Kung Fu Kitchen doesn't bill itself as a fancy restaurant. Instead, this Walnut Creek eatery takes pride in being a reliable neighborhood fixture for Chinese take-out.

The menu features all the standard Chinese dishes: sweet and sour chicken, beef chow mein, Szechuan prawns, and more. Regulars say that all the prices here are reasonable (and the portions are generous), and that the lunch special is an especially good value. Available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the lunch special includes your choice of entree, along with a bowl of soup, wonton skins, salad, and your choice of white or fried rice. Insider tip: while most of Kung Fu Kitchen's business is take-out, the restaurant does offer full service at a handful of in-house tables. If you want a quick, inexpensive meal while you're out and about, a meal here can be a good alternative to fast food.

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