Hunan Empress

Not sure how this restaurant has ever received any good reviews because I just ordered $80 worth of take out for my family for dinner Friday night 2/6/26 and the food was awful!! Everything we ordered lacked flavor. Egg rolls were awful, Crab Rangoon was also terrible. The cream cheese had not a hint of crab, real or imitation. Pork chop suey was lacking pork. Sweet and sour chicken was tiny pieces of chicken with layers and layers of thick flavorless breading. The pieces are big only because there is so much coating. The rest of the order of Chicken fried rice, General Tso’s chicken and even the egg drop soup were so lacking flavor! Also, when I questioned the total I was told the prices on their online menu are outdated and was then given the real prices of each item. Which was a difference of nearly $15. I realize prices have gone up but update your online menu to reflect that as to not deceive your customers. Needless to say I absolutely do not recommend the garbage, and will never be back. The fact that there was only one table with customers at dinner time on a Friday night should have been my first clue!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Excellent food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

I ordered through Uber Eats and waited almost an entire hour for the estimated delivery time before receiving a notice that they cancelled the order. I understand the weather situation but making me wait the entire period of over an hour before cancelling my order and having Uber offer me 5 bucks off next time is unacceptable

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Ordered Pork Ribs, Wanton soup, Shrimp and Vegetables, and Sweet and Sour Shrimp. Pork ribs delicious first bite. Second bite cold. They were still partially frozen and RAW. Staff apologized and chef reheated rather than replaced. Ribs ended up over done and lacked flavor. They went into a to go box and then garbage. Wanton soup broth was clear — no more than salted water. Wantons were excellent in contrast. The fried rice was greasy. Oil covered the rice and pooled on the plate. My dining partner’s dish of Sweet and Sour Shrimp was perfectly made! It’s too bad the food does not match the friendly staff and the beautiful decor. I don’t recommend, nor would trust the food there again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 4

I’ve eaten here for close to 18 years. They’ve reinvented their eat in area it’s so pretty! Try it again. They got new orange crab Rangoon, very different fun to try. Portions for the dinners are enough for 2-3 people for $20!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is one of the best Chinese places I’ve found in town. I really like the mu shu pork and I’ve tried many other dishes that are also very good. Way way better than most strip mall Chinese restaurants

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Unfortunately it has gone way downhill. I would save your money and go across the street to McDonald’s before eating there.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food was fresh, delicious and hot. Prices were very good, and there were large portions - great value. Loved the look of the dining room with beautiful tables and chairs. Service was perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I thought the lunch meal was awesome. Hot and tasty, great price

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was asked to pick up the takeout lunch we ordered. Mine was their Chicken and Broccoli. It was a generous portion, and it came with fried rice, a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup, and a Crab Rangoon. It was excellent!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time dining inside, great service and food came out very fast and hot! Even better than their take out.

Food: 5

Service: 5

I've added this down because I don't want a bunch of vitriol in a review, but the 1/5 is deserved so it stays.

I'll always have fond memories of Hunan Empress, and it's unfortunate that this place is still using their name.

I was pleased, the food is delicious.

This place use to have the best Chinese food in all of Saint Louis Missouri. Ever since this place was sold to the new owners about 10 or so years ago, it has went downhill big time. It is definitely not the same. The egg drop soup, crab Rangoon and food overall tastes like a cheap Chinese place like a wok express on Dorsett or China king on olive. This place is also overpriced. This is really sad.

While the choices here are pretty standard, everything is delicious and made with love. This place is a St Louis institution. Perfect for a casual night out.