Kowloon Restaurant
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
79 Reviews for Kowloon Restaurant
It's All Good Here...!
I lived on this food as a boy. My Mom was a Head waitress here for almost 20 years. Back in the 70's and 80's. My mom would bring home shopping bags of Kowloon food every night.
It's a bit pricey now. The Food is still the Best Chinese food in the Greater Boston area. No one comes close. I eat here on special occasions.
My Picks: Saugus Wings, Teriyaki nuggets, Chicken lo mein
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Was there last friday night and i have to tell ya its really really good chinese food and they give you alot for your money we actually sat in a faux looking chinese hut and felt like you were in china or somthing lol no but really,,its a short drive to saugus many other restaurants are around but was worth it all the way there and the chinese tea is good too i reccommend everyone try this place out...
Dude - I was more "Chinese" than my server, or my food. And oh yeah, I'm not Chinese! But pretty decent Americanized Chinese food.
Do NOT order the sushi here... it was the worst sushi I ever had, but I was the idiot for ordering it at a so called "Chinese" restaurant. I was sick all night that night, and I still find myself dry heaving a bit when I drive by Kowloons.
Good times.
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Its got parking. Thats what the star is for.
The decor is entertaining, which serves to possibly distract you from the disgusting food and smell of fried nast.
I have been forced to go on a few family outings and ended up violently ill each time.
This is the mega-tacky faux-Polynesian "Chinese" food restaurant to which all other mega-tacky faux-Polynesian "Chinese" food restaurants aspire. It's a magical land where you suspend your disbelief and accept the meal in front of you as "authentic" and "containing nutrients." When I was about eight years old I thought this place was heaven on earth. I guess that sense of wonder still lives in my heart even though I've actually lived in Asia and know that this represents absolutely nothing of Asian food or culture. If you should find yourself stranded out on Rt 1 sometime in this enormous homage to MSG, just order yourself a Mai Tai and go with it.
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Oy.
Okay, as awful as this sounds, the people of Saugus/Malden/Revere are hooked on these huge restaurants that are filled with fat people and subpar food.
To start, I'm a bit biased because I'm originally from New York, and I know good chinese food. But I'll do the best I can with Kowloon's.
No matter when you go, the parking lot is always packed. To the very last space. When I came for the first time, I was so confused. "How can such a tiny looking restaurant accomodate all of these people?" However, on the inside, it's plainly obvious that Kowloon's has a lot more space than meets the eye.
The problem is that every single space is packed with people! The lobby on a Friday or Saturday night is jammed, with people moving around like cattle. What makes it worse is the stupid comedy club upstairs. People waiting for a show or coming down from a show always crowd the lobby, and it makes for a difficult waiting experience. But to be fair, there have been occaisions when I've walked in and been seated immediately.
Kudos to Kowloon's for having such a huge, diverse menu. With so many options and different styles of Asian foods, I had my hopes up. Sadly, the food is mediocre, at best. While it does come fast, that's about the only thing it has going for it. I mean, I understand that there are SO MANY PEOPLE that need their entrees and there's little time to make quality food. But it's just not good. There's no flavor, it's all Americanized chinese food for the masses, and I'm disappointed. Plus, it's overpriced, and certainly not worth it.
My main problem with this place is the fact that no matter when you go, there's always some event going on. Birthday parties, pre or post-game dinners, there's always a gathering happening. And it's always loud. I mean, this is certainly the place to bring that large group, but it's annoying as hell to others in the restaurant, and it's quite distracting while trying to eat.
Best bet is to ask to be seated in the smaller dining room immediately to the left when walking in. It's more comfortable and seemingly quieter, as they tend to not put large groups of crazies in there.
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Kowloon has pictures of all these famous people that have visited the restaurant and I don't understand why they chose to come here. The food is very average. I have experienced much better Asian cuisine elsewhere. This place is huge though. The parking lot is always full of cars. I don't understand the fascination with this place.
I have come here many times for graduation parties and family gatherings and we always order "Chinese" food...AKA: Fried food and stuff you smother with duck sauce. One of the popular choices for this type of food is the pu pu platter. There are a few different options for pu pu platters but they all come with your standards: chicken wings, spareribs, egg rolls, fried shrimp, etc.
