We've eaten at Peking House quite a few times. I'm not sure what all of the fuss is about. The food is fine but not mind blowing. We enjoy their chicken chow mein and the portion is enough for two. Overall its just an average place but if you're in the mood for Chinese, it'll do just fine.
(3)
Steven C.
For me, the best quality Chinese food in Lakeland. There is no buffet, but you get very good quality at a reasonable price. They have a different lunch special everyday usually consisting of a main entree with white or fried rice, choice of soup or egg roll and a fortune cookie. Chances are you will find me here on Wednesdays when the special is pork and green onions. I choose the hot and sour soup and white rice. The hot & sour soup is 50 cents extra, but well worth it. It's well balanced between spicy and sour and filled with lots of tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and pork. The interior is roomy, albeit a bit bland. I don't care for the brown sauce, but I don't order that stuff in most places. I've been coming here for about the last 10 years and would recommend it to anyone. Service is good as well. Found their menu here: ourmenuonline.com/PDFMen…
(4)
Varrick N.
Our after-church treat many Sundays, we are always delighted by good food & attentive staff; a great value!
(4)
Rusty S.
Was good now bad :( Food was bad... Was a Gem.. Yuck.. Nothing but salt, salt and more salt
(1)
Will H.
By far, the very best Chinese Food in Lakeland if not all of Florida. This is a true Gem, an old fashioned Chinese Style restaurant. Not the corporate chain. A sit down, order off the menu, and get it fresh. Truly amazing. But, if you are craving that Buffet for a little of this and a lot of that, then go on Mother's Day... The only day they do a buffet. It's only once a year, but you will be thinking about it all the way till next year.
(5)
Maura S.
If half-stars were allowed, it'd get a 3-1/2 but I just can't go to four, what with the sad no-veggies-added plain fried rice side dish that was like corrugated cardboard. Our waitress was great. The General Tsao's chicken was quite good and hubby was blown away by the Sweet & Sour Shrimp. I'm newish to the area but I just can't accept this is the best Polk Co. has to offer. For those who swear by it, I'll try it again sometime and post an update if warranted.
(3)
Tom W.
I had the sesame chicken and my wife had the sweet & sour chicken, the chicken was plump and juicy but the overall flavor was very average and for the above normal price range I wouldn't say it's worth it. They need to lower their prices or increase the tastiness of their food and decor.
(2)
Joe S.
Probably the best chinese food in polk county. Unfortunately, that's probably not saying much. However, when I'm in the area, I love to frequent this restaurant. The hot and sour soup is very well done -- not just your typical chicken broth with vinegar, soy sauce, and corn starch. The portion sizes are very good for the price. My favorite is their garlic beef. The meat is very tender and is twice fried. Good place for good and reasonably priced chinese food.
(4)
Angel A.
This restaurant was recommended by a friend. We moved here from Chicago a year and a half ago and have been struggling with the quality of the food here. So we went to Peking house and OMG this place was Amazing it is the closest thing to Chinese food in Chicago and the flavor was spot on. Customers for life.
(5)
Jonathan H.
The ambiance is a bit dated, but charming in a small town mountain kind of way. I was hesitant to try this restaurant due to the mixed reviews. I finally gave it a try. 1. Service: The hostess was nice and accommodating my waitress was a new employee. There were only two servers 2. Food: The soup was weird. No other way to describe it. I ordered vegetable soup and received a pseudo clam chowder without clams (see pic). The spicy chicken was too salty and not very spicy. I sent the item back. The chef remade the spicy chicken and it was still salty. I had to get back to work and did not have time to send it back again. Conclusion: Not recommended. The food is not good.
(2)
Stephanie M.
We were skeptical as we have not found decent Chinese food outside of NY. This was the best Chinese food we had in a long time, maybe even better than some of the NY joints. Everything was light and fresh; not weighed down by goopy, over-seasoned, too-salty sauces. The vegetables were crisp. The fried dumplings were all worth the wait. So glad we found this little gem.
