Simply the best Chinese food in town. My family has been coming here for 15+ years. The food is always fresh and delicious. The service is okay. They are attentive and get the job done. :) friendliness is a hit or miss. But the food always makes up for it. This place has the heat crab ragoons and egg drop soup in the city. Also the chicken wings they serve with lunch are soooo delicious.
(5)
Katrina S.
My boyfriend and I have ordered take out from first wok Chinese two or three times. Foods good, good prices and I think it's super cute inside ( meaning all the cute knickknacks they have in the Display case!) 4 stars
(4)
John K.
Great food at reasonable prices. I took my sister here for a Sunday lunch and we really enjoyed the service and food. Their drinks were also reasonably priced. Our server, Qui, was great! I'd come here again if I was in the mood for Chinese food.
(5)
Andrea K.
You know when it's cold, dreary, and rainy/snowy out and all you want is something warm to eat while watching "New Girl" or "The Mindy Project" on your couch? Well, when that happens, I have to get Chinese food and am conditioned to go to First Wok. I used to frequent the place often in my previous GR days, and after moving back, have rediscovered it. Why? Because it hits the spot. That simple. I go for the chicken lo mein because I like the flavor and the type of noodles they use (not at all like the ones you find EVERYwhere else - they're kinda like linguine and I like that). I also quite enjoy their steamed dumplings, wonton soup, egg rolls, crab cheese, and the orange slices you get when you dine in (and they ALWAYS have awesome oranges). Perk: Sundays, soup and egg roll comes with your dinner when you dine-in (how do you beat that?!). Then, when you get an order to-go, they even give you a jasmine tea bag with the almond cookies! They really nail it on the small details. Then, when I'm not wanting to make a nest of blankets and Chinese food on my couch, I will dine in and never have had anything less of great service, sometimes by some colorful characters who I think were working at that spot before the place even opened. I can even appreciate the dated decor, just confirms you're at the right place. So this is, by far, my favorite Chinese place in GR. I'll even hit up the one on 44th Street if I'm on that side of town making a Horrock's trip, since shopping does encourage an appetite.
(5)
Jack B.
This I the second time I have visited, I stay at the Holiday Inn near by. I ordered Shrimp and broccoli, egg roll, and soup. cost $18 (They forgot the rice!!!) I hate when you drive back to the hotel around 9 at night after driving all day and no rice. The last time I ordered the lo mein noodles and soup, they forgot to put the soup. The taste is not that better in fact worse than most Chinese restaurants. There is one in the same area I want to try now called Three Hapiness.
(1)
Grant P.
OMG, you guys, they're going to kick me out of Grand Rapids for being so mean to all the restaurants. I feel horrible about hating on my second one in a row...but seriously? Pretty sure this was the absolute worst Chinese food I've ever eaten. It takes a lot for me to only give one star, but honestly I don't think this place even deserves that. An unpleasant dining experience started with our waitress. You have to have better food to cop an attitude like this chick. She was impatient and rude, and acted like she was doing us a favor to take our order. My poor mother in law sometimes takes awhile to make up her mind, but Miss Ain't Got Time Fo' Dat wasn't having it. You made your selection and moved on. She would make an excellent protege for the Soup Nazi. And despite the "or"s and choices listed on the menu, you got what you got and what she wanted you to have. She rolled her eyes and probably would have clicked her tongue if we took another second of her precious time to order. Yeah. Back to her in a bit. Onto the food. Remember that line from "Uncle Buck" when Macaulay Culkin says, "he's cooking our garbage!" ? Well, I'm pretty sure that's what they do here. Why did the egg drop soup have disgusting half-cooked canned vegetables floating in it? And why did it taste and smell like bad fish? I couldn't get through more than two bites and normally I'm a clean-plate club member. The entree wasn't any better. More canned and frozen vegetables used as filler for everything. And my beef with pea pods had more of that awful "fishy flavor." Nothing was fresh. I'm pretty sure the chef went out of town for the holiday and left a note with reheating instructions on everything. The weird congealed gummy fried rice had a yucky reheated flavor to it. The meat was chewy and cheap tasting. And the pea pods and bamboo shoots were freezer burned and only partially cooked. Let's not even start on the eggroll or crab Rangoon. Ok, but only because you asked nicely. The Rangoon was as thin as a burnt piece of paper, and the eggroll had contents unidentifiable as food. Please do yourself a favor and eat at Panda Express instead. At least some of their food is cooked the day you order it. Okay, back to Waitress McCrabbypants. As we were about to leave, she started screaming at a busboy in another language. We surmised that she was upset because her tip was missing from the table he'd just cleaned (not that she deserved one) but when she walked over and lifted up a placemat she found it sitting there. Then she was all smiles. I wasn't...
