China Garden Restaurant — Restaurant in Waukegan

Ive only been here once so take my review with a grain of salt but I have to say, this is one of those "foodenvironment" establishments where the heart and purpose is in the food. I had ordered the Kung Pao Chicken w/ Rice. I waited about 7-10 minutes in the lobby waiting for my food. I loved that my container was full to the top but do have to note that I wish the meat to rice ratio was a bit more balanced, but nonetheless, not enough to knock off a star. What I also did note that was different, was that my chicken was mixed in within my rice instead of how I've been accustomed to, which is receiving it in 2 separate portions. Which in no way is to be taken as a negative, I just thought It was different and gave the meal a sense of solidarity throughout the flavors which really let the sauces stand out and play their role really well. Going back to what I had said about the food slightly overshadowing the environment, I firmly believe that the food here is made with love as it seems to be family owned and operated, but I would love to see some improvements to the dining room and hospitality. But then again, I do understand that this is one of those 'in the cut" hidden gems that capitalize & rely on their faith in their good wholehearted food, which I do not blame at all. I definitely do see myself coming back and am excited to try out the rest of the items there. I give it 4 stars as I cannot in good faith give it 5 without trying their pepper steak or orange chicken but look more than forward to updating it...

Thought I would try this place out because my go to place closed when the owners retired. You walk in to the small store front which is reasonably clean. Order through a little speaker that is blasting noise from all the activity in the kitchen. Sounded like a lot going on so thought I had a chance of getting some good food. I was told 15 minute wait for the food. I was happy when about seven minutes later my food was ready. The girl said sauce is on the table. I grabbed some hot sauce and some mustard and went home. Opened the food and my hot spicy beef looked good, first taste and nothing was hot or spicy, went to add some hot sauce and the sauce was a disgusting pink goo with no taste so I used my own chili sauce. Unfortunately even the sauce didn’t help much. I tried a piece of beef and it was like rubber with string inside holding it together. All of the meat was like that. I don’t know how old the meat had to be to get that way but it was not good. Ended up eating the rice with chili sauce. I forgot about the spring rolls, they looked good and were hot but they felt like plastic, they were difficult to bite into and no flavor. The cheap mustard in the packet could not save them even my good mustard did not help. If I wanted a mustard sandwich I could have stayed home. I threw them away. I would steer clear of this place. The disappointment did not end there. It raised its ugly head the next day when it made an...

I would have given 5 stars, but I did not like the egg roll or the sweet n sour sauce. I ordered the chicken w/ cashew nuts w/pork fried rice, and my hubby ordered chicken chow mein w/ chicken fried rice. Which came with pork egg rolls. I asked the lady who took our 3 times if his noodles were going to be the "fried ones" and she replied "yes" each time. I said, "not the crunch ones, right?" She said, "right!" 🤦So what did we get, the crunchy ones. I mean, I guess the only places that know what we mean are the ones we have to physically go too. It's annoying, but I guess to get the ones we want we have to explain it. I also ordered Crab Rangoon. Which I was happy about. Some places make them too greasy, but these were just right. My father n law got beef chop suey (which I don't eat) and an order of shrimp fried rice. He said it was very good. All of that came to $35.54! Which I have to say was a pretty good deal!! Usually when we order from other places, it can get pretty pricey. I think we found our...