Hunan Lion Reviews

First time at this restaurant. Won ton soup was delicious. Steamed pork dumplings were plump and well seasoned. I had the Grilled teriyaki chicken with steamed vegetables. The chicken had a good char with some crispy edges. The sauce was thick and had lots of sesame seeds. Veggies were still crunchy. My host had Moo Shu Pork. Large mushrooms, cabbage, hoisin sauce, and crepes. Excellent.

We really wanted eat at HUNAN LION when in Austin because we loved it years ago. The Sesame Chicken did not taste like it used to. It was okay, but did not have the deep rich sweet flavor as before and the bites of chicken were tougher. Egg drop soup was good, and crab puffs. The egg rolls were tiny; half the size from years ago. May never go back

The place was packed when I arrived there at lunch May 12, 2017. Service was not that great but the food was delicious. I ordered the shrimp with vegetables. there are lunch specials and the serving size was ample. one can bring business colleagues here and it is family friendly. somewhat affordable . extensive wine and beer list. there is ample parking on the premises. this restaurant has been open for more than 15 years I was told. bring an appetite.

People are friendly, food is quick and the restaurant is very clean! Easy on-off for pick up when driving home from downtown.

This is a great place for lunch. Love the dumplings and the General Tso's chicken. Big servings so leftovers the next day.

During Covid they had a booming take out business that seems to have stayed. There is a reason why, first off they are always polite and happy to see every customer. They have the best attitude of any restaurant in town. The food is always hot and fresh. Very consistent. If they are open they will take your order over tg we phone. I accidentally called in 5 min before they closed, I felt bad when I got there as I saw they were closing, kind of dreaded going in, and when I show up the owner handed me my food smiled and said thank you Jeff for your business. That something you don’t hear everyday in Austin. Human Lion serves excellent Chinese food and values their customers. They are my go to for Chinese take out.

good chinese food, they will make changes to a dish, ie; add snow peas on request pleasant restaurant, reasonably priced

Hear its great for lunch. I had dinner. 5:00 pm and dead. Food's blah, not even good tea. Great quiet though.

Great Asian food. Dark atmosphere, very Asian. Felt I was in a old Charlie Chan movie. Our server, Kris, was the Asian version of Flo. She gave me a wonderful hard time. Her quips were right on without malice. Great qualities. The food was excellent all the way around. Like most Asian restaurants the menu is large and varied. Check it out, worth your time and money.

Sometimes you just want classic Chinese-Amercian fare, and when you do, this place fits the bill. The quality of the food along with the variety of flavors are reasons this place has been a South Austin mainstay for over 20 years. From jalapeno basil chicken to spicy curry tofu, there are plenty of tasty, palate-pleasing options to enjoy. Plus, the service is friendly and responsive.

This has been my go-to place for Chinese food in Austin, but my most recent experience was very poor and I'm not sure I'll be back. Lunch special is offered at a great price for the amount of food, but unfortunately quality and cleanliness may suffer because of it. Wonton soup was lukewarm and overly salty. There was a large winged insect in my friend's rice. When brought to the waitress's attention she was apologetic and went into a long-winded explanation as to how the bug got into the food. She told us the bug flew in because the back door was open, but that couldn't be the case as it was buried deep into the rice. No offer was made to comp my friend's lunch, but they did offer to make her a new plate, although encouraged her to try something different. I thought that was odd. We were brought a free dessert at the end, but it felt thrown together and was frozen in the middle-- I think it was supposed to be something like cream puffs, but we did not care for it. On the plus side we never had to ask for drink refills and the crab wontons are delish, but our entire experience today was odd and I'm not sure we'll ever be back.

Food is OK, a notch above the truly mediocre suburban, and better if you go to the restaurant. The 'free delivery' seems to be too much for them, though-- tried twice in as many days; once told that I had to order a minimum of $25 (as opposed to $15 indicated on their site); not a problem, since I would order that much anyway. But, that took multiple people to decide with multiple holds- I gave up after 10 minutes of phone games. Tried today for lunch- worse, clearly didn't want to or was unable to accommodate; hold, respelling the name of my street a few times (possible language barrier with person on phone, dunno). I said, you know this is getting too complicated just to place an order. Them: "Ok thank you bye-bye. Click." So much for easy 'free' delivery (with a surcharge of 3 bucks which I could care less about). The obstacles were more like calling a government office in NY and being tortured for a while. Bye-bye!