(1)
El P.
I've been coming here off and on for 10ish years because of friends in the area, I kick myself every time I leave for supporting a place that literally treats it's customers so poorly! Last week was my final straw... I ordered veggie combination with tofu, what came out of the kitchen was an all meat combination, I politely informed the waiter that I had the wrong meal then the fun started. He rolled his eyes at me and went and got the menu to show me what I ordered as if I forgot or something, he told me I ordered the combination I replied yes the veggie combination with tofu. I pointed out to him that I ordered the dish under the vegetarian heading? The awkwardness/staring competition lasted a minute or so, he took the meal back and didn't come back to our table. We finally requested the check from another employee, I picked up our tab and tipped 20% even though my food didn't come out until we were getting up and I was charged for the all meat combination. Uh-mazing!!! Lesson learned ;)
(1)
Barry N.
Absolutely never disappointed. Everything is always hot delicious and authentic. They are especially good at shrimp dishes. If you want. Chinese don't miss this resturant.
(5)
Pat F.
Update: They have suddenly increased their pricing 20-30% across the board. I can't justify paying dinner prices for lunch. This regular is going to be missing out on some good food. Bummer. First Wok is not authentic by any means (nor do they advertise themselves as such)- it IS, however, excellent Americanized Chinese fare comfort food that hits the spot. My faves are the hot and sour soup and the crab rangoon. For the entree, I typically order the Kung Pao Shrimp, and they are happy to oblige my request for no peanuts. No frills about this restaurant (there are actually 2 First Wok locations and 1 Golden Wok location). If you love sweet 80's decor- then this is the place for you! Seriously though, don't go to First Wok if you are expecting Authentic Chinese/Japanese and an edgy atmosphere. You will leave disappointed. DO go to First Wok if you love standard Americanized Chinese fare... and if you are as addicted to Crab Rangoon as I am. Did I mention they make the best Crab Rangoon?? ;)
Okay, here's the scoop about First Wok on Alpine Ave: I've been going here for years and I love it. But one of the things that makes or breaks it is who your server is. Ask for "Que" (pronounced like the letter "Q"). He ROCKS! He's funny, quick, attentive, chatty, just a lot of fun and a great server. Since he works mostly weekends, if he's not there when you go, ask for the short older Chinese man - he's got thinning hair and a moustache - just point him out, most of the time the servers are out in the open. Be sure NOT to get the white woman who works mostly the lunch hour! We've been stuck with her a couple of times, and now if Que isn't working and the other guy isn't there, I just lean over to the seating host and whisper, "Just not the white lady"- she's the only white server there. She is SLOW, your food will take forever to come out and then be cold. And she forgets things - every time. I order the shrimp with Chinese vegetables and my husband usually orders either chicken chow mein or mu shu and we've always had excellent food. We also order the crab wontons and wonton soup and both are always great. The place is clean and has great food with a lot of flavor that comes out HOT (unless you have the white woman waitress). I've eaten at a lot of Chinese restaurants, and really like this one - it's where we go for Chinese food, and I'm a picky customer!
(5)
William P.
Been going there for 20 years but lately it's getting to expensive and portions are getting much smaller
(2)
Kevin B.
