I have always grown up getting takeout from this place. There egg rolls are the best around and I have tried a lot. They recently have remodeled the place inside make it a lot more modern and swanky! They also added a sushi bar which is my husbands and my favorite place to go on date night! It needs more of a crowd, so they need to get the word out but the food is always fantastic! Go give them a try!!
(5)
Mckenzie S.
Had to give 4 stars only because they don't deliver. Hands down BEST Chinese food in the Severna park/Pasadena area.
(4)
Gary H.
We went here for a birthday dinner for my friend. She brought her two kids. They seemed to love it. Maybe my tastes have changed so much but to be honest, I probably wouldn't go back here again. Don't get me wrong, it's not because of the place, the service or the food. It was all good. I'm just not a fan of these kind of restaurants. The price was right...the food was delicious. The ambience is not too romantic or warm...but the bathrooms are very clean and modern. The tables are awkward for having a large group. It was difficult to find room for our plates! They don't use traditional service dishes or pans, but bring the out on an uncovered HUGE plate. So it makes the servings looks smaller than they actually are. Then there is no room on the table. I like to scoop my Chinese food onto my white rice...but the way they present it, it's already on a plate with no rice. Kind of strange. THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS! The Egg Rolls are the best. I will definitely agree to some awesome carryout from them again but probably won't dine there. P.S. The bar area looked a lot more interesting on the way out. This review does not address the bar area. It's totally different than the other part of the restaurant.
(3)
Terry M.
The day that I moved to Severna Park, I decided to get some sushi to celebrate. Szechuan Inn was local and I decided to check it out with my wife. This is not my first sushi restaurant, though I do not consider myself a snob. The sushi seemed VERY bland and very much not worth the price that I paid for the sushi. I was not the only one that thought this, my wife felt the same way about the sushi. That night, my kids wanted to have carry out Chinese food for dinner since we hadn't bought a refrigerator yet. I decided to give the other side of Szechuan Inn a try. Again, the food was bland. There was a lot of food for the price, but there was no flavor that I would expect. After two poor meals in the same day from Szechuan Inn, I will not be returning with all of the other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Joshua M.
I was delightfully impressed!! We went to the sister restaurant in Millersville and found they were closed while they put gas lines in the kitchen, and the sign pointed us here!! Ok I'm game!! It might have been Mr Lee's downfall, cause this place is awesome!! I have long maintained Mr Lee's Gen Tsos chicken was the best around....not any more!! The wonton soup was pretty dang good, the crab wonton were ok, shrimp toast was ok. Not great but ok? My daughter had the sesame chicken and that she raved about!! I tried and it was actually pretty good!! So all in all great good experience!! The decor was nice, modern pretty cool koi pond interesting art on the wall!! Service was pretty good although maybe a bit slow. But not bad. I guess of I had one complaint, maybe a bit on the pricey side? I'd definitely go back, and seeing as how the two are equal distance from me, it might be a hard choice!!
(4)
Severna P.
I'm very confused by this place. They have (or should I say had) a location in Millersville that was AMAZING! We went there weekly. Now, that location has had a recording when you call, for over a month, saying they will be closed for a week. What is going on? If you are closed for good let us know. We really miss them. The food here is no where near comparable... very disappointing. In addition to flavorless, sub par food, the prices are at least $2 more a dish than the other place. Severna Park premium I guess? They stopped making the best thing on the menu - Shrimp Spring Rolls. Now if you want shrimp, you have to order the bulky grocery store quality rolls with baby shrimp. No good. The shrimp in other dishes smells fishy and is very soft (maybe old). Sushi is a let down too. Wegman's is way better. They also advertise delivery on the menus, but do not have it. We wanted to love this place, but it just leaves us wondering how the two locations are related since they are nothing alike. We miss you Lee's Szechuan. Guess it's back to Gourmet Asia! At least they have great spring rolls and high quality food. Just no eat in area.
(2)
Charman Z.
