If you’ve lived in Franklin County for more than a week, you’ve probably seen it. Tucked away at 2006 Phoenix Center Dr, China King Washington Missouri is that unassuming spot that everyone seems to have an opinion on. Some folks swear by their lunch specials, while others just hit them up for a late-night Crab Rangoon craving. Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a local staple, yet there’s a lot of confusion about what they actually do best and how they compare to the newer spots popping up in town.
The Reality of China King Washington Missouri
Let’s be real: when you search for "Chinese food in Washington," a few names pop up. You’ve got Sushi King (which, confusingly, is right nearby but has a totally different vibe with its hibachi and ramen), and then you’ve got China King.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s some massive, corporate-owned chain like Panda Express. It’s not. While the "China King" name is everywhere across the Midwest—sort of like how every town has a "Main Street"—this specific location functions as a classic, local Chinese-American takeout joint. You’re getting the standard heavy hitters here: General Tso’s, Lo Mein, and those massive portions of fried rice that somehow taste better the next morning.
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What’s Actually on the Menu?
People always ask if they have sushi. Short answer: No. If you want a California roll, you’re looking for their neighbor. China King Washington Missouri focuses on the "wok and oil" side of things.
Here is the breakdown of what people actually order:
- The Lunch Specials: These are basically the bread and butter of the operation. Usually running from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, you can snag an entree, fried rice, and an egg roll for under ten bucks. It’s arguably the most calories you can get in Washington for that price point.
- The Crab Rangoon: This is the make-or-break dish for any Missouri Chinese place. Theirs is the sweeter, cream-cheese-heavy style. Some reviews mention they can be stingy with the sweet and sour sauce on delivery orders, so maybe double-check your bag if you’re picking up.
- Orange Chicken: It’s crispy. It’s sticky. It’s exactly what you expect. It isn't "authentic" Szechuan cuisine, but it hits the spot when you're craving comfort food.
- The "Dark" Fried Rice: You know that specific type of fried rice that’s dark, savory, and almost a meal on its own? That’s a signature here.
The Logistics: Delivery and Pickup
This is where things get a bit tricky. There have been some grumbles online lately about "hidden fees" or delivery minimums.
To save you the headache, here is the current situation:
- Delivery Fee: Usually around $2.95 if you're within a 5-mile radius.
- Minimum Order: You’ve got to hit at least $15.00 for them to bring it to your door.
- Wait Times: On a Friday night? Expect 45 to 60 minutes. They get slammed.
- Online Ordering: They use Beyond Menu and their own site, but honestly, sometimes just calling them at 636-390-8881 is faster if the web portal is glitchy.
The "Health Inspection" Rumors
Look, we’ve all heard the local gossip. "Oh, I heard they failed an inspection!" or "My cousin’s friend got sick!"
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In Missouri, health inspections are public record. The Franklin County health department does routine, unannounced checks. While almost every restaurant has some violation (it could be as simple as a thermometer being off by two degrees or a floor tile being cracked), China King Washington Missouri has maintained a consistent presence in the community for years. If they were truly a hazard, they wouldn't be open. If you’re ever worried, you can look up the most recent reports on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website. Most of the "critiques" you see on Yelp are more about a dish being "too much broccoli, not enough beef" rather than safety issues.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
With the rise of "fast-casual" dining and healthier options, you might think the old-school Chinese takeout model is dying. But there’s something about a plastic container of Beef with Broccoli that just feels like home. It’s reliable. You know exactly what it’s going to taste like every single time.
In a town like Washington, where the dining scene is actually getting pretty sophisticated, China King occupies that necessary niche of "I don't want to cook, I don't want to spend fifty dollars, and I want enough leftovers for Monday's lunch."
Actionable Tips for Your Next Order
If you're going to give them a shot, don't just wing it. Do it right.
- Request "Extra Spicy": Their standard "hot" is pretty mild for most people. If you actually want a kick, you have to tell them.
- The "Sauce Side" Hack: If you’re worried about your Sweet and Sour Chicken getting soggy during delivery, ask for the sauce on the side. They’ll usually put the fried chicken in one container and the sauce in a separate plastic tub.
- Check the Bag: I can’t stress this enough. If you’re at the Phoenix Center drive-thru or picking up, check for your utensils and sauce packets before you pull away. It sucks to get home and realize you're eating Lo Mein with a tea spoon.
- Try the Curry Chicken: It’s one of the more underrated things on the menu. It has a mild/medium spice level and actually has a decent depth of flavor compared to the standard brown sauce dishes.
How to Get There
They are located at:
2006 Phoenix Center Dr, Washington, MO 63090
Hours (approximate, always call to verify):
- Mon-Thu: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Sun: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
If you’re looking for a quick lunch, aim for that 11:00 AM window right when they’ve prepped everything fresh. The food is at its peak right then.
Next time you're stuck on what to eat, skip the burger chain and go for the local staple. Even if it's just for the Crab Rangoon, China King Washington Missouri is worth the stop. Just remember to ask for extra napkins.
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Next Steps for You:
If you're planning on ordering tonight, check their official website first to see if they have any "Party Special" coupons running, especially if you're feeding a group. Otherwise, give them a call directly to avoid the extra service fees that third-party apps sometimes tack on.