The vibe here is exactly what you want from a neighborhood Chinese restaurant – friendly staff who actually remember your face, reasonable prices, and food that hits different every single time. Whether it's to-go or dining in, Chin's will not disappoint.

Why Chin's Became Our Weekend Tradition

The vibe here is exactly what you want from a neighborhood Chinese restaurant – friendly staff who actually remember your face, reasonable prices, and food that hits different every single time. Whether it's to-go or dining in, Chin's will not disappoint.

What We Always Order (And Why You Should Too)

Hot and Sour Soup: The Perfect Start

We kicked things off with their hot and sour soup, and let us tell you – it was the perfect spice levels. Not too mild that it's boring, not so spicy that you're reaching for water every two seconds. Just perfectly balanced with a tangy kick that will never go unfinished.

Tangerine Chicken: Better Than Your Usual Orange Chicken

Okay, controversial opinion coming: their Tangerine Chicken beats most orange chicken you'll find anywhere else. The chicken comes out with this incredible crispy coating that somehow stays crunchy even after getting tossed in that amazing sauce. We're talking next-level sauce game here.

A La Mandarin Beef: Loaded and Delicious

This dish is what dreams are made of. Tender, juicy beef that's been cooked to perfection, plus they don't skimp on the good stuff – baby corn, mushrooms, and peas throughout. It's one of those dishes where every bite gives you something different to enjoy.

Ma La Scallops: Fresh and Massive

The scallops here are no joke. We're talking huge, fresh scallops that taste like they just came off the boat. The Ma La preparation gives them this perfect little kick without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the scallops.

The Service That Keeps Us Coming Back

One thing we always appreciated about Chin's was how genuinely friendly the staff is. They're the kind of people who make you feel like regulars even when you're just visiting for the weekend.

Plus, the timing is always on point – soup hit our table in about 5 minutes, and even on busy Friday nights, we never waited longer than 20 minutes for our mains. That's pretty solid for quality food even on a busy night.

Why This Was Our San Diego Chinese Food Champion

When you're doing long distance, you need those special spots that make your limited time together feel extra worth it. Chin's Szechuan was that place for us – consistent, delicious, and always left us planning what we'd try next time.

In a city full of amazing food options, Chin's earned its spot as our go-to Chinese restaurant, and honestly, we're still a little jealous of anyone who gets to live close enough to make this a regular thing.

Planning a date night or a lazy night in the Del Mar area? Trust us, Chin's Szechuan needs to be on your list. Just make sure you come hungry – you're gonna want to try everything.