I had previously tried this restaurant shortly after it had reopened and had been very disappointed in the service and the lack of customer service. For a restaurant that was newly opened the new owners didn't seem very motivated to keep customers who had come to this restaurant for many years and refused to honor a gift card from the old owners. However I was in the mood for Chinese food and it had been several months since we had come to the restaurant and I wanted to give this restaurant another try. My daughter , granddaughter and I came for dinner a few nights ago. I did not have very high hopes for a good experience. That's why the food was such a wonderful surprise. I love Chinese food and this food was fabulous. The taste , the texture , the aroma ... everything was just great. Now for the downside the service and customer service aspect is still dismal. The staff barley acknowledges you. No welcome greeting when you come in.the interaction with our server was one of disinterest. She acted as if we were imposing on her time and once we got our food we never start until it was time to drop off the bill. No friendly "thank you and come back again " when we left. It is only because the food, we had their ginger chicken and my granddaughter had their shrimp lo Mein , that I gave this restaurant 3 and it is the only reason we will go back. It would have been so easy with a little effort for the staff to have made this a really great experience but they're obviously being forced to work someplace they don't want to be. Not a smile or a friendly word in the place. hopefully the owners will do what they need to do to improve in this area.
(3)
Lee W.
First time we've been back since the remodel and it's quite a different vibe, energetic and positive. We had soup (corn egg-drop, spicy beef - both really good), my wife had the combo meal that included some shrimp toasts and stuffed wontons. Our entrees were the Hunan beef for her, nicely prepared and just the right amount of spicy, and I had the Peking Duck, not the best I've ever had but good crispy skin and delicious flavor, and the pancakes were piping warm. Exactly what I wanted after a long, snowy week - comfort food Chinese style. Oh, and the service was top-notch, friendly and prompt.
(4)
Nancy W.
This has to be the WORST place I have ever eaten. I have tried it twice, and both times the food was horrible. The service, if you can call it that, is even worse than the food. We waited over 45 min. to get a drink once we were seated. Then over 30 min. to have our order taken, I had to go get management. Then another 45 min. to get food while everyone else who came in after us was being served. My husband's seafood meal was RAW! This undoubtedly was the worst food and service I have ever experienced. If you want really good Chinese food, go to Hunan Rose in Gambrills.
(1)
Thomas M.
The Sushi was so bad that we cod not eat it. My wife had them box it up so they would not feel bad. I tossed it in the trash outside the front door. Yuck.
You know, this wasn't as I remeber. I haven't been here in a decade, but gone are the stoggy booths and dank corners. The place is modern and fun. The service was spectacular and the food was perfect. Quality, authentic Sezuan.
(4)
Lucy S.
First time back since they reopened. The place looked great, but otherwise it was very disappointing. We felt rushed in the beginning when everything started arriving at once. We asked our waiter to slow it down a bit. When our entrees arrived, one of them (beef and broccoli) was barely tepid. The broccoli was actually cold.Our waiter didn't check on us until we were ready to leave. When we explained that our food was cold, the response from our waiter was that the broccoli was boiled and 'what do you want me to do?' The screaming child in the bar area did nothing for the ambiance, but it is the food and service that will keep us from returning.
(2)
Michael W.
We loved the Singapore Noodles and Moo Shu pork. Good location but could be hard to find. Clean. The bar is all you hear in the restaurant, sounds like a sports bar, so may keep families away . Maybe isolate the bar to improve the atmosphere of the restaurant. As others had mentioned, the sushi is just ok and pricey. I think maybe the Chinese food is their niche. This area needs good Chinese food.
(4)
Dawn R.
Alright.....let me just start out by saying that as far as the food is concerned, this place is just OK. I've never had anything bad, so take that for what it's worth. It's kind of tucked back into the back side of a strip mall by a Safeway, so you may pass it up without realizing it's there, but just turn back around and you'll find it. But what I LOVE about this place is the people! Go in on a Monday night during football season and you'll see what I'm talking about.....they run a contest during each game complete with a community tiki cup to be passed around, have a buffet set up....almost like a pot-luck, definitely not what one would expect in a place called "Szechuan Inn". The bartender knows all the regulars, and if you're not a regular you will be before you leave.
