Stopped by this local hole-in-the-wall and was greeted by a friendly lady at the counter. This is CASH ONLY so I went next door to grab some cash from the ATM. I placed my order and the food was ready within 10 minutes. I got the Salt and Pepper Wings (6 pieces) combo that comes with fried rice, an egg roll, and a sesame ball all for only $13 which is a steal! So much food for an insane value. The wings were perfectly crispy and the flavor was amazing. Some bites were overly salted but these were delicious nonetheless. The fried rice was also very tasty and the side egg roll and sesame ball were nice additions. If you're in the area looking for some cheap salt and pepper wings, Imperial Palace is the spot! read more

Imperial Palace - Salt and Pepper Wings Combo with Fried Rice (w/egg roll and sesame ball) - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

We decided to try this spot after having some matcha. It's cash only but you can get cash at the liquor store next door; they have atm. We showed up around noon and it was empty, but did see a lot of people come in for to go orders. I like that they have lunch menu options. I ordered the kung pao shrimp lunch; it was good but the shrimp was more sweet than spicy. Very decent portion sizes. It looks like a family owned business, an older woman came out from the kitchen and asked how we enjoyed it and told us we had To keep eating more lol very sweet and welcoming. I'd like to come back and try more of the menu! read more

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Was recommended this place by a friend. We went pretty early and were seated quickly. It is a smaller restaurant. One thing to know is that they are cash only. There's an ATM at the store next door. We all ordered a combo plate. And some chicken wings to share, which were perfectly crispy. I had the shrimp combo plate and it was sooo good and give decent portions. We all took ours home to eat later. read more

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Another great take-out meal! Love coming here when I'm in the mood for Chinese. It's a hidden gem! But definitely worth checking out. This time we tried the beef with string beans and the salt and pepper chicken wings. Soooooo good! I think the daughter remembered me from last time and gave me some of the sesame balls on the house! The family is so nice! Everything was delicious! Really can't beat the prices! STILL CASH ONLY!!! I repeat STILL CASH ONLY! I get it too! The way things are going now, and what credit card services cost, I'd do "cash only" too! Don't let that keep you away! read more

This place has been around for years and years. I grew up in the area but never stopped by until I saw all the positive Yelp reviews. As a Yelp Elite, I finally decided to give it a try... and yes, it's definitely comparable--if not better--than the other Chinese restaurants on Plaza Blvd. Prices are reasonable, and like most Chinese spots, their most popular dish is the salted pepper chicken wings. These wings are just as flavorful as the others, but even crispier with thicker breading--which I personally love. The restaurant itself is clean, and the staff are super friendly. I especially love how the server treats everyone like a friend. Currently waiting for them to open so I can order lunch again! read more

Imperial Palace - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

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Soup #5 ftw. The ladies that work the register are super nice and accommodating. Their wings are pretty good to. But im all about ther imperial fried noodle, soup #5 as it's typically called. read more

Imperial Palace - Party tray menu - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

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Good food, good service! The older woman in the front taking orders is very friendly. The salted pepper chicken wings here is just as tasty as the other restaurant and a couple dollars less. I ordered a family meal and it was more than enough food for my family of five. It's a little hole in the wall restaurant, but those are the best places! Note that it is cash only. read more

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I decided to check out this place due to the mentions on social media. I called in advance to get my order in, I was running errands in that area. The lady who took my order was nice and very efficient. They were about to close in 50 minutes so I was glad I was able to get my order in. Things I ordered: Family Dinner(A) 1. Beef Broccoli- pretty standard but delicious dish. The meat was tender and I did not feel like they skimped on the meat either. They did have broccoli and some sliced celery. I did like that the broccoli was cooked more than not, many Chinese restaurants sometimes don't cook it enough. It's best when the broccoli is tender and the tops soak up that delicious brown sauce. 4/5 2. Salt Pepper Chicken wings- (12 in an order) These wings are exactly why I wanted to check this place out. Compared to the other 3 famous spots in SD, this definitely should become the 4th. They were crispy and definitely not small at all. The seasoning was just perfect, it had a salty crispy crunch. I was impressed that these stayed this way since I picked up this order and I still had to drive 30 minutes home. The lady keeps the to-go-box wide open so they stay crispy. I actually had ordered another set of these wings due to the hype. I will do the same next time. 5/5 3. Fried Rice- this did not contain any meat/seafood in it. The rice was darker in appearance and it definitely had that Wok hei, which can only be obtained with a true wok and incredibly high heat. That was the only stand out point of this dish. Would I order this again, probably not. 3/5 4. House Noodle- this contained pork, chicken and shrimp. This was also darker in color. I think they give insane portions. Do I think the noodles were the best I've ever had? No, but they were ok. I felt like they were 'doughy'. Would I order this again? maybe not. 3/5 5. Bowl of soup- You could choose egg flower or Hot & sour soup. We chose the egg flower soup. My sis said it was meh. Would we order this on its own, probably not. I should have gotten the hot and sour soup since egg flower soup is pretty easy to make. 2/5 6. Mongolian Beef- This dish definitely did not shy away from the amount of meat. It was savory, soft and velveted. I think I liked the Beef and Broccoli a tiny bit more than this, but this dish was pretty good. Would I order again? Yes. 5/5 Food: 4.4/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 (standard Chinese restaurant, looked like a good amount of tables) read more

