Most people already know about the kind of Chinese food Leeann Chins serves and know weather they like it or not. So this review isn't as much about the food as about this particular location. Being in downtown Minneapolis lunch time gets hectic. This place does a great job on keeping the line moving. I placed my order and got my food and paid promptly. I think the food here was really fresh most likely due to high turnover from how busy they were, which is a huge plus. Seating is slightly on the short side. I did see several open seats but they were next to other people. But it seemed as soon as they were getting people through the line people were finishing up and spots would open up. This location seemed very clean. Had a modern look. Was fairly spacious. I would had stayed and ate if I had the time but chose to go back to my desk and get some more work done while eating. :p Maybe next time!
(4)
Molly B.
Ate here because we were tired, lost, and hungry. Mistake. The mall closes at 7 (really?) and it was 6:30. The food was cold and lacked flavor. We had the fried rice (it tasted funny), orange chicken, thai chicken, crab ragoons, and house chicken. That night and the next day I was sick and I'm pretty sure it was because that food had been sitting there since 12.
(2)
B M.
it's a shameful chinese (?) restaurant. I think the owner, whoever might be, has a notion that Americans love a half cup of sugar mixed with a half cup of lard for lunch. I'd rather eat sugar cane dipped in butter, it tastes exactly the same.
(1)
Manish R.
Relatively cheap and quick. This place is also open later than others on weekdays which makes it a good place to load up on carbs and get your msg fix (yeah I never said anything about the quality or taste) If a quick take out is your thing, then this place works pretty good though in the evenings they usually don't offer as much variety on entrees as they do at lunchtime
(3)
Mister F.
I knew Mrs. Chin. She is spinning in her grave. The food is now total slop served nearly cold. A shame and a sham. This was once an institution. It's now an embarrassment.
(1)
Misty S.
STEP UP FROM PANDA Er...I'm not sure if MN has Panda Express, but the food at Lee Ann is definitely better! The meat are not served in large unmanageable chunks and it tastes fresh. The white rice is really good, better than most fast food Chinese restaurants I've been to. DISHES: I made a few visits to this place for lunch. 1. Imperial (your choice of an appetizer and an entree): Egg roll and orange chicken. The egg roll is decent and the orange chicken is good. 2. Dynasty (your choice of 2 entrees): Kung pao and sesame chicken, both are good. The Kung pao is on the spicy side and I like the peanuts that comes in this dish. 3. Imperial: Cream Puff (just ok, filling was very plain) and Mongolian Chicken (good, sauce is slightly sweetened). DESSERT: They have a separate counter that serves Red Cherry frozen yogurt. When I was there, they had raspberry or lemon. I got a raspberry with M&M's topping. It was sour but good. Small costs $2.50 + 0.50 for each topping. This place is packed during lunch time and the line can be out the door. They're pretty efficient behind the counter, so the wait isn't long. It's a large place with plenty of seating. Located on the skyway level next to Au Bon Pain and across from Brooks Brothers near the Target Center.
(4)
Kohleen L.
I hadn't visited a Leann Chin for almost 10 years until I visited this one in the downtown skyway, and it was much better than I remember. I give them 5 stars for their bourbon chicken alone! It is crazy good! I love that it's one of the few non-breaded chicken entrees, and it's got a smoky flavor with a sweet teriyaki-like sauce that is so good. I'm not a big fan of the egg rolls--I prefer the ones at Lotus To Go for sure. But their cream cheese puffs aren't bad--they have enough flavor that I can eat them on their own, but they are good dipped in sweet & sour sauce as well. I checked their website, and they advertise that they use NO MSG and their food has no trans fat. Unlike Chase (previous reviewer), I check my facts. It may not be the healthiest food in town, but come on...what Chinese food is really uber healthy? I like that it is a MN based company, and I will continue to give them my business. Tip: There can be quite a line during lunch. Recommend: Bourbon Chicken, Cream Cheese Puffs
(5)
Annie W.
No. Just noooo. I feel like no explanation is necessary. Leeann Chin is like the one eyed step child of the Macy's food court. If you are down there for lunch there are so many more delicious offerings, such as the sandwiches with the bread from La Brea Bakery. If you're to eat a ton of sodium and fat it should at least be worthwhile.
(1)
Ben D.
