Welcome to Imperial Inn
Nestled in Philadelphia's vibrant Chinatown, Imperial Inn offers a delightful dining experience steeped in rich flavors and a warm atmosphere. This casual sit-down restaurant is renowned for its diverse menu, featuring crispy egg rolls and succulent chicken dishes like Pineapple and Sweet & Sour Chicken, all showcasing a "clean" freshness that enchants the palate. Diners rave about the attentive staff and inviting ambiance, which enhances the enjoyment of meticulously prepared dishes. With beloved classics such as the crunchy shrimp rolls and a daily cart-style dim sum, Imperial Inn stands as a cherished gem where tradition meets culinary excellence.
Imperial Inn: Reviews & Ratings
We chose this place on a whim, and it was better than we could have expected. It's not the easiest thing to find a nice sit down restaurant for Chinese food these days, and when we came here that was exactly what we found. The food was flavorful, and had a "clean" freshness to it. The staff was kind, and attentive, and the atmosphere was quiet and casually comfortable. There were several of us who attended dinner, and we all ordered very different 3 course meals. We all sampled a bit of everything, and it was excellent. We will definitely be returning!
Imperial Inn is truly one of the best casual sit down restaurants with bar in Chinatown. The food is amazing. The staff is kind. The building is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair accessible bathrooms! It's really a shining star. I love the older times vibe the ambiance offers. Have I mentioned the food is excellent?
Started getting food from this restaurant in Atlantic City . After a few years ..we found that it had a new owner but kept the crunchy egg rolls on the menu..so delicious ! About 2 years ago I found that Imperial inn was downtown and had been for a while. I love the crunchy egg rolls and shrimp won ton soup ..very hard to find this at any place in the city...in my opinion.I would recommend this restaurant to all.. thanks so much!
Cart-style dim sum daily from 11a - 3p.
In the ninety's my godmom took me here to try the crispy shrimp rolls. I still come a couple times per month, if I'm in Philly for the crispy shrimp rolls! I've never had a shrimp roll so good in my life. Aside from the shrimp rolls, the service is great, they serve white meat chicken in the chicken dishes, and you can get a cocktail.
Old-fashioned Dim Sum in Chinatown. The food is fresh and reasonably priced. The full-course meal for 15 is a great bargain - delicious chicken egg drop soup, egg roll, Kung Pao chicken and dessert, of course with rice, tea, fried noodles and a fortune cookie - plenty to eat and plenty to take home. AND - the bar has a great selection of classic cocktails and beer - chased all that deliciousness with a Brandy Alexander. Big fan of this restaurant. First visit but will definitely return.
Didn't believe my young friend..as there are many restaurants to choose from in China Town! She swore this place had incredibly great food. Although a little bit pricey for a quick lunch... She said that the shrimp rolls were to die for And they are! Omg unbelievable... Comes in a two piece order and I ordered shrimp wonton which was obviously made to order.. I am very satisfied with the decision to try lunch and have already told my closest friends and family to try it. Established and fancy but very very good
I love this place and the people who own, host, cook, and serve here. I've been going to Imperial Inn since the late 1970s. I took my children there and they love it and now my grandchildren love it. We only go there when we are downtown. I am heartbroken to hear they are closing. They will be dearly missed. They have the BEST Spring Rolls and Shrimp Rolls in the world. No one can make them like the Chefs at Imperial Inn. I wish they would market their Rolls. This is my family special place. It saddens me they will close but Blessings Always to Everyone at Imperial Inn
Location
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146 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States Hotline:
Welcome to Imperial Inn, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant Chinatown at 146 N 10th St. Known for its exceptional blend of traditional flavors and modern dining, Imperial Inn offers a remarkable experience for anyone craving authentic Chinese cuisine.
Stepping inside, you are greeted by a casually comfortable atmosphere that reflects a sense of classic charm. The ambiance strikes a balance between cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Several diners have noted the attentive and kind staff, who enhance the dining experience with their thoughtful service.
Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Don’t miss the Crispy Shrimp Rolls and Vegetarian Spring Rolls, both of which are crowd favorites. The flavors are clean and vibrant, setting the stage for the rest of your meal.
- Poultry: The Sweet & Sour Chicken and Imperial Chicken Kew reflect a harmonious mix of sweetness and savory depth, crafted from white meat chicken for a lighter bite.
- Seafood: For seafood lovers, the Sweet & Sour Shrimp and Kung Po Shrimp deliver zest and texture that will linger in your memory long after your meal.
One customer, Nina Daily, raved about the "clean freshness" of the dishes, emphasizing the diverse 3-course options she shared with friends. It's a hallmark of Imperial Inn to encourage sampling, and the varied menu ensures there’s something delicious for everyone.
Another diner, Khatim McLean, has been returning monthly since the 90s solely for the crispy shrimp rolls, highlighting their signature status. These rolls, alongside crunchy egg rolls, have consistently delighted patrons and keep them coming back for more.
Imperial Inn also prides itself on accessibility, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their culinary delights. Ample seating, wheelchair accessibility, and amicable service contribute to its reputation as a standout in the local dining scene.
If you’re looking for excellent food paired with a welcoming atmosphere, Imperial Inn is a must-visit. The combination of flavorful dishes—from appetizers to hearty entrees—paired with expert service makes this restaurant a true culinary haven in Philadelphia. As the word spreads, it's no wonder that locals and visitors alike are falling in love with this authentic dining experience.