Hunan Restaurant

409 N. 36th St.

232-2535

In St. Joseph restaurants come and go, but a few have learned what it takes to be successful. After 27 years in business, Hunan’s is one of the few. A certificate of excellence hangs by the front door: the News-Press 2006 Reader’s Choice Gold Award for best Oriental restaurant in St. Joseph.

Hunan’s has a similar elegant but casual look you see at Manchester’s, only with an Oriental flair. That could be because Jan Chu owns both establishments. The Oriental decor and burgundy and forest green color scheme gives it an elegant appearance, but casual dress is the norm. They also have a full bar, offering Oriental specialties such as plum wine and the Chinese beer Tsingtao.

A News-Press reader submitted Hunan’s chicken and vegetables as a Best Bite. It’s one of their best sellers, Chu says, along with sweet and sour chicken and Hunan beef. She says their 16 daily lunch specials are very popular for $5.25 and $5.50. People also like the drive-through — if they know it’s there. It’s not obvious like fast-food hamburger places with their bright yellow lines and signs directing you to the window. But there is a window on the north side of the building. You can either call ahead, Chu says, or just drive through and place your order.

Hunan’s is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.