Okay seriously, to all of the people out there reveiwing this as if it is Chinese Food, you need to go take a walk outside of something... Leeann Chin hasn't been "Chinese food" in a very long time, much the same that you wouldn't call Panda Express Chinese food... It is cafeteria style Americanized Chinese styled cuisine. There is nothing China about it. As a matter of fact, they have so far removed themself from it, the heating trays are maid in Taiwan, okay?! So here's the deal, I don't go in here expecting this to taste like the Chinese that I used to eat out in LA, where it was carefully prepped and presented... I come here because I don't want to wait for anything. It's a semi-reasonably priced place to go and have them scoop some sloppy looking meat into a bowl with rice or noodles, and I can pay and get back to my desk. Furthermore, the fact that it has any flavor at all, let alone it tastes like what the little card under the sneeze guard says it does after being flash frozen and shipped to the location, I have to give them props on that! Leeann Chin has gotten so good at what it does, they don't even have Chef's anymore, they just have professional reheaters. That takes talent ladies and gentlemen! So here' s the scoop, 4 stars for good service, decent tasting food, and huge portions. Don't come in here thinking it will be anything like it used to be, or that it's real Chinese food, and you will quite enjoy your experience! I know I do, every time I go! Oh yeah... and GET WONTONS. They are the shit.
(4)
Beth F.
I know approximately this much about Chinese food: And yeah, that's blank on purpose. If you read my reviews, you'll see that there are almost no reviews for Asian food and that's because I'm so "new" to that type of food that I don't trust my own opinions yet. Leeann Chin's is safe, in that respect. It's not a hidden gem. Everybody's been here. So yeah. It's a total cop out on my part, but whatever. The first time I had Leeann Chin's was in the early 90's and whatever it was I'd had tasted *exactly* like this awful hotdish (that's a casserole for you non-Minnesotans) that my mom used to make once or twice a month (and my family is Swedish, not Chinese, so you should be afraid). Yesterday a group of people from work ordered food from Leeann Chin's, catering style. I didn't participate because 1) I'm still scarred by that initial encounter in the 90's and 2) I'll be honest, there is no #2, so refer back to #1. Around the time the food arrived, I skipped off to wander the farmer's market up and down Nicollet Mall. When I got back, the party had dissipated but there was still a trough of leftover food in the break room. I snagged a fortune cookie (yay!) and then sampled a couple bites of what was left. This time I thought it was better than my mom's hotdish but I'm not sure I'd want to spend my own money on it. It was just sort of okay. When I cracked open my fortune cookie, I was disappointed to see that my fortune read: Plan your graduation party with Leeann Chin Delivery 612-677-7777. What kind of bunk fortune is that? I was pissed. You can't even add "in bed" after that one to make it sound better. And then two hours later, while I was in the midst of pulling my hair out over a work-related quandary, I happened to pick up my fortune slip and turn it over: Do that which your heart tells you. Ahhhh, much better. In bed.
(3)
sarah p.
I think that for many of us native to Minnesota (and especially the 'burbs) our entry into Chinese food was with Leeann Chin. I have countless memories of picking up appetizer samplers from the one near Ridgedale, and I remember when they made the move into Bylerly's -- much like Big BIowl has done today. Ah, those cream cheese wontons, the gooey lemon chicken, and let's not forget the grease-soaked but oh-so-tasty shrimp toast. There was absolutely nothing authentic about a Leeann Chin Chinese experience, but it was comforting and delicious. Fast forward 15-20 years. I can't believe this place is still around, let alone opening new stores. They've rebranded themselves a bit (Red Cherry), and have got rid of the shrip toast (boooooo) and have also ventured into the "bowl" world of entrees. We ate here the other day while wandering the skyways. My husband liked it ok. I don't think it's any good. I won't even bother with Red Cherry (uh, why can't we just get a Red Mango or Pinkberry like everywhere else?). If they still had the shrimp toast, I'd probably have given them another star. Thanks for the memories, Leeann Chin...but that's where you shall remain--in my past.
(2)
John P.
Expensive overpiced. I've had better frozen enrees from the grocery store
(2)
Jen B.
The only reason I am giving it 2 stars is because the chicken egg rolls and the sweet and sour are really, really good. Now, if they didn't have those 2 items, I would give it a negative 2 stars. The food is ALWAYS dry, always gross, and always over priced. I stupidly forget just how bad it is, and find myself in here every few years, to later regret it and promise myself never again. This time, I am going to stick to my promise!
(2)
Jason W.
