If you’ve spent any time driving through the dense, neon-lit streets of Bergen County, you know the vibe. Palisades Park is basically the Korean food capital of the East Coast. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a high-end K-BBQ spot or a bakery filled with red bean buns. But tucked away at 16 E Columbia Ave, there’s this place called China Moon Palisades Park NJ that feels like a glitch in the matrix—in the best way possible.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have a sleek Instagram aesthetic. Honestly, if you aren’t looking for it, you might walk right past the brick storefront while heading toward the more "famous" soup dumpling spots nearby. But for the locals who live here, China Moon is the reliable "old faithful" of the neighborhood.
What is China Moon Palisades Park NJ Exactly?
Most people coming to Pal Park are hunting for Jjamppong or Bulgogi. China Moon is different. It’s a classic, no-frills Chinese-American restaurant that has survived the massive demographic shifts of the last thirty years. While the town around it transformed into a bustling Korean enclave, China Moon stayed put, serving up the kind of comfort food that reminds you of childhood.
It’s small. Maybe a few tables if you’re lucky, but most people treat it as a dedicated takeout hub. You’ll see delivery drivers cycling in and out constantly. The menu is a massive, laminated sprawl of everything you’d expect: from the standard Beef with Broccoli to some surprisingly good Mongolian Beef.
Why the Location Matters
Being on East Columbia Avenue puts it just off the main drag of Broad Ave. That’s a strategic win. You don’t have to fight the same level of soul-crushing traffic you’ll find two blocks over, yet you’re close enough to grab a bubble tea from a neighbor shop right after you pick up your order.
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The Menu: What to Actually Order
Look, we’ve all been to "mall Chinese" places where the food is just a sad pile of sugar and cornstarch. China Moon Palisades Park NJ isn't that. Don't get me wrong, it’s not fine dining, but there’s a level of consistency here that’s rare for the price point.
- The Dumpling Situation: They offer both pan-fried and steamed dumplings in sets of six. The dough is thick and chewy, exactly how it should be at a neighborhood joint.
- Seafood Highlights: Their Kung Pao Shrimp ($9.45) is a standout. It actually has a bit of a kick, which is more than you can say for most places in this price bracket.
- The Lunch Specials: This is where the value is. If you're working nearby or just passing through, their lunch combinations are basically the best deal in a town that has become increasingly expensive.
China Moon vs. The Competition
Palisades Park is a literal gauntlet of food. You have Old Shanghai Soup Dumplings right around the corner, which is world-class but usually packed with a line out the door. You have So Moon Nan Jip for the hardcore BBQ fans.
So why go to China Moon?
Because sometimes you don't want a "dining experience." You want a heavy brown paper bag filled with hot, salty Roast Pork Lo Mein that costs less than $15. China Moon fills the gap for the "everyday" meal. It’s the place you call on a Tuesday night when you’re too tired to cook and don’t feel like putting on real pants to go to a sit-down restaurant.
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Is it Authentic?
"Authentic" is a tricky word. If you’re looking for regional Szechuan peppercorns that numb your entire face, you might want to head to Fort Lee. China Moon is authentic to the Chinese-American tradition. It’s the food of the diaspora—General Tso, Egg Drop Soup, and those crispy fried noodles they give you in the little clear bag. It’s a specific culture, and they do it well.
Knowing Before You Go
Before you plug it into your GPS, there are a few logistical things to keep in mind. Parking in Palisades Park is famously a nightmare.
Seriously. It's bad.
If you’re picking up from China Moon, try to find a spot on the side streets or use the small metered spots on Columbia. Don't even try to park on Broad Ave during peak hours unless you enjoy the feeling of pure rage.
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Current Operating Stats:
- Address: 16 E Columbia Ave, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
- Phone: 201-945-6628 (Highly recommend calling ahead)
- Vibe: Takeout-centric, casual, very friendly staff.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out China Moon Palisades Park NJ, here is how to do it like a local:
- Call, don't just show up. They’re efficient, but they get slammed with phone orders. Calling ahead ensures your food is actually hot when you arrive.
- Check the Lunch Menu. If you're there before 3:00 PM, the price-to-portion ratio is unbeatable.
- Cash is helpful. While they take cards, small local spots like this always appreciate cash for smaller orders.
- Combine your trip. Since you're already in the neighborhood, park once and walk to one of the nearby Korean bakeries for dessert.
This isn't just a restaurant; it's a piece of the old Bergen County fabric that has managed to keep its doors open while everything else changed. It’s reliable, it’s affordable, and it’s exactly what you need when that specific craving for "real" takeout hits.