Finding a reliable Chinese spot in Warren County shouldn’t feel like a gamble, but we've all been there—staring at a grease-stained paper menu wondering if the "Chef’s Special" is actually special. If you're looking at the hong kong palace hackettstown nj menu, you're likely standing in that 192 Mountain Avenue parking lot or sitting on your couch with a growling stomach.
Honestly, this place is a bit of an institution. It's been around since 1986. That’s nearly four decades of frying wontons and steaming broccoli. In an industry where restaurants pop up and vanish in six months, that kind of longevity says something. But the menu is massive. Like, "four different cuisines in one book" massive. They’ve got Chinese, Thai, Japanese hibachi, and even some Mongolian-style dishes. It can be a lot to navigate when you just want a decent dinner.
Navigating the Appetizer Minefield
Let’s talk starters. Most people default to the basic egg roll. It’s fine. It’s $2.00. But if you want something better, the Shanghai Spring Rolls are where it's at. They have that thin, shatteringly crisp shell that doesn't feel like you’re eating a fried carpet.
The Bar-B-Que Boneless Spare Ribs are a frequent flyer for a reason. They’re $11.00 and usually lean—not those weirdly neon-pink gristly bits you find at cheaper takeout joints. If you're feeling adventurous or feeding a crowd, the Pu Pu Platter ($23.00) is basically a greatest-hits album of fried things. It’s nostalgic, it’s fun, and it comes with that little fire in the middle that makes you feel like it's 1992 again.
Some folks swear by the Crabstick Cheese Rangoon ($6.55). It’s essentially a cream cheese delivery system, but the frying is usually consistent. If you're more into the Japanese side of things, the Miso Soup is a safe bet, though most locals stick to the Wonton or Hot & Sour when ordering from the Chinese side of the menu.
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The Main Event: What’s Actually Worth the Calories?
When you dive into the heart of the hong kong palace hackettstown nj menu, you’ll notice the "Szechuan & Hunan Cuisines" section. This is where things get interesting.
The General Tso’s Chicken ($16.00) is the undisputed heavyweight champion of American-Chinese food. Here, they don't skimp on the sauce, but the chicken usually retains a bit of that necessary crunch. For something a little less "syrupy," the Beef with Broccoli ($9.75 for a smaller portion) is a solid benchmark. The beef is tenderized correctly—none of that "chewing on a rubber band" vibe.
Real Talk on the Seafood
Seafood is where a lot of local places fail, but the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce ($13.00 for the combo) is surprisingly consistent. If you want to go big, the Treasures of the Sea is $18.50. It’s a mix of scallops, shrimp, and crab meat. It's one of the priciest things on the menu, so only get it if you're a die-hard seafood fan.
The Hibachi Curveball
Yes, they do Hibachi. It’s a weird flex for a place that feels like a classic Chinese palace, but the Hibachi Steak ($20.99) and Hibachi Shrimp ($17.99) are popular for those who want a "cleaner" meal without the heavy brown sauces. It’s not Benihana—don’t expect an onion volcano—but the flavors are surprisingly on point.
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Hidden Gems and Budget Hacks
If you’re trying to save a buck, the Combination Platters are the way to go. Most hover around $11.00 to $11.50 and come with Pork Fried Rice and an Egg Roll. It’s a massive amount of food. You’ll have leftovers. You know you want those leftovers.
The "Yat Gaw Mein" Secret
Hardly anyone talks about the Yat Gaw Mein (Noodle Soup). It’s $6.00 for the roast pork or chicken versions. It’s basically the ultimate comfort food for a rainy New Jersey Tuesday. It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it’s a nice break from the fried stuff.
- Vegetarians take note: The Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($13.00) is actually one of the best things on the menu, period. Even if you aren't a vegetarian, the texture of the eggplant is great.
- Spice Levels: When they say "Hot and Spicy," they usually mean "New Jersey Spicy." It’s got a kick, but it won't ruin your life. If you want it "make me cry" hot, you’ve gotta tell them specifically.
- Dining In vs. Takeout: The dining room is actually quite large and clean. It’s not just a hole-in-the-wall takeout counter.
The Logistics You Actually Need
They are closed on Mondays. Don't be the person calling five times while standing in the kitchen wondering why no one is picking up.
- Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Address: 192 Mountain Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
- Phone: (908) 850-4212
If you're ordering through DoorDash or Uber Eats, expect to pay a bit more per item. That $14.00 Sweet & Sour Chicken might show up as $16.00 on the app. It sucks, but that’s the "lazy tax" we all pay.
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What to Keep in Mind
Look, no restaurant is perfect. Some recent regulars have mentioned that the consistency can fluctuate depending on how slammed the kitchen is. Friday nights are absolute chaos. If you order then, your 30-minute estimate might actually be 50 minutes. It happens.
Also, be specific about your sauces. If you hate duck sauce, tell 'em. If you need extra spicy mustard that clears your sinuses, ask for it. They’re usually pretty good about the small stuff if you’re clear on the phone.
The hong kong palace hackettstown nj menu is a bit of a local treasure map. It’s got some duds, sure, but the high points—like the sesame chicken, the boneless ribs, and the garlic eggplant—are the reasons people have been coming back since the 80s.
To get the most out of your next order, skip the standard "Chicken Chow Mein" and try one of the Szechuan specialties or the Hibachi. If you're doing takeout, check your bag for the hot mustard before you drive away. If you're dining in, take advantage of the hot tea—it's the real deal. Stick to the tried-and-true classics, and you'll usually leave happy.