Out and about with this girl and she suggests we come here for dinner. I was sort of put back by the suggestion because she mentioned the night before that she did not like Chinese food, but she does like this place. I knew this wasn't going to be authentic or even good by my tastes, but I thought I would go along with it for her sake. After seeing the food and tasting it I was reaffirmed that Chinese food should not be done by chain restaurants. Everything was greasy and just loaded with salt. The guy behind the counter actually warned me that the sesame chicken was spicy, yeah right, I have had spicier ketchup. The only benefit was the guy gave us like ten fortune cookies and the girl I was with loves them so she was happy.
(2)
Val B.
Disclaimer: I'm kind of a Chinese food snob. However: I really like fried food. Like, really, really. So you'd think these two could align for a solid 3-star review at a place like Leeann Chin - not fabulous food, but tasty and deep fried. Unfortunately, it doesn't really work here, or at any Leeann Chin's establishment. I tried it again and my assumptions remain true. Food is rubbery and overcooked. Chicken is sinewy and you run into mysterious cartilage bits throughout your meal - so you never know what to expect in your mouth. (That's what she said?) Where many pan-Asian cuisine excels are the appetizers, and LC is no different. From eggrolls to cream cheese puffs, those fatty things are tasty. I don't like their potstickers but whatever. I'd give them a "for what it is, they're doing good" caveat, but they could definitely do it better. Mom-and-pop shops do it way better than LC, even though LC has much better resources.
(1)
Ryan F.
Over all the food was okay, mostly because I love to eat Chinese food. But the food did taste like it was sitting out all day, cold and just not up to par. But in the past the food tasted fresh and vary yummy. I would suggest going during lunch time, when they take the time to prepare the food better.
(2)
Elle u.
Awful. The worst food ever. Completely wasted my money.
(1)
Chase B.
Leeann Shits, as it should rightfully be called. I will be honest -- the food smells good, and, undoubtedly, tastes good. What gets me is the nutritional value. A co-worker of mine said to me, "I feel like eating something healthy today -- let's go to Leeann Chin". Wait what? Are you kidding me, man?! I mean, you can see monosodium glutamate (MSG) steaming from the hot plates. What are my options? Deep-fried, breaded General Tao's ...hmm...fried rice....creme-filled won ton? You want something healthy-- stay away from LC-- stick with the spinach salad. No dressing.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : 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.
Jake M.
Most people already know about the kind of Chinese food Leeann Chins serves and know weather they like it or not. So this review isn't as much about the food as about this particular location. Being in downtown Minneapolis lunch time gets hectic. This place does a great job on keeping the line moving. I placed my order and got my food and paid promptly. I think the food here was really fresh most likely due to high turnover from how busy they were, which is a huge plus. Seating is slightly on the short side. I did see several open seats but they were next to other people. But it seemed as soon as they were getting people through the line people were finishing up and spots would open up. This location seemed very clean. Had a modern look. Was fairly spacious. I would had stayed and ate if I had the time but chose to go back to my desk and get some more work done while eating. :p Maybe next time!
(4)Molly B.
Ate here because we were tired, lost, and hungry. Mistake. The mall closes at 7 (really?) and it was 6:30. The food was cold and lacked flavor. We had the fried rice (it tasted funny), orange chicken, thai chicken, crab ragoons, and house chicken. That night and the next day I was sick and I'm pretty sure it was because that food had been sitting there since 12.
(2)B M.
it's a shameful chinese (?) restaurant. I think the owner, whoever might be, has a notion that Americans love a half cup of sugar mixed with a half cup of lard for lunch. I'd rather eat sugar cane dipped in butter, it tastes exactly the same.
(1)Manish R.
Relatively cheap and quick. This place is also open later than others on weekdays which makes it a good place to load up on carbs and get your msg fix (yeah I never said anything about the quality or taste) If a quick take out is your thing, then this place works pretty good though in the evenings they usually don't offer as much variety on entrees as they do at lunchtime
(3)Mister F.
I knew Mrs. Chin. She is spinning in her grave. The food is now total slop served nearly cold. A shame and a sham. This was once an institution. It's now an embarrassment.
(1)Misty S.