(5)
Justin S.
Peking House is about as good as Chinese food gets here in the city/county. It is definitely a cut above the strip mall everything-is-identical take out "chinese" food places. It is still Americanized to a point, but it's far more authentic than other places. I always end up getting the same thing: Hot & Spicy chicken as hot as they'll make it. The lunch menu is an amazing value for what you get. Their vegetable soup is almost like a chowder and is delicious. The service is a total crapshoot. I've been there when the service was good, I've been there when I was almost totally forgotten. If this review was based on the food alone, I'd give it four stars. But the restaurant itself is outdated, service is sketchy, the bathroom is a bit unnerving, and it just doesn't feel clean in there. But then again, what Chinese restaurant DOES look or feel clean? Walk into any of those aforementioned take out joints and you shoes almost lose their grip on the floor because of the grease floating around in those places. I don't eat there much anymore because it isn't on my diet. Last time I ate there it tore me a new one and haven't been back. That's just because I don't eat much fried food anymore. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. It makes a lot of believers after their first time.
(3)
Meranda L.
Order wasn't correct, chicken wasn't spicy and extremely salty. Noodles were very overcooked. Threw half of it away.
(1)
Quen H.
Came in for lunch and there was a long line. However, there were plenty of tables. After standing in front of the line for what seemed like at least 15-20 minutes, we left since we got no indication of service from anyone in the restaurant (e.g., "please wait a few more minutes and we will be right with you"). In fact, we were completely ignored and so we weren't sure how much longer the wait would be. Two stars since we didn't get a chance to try the food. We might try again when it isn't so busy.
(2)
Sarah B.
All three dishes I've ordered here have been overpriced fatty meat slathered in corn syrup sauce. Very disappointing. Even the teriyaki chicken: oil soaked with corn syrup sweet sauce, nothing like teriyaki. The beef and scallops with mushrooms for $12 dollars: fatty beef with corn syrup based mongolian sauce, nothing like the menu description, with soggy scallops and No mushrooms. The waitstaff does not refill drinks timely. Do not recommend!!!
(1)
Brent M.
This is the best Chinese food in Lakeland hands down. Good food good service and a great price. Also the take out is fast and always fresh.
(5)
Dustin M.
This is our second time here. The first time we found out they have Peking duck and it must be ordered 24 hours in advanced. It was worth it. Our first time trying it and it's amazing!
(5)
Jay D.
We went after church on Sunday for a good set down Chinese meal. We ordered crab Rangoon for appetizers, and it was amazing!!! Best ever! Chicken Lo Mein, General Tso Chicken and Schezuan Beef all were very good! Each entree was plenty and we have lunch for tomorrow. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Nick D.
The food is hot, tasty, and at a great value. They have daily specials that are very good as well. The servers are also very pleasant and friendly.
(4)
Craig B.
My wife and I have been here several times and never disappointed. The house special chicken is delicious!
(4)
Rick J.
I've been going to this restaurant for many years here in Lakeland and it is by far the best Chinese food you can get in town because each dish is fresh made - no mega buffets with bland sauce and limp vegetables! Most places in this town are the strip mall take out type of Chinese food - this is one of the few sitdown meals you can get as far as Chinese food goes - I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Ash C.
Food was great- service was arguably the worst I've ever had. Our server was rude and rushed us from the moment we walked in the door- at 5:15pm and the restaurant was dead. Absolutely inexcusable. We were there as a family for holiday dinner and this wench totally ruined what would have been a pleasant experience. I didn't want to be rude while enjoying a family dinner, but by the end of the meal I ended up telling her off. Unfortunately I can't find it in my heart to stiff a server, but that's the first time in a really REALLY long time that I've only left 15%. Do yourself a favor lady- go find a job smashing boxes and get out of the hospitality business.
(2)
Ekho P.
