Hungry in West County? You've probably driven past that brick-and-glass storefront a thousand times. It’s tucked into the shopping strip at 11660 Manchester Road. Honestly, China King Des Peres is one of those places that feels like it’s been there forever, quietly fueling the local community with massive portions of General Tso's while the rest of the world changes around it.
If you grew up in the Kirkwood or Des Peres area, you know the drill. You call 314-821-8288, hear a quick confirmation of your order, and twenty minutes later, you're walking out with a brown paper bag that's literally heavy enough to break the handles. It isn't fine dining. It isn't "fusion." It’s just solid, reliable St. Louis-style Chinese food.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering?
Most people walk in and panic-order the first thing they see on the massive wall menu. Don't do that. You gotta know the hits.
The General Tso’s Chicken is the undisputed heavy hitter here. It’s chunky, crispy, and comes in a sauce that hits that perfect sweet-spicy balance without being cloying. If you’re a local, you probably know the "St. Paul Sandwich" exists, but let’s be real—most of us are here for the Combo Specials. They’re basically a steal. You get the entree, a pile of fried rice (which actually has that smoky wok hei flavor), and an egg roll or crab rangoon.
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Speaking of Crab Rangoon, they are consistently rated as some of the best in this part of the county. They aren't those weird, hollow shells you get at the mall. They're stuffed. They’re hot. Usually, they’re still crispy even after the drive home to Kirkwood.
The Vibe and the Logistics
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The dining room isn’t exactly Ritz-Carlton material. It’s a classic takeout joint. While they technically have tables, most folks treat it as a strictly "grab and go" operation.
- Address: 11660 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131
- Hours: They usually open around 10:30 AM and run until 9:00 PM (though online ordering sometimes cuts off a bit earlier, around 8:25 PM).
- Closed Mondays: Don't be the person pulling on a locked door on a Monday afternoon. They need a break too.
Parking is usually easy because it's in a large lot, but if you're hitting it during the Friday night rush, things get a little chaotic. People are double-parking, engines are running, and everyone is just trying to get their lo mein and get home.
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Dealing with the "Change"
There’s always talk in the neighborhood about whether things have changed. "Is it as good as it was five years ago?" "Did the owners change?"
The truth is, even if there are shifts in the kitchen staff, the core recipes seem to stay the same. You might get a batch of beef with broccoli that’s a little saltier one day, but the consistency is generally higher than your average strip-mall spot. Some regulars on Reddit and Yelp have complained about the decor getting a little dated, but honestly, if you're looking at the ceiling tiles instead of the food, you're doing it wrong.
Practical Tips for Your Next Order
If you want the best experience at China King Des Peres, follow the locals.
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- Order the Fried Dumplings. They are surprisingly thick-skinned and juicy. Far better than the frozen ones you’d find elsewhere.
- Ask for Extra Spicy. If you actually like heat, tell them. Their "spicy" is usually tuned for the general West County palate, which is... mild.
- Check the "Chef's Specialties." Dishes like the Happy Family (lobster, shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork) are great if you’re feeding a group and can't decide on one protein.
- The St. Paul Sandwich. If you're a St. Louis native, you know. If you're not, it's an egg foo young patty on white bread with pickles and mayo. It sounds crazy. It's actually a masterpiece of regional cuisine.
China King isn't trying to win a Michelin star. It's trying to provide a hot, affordable meal to people who are tired after a long day of work or soccer practice. In a world of overpriced "small plates" and $20 salads, there's something genuinely comforting about a place where $13 still gets you a mountain of food that tastes exactly like you remember.
The best way to handle your next visit is to browse their menu on a site like BeyondMenu or their official landing page first so you aren't holding up the line. Pick up a quart of Hot and Sour soup while you're at it—it’s the best cure for a St. Louis winter cold.
Next Steps for Your Meal
- Verify the menu prices on their official site before calling, as delivery apps often mark things up by 20-30%.
- Call directly at 314-821-8288 for the fastest service and to ensure the restaurant keeps more of the profit compared to third-party apps.
- Bring cash if you’re doing a small order, though they do take all major credit cards for convenience.