STEP UP FROM PANDA Er...I'm not sure if MN has Panda Express, but the food at Lee Ann is definitely better! The meat are not served in large unmanageable chunks and it tastes fresh. The white rice is really good, better than most fast food Chinese restaurants I've been to. DISHES: I made a few visits to this place for lunch. 1. Imperial (your choice of an appetizer and an entree): Egg roll and orange chicken. The egg roll is decent and the orange chicken is good. 2. Dynasty (your choice of 2 entrees): Kung pao and sesame chicken, both are good. The Kung pao is on the spicy side and I like the peanuts that comes in this dish. 3. Imperial: Cream Puff (just ok, filling was very plain) and Mongolian Chicken (good, sauce is slightly sweetened). DESSERT: They have a separate counter that serves Red Cherry frozen yogurt. When I was there, they had raspberry or lemon. I got a raspberry with M&M's topping. It was sour but good. Small costs $2.50 + 0.50 for each topping. This place is packed during lunch time and the line can be out the door. They're pretty efficient behind the counter, so the wait isn't long. It's a large place with plenty of seating. Located on the skyway level next to Au Bon Pain and across from Brooks Brothers near the Target Center.
(4)Kohleen L.
I hadn't visited a Leann Chin for almost 10 years until I visited this one in the downtown skyway, and it was much better than I remember. I give them 5 stars for their bourbon chicken alone! It is crazy good! I love that it's one of the few non-breaded chicken entrees, and it's got a smoky flavor with a sweet teriyaki-like sauce that is so good. I'm not a big fan of the egg rolls--I prefer the ones at Lotus To Go for sure. But their cream cheese puffs aren't bad--they have enough flavor that I can eat them on their own, but they are good dipped in sweet & sour sauce as well. I checked their website, and they advertise that they use NO MSG and their food has no trans fat. Unlike Chase (previous reviewer), I check my facts. It may not be the healthiest food in town, but come on...what Chinese food is really uber healthy? I like that it is a MN based company, and I will continue to give them my business. Tip: There can be quite a line during lunch. Recommend: Bourbon Chicken, Cream Cheese Puffs
(5)Annie W.
No. Just noooo. I feel like no explanation is necessary. Leeann Chin is like the one eyed step child of the Macy's food court. If you are down there for lunch there are so many more delicious offerings, such as the sandwiches with the bread from La Brea Bakery. If you're to eat a ton of sodium and fat it should at least be worthwhile.
(1)Ben D.
Okay seriously, to all of the people out there reveiwing this as if it is Chinese Food, you need to go take a walk outside of something... Leeann Chin hasn't been "Chinese food" in a very long time, much the same that you wouldn't call Panda Express Chinese food... It is cafeteria style Americanized Chinese styled cuisine. There is nothing China about it. As a matter of fact, they have so far removed themself from it, the heating trays are maid in Taiwan, okay?! So here's the deal, I don't go in here expecting this to taste like the Chinese that I used to eat out in LA, where it was carefully prepped and presented... I come here because I don't want to wait for anything. It's a semi-reasonably priced place to go and have them scoop some sloppy looking meat into a bowl with rice or noodles, and I can pay and get back to my desk. Furthermore, the fact that it has any flavor at all, let alone it tastes like what the little card under the sneeze guard says it does after being flash frozen and shipped to the location, I have to give them props on that! Leeann Chin has gotten so good at what it does, they don't even have Chef's anymore, they just have professional reheaters. That takes talent ladies and gentlemen! So here' s the scoop, 4 stars for good service, decent tasting food, and huge portions. Don't come in here thinking it will be anything like it used to be, or that it's real Chinese food, and you will quite enjoy your experience! I know I do, every time I go! Oh yeah... and GET WONTONS. They are the shit.
(4)Beth F.
I know approximately this much about Chinese food: And yeah, that's blank on purpose. If you read my reviews, you'll see that there are almost no reviews for Asian food and that's because I'm so "new" to that type of food that I don't trust my own opinions yet. Leeann Chin's is safe, in that respect. It's not a hidden gem. Everybody's been here. So yeah. It's a total cop out on my part, but whatever. The first time I had Leeann Chin's was in the early 90's and whatever it was I'd had tasted *exactly* like this awful hotdish (that's a casserole for you non-Minnesotans) that my mom used to make once or twice a month (and my family is Swedish, not Chinese, so you should be afraid). Yesterday a group of people from work ordered food from Leeann Chin's, catering style. I didn't participate because 1) I'm still scarred by that initial encounter in the 90's and 2) I'll be honest, there is no #2, so refer back to #1. Around the time the food arrived, I skipped off to wander the farmer's market up and down Nicollet Mall. When I got back, the party had dissipated but there was still a trough of leftover food in the break room. I snagged a fortune cookie (yay!) and then sampled a couple bites of what was left. This time I thought it was better than my mom's hotdish but I'm not sure I'd want to spend my own money on it. It was just sort of okay. When I cracked open my fortune cookie, I was disappointed to see that my fortune read: Plan your graduation party with Leeann Chin Delivery 612-677-7777. What kind of bunk fortune is that? I was pissed. You can't even add "in bed" after that one to make it sound better. And then two hours later, while I was in the midst of pulling my hair out over a work-related quandary, I happened to pick up my fortune slip and turn it over: Do that which your heart tells you. Ahhhh, much better. In bed.