Apparently this place used to be amazing. It was recommended to us by a local Food Writer, but I was disappointed. I would recommend less salt and oil and more vegetables (green onion, bok choy or anything green) for flavor or even to help the presentation of the food. There are less expensive, better tasting places in town.
(2)
Erica B.
I kept looking at this place when I would drive to the Southgate plaza always wondering what to expect. The store front didn't appear too inviting, but it didn't appear pretentious and desperate to attract customers either (which is a good thing). The parking lot always looked full. While my girlfriend and I were on our way to Publix on Sunday, we took a leap of faith and stepped in. The place was buzzing and quite full with people who appeared to regularly take leaps of faiths of a slightly different variety, and typically on Sundays. Anyways, we found a table and sat down. The decor had Asian touches to it. The menu was uncomplicated and you could even order from their affordable lunch menu on the weekend! Amen!! We liked the little finger-stick-thingies they served with a horseradish sauce and a sweet sauce. The soup (hot and sour) and springroll were very tasty. My Hot and Spicy Chicken was quite tasty. Though slightly greasy, the spice was just right. The fried rice was tasty too, but could use to be a little more moist. The portion was good; we didn't leave hungry. The food here is definitely a cut above the abundantly available Chinese take-out joints. It is worth the extra dollar. Authentic Chinese food is hard to find, and this a decent choice. Overall, we can't wait to go back here again.
(4)
Harland H.
We came in late, but the food was all fresh with large portions, and quite tasty. By far the best oriental style restaurant in Lakeland.
(4)
Jim W.
I found Tom W. and Rusty Z remarks to be way off base. Maybe he is to particular. I eat there at least twice a month and always find the food to be great and the service as well. Tom & Rusty-this is not a fine dining establishment. If you want EXCEPTIONAL food you need to go somewhere else that will charge you $15.00 or more a plate. As you can tell by the other reviews, you are the only ones that have the negative opinions.
(5)
Jessica W.
Ah, yes. Finally, good Chinese food in Lakeland. We went to the Peking House for lunch today. The menu consisted of all of the favorite Chinese dishes. I had the Garlic Chicken and Hot & Sour Soup. I found the soup to be top notch. It was the perfect combination of hot and sour. I was fearful that the garlic chicken may be too strong for a lunch choice since I had to go back to work, but it had the perfect amount of garlic flavor. The fried rice was so good I could have eaten another bowl of it. The lunch combo was the daily special for $5.75 (with the hot & sour soup upgrade). Most of the lunch combos were about $6.25... We asked the waitress about an item that wasn't on the lunch menu but was on the dinner menu. The dinner menu item ran $8.50 and didn't come with soup, but was a much bigger portion...
(3)
Robert W.
Went here for dinner last night. Service was very prompt, nice and attentive. (thanks Teresa). Food was very good. Will definitely visit once a week from now on.
(4)
Ryan H.
Like when I was a kid! This is the Chinese food that you remember as a kid growing up. The kind where you could see your birthday on the placemat. Where you could order Sweet and Sour Sauce and it comes out in a aluminum bowl. And where your sister can buy a Chinese fan from the counter while Dad is paying the bill. Food is good.
(5)
Deke K.
Finest Chinese food in Polk if you are a true foodie.....well balanced hot & sour soup hits the spot (great for medicinal purposes! We love it when we have a cold!) Ginger lovers will get hooked on their Tai Sing Chicken (ask for sauteed, not fried, for more healthful version) with medium heat. Their lemon chicken or orange beef are also very vividly flavored. You can get the combos, early birds & daily specials, but this menu is great for "explorers". Professional, prompt, attentive staff. Lunch combos run 6.25, with one featured on special for 5.25 daily. I'm partial to their spicey dishes like szechuan pork! Great egg rolls and crab rangoon. Ample portions.
(5)
Sam H.
I cant say how much I like the food. If the service matched the food it would easily be five stars
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
April M.