This food is all average, but at least gives you the opportunity to have a few different kinds of meat and flavors. The chicken wings were normal, basically covered in grease. I was actually impressed with the spareribs. The meat was decent, but didn't fall off the bone as well as it should have, but the sauce used was better than I have had. It was a bit sweeter than normal. Highlight of the meal. One bite into the egg roll from a friend and it was thrown back onto the table. I was a bit frightened. The chicken lo mein was also a bit slimy and had too much other stuff in it. The chicken was also a bit fatty.
Overall, this place isn't that cheap. I would say it's over popular for the price and quality of the food, but maybe i'll try something besides American Chinese food. I gotta keep going till I get my picture up there with the celebrities, right between The Rock and Barney the Dinosaur.
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This place is disgusting. This is NOT real chinese food, it's totally americanized. I'm sorry but the people who go there should NOT be eating there. They go there on a Saturday afternoon and end up in the hospital Saturday night with an acute myocardial infarction. Seriously people, if you can't fit in a booth because of your enormous gut you should not be feeding on appetizers of pu pu platters....gross.
The inside is comical and fun to check out. I do get so nostalgic there though. I've been back once since moving back to Boston and it always brings me back to my pathetic teenage years.
"Cappy , you better come outside." Your wife is with a guy who we're definitely not letting in and she needs your help."
That's how it began......and somehow it ended at Kowloon.
I thought I was about to start the rest of my night entitled "Mr. C's Wild Ride" at Paddy o's with about 20 close friends after a very successful singles event at the Hooley House.
But alas it was not be. I somehow ended up carrying a stranger (to me) up the street, across the street, stop so he could wet himself, stop again to argue with a bouncer from the Bell and Hand about whether i should get him an ambulance, waiting for the ambulance guys to convince him to go to the hospital, get his address out of him after he wouldn't go to the hospital.
(are you guys getting the fucking picture?)
Placing him in my car and GPS ing his address after he gave me the wrong one again. Anyway, got him home in Stoneham where i really had no initial intention of going pretty much EVER .
Now we were hungry. What's still open now on the North Shore?
Kelly's? nah Hey Kowloon!
Ambiance is priceless. I love it. (read the other reviews) The late night bar was packed on a Thursday with a older North Shore crowd.
We ordered Peking Ravioli, Eddie Andelmans Lo Mein, and a Beef w/ black bean sauce.
D - scusting. The worst Chinese in the history of China. and China has a loooong history.ok it was late. Maybe the bus boy takes over when the chef goes home. I don't know. But the "black bean sauce" was mud. The lo mein noodles were hard and like fettucini not noodles. ug I'm literally still sick the next day.
My night started out great. I'll just focus on that right now.
I'm nauseous.
oh and the Phantom Gourmet says this place rocks every week. seriously guys? Maybe they'll name a dish after you just like your dad some day. The Andelman sons smelly dumplings or something. Why are they smelly? oh cause they're full of shit. Like you guys.
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Rt 1 is basically littered with places like this...gigantic theme restaurants that just beg you to mock them. We drive by Kowloon at least once or twice a month on our way to a family members house, and this time the call of the far east drew us in.
It should be noted that you basically can't eat here with a straight face, so bring your sense of humor. The parking lot is absolutely packed with cars and I still have no idea where everyone was the place is that enormous. We lucked out and got an incredible table for two next to the palm tree/pond/fountain area. The kitchiness of this place is incredible. I mean, we're talking thatched roof, blue lagoon, hawaiin sunset ambiance- its pretty amazing.
The food was good, not great. I'm sure if we hadn't been driving home we would have explored the drink menu which had some gem's on it...places like this just beg you to order a ridiculous cocktail in shades not found in nature with mini umbrellas in them. Next time we go, this will be a must.
If you're driving by on Rt. 1 you should def check this place out...if only for the good stories & laughs you'll have.
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Holy study in ostentatious!
This place is like a shining beacon of tacky visible to all that drive down Rte. 1 in Saugus. Unfortunately, instead of "mmm...Chinese.." this place has more of the "what a stupid-looking building" effect. And that should serve as a deterrent.