I keep coming back because they have the best orange chicken on the planet, but service is spotty. Sometimes they're nice, and sometimes they're very rude.
(3)
Jason W.
Stopped by for their lunch menu and what a great deal for the amount of food. I had Egg Drop Soup and my wife had Hot and Sour Soup, both ere excellent and full of flavor and veggies. Both of our main dishes were delicious. Love the free tea, especially on a cold winter afternoon. Service is fast and efficient. Don't overlook this local place among the giant restaurant chains on Alpine.
(4)
Bigboss A.
Best lunch deal in town. $7.50 gets you an entree, fried rice, egg roll and chicken leg. Make sure to ask for the homemade hot sauce!!!
(5)
Keith C.
Typical Chinese joint with good portions and good prices. Try the hot and sour soup!
(3)
Steve H.
I've known this place for years. How many years? Since it first opened. I cannot remember exactly when it first opened but I am guessing somewhere around 1991-1993. When I was a teen I would order take-out during my lunch. I am 40 years old now and tonight reluctantly revisited First Wok tonight with a take-out order. I was a little amused by the young lady on the phone. She obviously didn't want anyone calling to order food. I got the feeling that I was a real pain in her side. So I brushed that off, got into my car and drove to First Wok. Upon my arrival I found a group of people exiting the First Wok and complaining about the rudeness, with a few expletives thrown into the mix about the staff. I immediately had an idea of what they were talking about considering my phone conversation with First Wok. If this young lady that worked the counter Monday afternoon on 8/20/2012 is any relation to the family that runs this business listen up because you are going to keep losing business if she doesn't get her act together. As I paid for my food the young lady refused to take my credit card. She literally just stood there and required me to reach over the counter and hand it to her. She wasn't going to reach even half way so I had to nearly lean over the counter to hand her my credit card. She ran my credit card and then threw it onto the counter. Yep. Not very friendly people here. 1 star for service Now to the food. There is one thing that First Wok needs to learn about their menu. Their menu define Almond Boneless Chicken as being 'topped with crushed almonds." They seemed to have forgotten what part of crushed almonds are in context of their food served; not a few slices of almond. It needs to be crushed and mixed with the dish to provide flavor. Otherwise they are serving nothing more than fried chicken. And fried chicken is exactly what I received. 1 star product. So there you have it. I give this place 1 star. They have a competitor on the other side of alpine. I suggest you go there instead. I will.
(1)
Amy F.
I was passing through Grand Rapids and found this restaurant. What a mistake! This is the worst Chinese food that I've ever had! I ordered their Shrimp with Lobster sauce and Vegetable Lo Mein. The Shrimp with Lobster sauce was not a stir-fry, it was egg drop soup with a few shrimp and frozen vegetables thrown in. There were no fresh vegetables in this dish. It was frozen vegetables and canned mushrooms. The LoMein was fettuccine noodles and the vegetables canned corn, bamboo, mushrooms, with a couple pieces of fresh celery. The LoMein lacked in flavor so much I could not even finish either of these dishes.
(1)
Stacey V.
This is one of my favorite takeout Chinese spots. They are fast and efficient, and the portions are tremendous. I've developed a friendly rapport with the manager- as I frequent this place often- and appreciate his kindness along with the rest of the staff. The General Tso's chicken is wonderful; perfectly spicy (upon request) with just enough sweetness to leave you feeling satisfied. My steamed rice is always perfectly cooked, too! I try eating here at least once a week
(5)
Erin E.
This place was a disappointment. Their serving sizes are small and the entrees only come with white rice. My partner and I shared the beef with garlic sauce and literally 60% of it was vegetables. The egg drop soup that was 2 dollars extra tasted only like peas. Not impressed at all.
(2)
Mai T.