(4)
Steve S.
I love the food, occasionally they have a bad day and the flavor isn't there, but it's second best in Severna Park next to Number1 Chinese. However, unless you are a local scumbag from Carrolton Manor I would avoid going into the bar. It truly is amazing that in an affluent area like SP you feel like you walked into 'Deliverance'. I think after Snyder's closed all the alcoholic degenerates decided to congregate at The Szechuan Inn bar. I give the stars for the carry out.
(4)
Corey B.
Most of the dishes here have one note. Everything is very blah. The decor leaves you wondering if you are at a funeral home; still not sure why it s no dark inside.
(2)
Ivana T.
Szechuan Inn is definitely one of the more underrated places I've been to, and as far as authentic Chinese food goes in Maryland (which is rather limited in selection), this place is REALLY good! I especially loved their fried shrimp and can agree with the other Yelpers below me that the beef and broccoli and soups are also pretty good. Being Chinese, I eat similar types of dishes practically everyday (thanks Mom), but if you are going for the first time and may not be too familiar with the items on the menu, definitely play it safe and ask them for their more popular choices. In terms of ambiance, it's a little different from the scene I'm used to (I'm originally from LA), but the owners of the restaurant are some of the nicest people I have ever met. If the place isn't too busy, strike up some conversation with them -- they're so friendly! The restaurant is unofficially split into two sections, a more quiet dining area (very family friendly) and at night, there's a bar and karaoke / DJ. Seems to be better suited for a more mature crowd, but lively and fun nonetheless. Overall, I think this is a great hole-in-the-wall, and I believe they print coupons in the local newspaper, so definitely check it out!
(5)
Angela U.
I've gone to this place a ton of times, and I've definitely learned to find a few things you like and stick with that... the Moo Goo Gai Pan and the Beef & Broccoli are very good, but I hated the orange beef, which was disappointing since it's one of my favorite dishes. This is my father-in-law's favorite restaurant so we go here for him a lot. If it weren't for that, I probably wouldn't go much on my own, since I'm more of a P.F. Chang's fan. The atmosphere is dimly lit, more formal... although the other side of a the restaurant is a rowdy Keno bar type place. If you're not okay with residual noise filtering over from that, then you'll be disappointed. Great place for babies and very small children... you don't have to worry about not having enough room for the stroller and they are very accommodating and will give you a REAL high chair to use, not those wobbly wooden things! That is one thing we really appreciate. Good Chinese tea.
(3)
Joanna R.
We went here last Saturday after a friends-giving gathering. All we wanted was some karaoke and alcohol with the potential to order Chinese food after getting drunk. I love weird things... like bars attached to the back of Chinese food restaurants and I'd heard great things about a friend's experience. The friend was also with us this evening. As soon as we walked through the restaurant to the bar area, I could tell things weren't going to go well. Some townie at the bar commented audibly "How old are THEY?". Two of the 8 people in our party were originally from out of state (Pennsylvania and New Jersey). Of course those were the IDs the bartender decided to check first. Of our party, 6 of us were 25, one 26 year old, and one 28 year old. Every man in our group had a full beard or a goatee. She took the second out of state ID into the back and scanned it. When she got around to my fiance (the fourth ID she checked), she asked him say his name and then to repeat his name (Vladimir). So he did. She mangled it and kept asking him to repeat it. Finally she told him to spell it. Again multiple times. It was clear she didn't want us there. Vlad asked her if she was kidding. She got flippant and said "NO. I am NOT kidding." Next it was my turn. I was driving 5 people, including myself, and hadn't planned on drinking at ALL. When I told her I didn't want anything I was told there was a 5$ minimum and that I had to order. When I asked her, like Vlad, if she was kidding, she again said "No. The entertainment here isn't free." At this point most of our table was laughing and I asked them if we could just leave. Being forced to drink when other people at our table would've more than covered my 5$ minimum with their own drinks really rubbed me the wrong way. On top of