Lotus Garden

On a business trip, I was in the mood for some quick take out and back to the hotel to eat and catch up on work. The staff was very nice and eager to please. My dinner was prepared quickly and was priced nicely. They didn’t have any packets of hot mustard or soy sauce I could take with me though. They did offer to scoop some out and put in a big plastic container, but I declined. When I got back to my hotel, I realized I didn’t get the meal I had ordered, but something else; Kung Pao Chicken. It was ok, not great. So, could have been a better experience for me.

Great restaurant, fine service, solid Sichuan dishes. Not much more to say.

We are not in Bloomington anymore Toto! Probably the most authentic in town and a great new dining room (much bigger and more accommodating than the 17^th st location) and an extensive menu. Tables include special burners for hot pots. Tonight was packed with Chinese students and the two of us popping in for take out.
Out order:
Tomato egg drop soup
Spicy eggplant
Chicken with broccoli
Total 27.70
We loved Lotus Garden in the old location and were thrilled to find out the moved (not closed). Tonight we walked in and were really impressed with the upgrades that happened in the move and met the new owner (very friendly).
Food was fantastic and enjoyed on our couch like proper take out. Looking forward to dining in soon and updating the review with a dine-​in experience. So happy to have Lotus back!

I hadn’t seen/​visited this restaurant in its old location, but we’ve visited twice now, and each time it’s very good. There are very traditional Chinese/​Korean dishes here, including hot pots as there are numerous tables with built-​in warmers.
Service is fast, and food is fast and quite reasonable in price. Recommended are any of the vegetables, and fish in chili sauce, and appetizers like Dan Dan noodles– if you like them nice and hot. Have yet to dislike anything we’ve tried. It’s an informal place, and above average in terms of food prep (we may be lucky, but the cook knows what he/she’s doing). There is somewhat loud background music but not objectionable. Asian students seem to burn their budgets here, happily, and sometimes we’re the only non-​students in the restaurant. Sadly, it’s not handicapped friendly, with a staircase in front that will not work well for people with mobility issues.
The food is piping hot, and vegetarians and vegans will need to insure with their server that they don’t want meat, as it tends to creep into food sometimes even as a spice or accent. This way, you’ll get no surprises. Some traditional Chinese menu items are found, but this is the real deal, with menus in Chinese and English. Not very expensive at all. They have a private room for medium-​sized gatherings, some large round tables, and tables for four-​to-​six.