I ordered take out while staying in town for business and was supremely disappointed with each item I received. The General Tso's chicken was a rare combination of burnt breading and rubbery texture. The steamed dumplings were too doughy... which was made worse by how rubbery the dough was. The noodles in the lo mein were mushy... I could go on but I don't want to beat a dead horse. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that it was a result of the take out and that their food is better in house... it has to be by the way that everyone talks about it in town.
(2)
Paul N.
Szechuan has just undergone a change in management, after many decades of great food and friendly proprietorship Sam has hung up his chan. We were worried that the quality might suffer in the change. After a long walk through Stackhouse begin pulled through the snow by our dogs on a Monday night, we decided to give it a go. Sam was always closed on Monday, so this is a welcome change right off the bat. We called from the car to order take out and decided on some traditional dishes as our test. We dropped off the dogs at the house in Southmont, and headed straight for the J. Our food was at the counter, ready to go when we arrived! So, if you're keeping score, that's 2 thumbs up already. So, we took our Hot and Sour Soup, Kung Pao Chicken, and Triple Delight back to the house and we were quite pleased. First, and this is a really simple thing, the fried wontons were the best I'e ever had. This says something. It is a simple, almost throw away item at most places, and they are usually too thin, greasy and over-fried. Not these. They were large, thick, fried just long enough, and they retained a texture. They took the time to do a very simple and overlooked (and FREE) item very, very well. So, that's three. We dipped them in the Hot & Sour soup, which was flavorful with hints of hot and bits of sour, full of tofu, chicken, and green onion--my only beef with it was that they used canned mushrooms (maybe they'll begin to travel to the Strip to stock up on better shrooms in the future). So, that's 3.5. The main courses were very good. I did not taste wifey's Triple Delight, but she said the gravy was light and not too salty, and that if was full of veggies (the broccoli was in big heads, bright green, and very appealing), and the meats and shrimp were ample. I ordered my KP at 7/10 on the hotness scale and it came out at a 4 or 5, and I added my own chili oil at home to kick it up. But, the gravy was perfect. Gravies are key in good Chinese food, and this was thick, rich, and you could tell that it was made with wine and not vinegar...it had that velvety quality. So, if I could give a 4.5 I would, but that not being an option I'd say it's a definite 4. Yum. Can't wait for the leftovers at lunch tomorrow! Sent from my iPad
(4)
Kaylee A.
I always went here while in college for a cheap meal and drinks. They are very accommodating of large groups! The food is usually mediocre, but excusable when drinking large volcanoes that they literally light on fire! Standard Chinese food, general tsos, chicken and broccoli.... the dumpling soup was yummy! I'd also recommend the lunch as it is reasonably priced.
(3)
Lynn S.
Going downhill since change of ownership. Was told nothing would change but it definitely has.
(2)
Matt T.
I will preface this by saying it's been a few years since I've eaten here, but I thought it was great. The lunch specials are unbelievable. My best friend used to live here, and he didn't make a whole lot of money, so he had to find places to eat on the cheap. And this place had more bang for the buck. You get soup, egg rolls, an entree big enough for two meals and ice cream. And it was under $10! If I remember right, the parking is terrible. It wasn't the cleanest place I've ever been, but it wasn't filthy. And the service was great. I miss that place!
(4)
Bob B.
This is the first time I have eaten at the Szechuan since Sam retired. I always get the same thing, four seasons. I could tell it was different by the amount of sauce that was present in the box. It has a lot more kick then when Sam made it. It was different, but good. Will have to try General Tso's next time.
(4)
Max V.
I used to like this place, but I've concluded that it's all about perspective. When I was younger, I didn't realize how down and out Johnstown was and that this is the bottom of the barrel compared to everywhere else. The food is just awful, poorly prepared and questionable regarding sanitary considerations. There is no music playing and half the ceiling is gone. The workers think it's okay to wear t-shirts and jeans with chains. Then, to top it off, my younger brother fell back in his chair (very startling for a younger kid) and the manager comes over, laughing! I will not go into detail about the night after, but don't take this review lightly.
(1)
Zoran K.
One of my all time favorite restaurants in Johnstown and the best Chinese spots in town.
(4)
Lucy H.
I rather assumed that Szechuan was named after the province in China, not the chicken dish. But anyway, it deserves all the hype. We had dinner there, and were not disappointed. The broth of the wonton soup was rich and flavourful, hinting at long hours spent simmering, and the filling in the dumplings and the wontons had a depth created by ginger and other seasoning added to the meat. We got the hot and sour combination, which isn't exactly high cuisine, but it was fried just right, and the fried rice was light and homemade, not the yellow-dyed premade stuff. The staff were very friendly, greeting regulars with familiarity as they bustled around, creating an atmosphere of welcome. We'll definitely come back.