(3)sarah p.
I think that for many of us native to Minnesota (and especially the 'burbs) our entry into Chinese food was with Leeann Chin. I have countless memories of picking up appetizer samplers from the one near Ridgedale, and I remember when they made the move into Bylerly's -- much like Big BIowl has done today. Ah, those cream cheese wontons, the gooey lemon chicken, and let's not forget the grease-soaked but oh-so-tasty shrimp toast. There was absolutely nothing authentic about a Leeann Chin Chinese experience, but it was comforting and delicious. Fast forward 15-20 years. I can't believe this place is still around, let alone opening new stores. They've rebranded themselves a bit (Red Cherry), and have got rid of the shrip toast (boooooo) and have also ventured into the "bowl" world of entrees. We ate here the other day while wandering the skyways. My husband liked it ok. I don't think it's any good. I won't even bother with Red Cherry (uh, why can't we just get a Red Mango or Pinkberry like everywhere else?). If they still had the shrimp toast, I'd probably have given them another star. Thanks for the memories, Leeann Chin...but that's where you shall remain--in my past.
(2)John P.
Expensive overpiced. I've had better frozen enrees from the grocery store
(2)Jen B.
The only reason I am giving it 2 stars is because the chicken egg rolls and the sweet and sour are really, really good. Now, if they didn't have those 2 items, I would give it a negative 2 stars. The food is ALWAYS dry, always gross, and always over priced. I stupidly forget just how bad it is, and find myself in here every few years, to later regret it and promise myself never again. This time, I am going to stick to my promise!
(2)Jason W.
Out and about with this girl and she suggests we come here for dinner. I was sort of put back by the suggestion because she mentioned the night before that she did not like Chinese food, but she does like this place. I knew this wasn't going to be authentic or even good by my tastes, but I thought I would go along with it for her sake. After seeing the food and tasting it I was reaffirmed that Chinese food should not be done by chain restaurants. Everything was greasy and just loaded with salt. The guy behind the counter actually warned me that the sesame chicken was spicy, yeah right, I have had spicier ketchup. The only benefit was the guy gave us like ten fortune cookies and the girl I was with loves them so she was happy.
(2)Val B.
Disclaimer: I'm kind of a Chinese food snob. However: I really like fried food. Like, really, really. So you'd think these two could align for a solid 3-star review at a place like Leeann Chin - not fabulous food, but tasty and deep fried. Unfortunately, it doesn't really work here, or at any Leeann Chin's establishment. I tried it again and my assumptions remain true. Food is rubbery and overcooked. Chicken is sinewy and you run into mysterious cartilage bits throughout your meal - so you never know what to expect in your mouth. (That's what she said?) Where many pan-Asian cuisine excels are the appetizers, and LC is no different. From eggrolls to cream cheese puffs, those fatty things are tasty. I don't like their potstickers but whatever. I'd give them a "for what it is, they're doing good" caveat, but they could definitely do it better. Mom-and-pop shops do it way better than LC, even though LC has much better resources.
(1)Ryan F.
Over all the food was okay, mostly because I love to eat Chinese food. But the food did taste like it was sitting out all day, cold and just not up to par. But in the past the food tasted fresh and vary yummy. I would suggest going during lunch time, when they take the time to prepare the food better.
(2)Elle u.
Awful. The worst food ever. Completely wasted my money.
(1)Chase B.
Leeann Shits, as it should rightfully be called. I will be honest -- the food smells good, and, undoubtedly, tastes good. What gets me is the nutritional value. A co-worker of mine said to me, "I feel like eating something healthy today -- let's go to Leeann Chin". Wait what? Are you kidding me, man?! I mean, you can see monosodium glutamate (MSG) steaming from the hot plates. What are my options? Deep-fried, breaded General Tao's ...hmm...fried rice....creme-filled won ton? You want something healthy-- stay away from LC-- stick with the spinach salad. No dressing.
(2)