We were really excited to try this spot in Portland after perusing the must-try spots for dinner. Glad we stumbled upon this restaurant while we were researching, because it did NOT disappoint.Ambiance is trendy and fun, with decorative wood details, lots of plants, and mood lighting.The servers were very attentive to our needs, made suggestions, and were super friendly.And the best part, the food: we ordered the soup dumplings, pork pan fried dumplings, orange beef, duck lo mein, honey walnut shrimp, garlic green beans and lobster Rangoon. We ordered QUITE a lot for two people but it was all eaten. The soup dumplings had great flavor, great broth, and strong dumpling skin. However, I’m under the impression they weren’t handmade (no hole on top). Not a huge deal, but it was still super good. The honey walnut shrimp was CHUNKY! They were ginormous pieces—perfect for 2. The orange beef was so crispy, perfectly sauced and tender. But the superstar of the night was THE GREEN BEANS. You can taste the breath of the wok on the beans. They’re perfectly seasoned, charred, and had perfect crunchy bits of garlic.Can’t wait to come back during the summer months!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Rosen
The dim sum is at San Fransisco levels, it's as good as Yank Sing which was my favorite dim sum restaurant in SF. Its much better than any dim sum in Boston or Lowell. The selection is more limited than other dim sum restaurants but everything they offer is terrific. Our favorite was the Peking duck buns, its the best Peking duck that I've ever had. The surprise was the shumai. I normally think of shumai as the least interesting dumpling, but the flavor of their shumai was terrific. The disappointment was the lobster dumpling, I expected it to be the best of all the dishes but it was our least favorite although it's good, just not blow away good like the Peking Duck buns.The orange beef is delicious but it's very spicy, too spicy for me.The soup dumplings are excellent, so are the hargow. Didn't love the lobster noodles, the Walnut shrimp are good but if you need to cut down on the number of dishes this is one I'd leave off.Important recommendation, always order the small portion, there are so many dishes to order.so you don't want to overstuff yourself.Dec 28, 2019Wonton soup. Loved it, extremely tasty.Peking duck buns, still greatShumai, good but not as good as I rememberHar Gow, very good but not exceptionalShanghai soup dumplings, goodMay 2023It's still takeout only, they say they will reopen in about a month. We had the duck bao, excellent as always, soup dumplings, fantastic, har gow, terrific, chicken pot stickers, just OK will skip next time, and the beef bao, hated it.We picked up our take out order curbside, it was very easy, we didn't have to wait. We then drove to the Tesla Supercharger, which is only about a mile away, and ate it while we charged. A perfect way to start the day in Maine.Mar 2024: Still very good but it's no longer spectacular. Has our usuals, the one new edition was the chicken pot stickers. We liked them but didn't love them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joe Conte
One of the finest eating
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph Nichols
Best rangoon I've ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zachary Moore
ABSOLUTELY ? AMAZING ? PEOPLE FOOD,AND ATMOSPHERETHEY PUT ON A COMMUNITY DINNER TODAY FEEDING 100S FOR FREE,WONDERFUL ?
Been coming to Portland for 7 years since I moved from Mississippi to New England. After falling into a rut with the old faithful spots, we needed something new and boy did this place not fall short. We ordered the Ch Sa Chicken, Chinatown Pork, Lobster and Pork Belly Baos. We ordered extra on the pork and chicken and fried. Thanks to Troy (Trey? Sorry we were too distracted over the food) for putting up with us and humoring our feast. 10/10 coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Pork Buns, Dim Sum, Char Siu Bao
Gabriella G.
We were really excited to try this spot in Portland after perusing the must-try spots for dinner. Glad we stumbled upon this restaurant while we were researching, because it did NOT disappoint. Ambiance is trendy and fun, with decorative wood details, lots of plants, and mood lighting. The servers were very attentive to our needs, made suggestions, and were super friendly. And the best part, the food: we ordered the soup dumplings, pork pan fried dumplings, orange beef, duck lo mein, honey walnut shrimp, garlic green beans and lobster Rangoon. We ordered QUITE a lot for two people but it was all eaten. The soup dumplings had great flavor, great broth, and strong dumpling skin. However, I'm under the impression they weren't handmade (no hole on top). Not a huge deal, but it was still super good. The honey walnut shrimp was CHUNKY! They were ginormous pieces--perfect for 2. The orange beef was so crispy, perfectly sauced and tender. But the superstar of the night was THE GREEN BEANS. You can taste the breath of the wok on the beans. They're perfectly seasoned, charred, and had perfect crunchy bits of garlic. Can't wait to come back during the summer months!
