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I often ask myself certain totally useless food questions. For instance, "Is there a better spicy mustard than Gulden's? And if there is, how will I know, because I'm so devoted to Gulden's?"
Recently, I really puzzled myself. I asked, "who is the best server in Philadelphia?"
There is a waiter in this restaurant that earns that prize. Any time I've ever gone, this fellow will not stop smiling at me, being polite, making sure my icewater stays filled to brim, and complimenting me and my company's haircuts. Not to boast, but I give him 30% tips. He's that awesome, and makes me feel good even when I come inside to escape from the world (the world mostly being the creepsters out front of Drinker's)
I really like their Szechaun sauce. Delicious. The Hurricane Shrimp appetizer has an a method for wrapping egg noodles around prawn-like shrimp that fascinates me in this amazing sweet-&-sour sauce. The kung pao rocks. I want to order specialty drinks soon, but I'm amazed that the serves often pour my beer several times per bottle. I guess you could say I get the Mariah Carey treatment when I'm in there.
This place is open late, is almost always dead, and deserves recognition. I want YOU to try it, and if my friend waits on your table, please tip accordingly. This is the best Chinese food I know of in the Rittenhouse area, and just typing this makes me wonder if they're open.
Ordered delivery through their online ordering site. Worked very nicely, but the food was pretty lousy. I've had some fantastic Chinese food delivery, but the only thing that was decent here was the chicken wings. I ordered pan fried dumplings (I'm a dumpling expert) and the frozen stuff from the store on it's worst day was better than these. Limp and flavorless dumplings. The hot and sour soup was tasteless. Not the best deal. And I've spent less on two people before on a decent meal in other places.
THE BREAKDOWN
4 stars for the online ordering setup
3 stars for the chicken
1 star for the not so hot and sour soup
1 star for the price/value
1 star for the dumpy dumpling
In writing this review, I must defer to the opinion of the esteemed Mr. McThrill who classifies the fare as traditional Chinese take-out kicked up a notch. Or, as I described it to the girl while picking up my lunch yesterday, if regular ol' Chinese take-out is 5/10 then Square is 7/10.
The main draw for me is that whatever I get from here will not make me feel queasy immediately after ingestion, something that has happened to me at one time or another at even the "best" take-out places. The General Powell's Spicy Chicken, Square Popcorn Chicken, Egg Drop Soup, Hot & Sour Soup all taste slightly above average. The Mango Chicken (extra spicy, please) is a real standout. Its nice to know I can come here on my cheat day, pig out on an entire lunch special with soup & not feel like there's a pile of turpentine-soaked rags sitting in my stomach for the next eight hours.
Very unauthentic in my opinion. Honestly though, the service during lunch was great - the waiters were quick and attentive - however, the meal tasted like there was a lot of MSG (entree and soup) and the almond cookie and fortune cookie were stale to the core.
I ordered a lunch special dish (forget exactly what it was called, but had scallops, shrimp and tofu) requesting it to be extra spicy. It was not spicy at all and the general flavoring was so-so. And finally, I was surprised to see how expensive the dish was. With an 18-20% tip, I paid $17 for lunch for myself. Crazy. I guess I've been too spoiled living in San Francisco for the last 10 years - cheap and authentic Chinese food. This seemed far from it.
Ok, so I know it's not really authentic Chinese food, but really, how can you even pretend to be a Chinese restaurant and NOT have chopsticks on the tables. Pretend, just a little, pretty please?
Really though, other than that, I really enjoyed Square on Square. The portions were large, the food was good, and the service was wonderful. I also really appreciated the inventiveness in the dishes; it was fun to see so many non-traditional dishes on the menu.
While paying for the ambiance, the food, and service doesn't bother me at all, I'm surprised at the number of people that order take-out. Chinese food is chinese food, and there are certainly cheaper places around if you don't have the time to sit down and enjoy in the restaurant!
Best chinese food in the entire city hands down. Moderately priced, and used to be a BYOB but now has a full bar. This is a hidden gem!
I wasn't initially impressed when I tasted the hot and sour soup and it wasn't hot, but it was an easy fix with the hot oil! the shrimp toast was very good, and so was the shrimp lo mein.
What's not to like? - I didn't like the fact that they charged $ 3 for the hot garlic sauce (I assumed it would be complementary).
Service was super-nice. Our server Brian was very friendly and courteous.
