A little hole in the wall Chinese food shop. CASH ONLY This has been here forever. Like 20+ years at least. I hadn't been in a long time but I was driving by and thought I'd stop. Same good Chinese food ready to go as I'd remembered. Would definitely go again. I'd rather give my business to them than the panda. read more

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Ordered a meal and it was a waist of money. The chicken wings didn't have any seasoning and the food wasn't even hot. Nothing had flavor. Refuse to go here again.. read more

Chef's Chinese Food - Chicken wings - Chinese Near Me - El Sobrante, California

I've never ordered to go food at this dive (which you have to because this place has no tables and no seats), but there's one thing we always order for parties- the garlic fried wings. I don't know what makes these wings so delicious. Is it MSG? Who cares? Ain't nothing wrong with MSG so don't be racist. But those garlicky fried wings are delicious and they are a people pleaser. They aren't saucey or anything, because the garlic is infused in the meat, but they're just really good. We buy pans of it. read more

Don't come here!!! Food was horrible taste old and sour!!! After I ate it made me throw up, and my stomach started hurting super bad!!!

Chefs in EC is so good! El Sobrante is the worst!! I almost took the food back. It was inedible. When I went in the smell was off I should have left. read more

Always friendly, never had a bad meal there. As of just recently they now take card instead of only cash like before.

When we first moved to the area, Chef's was our go-to. They had a seating area and I felt like their food tasted better than from the steam table, when you ate in. After Covid, they shut that down completely. The service was good, not the best, but decent. Now, from the steam table, the food is very greasy and it doesn't seem like much love goes into it. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind greasy, but for some reason, their food seems overly greasy. I usually get the chow mein, orange chicken, and bbq riblets. All greasy, not always a hit, but the best items I've tried. It's convenient because it's right by Trader Joe's and after shopping I can go there to get a side dish for dinner if I don't have much time to cook. The place isn't very clean, it's a bit dark, and the workers at the steam table aren't very friendly. Depending on who you get, your portion sizes may be a bit lacking. They do accept credit cards, with a fee. Hopefully their quality turns around because I can't seem to find a great Chinese fast food place in the area. Chef's has a lot of room for improvement. read more

horrible taste on orange chicken. I had a bite then gave it to a homeless person that had dogs. said feed the dogs. Chicken was dry and stringy, seemed old never again. This used to be k years ago, no longer read more

Finallyfound goodmushu chicken in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, they don't deliver it, but that's OK. It's close enough. I also really like their Chow Fun rice noodles, but unfortunately, they left off the chicken last time. I ordered delivery but I'll try again. read more

Warning! They do not know what cross contamination is. I had an allergic reaction after eating fried rice and chicken from here. Luckily the reaction was not severe and I had medication on hand. I survived eating food here but will never come back. I don't understand how they are able to keep this business open while not knowing what cross contamination is. I called and asked if they know what cross contamination is and they said that they do not. I can only assume they use the same oil or pans to cook seafood and chicken. read more

Hole in the wall. Tiny spot, best for take out. If you come in knowing you have and in and out plan, then you won't be disappointed. The staff isn't the friendliest, but also not the rudest. I think they're just used to quick and brief interactions, given the setup of the space. Also depending on the time of day, the laundromat cuts into parking availability, so if you can't make it into the lot chances are there's no parking (maybe go to the gas station or thrift town). I like coming here when I'm in my Carrie Bradshaw feelings. I've come here several times over the past two years and I don't think I've ever seen the menu change. My favorite is the chow mein. I always ask for the chili oil and add it to the noodles which gives them a kick I like. For my entree I go between the kung pao and the special taste chicken. I don't think either is amazing, but they hit the spot. Best to ask for a sample before committing. Though I give this place a 4 for the very specific void it feels in my life (sometimes you just need a takeout spot to pair with a bottle of wine after a long day), it is cash only and not the kind of place I would be willing to pay the atm fees for if I didn't already have cash. read more

Chef's Chinese Food - Chow Mein and Special Taste Chicken - Chinese Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Won't be back. Cash only for a reason. The cat fried rice tasted sour. The fish was extra salty. What are they hiding. I wish the mom was still there and not the daughter. The container's are more smaller. I use to frequent this place weekly for my family. Not anymore. It's a wrap. Eat here at your own risk. The service was good though. read more

Chef's Chinese Food - a half eaten chicken and rice dish - Chinese Near Me - El Sobrante, California

We were at the laundry mat next door and decided to try this place. The chicken is full of flavor as well as other other items. We will continue to come more often! Ps, they only accept CASH read more

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One of my friends brought me lunch from here and the food was surprisingly delicious. I had the special chicken which was fresh and tasty. The batter was still crunchy not soggy or greasy. The fried rice was freshly made and had good flavor and not oily. I didn't get to try anything else so I would definitely visit and try other items on the menu. I can't speak to the service or ambiance and my friend loves it here. read more

Cash only. Party platters are good portions for the price. I like the fish and the fried chicken. Their two item should be a little less then what they charge but every time I go there it's been consistant, quick and healthy portions. No room to sit comfortably. read more

Doesn't get in any better. If you can eat everything in one meal from the 3-Dish combo (for under $10) you are one hungry person.

i love this place so much im gonna have my sons 1st bday party here , with chicken wing streams and gyoza balloons !

