Location: 4520 N Tryon St #40, Charlotte, NC 28213 Inside the Asian Mall
This was my first blog post ever, and it looks it. I did not do Dragon court any justice with the below article, but I want to remedy that a bit. Given I feel this is the best Chinese in Charlotte. After all it has been many years since I wrote this article, yet not much has changed. Dragon court has been good (almost) consistently. I thought the “bug” may have put it out of business, yet it remains.
As mentioned, in my humble opinion this is the best Chinese food in Charlotte, despite its unsavory location. I have had issues with it at times, like dumplings that could be hotter or service that felt nonexistent. Still the quality of the food keeps me coming back. Now being the best Chinese food in Charlotte is not a very high bar, I get that.
Strap on your bullet proof vest and head over to the Asian Mall for what I believe to be best Chinese food in Charlotte. Getting there might not be pretty, but those who brave the pothole filled parking lot are in for a treat. With a superb dumpling cart and Authentic Chinese menu this is my favorite spot in Charlotte for Chinese food.
The Good
The food, plain and simple. I recommend visiting this authentic spot on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon, this is when they have their dumpling carts going. From the moment you sit down you are met with instant gratification as the carts roll up. Maybe it’s just me, but there is something extremely satisfying that comes with eating off of a cart. With a with a variety of options, including various types of dumplings, (shrimp, pork,), beef balls, soups, and delicious vegetables there is certainly something to please everyone.
After you have had your fill of dumplings pick a couple of items off the main menu, which is separated into two categories, one that is standard Chinese and one labeled “authentic”. Personally, I can get chicken and broccoli anywhere, so I stick to the Authentic menu. My go to is their salt and pepper squid, which can’t be beat. The Singapore chow mei fun is also a solid menu item. I really haven’t had a bad dish there, with the exception of a free order of the ducks’ feet. This may have been a little too authentic for me.
Another positive is the price, with their tasty dumplings at between $2.50-$5.00 you’re really not spending much to fill up. The main dishes are about $15, but the portions are huge and if you’re not me, then you will have leftovers.
The Bad
Although the service is always friendly, it is a bit slow at times. You may find yourself flagging down your waitress to put in a drink order or to get additional food. I noticed that this is even more prevalent with a smaller party (4 or less). Another strike is the alcoholic drink options, which are limited to two types of beer and wine.
The Ugly
The location, the Asia Mall feels as if it is one violation away from being condemned. The parking lot has so many potholes that driving is actually hazardous and while Dragon court looks decent inside, the mall itself is filthy. I have been going here for years and although it has always been bad, I fear it keeps getting worse. My concern is that some of that filth will find its way into the eatery itself.
The Verdict: 8.5 out of 10, recommended: If you are able to overlook the horrible mall then you are in for a treat. Dragon Court offers the best Chinese in Charlotte, North Carolina. It brings some ethnic authenticity to a city that is in desperate need for it. Every time I leave Dragon Court, I leave satisfied, and content with the fact they are offering good food at a very good price. That is something I find to be rare in the Charlotte Restaurant scene