Allen's Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in Powhatan

We rarely order delivery, since almost no places deliver to is out here in the sticks, but every once in a while we check to see if any local places had added delivery to our address, and were overjoyed when we saw Allen's deliver to us, as we had always heard great things but never had a chance to dine. We ordered online and everything was straight forward, and while not really relevant, worth noting that we always try to tip heavy in appreciation for rural delivery. The food arrived at the expected ETA and the driver was very nice. However, we were dismayed to see one of the two main courses we had ordered was missing. This has only happened a few times in my life, so when 8 called them to inquire about it, I I expected the typical rude response of other establishments, insinuating we stole it and wanted free food or a full refund... But that's not how Allen's operates. They were very nice and apologetic, and offered to refund that portion or remake it and deliver it. The driver returned very quickly with the missing portion and was very nice and apologetic as well. I completely understand that sometimes crap happens, and it was a busy time during the dinner rush when we ordered. All that begging said... Now the really important part... How was the food? It was amazing... I am pretty picky about fried rice, and usually expect that dry yellow crap with a few diced pork cubes.... But damn... I can honestly say this was some of the best portion fried rice I've had in the state of Virginia! All the other food was delicious as well. I will definitely be going back, and can't recommend ALLEN'S enough. If you don't like their food, you need to stop spending so much time at PF Chang's and Panda Express, and learn to appreciate some traditional hunan and...

After reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews, we decided to take a chance on Allen’s. And, just like in Vegas, sometimes you roll “craps.” I felt compelled to write a review to warn others about our dining experience. If you like microwaved food, frozen vegetables, and Minute Rice - this place is your jam. If you like fresh, authentic Chinese food, move on.

We ordered chicken wings, egg rolls, crabmeat dumplings, the House Special Pan Fried Noodle, and The Sizzling Steak Kew. To begin, the Sizzling Steak Kew was definitely not sizzling. The menu states the cut of meat is a filet; I could only agree if what they meant was “microwaved sole of shoe.” The steak in the dish was, tough, consistent with reheated (microwaved) meat, and covered in what can only be described as a bland thanksgiving gravy. The egg rolls could be classified as edible; however, the crabmeat dumplings were not. The exterior was not crunchy and had a very distinct fish flavor (not crab). The fried rice that came with our dishes was Minute Rice; I am certain of it. To add insult to injury; the vegetables in the rice were frozen; again, I am certain of it.

From the reviews I read, I was looking forward to solid Chinese food. I was confronted with a vastly different experience. Overall, I am saddened that I could have created better Chinese food at home with Youtube and fresh ingredients. Caveat Emptor -...

Decided to attempt to find a good local Chinese place. Needless to say I will stick to having my fiancé pick up food on his way home from mechanicsville. I ordered for pick up beef and broccoli with pork fried rice, general Taos chicken with pork fried rice, chicken cho main with pork fried rice, Hawaii five with vegetable fried rice and, mei fun with white rice, and 4 egg rolls. 70$ later I got beef and broccoli, general Taos chicken, chicken chow main, Hawaii five, mei fun, 2 large vegetable fried rice, and one small white rice. 4 greasy ass egg rolls. They may have a girl who speaks English answering the phone but she clearly did not understand a word I said. At least whenever I have ordered from a Chinese restaurant who had a Chinese woman answer the phone they always got the order correct even if they didn't speak perfect English. On that note food quality, it was also not worth the 73$. Again I will stick to the spot in mechanicsville for way better food, correct orders without cheating customers and for hell of a lot cheaper and...