that... she had no idea if I was later going to order food. The whole thing could've been handled in a more professional way. Our friend ordered a Hurricane, a drink she had never even heard of. He settled for a nearly 10$ Midori sour. I guess these people think they're running a bar in Baltimore City instead of some sub-par townie bar people go to the play Keno and people watch. I was completely blown away. On top of all of this? I've never been more bored by karaoke in my life. Everyone there was singing the saddest, most morose, weirdest songs I've ever heard in my entire life. I'm pretty sure a couple of the people were professional Broadway singers or something. The rest were just awful (which is great!) but sand ridiculous songs. The whole night was absolutely bizarre. I wouldn't even recommend going to find out if the food is edible based on the other reviews and the fact that the people that work here are completely rude. What I find most amusing is that this bartender woman with her bob-haircut and crappy black vest had no idea she had 8 people sitting at a table who make like 50+grand a year and would've stayed all night to order drinks and tip her if she weren't such a crusty, mean, old woman.
(1)
Neal E.
My girlfriend and I hit the Szechuan Inn last evening for dinner. It was my first visit and it had been some years since last she visited. It was a Saturday evening - and we expected it to be crowded. On the contrary, there was no line and the place was almost empty. I chalk this up to the amazingly beautiful weather we were having - everyone was probably home grilling out on the deck! The ambiance of the place is nice - the lights are turned down low and there are candles adorning each table, covered in a crisp, white tablecloth. We were seated at a corner combination booth/table. When I go for Chinese, I pretty much know what I like - having tried most Chinese dishes many times. My girlfriend ordered an order of 4 spring rolls for us to share, and the Beef Szechuan, while I ordered the Hot & Sour soup and Kung Pao Chicken - extra spicy. Both were served with a side of fried rice. We also ordered a pot of Chinese tea. We were brought a bowl of the fried crispy noodles to dip in Duck Sauce or Chinese mustard while we waited for our food. I must say - the Chinese mustard was serviceable - but it was not as hot and spicy as I would have liked. We ate the whole bowl of mustard and asked for a second one. We barely touched the Duck Sauce - neither of us are a fan of Duck Sauce. The soup was tasty and I shared some with my girlfriend. The entrees were also good. Chinese restaurants seem to have a wide variation of what chopped vegetables they use in their Kung Pao dishes. I am a fan of the ones that include Broccoli florets. Their version had no Broccoli - in fact, I was only able to discern that there was celery and scallions in this version. The spice level was good - I worked up a mild sweat eating it. My girlfriend's entree was okay - I am not a fan of Beef Szechuan, she tried some of my entree and liked it better. The servers were very attentive and we enjoyed our dinner there. The Inn is reasonably priced - dinner for two with tip came to $36.00. If the Chinese mustard had been hotter and the Kung Pao Chicken had more vegetables, I would have given them a 5 star rating.
(4)
Scott B.
I do not want to be mean but this place was terrible. I ordered a lunch special that cost $8.00 and it was served with a main dish (pork lo mein) a tiny soup and a greasy eggroll (I think is was an eggroll just meat inside) and fried rice I think, because the rice was really terrible as it was old white rice that appeared to be cooked several times in soy sauce with no other ingredients. I do not recommend this place even for a quick stop as I did.
(1)
Michelle B.
This place is alright. The food is nothing special but it is well priced. I love the chunch things they give you before your meal, it's my favorite part of going. The have a great lunch special and the hot and sour soup is very yummy.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Music : DJ, Live, Karaoke Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
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.
Christina B.
I have always grown up getting takeout from this place. There egg rolls are the best around and I have tried a lot. They recently have remodeled the place inside make it a lot more modern and swanky! They also added a sushi bar which is my husbands and my favorite place to go on date night! It needs more of a crowd, so they need to get the word out but the food is always fantastic! Go give them a try!!
