Happy Garden Restaurant Chico in Chico

Some South of the border type eateries after the Covid pandemic, started charging for chips and salsa, not that they were any better than the few that still maintain that fine tradition of unlimited chips/salsa. Really is not trying to save a few dollars, for the average consumer is generous and appreciative when well treated. Some Chinese are doing the same with their steamed rice, which is a low blow, because they also raised their price across the board. Got to have some Quî (balls) considering 98% of their food requires rice. Dishes ordered at this cocky establishment:Curry Chicken, $11.50+ Something about South China prized curry. Big, mean Big, pieces of green bell peppers 🫑, the norm not the exception. Onions, sliced carrot, and tender diced chicken. Not a hefty amount, but with the expensive white rice, edible at least. 2 Stars.Mongolian Fish, $15.95. Plenty of extra soggy onions, green onions, sauce makes it look 👀 tad mushy, and fish. We are still wondering what fish it was, as Tilapia, mostly all farm fed, seems the norm in several cuisines. Cheap and plentiful, but give credit where it’s due, the small amount of fish presented was acceptable, even though I like to point out that i’ve seen a few photos of much bigger portions, which makes me feel left out, and since I believe in equal treatment when it comes to portions in a restaurant, I guess I will not be including them on my very special Christmas list this year, or for that matter any other one. Limited amount was once again to be enjoyed with their high prized white rice. Overall not a great dish but likable . 3 Stars.White Rice (L?), $3.95. Steamed, bought by the bushel. 3 Stars.This outfit strikes me as self assured, which is no surprise as most Chinese carry a tiny chip on their shoulders. Traffic while I waited seemed brisk, which made the other one we went on mother’s day, a little uneventful, funereal. Total with Apple Pay was close to $36, no gratuity needed nor deserved. 2.5 Stars.7-30-2023 Second time worst. There is just no winning. Mongolian Fish, $15.95. I cant believe I ordered this one again. Mediocre with capital M. 1.5 Stars.Braised Chicken, $14? What I expected to be an above average dish, kind of like salt and pepper, turned out to be a disaster, breaded, mushy, dry chicken inside, with a sweet garlic sauce. 1.5 Stars.House Special Chow Mein, $12+? Combination my fortune cookie! 90 % noodles, thick, al dente, and the rest leftovers did not see one shrimp, still edible. These establishment lies through their teeth. Have the nerve to load the cheap noodle, totally dry piece of pork, no shrimp, etc. Yet they are the toast of their admirers. Cheap, quite capable to sell terrible take out, since they know it will be too late by the time is discovered. Total: $45+. Yet lots of people love it! Small servings, no class yet they are highly praised. 1.5 Stars.

My go-to Chinese spot.This time I had take out. Love their Mongolian lamb. Tried the Mandarin Chicken for the 1st time and not too spicy, just right. Salt and pepper shrimp could be more volume but flavor is goodService has always been awesome and my 2 yrs daughter loves it here.

I’m Chinese and this spot is the only half decent Chinese spot in town.Get the Mongolian beef / lamb.Beef chow fun also approved.

With a decent sized variety of dishes to choose from, the food here ranges from slightly above average to very good, depending on what you order. The staff is super friendly and very efficient making for an enjoyable experience every time I visit. I wish they hadnt stepped into the shrinkflation movement but their portions are still fairly generous.While I would rate both Gingers and Chan Phengs a bit higher, Happy Garden is still one of my favorite places to go.

Im once again Happy that Happy Gardens is once again available for in dining eating. I arrived on a Friday night, immediately seated, and knew exactly what I wanted. I ordered the Mongolian Beef, Lemon Chicken, Special Chow Mein, and the Sweet/Sour Prawns. No more than 10 minutes later my food arrived... and tasted like Heaven! The portions are STILL plentiful and extremely tasty, with the right amount of spices, sauces and meat/vegetables in each dish, leaving me thoroughly filled with extra for the next days lunch. Not much more can be said about how great this restaurant is. The service is crisp and attentive, prices are normal for an establishment like this, and not too crowded on Tues-Thu. Lunch specials can be found, and dinner specials for 2-3 people make this an absolute necessity for a date night. A piece of heaven I will continue to patronage for years to come.

There was 6 in our group, plus my 2yo nephew. We ordered the family dinner for 6. Even tho they were super busy (pkg lot was packed), they still gave great service! Instead of just making us wait til they got around to us, they kept in contact the whole time, even letting us know that our server would be with us soon. They also made a mistake w/ our order, but remedied it. We substituted sweet & sour pork instead of sweet and sour chicken. When our food came, they had given us the sweet & sour chicken. They quickly realized their mistake, and said they would bring out our sweet and sour pork right away. They even let us keep the sweet and sour chicken too! The food was AMAZING!!! 😋 They were also great about clearing away the dirty dishes! I definitely recommend coming here for an amazing experience!

Food was fast, hit, and tasty. Seating was in booths or tables. Take was an option. We had lunch. $22 for 2 people and tax. Didnt order soda. No coke. Will go back. Good service.

Picked up dinner tonight. One of the dishes was sesame chicken. About the fourth bite in, I had eaten a rotten piece of chicken. Wife took it back to the restaurant, I was getting sick, they were reluctant about giving us a refund, but finally did. I think I’ll stick with Ginger’s.

The Good...The ordering was easy and food was done promptly.The Bad...My high hopes were dashed by the quality of the food. Calamari was bland and awful. The chow main was dry and salty. The beef and in the two main entries was scares.The Ugly....The long line and full parking lot gives a false impression of quality. This was my first and last order.

Wonderful food! Had a family dinner here and Ill definitely be back when we visit Chico again. Grabbed a box of oolong tea on the way out too!