J C Mandarin Chinese Cuisine - Omaha

I can't believe this place is still in business. The staff was rude and the food was worse than mediocre, but beyond that, the experience we had was ridiculous. If the menu says a dish is served in a "bird's nest" of fried noodles, that's a feature of the dish, right? You don't bring me the topping and some steamed rice. When I ask why the fried noodles aren't part of the dish, you CERTAINLY don't get aggressive with me and tell me that it's okay because it's "the same inside." Fine, whatever. That should have been the end of it. I agreed to eat the stupid "same insides" over steamed rice. But then, when we tried to pay, they couldn't take any cards. I fortunately happened to have two $20 bills, but then THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY CHANGE. They even suggested that I leave and go to an ATM (what's that supposed to do? ATMs dispense twenties!) Faced with the reality that I was going to walk out if they couldn't take the payment I had offered them twice in good faith, they scrambled to check all of their pockets and assemble several dollars in coins. The time to tell me about the inability to take cards was before we were ready to order. The time to tell us that the dish is no longer served with fried noodles was when I ordered it. The time for this sorry excuse for a restaurant to close its doors was yesterday.

I can't believe this place is still in business. The staff was rude and the food was worse than mediocre, but beyond that, the experience we had was ridiculous. If the menu says a dish is served in a "bird's nest" of fried noodles, that's a feature of the dish, right? You don't bring me the topping and some steamed rice. When I ask why the fried noodles aren't part of the dish, you CERTAINLY don't get aggressive with me and tell me that it's okay because it's "the same inside." Fine, whatever. That should have been the end of it. I agreed to eat the stupid "same insides" over steamed rice. But then, when we tried to pay, they couldn't take any cards. I fortunately happened to have two $20 bills, but then THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY CHANGE. They even suggested that I leave and go to an ATM (what's that supposed to do? ATMs dispense twenties!) Faced with the reality that I was going to walk out if they couldn't take the payment I had... read more

On Top of its Game. It has been almost three years since I reviewed JC Mandarin. Time for a refresh. The good news is that this handsome Westroads area Asian hot spot remains as good as ever. While prices have crept up the quality of the food makes you feel like a Chinese Emperor. Everything is fresh tasting. The shrimp are jumbo, as are the scallops. The mu shu pork is outstanding. The wonton soup is perhaps the best I have ever sampled. And the pork dumplings, apparently grilled and possessing a slight char, were a work of wonder. While the menu is basically Chinese, there are occasionally some Japanese daily specials offered. Service on the weekend night of our visit was exemplary, with water glasses and our hot tea pot quietly refilled without our having to ask, and unneeded dishes whooshed away as if by magic. Our courses arrived with perfect timing. The wine and cocktail list has lots of interesting options, and the bottled beers are good as well. I would be hard pressed to think of a better Chinese restaurant within a several hour drive. Food: A Menu Sophistication: B+ Atmosphere: A- Service: A Value: A -----03 Jan, 2010----- One of Omaha's Best. This is a great little locally owned neighborhood restaurant, worth traveling to the Westroads neighborhood for your dining enjoyment. Very attractive interior, unlike so many other Chinese eateries in this or any town. The food quality is a cut or two above the rank and file Chinese you are used to. You can get take out, of course, but you are well advised to dine in, as it is a very relaxing atmosphere, and the menu offers so many interesting little surprises. It will come as a surprise to many visitors -- as well as to not a few locals -- to know that Omaha has more high quality Chinese restaurants than probably any other cuisine! J.C. Mandarin takes a back seat to no one in offering delicious and interesting menu items at very reasonable prices.

On Top of its Game. It has been almost three years since I reviewed JC Mandarin. Time for a refresh. The good news is that this handsome Westroads area Asian hot spot remains as good as ever. While prices have crept up the quality of the food makes you feel like a Chinese Emperor. Everything is fresh tasting. The shrimp are jumbo, as are the scallops. The mu shu pork is outstanding. The wonton soup is perhaps the best I have ever sampled. And the pork dumplings, apparently grilled and possessing a slight char, were a work of wonder. While the menu is basically Chinese, there are occasionally some Japanese daily specials offered. Service on the weekend night of our visit was exemplary, with water glasses and our hot tea pot quietly refilled without our having to ask, and unneeded dishes whooshed away as if by magic. Our courses arrived with perfect timing. The wine and cocktail list has lots of interesting options, and the bottled beers are good as well. I... read more

I can't believe this place is still in business. The staff was rude and the food was worse than mediocre, but beyond that, the experience we had was ridiculous. If the menu says a dish is served in a "bird's nest" of fried noodles, that's a feature of the dish, right? You don't bring me the topping and some steamed rice. When I ask why the fried noodles aren't part of the dish, you CERTAINLY don't get aggressive with me and tell me that it's okay because it's "the same inside." Fine, whatever. That should have been the end of it. I agreed to eat the stupid "same insides" over steamed rice. But then, when we tried to pay, they couldn't take any cards. I fortunately happened to have two $20 bills, but then THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY CHANGE. They even suggested that I leave and go to an ATM (what's that supposed to do? ATMs dispense twenties!) Faced with the reality that I was going to walk out if they couldn't take the payment I had offered them twice in good faith, they scrambled to check all of their pockets and assemble several dollars in coins. The time to tell me about the inability to take cards was before we were ready to order. The time to tell us that the dish is no longer served with fried noodles was when I ordered it. The time for this sorry excuse for a restaurant to close its doors was yesterday.