of you complaining about not being seen. If you went to 5 guys and fries would you expect someone to come over to you? That's probably how this place is ran, and they probably do think you're waiting for a pick up order. Honestly it may be a little cultural difference imo. Most real Asian food places I've grown up with it's, mediocre service but great food. As for the kids working, I worked in my families dry cleaners since I was 9 I'd take busing tables any day. As long as they aren't cooking over the stove I see no problem with kids (over 13) learning about family business. Beats the internet baby sitting...