Big Joy Chinese Restaurant

12/20/2007 Posted by saitekx52

I travel throughout the US on a regular basis and have been fortunate enough to have sampled some really great chinese food. That said, on a scale of 1 to 5, I give this restaurant a 3 (compared to similar type chinese restaurants). It's clean, the staff are friendly and portions are extremely generous for the price. Specifically, my problem was with the particular dish I ordered (chicken in plum sauce, vegetable lo mein, fried dumplings, and fried rice). Maybe the cook was just having an off day but the rice and dumplings tasted a bit recycled and the chicken dish was palatable but nothing to write home about. However, I enjoyed the vegetable lo mein. The vegetables were crisp and tasty with just the right amount of sauce. Still can't get past the recycled rice and stickers though. I sincerely hope the owner reads these reviews and understands that most of us know when food is recycled (even covered in sauce). I think the restaurant has good potential if it focuses on ensuring only freshly cooked dishes are served. I will try again in a couple of months (everyone has an off day) in hopes that this was an isolated experience.

Pros: Great staff, very friendly and attentitive to needs of patrons

Cons: Some dishes tasted recycled

10/22/2007 Posted by davthevoice

Know going in, this is a family owned eatery. Mom or one of the sons will greet you at the door as you walk in. If you are a couple you can get a quiet booth or a table, they are also suitable for a foursome. Larger groups can be accommodated at one of the various bigger tables. And if you are a really large group 10 or so, ask for the big table in the back, it has a lazy Susan so you can easily pass and share the dishes. They also have a separate room for even larger parties. But the main reason to go is the food. If you don't know what to order ask Billy, he is the older son, tell him what you like and he will make suggestions. They season to taste...want something spicy but not to much, they will hold out some of those little red peppers. MSG a problem???...they can cook without. Service is friendly and well paced but keep in mind this is relaxed dining. You want fast? Look somewhere else for a drive-through window. If you order the hot tea the mother keeps checking to make sure it stays hot and the little teapot stays full. The decor is in keeping with ancestry but it isn't over the top. The kids, yes they are very family friendly, will get a kick out of the big fish tank and the Koi. My wife and I eat there a lot and I get the feeling the family who owns the place eats there as well. Personal favorites? I like the fried potstickers, my wife likes the veggie spring roll, also as an appetizer the hot and sour soup is great on a cool evening. Lover's shrimp is a good combo of hot & spicy and sweet & sour. Beef in plumb sauce is great...garlic chicken or cashew chicken is up near the top of the list and if you ask they will put cashew on the garlic chicken for a really cool taste. In honesty I have never been disappointed in any meal there. Try it , I think you'll like it.

Pros: The owners are friendly and glad you are there. food and service are both excellent and parking is right out front.

Cons: none I can think of

03/16/2007 Posted by deevah678

While the outside of this restaurant looks very drab and slightly sketchy, don't be fooled. The inside is very nice and the food is wonderful. My friend ordered a wonderful orange chicken dish and the dish came out on a large and beautifully arranged platter. I ordered a spicy chicken and garlic dish that was wonderful. The veggies are fresh, the chicken is quality white meat, the entree selection is incredible, and the service was excellent. The ultra inexpensive house burgundy wine was rather nice with the spicy food. I can't wait to go back! In fact, I'm a major Chinese food fanatic and this is definitely at the top of my list now.

Pros: Excellent food, Great Service, Very inexpensive wine

Cons: None

03/08/2007 Posted by dezib

Best chinese food around! Service is friendly & super quick. Family business that has been around for many years.

11/25/2006 Posted by socowriter

When I used Citysearch to lookup Big Joy I saw the bad review. As someone who hits this place up for Chinese whenever I come back in town, I can say that the food is just as great as it has always been. Rock out with some potstickers ( I go fried, but I can understand if you want them steamed and some Gen. Tso's beef....classic.

Pros: Freeway access, super fast delivery, great value

Cons: Hard for 1st timers to find

09/29/2006 Posted by bradmartin

I do not enjoy this restaurant at all. I feel like the food taste old, the place is dirty, food is cold. Sorry, just not like it.

09/15/2006 Posted by lesterrobertson

I've been eating here for 20 years. Always good with great variety of fresh selections. I'm still suprised every time I go at how good the food is and how reasonably priced.

Pros: Fast service, great food, good value

Cons: Can't think of any

05/15/2006 Posted by atlantaman99

Best Chinese in the city. Delivery is great, too. Nothing on the menu is weak. Used to be a big Golden Buddah fan, but now I'm firmly on the Big Joy team, a much fresher, tastier, and better value than any other place in the city.

Pros: always fresh, taste, great delivery

Cons: none

12/25/2005 Posted by donnyraymond2

Big Joy is the best in Atlanta. I usually get it delivered (arrives quickly everytime), but sometimes I dine at the restaurant itself: either way it is a winner. Always fresh, hot, and full of flavor, the staff at Big Joy never let me down. The Beef with Plum sauce, cashew chicken, and potstickers being my usual order.

Pros: great food, fast delivery, fair pricing