We Love Lotus Garden Upland CA: A Hidden Gem
Discovering a true gem in our hometown has been a thrilling experience, and we’re excited to share it with you. Our journey to uncover the best of Upland’s culinary scene led us to Lotus Garden, a restaurant that has quickly become our favorite local spot.
As regular patrons, we’ve had the pleasure of exploring their menu extensively, and we’re eager to share our insights with you. From the inviting atmosphere to the mouthwatering Chinese cuisine, every aspect of Lotus Garden Upland CA has won us over.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we believe this hidden gem is worth a visit for its exceptional food quality and warm service. Join us as we dive into what makes Lotus Garden stand out among other Chinese dining options in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Upland
- Inviting atmosphere and warm service
- Extensive menu with mouthwatering dishes
- A hidden gem worth visiting for locals and travelers alike
- Exceptional food quality that stands out in the area
Discovering Lotus Garden in Upland, CA
Lotus Garden is located in Upland’s Mountain Plaza at the corner of Mountain Avenue and 16th Street.
Our first encounter with Lotus Garden happened by chance when exploring the area. It’s situated at 1639 Mountain Ave, making it easily accessible.
The restaurant’s modest exterior belies a spacious interior that seats almost 50 guests. The simple decor creates a welcoming atmosphere, focusing on the exceptional food.
Our First Experience at This Authentic Chinese Restaurant
Our inaugural visit to Lotus Garden was a culinary adventure we won’t soon forget. The food arrived before the estimated time, and we were impressed by the hot and delicious dishes.
We ordered the combo fried rice and vegetarian egg rolls, which were part of our satisfying meal. The attentive service and generous portion sizes made for a wonderful dining experience.
“This was our first time eating food from Lotus Garden. The food arrived before estimated time and was hot and delicious. We ended up ordering the combo fried rice and vegetarian egg rolls. Everything was great. I’ll definitely be ordering from here again. The delivery guy was very polite and respectful. Two thumbs up!” – Keisha
- The warm smiles and mouthwatering aromas of traditional Chinese cooking greeted us upon arrival.
- The server recommended several signature dishes, each more delicious than the last.
- The perfect balance of flavors in the dishes made for an authentic yet approachable culinary experience.
That first experience set a high standard, and we’re pleased to report that subsequent visits have maintained the same exceptional quality and service.
The Perfect Location: 1639 N Mountain Ave
Located at 1639 N Mountain Ave, Lotus Garden is a culinary gem in Upland’s Mountain Plaza. The restaurant’s location at the corner of Mountain Avenue and 16th Street makes it easily accessible.
- Conveniently situated in the heart of Upland’s Mountain Plaza
- Excellent visibility and accessibility for locals and visitors
- Ample parking available in Mountain Plaza
- Ideal meeting spot for gatherings with friends from neighboring communities
- Within easy reach of residential neighborhoods and business districts
| Location Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Corner of Mountain Avenue and 16th Street | Excellent visibility and accessibility |
| Mountain Plaza | Ample parking available |
| Central location in Upland | Ideal for lunch breaks or evening dining |
We’ve found the location particularly convenient for our frequent visits and takeout orders.
What Makes Lotus Garden Upland CA Special
Lotus Garden in Upland, CA, stands out for its authentic Chinese cuisine and extensive menu. The restaurant’s menu is a surprise for its size — four pages with many choices, including 24 house specials and 11 types of soups.
Several factors contribute to its uniqueness. The chefs prepare each dish with fresh ingredients and attention to detail, maintaining the integrity of traditional Chinese cuisine. The staff’s longevity creates a sense of familiarity, enhancing the dining experience. Lotus Garden’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from food preparation to presentation and service.
Our Favorite Menu Highlights
At Lotus Garden in Upland, CA, we’ve discovered some truly exceptional dishes that have become our go-to favorites. The culinary expertise and commitment to quality ingredients shine through in every bite.
Signature Dishes We Can’t Resist
Lotus Garden’s menu boasts an array of signature dishes that we find irresistible. Each dish is crafted with care, using fresh ingredients to create a harmonious balance of flavors. The generous portion of shrimp in their seafood dishes is a testament to their commitment to quality.
Soup Selections That Warm the Soul
The soup selections at Lotus Garden are more than just an afterthought; they’re often the highlight of our meals. We rave about their Wonton Soup, which is packed with fresh vegetables, tender wontons, chicken, and plump shrimp. Their Hot and Sour Soup is another favorite, with a dark, rich broth flavored with just the right amount of pepper.
- Their Wonton Soup is exceptional, featuring a flavorful broth with wontons, chicken, and shrimp.
- The Hot and Sour Soup is a perfect balance of flavors, with bamboo shoots, tofu, and a hint of spiciness.
- The freshness of the vegetables in their soups is impressive, never becoming soggy or overcooked.
Lunch Specials Worth Trying
Our favorite part of dining at Lotus Garden is taking advantage of their lunch specials. These specials are served daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are priced between $7.49 and $8.99, making them an excellent value.