On any weekend night, this place is packed. As I went for someone's birthday and they had made reservations, we didn't wait too long. Just long enough to see the bro-skis with their brewskies; the hussied-up 50 year-olds and what looked to be the cast of Growing Up Gotti. Everywhere.
The gaudiness (and Gotti-ness) continued as we were ushered to our table. OK, fake pond in the middle of the restaurant and random pieces of ship jutting out of the wall. I can dig. It was a bit loud in here but hearing each other at the table didn't prove to be too much of a problem.
The menu is huge. Not huge, colossal. Which is almost an annoyance. Yes, I appreciate the selection but the selection process ends up being a half hour event. If you have indecisive friends, go somewhere else, you will be here forever as they hem and haw over the menu.
I ordered the Flaming Ambrosias. It was supposed to be battered shrimp in sauce served with fresh pineapple. All I could taste was sauce. Apparently the gods really like the taste of sweet and sour pungent sauce. Which is cool, but personally I wanted to taste the fresh pineapple that had been advertised on the menu. I could barely eat half of it because the sauce was so intense and filling.
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I don't enjoy this place. I don't like anything about it. I can't explain it, the food was so bad (we had a huge party with us about 30 people) and no one seemed to like their food. So we just drank and danced. Yes, they had a cheesy band I felt like I was in my big fat greek wedding, only in a cheesy chinese restaurant. This place looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the Carter Administration.
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Who is the star of Pretty Woman? I'll give you five guess. Julia Roberts? No. Richard Gere? No. Jason Alexander? No. The chick from Just Shoot Me? No ...
According to a poster at Kowloon, the star is Larry Miller - the "Star of Pretty Woman, the brown nosing salesman" is performing at their comedy studio late May. Which is through the foyer, underneath autographed glossies of professional wrestlers, past the dance area and the bathroom decked out with two-way mirrors, under the seaside murals, between the palm trees, and underneath the marlins and giant SS KOWLOON boats hanging from the ceiling with ropes.
Kowloon, simply, is a fantastic, tacky spectacle. With utterly mediocre food that will give you a stomachache for the rest of the day. The food my friends and I ordered arrived suspiciously quickly. The "flaming pineapple shrimp" was not on fire, but rather, fried and covered in cherries (ugh!). The vegetable lo mein was average, but eight dollars seemed hardly worth it. But the plate it was served on - hysterical! So ugly and funny! So maybe worth it after all.
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If you're a local, you love this place for what it is, even though you can't quite put your finger on why...
On a night of bar hopping down rt. 1, we always end up here for a couple strong drinks (usu. scorpion bowls) and a pupu platter. Cool place for late night.
I've been coming here since I was a kid and I agree, the place isn't pristine and it's nothing to write home about, but it's charming in its own way!!
I disagree that the building is tacky or ugly or anything along those lines. It's an icon of route 1. I mean, are Border Cafe or Hilltop beautiful restaurants from the outside? Definitely not. Kowloon is always busy and the food and drinks are always good.
Good place for big groups, late night, and a damn good scorpion bowl (they have one for 2 people or one for 4!)
Bring your sense of humor to the Kowloon and you a guaranteed to have a good time. The service is fast and friendly. The drinks are tasty and so are the chicken fingers. This is a "pu-pu platter and people watching" type of restaurant, you don't go here expecting fine asian cuisine and you don't go here for a romantic/ intimate dinner. The music from the lounge lizard band is so loud it drowns out any attempt at conversation anyway. Lighten up, how much can you expect from a restaurant with a totem at the entrance that looks like something the Brady Bunch picked up in Hawaii. Kowloon is a classic!
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The only thing this place has going for itself is the decent location+parking and the average ambiance. Take heed, the food here is horrendous -- do not listen to those who tell you otherwise. And if the food is terrible, the location or ambiance shouldn't even matter.
Stay away.
I'm not really sure what to say about Kowloon. It'd be like trying to review a volcano or the moon or something. What do you say about something so astonishingly big and bizarre?
