Uncle Chen - Carpinteria

Chinese, Casual, Asian
Menu
Full menu with pictures, prices and categories.
Reservation
Reservation request for Uncle Chen.

Uncle Chen

Uncle Chen
4.4 / 5 (1928 reviews)

Description

At this Santa Barbara restaurant, service shines brightly, marked by friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. However, the culinary offerings leave much to be desired. Diners often find the food mediocre, with many dishes criticized for blandness, poor presentation, and overcooking. Notably, rice dishes are reported as clumpy, and proteins like chicken and beef have drawn attention for toughness. While some patrons celebrate specific items as delicious, the overall consensus leans towards seeking better Chinese cuisine elsewhere. Despite the reasonable prices, the need for improving flavor and authenticity remains clear for this establishment to truly impress its diners.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Jeff

Reservation request for Uncle Chen

Submit Reservation Request

Feedback

★ 4.4 / 5 from 1928 reviews
jeff-prata
23.02.2025

Another hidden gem in our favorite beach destination! The Shrimp Chop Suey was awesome, as was the Chicken Chow Mien and the Beef and Broccoli. We got the full size order of each to go they offer the smaller lunch sizes that include a few more sides if you are looking for a smaller portion. Very fresh, great flavors, not overly spicy, reasonably priced.Look forward to trying the rest of the menu.

darren-hunt
23.02.2025

I really loved this place. We ordered a big takeout meal with lots of different dishes to try their ma po tofu with pork, Mongolian lamb, beef with snow peas, hot and sour soup, and bbq pork noodles, all of them were very tasty. The servings were large and lasted 3 days for two people. The service here was also amazing, they were kind and patient while I was having trouble deciding what to order, and even brought the food out to our car which she totally didn't have to do! I only wish I knew the pan fried noodles meant the meat and veggies were pan fried but the noodles were actually crispy like deep fried (my bad for not asking first). I will be coming back!

daniel-reyman-2
23.02.2025

Delicious Chinese food. I stopped here on my way to Big Sur and had the war wonton soup which I highly recommend. Everyone that worked there was very friendly to me. I'll remember this place and go back because they were so nice

jim-mannoia-4
23.02.2025

Easy take out. Great dry sauteed beans! Good price!

sion-mooradian
23.02.2025

I would give this restaurant 0 starts if I could. First of all the food is WAY WAY overpriced. Food smells and tastes awful. Plus when I didn’t want my food they never gave me my money back and made me pay for the food I didn’t even eat. Please don’t eat here unless you want dreadful overpriced food that I could make at home for cheaper and better. If you’re looking to eat here take your money somewhere else.

FAQ

You can watch major sports events on a screen / TV right in the joint.

The restaurant and its rooms are wheelchair accessible and thus usable with a wheelchair or physiological disabilities.

The restaurant also takes credit cards from the common providers as a means of payment.

More information

Suggested nearby restaurants.