I used to go to this place a lot when I was younger. From what i've heard the owners have done pretty well for themselves and have expanded to more locations throughout the Bay Area. When people think of the staple of Chinese fast food, people think Panda Express. For me compared to Panda, it blows it out of the water. It may not have initial list of choices like Panda (also have an expanded menu you can order from), but everything taste a lot better. The food is a lot fresher as well. The chefs are always cooking or chopping up something. Whenever I'm in the area, if I got a craving for some Chinese fast food, I'll come here. The "special taste chicken" is my personal favorite. Its basically their version of a sweet and sour chicken. For $6 bucks you can get a 3 item combo that could feed two people. If you're deciding to on stopping at Panda Express, give this place a try instead. read more

Chef's Chinese Food - Chinese Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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I have given this restaurant several opportunities because they are one of the few places I could find that used large shrimp in their fried rice, however, after my order today I have decided to not order from Chef's again. The food does not have much flavor and the service is horrible. They are convenient but I can find convenient Chinese food from Panda Express. read more

First and last time I'll ever come here! I tried a sample and surprisingly the chicken wasnt very warm,which should have tipped me off but my girlfriend said she use to come here all the time even though it'd been a few years since she's had it. She picked sesame chicken and lemon chicken. I had broccoli beef and kunk pao chicken, we both chose chow mein. Her house is 3 minutes down the street, trying my plate at the house I realized all the food was cold. Trying hers she pointed out both her chickens were inedible and hard as a rock. I tried them and it was awful. I walked to take the food back and get our money back but it had been a long morning. They do give you a lot of chow mein but it's nothing special and definitely not worth it off your entrees are gross. Never again. read more

Love this place! My husband and I actually crave it.Its quick, cheap, tastes good, and they pack the food to the ceiling haha. No complaints here. read more

I hate to give this place A Star!! The service is soooo BAD!!! The lady is so rude. 1st time here and contemplating either 2x or 3x item order. I knew I wanted chow mein, sesame ck and possibly something else. However, the green bean chicken was old and would take 20 mins to refresh...so I said I would get 2x items. Very impatient and bitchy because she had already placed the chow mein and sesame ck in the bigger container w/the understanding I would order 3x. I asked her why she had to be rude. I told her 1st time here and confused to why sesame ck was being omitted. She should've informed me that 2x items comes in a smaller container instead of talking back - I had confused her and not the other way around. It didn't faze her. I proceeded to sit after taking a photo of her which I plan on posting. She walked over and tried to take my phone out of my hands and while doing so, she grabbed my wrists. I told her not to touch me and said to her "I wonder what people would think about your service?" She said, "don't care." It's funny that I experienced her rudeness and meanwhile learning that this is a pattern. Honestly, I just think she's not happy because she was corhersed into this business and rather be doing something else. This story may or may not be true but helps me feel some empathy towards her. Food okay and cheap. Wouldn't come back for the service and wouldn't expect any. It will let you down even to those who are loyal because of convenience. read more

The food is great! Lady working the front counter was very rude. Absolutely no customer service at all. She makes you feel like you are bothering her. You guys need to find someone new to hire. She makes your restaurant look bad. She gave me a hard time when I asked her to separate my order of chow main into a second container so I could share. She charged me 25 cents just for the box and said she couldn't divide it for me. She says she needs to ask the owner... The owner was not there however. I asked if the kitchen could do for me. She asked the kitchen and they we're fine with it. Why do you need to make it so difficult for people to enjoy your restaurant? read more

I used to go her all the time been going here for years never noticed it was cash only so Friday I went with my brother lady behind taking orders was very rude the way she talks to people will make you never want to got there again so disappointed because that was my place me and my family will never go there again read more

I used to go here years and years ago. My family still goes and I went in the other day and ordered a medium order of chicken. They had run out of the kind I like d so they made it fresh. I paid then waited for them to finish. They handed me the box and I asked for a small sample of their other type of chicken. The unintelligent woman working who very well might be the owner - had a look of disgust. She didn't want to give me a sample. She hesitated then proceeded to half-ass give me a sample of the other chicken. She took her big serving spoon, scooped up a piece and tried to make it unappetizing by attempting to pour the sample in my hand. WTF are you thinking lady? This all occurred while a container of toothpicks were right in front of her. Sorry for asking geez! I'm sorry, did you need to save half a cent on tooth picks and $0.10 on that sample of chicken? At the end of the day when you're closing up shop, you'll STILL have many pieces of that chicken left so one tiny sample shouldn't cause you to fret! When will people learn that 80% of your business is from 20% of your customers? My family's been a customer for over 10 years and you're going to pull that crap? Well now they're not going to be your customer anymore because they were all there to witness this stupid move. Next time give me a sample and I like it, I'm most likely going to buy it in the future. read more