There aren't too many situations in which going to Kowloon is your best option. It's not a date place, since it is way too massive and way too ridiculous. It's not a business lunch kind of place because the food isn't terribly good. It's not a place to take relatives, because your mother will be wondering why her sushi took forty-five minutes while your chicken took ten.
I went with about a dozen people who were in no rush and were just there for the company. I think that's about as good a situation as you can get at Kowloon. You'll get take-out quality Chinese food, exactly average sushi, and the attention of an overworked waitstaff. But you'll also get to sit in a place that is so huge and ridiculous that it must be seen once.
Just once, but still.
First off, this place looks amazing. Seriously, look at the outside.
If you want to eat, eat before you come, because this place is made for drinking; straight up.
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One yelper complained about the kitchy factor of Kowloon's... the funny thing is, that is exactly why I go there! I LOVE KOWLOON! It is like dinner and free entertainment... it is like going on a tacky cruise right in the middle of your work week!
Where else can you eat in a faux ship, with a volcano and plastic palm trees surrounding your table? Where else is there an indoor lagoon to watch while you eat your egg roll? My god, it's fantastic. And I didn't even mention the wall of celebrity photos!!!
Ok, ok, the food at Kowloon's is good but nothing to die for. I do love the veggie egg rolls, dumplings, and my favorite... the sesame tofu! They do tofu much better than most places. There is something for everyone on their menu, and how can their not be? It's like 20 pages and features a tab for each cuisine (Chinese, Thai, Sushi, American???). The servings are big enough for cool Chinese left overs the next day.
I also like their islandly drinks that come inside of ceramic monkeys or pineapples. The Planters Punch is like adult Koolaid!
Every time an out of towner comes to visit us Jonathan and I drag our unsuspecting guest to Kowloon's! Most of them love the cheesy, tacktasticness wonder that is Kowloon's... however, once my childhood friend brought her new boyfriend and I think he was scared. He, like some, just didn't get WHAT we love so much about "the loon".
Oh, and PS - In the ladies rooms the doors are made of a 1 way mirrors so while your doing your business, you can see the other people in the bathroom. It really freaked me out the first time I went, but don't worry, they can't see you!
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I just don't know. When I lived for 8 months in Saugus, I heard all the hype and was pretty excited to be living so close to the "world famous" Kowloons. A couple of water downed scorpian bowls and a couple of "where the hell am I going to park" moments later and I'm left just well... unsatisfied.
The food is OK, but its nothing spectacular. You don't finish it because its a large plate, you don't finish it because you just don't want to. You do end up drinking a lot... mainly because the drinks are so weak! But, there is variety... its an oversized restaurant with an oversized menu... so you can satisfy all appetites and drink desires.... there is something fun about having a mai tai and chinese food.
But seriously, you can go to chinatown, get the same drinks and get large portions of delicious food... for the same price. If its local, its convenient and can be fun with a good group of people. But there's absolutely no reason to leave the city for this place. None. Unless you want to meet one of the many WWE stars who frequent the place after an event in Boston (John Cena has been spotted there many times)
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I went here for mother's day and was hoping for some authentic chinese food. When I got there I noticed the cool building and was excited about eating. Since it was only my parents and me we got a table almost instantly. Inside the atmosphere is fun and inviting, but the furniture looks like its older than me. I dont know if we got a regular menu, but the ones we got were large single sheets and didn't offer much choices. I saw the menu and I couldn't find anything that I wouldn't find at a fast food chinese. My mom wanted a fish dish, but the waiter said they didn't have any. I guess this place is good if you want crab ragoons or lo mein. I won't be coming here again and I'll stick to Chau Chow City.
stars equal two here (just trying to change it up!)
ok, so the last time wifey and i ventured up rt 1 it was to somewhere else. not kowloon. tricked ya! or did i??
the reason we went somewhere else is cause the last time we went to kowloon, it really wasnt anything great. i wanted it too be, the pictures on the wall would indicate greatness, the lame PG would have you think so too, but im here to tell ya, you can do better.
what is it about this place that draws em in? i dont know, i can think of at least 3 better chinese restaurants. but jerko, what about the rest of the 16 page menu and the 3 different kitchens and blah blah. i dunno, i think its all the same crap just going out different door.
