The lunch crowd at China Palace knows that the difference between the combo plates and the dinner portions can save you several dollars, so here’s the breakdown. Before you even grab a seat, you should have a clear picture of the China Palace menu with prices so you can order without any suprises at the register.
This guide walks you through every section of the menu, from the appetizers to the chef’s specials. You will learn exactly what each item costs, which portions are the best value, and how to avoid the common mistake of overpaying for white rice. Let’s get right into the numbers so you can make a smart choice today.
China Palace Menu With Prices
China Palace is a classic American-Chinese spot that serves all the staples you expect. The menu is pretty large, but the prices are split into a few clear categories. You have your lunch specials, your dinner plates, and the family-style combos. The most important thing to know is that the lunch menu is only available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays.
If you walk in at 3:15 PM, you will be paying the dinner price for the exact same food. That is the single biggest price difference on the entire menu. The lunch specials usually include an entree, fried rice, and an egg roll for about six to seven dollars. The same entree at dinner time will cost you around ten to eleven dollars, and you have to pay extra for the rice.
Appetizer Prices And Sizes
You should always start with the appetizers if you are sharing the table. The portions here are big enough for two people to split. The prices for these items have stayed pretty stable over the last year, which is good news for regulars.
- Pork Egg Roll (1 piece): $1.95
- Vegetable Spring Roll (2 pieces): $3.50
- Chicken Wings (6 pieces): $7.95
- Boneless Ribs (Small): $6.50
- Boneless Ribs (Large): $10.95
- Fried or Steamed Dumplings (6 pieces): $6.25
- Shrimp Toast (4 pieces): $5.75
- Wonton Soup (Quart): $4.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (Quart): $4.95
If you are really hungry, the Boneless Ribs are the best bang for your buck. The large order gives you almost double the meat for just four dollars more. Skip the egg roll if you are watching your budget, since it is mostly cabbage and dough.
Lunch Specials Value Guide
The lunch specials are the reason why the place is packed at noon. Each lunch plate comes with your choice of pork fried rice or white rice, plus one egg roll. You also get a small bowl of wonton soup if you dine in. These are the current prices for the most popular lunch items.
- Chicken with Broccoli: $6.95
- Kung Pao Chicken: $6.95
- Beef with Snow Peas: $7.25
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: $7.50
- Sweet and Sour Pork: $6.95
- Vegetable Delight: $6.25
- Moo Goo Gai Pan: $6.95
- House Special Fried Rice: $7.25
The lunch specials are served until 3 PM sharp. I have seen the cashier change the prices on the register at exactly 3:00, even if you are standing right there. Do not try to argue about it, just get there before the rush if you want the deal.
Dinner Portions And Pricing
When the clock hits 3 PM, the menu switches over to the dinner portions. These plates are larger, but the price jump is significant. The dinner portions do not come with rice automatically. You have to order a separate pint of rice for about $2.50, which catches a lot of first-timers off guard.
- Chicken with Garlic Sauce: $10.95
- Beef with Broccoli: $11.50
- Shrimp with Garlic Sauce: $12.25
- General Tso’s Chicken: $11.25
- Orange Chicken: $11.25
- Sesame Chicken: $11.25
- Twice Cooked Pork: $10.95
- Mongolian Beef: $12.50
The dinner plates are served in a large take-out box, even if you are eating in the restaurant. This is a bit strange, but it means you will have leftovers for the next day. The portion size is roughly double the lunch size, so the price is fair if you split it into two meals.
Chef’s Specials And Family Dinners
If you are with a group, the family dinners are the way to go. These are listed on the back of the menu and they are not advertised very well. You have to ask for the “Family Dinner Menu” specifically, because it is a separate paper insert. The prices are tiered based on how many people you are feeding.
- Family Dinner for 2: $32.95
- Family Dinner for 3: $46.95
- Family Dinner for 4: $58.95
Each family dinner includes an appetizer platter, two large entrees, and a quart of fried rice. For the four-person dinner, you get three entrees instead of two. This is the cheapest way to eat here if you are with friends, since the per-person cost drops to about fourteen dollars.
The Chef’s Specials are separate from the regular dinner menu. These are the dishes with fancier names and higher prices. They are good, but they are not always worth the extra money.