One of my go to take out/dine in destinations. The food is great, the service is exceptional. They make it a purpose to get to know returning customers. Not another chinese restaurant comes to mind when I am feeling like beef chow fun or their amazing singapore noodles. Yum. Their sweet and sour fish is pretty good, ribs are pretty good, fried rice YUM, and egg drop soup - delish!
Writing this review makes me want some now! I hope you guys enjoy your food/experience as much as I have for the past 4 years!
This is the only Chinese restaurant where I will order meat.The cleanest and most delicious food. The chicken actually has the texture of chicken and not some other chewy nasty substance. The service is tops-I LOOOVVVEEE this place
Got takeout from them tonight. It was fine - not great. Vegetable dumplings were okay, powells chicken was pretty good for what it was (and I had no preconceived notions it would be anything else), but mongolian beef was a hot garlic mess.
The folks inside were super nice. My order was waiting on me and they called me by name which is a nice touch.
I really wanted to love this place but nothing really blew me away. I'm sure I will order again when I want American Chinese and give it another shot.
Sorry, I just didn't see what everyone else saw/ate. The menu here (for lunch, at least) was tiny and uninclusive. That is, unless you like Americanized Chinese food, in which case I guess having General Tso's chicken or Kung-pao whatever would be good. That or some meat and brocolli.
I felt like I was eating at a sit-down version of a American Chinese food-cart place. The food is, imo, unauthentic. Also no options for vegetarians, which is really strange in a Chinese restaurant..
Good service, though. And they were very timely with consideration towards our business time parameters.
Square on Square isn't the best Chinese food in the city, or the most authentic. For that, you need to head on down to Chinatown. But it definitely fills that comfort food spot that Chinese food has for me--from when I was a kid and mainly ate eggrolls bathed in duck sauce. It also occupies prime CC real estate, making it a nice place to head to from work. Not the largest menu ever, but service is excellent, which is a big thing for me, and the chicken with broccoli is exactly as I remember from 5 years old. Also try the eggrolls and the egg drop soup!
I never thought I'd say it, but the best Chinese restaurant in Philly just might not be in Chinatown. With the freshest ingredients available and attentive service Square On Square is sure to impress. As many reviews have indicated it may go down a notch if you have your mind set on Nostalgic offerings like wonton soup and General Tso's (Powell is pretty different). But you're not going here for tradition, you're going here to take that tradition up a notch. So if you ever wanted to find out what that chicken entree tastes like with finer cuts of meat, or how those beef portions are with a better quality steak than you're home.
We were seated promptly by a friendly and attentive server who made sure that everything was to our liking every step of the way. And even though we didn't have a kettle on our table, our cups of tea were never empty. The steamed dumpling that we ordered for an app were the hugest that I've ever seen, and they definitelty didn't skimp on the chicken filled center. I ordered the scallops and shrimp in hot sauce and wanted it spicy, and that sauce might just be the spiciest thing that I've ever had out of Chinese restaurant. And the scallops were easily the freshest that I had out of one. I can't wait to go back.
Just had my first big Chinese food craving since moving to Philly. Lucky for me I had you yelpers to help me pick the perfect spot to satisfy that need.
I ordered online, which was easy and comfortable. Only weird thing was that when I went to pay, there wasn't a secure (https) link where you enter your credit card info. I'm paranoid, so cash it was.
I was impressed at how fast the food came. It was less than 30 min after I submitted my order that a nice delivery person was knocking on my door in the art museum area. Given that it was a rainy Saturday night, I was pleased with the timing.
The food arrived hot -- not lame-o lukewarm like some delivery places. The portions were large and the food was tasty.
We always order way (I mean WAY) more than necessary so we tried and enjoyed all of the following:
pot stickers (chicken, steamed, and very tender), beef with broccoli (crunchy broccoli - yay!!) (asked for brown rice and we got it), veggie lo mein (average), chicken fried rice (a little bland but that's the nature of the beast I think), and hot and sour soup (good stuff). My husband and I have left-overs for about 4 more yummy meals.
I will definitely order from Square on Square again. Especially since according to my fortune, I am the master of every situation!!!
Been here for lunch very often. Usually the food is good and service is pretty quick.
However, I found this place to be inconsistent. Sometimes the kung pao is amazing, other times pretty average...
Overall it's a good place, especially for lunch.