(5)Mckenzie S.
Had to give 4 stars only because they don't deliver. Hands down BEST Chinese food in the Severna park/Pasadena area.
(4)Gary H.
We went here for a birthday dinner for my friend. She brought her two kids. They seemed to love it. Maybe my tastes have changed so much but to be honest, I probably wouldn't go back here again. Don't get me wrong, it's not because of the place, the service or the food. It was all good. I'm just not a fan of these kind of restaurants. The price was right...the food was delicious. The ambience is not too romantic or warm...but the bathrooms are very clean and modern. The tables are awkward for having a large group. It was difficult to find room for our plates! They don't use traditional service dishes or pans, but bring the out on an uncovered HUGE plate. So it makes the servings looks smaller than they actually are. Then there is no room on the table. I like to scoop my Chinese food onto my white rice...but the way they present it, it's already on a plate with no rice. Kind of strange. THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS! The Egg Rolls are the best. I will definitely agree to some awesome carryout from them again but probably won't dine there. P.S. The bar area looked a lot more interesting on the way out. This review does not address the bar area. It's totally different than the other part of the restaurant.
(3)Terry M.
The day that I moved to Severna Park, I decided to get some sushi to celebrate. Szechuan Inn was local and I decided to check it out with my wife. This is not my first sushi restaurant, though I do not consider myself a snob. The sushi seemed VERY bland and very much not worth the price that I paid for the sushi. I was not the only one that thought this, my wife felt the same way about the sushi. That night, my kids wanted to have carry out Chinese food for dinner since we hadn't bought a refrigerator yet. I decided to give the other side of Szechuan Inn a try. Again, the food was bland. There was a lot of food for the price, but there was no flavor that I would expect. After two poor meals in the same day from Szechuan Inn, I will not be returning with all of the other restaurants in the area.
(2)Joshua M.
I was delightfully impressed!! We went to the sister restaurant in Millersville and found they were closed while they put gas lines in the kitchen, and the sign pointed us here!! Ok I'm game!! It might have been Mr Lee's downfall, cause this place is awesome!! I have long maintained Mr Lee's Gen Tsos chicken was the best around....not any more!! The wonton soup was pretty dang good, the crab wonton were ok, shrimp toast was ok. Not great but ok? My daughter had the sesame chicken and that she raved about!! I tried and it was actually pretty good!! So all in all great good experience!! The decor was nice, modern pretty cool koi pond interesting art on the wall!! Service was pretty good although maybe a bit slow. But not bad. I guess of I had one complaint, maybe a bit on the pricey side? I'd definitely go back, and seeing as how the two are equal distance from me, it might be a hard choice!!
(4)Severna P.
I'm very confused by this place. They have (or should I say had) a location in Millersville that was AMAZING! We went there weekly. Now, that location has had a recording when you call, for over a month, saying they will be closed for a week. What is going on? If you are closed for good let us know. We really miss them. The food here is no where near comparable... very disappointing. In addition to flavorless, sub par food, the prices are at least $2 more a dish than the other place. Severna Park premium I guess? They stopped making the best thing on the menu - Shrimp Spring Rolls. Now if you want shrimp, you have to order the bulky grocery store quality rolls with baby shrimp. No good. The shrimp in other dishes smells fishy and is very soft (maybe old). Sushi is a let down too. Wegman's is way better. They also advertise delivery on the menus, but do not have it. We wanted to love this place, but it just leaves us wondering how the two locations are related since they are nothing alike. We miss you Lee's Szechuan. Guess it's back to Gourmet Asia! At least they have great spring rolls and high quality food. Just no eat in area.
(2)Charman Z.
