Finding authentic Chinese food in Lakewood can be surprisingly tricky. Sure, you could settle for generic takeout—the kind that leaves you wondering if that’s really what kung pao chicken should taste like. But which spots truly honor tradition, and which just cater to hurried diners? This updated guide cuts through the noise, highlighting places that deliver everything from fiery Szechuan classics to delicate dim sum, plus a few hidden gems perfect for family feasts.
135 Chinese Restaurant
$ | (303) 934-9101 | WEBSITE
135 Chinese Restaurant is one spot we’ll always be able to brag to Denver-area foodies about. It’s not that they don’t have good Chinese food. They do (and some places serve fancy versions). But their sit-down restaurants often charge twice as much. At this Lakewood gem, you’ll get generous portions at prices that feel like a steal.
They serve classic dishes here—which should satisfy any craving—and the food tastes like home cooking and restaurant-quality Chinese had a baby, and then that baby got its certificate in tasting delicious. If the small dining area feels cluttered (which happens), just grab takeout and enjoy it at home.
New Peking Chinese Restaurant
$ | (303) 988-8488 | WEBSITE
This Chinese restaurant is one of the best options in Lakewood when you’re looking for something reliable that also won’t require breaking the bank, which is a small circle for this area. But New Peking is busy enough to remind you that you are, in fact, in a community favorite, and the take-out only setup is about as straightforward as you want to get to ordering food. You’re coming here for sesame chicken (and possibly some beef and broccoli).
There are a handful of classic options on the menu, and the $12 general tso’s chicken is a pretty good deal considering this is the same place where you can get massive portions that feed a family.
Beijing Chinese Cafe
$ | (303) 238-1088 | WEBSITE
Impulsive stops at Beijing Chinese Cafe are as unavoidable in Lakewood as strip malls, unpredictable spring snowstorms, and spotting prairie dogs in parking lots. It’s hard not to stumble upon this unassuming takeout spot eventually. Maybe it’ll be for some 9pm dinner after a long work shift, or 6pm when you’re too tired to cook.
But you will find yourself here at some point, and when you do, get the jalapeno chicken, locate the container of extra sauce, and drench your rice in it until you can’t see the grains anymore.
Fortune City
$ | (303) 986-8887 | WEBSITE
We don’t love Fortune City as much as some of the fancier spots in town, but it’s still a reliable choice for takeout or a casual family meal. If you’re planning a romantic date night, maybe skip it. The generous portions of sesame chicken, crab rangoon, and pork fried rice are meant for feeding hungry kids after soccer practice. Or for the regulars who’ve been coming for twenty years and don’t want to overthink their Thursday night dinner.
The dining area is clean and functional enough for a quick lunch, but the welcoming atmosphere and efficient service let parents relax from the chaos of chasing toddlers around the house.
Peking-Tokyo Restaurant
$ | (303) 985-3040 | WEBSITE
On the spectrum of upscale fusion spots and basic takeout joints, you’ll find Peking-Tokyo Restaurant just about in the middle, tilted slightly towards the family-friendly side of the scale. This spot serves generous portions inside a clean, well-maintained space, and it’s a good option for a satisfying meal in Lakewood. Come here to eat the best crab cheese wontons in town, any dish with Szechuan chicken or beef, and some very good garlic chicken with lots of vegetables.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Singapore combination noodles for a touch of spice. They have friendly service that goes out of their way, with staff promptly providing water, hot tea, and menus.
Soho Hibachi Express
$ | (303) 234-1199 | WEBSITE
Soho Hibachi Express has been serving the community for many years, and tolerating the occasional dry sesame chicken all the while. It’s a Lakewood classic that’s a lot of fun when you’re in the mood for crab cheese wontons, salt and pepper shrimp, and convenience. The place is packed during dinner hours and you’ll wait at least 15 minutes for takeout (they don’t take reservations).
But you should also order the $8 sesame tofu (it’s their vegetarian star), butter potatoes with sweet and sour sauce, and the generous portions. If you don’t want to fight for parking in the strip mall, just go for their quick service and affordable prices for a satisfying meal.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (303) 922-5800 | WEBSITE
This Lakewood staple is better now. It transformed the generic chain restaurant that was once its identity into a completely new experience, with an expanded bar area and service that no longer feels rushed or impersonal. But what makes P.F. Chang’s stand out is its consistent hospitality. The attentive staff is still the restaurant’s heart, supported by P.F. Chang’s classics such as the fried green beans and Chang’s spicy chicken.
This place is a Lakewood rarity: a special occasion meal for non-foodies.
He-Xing Garden
$ | (303) 986-2232 | WEBSITE
Lakewood’s landscape of mediocre Chinese spots means even the solid ones catch your eye. So, yes, He-Xing Garden may be slightly generic and the lo mein may be unremarkable, but you can trust the place whenever you need a dependable restaurant with quick service. Focus on the specialties, like the beef satay that has a smoky char to complement the tenderness. Just order ahead for pickup.
If you dine in without planning, expect to be seated at the basic tables with fluorescent lighting that makes you eat your crab/cheese wontons under a harsh glow like a cafeteria patron.
Golden Leaf Asian Cuisine
$ | (303) 987-3360 | WEBSITE
Golden Leaf Asian Cuisine is a Chinese restaurant in Lakewood that’s a solid choice for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal—especially if you’re craving comfort food since the cozy dining room is where you want to be eating. Start with the perfectly crispy egg rolls or the savory-sweet sesame chicken. The menu is heavy on classic favorites like General Tso’s chicken and beef lo mein.
But the selection offers a satisfying range with dishes like curry peanut chicken, dim sum, and a few of the stir-fry specialties you’ll find throughout the menu.
Chinese Gourmet
$ | (303) 238-8839 | WEBSITE
Chinese Gourmet is the only Chinese spot in Lakewood where you’ll find crispy duck that’s considered the best in the Denver area. There’s really no one else in town giving classic Chinese take-out the generous portion treatment like this. And while the delivery can sometimes be challenging due to language barriers, dishes like incredible moo shu pork, pan fried noodles with good flavor, and juicy oranges that are very yummy make it worth the drive.
Plus, service is fast and friendly, miles above most nearby options. The cozy dining room is an oasis from loud restaurant cliches, and the affordable prices are made for multiple meals.
Hu Nan Express
$ | (303) 238-2233 | WEBSITE
Hu Nan Express is our favorite quick Chinese spot in Lakewood. And like all good affordable joints, you can order combo deals here, with options like broccoli beef, mushroom chicken, and one of the best jalapeño chicken dishes in town. The egg rolls are a good thing to order too, especially if you’re craving something crispy. There are a few seats inside the compact restaurant, but it’s also a solid takeout option if you’re on the way home.