This is a chinese family run good value Chinese restaurant. the lunch combo is around $11 and the food isnot recooked from leftovers the night before. the hot and sour soup, Mongolian beef and fried rice brings back memories of a time before PF Changs and Pei Wei. For a treat try their Pekink Duck- not all chinese restaurants carry the Peking preperation

The food is consistently good. I joke with the wait staff and it's fun. Off hours a great place to meet for a conversation. Austin's Chinese food is iffy but this will likely have you leaving satisfied.

I have eaten at Hunan Lion twice. Food is delicious. Very good lunch specials. Pleasant atmosphere. However, you do not seem to get a lot of food like you sometimes do in Chinese Restaurants. Maybe, I was very hungry or the food was so good that I ate it all but there was not a lot to take home as usually happens with Chinese food.

This is our go to spot for Chinese for three reasons. The food is quite good and consistent from visit to visit. Service is outstanding even when they are packed to brim inside with dozens of take out customers streaming through the doors. The kitchen is always fast and was on this packed afternoon as well. We had our usual- lemon chicken, crispy flounder, shrimp with lobster sauce and Mongolian beef. The food was delicious and the service top nothch.

The idea that take out would become so exciting would have never crossed my mind prior to this pandemic. Hunan Lion has for a long time been our favorite Chinese restaurant and for some reason we have skipped them for take out during the pandemic. We ordered there to night and the process and food were spot on. Process is simple, they have a quality ordering system online that lets you choose a time and they offer their full menu. Pick up is one of two methods- you call on arrival and they bring out or you pick up at a table inside. I picked up inside since I wanted to greet the staff. We had the following items and all arrived home hot and just as tasty as if we dining in: Crab puffs- 6 deep fried cream cheese puffs Crispy Flounder- A really superior deep fried flounder with fried green beans Seafood Soup- Our first try and a repeat for sure with shrimp, fish, mushrooms in a dark sauce Shrimp with Lobster- My favorite and a true delight. Shrimp, Lobster Sauce, Mushrooms, Onions, ETC Beef with Mushrooms- Another first for us and nice, lot's of bbeef and mushrooms in a brown sauce The packaging got it all home hot and we really enjoyed the food.

Great food and fast service had several different dishes over three separate visits. Service was very quick and very friendly. I will certainly go back when I am in Austin.

We were looking for a quick meal at the strip mall on South Lamar. This was a good find on many levels, but could use a little help on others. We will return--for certain. We arrived just after 5, and the place was empty, but it started to fill up rather quickly. The food is excellent and the portions are huge! The service is good, friendly, and helpful--perhaps a little slow. The options on the menu are good and the alternative ways to "make your own dish" are great. Do not miss the Lemon Grass soup for 2 (filled with shrimp and scallops)--it is wonderful and a deal at $7. The outside is rather dull--it is part of the strip center. The interior is a little different, but better than most oriental restaurants. The fish tanks are very nice and the one with the koi is special. The attached pictures show some of the very attractive and exotic koi. I am certain it will appeal to the kids and water gardeners. Parking is easy when the mall is not busy, but can be a bit tougher at busy hours.

My book club met here for dinner and to discuss our Asian-themed book because the cuisine matched that month's read and the location was convenient for the nine attending. I expected that our request for separate checks would be problematic, and for the most part, it wasn't. The server also did not automatically add a gratuity to each check for our large party, and I was pleased. However, customer service was not our server's strong suit. She did not tell us her name as we arrived, and her name is not on my receipt; her demeanor conveyed that we were all there to conform to her system of ordering food and beverages and that those items would be delivered to our table when it was convenient for her. She was efficient, but unfortunately that efficiency came with a price--guests will get their drinks, entrees, and checks when it suits her. This was not a particularly busy evening, but she made it seem like we were running her ragged. The dining experience was largely unpleasant as a result. If the food would've been exceptional, I'd overlook the server's attitude. However, the food was just okay. First of all, the menu is laid out in a very confusing fashion. Except for the "Specialties of the House," guests order entrees by categories: proteins, vegetables, cooking style, and sauce. Even though the nine of us at our table ordered vastly different items, everything came out looking the same. For me, the bellwether dish of a good Chinese food restaurant is Lo Mein. I ordered the combination Lo Mein, and I've had better almost everywhere in the Austin area. The best part of this experience was that the dining room was quiet, which was conducive to our being able to hear one another as we discussed the book. That typically doesn't happen on those rare occasions when our book club meeting is held while dining out. I don't think I'll go back.

