Happy China

I tried this famous spot while visiting St. Louis over the weekend and really enjoyed myself! I love to eat and in Los Angeles, where I'm from, I am never fully satisfied with the Chinese fare.(Even in Monterey Park) This was a genuinely hearty, soul-satisfying meal. There were appx 35 different dishes on the buffet, quite impressive. From bbq steak, Chinese meatballs, brussel sprouts, green beans, fried chicken wings, 3 different kinds of rice to glazed bananas; I was truly stuffed and pleased. After a chat with Chef Pa, I learned that he began his craft as an apprentice at the age of 10! This was worth the trip. more

This place is a one-of-a-kind and a real landmark in St.Louis. I've been going to Happy China for nearly a decade and there is a reason why I'm so loyal. The food is so good, and so satisfying. When I go to another town and try the Chinese food there, it doesn't stand up. And I love the owners. This is a mom and pop that are there day and night; a real friendly, sweet and hardworking couple! They just want to please! I like to order from the menu as well as eat the buffet, but I can be a little particular about how I want a dish, so I'll order it instead. It's terrific all around!! Pros: Variety, Friendly, Great Value Cons: decor more

The setting is typical buffet - long table with food and lots of tables. Beyond that, though, all is excellent. Food is plentiful, fresh, and good. It is always fresh because it gets eaten quickly. Service is good - on the weekend there are 6-9 people that just pick up your old plate and fill the glasses. Lee Pa, the owner, spends much of his time wandering amongst the tables chatting with customers, some new, others from as long as 20 years ago. It's very kid friendly, and they have tables that accomodate up to 10, and have a curtain that can be closed for large groups also. Prices are in line with a full buffet, but because of what you get, the value is very high. Pros: Excellent food, Very good service, Lots of tables more

This is a great place to eat. wheter you wanna take a great meal to go or impress a few friends from out of town, this is the place to go for Chinese food. Your friends will look hesitant when you pull up but once they are inside and see the emaculate interior, and i'm not talking about the decor. The food is amazing. Everything looks and taste great. I did not believe a buffet could be this good. Pros: fast, inexpensive , delicious more

I recommend Happy China. I really loved the food here! There was a lot to select from and it was a really great value. The crab rangoons were the best! It isn't the fanciest chinese I've ever had, but we were out for a casual fun night. We were all HAPPY and stuffed!! Forget it if you're on a low-cal diet or you don't like family restaurants. Pros: Variety, Quick, Low Cost more

This place is like a second home. Simple, yes, but the food is tasty and satisfying, and a fantastic value. Though we're not talking about fine dining, the food is consistent and always fresh, with a wide array of dishes and flavors. The lunch buffet is a bit crazy, but I recommend going either then or at dinner time; peak hours. In between shifts, you can never guarantee that the food is as fresh. By the way--there is NO! MSG used. I have a severe allergic reaction to it, so I always verify with the kitchen to make sure. I've never had a problem there, though that isn't the case at many other chinese restaurants! -David more

I was in St. Louis again on business and ate at Happy China - one of the best Chinese resturants anywhere! The whole shrimp are huge, the beef and pork dishes are very tasty, and everything is fresh. As usual, the place is bustling but I was seated immediately. This is my twenty-second time eating at Happy China and I just can't get my fill of their delicious food! Try it -- you'll be a believer too! Pros: Delicious food, Reasonable price, Prompt seating more

Lots of food and cheap prices. Tremendous eating potential but food is salty, greasy and saturated with MSG. Great for the American Chinese food lover but those who crave authentic should seek elsewhere. is Pros: cheap, quick Cons: quality, atmosphere more

The food is always fresh and hot and delicious, unlike many other buffet restaurants. It is overcrowded and the selection could be a bit wider, but you'll go for the food. The crab rangoon is the best in the city. Beware the checkout lady though, when you get the buffet to go she insists on looking inside your tray to see how much you've gotten, with a never varying sour look on her face. Pros: Good buffet Cons: Crowded more