Reviews of Main Kwong - Chinese Restaurant (Restaurant)

William Ihlenfeld

Good Sesame Chicken. Good service.

Cameron Asbury

At the recommendation of my coworkers, I visited Main Kwong for lunch today. I was let down. When I came in, it was deafeningly quiet and every sound echoed throughout the place. There was no decoration on the walls and the signage with pictures of the food was faded and difficult to read. It was at least a minute before the woman acknowledged that I was there, and when she finally started talking to me, she wasn't friendly at all. She asked what I wanted, so I grabbed a menu and read it over. I ordered the general tso's lunch special and she asked which soup I wanted and what I wanted to drink. I got wonton soup and water, which was in a bottle. When it was time to pay, the guy beside her said the amount and reached for my card. She knocked his hand away and reached for my card, saying an amount that was about $1.20 higher than what the guy said. I'm not sure if the water I got wasn't supposed to be part of the price of the lunch special or if she just didn't like me and decided to charge me more. If they charged more because of the water, it shouldn't have been $1.20 higher in my opinion. The woman started coughing terribly right before she took my card and she made no attempt to cough into her elbow/away from her hands. Very unsanitary. After I paid, she gave me my soup (in a styrofoam container) and I stood around because I wasn't sure what to do - most Chinese restaurants take your order at the table, but this place doesn't offer to take you to a table before you order. The guy told me I could sit down anywhere and they'd bring me my food, so I went into the dining room. The dining room was depressingly bare and had the same echo problem as the front counter area. The walls were an ugly shade of pistachio green and had a lot of scuffs and dirt on them. They weren't playing music and the other people in the room weren't talking, so the mood was quite sullen. When I got to the table, I looked around for a spoon to eat my soup and saw that they leave a container of plastic flatware on the table. It was mostly forks, but I found a spoon after digging through it. I couldn't help but think how unsanitary it is to leave the flatware out in the open like that, where everyone has to dig through it to grab their utensils. After a very short wait, they brought my food to me. It was in an aluminum takeout dish, with the plastic lid on the bottom. Not what I was expecting, but handy if you have leftovers and want to take them with you. The wonton soup was okay, but didn't have much flavor. The wontons were especially bland, but I guess no flavor is better than tasting bad. The general tso's chicken and rice also weren't anything to write home about, but the chicken was extra crispy and had a ton of sauce on it. I think you can never have enough sauce on the general tso's chicken, so I was pleased to see that it came with plenty. The portions were generous, overall, and I left feeling full. I would say the pricing wasn't bad, but I wasn't a fan of being told one price and being charged more than I was initially told. I think this place has the potential to be as great as I've heard it is, but they should start by improving the atmosphere in their restaurant. Some decorations and music would go a long way. Cleaning/repainting the walls would also be a step in the right direction. Something else I think would improve Main Kwong is the use of reusable supplies. Everything I received while dining at the place was made to be thrown away - investing in reusable flatware, plates, cups, and bowls would not only improve their carbon footprint, but it would also lower costs for the restaurant in the long run. Based on my experiences today, I can't recommend Main Kwong.

Autumn Dawn Furby Hopkins

Main Kwong is in a somewhat sketchy area of Charleston as it is quite near the emergency room of General Hospital. You are likely to get panhandled no matter what time of day you're there. However, it is worth the risk as this is probably the best Chinese food in the valley. Service is quick, there is a stripped down dining area now if you want to eat there, but mostly the staff at Main Kwong turns out fresh, made-to-order, reasonably priced take-out food at lightning speed all day long.

Josh Wang

Looking at the picture you may think it is tasty right? It is unfortunately not. The sesame chicken is 60% breaded, which means you are eating mostly the bread around chicken. The fried rice is tasteless, most likely frozen batch. The only good thing is actually the broccoli, which actually taste like broccoli.

Grimalkin The Grand Crone

Some of the very best Asian food in town at very reasonable prices. Dining room is very spartan & plain but the food makes up for it & it's rarely crowded. This place is great for fast take out for a really quick stop on the way home & also delivery service.

Melissa Kennedy

Best authentic Chinese food anywhere in West Virginia. Prices are good, the food is phenomenal...

Joshua Woodberry

While they are still better than any other Chinese restaurant out here since change in management the food has been...off

SapphirreEyes

Best Chinese restaurant in town!