Kristy B
This food was beyond the best Asian food I have had in years. Something about it is so quality and didn't make me feel sick or gross after. The green beans alone were to die for. Our kids love it here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Fried Rice
Lindsey Creative
*I only rate based on food. My review will elaborate on the experience.Food first:For all my out of towners (like me) who come from places with heavy Chinese populations and are therefore used to great Chinese food, beware. I can totally understand why people here rate the food highly. It’s not that the food was flavorless, it just wasn’t authentic. It was like eating at your friend’s house who loves cooking Chinese food, but isn’t great at it. I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken with their wide noodles because I was told those are hand-made. The dish didn’t taste bad; it just lacked any flavor development. It was as if they tossed chicken in a “Chinese” sauce you buy at Trader Joe’s and then threw it on top of noodles that didn’t taste homemade at all. And this was the case for every dish at the table. Not bad, but disappointedly far from great, especially for the price.BEWARE: I ate here with three others (four total). We all had our own dish. We ALL left with bubble guts and/or discomfort for the next 24 hours.Service:The service is incredible. I read many reviews about bad customer service, but we were greeted with smiles, offered drinks while we waited, and were constantly checked up on. The staff is very eclectic and the people working there seem to enjoy each other and their work place. The restaurant itself is also cute and provides an overall nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Orange Beef, Mongolian Beef, Egg Rolls, Kung Pao Chicken, Char Siu Bao
Zac Canders
Waited for in bar area for 1 hour on a friends 30th bday for our table. Front desk proceeds to tell us they are closing and no table will be available at 830. Asked to speak to manager, and manager said “leave or we’re calling the cops”. Most disrespectful experience of my dining life.
Waited an hour to be seated and kicked us out because kitchen was closing. Staff looked like chewbacca and mario had a child.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jennifer Hutchins
Delicious, all of it, and I tasted a lot of their options!!! Started with a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. What a sweet spot, a big people watching window, fun plants, and strong drinks! Perfect evening out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cind B
Recently I decided to stop in at EMPIRE on my way home from work. I was alone and sat at the bar. SUNNY greeted me at the bar with such warmth and friendliness! I was really impressed with her kindness and enjoyed my visit. The food is just above all other places in Portland if you ask me. I'm still thinking about the dumplings! I may make early dinners at the bar with SUNNY a regular thing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sue Carney
Great!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael S.
This quaint restaurant in Portland, Maine can rival most Chinese restaurants nationwide. The food is spot on with authentic flavors and taste! Could easily be in a much larger space turning more tables. It is a great spot that is always packed! Service is next level! From the hostess, bar staff, and wait staff they all made our visit very special. Wait was close to 2 hours, but the bar area has some open seating. Large parties are much harder seat. Come early and be ready to wait.
We were really excited to try this spot in Portland after perusing the must-try spots for dinner. Glad we stumbled upon this restaurant while we were researching, because it did NOT disappoint.Ambiance is trendy and fun, with decorative wood details, lots of plants, and mood lighting.The servers were very attentive to our needs, made suggestions, and were super friendly.And the best part, the food: we ordered the soup dumplings, pork pan fried dumplings, orange beef, duck lo mein, honey walnut shrimp, garlic green beans and lobster Rangoon. We ordered QUITE a lot for two people but it was all eaten. The soup dumplings had great flavor, great broth, and strong dumpling skin. However, I’m under the impression they weren’t handmade (no hole on top). Not a huge deal, but it was still super good. The honey walnut shrimp was CHUNKY! They were ginormous pieces—perfect for 2. The orange beef was so crispy, perfectly sauced and tender. But the superstar of the night was THE GREEN BEANS. You can taste the breath of the wok on the beans. They’re perfectly seasoned, charred, and had perfect crunchy bits of garlic.Can’t wait to come back during the summer months!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The dim sum is at San Fransisco levels, it's as good as Yank Sing which was my favorite dim sum restaurant in SF. Its much better than any dim sum in Boston or Lowell. The selection is more limited than other dim sum restaurants but everything they offer is terrific. Our favorite was the Peking duck buns, its the best Peking duck that I've ever had. The surprise was the shumai. I normally think of shumai as the least interesting dumpling, but the flavor of their shumai was terrific. The disappointment was the lobster dumpling, I expected it to be the best of all the dishes but it was our least favorite although it's good, just not blow away good like the Peking Duck buns.The orange beef is delicious but it's very spicy, too spicy for me.The soup dumplings are excellent, so are the hargow. Didn't love the lobster noodles, the Walnut shrimp are good but if you need to cut down on the number of dishes this is one I'd leave off.Important recommendation, always order the small portion, there are so many dishes to order.so you don't want to overstuff yourself.Dec 28, 2019Wonton soup. Loved it, extremely tasty.Peking duck buns, still greatShumai, good but not as good as I rememberHar Gow, very good but not exceptionalShanghai soup dumplings, goodMay 2023It's still takeout only, they say they will reopen in about a month. We had the duck bao, excellent as always, soup dumplings, fantastic, har gow, terrific, chicken pot stickers, just OK will skip next time, and the beef bao, hated it.We picked up our take out order curbside, it was very easy, we didn't have to wait. We then drove to the Tesla Supercharger, which is only about a mile away, and ate it while we charged. A perfect way to start the day in Maine.Mar 2024: Still very good but it's no longer spectacular. Has our usuals, the one new edition was the chicken pot stickers. We liked them but didn't love them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