I had previously tried this restaurant shortly after it had reopened and had been very disappointed in the service and the lack of customer service. For a restaurant that was newly opened the new owners didn't seem very motivated to keep customers who had come to this restaurant for many years and refused to honor a gift card from the old owners. However I was in the mood for Chinese food and it had been several months since we had come to the restaurant and I wanted to give this restaurant another try. My daughter , granddaughter and I came for dinner a few nights ago. I did not have very high hopes for a good experience. That's why the food was such a wonderful surprise. I love Chinese food and this food was fabulous. The taste , the texture , the aroma ... everything was just great. Now for the downside the service and customer service aspect is still dismal. The staff barley acknowledges you. No welcome greeting when you come in.the interaction with our server was one of disinterest. She acted as if we were imposing on her time and once we got our food we never start until it was time to drop off the bill. No friendly "thank you and come back again " when we left. It is only because the food, we had their ginger chicken and my granddaughter had their shrimp lo Mein , that I gave this restaurant 3 and it is the only reason we will go back. It would have been so easy with a little effort for the staff to have made this a really great experience but they're obviously being forced to work someplace they don't want to be. Not a smile or a friendly word in the place. hopefully the owners will do what they need to do to improve in this area.
(3)Lee W.
First time we've been back since the remodel and it's quite a different vibe, energetic and positive. We had soup (corn egg-drop, spicy beef - both really good), my wife had the combo meal that included some shrimp toasts and stuffed wontons. Our entrees were the Hunan beef for her, nicely prepared and just the right amount of spicy, and I had the Peking Duck, not the best I've ever had but good crispy skin and delicious flavor, and the pancakes were piping warm. Exactly what I wanted after a long, snowy week - comfort food Chinese style. Oh, and the service was top-notch, friendly and prompt.
(4)Nancy W.
This has to be the WORST place I have ever eaten. I have tried it twice, and both times the food was horrible. The service, if you can call it that, is even worse than the food. We waited over 45 min. to get a drink once we were seated. Then over 30 min. to have our order taken, I had to go get management. Then another 45 min. to get food while everyone else who came in after us was being served. My husband's seafood meal was RAW! This undoubtedly was the worst food and service I have ever experienced. If you want really good Chinese food, go to Hunan Rose in Gambrills.
(1)Thomas M.
The Sushi was so bad that we cod not eat it. My wife had them box it up so they would not feel bad. I tossed it in the trash outside the front door. Yuck.
(1)Nancy G.
The restaurant is under new ownership, and I think they are doing a great job with the food. I'm a vegetarian, and it's nice that they have some bean curd dishes other than General Tso's Tofu. I am a big fan of their Sesame Bean Curd. Delish! The bathroom is clean (everything in the restaurant appears clean, which is important), the décor is beautiful, and the fish pond is a nice extra. I plan on being a regular customer.
(4)Evan G.
You know, this wasn't as I remeber. I haven't been here in a decade, but gone are the stoggy booths and dank corners. The place is modern and fun. The service was spectacular and the food was perfect. Quality, authentic Sezuan.
(4)Lucy S.
First time back since they reopened. The place looked great, but otherwise it was very disappointing. We felt rushed in the beginning when everything started arriving at once. We asked our waiter to slow it down a bit. When our entrees arrived, one of them (beef and broccoli) was barely tepid. The broccoli was actually cold.Our waiter didn't check on us until we were ready to leave. When we explained that our food was cold, the response from our waiter was that the broccoli was boiled and 'what do you want me to do?' The screaming child in the bar area did nothing for the ambiance, but it is the food and service that will keep us from returning.
(2)Michael W.
We loved the Singapore Noodles and Moo Shu pork. Good location but could be hard to find. Clean. The bar is all you hear in the restaurant, sounds like a sports bar, so may keep families away . Maybe isolate the bar to improve the atmosphere of the restaurant. As others had mentioned, the sushi is just ok and pricey. I think maybe the Chinese food is their niche. This area needs good Chinese food.
(4)Dawn R.