Kathryn Ryan

Food is always great. My family has ordered from Main Kwong forever and we’ve always been happy with the meals. Their crispy chicken is so good. We also love the shrimp fried rice, the wonton soup, the chicken on a stick, and the chicken with garlic sauce.

Matthew O'Brien

I had a decent experience with my first order. The food was basic American-style Chinese food, but was freshly prepared and tasty. The second time, I phoned in my order for pickup, and was told it would be ready in 10 minutes. I arrived to find my order was not only not ready, but had never even been started. They did look around for my order, asked me to confirm my items, and then charged me...15-20 minutes later they were still just peddling excuses. I asked for a refund, received it promptly, and went back to work hungry. I've tried twice more, since that second experience. It has never been quite as good as the first time. I've had the crispy chicken each time. Ultimately, I'd say average is a fair rating, so three stars for now.

Lorraine Cunningham

Very good...food nice service..clean

Sarah Baldwin

Every time I order they get something wrong, and also don't take a card. What business is cash only besides drug dealers lol

Michael Vance

They have really good food and are extremely nice and honest people as well. I recently was traveling through West Virginia and Yelp told me this was the place to eat Chinese food in Charleston. When we left, my wife left her $325 Burberry scarf and we did not realize it until the next day when we were in Missouri. So, we called and they still had it. I mailed them a check to cover shipping and they sent it to us. Overall, a great experience!

Kojak

Food still good (not as good as it used to be) but ever since the nice Lady retired, place has kinda gone downhill. Also delivery doesn’t take credit anymore, only cash.

Mary Clark

Absollutely awesome food and service. We always take out. They also deliver if you are in town. We ordered when I was in the hospital, and when attending a conference at a big hotel. I reccommend Main Kwong to anyone who loves Chinese food.

Paul Langner

Awesome food. Sometimes long wait times but definitely worth it. Food is DELICIOUS

Ciera Taylor

I don't know what's been going on with this place in the past year but, the food is not near as good as it used to be. The staff is of course very friendly. But something has changed with the food. I always get the crispy chicken (for years now) and it is starting to taste bland. I live 35 minutes away, just to come here. I hope that this turns around soon. I'd hate to have to quit coming here.

Michaela Curry

I will never eat at this place again ordered crispy chicken combo with pork fried rice just to find a small fly in my rice I’m pregnant and this was extremely ridiculous.

Brandy Alexander

Exactly what you'd expect from carryout Chinese with a good variety and speedy service. I'd recommend friends to eat here.

Michael Wodnicki

Standard meal selection and portion sizes. Our meals were tasty and service was relatively fast. The service was friendly and they were happy to accommodate our needs for a carry-out order.

Ed Korsgaard

Great food but they changed the krispies that go with the soup

Michael Stover Sr

One of the best Chinese food places around they are very flexible about you not wanting certain things in certain dishes

Vince Boswell

Awesome food and prices

Katie Manders

The food tasted like fire and burnt. The teriyaki beef sticks were delicious, but the noodles were less than pleasing.

Christopher Chaffin

Best in Chucktown!

N Buckner

Good Chinese food, quick service, great people!

Selena Hickman

Absolutely love this place! I moved for a couple of years and had this again recently while visiting and it's still the best!

Dawn Strickland

Delicious and plenty of food, no need for a buffet!

Nita Williams

Great food! It's one of my favorite places to eat and everyone there is so nice!

M BAUMGARDNER

Main Kwong is absolutely what you think of when you think of quick Chinese takeout. It's a no frills place, could really use some updating, but that's not what people go there for. You should go here for tasty, filling, Chinese takeout in very generous portions served up by smiling and happy staff.

John Victor

Terrible hot and sour soup. General Tso’s chicken was adequate, if not too sweet. They refuse to give you water cups. Ridiculous. Horrible service. I felt like I was in a low-income country, and I’ve been to many with far better food and service. But it suffices.