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The house chow mien noodles were the best over any other Chinese place I've tried in San Diego and it's cheaper too! One thing to note they only take cash! read more

Finally came back (twice now) my daughter absolutely loves the salt and pepper fish fillet here, which we have literally tried at every Chinese place in National City. Service was great both times we got takeout. Very clean and cozy place to dine in a small budget. read more

I have been in the parking lot of this place many times as it is near my house. On this occasion I was looking for something near by and was reminded about this place. Firstly, while the place was completely empty when we arrived, the service was a high point. I received many recommendations and it's always nice when they throw in a dessert. Overall the food was disappointing compared to similar Chinese restaurants in the area. The pan fried noodle was soggy and had no seasoning. The Honey walnut shrimp was not fried through, difficult to eat raw flour or starch. Everything else was just ok. osborne.knife@gmail.com read more

Food lives up to the hype for sure! Salt & Pepper chicken wings were the highlight of our meal -- dare I say better than the O.G.'s down the street (IYKYK). Meaty, perfectly crispy and not overly salty -- perfection! We also had the salt & pepper fish filets, which were so yum! Nice tasty, crunchy batter -- reminds me of Pioneer Chicken (who remembers them? Best fried chicken ever!). The combination egg foo young was a highlight as well -- not too greasy, nice crispy edges and a nice gravy. Their hot & sour soup is nice, as well as their combination fried rice -- both a bit simple, but tasty and just right. We recently tried the beef chow fun, which was honestly left to be desired -- the beef was chewy, it was all way too salty and the seasoning tasted a bit odd (difficult to describe). Service is friendly, but inconsistent. read more

Cash only. Quiet and clean restaurant. Very friendly and quick service. Family style and portions were all very generous. Two of us ate there and had plenty to take home. Salt and pepper wings are much better here than the other two near by spots. Nice flavor and crispy. The perfect amount of salt but not spicy. Fried rice with bbq pork only was good kinda heavy on the soy sauce. Also got honey walnut shrimp good but too much breading and too sweet for me. Probably should have ordered some veggies as she suggested instead of all fried food but we will be back for wings and to try other dishes. read more

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We have been so disappointed with this place. The first time we ordered here the food was amazing. We were so excited to have it again. We had friends in town and after raving about it we ordered only to find the food quality and flavor was completely off the second time. It took us a while and ordered a third time just in case the second time was a fluke. And, the food was really good again. Then last night we ordered again. Absolutely awful! Tasteless dishes, vegetables tasted funky, over-cooked and dried out chicken, over-salted wings, sloppy bagging.. idk why this place can't be consistent and get it together. So disappointing. Unfortunately I could never now recommend it to anyone and we will never be back. :( read more

I Order The house fried rice and Mongolian Beef, It Was delicious and the services 10/10 the lady was super sweet with me and my family 100% recommended it Just keep in mind it's only cash read more

Imperial Palace - The house fried rice and Mongolian Beef - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

Cindy is very nice, and she always has a big smile at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant, I had the Egg Fried Rice, with onions, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs of course. Under $15. Cash Only, please! You also can get to choose from ten entrees plus you'll also receive an egg roll and your choice of soup; the Hot and Sour Soup was on fire hot so watch out. Under 10 dollars Where else, in all of San Diego County can you find value like this, and so darn sooo tasty too? Easy on the wallet accompanied by terrific parking. read more

Imperial Palace - Cash Only - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

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Our travel group had a pre tour meeting followed by a lunch of lo mein, salt and pepper chicken, fried rice and fish fingering with tea, water and soft drinks. All dishes were delicious and plentiful for a group of 30+. The service was attentive. Food was served family style with catering type aluminum pans. The ambiance is simple Chinese food at a reasonable price. Good for groups. read more