Been coming here since i was a kid, still exactly how i remember, the food is so consistent and the portions and price, fair. If they stay open for generations then our family will still be coming here. Kinda like pana express in quality and less expensive. I think theyre awesome. Oh and they give opportunities to young vollege students and parents from what i see over the years. read more

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If you want good Chinese fast food, this is the place to go in the east bay. If you do the math, you could feed an entire family for about $20. If you want to host a party, you'll want to order small party trays (or large if more than 10 people). Please don't compare this to Panda Express or the jack in the box across the block. It's a family owned operation that doesn't skimp on ingredients and its not mass produced like the factory style Panda Express. Favorites include: chicken wings, egg rolls, sesame chicken, and Szechuan chicken. read more

I used to go here a lot when I was younger cause the laundry place is just next door. Today I went to see if anything changed...and it hasn't. And I'm glad it hasn't! Still the same variety of food and the same good prices! The food is decent (I mean, what do you expect? It's not a gourmet chinese restaurant lol) and they have a good selection too. I just love going here cause it's just been here since...forever for me! Also, I love how there's a donut store nearby too. When we'd come to do laundry, we'd just grab some chinese food and donuts and eat them while waiting for our clothes to be done haha. read more

Not as good as the Chefs in El Cerrito but better than Panda Express ! I go here sometimes. It's fast and convenient too. The only thing I don't like about it is that the food tends to be greasy and they only take cash... read more

If you want to taste good Chinese food other than food from Panda Express, come here! This place is pretty much tucked away but it's super good! The parking is shared with a donut place and a laundry mat. The place is super tiny! It has 3 bar stools and a tiny area to eat your food if you want to dine in. The customer service is pretty decent and the menus is as simple as it gets. The food is made in small batches and made fresh. They serve you good portions so you are getting your money's worth. They only take cash! No debit/credit cards! read more

I stumbled upon this place. I was doing laundry next door ( working out here in nor cal ). I kept reading the Garlic Chicken sign. $1.89 3 pieces. I caved in and ordered the GC. Very tasty! Juicy chicken. Yum. I also ordered the green beans. The great beans taste good w a crunch. Not soggy. The other food looked good as well. I highly recommend this lil gem. read more

Chef's Chinese Food - Garlic Chicken and Green Beans - Chinese Near Me - El Sobrante, California

The food is still the good but they give very little food when purchasing 2 or 3 item plates. About half the amount, not like before. Looking for another Chinese take out restaurant. read more

The lady that's here all the time seems to hate her job. She look so unhappy. She got a little upset because I couldn't understand the total amount she was telling me. The food is good but portion can be a little bit more. I'm giving 2 stars for food not the lady. She's rude!!! read more

5 stars for the food in the early afternoon and lunch times. 1 star for the food available at 8 PM. I think they cook everything early and will run out towards the end of the day. What is available at that time can also be cold read more

One of the worst places I've ever been to. Not sure if they are associated with the the Chef's in the el cerrito plaza, but the plaza one is much better. Tried the honey sesame chicken, and sweet and sour pork. Both tasted like they were sitting under heat lamps for hours, and were all mushy and nasty. The food didn't have the good crispy deliciousness that it should. the honey sesame was just gross in flavor, and it made me sick after I ate it. Both the honey sesame, and the pork were unbearably sweet. I do not recommend eating in this place, unless your goal is to feel sick after eating read more

I will never go to this restaurant. Today I received a phone call from my friend telling me that the owner yelled at her 9 year old child who has a disability. One of the effects of this disability is making sounds. While my friend was ordering food "To-GO" her son was making sounds. The owner saw she was trying to reduce the sound, but the owner continued to yell at him. SHAME on the OWNER. My friend was so upset she left the restaurant. Discrimination is alive and well in this establishment towards persons with disabilities. read more

I came to try this place out to see if it was the same Chef's that I usually go to in El Cerrito but it wasn't (should've known), just the same exact name. The Potstickers were huge and their Sesame Chicken tasted okay. They didn't have a whole lot of choices; at least what was put out but it was decent and cheap. They only had one kind of Chow Mein, they didn't have the thin egg noodles one. Good thing I had enough cash because it's cash only here. The girl who helped me was friendly and the place is clean. read more

This place was really good. I paid like 6 bucks and had them seriously squish my takeout box closed full of food. They have all the standards. Portions are amazing especially for the price. If you're craving chinese food NOW and dont' wanna pay per entree like a regular chinese restaurant, go here. It seriously is like lunch and dinner for 6 bucks. CASH ONLY CASH ONLY CASH ONLY! and try their wings. really good. if you want other things, they have a staffed kitchen crew ready to cook stuff on their menu if you don't want their standard items. oh yeah, don't forget. CASH ONLY CASH ONLY CASH ONLY! read more

I've been coming here for years, it's really good and unless you show up right before they close. The portions they serve are very generous for the price. I've tried a lot of different entrées and they are all good. I would recommend if you need something quick and good. read more

When it comes to Chinese junk food to go, I love this place. Certainly not fine dining, but I tend to find myself craving their chowmein along with their fried chicken. read more