Christopher Martone

I rarely ever give 5-stars, but the food here was really good, the front desk was nice and there was a regular in the waiting area who was conversing with patrons. I was an out of Towner and walked down from my hotel about 15 minutes away. The woman at the front desk was kind and even through in free desserts which was totally unnecessary. So experience gave a 5 stars but then the food was great too! Had Chicken Rice soup, and the pepper steak and onion combo with fried rice and an egg roll which were both great as well. The pepper steak had lots of beef, and not fatty like some places. And the soup had actual flavor. Really enjoyed it. Too bad it's a 500mi drive from home :)

Michael Griffith

Took my two older (teenage) grandsons there for lunch. Food was pretty good, service fairly good, price was reasonable. I'd give Main Kwong

victor kent

I originally come from an area in California that has a lot of Chinese people from mainland China and Taiwan. Outside of New York and California it's really hard to find really good Chinese food, even though even the stuff in California and New York is American Chinese food. I had to give this a five stars because it is the best Chinese food I have had outside of California and New York.

Sarah Arthur

Finally a Chinese restaurant that doesn't make me sick. Their food is so good, I loved it. We will definitely be back for more.

Gail Harris

Hot food! Great soup!

Kenneth Weese

Fast food and great tasting, everything is good on the menu.

Phillip Knott

Lomaine is out of this world. Best Chinese in WV!

Christtienna Batten

Delicious and fresh. Super fast takeout and an excellent selection of signature dishes.

Brandy O'Brien

These are the rudest people ever! Not worth the hassle for the horrible food in a filthy establishment!

Patrick Park II

Always a great place to eat. However, since new ownership has taken over service has gone down hill slightly. I ordered two lunch specials and only received one complimentary soup. Also, ordered crab ragoons and did not receive dipping sauce.

Tony Romeo

probably the restaurant that serves the most consistent food quality is good everything is always proportionally correct

Brian Smith

Fast, friendly service with some of the best Chinese food in town.

Bill K

Great tasting food but every time I order a chicken dish ( Sesame, Orange, Gen Tso, etc...) the chicken is always dry and stringy and hard to chew.

B Shepherd

Deliciously awesome! Lots of food and the whole family loved loved EVERYTHING... I would most definitely recommend this place to anyone & everyone *****

Fawn Washington

Best place in Charleston for Chinese food. Affordable, fresh, and convenient.

Todd Levdowskie

Fast service and polite staff

Kimberly Payne

I went online to find this restaurant and it was worth having gave me plenty and I enjoyed the chinese donuts so good

The Draven Show of Nerdicality

Love food, just love FOOD

Angela Markham

This place had been recommended to me by coworkers... what a disappointment. The food is nasty, the staff , especially the delivery driver, is rude... that’s $20 in the trash because neither my roommate nor I finished it. I had heard good things about this place, unfortunately that wasn’t the case. As far as I’m concerned one star is way too generous. If I could give negative stars I would

Pat Marlowe

MAIN KWONG is great. The egg rolls are big, the egg foo young is terrific as well as the hunan pork with garlic and the pork fried rice. Can't remember when we had Chinese food this good. Live in Lewisburg,WV and thought we found a great place to get Chinese food but they changed. Love pork egg foo young and other pork dishes and thought we found a good place at Silver Dragon and even though they would comment on how much we love pork dishes, they started using less pork and it was fatty so we haven't ordered there for months. And we have missed it! So glad to be in Charleston and tried Main Kwong. Will stop here when I can to bring some home with me.

Carl Anderson

Always wonderful food. Never have had a bad experience here. Food is always fresh n hot..

Angela Gillispie

This was one of my favorite Chinese places. NO MORE!! China Buffet in KC has always been the best. Anyway I'm eating it now and YUCK! My fried rice has NO TASTE what so ever!! It's gooey like it's old, probably yesterday's rice!! I just can't explain it other the sticky/gooey, just nasty . I heard there's a new owner, they better get the recipes from the previous owner! If I could give a Zero, I would!! Just a waste of money! Even the crab Rangoon is horrible!!

Robert Caldwell

I live in Charleston and have been to Main Kwong at least six times a year for fifteen years. The food and the service has always been good. Far better that you get for the same money elsewhere. I've never had a negative experience with them.

Mark Shrader

Best In the valley

b. keiffer

Love love the food.

Kelly Johnston

Best general tso's chicken ever!!

Adam Turner

I've been eating here for 20 years. Now they have a large dining area too. 10/10 as far as the Crispy Chicken goes.

David Log

The main kwong is a great value and lunch is perfect. Portions are very filling. Eggrolls are the best. Employees are polite and friendly.

Patrick Shinn

I've loved this place since I was a kid

Steve Heckert

Best. Damn. Chinese takeout. Period.