We went at around 5:30 after a drive from Irvine. We were the only in person patrons but they had calls and catering orders. IT IS CASH ONLY SO REMEMBER THAT. the staff reminded us before we were sat, so thank you for the reminder. We didn't have lunch so we were starving and I wanted the crispy chicken wings I saw on Instagram so I forced my vegetarian partner to drive me there. Just kidding he's not vegetarian (but thanks for listening to my wants and cravings for fried chicken). We got the salt and pepper chicken wings and the house chow fun. The chow fun had chicken, beef pork and shrimp, all cooked perfectly and fragrant. Not too salty. A good solid chow fun. The chicken. The object of my desires. CRISPY, CRUNCHY, and MOIST. what a great chicken. Pepper is the spicy kind of pepper and not black pepper, and it is quite salty. But the rice and the chow fun made it even. One plate of chicken for 4-6 people is a great amount I think. We were just two people and even though my 6ft partner eats for two, we had quite some left over, which we brought home. While we were waiting, they served us fried wonton skin chips (MY LOVE) with sweet and sour sauce which was super nice of them. Clean and reasonably priced, will go again with more people. Or just the two of us and we'll train to be able to eat for 3-4 people each. Thank youuuuu read more

Imperial Palace - Salt and pepper chicken wings. House chow fun Chips and sweet and sour dip - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

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One of our favorite Chinese spots in San Diego ( National city) this family own spot is always very welcoming I can't imagine a trip without making a stop. The wings are my absolute favorite crunchy and tasty the chow mein is prepared to perfection. It's a small but can accommodate groups. They serve party platters if anyone is looking for a gathering. read more

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Everything food, service and ambiance! The service is good! The food is delicious and price right! The ambiance is nice and bright! read more

Imperial Palace - Yummmm Food, service and ambiance are very good! - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

So I heard they had the best salt and pepper wings and I'm a royal stan so I had to come and see if the rumors were true. I did a salt and pepper wings and salt and pepper shrimp of to see who reigns supreme. The customer service was good and the food didn't take long being that there was only three other people their when we pulled up. Here's where I knew there might be a new champ in town the wings came with a side of steamed rice. Royal y'all forgot your humble beginnings and thought you were better then the free rice. The wings were just as big lighter in color but the flavor was phenomenal and I will say this round was won by the imperial palace now the shrimp they got smoked their batter is like a corn dog type batter that I'm not with but they have definitely won me over and I'll speak their name with praise read more

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Food was delicious. Hot and fresh. Service was quick and friendly. Refills on drinks was fast. Ambiance is dated but plenty of seating read more

Imperial Palace - House fried rice, broccoli beef, salted pepper chicken, and hot and sour soup - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

I heard about this place from coworkers and went in without knowing it was cash only. I had credit cards but only $15 in bills. She suggested a lunch special then also brought me a pot of tea and a noodle appetizer!! You don't ever see service like that! When finished I handed her my $15 and said I would be back. And I will! read more

Good food, great price. Very giving on food. Family feel here. Sesame balls are amazing

This place is sooo bomb!! It's affordable! But do take cash! It's cash only but the egg rolls are so crunchy and bomb and the fried rice was homemade !! Orange chicken & the honey shrimp is homemade and soooo good!! read more

Popped in after yelping this spot out. Cash only. The staff got my order done in about 7 minutes. Tried the house fried rice. It was nice, hot and, tasty. No complaints. Would come back for this or maybe to try their salt and pepper chicken. read more

Imperial Palace - House fried rice - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

Tried them for a lunch special. Great price, generous serving. The sweet and sour pork was tasty, if not my favorite sauce. The friendly waitress tried to steer me toward the salt & pepper chicken wings, which were not what I wanted today, but I will return for them next time. I ordered steamed rice, but received fried rice--there was a bit of a language barrier as I had a difficult time understanding her. I was impressed by the fried rice, which I rarely enjoy. Theirs however was fresh, hot and moist. I would opt for it next time on purpose! I look forward to trying those wings when I can bring my other half to try those and something else as well!. Prices are good, but be aware--CASH ONLY! read more

CASH ONLY at the time of review. But that was really no issue since the prices of the meals were affordable and reasonable. My husband and I were welcomed by a lady at the front desk, and asked if I was staying or picking up. As soon as I said, "Staying", she continued her warm welcome and awesome customer service our whole time there. I had really been craving Egg Drop (Egg Flower) soup and Cantonese chicken. Luckily, they had a lunch entree of Cantonese chicken that was served with your choice of Egg Drop or Hot & Sour soup, egg roll, a cream cheese wonton, and your choice of fried rice or steamed rice. It was perfect for me! I like a variety of food to try on my first visit. The soup came out with wonton chips and sweet and sour sauce. The soup was HOT (heat wise), which was great because it was hot/warm the whole time I had it. Even when our food arrived and I took a break from the soup to try my lunch entree, the soup was still warm. The Cantonese chicken was delicious. The chicken and vegetables really compliment each other. And the sauce was warm and full of flavor; delish! My husband ordered the salt and pepper chicken wing lunch special with Hot & Sour soup and fried rice. His Hot & Sour soup was tasty but I don't think I have had it before so I cannot compare to any other Hot & Sour soup. I didn't get a chance to try his chicken but it sounded very crispy. He mentioned how he thought it was really good especially for the price and all the food it came with. On the drinks, he ordered a Sprite and I ordered a water. He was given a can of Sprite and I was given a bottle of water, which we didn't mind and was actually convenient for me since I always like to take my drinks to go. Overall, the food was great, the prices were reasonable, and definitely cheaper than most Chinese restaurants in the area. It's convenient and close to me so I know I will be stopping by to try other dishes. read more