First Wok, Golden Wok, Magic Wok!! If you didn't know, all of these restaurants are owned by the same family. First Wok is located on 44th Street (Kentwood), Old 28th Street (Cascade), and on Alpine (Walker). These three are owned by the oldest sister of the family. This place is located in a strip of other businesses. The room is quite big though with plenty of tables for large groups. Service is quick, but you can't expect a lot from Chinese restaurants as they are usually the in-and-out type of place. When I use to go here, there was still smoking allowed in the rooms. The one thing I hated was the smell of smoke. I absolutely disguised it especially when I would try to eat and you have the smoke smell. The worst part was that this restaurant didn't separate the rooms at all. There was a SMALL partition that divided the room and I guess that was good enough. Heard that MI has the no smoking in businesses law now, so I have to go back to see if there is any changes to my visits there. The food is good for a typical Chinese menu. It comes out hot off the stove and you can't every go wrong with any dish you get. I especially love the eggrolls as it is filled with so much veggies. you also get the red sauce which is the better sauce rather than the orange sauce to dip the egg rolls in. The egg drop soup is one of my favs as it is filled with not just eggs but delicious veggies as well. You have mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, etc. Seeing that this restaurant is owned by the same family members, I believe it is safe to safe that the food is the same at all locations with different names.
(3)
Eric P.
Solid Chinese food without an out-of-control menu. You'll be sure to find your favorite dish here. The service and servers are fast. Another plus is that the food is not overly fried and greasy.
(3)
Jess h.
So, the food tastes good. They do use MSG, which might be an issue for some. My main critique of this restaurant is the management. The waitstaff seem to work their tails off, but I've witnessed the management treat them with utter disrespect. It's hard to enjoy your food in such a hostile environment. The location on Alpine is a bit nicer-- probably because I've never seen the lady owner at this one. The women at the 44th location-- not so nice.
(2)
Will C.
Very busy place for a Tuesday lunch. Good service, clean with a mid-80s decor. It's no Peking Gourmet Inn, but for Grand Rapids, it works just fine.
(3)
B M.
This used to be my restaurant of choice many years ago, but for some reason I hadn't eaten here for a few years. My wife and I were looking for something different for a change, and all of the chain restaurants had lines out the door waiting to get in. (Friday evening) So we chose this old favorite, and what a great choice! The service was excellent and the food was great and bountiful. The prices were higher than I had remembered, but the quality and quantity was well worth the additional money. We both had plenty to take home for another meal, which also helped to offset the diner prices. This restaurant earned the right to be back near the top of our list of favorites.
(4)
Jeremiah N.
This restaurant is the restaurant by which I measure all other Chinese restaurants. The lunch special is a great deal, although the prices aren't terrible if you miss the lunch special. The staff is polite, likable, and don't hover too much like at some other places. For Price range I'd say Cheap during lunch special, Moderate at other times. I was so relieved when the became a no smoking restaurant--I'm asthmatic, and allergic to smoke to boot--there is no issue of smokiness, and they even renovated awhile back after becoming smokeless. The food of course is amazing! I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I love most of it. They can't help that I apparently don't like shellfish, lol. It's busier than they used to be now that they have a liquor license, so it's lost a little of the charm it had when my mom took me their as a kid, but it's nothing I can't get over and I can't really flaunt them doing something to bring in more customers.
(5)
Bob V.
Excellent food, always good servers. This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the GR area.
(4)
Wolf H.
Quick, friendly service. We always get the same waiter, who never fails in recommending a new dish for us to try that we enjoy. Do not pass up the eggrolls as an appetizer! The dining area is nosier than I prefer in a restaurant, so this is not the place to go for an intimate conversation, but ideal for an office luncheon. The large portions will demand that you ask for a take-out box at the end of your meal, but there is always room for those irresistable end of meal orange cookies and orange slices!
(3)
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Address :3509 Alpine Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI, 49534
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No 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.
Royal G.
Simply the best Chinese food in town. My family has been coming here for 15+ years. The food is always fresh and delicious. The service is okay. They are attentive and get the job done. :) friendliness is a hit or miss. But the food always makes up for it. This place has the heat crab ragoons and egg drop soup in the city. Also the chicken wings they serve with lunch are soooo delicious.