Alright.....let me just start out by saying that as far as the food is concerned, this place is just OK. I've never had anything bad, so take that for what it's worth. It's kind of tucked back into the back side of a strip mall by a Safeway, so you may pass it up without realizing it's there, but just turn back around and you'll find it. But what I LOVE about this place is the people! Go in on a Monday night during football season and you'll see what I'm talking about.....they run a contest during each game complete with a community tiki cup to be passed around, have a buffet set up....almost like a pot-luck, definitely not what one would expect in a place called "Szechuan Inn". The bartender knows all the regulars, and if you're not a regular you will be before you leave.
(4)Steve S.
I love the food, occasionally they have a bad day and the flavor isn't there, but it's second best in Severna Park next to Number1 Chinese. However, unless you are a local scumbag from Carrolton Manor I would avoid going into the bar. It truly is amazing that in an affluent area like SP you feel like you walked into 'Deliverance'. I think after Snyder's closed all the alcoholic degenerates decided to congregate at The Szechuan Inn bar. I give the stars for the carry out.
(4)Corey B.
Most of the dishes here have one note. Everything is very blah. The decor leaves you wondering if you are at a funeral home; still not sure why it s no dark inside.
(2)Ivana T.
Szechuan Inn is definitely one of the more underrated places I've been to, and as far as authentic Chinese food goes in Maryland (which is rather limited in selection), this place is REALLY good! I especially loved their fried shrimp and can agree with the other Yelpers below me that the beef and broccoli and soups are also pretty good. Being Chinese, I eat similar types of dishes practically everyday (thanks Mom), but if you are going for the first time and may not be too familiar with the items on the menu, definitely play it safe and ask them for their more popular choices. In terms of ambiance, it's a little different from the scene I'm used to (I'm originally from LA), but the owners of the restaurant are some of the nicest people I have ever met. If the place isn't too busy, strike up some conversation with them -- they're so friendly! The restaurant is unofficially split into two sections, a more quiet dining area (very family friendly) and at night, there's a bar and karaoke / DJ. Seems to be better suited for a more mature crowd, but lively and fun nonetheless. Overall, I think this is a great hole-in-the-wall, and I believe they print coupons in the local newspaper, so definitely check it out!
(5)Angela U.
I've gone to this place a ton of times, and I've definitely learned to find a few things you like and stick with that... the Moo Goo Gai Pan and the Beef & Broccoli are very good, but I hated the orange beef, which was disappointing since it's one of my favorite dishes. This is my father-in-law's favorite restaurant so we go here for him a lot. If it weren't for that, I probably wouldn't go much on my own, since I'm more of a P.F. Chang's fan. The atmosphere is dimly lit, more formal... although the other side of a the restaurant is a rowdy Keno bar type place. If you're not okay with residual noise filtering over from that, then you'll be disappointed. Great place for babies and very small children... you don't have to worry about not having enough room for the stroller and they are very accommodating and will give you a REAL high chair to use, not those wobbly wooden things! That is one thing we really appreciate. Good Chinese tea.
(3)Joanna R.