Consistently good. Staff is always friendly and courteous. They make my food to order. Portions are huge. Expect to take home for another great meal the next day.

The food is exactly what you’d expect from classic American-Chinese cuisine. The portions are very large and the prices very small. Sesame chicken is a must. There is almost always a free table and the food comes really quick. Aquarium adds to the authentic atmosphere and experience.

The Hunan Lion is my family's favorite Chinese restaurant. The lunch special is an awesome deal for only $6.95. You get a very nice sized portion with soup, egg role, fried or steamed rice and a fried won ton. This is one of the only restaurants that my whole family will eat everything that is place in front of them. My 3 year old orders edameme and won't even share. Some of our favorites our the broccoli beef, honey chicken, pot stickers and cashew chicken. I usually get the broccoli beef. Unlike most places, it seems to be made fresh to order with a tasty sauce and crispy broccoli. We also love the staff. They are great with kids and we always have a wonderful time!

It has been a few years since we've eaten here so not sure if there are new owners but this was just terrible. It started as soon as we walked in and noticed how run down the place looked. This was followed by a waitress who had no customer service skills at all. That's when we should have left but we didn't. The wonton soup has a garlicky beef broth which was odd. The crab wonton and egg rolls were fair. My meal came out and it looked like slop. The rice was cold and unappealing. The sauce for my meal, I swear came out of a can and the meat was not recognizable. My friend got the shrimp with mayo. Again, I swear it was breaded frozen shrimp with regular mayo squirted over it with the same cold rice. We then couldn't find our waitress, who essentially just disappeared, to take our payment so we had to go to the back to find a person to pay. We then noticed that another table had to do the same thing and also had to go get their own drink refills. I almost feel sorry for Hunan because this place use to be really good and something really bad has happened.

Sad to say I have banned this place for awhile. The food and service here is great and have never had a poorly prepared meal. Last night my daughter and I had dined in during dinner I felt a sharp pain and had some bleeding. Wasn't sure what it was. Got home went into bathroom and pulled a small piece of metal out off my gum line. I know sometimes this happens when you involve food prep and mechanical food machines.

Ordered take out for Christmas Day dinner. When I got to there to pick it up realized many others had the same idea. Kudos to the staff handling the crush of orders and people streaming in to pick up. Food was delicious. This will become a new tradition for us.

Above average Chinese lunch special place, portions are big and the General Tso's is better than most. Service is good

This restaurant is tucked away in an obscure corner of the Brody Oaks shopping center, making it hard to find. We went there with several friends while in Austin for a family wedding. I found the food only so-so, about what you'd expect for a run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant. The really good Chinese restaurants don't seem to hang around long in Austin for some reason. This is not a bad spot, but nothing special. The service was very pleasant and attentive. My wife thought the food was better than I did, probably because I like it spicier than she does.

You should try this place. It's in a strip shopping center and it's hard to see, but once you find it you won't be disappointed. The food and service is GREAT. Don't miss this hidden gem of a restaurant.

My friend has lunch here regularly and suggested meeting here for dinner. The ambiance was nice and the proprietor was a delight! Great recommendations and good service. The menu options are extensive and food delivery was prompt and pleasantly served. Very enjoyable.

My husband and I have been going to Hunan Lion for a long time. Our server, Olivia, is very friendly, attentive and courteous. We always get great service and food. The owner, Eddie, always comes to our table to make sure we have what we need or want. We would highly recommend Hunan Lion and make sure you ask for Olivia.

We love Hunan Lion for it's great Chinese food, in particular the lunch specials which can't be beat. Great food, great value, friendly service, nice atmosphere, plenty of choices on the menu. Getting a little worn around the edges but no one will serve you a better Chinese meal at lunchtime. Sit down dining for fast food prices.

This is the first time we have been here for a dinner. We have been pleased with lunch, but we were at the open air mall and needed a fast dinner to get on our way. The food continues to be excellent and the portions are huge--all at very attractive prices. Service is not the greatest, but it is adequate. Dinner seems to be a more popular spot than the lunch--most of the tables were filled.

Coming from back east and enjoying this type of food not a lot in Austin. This is very authentic and consistant and very good. The lunch specials are really reasonable and great. Always a top pick for us.

