Lotus Garden Restaurant

02/03/09

Odd location, decent food

by theJRK

Having served time as a delivery driver and waiter at a Vietnamese restaurant, I'm a bit spoiled when it comes to the cuisine. Lotus' egg rolls may be in my top 3 in the cities, but still cannot hold a candle to the ones I used to eat habitually at Tonn's Restaurant (formerly Vinh Long) in Mankato.

The traditional noodle dishes are good, and the drier spice is surprisingly intense. Spring rolls are on par with those from Sawatdee.

The location and atmosphere are not conducive with a *date*. The decor is sort of Asian Kitsch. Probably doesn't hurt that there's a pawn shop next door.

• Pros: Egg rolls
• Cons: Not the way Grandma used to make it

11/16/07

What no Pho?

by navelinski

How can a vietnamese restaurant not serve Pho? The bbq pork in the bun I ordered was overcooked and very salty. They claim they have the "Best" eggrolls, but I was not impressed. Kind of a dumply little palce in a strip mall, so you don't expect much - but it does need a good cleaning.

• Pros: Inexpensive
• Cons: Does not have some classic vietnamese dishes, restaurant needs to be cleaned

08/11/03

For what it is.. it's good

by charvelguy

I base my rating upon the overall place. I do not expect a bow tied waiter at a small family place ina tiny strip mall for service. I've eaten in and taken out several times. The decor is cool-could pass for romantic and well done in a chinese theme.

The service has been friendly,(businesslike) helpful & attentive. The food is prepared to your prefered spice liking and has been served quickly. As the editor states, the egg rolls are great, spring rolls are good. I do take out on them usually whenever in the area. Portions are fairly sized using fresh ingredients save for maybe frozen seafood. (for the money, it's still ok) My last couple times here, the veggies on my Chow Mein were to overcooked & soggy, maybe as it was takeout.

• Pros: reasonable, quick & helpful, eggrolls/springrolls
• Cons: there is only one?, overcooked takeout