Joyful House

It sounds like a massage parlor, doesn't it? It is in Chinatown, but there's no happy endings here, just good 'ole Chinese food. They've been named Best of Las Vegas and they've been featured on a dozen Travel Channel specials. A recent one recommended the duck, after that, I knew I had to try it.

We went for dinner on Saturday night. Prime dinner time we were able to get seated without issue. We looked over the menu for quite a while. There is so much to it. I don't think I've ever come across a Chinese menu with a wider variety.

We ordered egg rolls to start, then Frank chose Kung Pao Prawns and I had the roasted duck.







The egg rolls weren't bad for spring rolls. I liked the Kung Pao, the prawns were cooked well. I expected them to be overdone. The duck was ok. It was really hard to eat. I've never worked so hard before. Once I finally got meat it was decent. Our waiter asked how it was and said hard to eat. He returned with handi-wipes, which was appreciated, but a knife would've been helpful.

While we were finishing up we saw them bring out two live lobsters for the table next to us 4lb and 6lb those puppies were huge! The sign touting specials mentioned lobsters were 50% off. No clue what market price was, but I imagine it was a deal.

Like other Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, we weren't overly thrilled. Prices were fair, our tab was $34 before tip. I imagine a number of dishes are tasty, I just would not recommend the rosy roasted duck.

The place could use some sprucing up, too. The walls and window valances looked pretty shabby.

Service was good until they brought the lobsters out. Apparently, they needed everyone in house to wrestle those bad boys.