Unless you’ve been living under a rock in Arvada, you know the local craving for authentic Chinese food isn’t just about takeout. What began as a quest for General Tso’s has blossomed into a full-blown culinary adventure across this Colorado town. It’s a delicious pursuit.
1.35 A Scoop Chinese Restaurant
$ | (303) 422-2388 | WEBSITE
You might have driven past this converted Taco Bell with its faded exterior and wondered if decent Chinese food could possibly come from such an unlikely place. You might have questioned whether budget-friendly meals could actually satisfy a serious craving. On those occasions when you decide they just might, gather your hungriest friends and head to 1.35 A Scoop Chinese Restaurant on a busy Friday evening, and get ready to fill some containers.
The sesame chicken comes in at about $8 for a generous scoop, the beef and broccoli around $9, with fried rice and lo mein noodles hovering in that same affordable range. The lighting is fluorescent-bright, the seating feels functional rather than fancy, and the decor definitely shows its fast-food past—but that’s not why you’re here.
You’re here for the quick service, the kind staff who actually seem to care, and those large catering pans of food that make feeding a crowd both easy and inexpensive. When you want flavorful Chinese food without breaking the bank, this spot delivers exactly what it promises: no frills, just reliable, tasty meals.
King Buffet
$ | (720) 749-5185 | WEBSITE
King Buffet is worth a visit any day of the week – the food is fresh, the fried shrimps are delicious, and everything is reasonably priced. Also, they have a huge selection of food. The buffet-style dining gets pretty busy on weekends, because other people know how great this spot is, too. Just know the staff keeps a close eye on the serving area.
Treasure Pot
$ | (303) 422-7628 | WEBSITE
Treasure Pot was once known as Tams, a favorite spot for Chinese cuisine that locals have more or less forgotten about this perfectly fine, not exactly authentic Chinese restaurant serving amazing meals to regulars. But for lunch, you have a reason to go. The garlic chicken is fabulous and well presented, the egg roll and wonton are hot and crisp, and the prices are unbeatable.
There are vegetarian options available, the service is fast and friendly, and the combination low mein is consistently praised. They even apologized and sent their driver to deliver missing rice, which is uncommon these days.
Red Lantern
$ | (303) 422-8353 | WEBSITE
You can experience almost every facet of authentic Chinese dining at Red Lantern, including (but not limited to) savoring the extra spicy garlic sauce on their beef and broccoli, warming up with their flavorful pho broth on a cold day, and enjoying the free appetizers they often include for regulars.
Pho Dong Huong Restaurant
$ | (303) 422-3388 | WEBSITE
Pho Dong Huong is one of the most reliable Vietnamese spots in the Denver area, and remains a consistently satisfying place for a quick meal. The food is very good for a take-out focused restaurant, and on any given evening you’ll find a handful of regulars who are here to enjoy some pho and soak in the quiet atmosphere overlooking Ralston Park.
Tea Garden
$ | (303) 421-3388 | WEBSITE
Tea Garden is one of most overlooked casual dinner options in Arvada – especially at lunch, when the generous portions come with soup and an egg roll. The cozy Chinese spot doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside it’s a good place to catch up with some friends.
J’s Cafe
$ | (303) 429-8800 | WEBSITE
Yes, they do speedy service in Arvada, too. You won’t find fancy decor at J’s Cafe, but their Mongolian Beef and crispy egg rolls are still pretty outstanding, especially given their takeout focus.
YP Hello Asian Grill
$ | (303) 420-7799 | WEBSITE
YP Hello Asian Grill used to be a well-loved delivery spot, and its quaint brick and mortar location in Arvada is just as popular. As long as you don’t mind crowding in with a ton of regulars who may or may not know how to handle their chopsticks, YP Hello Asian Grill’s Chinese dishes are great (especially the Thai spicy shrimp).
Heaven Dragon Arvada
$ | (720) 898-9909 | WEBSITE
Heaven Dragon Arvada is one of the sole reasons to haul your hungry self across town on a Thursday – with lunch specials priced at around $11.95 for generous portions, if you’re not leaving satisfied here, please take some time to reevaluate your priorities. The classic dishes like Orange chicken and beef and broccoli deliver exactly what you crave, while the pleasant aroma that fills the space makes even a quick take-out order feel like an occasion.
Sure, the service can sometimes feel a bit neglectful and the place might need a deeper clean, but when you’re digging into that Gourmet meal for 2 or the Happy Family vegetarian option with your family, those concerns just fade into the background. It’s worth the drive for anyone who appreciates good Chinese food, even without delivery, because sometimes the best things require a little effort.
Rose Garden Chinese Restaurant
$ | (303) 423-1201 | WEBSITE
Rose Garden is a small family-run spot serving perfectly decent Chinese food and lunch specials. If you’re looking for a reliable meal in Arvada, your choices aren’t endless, but Rose Garden is a solid bet.