Peking Chinese Restaurant in South Carolina — What to Expect
What Peking Chinese Restaurant offers
Peking Chinese Restaurant serves Cantonese and northern Chinese dishes in a casual dining setting. The menu centers on stir-fries, noodle dishes, rice bowls, and dim sum items, with options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Most locations offer dine-in service, takeout, and delivery through third-party apps.
The restaurant's name references Peking (Beijing) cuisine, which tends toward heartier, oil-forward cooking compared to lighter Cantonese styles. You'll find dishes like Peking duck, kung pao chicken, and mapo tofu alongside more Americanized Chinese-restaurant standards such as egg rolls and fried rice. Portion sizes are typically generous, and many dishes come with a choice of protein.
Key Takeaways
- Peking Chinese Restaurant menus usually include both traditional northern Chinese dishes and Americanized Chinese-restaurant classics.
- Most locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery, with online ordering available through the restaurant's website or third-party apps.
- Prices tend to fall in the mid-range for casual Chinese dining, with individual entrees typically between $10 and $18.
- Many Peking locations accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free requests, though you should call ahead to confirm specific options.
Menu highlights and what to order
Signature dishes at Peking restaurants often include Peking duck (roasted duck served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce), hot and sour soup, and kung pao chicken. The duck requires advance notice at some locations because preparation takes time. If you're ordering for the first time, staff can usually recommend popular items based on your heat tolerance and protein preference.
Noodle and rice dishes are reliable choices for takeout because they travel well and stay warm. Lo mein, chow mein, and fried rice come in vegetable, chicken, pork, shrimp, and combination versions. Dim sum items like shumai (pork dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and spring rolls are available at most locations, though availability may vary by time of day.
If you have dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly when ordering. Many dishes can be prepared with less oil or sauce, and vegetarian versions of popular entrees are usually possible with advance notice. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other condiments often contain gluten, so mention allergies or sensitivities to your server or when calling ahead.
Dining experience and atmosphere
Peking Chinese Restaurant locations typically feature simple, functional dining rooms with booth and table seating. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, designed for quick meals rather than lingering. Noise levels are usually moderate, making conversation possible but not quiet.
Service is generally prompt during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon, early evening on weekdays) and slower during lunch and dinner rushes. Takeout orders are usually ready within 15 to 25 minutes if you call ahead. Many locations have a small waiting area near the counter where you can sit while your order is prepared.
Hours, location, and how to order
Peking Chinese Restaurant locations across South Carolina typically operate from late morning through late evening, though hours vary by location. Most close between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., and some close earlier on Sundays. Call the specific location to confirm hours before visiting, especially on holidays.
You can order by phone, in person, or through delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Online ordering through the restaurant's website (if available) often gives you the most accurate wait time and may offer small discounts. Delivery fees and minimum orders vary by app and location.
Pricing and payment methods
Individual entrees typically range from $10 to $18, with combination plates and family-size portions costing more. Appetizers (egg rolls, spring rolls, dumplings) run $4 to $8. Soups and noodle dishes fall in the $8 to $14 range. Prices vary slightly between locations and may increase for premium proteins like shrimp or duck.
Most Peking locations accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Many also accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Delivery apps charge their own fees on top of your order total, so ordering directly from the restaurant by phone or in person is usually cheaper.
Parking and accessibility
Most Peking Chinese Restaurant locations are in shopping centers or strip malls with dedicated parking lots. Parking is usually free and available. If you're unsure about a specific location's parking situation, call ahead or check Google Maps, which shows parking details and accessibility information for many addresses.
Accessibility varies by location. Some restaurants have level entry and accessible restrooms; others may have steps or narrow doorways. If accessibility is important to you, call the specific location to ask about entry, seating, and restroom accommodations before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Peking duck without calling ahead?
Some locations keep Peking duck available during regular service, but many require advance notice because the dish takes 45 minutes to an hour to prepare. Call your local Peking restaurant at least a few hours before you plan to pick it up or dine in. This ensures the kitchen has time to prepare it properly.
Do you have vegetarian options?
Yes. Most Peking locations offer vegetable stir-fries, vegetable fried rice, vegetable lo mein, and vegetable spring rolls. You can also request vegetarian versions of dishes that normally contain meat. Call ahead if you need to confirm that a specific dish can be made without animal products or animal-derived sauces.
How long does delivery usually take?
Delivery times depend on your distance from the restaurant and current order volume. Most deliveries take 30 to 45 minutes from the time you place your order. During peak hours (lunch and dinner), wait times can extend to an hour. Pickup is usually faster — typically 15 to 25 minutes if you call ahead.
Can I modify dishes for allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes, but you should communicate clearly when ordering. Let staff know about allergies to peanuts, shellfish, soy, or gluten. Many dishes can be prepared with less oil, no MSG, or sauce on the side. Call ahead rather than ordering through an app if you have serious allergies, so you can speak directly with the kitchen.
Do you offer family-size portions or catering?
Most Peking locations offer larger portions suitable for families or groups, and many can prepare catering orders with advance notice. Call the restaurant directly to discuss your party size, preferred dishes, and delivery or pickup options. Catering minimums and pricing vary by location.