the pupu is not great, they dont do noodles and duck sauce on the table and the place is complete a madhouse when you want to eat. oh and its greasy too.
me no rikey
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fast and cheap for lunch with lots of atmosphere. Dinner can be a wait, but it is a fun place to eat. Kitsch best describes it. Worth it just for that. Food is ok and plentiful. I like the thai kitchen to the left of the lobby for a quick lunch. This place is almost a characature of what what we think an old chinese-american restaurant is. Its been awhile since I had dinner there, but went with a group and enjoyed it. There was a comedy room upstairs at the time and enjoyed that too. Hope its still there. Drinks were awesome. Volcano anyone? Frozen mudslide?
I'm so glad I've finally been to this place if only so that I can cross it off of my list of restaurants I'm curious to check it. And I have to say, I think once may have been enough for me.
I don't think I was prepared enough for the whole Kowloon experience. You pull into the parking lot and it is packed. Like the parking lot is full and there are people streaming in and out of the place- whoah, that has to be a good sign, right? Uhhh... until you walk and you feel like you're waiting at a busy train station or something. Oh my god, at that moment I almost turned and walked out the door, but decided to give it a go. Because it's like herding cattle, you get a number when you walk in- be sure to listen on the loudspeaker for them to call your party's number as everyone holds their breath- please be us, please be us.
And on that waiting thing... they really should rethink their front entrance. It's freezing and the only place to sit and wait is next to the front door. For 45 minutes. That sucked. It does however provide an ideal location to people watch which may be worth the trip itself. It was like prom mixed with date night mixed with families out for a family dining extravaganza. That was maybe worth the trip itself.
I have this feeling that places with menus as big as Kowloon rely more on quantity than quality necessarily. And I was kinda bummed out that it turned out to hold up- I feel like they have the same dishes in each food type (Chinese, thai, japanese, polynesian)... it's shrimp/chicken or beef with rice or noodles. The sides were decent- our sushi was actually pretty tasty, but it all had lettuce jammed in it. Ugh
I'd maybe go back to hang out and people watch, but I think I'm set with the food.
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Place is all hype. Another restaurant people try to convince themselves is good because everyone seems to like it. Food is not good, over priced,. and takes forever. Drinks are weak and take forever. I am glad so many people like this place so I can go somewhere else and not have to wait. ick
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Here I am in sunny Southern California and all I can think about is a little slice of paradise off a bleak stretch of highway north of Boston. There, you are invited to pass the afternoon/evening by drinking fruity cocktails, eating shrimp and playing pac man. A beautiful mural ensconces the walls and a general island vibe fills the place like a warm, tropical breeze.
The food is probably a little better than average but not stellar. They have great variety and sizeable portions and the prices are not really appropriate. We always ordered the flaming pu-pu platter with the praiseworthy crab rangoon. Its not a place that can be appreciated at face value, but the kitsch factor is huge. Its fun, laid back and completely unpretentious.
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Like so many of Boston's landmark eateries this one is misunderstood by visiting dilettantes from fly-over country. I can't believe people actually write things like "my Chinese food was greasy". Oh really? Does water ever seem watery to you? Kowloon is an irreplaceable part of rt.1, where else are you going to get served as many drinks as you can stomach, before wiping the remnants of your dinner from your Sean John track suit and getting behind the wheel of your Expedition with that drunk townie chick that you just met, and going to one of the hundreds of cheap motels near by to father the next generation of state troopers, firefighters and career criminals? If you said Kowloon, you are correct. And by the way the chinese food is greasy, drinks are premade garbage, the crowd is jersey meets conan the barbarian.... This place has charm though, don't be scared.
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Aieeeeeeeee! Kowloon!
Eating at this restaurant is like that day when you were a kid that you tried to fit your whole hand in your mouth. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but once you have the hand in your mouth, it tastes awful and you wonder "Why did I do this?". Then, with your finger stuck in your throat, you vomit just a little.
Ok, stupid analogy. Walking into Kowloon, one sees the scads of headshots of the famous people who have eaten at Kowloon: Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Don Ho, Telly Savalas. I would like to note, for the record, that all of these people are currently deceased. I'm not saying that eating at Kowloon had anything to do with this, but, you know, I wonder...