Oh and the Hot & Sour soup is excellent!
My bubbe (grandmother) lived a few blocks a way from Square on Square for 5+ years.
We wandered in her almost every time I was in for a visit!
Things I liked:
1. The mango chicken! Surprisingly spicy and delicious!
2. The salt & pepper shrimp. No longer on the menu, but it was awesome! Maybe they'll bring it back!
3. The manager is really nice! He became friendly with my bubbe and always stopped by to say hello!
Things I didn't like:
1. A little pricey (ie I probably would not have been able to eat there nearly as often if not for my bubbe!).
We eventually migrated to Asia on the Parkway (owned by the same guy)..but I still love Square on Square!
So not my favorite chinese in the city but definitely a backup for when my favorites are closed. Good General Tso's, good fried rice, basically good all around just not knock-your-socks off good. We get it a lot at work and everyone is always pleased so definitely worthwhile if you are ordering for a group.
Wow - I can't believe I've waited this long to yelp Square on Square. I have eaten here many times -mainly for lunch as they do a filling, mid-priced lunch special. The Hot & Sour soup here is some of the best EVER .
Really. 5 stars for the H&S Soup.
We also had a large group party here in February 2008. They offered a set meal with soup, appetizer choice of 6 entrees and dessert. It was very well organized and our group of over 30 people left well-fed and happy.
The manager, Steven, is very nice and easy to work with.
The only detractors here (preventing the 5 star rating) is the extremely long lines at lunch time. (Don't come at 12:30 on a Tursday of Friday) Also the decor is in need of refreshment. Kinda grungy.
Don't miss the Mango Chicken and Filet Mignon - really tender and nice here.
After months of consistently good delivery, I wandered into Square on Square for dinner with a friend. The restaurant, much like the food, is above average. Price is also a little above average, perhaps because of the Rittenhouse location, but it's well worth it for the higher quality.
I wasn't adventurous, ordering the old-fashioned pot stickers (dumplings to me), hot-and-sour soup, and the two-flavor chicken. One thing to note is the meat dumplings are chicken, not pork--but still very good. Prompt, clean, and efficient describes the location and service.
Square on Square will remain my default choice when I want Chinese for delivery or sit-down. The extra blocks to Chinatown just don't seem worth it unless I'm after something specific like dim sum.
My favorite here is the Hot and Sour Soup. It is actually spicy, and very good (many Chinese places I have been there is no hot to the hot and sour). I remember one time I went with a cold during the winter, and it helped to clear my sinuses and warm my soul. I would wager it is better for a cold then Mom's Chicken Noodle.
I have enjoyed the Mango Chicken on multiple occasions as well, and while being very sweet, that is exactly what I would expect.
The Pepper Steak is as good as any other restaurant.
And the great thing about this place is that it is great for Lunch as it is not overly costly, and not your typical hole in the wall Chinese place decor.
I used to go here with friends quite a bit for lunch. I'm not exacly sure why we stopped because the food is pretty good. Maybe we just played out the hand & moved on to other places? Anyway, seeing some other reviews prompted me to write.
I like it. It is a little dinky, and there is no way you would recognize it as a Chinese place from the outside. The name doesn't give you a clue either. Service, however, is good, as is the food. You get your choice of soup with lunch, and I usually get H&S. I am also a fan of the wontons in the wonton soup. Very delicate.
Any of the specials are good, particularly the chicken & eggplant. My absolute fave is Popcorn Chicken. Go garlic! I haven't found anything like it elsewhere. The only thing I've ever had here that I did not care for was the honey walnut chicken. Truth be told, that was several years ago, so I can't tell you in good conscience to avoid it. A version has been cropping up at other Chinese restaurants; maybe it's an acquired taste?
I always ask for brown rice, but sometimes they forget. Ya gotta remind the server. As mentioned by others, the portions are generous. For those who are stopping by for dinner, or for those who need a lttle liquid bolstering for a hard afternoon back at work, they appear to have a bar.
I think that when the weather gets a little more Fall-ish, we'll get a little Square-ish. Time to renew the relationship and open up my sinuses with some of that Hot & Sour Soup!.
It does not get any better than Square on Square for fresh, reasonably priced Chinese food in Rittenhouse Square. So my coworkers and I arrive at about noon today and there were 4 parties in front of us, waiting to be seated. I immediately turned to my dining buddies and asked about our backup location. I was quickly reassured that they turn over quick here. Confident in my friends decision to stay, we stick around. And I'm glad we did, because the course of events that followed changed my attitude for the rest of the day.