(5)Katrina S.
My boyfriend and I have ordered take out from first wok Chinese two or three times. Foods good, good prices and I think it's super cute inside ( meaning all the cute knickknacks they have in the Display case!) 4 stars
(4)John K.
Great food at reasonable prices. I took my sister here for a Sunday lunch and we really enjoyed the service and food. Their drinks were also reasonably priced. Our server, Qui, was great! I'd come here again if I was in the mood for Chinese food.
(5)Andrea K.
You know when it's cold, dreary, and rainy/snowy out and all you want is something warm to eat while watching "New Girl" or "The Mindy Project" on your couch? Well, when that happens, I have to get Chinese food and am conditioned to go to First Wok. I used to frequent the place often in my previous GR days, and after moving back, have rediscovered it. Why? Because it hits the spot. That simple. I go for the chicken lo mein because I like the flavor and the type of noodles they use (not at all like the ones you find EVERYwhere else - they're kinda like linguine and I like that). I also quite enjoy their steamed dumplings, wonton soup, egg rolls, crab cheese, and the orange slices you get when you dine in (and they ALWAYS have awesome oranges). Perk: Sundays, soup and egg roll comes with your dinner when you dine-in (how do you beat that?!). Then, when you get an order to-go, they even give you a jasmine tea bag with the almond cookies! They really nail it on the small details. Then, when I'm not wanting to make a nest of blankets and Chinese food on my couch, I will dine in and never have had anything less of great service, sometimes by some colorful characters who I think were working at that spot before the place even opened. I can even appreciate the dated decor, just confirms you're at the right place. So this is, by far, my favorite Chinese place in GR. I'll even hit up the one on 44th Street if I'm on that side of town making a Horrock's trip, since shopping does encourage an appetite.
(5)Jack B.
This I the second time I have visited, I stay at the Holiday Inn near by. I ordered Shrimp and broccoli, egg roll, and soup. cost $18 (They forgot the rice!!!) I hate when you drive back to the hotel around 9 at night after driving all day and no rice. The last time I ordered the lo mein noodles and soup, they forgot to put the soup. The taste is not that better in fact worse than most Chinese restaurants. There is one in the same area I want to try now called Three Hapiness.
(1)Grant P.
OMG, you guys, they're going to kick me out of Grand Rapids for being so mean to all the restaurants. I feel horrible about hating on my second one in a row...but seriously? Pretty sure this was the absolute worst Chinese food I've ever eaten. It takes a lot for me to only give one star, but honestly I don't think this place even deserves that. An unpleasant dining experience started with our waitress. You have to have better food to cop an attitude like this chick. She was impatient and rude, and acted like she was doing us a favor to take our order. My poor mother in law sometimes takes awhile to make up her mind, but Miss Ain't Got Time Fo' Dat wasn't having it. You made your selection and moved on. She would make an excellent protege for the Soup Nazi. And despite the "or"s and choices listed on the menu, you got what you got and what she wanted you to have. She rolled her eyes and probably would have clicked her tongue if we took another second of her precious time to order. Yeah. Back to her in a bit. Onto the food. Remember that line from "Uncle Buck" when Macaulay Culkin says, "he's cooking our garbage!" ? Well, I'm pretty sure that's what they do here. Why did the egg drop soup have disgusting half-cooked canned vegetables floating in it? And why did it taste and smell like bad fish? I couldn't get through more than two bites and normally I'm a clean-plate club member. The entree wasn't any better. More canned and frozen vegetables used as filler for everything. And my beef with pea pods had more of that awful "fishy flavor." Nothing was fresh. I'm pretty sure the chef went out of town for the holiday and left a note with reheating instructions on everything. The weird congealed gummy fried rice had a yucky reheated flavor to it. The meat was chewy and cheap tasting. And the pea pods and bamboo shoots were freezer burned and only partially cooked. Let's not even start on the eggroll or crab Rangoon. Ok, but only because you asked nicely. The Rangoon was as thin as a burnt piece of paper, and the eggroll had contents unidentifiable as food. Please do yourself a favor and eat at Panda Express instead. At least some of their food is cooked the day you order it. Okay, back to Waitress McCrabbypants. As we were about to leave, she started screaming at a busboy in another language. We surmised that she was upset because her tip was missing from the table he'd just cleaned (not that she deserved one) but when she walked over and lifted up a placemat she found it sitting there. Then she was all smiles. I wasn't...
