Stopped by Imperial Express today and grabbed the orange chicken, which was surprisingly really good. I waited a few minutes for a fresh batch, and it paid off--super crunchy with great flavor. The Kung Pao chicken was also solid and definitely spicier than most places I've been to. Fried rice and chow mein were decent, and the rest of the dishes looked okay, though some of the chicken did look a bit dried out. It's a hole-in-the-wall spot, so I'd stick to the popular items since they're the freshest. I wanted to try the wings but they didn't have them today. The place isn't the cleanest and the area isn't great, but honestly, I'm here for the food--and I'd come back. read more

Imperial Express - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Have been coming here for over 20 years. Good customer service, food and very good prices. read more

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Interesting mix for Chinese food in Barrio Logan. (Even the ethnic mix of the workers matched.) Basically, a take-out place with seating. Selection seemed a little limited for traditional dishes, but selection was diverse. Labeling would be helpful. The orange chicken recipe could use more sauce. Excellent portions. Food taste was a little unexpected but not in a bad way. Reasonable prices. Food was freshly prepared for counter-styled servings. Interior surroundings appeared clean. Staff was friendly despite my language limitations. read more

Imperial Express - Small strip plaza almost in the shadow of the Coronado Bay Bridge. - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

I came after reading a few reviews. Thought I'd check it out. Well let me start with CASH ONLY! Had kungpow chicken with peanuts is good and so are the noodles. The noodles reminds me of chop suey, I love bean sprouts. I also had orange chicken, hoping fir it to be amazing, like the yelp review I read! Well not amazed. I mean its flavor is sweet and orange, but to crunchy to eat, actually it was hard on outside, I actually hurt the top of my mouth. The one thing that I used to when going to a fast Chinese spot is most combos come with rice and noodles and then the item or items you want. Well, at this place the noodles count as one item! I've never experienced this before. It's good, I'll come back for more noodles, the bean sprouts are perfect. read more

Imperial Express - Orange and kung pow chicken with rice and noodles/chow mein - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Parking is a nightmare, but worth it, I love the chow mein and fried rice with my 3 entree combo, the pork and wings are good also, it's a simple place nothing fancy near Chicano park, so to go orders are recommended, the lady's are both bilingual a plus with good service. I been here like 5 times already the past few weeks yummy.. read more

Never again!! The place is cash only wich is bot a problem. The food was NASTY! Worst food I have ever tasted in my life, not exaggerating. . The only thing you could taste was an overwhelming about of old grease in all the items that I ordered. Fried rice was bland like everything else, old, and has a slight burnt taste. Immefiately after eating I felt sick. All these people giving 4-5 star reviwes are probably employees or literally have no taste buds. Place looked relatively clean but who knows how the back kitchen looks like. If you are in the area, do your self a favor and skip this place unless you want to loose some pounds from extreme diarrhea. Gave it a one star because the only thing I finished was the soda. read more

The food is great and the drinks are cold! I love the honey orange chicken and the fried rice as well as the salt and peper shrimp You know it's good when they need to constantly supply food from the kitchen. The staff service is very friendly and helpful. read more

I absolutely love the orange chicken here! Nice and crunchy, and they always overstuff the plate! Everyone is always so nice and calls you friend. Very traditional restaurant, super original. read more

We used to enjoy coming here for years but food quality has gone downhill. I got Salmonella from their orange chicken back in November, and I was pregnant!! Extremely dangerous, will never be coming back unfortunately. read more

Every time I go here she hooks it up. Ugh I freaking love this food. Those wings these pics don't do justice, they were taken after a very hangry person (me) tore it up sorry but I don't play when it comes to my food! I've been coming here since I was a kid best Chinese spot in barrio. CASH only** read more