We've eaten at Peking House quite a few times. I'm not sure what all of the fuss is about. The food is fine but not mind blowing. We enjoy their chicken chow mein and the portion is enough for two. Overall its just an average place but if you're in the mood for Chinese, it'll do just fine.
(3)Steven C.
For me, the best quality Chinese food in Lakeland. There is no buffet, but you get very good quality at a reasonable price. They have a different lunch special everyday usually consisting of a main entree with white or fried rice, choice of soup or egg roll and a fortune cookie. Chances are you will find me here on Wednesdays when the special is pork and green onions. I choose the hot and sour soup and white rice. The hot & sour soup is 50 cents extra, but well worth it. It's well balanced between spicy and sour and filled with lots of tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and pork. The interior is roomy, albeit a bit bland. I don't care for the brown sauce, but I don't order that stuff in most places. I've been coming here for about the last 10 years and would recommend it to anyone. Service is good as well. Found their menu here: ourmenuonline.com/PDFMen…
(4)Varrick N.
Our after-church treat many Sundays, we are always delighted by good food & attentive staff; a great value!
(4)Rusty S.
Was good now bad :( Food was bad... Was a Gem.. Yuck.. Nothing but salt, salt and more salt
(1)Will H.
By far, the very best Chinese Food in Lakeland if not all of Florida. This is a true Gem, an old fashioned Chinese Style restaurant. Not the corporate chain. A sit down, order off the menu, and get it fresh. Truly amazing. But, if you are craving that Buffet for a little of this and a lot of that, then go on Mother's Day... The only day they do a buffet. It's only once a year, but you will be thinking about it all the way till next year.
(5)Maura S.
If half-stars were allowed, it'd get a 3-1/2 but I just can't go to four, what with the sad no-veggies-added plain fried rice side dish that was like corrugated cardboard. Our waitress was great. The General Tsao's chicken was quite good and hubby was blown away by the Sweet & Sour Shrimp. I'm newish to the area but I just can't accept this is the best Polk Co. has to offer. For those who swear by it, I'll try it again sometime and post an update if warranted.
(3)Tom W.
I had the sesame chicken and my wife had the sweet & sour chicken, the chicken was plump and juicy but the overall flavor was very average and for the above normal price range I wouldn't say it's worth it. They need to lower their prices or increase the tastiness of their food and decor.
(2)Joe S.
Probably the best chinese food in polk county. Unfortunately, that's probably not saying much. However, when I'm in the area, I love to frequent this restaurant. The hot and sour soup is very well done -- not just your typical chicken broth with vinegar, soy sauce, and corn starch. The portion sizes are very good for the price. My favorite is their garlic beef. The meat is very tender and is twice fried. Good place for good and reasonably priced chinese food.
(4)Angel A.
This restaurant was recommended by a friend. We moved here from Chicago a year and a half ago and have been struggling with the quality of the food here. So we went to Peking house and OMG this place was Amazing it is the closest thing to Chinese food in Chicago and the flavor was spot on. Customers for life.
(5)Jonathan H.
The ambiance is a bit dated, but charming in a small town mountain kind of way. I was hesitant to try this restaurant due to the mixed reviews. I finally gave it a try. 1. Service: The hostess was nice and accommodating my waitress was a new employee. There were only two servers 2. Food: The soup was weird. No other way to describe it. I ordered vegetable soup and received a pseudo clam chowder without clams (see pic). The spicy chicken was too salty and not very spicy. I sent the item back. The chef remade the spicy chicken and it was still salty. I had to get back to work and did not have time to send it back again. Conclusion: Not recommended. The food is not good.
(2)Stephanie M.
We were skeptical as we have not found decent Chinese food outside of NY. This was the best Chinese food we had in a long time, maybe even better than some of the NY joints. Everything was light and fresh; not weighed down by goopy, over-seasoned, too-salty sauces. The vegetables were crisp. The fried dumplings were all worth the wait. So glad we found this little gem.
