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Pasadena › Pasadena › Go China Restaurant
Go China RestaurantA-Worth Trying
136 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
· Chinese restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (487 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Crowd-pleasing American Chinese spot with fast, friendly service and great lunch deals; quality is generally good though some find flavors mild and pricing higher for large orders.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Go China Restaurant delivers solid A-grade performance through reliable food quality anchored by crowd-pleasing classics like orange chicken and Mongolian beef, paired with attentive, fast service that keeps tables well-tended. The convenient Pasadena location and strong lunch specials appeal to families and regulars, though the straightforward American-Chinese execution and functional decor prevent it from reaching grade A territory—it excels as a dependable neighborhood favorite rather than a destination.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and welcoming with quick seating and servers who keep an eye on your table. One diner put it simply: "Our Sunday meal came fast and tasted just right." Parking is easy in the lot behind, and groups—from families to church gatherings—report smooth service. The cooking leans classic American Chinese: crisp orange chicken, tender Mongolian beef, creamy walnut shrimp, and big plates of fried rice, with a few Southeast Asian nods like Singapore or Indonesian rice. Expect reliable flavors over fireworks; most find it satisfying, though a minority wish for bolder seasoning. Lunch specials with soup and an egg roll are a great value. For families, the menu is naturally kid-friendly: fried rice, lo mein, orange chicken, and broccoli beef are safe bets. There is no kids menu, but portions are shareable and prices moderate. If you have adventurous eaters, explore mee fun or veggie dishes; picky eaters can stick to the comfort classics.
At a Glance
- Fast, friendly table service with easy parking behind the restaurant
- Strong lunch specials including soup and egg roll
- Consistent crowd-pleasers like orange chicken, fried rice, and walnut shrimp
- Some orders perceived as bland or overpriced when choosing premium items
- A few pickup counter rudeness reports clustered on one day
What Sets It Apart
- strong_lunch_specials
- large_party_capability
- easy_parking_behind
What People Love
- Warm, attentive service that paces meals well
- Comforting American Chinese flavors done right
- Lunch specials that feel like a deal
- Big plates that satisfy groups and leftovers
Points of Concern
- Flavor intensity varies; a minority describe bland seasoning on classics
- Premium pork and seafood items increase checks more than expected
- A small cluster of pickup counter rudeness reports suggests inconsistency at the door
- Parking smell note from nearby salon reported once; likely situational
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$22-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose one premium dish max per two diners to keep per-person under $30
- Vegetarians have multiple $7.25 tofu/veg mains that pair well with steamed rice
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight Chinese cravings
- Family dinners with shareable plates
- Large group gatherings on a budget
- Quick solo lunch with a lunch special
Location Insights
Area: Central Pasadena corridor near offices and shops; casual daytime traffic with families and groups in evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial strip with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Lake Ave retail and Playhouse District venues; shared parking lots and neighboring salons/services.
Old PasadenaOld Pasadena is a lively and historic district featuring a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. It attracts a diverse crowd including locals and visitors seeking a vibrant urban atmosphere with a variety of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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