Speaking of Don Ho, the inside of Kowloon is like an episode of Hawaii 5-0: the lights, the tikis, the wood, the pond, the boat thingy. I wish I could say that Kowloon has decorated like this for the kitsch factor, but in reality it just looks silly and old.
You'll want to punch your server in the face, and they'll deserve it too. I've rarely seen more surly waiters. The food is cooked in buckets of oil, presented poorly ("Ooo! My pupu platter is actually on fire with Sterno gel! Now I can burn my fingers off while I eat crab rangoon!"), and powdered liberally with so much MSG that your heart will seize up with just two bites.
The two things that Kowloon has going for it are speed and price. Other than that, if the place burned down in a tragic grease fire tomorrow ("Yang, you left the eggrolls in the fryer for too long!"), I wouldn't shed a tear.
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LOL! This place is amazing. The cheesey kitchiness is the POINT! 4 stars immediately.
Incredible for people watching. Okay food. Okay drinks.
Spray tan, blow out, meat market - mixed with touristy FUPA enabled peeps with fanny packs.
LOVE.
One word: disappointed.
I had heard so much about this place. From the numerous celebrities that have been there over the years to the hype they have generated in and around Boston. A lot of my friends have been there and told me about it and I spotted the huge building from route 1 while going to New Hampshire and decided to return to it to try it out for myself one day with my girlfriend.
Finding a parking spot was easy, they have a lot of it outside but once inside I was stunned by what I saw. The decoration is all runned down and very "kitchy", looks like they haven't changed anything since the 1970's. But I ignore my first thoughts and we were escorted to one of their tables in one of their bigger rooms. The place I hear seats up to 1,200 patrons at it's busiest which is impressive, and that also generated quite a lot of apprehension as to what kind of meal we were going to get.
Their fare is exotic and traditional, but the food was tasteless and overpriced. I'm sure their drinks are awesome although because you can't get there with public transportation, I didn't have any since I had to drive home.
The only advantage of this place would be to go there with a big party since it would be fun for a whole family or group of friends but honestly not worth it for a romantic, quality dinner for a couple.
I was expecting to be refreshed and surprised with a great meal and left disappointed and slightly grossed out. The service was alright, but not exceptional.
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I went here all excited about it - I'd seen the ads during Phantom Gourmet, had driven past it hundreds of times, and heard about the drinks.
First off, we went on Easter, so the restaurant was PACKED with churchgoers (not a judgement, just a statement) - and their obnoxious children. Second, we weren't drinking because we had 30 minutes more to our drive home. So that sucks.
We were seated away from the awesomeness in some addition built on the side that was ugly as sin. Also, dirty. Also, near the bathrooms. Our booth had a tear in the seat. A nearby child was throwing food. Yuck.
Then we ordered - I was certainly pleased with my food. We both got seafood dishes priced around $20, but which lasted us for three meals. My Heineken was like, $5 though, what's that about?
The food is really greasy, though quick. Some of the waitresses like to give you the stink eye if you ask them for... well, pretty much anything.
Fun for groups and crazy crazy decor, but not particularly good eats.
I'm thinking it probably would've been a lot better after a couple of drinks.
A trip to Kowloon is definitely an experience, and it's probably worth having once or twice.
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Last month I organized a small surprise party for the boy's birthday at Kowloon. I chose Kowloon strictly for the cheeziness factor and it did not fail to disappoint.
We sat in the Volcano Bay Room. This is a great place for groups and they will even provide the plastic leis for you.
On that particular evening they had a live band playing Christmas tunes and some folks dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus milling around. Yes, someone at our table told Santa that it was my boyfriend's birthday, and yes, Santa proceeded to announce it and then lead a happy birthday singalong. Ultimate cheeziness achieved!
The food seemed kind of meh. I didn't hear anyone raving about their meal and the leftovers we took home ended up in the trash, which is saying something.
I don't drink, but didn't hear any complaints about the alcohol. But then again, can a drink that comes in a ceramic pineapple or tiki head really be bad?
