Restaurant Review: Young's Chinese Carry Out, Royal Oak, Michigan

Young's Chinese Carry Out
921 E. Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248.543.3131
248.543.8288 fax

I'll admit it. This place doesn't have in-restaurant dining. The lobby is spartan. The parking lot is small and cramped. The food might not be considered as "authentic" as the fare in the great Chinatowns of Chicago or San Francisco, but you can be sure that a meal from Young's Chinese Carry Out in Royal Oak will never fail to please.

Young's, in business since 1992, has been located within the same few buildings of East Eleven Mile Road. This is a family run business, owned by the Yangs. While Young's is out of the way from the fabulous Main Street restaurants in downtown Royal Oak, Young's has a loyal following. Witness the action during dinner or lunch time on any day of the week. Their customer base is strong, and the Yangs, though not strong on English, are friendly enough to get to know each and every one of them.

These dishes are what I would call Americanized Chinese plates, prepared lightning fast and piping hot. Lunch specials are served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and prices range from $5.10 to $6.55, for a main dish, fried rice and egg roll. Among these "specials" you'll find almond or sweet and sour chicken, szechuan chicken, beef with broccoli, Chinese vegetables and other tasty treats. The same items are available as dinner combinations, for $1.75 more.

Young's also features family dinners for two, three, four or five, with either two, three, four or five entrees. These family dinners include wonton soup, egg roll, fried rice and fortune cookies, and the portions are enormous. Unless you have a family of really hearty eaters, you're going to have leftovers.

Young's also offers a limited appetizer menu, including fried wonton and barbecue pork and spare ribs. The wonton soup is very good, with plenty of vegetables and wonton noodles.

Last night, I had the craving and so decided to stop in. I ordered the Mongolian beef, extra spicy. The beef is always tender and is surrounded by julienned vegetables. This large portion comes with white rice, and there was more than enough for two meals. Not bad for a dinner that cost $8.80 without tax. (One note, if you like your food extra spicy, you have to really get it across to the person answering the phone that you want it very hot. They tend to lower the heat a notch.)

Some soft drinks are available from a cooler.

Young's is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12 noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. They are closed on Monday, and usually take the week of the Fourth of July off. They accept credit cards.