- Happy Family: $15.95
- Dragon and Phoenix: $16.50
- Seafood Combination: $17.25
- Triple Delight: $15.50
The Happy Family is a mix of chicken, beef, and shrimp with vegetables. It is tasty, but you are paying for the presentation. If you just want the same flavors, order the regular Kung Pao Chicken and add a side of shrimp.
Side Dishes And Extras
Do not forget to look at the side dish prices before you order. The rice situation is the most common area where people overspend. Here is what you need to know about the extras.
- Pint of White Rice: $2.50
- Quart of White Rice: $4.50
- Pint of Fried Rice: $3.50
- Quart of Fried Rice: $5.95
- Lo Mein Noodles (Pint): $4.25
- Side of Gravy: $0.75
- Extra Fortune Cookies: $0.25 each
You should always ask for the fried rice instead of the white rice if you are paying for it separately. The flavor is much better and the price difference is only one dollar. Also, the gravy is great for the General Tso’s Chicken, so spending the extra seventy-five cents is worth it.
Drinks And Desserts
The drink prices are standard for a sit-down place. You can get a can of soda for a dollar fifty, which is cheaper than most places. They also have hot tea that is free if you ask for it, but they will not bring it unless you request it.
- Canned Soda: $1.50
- Bottled Water: $1.75
- Hot Tea (Pot): $1.25
- Fried Banana (2 pieces): $3.95
- Cheese Wontons (8 pieces): $5.25
The fried banana is a dessert that you do not see everywhere. It is basically a fried plantain with sugar on top. It is very sweet and it is a good way to end the meal if you have room left.
Tips For Saving Money
There are a few tricks to keeping your bill low at China Palace. The menu is designed to push you toward the more expensive items, but you can avoid that easily.
- Always visit before 3 PM on weekdays to get the lunch prices.
- Share a dinner portion with a friend, since the plates are huge.
- Skip the appetizers and order an extra pint of dumplings instead.
- Ask for the Family Dinner menu even if you are only two people.
- Use cash instead of a card, because some locations give a small discount.
- Order the House Special Fried Rice as your entree, it is filling and cheap.
These tips can save you around five to eight dollars per visit. That adds up if you eat here regularly. The lunch special is the best deal, but the family dinner is the best deal if you are splitting the bill.
Ordering For Pickup And Delivery
The prices are the same whether you dine in or take out, but the delivery service adds a fee. If you call the restaurant directly, you avoid the third-party app fees. The delivery radius is only about three miles, so do not expect them to come far.
When you order for pickup, your food is usually ready in about fifteen minutes. The cashier will ask for your name and the order total over the phone. You pay when you arrive, not when you call. This is good because you can add items at the last minute.
One thing to note is that the delivery driver only takes cash. This is written in small print on the menu, and it surprises a lot of people. Make sure you have cash on hand if you are getting delivery, or you will have to cancel the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people ask about the pricing and the menu items.
What is the cheapest item on the China Palace menu?
The cheapest item is the pork egg roll at $1.95. The cheapest meal is the vegetable lunch special at $6.25, which is only available on weekdays before 3 PM.
Does the dinner price include soup and egg roll?
No, the dinner portions do not include soup or an egg roll. Those are only included with the lunch specials. You have to pay extra for them at dinner time.
Is the China Palace menu with prices the same for delivery?
The food prices are the same, but delivery has a service fee and a minimum order amount. The minimum is usually fifteen dollars, and the fee is around three dollars.
Are there any vegetarian options on the menu?
Yes, there is a Vegetable Delight, Vegetable Fried Rice, and Vegetable Lo Mein. The prices are slightly lower than the meat dishes, usually about one dollar less.
Can I get a half order of any entree?
No, the kitchen does not do half orders. You can order the lunch portion during lunch hours, but there is no half portion at dinner time.
The key to eating at China Palace is knowing the price structure before you walk in. The lunch specials are the best value, and the family dinners are the best for groups. The regular dinner portions are fine, but you are paying for the larger size. Now you know exactly what to expect, so you can order with confidence and not spend more than you planned. The cashier appreciates it when you are ready to pay without asking a bunch of questions, and your wallet will thank you for sticking to the lunch hours.