Anderson Express Chinese Restaurant: Casual Dining with Takeout Speed in Anderson

What Anderson Express Offers

Anderson Express Chinese Restaurant is a casual dining spot in Anderson that specializes in quick service without sacrificing portion size or flavor. The restaurant operates as a hybrid—you can eat in at a handful of tables, but the kitchen is built for takeout speed, which means your order typically comes out faster than at a full-service Chinese restaurant. The menu centers on Americanized Chinese standards: lo mein, fried rice, General Tso's chicken, and egg rolls, along with combination plates that pair a protein with rice or noodles and a vegetable side.

The restaurant's strength is consistency and volume. They move orders quickly because they've narrowed the menu to what they do well, and they're accustomed to handling multiple takeout calls at once. If you're ordering for a group or need food ready in 20 to 30 minutes, this is the kind of place built for that demand. The dining room is small and informal—think plastic chairs and laminate tables—so the experience is transactional rather than leisurely.

Key Takeaways

• Anderson Express prioritizes takeout speed and portion size over ambiance, making it practical for families or groups who want food quickly.
• The menu sticks to familiar Americanized Chinese dishes: lo mein, fried rice, combination plates, and appetizers like egg rolls and fried wontons.
• Calling ahead is faster than walking in, since the kitchen can start your order before you arrive and have it ready when you do.
• Prices are moderate for the portion size, with combination plates typically including a protein, rice or noodles, and a vegetable side.

Menu Highlights and What to Order

The combination plates are the backbone of the menu. You choose a protein—chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef—and pair it with your choice of fried rice, white rice, or lo mein, plus a vegetable like broccoli or mixed vegetables. These plates are designed to be filling and come at a price point that makes them practical for weeknight dinners. The portions are generous enough that a single plate can easily feed two people or provide leftovers.

Beyond combinations, Anderson Express makes a solid General Tso's chicken, which tends to be sweeter and saucier than what you'd find at a sit-down establishment—that's the Americanized style, and it's what regulars expect. The fried rice is competent and works well as a side or a standalone order. Appetizers like egg rolls, fried wontons, and spring rolls are standard takeout fare and arrive hot if you order them fresh rather than from a warming tray.

If you're uncertain what to order, asking the staff for their most popular item is a reliable shortcut. They know what moves fastest and what customers reorder, which usually means it's worth trying.

Ordering and Timing

Calling ahead is the practical move. Anderson Express takes phone orders and can have your food ready in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy they are. If you walk in without calling, you'll wait longer because the kitchen operates on a takeout rhythm—they're not staging food for walk-ins the way a full-service restaurant might. Providing your name and phone number when you call ensures the staff knows who to hand the order to when you arrive.

Peak times are typically lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.), especially on weekends. If you can order outside those windows, you'll see faster turnaround. The restaurant accepts cash and cards, though it's worth confirming payment methods when you call.

Dining In vs. Takeout

The dining room has a handful of tables, but it's not a destination for lingering. The chairs are plastic, the lighting is bright and functional, and the noise level can be high during busy periods because the takeout counter is right there. If you're eating in, expect a quick meal—grab your food, sit, eat, and leave. This works fine for a lunch break or a casual family dinner, but it's not the setting for a relaxed evening out.

Most customers take their food home or to the office. The containers are sturdy, and the portions travel well. If you do eat in, you won't need to wait for a server or deal with table service—you order at the counter and carry your tray to a seat.

Location and Accessibility

Anderson Express is located in Anderson, South Carolina, in a strip mall or small commercial area typical of casual takeout restaurants. Parking is usually available and straightforward. The restaurant is accessible by car, and there's typically no issue finding a spot, even during lunch or dinner rushes. Public transportation options depend on your location in Anderson; it's worth checking local transit maps if you don't have a car.

The storefront is modest and easy to miss if you're not looking for it, so having the address saved in your phone or GPS is helpful. Once you've been once, you'll recognize it on future visits.

Price Range and Value

Anderson Express operates at a budget-friendly price point. Combination plates typically run in the moderate range, and appetizers are inexpensive. A meal for one usually costs less than $15, and a combination plate is often enough for two people, which makes the per-person cost even lower. There are no hidden charges or upcharges for substitutions—what you see on the menu is what you pay.

The value proposition is straightforward: you're paying for speed, portion size, and consistency, not for an upscale dining experience or complex preparations. If you're feeding a family on a budget or need lunch for a work group, the math works in your favor.

When to Go and What to Expect

Anderson Express works best when you have a specific craving for Americanized Chinese food and want it fast. It's ideal for takeout, lunch breaks, feeding a group without fuss, or a casual family dinner. It's not the place to go if you're looking for authentic regional Chinese cuisine, fine dining, or a quiet atmosphere. The restaurant knows what it is and executes that mission well.

Regulars tend to be people who work nearby, families with kids, and anyone who values speed and portion size over ambiance. The staff is accustomed to high volume and moves efficiently. If you're new to the restaurant, don't be surprised by the no-frills approach—it's intentional and part of why the food comes out so quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or through a delivery app?

Anderson Express may be listed on delivery platforms, but calling directly is often faster and ensures accuracy. Delivery apps add time and fees, so for pickup, a phone call is your best bet. Check their social media or call to confirm current ordering methods.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes. You can order vegetable fried rice, vegetable lo mein, or vegetable combination plates with tofu or just vegetables. Let them know your preferences when you order, and they'll accommodate the request.

How much food should I order for a group?

A good rule of thumb is one combination plate per person, or two plates for three people if you're also ordering appetizers. The portions are large, so you can adjust down if you're uncertain. The staff can also suggest quantities if you call ahead and tell them your group size.

Is the food fresh or does it sit under heat lamps?

Because Anderson Express prioritizes takeout, food is typically made to order rather than held. If you call ahead, your order starts when you call, so it's hot and fresh when you arrive. Walking in means a longer wait but also fresher food than if it had been sitting.

Do they offer lunch specials?

Many Chinese takeout restaurants in South Carolina offer lunch specials during midday hours, often at a lower price than dinner portions. Call to ask about current specials and timing, as these vary by location and season.