The lunch specials include a choice of egg drop or hot and sour soup, with the option to upgrade to wonton soup for an additional $1.50. Each special also comes with an egg roll and fried rice, creating a satisfying meal.
Best Value Combinations
The combination of egg drop soup, egg roll, and fried rice is a standout value. For just a little more, you can upgrade to wonton soup, which is a great option for those looking for a heartier soup.
Weekday Lunch Options
We’ve come to rely on the weekday lunch options at Lotus Garden for quick and satisfying meals. The flexibility of being able to order between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. is particularly appreciated.
| Lunch Special | Price | Components |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Drop Soup | $7.49 | Egg roll, Fried rice |
| Hot and Sour Soup | $7.49 | Egg roll, Fried rice |
| Wonton Soup (Upgrade) | $1.50 extra | Replaces Egg Drop or Hot and Sour |
Dinner Delights at Lotus Garden
Lotus Garden transforms dinner into a memorable occasion with its authentic Chinese dishes. The service and food are truly exceptional, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
“The service and food are beyond fantastic! Really enjoy the meals because there’s plenty for the initial order and 1 or 2 more meals another day. Fresh and good quality!”
Family-Style Dining Recommendations
When dining at Lotus Garden, we love ordering family-style to share a variety of flavors. Their Szechuan chicken, made with tender chicken, sliced Chinese black mushrooms, green bell pepper, carrots, onion, and a rich sauce, is a standout dish.
- Pairing a chicken dish with a seafood option like their exceptional shrimp with vegetables creates a perfectly balanced meal.
- For sauce variety, combining a dish with a lighter sauce (like their chicken with mushrooms) with something more robust (such as their beef in spicy sauce) is recommended.
- Adding a vegetable-forward dish enhances the overall experience – their mixed vegetables with carrots, broccoli, and water chestnuts is a fresh addition.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
To create a complete meal, we suggest pairing protein-rich dishes with vegetable options and steamed rice. For noodle lovers, their chow mein makes an excellent base for heartier dishes like their sweet and savory pork preparations.
- When we’re especially hungry, we pair a protein-rich dish like their shrimp with lobster sauce alongside a vegetable option and steamed rice for a satisfying combination.
- The contrasting textures between their crispy chicken dishes and softer preparations like their saucy beef specialties create an interesting dining experience.
Vegetarian and Healthy Options
Lotus Garden impresses with its thoughtful approach to vegetarian and healthy dining. We’re pleased to find a variety of options that cater to different dietary preferences.
The menu features standout vegetarian dishes such as Ma Po Tofu and Sweet Sour Tofu. The Ma Po Tofu is notable for its silky tofu and rich sauce, satisfying even non-vegetarians. For health-conscious diners, options like Steamed Mixed Vegetables are always fresh and perfectly cooked, featuring carrots, broccoli, and snow peas.
- Ma Po Tofu and Sweet Sour Tofu are highlights for vegetarians.
- The kitchen’s flexibility allows for modifications to accommodate vegetarian requests.
- Mushrooms are a flavorful addition to many dishes.
| Dish | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Ma Po Tofu | Silky tofu in a rich sauce | Tofu, sauce |
| Steamed Mixed Vegetables | Fresh vegetables steamed to perfection | Carrots, broccoli, snow peas |
| Sweet Sour Tofu | Crispy tofu in a sweet and sour sauce | Tofu, sweet and sour sauce |
Lotus Garden’s commitment to including vegetables and mushrooms in their dishes ensures a fresh and varied menu throughout the year. This attention to detail makes it an inclusive choice for dining with friends who have various dietary preferences.
Takeout and Delivery Experience
Lotus Garden’s takeout and delivery service has won us over with its quality and convenience. We appreciate how their dishes maintain their flavor and texture even after being transported.
How to Order for Maximum Satisfaction
To ensure maximum satisfaction, we recommend ordering dishes that are known to travel well, such as their wontons and dumplings. It’s also a good idea to check the menu for their lunch specials and signature soups.
What Travels Well from the Menu
Their wonton soup with a clear, flavorful broth arrives steaming hot, and dishes like BBQ Pork Chow Fun maintain their distinct textures. Dumplings and wontons retain their flavor, and spring rolls stay crispy.
| Dish | Travels Well | Quality After Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Wonton Soup | Yes | Steaming hot, flavorful broth |
| Dumplings | Yes | Retains flavor and texture |
| Spring Rolls | Yes | Stays crispy |
| BBQ Pork Chow Fun | Yes | Maintains distinct textures |
Why We Keep Coming Back to Lotus Garden
Lotus Garden’s consistent excellence is what draws us back time and again. We appreciate their diverse menu featuring dishes like chicken, shrimp, beef, and pork, all of which are expertly prepared. Generous portions and reasonable prices make it a great value.
Their kung pao specialties and fried rice are particular favorites, and the quality of their noodles and other dishes is consistently high. With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, Lotus Garden is our top choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