Imperial Express - Orange chicken, veggies, Chow me in, fried rice - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Not Gonna Lie ! ! I wasn't gonna Post a Review ! Didn't want no long lines Been trying to keep all this gooodness to myself but I just can't no mo ! Haha this place is Fantastic for a AnyDay honestly ! They are really nice and simple people which is lovely when dealing with food . The food is always fresh & ready to serve when you walk in ! Idk how they do it but it just is always fresh like seriously ! I'm happy with that . Everything is Good flavoring is Excellent not too much not too less . My overall favorite is they're Orange Chicken Not Every One Or Anywhere Can Make A Great Orange Chicken Like They Do I Promise You'll Thank Me Later ! The Chow Mein Is To Roll Over & Die For, Just Drop Dead It's Fire Bean Sprouts On Point Again Excellent Flavor " These Mfs Dont Miss !! " It's A Comfortable place to sit and eat but always a wonderful Stop & Go ! . I'm not ever disappointed when I go & I'm pretty sure you won't be Either. read more

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Ni una sola estrella debería! He venido a este lugar algunas veces años atrás ! La comida era mil veces mejor ! Hoy fui después de el trabajo a comprar comida para mi y para mi familia que todos trabajamos hoy y decidí no cocinar en casa !! Y compre 2 combos de 3 ítems que fueron 1ro 1/2 de arroz 1/2 chow-main 2 pescado /3ro beef and broccoli! en el segundo combo fue igual mitad y mitad , Mongolian pork ! Y orange Chicken! 35 min después de haber comido un poco de pescado y beef and broccoli me empezaron los Dolores de estomago y diarrhea! Gracias a dios el resto de mi familia no lo comió! Aun no llegaban de trabajar ! Lo bueno! No les recomiendo este lugar revise los reviews y los reportes d el departamento de salubridad y que asco aparentemente han violando los estándares de limpieza y ratas , insectos , animales etc etc que asco read more

Not sure if they misunderstood me but I asked for chicken with this order. I should have been paying better attention I guess but I had other orders as well. Looks like I got two orders of rice ... Just make sure you get what you ordered. I can't go back and I'm sad about it. read more

Imperial Express - No chicken :( - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Love the orange chicken here. Unfortunately it's cash only and there's never any parking so get ready to park a block away. Large portions and affordable prices. Not a lot of seating and no bathrooms. read more

Mediocre Chinese food located in barrio Logan. Extremely limited parking lot spaces. Average portions for the price. Sweet, bready crispy orange chicken, chow mein, good fried rice, mushroom chicken, beef and broccoli with more vegetables than meat, , bbq chicken, etc. food seems to be prepared often and not sitting too long. They overcharged me then acted as if it was my fault. Rude, rushed service. You really get what you pay for here including the service. read more

Been coming here along time and still enjoy the food Service is on point and complaints. read more

It's not the same as it used to be , its still good but price is still affordable the place is clean no restrooms

After seeing this I'll never go back. So sad!! Use to be a great spot in the neighborhood for Chinese food. Hopefully they are back up for their sake but I'll pass on the trip there. read more

Imperial Express - Will not be going here anymore - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Generous portions, a variety of flavors, great price. Definitely a hole-in-the-wall place but worth going to if you're near Barrio Logan. You're allowed half rice/half noodles as one item. read more

Imperial Express - Kung pao chicken and fried spicy fish with white rice.. $8. - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

This rinky dink restaurant was actually reaaaaally bomb. Visiting san Diego i walked over a mile looking for this place (sadpanda) the map says it's by the water so i took blue train and walked the wrong direction of Barrio Logan! I ordered 2 beef options. Im sure one was beef and broccoli and the other was like beef pepper steak. With fried rice and chow mein. The entire thing was bomb and well seasoned. Cheap bomb food. Highly impressed. Quick service as set up is like panda express but tastes really authentic. Only takes cash so that sucks and in a dingy corner plaza but damm was bomb read more

Imperial Express - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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If I could give it fewer stars, I would. If you like nasty, super oily, chow mein, cooked and rancid oil, this is the place for you.

