Union Chinese Restaurant

- 2622 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

Union Chinese Restaurant in San Jose, California, stands as a pillar of the local dining scene, revered by residents for its dedication to classic Chinese comfort cuisine, remarkable value, and consistent quality over many years. Positioned as a premier destination for both Chinese and general Asian restaurant fare, this spot has transcended being just a neighborhood eatery; it is a beloved institution in the Bay Area, where patrons return again and again for a dependable, satisfying meal. The establishment’s longevity—with customers having enjoyed the food for over seventeen years—speaks volumes about its enduring appeal and commitment to culinary excellence.

For California diners seeking generous portions of flavorful, time-honored dishes that won't strain the budget, Union Chinese Restaurant is a must-try. The dining experience is characterized by a friendly, professional staff—often highlighted in customer reviews for their attentiveness and warmth, with specific shout-outs to team members like "Lisa" who enhance the welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine spans a vast menu, covering popular Cantonese, Szechuan, and Americanized Chinese favorites, ensuring there is a delicious option for every craving, palate, and dietary preference, from rich beef dishes to delicate seafood and a comprehensive array of vegetarian plates.

The reputation here is built on honest, good food. Reviews frequently mention the food never "fails to please," and the prices are described as "fair and CHEAP for a very GOOD Chinese Restaurant." This rare combination of high quality and affordability has cemented its status as a local gem, particularly attractive to families, groups, and individuals looking for a hearty, dependable meal in the San Jose area. While the atmosphere is definitively Casual, some patrons enjoy the "dingy old vintage Chinese restaurant feel," celebrating the unpretentious and authentic vibe that only a long-standing, family-focused restaurant can provide.

Location and Accessibility

Union Chinese Restaurant is conveniently situated at 2622 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, USA. This location on Union Avenue places it easily within reach of numerous San Jose neighborhoods, making it a favorite for locals in the central and southern parts of the city. As a local business catering to the community, accessibility and parking are designed for maximum convenience.

The restaurant provides multiple hassle-free options for parking:

• Free parking lot, offering dedicated space for patrons.
• Free street parking, available in the surrounding area.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, allowing smooth entry into the dining area.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, with designated spaces close to the entrance.
• Wheelchair accessible seating, providing suitable tables within the dining room.

Services Offered

Union Chinese Restaurant operates with a focus on flexibility and customer comfort, catering to various needs from a quick midday meal to a large family dinner. Their service model is designed to be welcoming and efficient for the local crowd.

• Dining Service: The restaurant offers full Dine-in seating and Table service, providing a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. The atmosphere is highly Family-friendly, with High chairs readily available, making it Good for kids.
• Scheduling and Planning: The restaurant is Popular for both Lunch and Dinner. For those planning a visit during peak hours, the option to Accept reservations is a valuable amenity. It is also a perfect venue for Groups and is welcoming for Solo dining.
• Special Menu Times: A robust selection of Lunch Specials is served daily, typically from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring nearly 30 popular dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Sweet & Sour Prawns at a reduced price point, offering tremendous value to the weekday crowd.
• Off-Premise Convenience: Understanding the modern California lifestyle, the restaurant offers full Takeout and Delivery options, allowing customers to easily enjoy the Comfort food at home or at work.
• Payments: The facility accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The primary highlight of Union Chinese Restaurant is its expansive menu, which is a veritable encyclopedia of classic Chinese dishes, all prepared with consistency and an emphasis on fresh, satisfying flavors. The strength of the menu is its sheer variety, guaranteeing that every member of a party will find a favorite.

Signature features and menu categories include:

• Extensive Main Courses: The menu is categorized by protein—Beef, Pork, Poultry, Seafood, and Vegetables—allowing diners to easily find classics. Highlights include customer favorites like Mongolian Beef, Beef With Broccoli, Szechuan Beef, Almond Chicken, Lemon Chicken, and the much-loved Sweet & Sour Pork. The Seafood section features popular items such as Kung Pao Prawns, Szechuan Prawns, and Fish Filet With Black Bean Sauce.
• House and Chef Specials: This section showcases the kitchen’s expertise with elevated favorites. Must-try dishes frequently praised by long-time customers include the superb Honey Walnut Prawns and the Boneless Crispy Chicken With Garlic Sauce. Other signature choices are Sesame Chicken, General (Tso's), and Beef With Orange Peel.
• Noodle Varieties: Union Chinese Restaurant stands out by offering a selection of Hand Pull Noodles, which are featured in various soups (like Spicy Beef Stew Noodle Soup and Seafood Noodle Soup) and the classic Black Bean Sauce Noodle Soup, a testament to the kitchen's commitment to traditional techniques. They also offer a huge selection of Chow Mein and Chow Fun dishes.
• Family Style Value: The Family Dinner options (A through D) provide a highly cost-effective way for groups to sample a pre-selected variety of favorite appetizers and main courses, reinforcing the restaurant's reputation for great value.
• Renowned Service and Ambiance: Beyond the food, the service is a defining characteristic. The quick and attentive staff—often managing to anticipate needs without being called—is a recurring theme in reviews, contributing to the establishment's welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.

Contact Information

Union Chinese Restaurant is ready to serve the San Jose community and visitors. For reservations, inquiries, or to place a takeout order, please use the following information:

Address: 2622 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, USA
Phone: (408) 559-1688 (Also available via Mobile Phone: +1 408-559-1688)

What is Worth Choosing Union Chinese Restaurant

For any California resident in the San Jose area, choosing Union Chinese Restaurant means opting for reliable, high-quality, and affordably priced Chinese food that has stood the test of time. The primary reason locals keep returning is the unparalleled combination of massive, satisfying portions and excellent pricing, making it one of the best value propositions in the region. You will not find many other quality Chinese restaurants that can match this level of affordability and volume of food, which is consistently praised for being "very GOOD."

The consistency of the food, maintained over nearly two decades, is a major factor. You can trust that the highly-rated signature dishes will be superb every time. Be sure to try the Walnut Prawns, which are described as "superb," and the refreshing Chicken Salad—both frequently listed as customer favorites. For meat lovers, the Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Chicken are excellent, dependable choices.

Furthermore, the dedication to service, characterized by staff members like Lisa, creates an environment where you feel genuinely appreciated and well cared for. This attentive, family-run service model is a critical differentiator from larger chains. Finally, for those planning an evening meal, please note that while some external listings have incorrect hours, the restaurant is known by locals to be open until later in the evening, typically to 9:30 PM, ensuring you can satisfy those dinner and late-night comfort food cravings. Union Chinese Restaurant is a place that earns its high recommendation—a true San Jose culinary treasure.

Union Chinese Restaurant

2622 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, USA