(1)El P.
I've been coming here off and on for 10ish years because of friends in the area, I kick myself every time I leave for supporting a place that literally treats it's customers so poorly! Last week was my final straw... I ordered veggie combination with tofu, what came out of the kitchen was an all meat combination, I politely informed the waiter that I had the wrong meal then the fun started. He rolled his eyes at me and went and got the menu to show me what I ordered as if I forgot or something, he told me I ordered the combination I replied yes the veggie combination with tofu. I pointed out to him that I ordered the dish under the vegetarian heading? The awkwardness/staring competition lasted a minute or so, he took the meal back and didn't come back to our table. We finally requested the check from another employee, I picked up our tab and tipped 20% even though my food didn't come out until we were getting up and I was charged for the all meat combination. Uh-mazing!!! Lesson learned ;)
(1)Barry N.
Absolutely never disappointed. Everything is always hot delicious and authentic. They are especially good at shrimp dishes. If you want. Chinese don't miss this resturant.
(5)Pat F.
Update: They have suddenly increased their pricing 20-30% across the board. I can't justify paying dinner prices for lunch. This regular is going to be missing out on some good food. Bummer. First Wok is not authentic by any means (nor do they advertise themselves as such)- it IS, however, excellent Americanized Chinese fare comfort food that hits the spot. My faves are the hot and sour soup and the crab rangoon. For the entree, I typically order the Kung Pao Shrimp, and they are happy to oblige my request for no peanuts. No frills about this restaurant (there are actually 2 First Wok locations and 1 Golden Wok location). If you love sweet 80's decor- then this is the place for you! Seriously though, don't go to First Wok if you are expecting Authentic Chinese/Japanese and an edgy atmosphere. You will leave disappointed. DO go to First Wok if you love standard Americanized Chinese fare... and if you are as addicted to Crab Rangoon as I am. Did I mention they make the best Crab Rangoon?? ;)
(3)Bedhead E.
I've visited this place twice while in Grand Rapids, and while it isn't a place I would choose on my own, I have no complaints. (Strip malls bug me.) Both times, servers have been upbeat and helpful and eager to please, and while the vegetarian selections are few, the two I've tried have been excellent. One reviewer complained about canned vegetables, but mine were fresh and crispy both times. Portions are large and generous and both times I've taken home leftovers that reheated well (not great, but well). You can't beat the prices -- can't think of a fast food place where you could get away this inexpensively for this much food. Typical Chinese restaurant décor and music, which is fine because it made me forget I was in a strip mall.
(3)Julie W.
Okay, here's the scoop about First Wok on Alpine Ave: I've been going here for years and I love it. But one of the things that makes or breaks it is who your server is. Ask for "Que" (pronounced like the letter "Q"). He ROCKS! He's funny, quick, attentive, chatty, just a lot of fun and a great server. Since he works mostly weekends, if he's not there when you go, ask for the short older Chinese man - he's got thinning hair and a moustache - just point him out, most of the time the servers are out in the open. Be sure NOT to get the white woman who works mostly the lunch hour! We've been stuck with her a couple of times, and now if Que isn't working and the other guy isn't there, I just lean over to the seating host and whisper, "Just not the white lady"- she's the only white server there. She is SLOW, your food will take forever to come out and then be cold. And she forgets things - every time. I order the shrimp with Chinese vegetables and my husband usually orders either chicken chow mein or mu shu and we've always had excellent food. We also order the crab wontons and wonton soup and both are always great. The place is clean and has great food with a lot of flavor that comes out HOT (unless you have the white woman waitress). I've eaten at a lot of Chinese restaurants, and really like this one - it's where we go for Chinese food, and I'm a picky customer!