(5)Justin S.
Peking House is about as good as Chinese food gets here in the city/county. It is definitely a cut above the strip mall everything-is-identical take out "chinese" food places. It is still Americanized to a point, but it's far more authentic than other places. I always end up getting the same thing: Hot & Spicy chicken as hot as they'll make it. The lunch menu is an amazing value for what you get. Their vegetable soup is almost like a chowder and is delicious. The service is a total crapshoot. I've been there when the service was good, I've been there when I was almost totally forgotten. If this review was based on the food alone, I'd give it four stars. But the restaurant itself is outdated, service is sketchy, the bathroom is a bit unnerving, and it just doesn't feel clean in there. But then again, what Chinese restaurant DOES look or feel clean? Walk into any of those aforementioned take out joints and you shoes almost lose their grip on the floor because of the grease floating around in those places. I don't eat there much anymore because it isn't on my diet. Last time I ate there it tore me a new one and haven't been back. That's just because I don't eat much fried food anymore. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. It makes a lot of believers after their first time.
(3)Meranda L.
Order wasn't correct, chicken wasn't spicy and extremely salty. Noodles were very overcooked. Threw half of it away.
(1)Quen H.
Came in for lunch and there was a long line. However, there were plenty of tables. After standing in front of the line for what seemed like at least 15-20 minutes, we left since we got no indication of service from anyone in the restaurant (e.g., "please wait a few more minutes and we will be right with you"). In fact, we were completely ignored and so we weren't sure how much longer the wait would be. Two stars since we didn't get a chance to try the food. We might try again when it isn't so busy.
(2)Sarah B.
All three dishes I've ordered here have been overpriced fatty meat slathered in corn syrup sauce. Very disappointing. Even the teriyaki chicken: oil soaked with corn syrup sweet sauce, nothing like teriyaki. The beef and scallops with mushrooms for $12 dollars: fatty beef with corn syrup based mongolian sauce, nothing like the menu description, with soggy scallops and No mushrooms. The waitstaff does not refill drinks timely. Do not recommend!!!
(1)Brent M.
This is the best Chinese food in Lakeland hands down. Good food good service and a great price. Also the take out is fast and always fresh.
(5)Dustin M.
This is our second time here. The first time we found out they have Peking duck and it must be ordered 24 hours in advanced. It was worth it. Our first time trying it and it's amazing!
(5)Jay D.
We went after church on Sunday for a good set down Chinese meal. We ordered crab Rangoon for appetizers, and it was amazing!!! Best ever! Chicken Lo Mein, General Tso Chicken and Schezuan Beef all were very good! Each entree was plenty and we have lunch for tomorrow. We will definitely be back!
(5)Nick D.
The food is hot, tasty, and at a great value. They have daily specials that are very good as well. The servers are also very pleasant and friendly.
(4)Craig B.
My wife and I have been here several times and never disappointed. The house special chicken is delicious!
(4)Rick J.
I've been going to this restaurant for many years here in Lakeland and it is by far the best Chinese food you can get in town because each dish is fresh made - no mega buffets with bland sauce and limp vegetables! Most places in this town are the strip mall take out type of Chinese food - this is one of the few sitdown meals you can get as far as Chinese food goes - I highly recommend this place!
(5)Ash C.
Food was great- service was arguably the worst I've ever had. Our server was rude and rushed us from the moment we walked in the door- at 5:15pm and the restaurant was dead. Absolutely inexcusable. We were there as a family for holiday dinner and this wench totally ruined what would have been a pleasant experience. I didn't want to be rude while enjoying a family dinner, but by the end of the meal I ended up telling her off. Unfortunately I can't find it in my heart to stiff a server, but that's the first time in a really REALLY long time that I've only left 15%. Do yourself a favor lady- go find a job smashing boxes and get out of the hospitality business.
(2)Ekho P.
