City Island Chinese Restaurant

- 84-86 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464

Introduction / Overview

For New York locals seeking reliable, delicious, and classic American-Chinese cuisine in the Bronx, City Island Chinese Restaurant stands out as a beloved neighborhood fixture. Situated in the picturesque coastal community of City Island, this establishment has earned a strong reputation for serving up an array of authentic and regional Chinese dishes with a focus on flavor and value. It’s the quintessential local Chinese spot that residents depend on for a quick, satisfying meal.

This charming dining destination, with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, is a cornerstone of the City Island dining scene. Customers consistently praise the quality of the food, noting that dishes are flavorful and prepared with fresh ingredients. It’s a favorite choice for various occasions, from casual solo dining to gathering a hearty meal for family and friends. While its atmosphere is generally described as casual and quiet for those who choose to dine in or wait for their pickup, the restaurant truly shines as a powerhouse for takeout and delivery, bringing piping-hot, delicious Chinese food right to your doorstep or even your boat!

A key highlight frequently mentioned by loyal patrons is the sheer generosity of the portions. Whether you’re stopping in for a lunch special or ordering a full dinner for the family, you can count on getting a substantial amount of food for a reasonable price. This commitment to value, combined with friendly service, is why so many locals consider City Island Chinese Restaurant their long-standing go-to for Chinese takeout in the Bronx.

Location and Accessibility

City Island Chinese Restaurant is conveniently located on the main thoroughfare of the neighborhood, placing it right in the heart of the coastal charm that defines the area. Its address is 84-86 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA. This prime location provides easy access for City Island residents and visitors exploring the area.

While the restaurant is a fixture of the area, prospective patrons should be mindful of the local environment. City Island Ave is a busy stretch, and while some parking may be available, potential limited parking options during peak hours are a consideration, as is typical of many popular City Island locations. The restaurant offers comfortable dining options for both lunch and dinner, though its primary reputation is built on its efficient takeout and fast delivery services.

A critical note on accessibility and planning: this establishment is a strictly cash-only business. They do not accept credit cards for payment. For those who typically rely on plastic, it is highly advisable to bring cash to ensure a smooth and quick transaction. This practice is common among many small, long-standing local businesses in New York City, often allowing them to keep their food prices lower by avoiding credit card processing fees. The restaurant's loyal customer base views this as a minor convenience for the excellent food and value received. For those in a pinch, it’s worth noting that a Chase bank is reportedly nearby for cash withdrawals.

Services Offered

City Island Chinese Restaurant focuses on making their delicious Chinese cuisine available to customers through various convenient service methods. Their core services include:

• Delivery: Fast and reliable delivery service ensuring hot food arrives on time. They are known to deliver to specific local spots, including a helpful service that reaches patrons at the South Minneford Yacht Club (South Minneford YC).
• Takeout: Offering quick and efficient service for customers who prefer to pick up their orders to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Dine-in: Available seating for both lunch and dinner for a casual, quiet meal on-site.
• Lunch Specials: Highly popular and affordable meal options available during lunch hours, praised for being exceptionally generous in portion size.

Features / Highlights

The enduring popularity of City Island Chinese Restaurant is built on several key features that set it apart for New York diners. These highlights consistently draw in repeat customers:

• Exceptional Value and Generous Portions: A defining feature is the impressive size of their servings. Customers frequently highlight the excellent value, particularly with their affordable and substantial lunch specials, where you get a lot of food for your money.
• Strictly Cash Only: This is an important detail for first-time visitors to remember, as credit cards are not accepted. Bringing cash is necessary for ordering, a trade-off many locals are happy to make for the quality and price.
• Extensive Menu of Classic Chinese Dishes: The menu offers a wide variety of customer favorites, ensuring there is a comforting meal for every preference. Options include dishes like General Tso's Chicken, Pepper Steak with Onion, Moo Goo Gai Pan, various Lo Mein and Egg Foo Young options, and vegetarian choices like Mixed Chinese Vegetables and Green Jade Delight.
• Reliable and Hot Delivery: The delivery service is praised for being fast, on time, and ensuring the food is "piping hot" upon arrival. Their special delivery service to the local yacht club is a noted convenience for boaters and yacht club members.
• Consistently Good Food Quality: Long-time customers attest to a history of great meals, often mentioning that they have "never got a bad meal" and that the food is consistently tasty and delicious.

The menu showcases a broad range of options, with most main course dishes and specials priced attractively, offering great options for solo diners or a meal for a group. Popular combinations and entrees include:

• General Tso's Chicken ($7.95)
• Sesame Chicken ($7.95)
• Pepper Steak Onion ($7.95)
• Shrimp W. Lobster Sauce ($7.95)
• Boneless Spare Ribs ($7.95)
• Chicken W. Broccoli ($7.75)
• Roasted Pork Or Chicken Lo Mein ($7.75)
• Vegetarian options like Mixed Chinese Vegetables ($7.75) and Broccoli W. Garlic Sauce ($7.75)

Contact Information

For New York residents looking to place an order or inquire about hours, the restaurant can be reached at:

• Address: 84-86 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
• Phone: (718) 885-3775
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-885-3775

It is always recommended to call ahead to confirm current operating hours, especially around holidays or during inclement weather. For planning your visit, keep in mind that hours are generally available for lunch and dinner service.

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in the New York area—especially those in the Bronx and around City Island—City Island Chinese Restaurant is a top choice for several compelling reasons. It offers an experience defined by affordability, generosity, and comforting familiarity. What truly sets it apart is its strong reputation as a dedicated takeout and delivery restaurant that understands the needs of its local customer base. The ability to receive a full, hot meal quickly and reliably, even to unique locations like boats at the South Minneford YC, makes it an invaluable community resource.

The main draw is the combination of delicious food and immense value. The lunch specials, in particular, are frequently mentioned as a must-try for their large portions and reasonable price point. Choosing a classic dish like General Tso's Chicken or Beef with Broccoli from a place that has consistently satisfied customers for years is an easy win. You are choosing a business with a long history of customer satisfaction and a clear commitment to delivering hot, fresh, and flavorful American-Chinese takeout.

To make your experience seamless, remember the cash-only policy—it’s a small step to ensure you get to enjoy the flavorful food and generous portions that City Island Chinese Restaurant has built its name on. Whether you’re planning a casual night in, feeding a large group, or need a quick and satisfying meal on the go, this Bronx gem on City Island Ave is ready to deliver a classic Chinese food experience.

City Island Chinese Restaurant

84-86 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA