When it comes to satisfying comfort food with bold flavors and generous portions, Number One Chop Suey has carved out a loyal following. Known for serving classic Chinese-American cuisine, this local favorite stands out with its quick service, consistent quality, and nostalgic charm. Whether you’re picking up takeout on a busy evening or indulging in a sit-down meal with family, Number One Chop Suey delivers hearty dishes that cater to a wide range of cravings from crispy egg rolls and fried rice to their signature chop suey. The name may be simple, but the flavors tell a richer story.
The Essence of Chop Suey
Chop suey, often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked in favor of trendier dishes, is a cornerstone of Chinese-American cuisine. It typically consists of stir-fried vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce served over rice or noodles. Number One Chop Suey elevates this humble dish with their unique house-made sauce, freshly chopped vegetables, and a variety of protein options.
What Makes Their Chop Suey Stand Out
- Fresh Ingredients: Crisp bean sprouts, celery, cabbage, and onions tossed fresh to order.
- Flavorful Sauce: A savory brown sauce with balanced notes of soy, garlic, and sesame.
- Protein Options: Choose from chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork or even go meatless for a veggie version.
- Customizable Spice: Spice levels can be adjusted for mild, medium, or hot preferences.
This dish manages to be hearty without feeling too heavy, and the satisfying crunch of vegetables adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce and tender meat.
More Than Just Chop Suey
Although chop suey may be the namesake, the menu at Number One Chop Suey is filled with a broad range of classic dishes that have something for everyone. Each plate is designed to deliver familiar, comforting flavors that are both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
Customer Favorites
- Orange Chicken: Sweet, tangy, and crispy with a sticky glaze that keeps you coming back for more.
- Beef with Broccoli: Tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a garlic-infused brown sauce.
- Crab Rangoon: Crispy wontons stuffed with a creamy crab filling, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
- Egg Foo Young: A golden fried omelet topped with brown gravy hearty and delicious.
- Lo Mein: Soft, stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables and your choice of meat or tofu.
The menu doesn’t stray far from tradition, and that’s part of its charm. These are the dishes people know and love, executed with care and consistency.
Portions, Prices, and Practicality
Another reason Number One Chop Suey continues to be a go-to for locals is its excellent value. Portions are generous often large enough to feed two or provide leftovers and prices are reasonable, making it an ideal choice for families, students, or anyone seeking a filling meal without breaking the bank.
Why It’s a Local Favorite
- Affordable meals: Combos and lunch specials offer plenty of food at a wallet-friendly price.
- Quick turnaround: Ideal for takeout or delivery, most orders are ready within 15-20 minutes.
- Friendly service: Staff are known for being polite, efficient, and attentive to special requests.
These factors combine to create a dining experience that feels welcoming and convenient two key reasons customers keep coming back.
Inside the Kitchen: Traditional Techniques
While many fast-casual spots cut corners, Number One Chop Suey takes pride in sticking to traditional cooking methods. Woks are fired up for every order, ensuring that dishes are hot, fresh, and infused with that unmistakable smoky wok hei flavor that defines great Chinese stir-fry.
Prep and Cooking
The kitchen is well-organized, with a dedicated team preparing each dish from scratch. Vegetables are chopped daily, sauces are prepared in-house, and every dish is cooked to order. This commitment to freshness makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
For example, their shrimp fried rice features plump shrimp that are lightly seared to retain juiciness, tossed with rice that’s been properly chilled before stir-frying resulting in that perfect non-soggy texture. The attention to detail shows in every bite.
Vegetarian and Custom Options
While the menu is rooted in traditional meat-based dishes, Number One Chop Suey also offers options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. Simply ask to remove animal products or request tofu as a substitute in most stir-fried dishes.
Vegetarian-Friendly Picks
- Vegetable Chop Suey: A meat-free version of the classic dish, loaded with fresh veggies.
- Tofu Lo Mein: Stir-fried noodles with tofu and seasonal vegetables in a light soy-based sauce.
- Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables: A simple, wholesome choice for clean eating.
Customization is easy, and the staff are usually very accommodating, ensuring that customers with preferences or allergies still have plenty of choices.
Community Roots and Local Love
Number One Chop Suey isn’t a flashy, high-end restaurant. It’s a neighborhood staple that has built its reputation on consistent quality, fair pricing, and comforting flavors. The restaurant’s loyal customers often speak fondly of family meals shared around cartons of chow mein or warming up with hot egg drop soup on a cold night.
It’s the kind of place that remembers your usual order, greets you with a smile, and always makes sure the soy sauce and napkins are in the bag. That kind of genuine service is increasingly rare and deeply appreciated.
Best Times to Visit
If you’re planning to grab a meal from Number One Chop Suey, timing can make all the difference. During peak hours, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, the phone lines can get busy and the wait times a bit longer. For a quicker experience, calling ahead or visiting during lunch hours often results in faster service and shorter lines.
Lunch specials are also a great deal, often including an entrée, rice, and an egg roll at a discounted price. It’s an ideal option for a quick, satisfying mid-day meal.
Number One Chop Suey is a shining example of what makes Chinese-American takeout so beloved. It’s not about reinventing the wheel it’s about doing the classics right. With its reliable quality, wide-ranging menu, and unbeatable value, this local gem continues to satisfy cravings and win hearts one order at a time. Whether you’re in the mood for savory beef chop suey, crispy egg rolls, or just a comforting container of fried rice, Number One Chop Suey has exactly what you need to hit the spot.