We went here last Saturday after a friends-giving gathering. All we wanted was some karaoke and alcohol with the potential to order Chinese food after getting drunk. I love weird things... like bars attached to the back of Chinese food restaurants and I'd heard great things about a friend's experience. The friend was also with us this evening. As soon as we walked through the restaurant to the bar area, I could tell things weren't going to go well. Some townie at the bar commented audibly "How old are THEY?". Two of the 8 people in our party were originally from out of state (Pennsylvania and New Jersey). Of course those were the IDs the bartender decided to check first. Of our party, 6 of us were 25, one 26 year old, and one 28 year old. Every man in our group had a full beard or a goatee. She took the second out of state ID into the back and scanned it. When she got around to my fiance (the fourth ID she checked), she asked him say his name and then to repeat his name (Vladimir). So he did. She mangled it and kept asking him to repeat it. Finally she told him to spell it. Again multiple times. It was clear she didn't want us there. Vlad asked her if she was kidding. She got flippant and said "NO. I am NOT kidding." Next it was my turn. I was driving 5 people, including myself, and hadn't planned on drinking at ALL. When I told her I didn't want anything I was told there was a 5$ minimum and that I had to order. When I asked her, like Vlad, if she was kidding, she again said "No. The entertainment here isn't free." At this point most of our table was laughing and I asked them if we could just leave. Being forced to drink when other people at our table would've more than covered my 5$ minimum with their own drinks really rubbed me the wrong way. On top of that... she had no idea if I was later going to order food. The whole thing could've been handled in a more professional way. Our friend ordered a Hurricane, a drink she had never even heard of. He settled for a nearly 10$ Midori sour. I guess these people think they're running a bar in Baltimore City instead of some sub-par townie bar people go to the play Keno and people watch. I was completely blown away. On top of all of this? I've never been more bored by karaoke in my life. Everyone there was singing the saddest, most morose, weirdest songs I've ever heard in my entire life. I'm pretty sure a couple of the people were professional Broadway singers or something. The rest were just awful (which is great!) but sand ridiculous songs. The whole night was absolutely bizarre. I wouldn't even recommend going to find out if the food is edible based on the other reviews and the fact that the people that work here are completely rude. What I find most amusing is that this bartender woman with her bob-haircut and crappy black vest had no idea she had 8 people sitting at a table who make like 50+grand a year and would've stayed all night to order drinks and tip her if she weren't such a crusty, mean, old woman.
(1)Neal E.
My girlfriend and I hit the Szechuan Inn last evening for dinner. It was my first visit and it had been some years since last she visited. It was a Saturday evening - and we expected it to be crowded. On the contrary, there was no line and the place was almost empty. I chalk this up to the amazingly beautiful weather we were having - everyone was probably home grilling out on the deck! The ambiance of the place is nice - the lights are turned down low and there are candles adorning each table, covered in a crisp, white tablecloth. We were seated at a corner combination booth/table. When I go for Chinese, I pretty much know what I like - having tried most Chinese dishes many times. My girlfriend ordered an order of 4 spring rolls for us to share, and the Beef Szechuan, while I ordered the Hot & Sour soup and Kung Pao Chicken - extra spicy. Both were served with a side of fried rice. We also ordered a pot of Chinese tea. We were brought a bowl of the fried crispy noodles to dip in Duck Sauce or Chinese mustard while we waited for our food. I must say - the Chinese mustard was serviceable - but it was not as hot and spicy as I would have liked. We ate the whole bowl of mustard and asked for a second one. We barely touched the Duck Sauce - neither of us are a fan of Duck Sauce. The soup was tasty and I shared some with my girlfriend. The entrees were also good. Chinese restaurants seem to have a wide variation of what chopped vegetables they use in their Kung Pao dishes. I am a fan of the ones that include Broccoli florets. Their version had no Broccoli - in fact, I was only able to discern that there was celery and scallions in this version. The spice level was good - I worked up a mild sweat eating it. My girlfriend's entree was okay - I am not a fan of Beef Szechuan, she tried some of my entree and liked it better. The servers were very attentive and we enjoyed our dinner there. The Inn is reasonably priced - dinner for two with tip came to $36.00. If the Chinese mustard had been hotter and the Kung Pao Chicken had more vegetables, I would have given them a 5 star rating.
(4)Scott B.
I do not want to be mean but this place was terrible. I ordered a lunch special that cost $8.00 and it was served with a main dish (pork lo mein) a tiny soup and a greasy eggroll (I think is was an eggroll just meat inside) and fried rice I think, because the rice was really terrible as it was old white rice that appeared to be cooked several times in soy sauce with no other ingredients. I do not recommend this place even for a quick stop as I did.
(1)Michelle B.
This place is alright. The food is nothing special but it is well priced. I love the chunch things they give you before your meal, it's my favorite part of going. The have a great lunch special and the hot and sour soup is very yummy.
(3)