Chen Garden Restaurant

Reviews

• Scott L.

  star star star star star 24 July 2026

  While growing up in the 585 and living in Brighton, one of my fondest memories growing up was going out to a dine-in Chinese restaurant with my family. Back in the day, we had wonderful places like Dragon Palace next to Pittsford Plaza, the Imperial Chinese restaurant on South Clinton, and of course Golden Dynasty in Loehmann's Plaza. They were all exceptional!
  
  They were always busy, had dim lighting, and always offered complimentary wonton strips with duck sauce and hot mustard, and of course hot tea.
  
  For whatever reason, the novelty of a dine-in Chinese restaurant lost it's cache, and in a blink of an eye we were left with very few in the 585. However, the people of Chen Garden brought back all those fond memories.
  
  Chen Garden is everything you want from a Chinese Restaurant. Quick, quality meals with a beautiful ambience. This is a true gem on the outskirts of Brighton, NY. Hands down the best Chinese around town.
  
  We went family style for lunch and ordered 3 dishes: All-White meat Sesame Chicken (well worth the 60 cent up-charge); Chicken Panang with ground peanuts on the side; and their renowned Chicken Pad-Thai.
  
  Their Hot and Sour soup was spot on. I would love to see a Tom-Kar soup added to their menu, but this soup did not disappoint.
  
  We also splurged for their fresh spring rolls. I could eat a dozen of these and that sauce that accompanies the rolls is to die for. Reminds me of a plum sauce of some sort.
  
  Since we do not come to the Eastside too often, we splurged and got some scallion pancakes as well. This was our daughter's favorite and they only cost a few bucks.
  
  Our waiter was spot on, bringing us extra wonton strips, sauces, and was able to get us extra ground peanuts, and even gave us a free box of wonton strips to go. We never had empty water glasses.
  
  When you can order 3 meals, 3 rolls, 3 soups, and pancakes for $30, you know you found a gold mine. There is a reason this place is always full, rightfully so. They've had a few hiccups in the past, but I can easily look past them all. Where else in the 585 can you get a Flaming Volcano?!?!?!
  
  All they're missing is a Vegetable Tempura appetizer, but other than that, this is our go-to place when we want a place that will bring back some great family memories.
  
  I tip my hat to Sam and Scott Chen. I wish you both the best of luck!

• Shishi H.

  star star star star star_border 16 July 2026

  Outside doesn't look fancy, I was surprised when I walked in.
  Food came fast, good service.
  Lots choice of vegan or gluten free.
  
  A special Thai menu too.

• Adrian K.

  star star star star star 5 July 2026

  Shrimp lo mein is the truth. Did ya hear me? It's the freaking truth. I'm in from Cali, popped open the old Yelp app and here I am. This place did not disappoint! Very cozy "movie setting" look that was backed up by a great staff and food that was simply, the truth. Ya better get you some!

• Nicole M.

  star star star star star_border 1 July 2026

  Chen Garden is definitely poppin' due to the special Lunar/Chinese New Year menu. Coming here with a group and reservation is something that I look forward to during the dreary winter months.
  
  Parking is limited, and if you try to park in the convenient store's spaces, or anywhere near Dunkin' you are at risk of being towed. In the past, I have parked in the bank parking lot across the street after hours.
  
  During the special New Year menu, be prepared to wait awhile. Even with a reservation, they can only accommodate so many, causing there to be a lag on getting a table. If you can't handle that, order one of their strong cocktails, like the Flaming Volcano. You will get a nice buzz before you even get to the table, and will lose your impatient attitude.
  
  The interior is super festive, with twinkling lights, and a red hue. The bigger tables have those nice round leather mafia booths, for larger parties.
  
  After we took our seats, it took quite awhile for a server to come take our orders, but our crew knows what's up with the special menu, causing them to be slammed. We had some Tsingtao beers and cocktails, it was fine.
  
  We ordered the crispy fried Peking Duck (yes the gong was present when it arrived), Sauteed green beans, scallion pancakes, fried shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, chicken wings, szechuan chicken, wasabi creamed shrimp with candied walnuts, salt and pepper shrimp, scallops, and squid, crispy beef, white and fried rice....and who knows if I am forgetting something because we were a little excited. The duck and the wasabi cream shrimp with walnuts were definitely my favorite. The sauce that the duck comes with is amazing. Last year we ordered some of the sea bass soup, which was spicy and tasty as well.
  
  After ordering a great variety of the menu, tipping, and dividing it between 7 people, we each ended up paying $32. Hitting up a place like this with a group is the way to go, and we had such a great time.
  
  Be prepared to wait, and don't get your panties in a bunch. Just go in with an open mind and have a great time. If you are the kind of person that only orders sesame chicken you really need to expand your mind...;)

• Khoa L.

  star star star star star_border 27 June 2026

  Chen Garden is one of my go-to restaurants for Chinese food. It's one of the best in Rochester. You can see from the extensive menu. I gave up after taking a few pictures of just the menu itself. My friend and I used to go here for duck dishes since we both loved ducks. I just took my girlfriend here recently, and the food and service are still really good.
  
  There's a small parking lot out front. This place is always very classy with the ambiance and decor. You know it's authentic when you see plenty of Chinese customers conversing in Chinese. We got the Eggplant and Tofu with garlic sauce in clay pot, General Tso's Tofu, and Teriyaki Beef on sticks. They were all pretty good.