One of the finest eating
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best rangoon I've ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ABSOLUTELY ? AMAZING ? PEOPLE FOOD,AND ATMOSPHERETHEY PUT ON A COMMUNITY DINNER TODAY FEEDING 100S FOR FREE,WONDERFUL ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Pork Buns, Shanghai Soup Dumplings
Been coming to Portland for 7 years since I moved from Mississippi to New England. After falling into a rut with the old faithful spots, we needed something new and boy did this place not fall short. We ordered the Ch Sa Chicken, Chinatown Pork, Lobster and Pork Belly Baos. We ordered extra on the pork and chicken and fried. Thanks to Troy (Trey? Sorry we were too distracted over the food) for putting up with us and humoring our feast. 10/10 coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Pork Buns, Dim Sum, Char Siu Bao
We were really excited to try this spot in Portland after perusing the must-try spots for dinner. Glad we stumbled upon this restaurant while we were researching, because it did NOT disappoint. Ambiance is trendy and fun, with decorative wood details, lots of plants, and mood lighting. The servers were very attentive to our needs, made suggestions, and were super friendly. And the best part, the food: we ordered the soup dumplings, pork pan fried dumplings, orange beef, duck lo mein, honey walnut shrimp, garlic green beans and lobster Rangoon. We ordered QUITE a lot for two people but it was all eaten. The soup dumplings had great flavor, great broth, and strong dumpling skin. However, I'm under the impression they weren't handmade (no hole on top). Not a huge deal, but it was still super good. The honey walnut shrimp was CHUNKY! They were ginormous pieces--perfect for 2. The orange beef was so crispy, perfectly sauced and tender. But the superstar of the night was THE GREEN BEANS. You can taste the breath of the wok on the beans. They're perfectly seasoned, charred, and had perfect crunchy bits of garlic. Can't wait to come back during the summer months!
This food was beyond the best Asian food I have had in years. Something about it is so quality and didn't make me feel sick or gross after. The green beans alone were to die for. Our kids love it here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Fried Rice
*I only rate based on food. My review will elaborate on the experience.Food first:For all my out of towners (like me) who come from places with heavy Chinese populations and are therefore used to great Chinese food, beware. I can totally understand why people here rate the food highly. It’s not that the food was flavorless, it just wasn’t authentic. It was like eating at your friend’s house who loves cooking Chinese food, but isn’t great at it. I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken with their wide noodles because I was told those are hand-made. The dish didn’t taste bad; it just lacked any flavor development. It was as if they tossed chicken in a “Chinese” sauce you buy at Trader Joe’s and then threw it on top of noodles that didn’t taste homemade at all. And this was the case for every dish at the table. Not bad, but disappointedly far from great, especially for the price.BEWARE: I ate here with three others (four total). We all had our own dish. We ALL left with bubble guts and/or discomfort for the next 24 hours.Service:The service is incredible. I read many reviews about bad customer service, but we were greeted with smiles, offered drinks while we waited, and were constantly checked up on. The staff is very eclectic and the people working there seem to enjoy each other and their work place. The restaurant itself is also cute and provides an overall nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Orange Beef, Mongolian Beef, Egg Rolls, Kung Pao Chicken, Char Siu Bao
Waited for in bar area for 1 hour on a friends 30th bday for our table. Front desk proceeds to tell us they are closing and no table will be available at 830. Asked to speak to manager, and manager said “leave or we’re calling the cops”. Most disrespectful experience of my dining life.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Waited an hour to be seated and kicked us out because kitchen was closing. Staff looked like chewbacca and mario had a child.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Delicious, all of it, and I tasted a lot of their options!!! Started with a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. What a sweet spot, a big people watching window, fun plants, and strong drinks! Perfect evening out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recently I decided to stop in at EMPIRE on my way home from work. I was alone and sat at the bar. SUNNY greeted me at the bar with such warmth and friendliness! I was really impressed with her kindness and enjoyed my visit. The food is just above all other places in Portland if you ask me. I'm still thinking about the dumplings! I may make early dinners at the bar with SUNNY a regular thing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This quaint restaurant in Portland, Maine can rival most Chinese restaurants nationwide. The food is spot on with authentic flavors and taste! Could easily be in a much larger space turning more tables. It is a great spot that is always packed! Service is next level! From the hostess, bar staff, and wait staff they all made our visit very special. Wait was close to 2 hours, but the bar area has some open seating. Large parties are much harder seat. Come early and be ready to wait.