I've been eating here for as long as I can remember, my younger sister has been eating here since she was in my mom womb. I love this place, I love the food personally I think it's better than Panda Express . It's a small place, but great quality of food . I guess you can say it's in the ghetto but that don't change the flavor of food they have. The orange chicken is to die for, so far the best I've tasted yet.. nothing has topped it!! Recently I went, very disappointed with the two front girls they have very unprofessional. If they have no respect for themselves they should at least respect the business. read more

This is the spot ! We have been going here for years and they never fail to have great food . The orange chicken and chow mein is a must

This was another hidden gem I stumbled upon during my exploration of the neighborhood. I ordered the two entree( steak and onions, shrimp and vegetables and chow mein) meal for $6.35 and added five wings $4.99. The portions sizes were enough to feed two people. Fresh, hot and delicious. *Yelper's be advised this is a CASH ONLY restaurant. I enjoyed my meal for lunch and dinner which made me very happy. read more

Imperial Express - Shrimp and Vegetables Steak and Onions Chow Mein - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Worst place to eat Chinese food, I ordered a 2 item plate, the cashier said it's 3 items since I asked for chow mien, told me to take it or leave it. read more

I would have never known about this place but one of my friends had some business to attend to in the area, and therefore kicked off my relationship with what I feel is the best fast chinese place in San Diego. This was almost five years ago and I still come here regularly. It's located in a small busy strip mall in Barrio Logan. The correct address for navigation is actually Logan St, not Cesar Chavez. During peak hours it can be difficult to find parking. Neighborhood is not the greatest so use common sense/situational awareness. Now let's get down to what matters, the food. I remember getting the fried salt and pepper fish with chow mein on my first visit. The food was delicious and I also remember that the portions were quite generous. I've had several other entrees including various chicken and beef ones, and haven't been disappointed. Their hot and sour soup is also excellent. Note that they count chow mein and/or rice as one "entree" for their pricing tier. I docked a star because it's cash only. Another plus is there is a Panchita's bakery in the same plaza where you can get dessert (they are also cash only). Definitely a hole in the wall with great food and a place I will keep in my rotation. read more

Imperial Express - Fried fish, spicy chicken, all chow mein with extra onions I requested! Best fast Chinese in SD - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'd give this a negative if I could. Food was horrible, tasted old. Very oily and you can taste the cheap old oil the reuse to cook all the food in. Orange chicken didn't even have any chicken. Just a bunch of breading that was saturated with yellow oil. Disgusting. I had a few bites and threw the entire plate away. Wasted money. But definitely better than forcing that trash down my stomach. DONT EVEN BOTHER!!! read more

If you're looking for something fast, cheap, and delicious this is the spot ! Been coming since I was a little girl and they're still the same owners with the same awesome customer service and the same great recipes! They don't have a lot of variety on menu items but they hook it up with servings. Never disappoint read more

best prices and best food in the area, made a long drive back down here because nothing else looked good. my family had been coming here for years. staff is AMAZING. this is an amazing atmosphere read more

If you want to eat a grip of Chinese food for cheap go here. Other reviewer is right, parking is tight, so it's all about timing. They only take cash too, which normally is a problem for me, but since I yelped I was prepared. They give you soooo much freaking food. I ordered a 2 item dish with a can of soda and it was 4.75. Did you catch that? Yes, I said CAN of soda. Minus one star ladies and gents, I need my refills. The fried rice/chow mein is really good. The orange chicken is decent, but I like it spicier and crunchier. The broccoli beef tasted nasty to me, there is a coating of something on it that made me none too happy, but my other friend liked it. This is a hole in the wall place. A pigeon and a dog all made an appearance in the restaurant... if that gives you a feel for what type of place it is. read more

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Hidden gem! Plug servings and yummy food! Very excited to find such an awesome hole in the wall. Will def be back!

