If you’ve lived in Southern Erie County for any length of time, you know the drill. It’s Friday night. You’re tired. The kids are hungry, and the last thing anyone wants to do is look at a stove. For folks in the town of Evans, the default answer is often China King Derby NY.
Located right on Erie Road, it’s that classic, unassuming storefront you might drive past a thousand times without a second thought. But for the locals, it’s a pillar. Honestly, when people search for "China King Derby NY," they aren't looking for a five-star Michelin experience with white tablecloths and a sommelier. They want that specific, comforting grease that only comes from a heavy-duty wok and a cardboard white box.
The Reality of China King Derby NY
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. You can find them at 6938 Erie Rd, Derby, NY 14047. It’s basically right in the heart of the local shopping area.
They’re open late most nights—usually until 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on the weekends. If you’re coming from Angola or Lake Erie Beach, it’s a quick hop.
Is it the most beautiful restaurant in the world? Nope. Not even close. It’s a standard takeout joint. You’ve got the plexiglass, the fading pictures of the menu items on the wall, and the constant hiss of the deep fryer in the back. But that’s the point. It’s reliable.
Why the "Hole in the Wall" Vibe Actually Works
There’s a weird psychological thing with Chinese takeout. If the place looks too fancy, you start worrying the General Tso’s won't be crunchy enough. China King doesn’t have that problem.
The menu is massive. Like, "how do they even keep all these ingredients in the back?" massive. You’ve got your staples: Lo Mein, Egg Foo Young, and enough Fried Rice variations to last a month.
One thing people often overlook here is the consistency. I’ve talked to neighbors who have been ordering the same Chicken with Broccoli for ten years. It tastes the same today as it did in 2016. In a world where everything is changing and getting more expensive, there’s something weirdly comforting about that.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Look, I’m gonna be real with you. Not every single thing on a 150-item menu is a banger. If you’re going to China King Derby NY, you need a strategy.
- The General Tso’s Chicken: This is the litmus test. At China King, it’s usually on point. The sauce isn't too sickly sweet, which is a common sin at other places. It has just enough kick to let you know it's there.
- Wonton Soup: Perfect for those Western New York winters when the lake effect snow is hitting. The broth is salty, clear, and hits the spot.
- The Lunch Specials: This is the real "pro move." If you’re working nearby or just happen to be home during the day, the price-to-food ratio is unbeatable. You get an entree, rice, and a side for less than the cost of a fancy coffee in the city.
One thing sortal-related to the food: the portions. They don't skimp. If you order a large, you're basically getting two and a half meals.
A Note on Delivery and Wait Times
Here is where people sometimes get frustrated. On a busy Friday night when the Bills are playing or there’s a big event in town, wait times can creep up.
It’s a small crew. They’re working as fast as they can, but the phone doesn't stop ringing. If you’re starving, call ahead early. Or better yet, just go pick it up yourself. The drive down Erie Road is usually pretty chill anyway.
Beyond the Food: A Community Hub?
It sounds dramatic to call a takeout place a "hub," but in a small town like Derby, these places matter. You see the same faces in the waiting area. You see the local high school kids grabbing a snack after practice.
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The staff at China King Derby NY are efficient. They aren't there to chat about the weather for twenty minutes; they're there to get your food out hot. Some people find the service "abrupt," but I call it "focused." They know you’re hungry. They’re helping you out.
How It Compares to Other Options
There aren't a ton of Chinese options in the immediate Derby/Evans area. You’ve got some stuff further down in Hamburg or up towards Lackawanna, but for convenience, China King wins.
Compared to the "fancy" Asian fusion places you find in the suburbs, China King is unapologetically old school. It’s not trying to be a sushi bar or a Thai bistro. It’s Americanized Chinese food done the way we grew up with it.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning on hitting up China King Derby NY this week, keep these things in mind to make it a better experience:
- Check the specials board: Sometimes they have things that aren't on the main paper menu.
- Ask for extra spicy: If you actually like heat, you have to tell them. Their "default" spicy is pretty mild for the general public.
- Cash is sometimes easier: While they take cards, having cash for small orders or tips is always appreciated by the staff.
- The "Dry" Request: If you live more than 15 minutes away, ask for the sauce on the side for fried items (like Sweet and Sour Chicken). It keeps things from getting soggy in the steam of the container.
At the end of the day, China King Derby NY isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s providing a necessary service to the Evans community: hot, affordable, and tasty food when you’re too wiped out to cook. That's worth a lot.
Check their current menu online or through local delivery apps like DoorDash if you want to see the latest pricing, as inflation has been hitting everyone’s favorites lately. If you're picking up, just look for the red and yellow sign on the south side of Erie Road. You can't miss it.