(4)
Tom C.
Szechuan has some pretty good Chinese food to offer, but their buffet is not very large. There are not many things to choose from, but what is there is very good, and also very heavy. Be prepared to feel it for the rest of the day. Whoever came up with the idea that Chinese food only fills you up for half an hour never ate at Szechuan. The wait staff seems to always be in a terrible rush, but the owner will come over and see if everything is going well at your table, too. In all, a decent place to eat.
(3)
Max B.
Very strange place. Everything seemed very rushed. The servers were constantly running around. I ordered a wonton soup and had it in front of me 30 seconds later. Although obviously not cooked to order, the soup wasn't bad. I also ordered the triple delicacy with fried rice. The triple delicacy was very salty and the scallops rubbery. The person I was with ordered the hunan chicken and also found it to be very salty. Overall, the food and service were ok at best.
(2)
Michael C.
The food and service here are excellent. They start with a bowl of fried noodles and some duck sauce along with a glass of ice water and a kettle of hot tea. The owner, Sam, is constantly walking around and greeting people like they are family. He seemed to know everyone on a first name basis. The food I ordered arrived quickly and hot. Don't let the decor fool you, sure it could use a coat of paint, but the food is good and so are the people. Dinner was General Jou's Chicken with steamed rice. I could not eat it all and it was only $10 (without tip). If I happen to be in Johnstown, PA again someday, I will stop by and say hi to Sam and get some Chinese from Szechuan.
(4)
Stephanie B.
I have only had take-out from this restaurant, so this is not a critique of their service, only the food. I've lived in Atlanta, and I travel to DC often, and the only time I have ever had worse Chinese food is in my hometown in Texas. The Wonton Soup was lacking, and their version of Szechuan Chicken (the namesake of the restauant!) was severely disappointing. The locals here seem to like it, so if you've never had Chinese before don't hesitate to give it a go. If you are a fan of good Chinese though, this is going to leave you disappointed.
(2)
C H.
A downtown institution. Excellent service; wait staff treat regulars like family. Good Chinese restaurant staple fare.
(5)
Dan R.
totally decent chinese. great service, hot food, very friendly. very nice decour inside. located right in downtown johnstown it has a red brick exterior. enjoy!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street 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 : 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.
Andrew W.
I ordered take out while staying in town for business and was supremely disappointed with each item I received. The General Tso's chicken was a rare combination of burnt breading and rubbery texture. The steamed dumplings were too doughy... which was made worse by how rubbery the dough was. The noodles in the lo mein were mushy... I could go on but I don't want to beat a dead horse. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that it was a result of the take out and that their food is better in house... it has to be by the way that everyone talks about it in town.
(2)Paul N.
Szechuan has just undergone a change in management, after many decades of great food and friendly proprietorship Sam has hung up his chan. We were worried that the quality might suffer in the change. After a long walk through Stackhouse begin pulled through the snow by our dogs on a Monday night, we decided to give it a go. Sam was always closed on Monday, so this is a welcome change right off the bat. We called from the car to order take out and decided on some traditional dishes as our test. We dropped off the dogs at the house in Southmont, and headed straight for the J. Our food was at the counter, ready to go when we arrived! So, if you're keeping score, that's 2 thumbs up already. So, we took our Hot and Sour Soup, Kung Pao Chicken, and Triple Delight back to the house and we were quite pleased. First, and this is a really simple thing, the fried wontons were the best I'e ever had. This says something. It is a simple, almost throw away item at most places, and they are usually too thin, greasy and over-fried. Not these. They were large, thick, fried just long enough, and they retained a texture. They took the time to do a very simple and overlooked (and FREE) item very, very well. So, that's three. We dipped them in the Hot & Sour soup, which was flavorful with hints of hot and bits of sour, full of tofu, chicken, and green onion--my only beef with it was that they used canned mushrooms (maybe they'll begin to travel to the Strip to stock up on better shrooms in the future). So, that's 3.5. The main courses were very good. I did not taste wifey's Triple Delight, but she said the gravy was light and not too salty, and that if was full of veggies (the broccoli was in big heads, bright green, and very appealing), and the meats and shrimp were ample. I ordered my KP at 7/10 on the hotness scale and it came out at a 4 or 5, and I added my own chili oil at home to kick it up. But, the gravy was perfect. Gravies are key in good Chinese food, and this was thick, rich, and you could tell that it was made with wine and not vinegar...it had that velvety quality. So, if I could give a 4.5 I would, but that not being an option I'd say it's a definite 4. Yum. Can't wait for the leftovers at lunch tomorrow! Sent from my iPad
(4)Kaylee A.