About 15 minutes later, we were seated, 4 minutes after that, i was sipping some hot and sour soup and about 12 minutes after that i was munching on some kung pao chicken. The kung pao was composed of all white meat chicken, fresh peppers, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts. It was light and fresh and really hit the spot with out creating that food coma that heavy, greasy Chinese is commonly known for.
This rapid fire service coupled with the feeling of being fulfilled but not stuffed led me and my coworkers to a quick lunch allowing us to get back to the office in record time. And when we arrived back at work, we were alert and extremely productivity for the rest of the afternoon. I've accomplished so much this afternoon as a result of this meal, it's really quite amazing.
So thanks to you square on square for helping me get my work done and filling my tummy with yummy kung pao chicken and sinus clearing hot and sour soup.
Large portions, extremely efficient service, ultra-fast delivery, and high-quality food signify Square on the Square. I haven't had anything here I didn't like except the Lo Mein. Seriously, avoid it.
Menu highlights include the General Powell's Spicy Chicken and the Sea Bass dish(if memory serves me right...could be a different type of fish that I'm just not remembering properly). The fish was topped with a sublime, sweet sauce.
Yum!
And the large-quantities thing is no joke. I ate the Singapore noodles for almost four meals... and they were amazing. Just spicy enough, just enough curry, lots of little bits of bbq pork and various veggies. We've also had the bbq ribs (yum), general powell's chicken (ok), and popcorn chicken (so so so fried). And the negi maki, which I'm pretty sure had cheese in it.. which is strange for a Chinese dish, but I love cheese, so whatever...
In any case, the dish that prompts this review is the beef chow fun. Back home in California beef chow fun was a staple of my Chinese take-out habits and I like it a particular way. Happily for me, Square on Square makes it just that way: Lots of noodles, lots of beef, green onions, bean sprouts, very little sauce. Delish.
This is why I appreciate yelp! I've been looking for a good Chinese spot that delivers for a minute! I just didn't have another whole foods salad in me, so today I was messing around on yelp, looking for chinese takeout, and up pops Square on Square. I tend to have an adventurous palate but for some reason I'm always careful when it comes to ordering Chinese..I guess I've had one too many bad experiences! Anywho, this was NOT one of them. Reading through the yelp reviews revealed a spot that used fresh ingredients, was slightly pricey (which I don't mind) and was quick with deliveries. Yelpers haven't let me down yet, I was convinced so I gave it a shot. First of all they have online ordering which I LOVE. It was about 6:35p when I ordered and I set a delivery time of 7:30 and ordered the jumbo shrimp and scallops in spicy sauce. At 710 my doorbell rang and dinner was in my belly minutes later. As my fellow yelpers have already indicated (but its worth repeating), my food arrived hot, with a nice delivery guy and was very tasty and fresh! YAy for yelp and Yay for Square on Square.
Damn good Chinese food! Fast delivery, great portions, friendly staff. Definitely my favorite in the city.
Menu highlights the same as everyone else it seems, General Powell's spicy chicken, Won-ton Soup, Filet Mignon. All great!
Delivers to just north of Washington as well!
Coming from a Chinese American girl who can really eat, all their dishes are excellent. It's Cantonese food with a spicy Szhechuan kick.
My favorites are their wonton soup (yeah, I am serious), their seafood soup, and any of their spicy shrimp/chicken or scallop combos with a bed of watercress.
Their waiters are quick, polite, English speaking and their overall service is quick if you're on your lunch break or ordering out. The decor is also nice and near Rittenhouse square if you're on a romantic date.
Compared to cheap takeout joints or chinatown, their prices are a tad higher, say $7-$9/entree, but then again it's a small price to pay considering it's really good Chinese take out.
it's quite the dinky place, but the food comes in huuuuge portions...
hot and sour soup is quite hot...but that's about it.
got the beef and green beans, and the sauce is quite flavorful...i'd definitel do take-out again from here, but probably will not dine here again.
Cheap and pretty good Chinese food in large quantities. Quick delivery. Their wonton soup is good and any of the fried rice dishes are good. This is my favorite Chinese place for a fast dinner delivery.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Restaurants
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