(5)William P.
Been going there for 20 years but lately it's getting to expensive and portions are getting much smaller
(2)Kevin B.
I keep coming back because they have the best orange chicken on the planet, but service is spotty. Sometimes they're nice, and sometimes they're very rude.
(3)Jason W.
Stopped by for their lunch menu and what a great deal for the amount of food. I had Egg Drop Soup and my wife had Hot and Sour Soup, both ere excellent and full of flavor and veggies. Both of our main dishes were delicious. Love the free tea, especially on a cold winter afternoon. Service is fast and efficient. Don't overlook this local place among the giant restaurant chains on Alpine.
(4)Bigboss A.
Best lunch deal in town. $7.50 gets you an entree, fried rice, egg roll and chicken leg. Make sure to ask for the homemade hot sauce!!!
(5)Keith C.
Typical Chinese joint with good portions and good prices. Try the hot and sour soup!
(3)Steve H.
I've known this place for years. How many years? Since it first opened. I cannot remember exactly when it first opened but I am guessing somewhere around 1991-1993. When I was a teen I would order take-out during my lunch. I am 40 years old now and tonight reluctantly revisited First Wok tonight with a take-out order. I was a little amused by the young lady on the phone. She obviously didn't want anyone calling to order food. I got the feeling that I was a real pain in her side. So I brushed that off, got into my car and drove to First Wok. Upon my arrival I found a group of people exiting the First Wok and complaining about the rudeness, with a few expletives thrown into the mix about the staff. I immediately had an idea of what they were talking about considering my phone conversation with First Wok. If this young lady that worked the counter Monday afternoon on 8/20/2012 is any relation to the family that runs this business listen up because you are going to keep losing business if she doesn't get her act together. As I paid for my food the young lady refused to take my credit card. She literally just stood there and required me to reach over the counter and hand it to her. She wasn't going to reach even half way so I had to nearly lean over the counter to hand her my credit card. She ran my credit card and then threw it onto the counter. Yep. Not very friendly people here. 1 star for service Now to the food. There is one thing that First Wok needs to learn about their menu. Their menu define Almond Boneless Chicken as being 'topped with crushed almonds." They seemed to have forgotten what part of crushed almonds are in context of their food served; not a few slices of almond. It needs to be crushed and mixed with the dish to provide flavor. Otherwise they are serving nothing more than fried chicken. And fried chicken is exactly what I received. 1 star product. So there you have it. I give this place 1 star. They have a competitor on the other side of alpine. I suggest you go there instead. I will.
(1)Amy F.
I was passing through Grand Rapids and found this restaurant. What a mistake! This is the worst Chinese food that I've ever had! I ordered their Shrimp with Lobster sauce and Vegetable Lo Mein. The Shrimp with Lobster sauce was not a stir-fry, it was egg drop soup with a few shrimp and frozen vegetables thrown in. There were no fresh vegetables in this dish. It was frozen vegetables and canned mushrooms. The LoMein was fettuccine noodles and the vegetables canned corn, bamboo, mushrooms, with a couple pieces of fresh celery. The LoMein lacked in flavor so much I could not even finish either of these dishes.
(1)Stacey V.
This is one of my favorite takeout Chinese spots. They are fast and efficient, and the portions are tremendous. I've developed a friendly rapport with the manager- as I frequent this place often- and appreciate his kindness along with the rest of the staff. The General Tso's chicken is wonderful; perfectly spicy (upon request) with just enough sweetness to leave you feeling satisfied. My steamed rice is always perfectly cooked, too! I try eating here at least once a week
(5)Erin E.
This place was a disappointment. Their serving sizes are small and the entrees only come with white rice. My partner and I shared the beef with garlic sauce and literally 60% of it was vegetables. The egg drop soup that was 2 dollars extra tasted only like peas. Not impressed at all.
