Chen’s Chinese Restaurant

Chinese food heaven!
I am a big Chinese food fan and I am always looking for the next Chinese restaurant to indulge in and satisfy my orange chicken desires!
The ambiance
I must say that the ambiance isn’t one that speaks modern day or cool, but it’s comfortable and welcoming! It also speaks authenticity. What more can you ask for! I love the round tables and would recommend getting one if you have a large group! It’s better when you are sharing your food! They immediately sit you down and the wait times are never that long. Out of all the dozens of times i have been here, I have never waited more than 10 minutes. There is also a lot of room and could accommodate the masses if needed. The employees are always speeding through getting you seated, dropping waters on your table and taking your orders in a matter of minutes. (Which also explains the short waiting times) It adds to the authenticity feel. I am assuming you would find the same type of service in a Chinese restaurant located in the motherland. though the servers are quiet, focused and lacking friendly comments, they are quick, responsive and movers.
The food
Wow wow wow! Quantity and quality and cheap! What more can you ask for! This place hits the spot. Forget all those small expensive portions you get from a modern fusion Chinese restaurant, chens gives you what you really need and crave for. The food comes out quick and never disappoints! I have some regular dishes that I never stop from ordering: the orange chicken is a must. The crunch texture and flavor always hit the spot. The walnut shrimp is another must. If a shrimp lover. I would highly recommend this platter. The walnuts add the best finishing touch! The chens lo main is another must have. All you wanted in a noodle platter; chicken, shrimp and beef. Heaven on a platter. The portions are very sizable and I always have enough to take home for the next several days. There has never been a time that we don’t take anything home! That is a great accomplishment since my partner and I eat a lot ! Prices are very reasonable and make you want to come back everyday without having to break the bank!
Food– check
Price– check
Ambiance– check
Value– check
Service– little check
A winner

My understanding this restaurant is a staple in Long Beach. I wonder how. My experience was not a good one at all. I’m surprised that have 3.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Maybe my experience was a fluke, but still it was not a positive one. From the time you walk through the door, the staff gives the impression that they just want your money. Customer service was mediocre and got worse. We felt rushed throughout dinner and the food was mostly poor quality. We ordered a large combo deal that came with Sizzling rice soup (good — had shrimp and chicken); BBQ spare rib (dry and a bit overcooked); Fried Shrimp (a joke — all dough, not shrimp) and 2 entrees: Spicy Fried Pork Chops (delicious, even though I’m not a big pork eater) and Honey Walnut Shrimp (horrible — the chicken was old and rubbery).
I understand that we arrived for dinner at 9 and the restaurant closes at 10. In the restaurant industry, closing time generally is when no more customers are allowed in — give or take 15 minutes or so. At this place, it means the entire staff is ready to walk out at 10:01!!! We were told to take our time when the server brought the check with the entrée (Okay, no big deal). I paid minus the tip because we were not finished eating. The server immediately brought the check back asking if the service was ok because the tip line was empty. I explained that we would leave the tip on the table at the end of our meal. He proceeded to explain that he had to pay the busboy. (umm — not my business or issue. That’s your employee). Again, I explained we would tip at the end. The server then begins to vacuum the restaurant, specifically right next to our table. RUDE. After he was finished, the staff begins to line up in the back of the restaurant, looking in our direction, as if they are waiting for us to leave. I took a picture of them and will post later.
This was one of the worse dining experiences I have had. Definitely will not be back.