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Mandarin Palace offers guests a traditional Chinese dining experience with a diverse menu featuring favorites like sesame chicken, Mongolian beef, and mu shu. Expect casual table service, a quiet setting, and reliable delivery, takeout, or dine-in options.
What to Expect:
🍜 Classic Chinese platters and noodles
🍵 Great tea selection complements meals
🛵 Delivery, takeout, and dine-in available
♿ Fully wheelchair accessible
Important Information:
Reservations accepted but not always needed
Free parking lot and street parking available
Accommodates groups and families
Menu available online with clear vegetarian options
Guests appreciate the fast service and ample parking; best to avoid peak lunch hours for a quieter visit.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🥢 Ask for the Picture Menu: Ordering from the pictorial Chinese menu helps prevent confusion, especially for newcomers.
🚗 Parking Is Easy: Free parking lot and street parking mean visitors rarely struggle to find a spot, even during busy lunch hours.
☕ Tea Enhances Experience: The restaurant is known for a great tea selection—pair your meal with their freshly brewed hot green tea.
👪 Family-Friendly But Watch Service: Families can be accommodated well, but large groups may experience inattentive service at times, so plan accordingly.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
👉 Best For
Families, lunch, dinner, delivery lovers
Mandarin Palace
3955 State St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93105
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Mandarin Palace is a well-established Chinese restaurant praised for authentic dishes like Mongolian beef and sesame chicken, with many noting fast service and a strong tea selection. However, some guests report inconsistent food quality, bland flavors, occasional poor service, and a dated interior. Accessibility and parking receive positive mentions. Occasional serious complaints about hygiene and service attitude exist but are not widespread.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Go For
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Sesame Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Moo Shu Chicken, Orange Peel Chicken, Cream Cheese Wontons, Fried Rice, Chow Mein, Szechuan Shrimp, Scallop, Hot Green Tea, Small Plates, Vegetarian Options
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit just before 11 AM or after 7 PM for quieter dining. Thursday evenings see peak crowd; lunch hours get busy, plan accordingly.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating throughout the restaurant support guests with mobility needs.
Reservation Policy
Walk-ins accepted; reservations available
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