5/5 stars Uptown China: Seattle's Hidden Gem of Chinese Cuisine.
Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Uptown China offers not just exceptional Chinese cuisine, but an experience that makes you feel like part of the family. This beloved establishment features two distinct sections - a vibrant bar area and a cozy family dining room - catering to various preferences and occasions.
For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, the bar section is the place to be. Here, you'll find the charismatic duo of Freddy and Jenny, bartenders whose light-hearted banter and expert mixology skills elevate your dining experience. The warm presence of Yumei, the restaurant's owner, adds to the welcoming ambiance, making every visit feel like a homecoming.
Uptown China's menu is a testament to the rich diversity of Chinese cuisine, seamlessly blending familiar Chinese-American favorites with authentic traditional specialties. Start your culinary journey with their Chinese Shrimp Ravioli, a delicate and lighter rendition of the classic wonton, accompanied by their irresistibly crispy Fried Chicken Wings.
For main courses, the Taiwan Style Cubed Rib Eye is a showstopper - tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The Mongolian Beef, with its rich, savory sauce and tender slices of beef, is another must-try. Vegetable lovers will delight in the Dry Sautéed String Beans, crisp and bursting with flavor, while the Hunan Tofu offers a spicy, satisfying option for those who appreciate bold flavors.
What sets Uptown China apart is not just its exceptional food, but the genuine care and attention given to each guest. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll be treated with the same warmth and hospitality that has become the hallmark of this Seattle institution.
In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, Uptown China stands out as a shining example of how great food, coupled with heartfelt service, can create an unforgettable dining experience. It's more than just a meal; it's a celebration of Chinese cuisine and community in the...
Read moreFinally we were able to try Uptown China for the the first time. We were planning to attend a laser show at the Pacific Science Center and looking for some great vegan food within a close walk and bingo, we found the perfect option. We've heard so much about this place over the years, saw so many pictures in the local vegan groups that saying we were looking forward to Uptown China would a major understatement.
The food was, no surprise ... absolutely delicious! We started dinner by splitting a "Spicy Dragon Mushroom" appetizer, amazing texture and chew with a crispy outside exterior, so good! It wasn't spicy at all though, not even a tiny bit lol. I was rather glad of this fact because I'm a spice-wimp but something to keep in mind if you're expecting/hoping for a spicy kick. Maybe check with them beforehand to ensure they ramp up the spice level to suit your tastes.
For the Main Course we ordered the Orange Mock Duck and, Taiwan Cabbage Tofu. They've managed to pack such a tremendous amount of flavor in their mock duck dish, the sauce was rich and well, flavorful. This doesn't take anything like what I remember or imagine duck protein to taste like but more like maybe tofu or a child of seitan lol. The cabbage dish was very tasty as well. The leaves are pretty much whole, as can be seen in the picture. I mention this because I was incorrectly thinking the cabbage would be smaller, more bite sized. So, just something to know before you order. Last item of note, there is a lot of oil used in the prep of these dishes, a lot. That's not particularly unusual but something to be mindful of before ordering, in case you'd like to ask if they could be a bit more light handed with the oil.
Overall, the food was delicious and generous portion sizes. It'll definitely go on our "must visit" list when back...
Read moreWe went to Buckley's Restaurant a few steps away because this chinese restaurant ( Uptown China Restaurant ) told us we could have their next available open booth. When that booth cleared, we started to walk over to it and were yelled at by the same front desk person who told us we were next customer up.
It appeared a group of 5 who just literally walked in the door were high rollers who knew the owner. We were told they had a reservation for the booth !?!? Really !?!?
Yea ... never again. I don't care how good your food is. Very unprofessional. If you run on a reservations system, no problem ... just make that system transparent. Just a bit of sage business advice ... NEVER look someone in the eye then promise them a seat, THEN yell at them after they waited 25 minutes for a seat you promised. Shame on you. I mean ... who does that ???? If that's how you run your front Desk, you have a Doomed business model. Doomed.
Regarding Buckley's: Greated by very friendly front desk, taken back immediately to our table of choice. Order taken within 5 minutes. Drinks & appetizers on table within next 5 minutes. Main course within next 5 minutes. (So in the time we waited for a seat at the very highly rated nearby Chinese restaurant, we could've been well on our way thru enjoying dinner). Buckley's is a master class on how to execute a welcoming and efficient customer experience. Nearby highly rated chinese restaurant is only for those people who know the owner (or) those who like to pay a lot of money to be browbeaten, discounted, ignored, mistreated, and given the evil eye when you walk out the door because you refuse to put up with their...
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