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What can you say about the Kowloon that hasn't been said before? I have to say I sorta grew up here. I went here with my grandparents as a kid, went here many times after high school parties, concerts, my prom, dates-GREAT atmosphere! You HAVE to get a scorpion bowl here though you better have cab fare home because you will be stumbling out the door! The comedy club is worth hitting as well, since you will be half in the wrapper after your scorpion bowl head upstairs and laugh your ass off as well!
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I have never ever been dissapointed with this place. The food comes out fast and its always hot and delicious. I don't think these guys EVER screw up an order.
Prices are reasonable, and you always end up leaving with TONS of left overs. Drinks are very good, but also VERY strong. The Scorpion Bowls and Mai Tais definitely sneak up on you!!
I am a pretty picky eater. I don't eat seafood or anything off a bone, but they have a great selection of things even the pickiest of eaters would enjoy. They also offer sushi.
I love the ambiance of this place. I love the palm trees and the giant ship like structure in the main dining area. Even though the decor has been the same for as long as I can remember, it just wouldnt be the same if they changed it. Kowloon is love!!!
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I have to say, Kowloon is one of the American Chinese restaurant. very greasy. They even sell burgers and fries. They are very big. You feel like a gym when you are inside. There is one interesting dish they setup flame on top which is not tasty, it's just a nice show off. I won't recommend if you want try real Chinese food.
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I have lived in the Boston area for almost 6 years now and finally made it to Kowloons last night. My husband and I met another couple there- and we decided on here because none of us have been here before and it was a good half way point between Salem (where we live) and Brighton (Where they live). I knew going into it that to go here and appreciate it the food is eh and the experience is sweet. I agree. The food is eh. Typical greasy americanized chinese food. Enough for leftovers. My friend got the sushi which was the only dish finished at the table. I got the General Gau chicken which wasn't as spicy as I am used to. My husband got a huge appetizer platter thing for dinner, and we split an order of meatless fried rice. My friends boyfriend got the kung pau chicken and chicken terayki and some sort of soup. He couldn't finish the soup cause it had some items that coudln't be identified and to many mushrooms. Overall, the expeirence was good, food came out relativly fast and the drinks were great. I give it a 4 for atmosphere and a two for food.
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I've never, ever had a bad meal here. There are some days when th food is spot-on fantastic, and some days where it's simply solid, tasty food. The crab rangoon is orgasmic. Like, honestly. I could eat an entire order by myself and not feel bad/gross/greasy afterwards. I would, however, stay away from the sushi. The rice isn't seasoned well, and the rolls typically aren't rolled very tightly. You're at a Chinese restaurant, anyways, so you might as well eat Chinese.
Service is fast, usually friendly, and the place is HUGE, so you'll never really wait too long for a table. Prices are more than reasonable, and the menu is gargantuan. You shouldn't have trouble finding dishes that everyone in your party likes.
Oh, and there's this water fountain pool thing. What's not to like?!
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Totally a tourist trap, but worth the stop in on a Saturday afternoon. I was really impressed with how big this place actually is. I know a lot of the radio stations throw their Christmas parties here, so I assumed there was a sort of function room, but the whole place is just big. & of course there is a comedy club section & a full line of touristy type whatnots you can purchase so that your trip to Kowloon will forever be remembered.
The decor was pretty original for an Asian restaurant - though the flowing water was a bit distracting. I liked how there were large groups (they put out this lazy Susan type thing so you can just spin it to pass food -- how ingenius!) & small groups like my cousin & me, but I didn't feel like it was too loud or that our waiter paid any less attention to me. The afternoon specials are decent -- tons of food for very affordable prices. I think I got crab rangoon, veggie lo mein, chicken fingers, & a spring roll for like $8. Their drinks are good for your typical Chinese place drinks -- strong as hell & served in fun glasses.
My biggest complaint about this place is the small bathroom. The place seems large enough, but there were only 3 stalls crammed into a small area. As if that was not bad enough, I could pretty much see myself while I peed. Odd. There is this film over glass which on the outside looks like a mirror & then there is a mirror outside the stall right across from it. The film on the glass allows you to see directly out. So say, if some random stranger was standing outside your stall, you could see them whilst you peed. Ick.
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