This place is really good, we got there a littler after six but and we were worried about there not being a lot of food left but when we got there they were just about to refill the items so everything was fresh and hot. Plus they have the grilled peppers like they have from back home! I can't wait to go back, this is now our new favorite Chinese food spot! read more

Imperial Express - Chow menu, spicy chicken and Mongolian pork, plus the peppers, so good! - Chinese Near Me - San Diego, California

Long term favorite and delicious so sad they don't make chop suey! But the chow mein and garlic chicken is good ! They are always sold out of that but otherwise good ! read more

Always Great Food Here. Just ate there again today, it was amazing, Again.. After eating here, I always say to myself... You need to eat here more often. We drive from Normal Heights just to get their delicious food. read more

I really like this place. Zero frills, but the staff is helpful and the food is fresh. Cash only, but it's super cheap to get a combo. Got a ten? You're all set. There's a few tables where you can dine-in but like I said, zero frills so don't come in expecting something comfy. Sure there's some less than stellar characters hanging around outside, but pay them no mind. I haven't exactly eaten my way through the menu yet, but my favorite thing so far is the beef and broccoli. The beef is tender, the broccoli is cooked perfectly (yay for not being mushy!) and the sauce has a good flavor. I've tried two of their sauced fried chicken dishes, the orange and the honey, the honey (I think that's what it was, a little sweet/a little vinegary) was the better of the two. The orange didn't have much flavor. Between the rice and the chow mein I'd go with all rice. Not that the chow mein was bad, it just again was a little flat flavor wise and I don't just want to drown my plate in soy sauce. Parking sucks, but that's just the area, find a spot and run in for your grub. You won't regret it, unless you eat the whole 3 item combo yourself in one sitting...live and learn, save some for work tomorrow. read more

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I didn't like that it was cash only. Options were limited and it was expensive for the portion. Be aware that rice and chowmein are considered one of your items in your meal. So if you want two meats for example you have to get the 3 side combo. Oh yea and the liquor store next door that says ATM that ATM does not work so you are forced to buy something to get cash back. All three of us ordered a two side combo my wife and I ordered Sesame chicken the sauce was good the crunch was good but the chicken to batter ratio was slim so expect more batter than chicken the rice and chowmein were greasy and the rice didn't have that much soy sauce in it. My brother got the broccoli beef he said it was really good. read more

Hardly worth the money. I came across this place merely because I was in the area and in the mood for Chinese and it was there. Checked the reviews and thought I'd be getting a great experience but this turned out to be a big waste of my time and money. Communication was difficult to begin with, and while I am used to the family owned Chinese restaurants, the guy working at the time really didn't attempt to clarify any information on my order. He seemed more interested in taking my order and pushing it out as fast as humanly possible. Not a problem, once again that's great... until you make the wrong order. Actually I'm not even sure if the wrong order was made or they gave me the wrong order, but either way what a bummer. So I ordered the Orange Chicken, pictures looked great, and thanks to Panda it has become my go to Chinese meal. I ended up getting a bed of noodles which weren't too bad layered with what appeared to be little chunks of pork chop covered in shake n'bake. I have no idea what this was, once again... the food wasn't terrible but these guys need to get it together. Price for a combo meal for one is over 7 bucks so I expect to get what I paid for. There are plenty of places that are similar to this in Fresno that do it much better and for cheap. Save your money and check out China Town, Ming Ho, or Flower City. read more

This one truly is my favorite Chinese food place. I have been coming here for avery very long time, my grandparents would always buy food from this place and I have done Best Chinese food spot, its a family business so it's nothing fancy but the food is Good Fresh Every time I get it, price is like no other under 10 dollars and 2 people can eat. My fav is the kumpow chicken, orange chicken, with half rice/chowmain couple of lumpias on the side... can't go wrong. the place was refurbished so its clean. read more

Best chow mien everrrrrr the bean sprouts are perfect all veggies in their food is cooked to perfection . Super goood! I'm actually on my way again right noww!! read more

CASH ONLY!!! It has seating, but it's for 'waiting,' not eating. There is a 'a la carte,' but that is a BAD option. They do buffet-style combos with 2- or 3- item options for $6 or $7. It's a steal!!! The food is good & every item tastes unique, not the same. It's good Chinese takeout. The lady who runs the joint is amazing & generous! The cooks in the back...they do their thing well & that's all you need them to do. The sweet & sour chicken was great, but took 15-min to order off the a la carte menu. The buffet food was hot & fresh, & immediate. San Diego is not known for its Chinese, but this place makes a mark! read more