Apparently this place used to be amazing. It was recommended to us by a local Food Writer, but I was disappointed. I would recommend less salt and oil and more vegetables (green onion, bok choy or anything green) for flavor or even to help the presentation of the food. There are less expensive, better tasting places in town.
(2)Erica B.
I kept looking at this place when I would drive to the Southgate plaza always wondering what to expect. The store front didn't appear too inviting, but it didn't appear pretentious and desperate to attract customers either (which is a good thing). The parking lot always looked full. While my girlfriend and I were on our way to Publix on Sunday, we took a leap of faith and stepped in. The place was buzzing and quite full with people who appeared to regularly take leaps of faiths of a slightly different variety, and typically on Sundays. Anyways, we found a table and sat down. The decor had Asian touches to it. The menu was uncomplicated and you could even order from their affordable lunch menu on the weekend! Amen!! We liked the little finger-stick-thingies they served with a horseradish sauce and a sweet sauce. The soup (hot and sour) and springroll were very tasty. My Hot and Spicy Chicken was quite tasty. Though slightly greasy, the spice was just right. The fried rice was tasty too, but could use to be a little more moist. The portion was good; we didn't leave hungry. The food here is definitely a cut above the abundantly available Chinese take-out joints. It is worth the extra dollar. Authentic Chinese food is hard to find, and this a decent choice. Overall, we can't wait to go back here again.
(4)Harland H.
We came in late, but the food was all fresh with large portions, and quite tasty. By far the best oriental style restaurant in Lakeland.
(4)Jim W.
I found Tom W. and Rusty Z remarks to be way off base. Maybe he is to particular. I eat there at least twice a month and always find the food to be great and the service as well. Tom & Rusty-this is not a fine dining establishment. If you want EXCEPTIONAL food you need to go somewhere else that will charge you $15.00 or more a plate. As you can tell by the other reviews, you are the only ones that have the negative opinions.
(5)Jessica W.
Ah, yes. Finally, good Chinese food in Lakeland. We went to the Peking House for lunch today. The menu consisted of all of the favorite Chinese dishes. I had the Garlic Chicken and Hot & Sour Soup. I found the soup to be top notch. It was the perfect combination of hot and sour. I was fearful that the garlic chicken may be too strong for a lunch choice since I had to go back to work, but it had the perfect amount of garlic flavor. The fried rice was so good I could have eaten another bowl of it. The lunch combo was the daily special for $5.75 (with the hot & sour soup upgrade). Most of the lunch combos were about $6.25... We asked the waitress about an item that wasn't on the lunch menu but was on the dinner menu. The dinner menu item ran $8.50 and didn't come with soup, but was a much bigger portion...
(3)Robert W.
Went here for dinner last night. Service was very prompt, nice and attentive. (thanks Teresa). Food was very good. Will definitely visit once a week from now on.
(4)Ryan H.
Like when I was a kid! This is the Chinese food that you remember as a kid growing up. The kind where you could see your birthday on the placemat. Where you could order Sweet and Sour Sauce and it comes out in a aluminum bowl. And where your sister can buy a Chinese fan from the counter while Dad is paying the bill. Food is good.
(5)Deke K.
Finest Chinese food in Polk if you are a true foodie.....well balanced hot & sour soup hits the spot (great for medicinal purposes! We love it when we have a cold!) Ginger lovers will get hooked on their Tai Sing Chicken (ask for sauteed, not fried, for more healthful version) with medium heat. Their lemon chicken or orange beef are also very vividly flavored. You can get the combos, early birds & daily specials, but this menu is great for "explorers". Professional, prompt, attentive staff. Lunch combos run 6.25, with one featured on special for 5.25 daily. I'm partial to their spicey dishes like szechuan pork! Great egg rolls and crab rangoon. Ample portions.
(5)Sam H.
I cant say how much I like the food. If the service matched the food it would easily be five stars
(4)