Brenda Jo Lentz Lentz

Love the food, I have eaten here for years

Joshua Priestley

Yum yum food good price!

Kerry Harvey

I'm a regular customer. Veggie and rice girl. The meats w all Asian foods I question. Do enjoy the wings tho.

MeighanRyan Parsons

Since their initial arrival here in Charleston West Virginia Main Kwong has gone completely to the birds down in the dumps how else can I say it the worst fast-food Chinese in town. They forgot to put the love and the money into their cooking they've lost the love and can't seem to find it again have given them time and time chances and chances but every time it seems the food keeps getting worse will not go back wouldn't eat it again if it was free. Time for Main Kwong 2 clothes shop or reinvent themselves and figure out what it was in the first place they had that made them so much money when they first arrived on scene the only thing they still have going for them is a speedy delivery but who wants it fast when you don't want to eat it once it gets there,

soraya kranwinkel

normally no issues, but today, after craving some chinese for a while, got my order and the chicken wings were a joke. Tiny little pieces that looked like they came from a chick. Called and was told they received the wrong kind. Understandable, but if you know, then try to remedy by adding a little more to each order. Or, advising the customer of the issue ahead of time.

Martha Anderson

My sister brings me take out foods from here. Always good!

Aysha Akhter

Best Chinese in town, period.

Sara W

Lunch specials <$6, friendly, fast & hot. Eaten there 10ish times and haven't had a bad meal. Im not a fan of tofu but their tofu dishes are good too! Not a fan of the wonton soup. (Can't put my finger on it.) hot and sour has lots of veggies (mushrooms, shoots) and it's barely spicy. Good!

Sara Shae

Excellent as always. I've been ordering here for the last 15 years and I've never had a bad meal. Delivery was a little slower tonight than normal (45mins) but I understand it happens. Great food!!

Trudy Bowers

The food we enjoyed was very, very satisfying and tasteful. Lunch portions were generous. If you work in the area or want take-out, this would be a great choice. If you are wanting to be pampered then you may want to choose another restaurant. However, remember if you do, you may not enjoy your chineese food as much. My rating is based on their food not on the ambience.

Chuck Dixon

Dont go to Charleston very often, but when I do Main Kwongs is where I get supper at.Good Stuff.C14.

Steve Korsen

Always good food

R Ali-Cassim

The food was not up to par for take out Chinese. I was travelling through and my friend likes Chinese food, so we looked for best rated food in Charleston, WV. It did not have good taste and the spicy oil smelled spoiled. Whatever ingredients used seemed to have plenty sodium or msg. My legs swoll up later that evening for first time in my life.

Kenneth Brown

By far, the best Chinese food in the Charleston area!!!

Zina Turner

Best Chinese food in town. Staff is always helpful. They carry my bag out to the car for me. No MSG. I love the pepper steak, shrimp fried rice and chicken wings. Crab Rangoon, Egg drop soup. The chicken on a stick is good. The egg rolls are good. Heck, everything we've had here is excellent. And clean. Very clean dining room and clean restrooms.

Bruce D

Classic American style Chinese work restaurant. It is a little spartan on the inside, but clean and maintained well. Food was good and reasonably priced. I will be back!

Aaron Gumm

Try the shrimp fried rice. Wow

wvmtmama wv

Great food (fresh), not buffet that has sat around all day, made to order. Great staff, good prices

Mad Dwarf

Best Chinese takeout in Charleston. Quality ingredients, generous portions, and affordable price makes dining or takeout from here a joy.

Tandi Sizemore

Amazing cuisine! Have been doing here for at least 17+ yrs. Great service, fantastic staff. They are like family.

ItsTEDSTv

Best Chinese restaurant here in Charleston West Virginia, maybe even all of Kanawha County

Ron Barker

A lot of yelling going on while eating. So type of argument.

Kenneth McCarty

Very slow at taking orders, and the food seemed to taste old , like it was leftovers from days before. And restroom was filthy. Sorry to say.

Taylor Grant

My husband and I are newer to the are and Main Kwong is now our go-to Chinese restaurant! We have had such a GOOD experience everytime we have went! The food is good and always hot! I love giving my business to Main Kwong and will continue to do so! I highly recommend!

Cody Danks

Great food, great service. One of the best places to get chinese in charleston.