We really love chinese food, and this restaurant didnt let us down. Veggie rols are excellent!! And everyrhing else was really, really good. Although waitress was very friendly, service between appetizers and the rest of the food was slow ( or maybe we were just starving). Nice place with delicious food. Try it

Had hot and sour soup and twice cooked pork. Soup was so so - a bit salty. The pork could have been sliced thinner. The best part of my meal was the egg roll. The staff were very attentive and polite.

We dined here for Christmas Eve Dinner. It took an hour to get some of the worst food I ever ate. The General Tao was over cooked. My appetizers were forgotten. The lo mien noodles we're mushy. This restaurant has gone down. We have dined here for years, but will no longer throw our money away.

I have eaten lunch many times at Hunan Lion, but usually do takeout. They have good and reasonably prices ($7 range) lunch specials. When I order takeout, it is the combination fried rice. It comes with a side soup, wanton, and egg roll. There is enough of the rice that I am able to make 3 meals out of it! Yesterday, my husband and I went in to sit down for a meal. I had the dragon and lion lunch special with fried rice, egg roll, and wanton soup. The soup comes with just one large stuffed wanton. The meal was satisfying and filling, but nothing really special.

My husband and I go to Hunan Lion at least once a week. The food is always great and so is the service. Olivia is very friendly, courteous and attentive. She always makes sure we have what we want and need. The owner, Eddie, stops by our table to check on us to see if we need anything. We would highly recommend Hunan Lion and make sure you ask for Olivia.

Great place for a business, family or get together lunch. Very clean, nice atmosphere, good service. They have a nice selection of Americanized Chinese lunch specials. You can get the special for avg. $6.95 per person. The special comes with soup, egg roll, fried won ton, entree, fried rice or steamed rice. I have tried the sesame chicken, General Tso's chicken, shrimp and veggies, Buddah's delight, beef broccoli, veggies and tofu... and can attest they are good. I have not been there for dinner. The menu changes and looks like more authentic Chinese cuisine.

The food is always fresh and they have a very good variety to choose from. The staff is very friendly, courteous and helpful. Ask for Olivia, she is the best. She makes you feel welcome and make sure you have what you need. The owner, Eddie, is very professional and friendly. He always check on everyone to make sure they have the best service. My husband and I go at least once a week and sometimes twice. We have brought friends with us to enjoy the great food. Enjoy. They also have a take-out menu.

We had dinner here 5/8/12 We lioved it. I had moosho lamb. The waiter folded the pancakes with 3 large spoons. Fun to watch. My wife had a tofu dish. Pupu platter was good. I have had better. It says on the new takeout menu that it's under new mgmt. If we were local we'd try it again.

We usually get the chicken with green veggies; spicy green beans, and Hunan LIon Fried Rice...also tops is the Pu Pu Platter and soups. And no, we aren't related to the owner. We just think Eddie is great, and so is his staff and chef.

As much as Austin is lacking in good chinese food - this place is off the hook GREAT lunch specials and you can pretty much specify any meal to your liking for lunch and dinner

Used to eat here often when we lived southwest. Returned recently after a long hiatus. Still a great value and high quality food.

We frequently dine out on Chinese and Hunan Lion has become our favorite. We been eating at this restaurant and its predecessor for ~13 years. We occasionally try a new place and usually leave disappointed since they just just don't seem to bring out the flavors like Hunan Lion does. Try the Crispy Flounder, Three Seas and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. All three are delightful. The staff here is truely special and I don't believe in 13 years they have changed at all. Local family owned and operated which we like as well.

DOn't miss this place for really good Chinese food and a lot of it! The place was packed at 12:45 o na Monday so that tells you something special was happening. The won ton soup was quite delicious and the variety of entrees was impressive.

When my wife and I moved here from San Francisco, we admittedly were pretty spoiled when it came to chinese food. After 8 years of searching and trying dozens of disappointing restaurants (including P.F. Changs) we stumbled on Hunan Lion. What a find, this place is awesome. Absolutely the best in Austin. This is my favorite restaurant.

I am a pretty regular at Hunan Lion off South Lamar. The food is consistently good and affordable. The waitress that we had didn't get our order right on our last visit, but overall the place is good compared to the highly priced restaurants off South Lamar.

The Hunan duck is perhaps my favorite Chinese dish ever. The skin was crispy even covered in sauce. The sauce was flavorful with just a slight kick. The schesuan shrimp and scallops was very spicy but not to the point of being inedible. Their egg rolls were tiny but packed with flavor. The egg drop soup needed a little more salt. The service was so terrible though we almost left before even getting our drinks.