Imperial Palace - Salt and Pepper chicken lunch special - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

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National City. New owner & chef. Super nice people. Chef previously worked at a different Chinese restaurant in NC. That's why the food is Outstanding. Also, the prices here are less than the other places, like Golden Chopsticks, Royal Mandarin & Bistro. Newly remodeled & clean. Cash only for now. I highly recommend you give them a try. Salute. read more

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This was our first time dining in, usually order to go or pick up. Prices are great for the quality and quantity that they serve. The chicken is by far the crispiest, flavorful, seasoned and it's just delicious! I know, I know in comparison to the other Chinese restaurants RM in the area you're gonna say RM is better. But not in my opinion, this place is a sleeper and not everyone gives this place credit. You have to come in, to experience it for yourself. The honey walnut shrimp was soooo good too! The shrimps were huge and the sauce and walnuts were so tasty. The batter they use always hits, it's so crispy! The bbq pork in my opinion was too oily and lacked a little flavor. But that's ok, that won't stop me from coming back, there's plenty of stuff I wanna try on the menu. We've also had their tofu and eggplant, that was also really good. I love the traditional Chinese plates and the zodiac place mats, that brought me back to my childhood. The service here is outstanding, everyone is so nice, and they don't breathe down your throat like other Chinese restaurants in the area. Last time I ate at RM I felt suffocated and intimidated. I couldn't eat in peace. Everyone here is so sweet, they even brought us sesame balls because it was Father's Day and those were so decadent! This is by far one of my favorite chinese restaurants. Plenty of seating, clean and open with plenty of natural lighting. Try them out and don't forget to order your salt and pepper chicken! I promise it's a game changer. read more

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Those Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings are the bomb! And they come with a side of steamed rice. Excellent taste and crunch. These are right up there among the top rated spots (IYKYK). Crunchy yet Juicy, nice mix of pepper flakes and salt giving it that good flavor. I'll be back for more! read more

We saw this in IG and decided to try it out , the place was very clean the young girl that help us was very nice and friendly over all the vibe was great now to the food we order the house fried rice and the salt and pepper wings the food was so delicious we are definitely going back we even took left overs and the next day food tasted delicious too ,highly recommend Imperial Palace read more

Imperial Palace - Hubby was very satisfied, so was I - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

I called in order really wanted to try salt and pepper wings they are delicious flavorful, crunchy and first thing to finish! Ordered the family meal and extra order of wings. Everyone enjoyed it highly recommend. They did let me know on phone cash only and signs say cash only so come with cash and order wings. They called me back when food was ready since I took longer as I stopped at market down the parking lot. Place is clean read more

The food is amazing! Worth the $$$ you can't beat the price and taste! Definitely coming back maybe dine in next time! Service was lovely as well thank you read more

Food was amazing. Serving portions are great. We didn't wait long for our food. Customer service was fast and very nice people. This place is amazing. read more

Service was great. No complaint about the food, it came quick enough. We certainly will eat there again.

I personally wasn't a fan of the food here. I think some people may enjoy it. It wasn't for me. If you do eat here I recommend eating family style, this way you can try many options. read more

Superb Customer Experience with this restaurant while catering a office get together. Great price for salt and pepper chicken wings too! They were super friendly and very accomodating. Will use again. read more

The food is delicious... Made to order... the Fam loves it... We have been coming here for a few months now and it never disappoints. Makes long days at work for an easy dinner... read more

Went two back to back days during this long weekend. When they say crack chicken, that's exactly it! The chicken is perfectly crispy but light with that salty tang with a hint of heat from the red chili flakes. We also got salt and pepper shrimp no shell no head absolutely delicious! We also got shrimp and beef lo mein. Not the same fireworks as the chicken I hate to say. Customer Service was fantastic. All the ladies were very nice and helpful. Very nice ambience wouldn't mind just sitting down inside the restaurant to eat instead of having to go. Don't let the outside fool you it's inside, the food is very good and very reasonably priced. Please excuse the plate that you see we dug in before taking photos. It's really that good. Give it a try. read more

Imperial Palace - My little plate... portions are big ! - Chinese Near Me - National City, California

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