(2)Mai T.
First Wok, Golden Wok, Magic Wok!! If you didn't know, all of these restaurants are owned by the same family. First Wok is located on 44th Street (Kentwood), Old 28th Street (Cascade), and on Alpine (Walker). These three are owned by the oldest sister of the family. This place is located in a strip of other businesses. The room is quite big though with plenty of tables for large groups. Service is quick, but you can't expect a lot from Chinese restaurants as they are usually the in-and-out type of place. When I use to go here, there was still smoking allowed in the rooms. The one thing I hated was the smell of smoke. I absolutely disguised it especially when I would try to eat and you have the smoke smell. The worst part was that this restaurant didn't separate the rooms at all. There was a SMALL partition that divided the room and I guess that was good enough. Heard that MI has the no smoking in businesses law now, so I have to go back to see if there is any changes to my visits there. The food is good for a typical Chinese menu. It comes out hot off the stove and you can't every go wrong with any dish you get. I especially love the eggrolls as it is filled with so much veggies. you also get the red sauce which is the better sauce rather than the orange sauce to dip the egg rolls in. The egg drop soup is one of my favs as it is filled with not just eggs but delicious veggies as well. You have mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, etc. Seeing that this restaurant is owned by the same family members, I believe it is safe to safe that the food is the same at all locations with different names.
(3)Eric P.
Solid Chinese food without an out-of-control menu. You'll be sure to find your favorite dish here. The service and servers are fast. Another plus is that the food is not overly fried and greasy.
(3)Jess h.
So, the food tastes good. They do use MSG, which might be an issue for some. My main critique of this restaurant is the management. The waitstaff seem to work their tails off, but I've witnessed the management treat them with utter disrespect. It's hard to enjoy your food in such a hostile environment. The location on Alpine is a bit nicer-- probably because I've never seen the lady owner at this one. The women at the 44th location-- not so nice.
(2)Will C.
Very busy place for a Tuesday lunch. Good service, clean with a mid-80s decor. It's no Peking Gourmet Inn, but for Grand Rapids, it works just fine.
(3)B M.
This used to be my restaurant of choice many years ago, but for some reason I hadn't eaten here for a few years. My wife and I were looking for something different for a change, and all of the chain restaurants had lines out the door waiting to get in. (Friday evening) So we chose this old favorite, and what a great choice! The service was excellent and the food was great and bountiful. The prices were higher than I had remembered, but the quality and quantity was well worth the additional money. We both had plenty to take home for another meal, which also helped to offset the diner prices. This restaurant earned the right to be back near the top of our list of favorites.
(4)Jeremiah N.
This restaurant is the restaurant by which I measure all other Chinese restaurants. The lunch special is a great deal, although the prices aren't terrible if you miss the lunch special. The staff is polite, likable, and don't hover too much like at some other places. For Price range I'd say Cheap during lunch special, Moderate at other times. I was so relieved when the became a no smoking restaurant--I'm asthmatic, and allergic to smoke to boot--there is no issue of smokiness, and they even renovated awhile back after becoming smokeless. The food of course is amazing! I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I love most of it. They can't help that I apparently don't like shellfish, lol. It's busier than they used to be now that they have a liquor license, so it's lost a little of the charm it had when my mom took me their as a kid, but it's nothing I can't get over and I can't really flaunt them doing something to bring in more customers.
(5)Bob V.
Excellent food, always good servers. This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the GR area.
(4)Wolf H.
Quick, friendly service. We always get the same waiter, who never fails in recommending a new dish for us to try that we enjoy. Do not pass up the eggrolls as an appetizer! The dining area is nosier than I prefer in a restaurant, so this is not the place to go for an intimate conversation, but ideal for an office luncheon. The large portions will demand that you ask for a take-out box at the end of your meal, but there is always room for those irresistable end of meal orange cookies and orange slices!
(3)