Jenny L.
Yelp
China Town off Cimarron is a cool spot with a fun vibe--think kitschy Hong Kong alleyways mixed with 70s Kung Fu decor. The indoor and outdoor seating options are great, especially for big groups or families. They've got these circular Lazy Susan tables in the center, perfect for sharing dishes, family-style.
The bar area is pretty stylish, and the outdoor seating with all the lights will probably look great at night. A neat thing is they have a chef making dumplings and noodles in the back, which is fun to watch and a hit with kids. You can definitely taste the freshness in the dumplings and noodles, especially in the pan-fried dumplings and shu mai.
Service
The service was really good--attentive and friendly. Our waitress was quick to refill our drinks, even though the place was pretty big. There was also a new bartender experimenting with drinks, and they gave us a sample. The drink was strong, which I appreciated, and it was actually pretty good.
Food
Now, the food was a bit of a mixed bag:
Salt & Pepper Pork Chops: These were a letdown. Mostly bone and breading with barely any meat. Not great.
Shrimp and Kurobuta Pork Pot Stickers: The shrimp was fresh, but the pork didn't really stand out. They were a bit bland overall, and we ended up using a lot of sauce to add flavor.
Shrimp Shao Mai: The shrimp was fresh, and the dumpling skin was handmade, but again, it was pretty bland.
The Peking Duck was a little better, but it wasn't the best I've had. The duck meat was tender, but the skin was chewy instead of crispy, and there were still feathers on it, which was a little off-putting.
It wasn't up to par with real Peking duck, which should have crispy skin and a richer flavor. However, the soup that came with it was awesome--lots of fresh veggies and duck bones, making it flavorful and comforting.
Pricing
It was definitely on the pricey side. We ended up spending around $150 for two people without alcohol. They also gave us separate checks for the duck and the rest of the meal, which was a little strange. There was also an extra admin fee, which added to the cost.
Overall Thoughts
China Town is a solid option if you're looking to try something a little different in El Paso. It's great for special occasions or a fun night out, but the food could definitely use more flavor.
If you're used to real-deal Peking duck or really flavorful Chinese food, this might not hit the mark. The prices are high, so I wouldn't go back unless there's something specific I can't get anywhere else in town. Still, it's a nice addition to El Paso's food scene, and I'm glad I tried it. Stick to the dumplings, and you'll be satisfied. -TODOELPASO