First Look: Red China Bistro

keepinitrealindsm - February 17, 2011 at 8:08 AM

I've given Red 2 tries now and there won't be a third. Barely one step above take out. In fact I'd rather eat at Shang Yuen. The cheesey decor was reminiscent of bad Kabuki. I think they keep the lighting at just above 'cave' setting so you can't see the inflated prices and oh so typical menu. Serving portions that could feed small countries doesn't make it better or worth $20 for mediocre Chinese food at best. Yes, it could be enough for lunch and even dinner the next day, but who'd want to eat it a second time? Sorry but if you think this is upscale dining, you need to get out more.

juliaD - August 20, 2010 at 8:48 PM

Sure, menus may overlap, but one doesn’t generally compare price of a burger at Django, for instance, with one at a diner; same logic seems fitting. Re flavors, we also wished for more intensity. But one description I read about Cafe Su explained they modify recipes for an Iowa palate. Having been in Iowa only 1 yr., I can’t comment about what that might be. Guess that assumption to be false, & hope it's abandoned, but being new, can’t be sure I’m right about what will sell here. Happy to find this near downtown - applaud any move that direction. Loved decor,wine list, house cocktails, & small plate options. Suppose it would be nice if small plates were even smaller; we could sample more tastes at each meal.

monallen777 - August 20, 2010 at 8:34 PM

I ate at P.F. Chang's recently and the Mongolian Beef was $16 and I thought it was terrible. I will gladly pay $18 at Red. My husband had a ribeye and said it was awesome and I had the Chicken Chow Mein and it was also fantastic!

nepper3 - August 18, 2010 at 3:22 PM

I went today for lunch. The appetizers were still priced at $6-8 but the salads and entrees were right around $10. The hot and sour soup was really good, the crab rangoon was average but the serving size was very generous and, unfortunately, the chef's special Szechuan meatball appetizer was small and the meatballs were overdone and tough.

ThePeskyDiner - August 5, 2010 at 2:10 PM

Great review Brianne! My wife and I had a great time last night at Red China Bistro, and I finally decided to get my dining blog going with a review. If you don't eat meat, you'll want to check it out at ThePeskyDiner.com. Thanks!

nevesis - August 2, 2010 at 10:24 AM

I think I'll go for the Stellas. $18 for Mongolian Beef?