Peking Garden of Lawrence

Hadn’t been to Peking Garden in years but decided to give them a try last night. Absolutely will never be back. First, we had an order of over $ 100 and they don’t take credit/​debit cards– which I’m ok with but you’d think they would let you know ahead of time as a courtesy to their customers.
Secondly, the food was just ok. Crab rangoons had almost no filling– just a fried shell.
Chicken teriyaki was thin, dry and hard.
The only positive I can add is that they we’re open on a holiday, besides that, I’m sad to say that a childhood favorite is so subpar that only locals with not many options decide to spend their money here.
If you want really good Chinese food for just a bit more money, go to Fusion house in Methuen. Customer service is top notch and the food is amazing.
I hope Peking Garden changes their model because as a Lawrencian I’d love to spend my money in my childhood town.

Firstly it is important to be careful to make an apples-​to-​apples comparison. Obviously, «China Town Chinese» or «Polynesian-​style Chinese» should never compared, better or worse to other completely different types. So, while they lack the atmosphere of some «classier» local suburban-​style Cantonese & Mandarin category Chinese restaurants, I always find myself opting for them opposed to some other unnamed good examples. There actually are some very «nice» examples around here, but it’s the taste, specifically a lean towards stronger flavors, that brings me here instead, and because different people prefer different things, I’ll explain, not shout vague superlatives. Their rice to me seems both the darkest and moistest. I like that the moo shi is heavy on the hoisin. I also like the heavy hand with the toasted sesame oil in dishes where locally it is often just a hint. I appreciate that the egg foo yung has the opaque light brown gravy, not the clear dark sauce. True, the (few) Szechuan dishes could be hotter and more numerous, but they are not really a Szechuan restaurant. But over all, from beef chow yoke to beef chow mein, I’m always happy I went here.

I would give no stars if possible. We are a group of nurses (pregnant if I may add) who had ordered food at work, and our delivery never showed up. We had called multiple times with no answer. We are starving, taking care of sick patients. How could anyone do this to us? This place is not worth the aggravation! If they can’t service hard working individuals, then they aren’t worthy of anyone’s business! The end!

Do not order from Peking garden! Last night we ordered at work, delivery. I tried to put it on a card, Olivia the owner said no cards, so we said ok. We waited almost 2 hours for food, called and no answer! They never came!!! I called Olivia today to discuss this. She cancelled the order! She did this without even telling us! I don’t feel they care about their customers. She said I must understand the TYPE OF POPULATION they deal with. Really? That is horrible to say!
Go to china star!

I love their crispy crab rangoon… soooo goood, I could eat it all day. not too stuffed with filling… i hate the texture of something too gooey so the crispy wrapper really balances it out. the rice is okay, i love the chicken wings but so greasy :(

Peking Garden of Lawrence is a basic Chinese takeout restaurant which is order at the counter with open kitchen and booth seating for eating in. Delivery is available too!
They offer Cantonese, Mandarin, and Szechuan dishes, as well as 18 Luncheon Specials $ 4.95-$ 7.55 (served Mon-​Sat, until 3PM) and 14 Combinations $ 7.75-$ 9.65 (order by letter), similar menu to the other Peking Garden restaurants in Haverhill and Andover.
I stopped in here for lunch very recently. I ordered the Lunch Special 7 ($ 6.20 plus tax) Egg Roll, Pepper Steak, and Pork Fried Rice, which was ready in under 10 minutes. The service was friendly.
The food had MSG added. The Pepper Steak had cuts of fresh green peppers, tender beef slices in a thick beef gravy, good, but a bit salty. The pork fried rice (dark brown) was the kind drenched in soy sauce mixed with tender roast pork cubes and some sprouts, not my favorite. This is not the same pork fried rice I’ve had a different Peking Garden (in Haverhill), which had a tan color and just tasted better. The egg roll was really packed tightly with lots of soft minced cabbage and ground pork, salty tasting. The portion of food was very generous for the price and it took me lunch and leftovers for dinner to finish off the food.
DELIVERY: $ 1.50 (All Lawrence, most of Methuen)
CASH ONLY