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Every Phoenix family seems to have its Chinese restaurant, the one where the order barely changes and the booth feels like it belongs to you. Some of these spots have outlasted entire shopping centers around them, serving egg rolls and sizzling rice soup while the Valley grew up outside the door.
This list covers six long-running Chinese restaurants across Phoenix and Mesa that have fed parents, kids, and now grandkids. If you grew up here, a few of these names might bring back memories of birthday dinners and Friday night takeout.
1. Dragon Palace, Phoenix, AZ
Some restaurants move around. Dragon Palace has stayed put in the same small strip mall on 32nd Street near Thunderbird for roughly 40 years.
That kind of staying power usually means the kitchen got something right early on. Here it is old-school American Chinese cooking served family-style, with Asian decor and a handsome bar that gives the room a classic feel.
The fried rice gets plenty of attention, especially the Peking Fried Rice. Egg drop soup, Kung Pao Shrimp, House Special Chicken, and the Pu Pu Platter for 2 round out a menu that sticks to the favorites.
I would save the Sizzling Rice Soup for a group dinner, since it is fun to share. Lunch specials run on weekdays, and most meals land around $10 to $20 per person.
Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 4 to 9 p.m.
Sunday. Weekend evenings are the busiest, and parking is free and usually easy to find.
2. China Chili, Phoenix, AZ
Central Phoenix has changed a lot around Flower Street, but China Chili still carries that old school Chinese restaurant look inside an older building decorated with traditional touches and Chinese portraits.
The menu is big. Lemon chicken, Honey Walnut Prawns, House Chow Fun, Boiled Won Tons, and West Lake Soup all share space with a half roasted duck that makes a good centerpiece for the table.
Vegetarians and vegans have options too, since full menus exist for both. Luncheon specials make a weekday stop easy.
The dining room tends to stay clean and calm, which suits a long, relaxed meal. Hours run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday and 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, and the restaurant is closed Mondays, so plan around that.
3. New Garden Restaurant, Phoenix, AZ
Ask about the egg rolls first. At New Garden on South Central Avenue, the Big Egg Roll lives up to its name, and it pairs well with an order of Shrimp Fried Rice.
Longtime regulars describe it as an old school spot that has been around for decades, with some saying it dates back more than 60 years. Either way, it plays the hits.
Pork Chop Suey, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken, Egg Flower Soup, and House Lo Mein show up on a menu built around classics. Portions run large, and prices stay friendly.
The space is simple and quiet, which fits a quick downtown lunch. One schedule detail matters here: it closes on Wednesdays, and weekend hours start at noon.
4. Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant, Mesa, AZ
Metal-topped serving dishes are a small detail, but they tell you a lot about Golden Gate. This Baseline Road restaurant in Mesa keeps a vintage, retro style that regulars have been coming back to since at least the 1990s.
The kitchen covers Mandarin and Sichuan favorites with a Cantonese feel. Dragon Phoenix Soup, Walnut Shrimp, Snow White Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Sweet and Sour Chicken are all strong picks.
Portions are generous, and service moves quickly. It is a family-friendly room that works well for groups.
Reservations are a smart idea, especially Sunday afternoons and Friday or Saturday evenings. There is no delivery, so plan on dining in or picking up takeout.
5. Abacus Inn | Chinese Restaurant, Phoenix, AZ
Wood paneling and red accents set the tone at Abacus Inn on West Thunderbird Road. It looks like the kind of place families have been visiting for years, and many have, with patrons recalling meals here back in the 90s.
Soup is a good place to start. The hot and sour soup has a loyal following, and lunch specials come with soup on the side.
The menu is wide, with Abacus Special Chicken, Yui Shan Spicy Chicken, Walnut Shrimp, potstickers, and House Special Fried Rice among the standouts. Portions are big, and food comes out fast.
A rewards program is a nice bonus for regulars. Hours stretch to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and free parking is usually easy.
6. Asian Cafe Express, Mesa, AZ
Spaghetti combos at a Chinese restaurant might sound surprising, but they are a classic part of Hong Kong cafe culture. Asian Cafe Express brings that style to Mesa’s Asian District, near H-Mart on West Main Street.
After about 21 years in business, it is the youngest spot on this list, yet it already has a loyal following. The menu is massive and covers Chinese and Southeast Asian comfort food.
Look for Hong Kong Style Combo Congee, Hong Kong style wonton soup, Singapore noodles, and curry chicken. Traditional Asian drinks round out the meal.
It does not take reservations and is closed Tuesdays. Sunday afternoons get busy, so an early visit is the easier move.
Together, these six restaurants show that the Valley’s best Chinese food traditions are often found in a familiar booth down the street.
