Chieng Garden 翠园餐厅 — Restaurant in Lincoln

We went there on a Saturday for dinner after finding out Gordi's was closed past the time of our stay. It was not busy at all and we now know why.

The lobby is dirty with dirty windows and dingy. You have to take three sets of stairs or an elevator (it is on the second floor). The "hostess" appeared to be on a personal phone call when we walked in. She sat low behind the front desk which was also filled with alcohol. After a little while, she hung up the phone and while walking away from us, said "Two?" No smile or anything really welcoming. The decorations were like something from a night club. The windows were dirty. The carpeting was in desperate need of being replaced. The ceiling needed tiles replaced. The booth had crumbs on the seats. The carts they use to deliver the food to the tables were dirty and apparently wrapped in plastic wrap (maybe to make clean-up easier?). This was gross to look at as sauces and other matter was clearly visible.

There were no "dinner plates" just lunch which ends at 2:30PM so we had to order a la carte. Food was okay, although some was over-flavored (too much garlic, too much salt, too much sauce). Chicken fingers were good but there weren't a lot of them. Crab rangoons were flat with only a teaspoon of very hot (temp) filling. Do not order the Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce - the noodles all stuck together and were very dry and the sesame "sauce" was a spoon of peanut-butter-like substance - almost impossible to eat. Portions for (dine in) were somewhat small. Some food was reheated, some was cold but shouldn't have been.

The bill was quite high. Also, sodas were $3.50 and they charged $3.95 for white rice. General Gau's Chicken came with around ten chunks of chicken swimming in lots of sauce on a big plate for $13.99. The worst part is they charge a "Service Fee" as well. This is first restaurant I have ever been to that charges a "Service Fee"; and this is not a tip. Tip is on top of that. For our overpriced bill of $85.35, the "Service Fee" was $14.15!!! I could see if we were a party of 6 or more, but it was the two of us.

Yes, it was a lot of food, but we chose the dishes that we normally like at our hometown Chinese restaurant since that was the only way we could order. We took the leftovers home - meaning, they brought us to-go containers and we had to pack the leftovers ourselves - essentially clearing our own table. I wouldn't have been surprised if they made us clean our table and wash the dishes too.

We don't live in Lincoln, NH - we traveled there from 3 states away. We will never return to this restaurant. Hopefully our review helps others avoid a disappointing and expensive mistake. Yes, we could have left but it had been a long day and there aren't many choices to eat out in that area and we try to give places a chance. Plus, you don't really know how things are going to be until after they happen, and then it can get awkward complaining about it...

Oh where to begin....... First off, saying that this place is terrible, is me being nice. I wouldn't even give a star, but I am required to.

My husband and I walked in to a completely DEAD room. We tried to makes excuses, ("It's not really "tourist" season", "It's not completely dinner time", "It's a Thursday".) But in reality, we were just trying to find a reason NOT to run. - We should have ran..

The hostess, was pleasant and friendly, we are very thankful for that.But her attire was not at all even close to being professional. Our waiter however dressed appropriately, was one of the WORST waiters I have ever experienced! Again, my husband and I were trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Maybe he is supper shy", "Maybe he is new to this country?" No. Just terrible. The worst thing I have to say about him, is how he creepily stood 10 feet away from us and just starred. I don't mean, casually sitting down being bored, no, I mean, STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM STARRING AT YOU FOR A GOOD 30 MIN AS YOU EAT YOUR FOOD! I could not WAIT to leave!

(2.b. Not exactly "important" but the decor was probably the most hideous I have ever seen, and not at all welcoming in the slightest.)

The food. Although some of it wasn't bad, and their General Tso's chicken was okay, my food however was a completely different story. It was either VERY overcooked. Like, really bad. or very UNDER cooked. Like taking a bite of raw chicken........ not kidding. My husband and I both felt sick to our stomachs not long after, and are hoping we don't get food poisoning. I am shocked at some of the good reviews people have given. Perhaps they have new staff, or a cook or something, I don't know. All I know, if you care about what goes into your body. Don't come here. It's not worth it, not even the slightest. If I wanted to get horrible revenge on someone, I would pay for their meal here..

I hope you...

A Hidden Gem in Lincoln NH - Chieng Garden Shines!

Tucked away on the second floor above Enzo’s Pizza in Lincoln NH, Chieng Garden is a treasure that exceeds expectations. This family-owned Chinese restaurant serves up homemade dishes that are a breath of fresh air in a world of processed food. Whether you're refueling after a hike or a day on the slopes, Chieng Garden is a must-visit.

Lunch Specials You Won't Want to Miss Monday to Friday, indulge in their incredible lunch specials, complete with soup, rice, and an appetizer.

Standout Dishes Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings: A must-order! These homemade dumplings are served with a side of freshly made ginger soy sauce that will leave you craving more. Egg Rolls: Made in-house, these egg rolls are packed with flavor, featuring a delicious Chinese five-spice blend. Chicken Fingers: Tender and juicy, also homemade. Beef and Chicken Teriyaki: Savory and sweet, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors. Egg Foo Young: A classic done to perfection. I love the curry sauce - I usually request it on the side.

In Short

Chieng Garden is a rare find - a Chinese restaurant that truly cares about the quality and freshness of their ingredients. Don't miss out on this gem in Lincoln NH. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Chieng Garden is a must-visit destination for your taste buds.

Highly...