I always went here while in college for a cheap meal and drinks. They are very accommodating of large groups! The food is usually mediocre, but excusable when drinking large volcanoes that they literally light on fire! Standard Chinese food, general tsos, chicken and broccoli.... the dumpling soup was yummy! I'd also recommend the lunch as it is reasonably priced.
(3)Lynn S.
Going downhill since change of ownership. Was told nothing would change but it definitely has.
(2)Matt T.
I will preface this by saying it's been a few years since I've eaten here, but I thought it was great. The lunch specials are unbelievable. My best friend used to live here, and he didn't make a whole lot of money, so he had to find places to eat on the cheap. And this place had more bang for the buck. You get soup, egg rolls, an entree big enough for two meals and ice cream. And it was under $10! If I remember right, the parking is terrible. It wasn't the cleanest place I've ever been, but it wasn't filthy. And the service was great. I miss that place!
(4)Bob B.
This is the first time I have eaten at the Szechuan since Sam retired. I always get the same thing, four seasons. I could tell it was different by the amount of sauce that was present in the box. It has a lot more kick then when Sam made it. It was different, but good. Will have to try General Tso's next time.
(4)Max V.
I used to like this place, but I've concluded that it's all about perspective. When I was younger, I didn't realize how down and out Johnstown was and that this is the bottom of the barrel compared to everywhere else. The food is just awful, poorly prepared and questionable regarding sanitary considerations. There is no music playing and half the ceiling is gone. The workers think it's okay to wear t-shirts and jeans with chains. Then, to top it off, my younger brother fell back in his chair (very startling for a younger kid) and the manager comes over, laughing! I will not go into detail about the night after, but don't take this review lightly.
(1)Zoran K.
One of my all time favorite restaurants in Johnstown and the best Chinese spots in town.
(4)Lucy H.
I rather assumed that Szechuan was named after the province in China, not the chicken dish. But anyway, it deserves all the hype. We had dinner there, and were not disappointed. The broth of the wonton soup was rich and flavourful, hinting at long hours spent simmering, and the filling in the dumplings and the wontons had a depth created by ginger and other seasoning added to the meat. We got the hot and sour combination, which isn't exactly high cuisine, but it was fried just right, and the fried rice was light and homemade, not the yellow-dyed premade stuff. The staff were very friendly, greeting regulars with familiarity as they bustled around, creating an atmosphere of welcome. We'll definitely come back.
(4)Tom C.
Szechuan has some pretty good Chinese food to offer, but their buffet is not very large. There are not many things to choose from, but what is there is very good, and also very heavy. Be prepared to feel it for the rest of the day. Whoever came up with the idea that Chinese food only fills you up for half an hour never ate at Szechuan. The wait staff seems to always be in a terrible rush, but the owner will come over and see if everything is going well at your table, too. In all, a decent place to eat.
(3)Max B.
Very strange place. Everything seemed very rushed. The servers were constantly running around. I ordered a wonton soup and had it in front of me 30 seconds later. Although obviously not cooked to order, the soup wasn't bad. I also ordered the triple delicacy with fried rice. The triple delicacy was very salty and the scallops rubbery. The person I was with ordered the hunan chicken and also found it to be very salty. Overall, the food and service were ok at best.
(2)Michael C.
The food and service here are excellent. They start with a bowl of fried noodles and some duck sauce along with a glass of ice water and a kettle of hot tea. The owner, Sam, is constantly walking around and greeting people like they are family. He seemed to know everyone on a first name basis. The food I ordered arrived quickly and hot. Don't let the decor fool you, sure it could use a coat of paint, but the food is good and so are the people. Dinner was General Jou's Chicken with steamed rice. I could not eat it all and it was only $10 (without tip). If I happen to be in Johnstown, PA again someday, I will stop by and say hi to Sam and get some Chinese from Szechuan.
(4)Stephanie B.
I have only had take-out from this restaurant, so this is not a critique of their service, only the food. I've lived in Atlanta, and I travel to DC often, and the only time I have ever had worse Chinese food is in my hometown in Texas. The Wonton Soup was lacking, and their version of Szechuan Chicken (the namesake of the restauant!) was severely disappointing. The locals here seem to like it, so if you've never had Chinese before don't hesitate to give it a go. If you are a fan of good Chinese though, this is going to leave you disappointed.
(2)C H.
A downtown institution. Excellent service; wait staff treat regulars like family. Good Chinese restaurant staple fare.
(5)Dan R.
totally decent chinese. great service, hot food, very friendly. very nice decour inside. located right in downtown johnstown it has a red brick exterior. enjoy!
(4)