Paul White

This place has been around for years and has won many local awards. The owner works the front lines and knows the regulars by name. Your order is prepared very quickly. You gotta get the item "Crispy Chicken", kinda spicy and soooooooo good!

Jimmie Mangus

Great food and fast service always enjoy food from main kwong

Evin Hamm

Always fast and good food. We call in food for lunch at work for 2-10 people and they always have it done quickly and the food is good. Prices are very reasonable too. I really like their egg rolls, they are really crispy and flavored very well.

Isaac Liu

Excellent takeout. They occasionally give you free desserts which are a nice bonus. Nice staff. The general tsos and sesame chicken are up to standards and the pork lo mein is awesome. Dumplings are a good side order. Always ready within a reasonable amount of time.

Rita Cummings

This use to be TOP OF THE LINE.. Been in business to long need to change oil. Food has gotten bad. Seems the kids running it.I never see Corinna there any more.staff rude...NOT WHAT IT USE TO BE. SORRY TO SAY....

Roxanna Trahan

Lo Main was great! Stop in for lunch from a 8 hour road trip becuase of the high ratings. We were pleased!

George Shamblin

Great food. Fast service.

han solo

Best in town

Caleb Holliday

Best Chinese around. Always fast and fresh

Taesha Parrish

Fast and consistently delicious! Always hot and fresh. The best chinese food I have ever had.

Elizabeth Goffaux

Best Chinese food in town.

James Adkins

Benn ordering from this place for 25 yrs. Got my order wrong and argued with me about what I ordered. Same stuff for 25 yrs. Since the lady retired the rest are just lazy morons who does not have the work ethic she put into this place. It's a shame

Hannah N

This place consistently has amazing food! It's always fresh and of great quality.

Michelle Malkowski

It was an amazing place! We ordered take out with delivery. They even included a free desert. I love this place! I will for sure come again if I come around this area.

Cindy Van meter

Love Main Kwong, order there very often as the food is always hot and fresh and delivery is very fast.

Christopher Wilson

This has turned into a strictly take out joint. They do have tables in the building where you can eat, but no wait service is provided. The heat wasn't even on in the other side of the building. The food was above average, but nothing special. Eh... Just another Chinese take out place.

Aditya Mahadik

Food is good. Authentic Chinese test. Best option for quick takeaway. Lots of varieties. Less veg options but still good.

Patrick Sparks

Always fresh and fast! Service is the best, even if ordering carryout.

Tabatha Bailey

Rude to there customers

Shayla Layne

Good food, friendly service,

Stacey Green

Great food, quick service, dine in or carry out and they deliver !

Robert Baldwin

Just passing through, and looked for a Chinese eatery. Looked at the feedback and decided to try it. The feedback was absolutely right, 5 stars. The staff was very friendly, especially for 9:30 at night, and the food was wonderful. If you like it hot, ask for hot since they prepare their food for the faint of heart, but otherwise it was perfect.

Anna Right

I phone in my order, go there, park, walk in, get it -- it's always ready -- go home, eat. That makes me happy. The food is basic Chinese, which is exactly what I want and what I get.

Jenn S

Every time I've visited here my food is fresh and hot. It's the top Chinese restaurant in Charleston in my opinion. I rather go here for Chinese food than any other place. It's the best and I've been to alot of other Chinese restaurants in town. It used to be really small inside regarding seating but they've expanded and put in seating now so that's nice and makes it better to eat in.

Josh Woofter

Excellent food. Come here regularly. This is the only place I eat egg rolls. Extremely nice and am greeted me by name every time i come in. Good portions, delicious, and well worth the price. Absolutely worth a stop if you like Chinese food!

LaTaesha Parrish

Great food always hot and fresh.

Dragon Arsenal

Great place to eat and great service

Tandi Smith

Fast service, good food

Gerald Darden

Unfortunately, I have to change my review. I've read & heard stories from others giving bad reviews, but I didn't have a bad experience until tonight. I already have to walk to the restaurant because they don't deliver to my area, but I had to wait tonight, & they weren't very busy. It took at least 15 minutes for me to get there but I had to wait another 10 once I got there. That wouldn't have been such a bad thing if the quality of my food wasn't so poor.

Bob Moore

Always good! The best!

Sandra Wright

The food is okay used to be better sign of the times