Red Ginger China Bistro Minnesota: Verified Rochester Location

By Maya Gonzalez
Red Ginger China Bistro is a well-established Chinese restaurant located at 3310 19th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Operating since 2006, this family-owned establishment serves authentic Chinese cuisine with Americanized options in a casual dining environment. The restaurant offers lunch specials, dinner entrees, and takeout services with typical operating hours from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Tuesday through Thursday, extending to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

For Minnesota residents and visitors seeking authentic Chinese dining experiences, Red Ginger China Bistro in Rochester has maintained a consistent presence in the local food scene. This comprehensive guide provides verified information for those considering a visit to this popular regional establishment.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in Rochester's bustling commercial district, Red Ginger China Bistro enjoys excellent visibility along 19th Street NW. The restaurant occupies a standalone building with dedicated parking space for approximately 20 vehicles. Public transportation options include Route 2 and Route 5 buses stopping within a five-minute walk. The establishment is fully accessible for patrons with mobility challenges, featuring ramp access and ADA-compliant restrooms.

Culinary Offerings and Menu Highlights

As a "China Bistro," this establishment blends traditional Chinese cooking techniques with contemporary presentation. The menu features three distinct sections:

Menu Category Price Range Signature Dishes
Lunch Specials $9.95-$12.95 Kung Pao Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Shrimp Fried Rice
Dinner Entrees $14.95-$22.95 Szechuan Ribs, Mongolian Beef, Whole Steamed Fish
Appetizers $5.95-$8.95 Homemade Potstickers, Crispy Spring Rolls, Hot and Sour Soup

The kitchen emphasizes fresh ingredients with daily deliveries of produce and proteins. While offering familiar American-Chinese dishes, the menu also includes authentic regional specialties from Szechuan, Cantonese, and Hunan culinary traditions. Vegetarian options are clearly marked, and the staff accommodates moderate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

Red Ginger China Bistro maintains a clean, contemporary interior with seating for approximately 60 guests. The decor features subtle Asian-inspired elements without overwhelming cultural motifs. During peak hours, the space maintains comfortable noise levels suitable for both business lunches and family dinners.

Service follows standard Chinese restaurant protocols with attentive but unobtrusive staff. Most patrons report table turnover within 45-60 minutes during lunch service, extending to 75-90 minutes for dinner. The establishment accepts major credit cards and maintains a strict no-alcohol policy, though BYO arrangements exist through their partnership with a nearby liquor store.

Reputation and Community Standing

With over 16 years in operation, Red Ginger China Bistro has developed a stable reputation within Rochester's dining community. Current online reviews across multiple platforms indicate consistent 4-star ratings, with particular praise for:

  • Reliable food quality and portion sizes
  • Knowledgeable staff familiar with menu ingredients
  • Efficient takeout service with minimal wait times
  • Regular menu updates incorporating seasonal ingredients

Criticism typically centers on limited vegetarian options and occasional weekend wait times exceeding 20 minutes without reservations. The restaurant maintains active community involvement through participation in Rochester's annual Food Festival and partnerships with local schools.

Planning Your Visit

For optimal dining experience at Red Ginger China Bistro Minnesota location, consider these practical details:

  • Lunch service: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (last order)
  • Dinner service: 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM Tuesday-Thursday; 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM Friday-Saturday
  • Closed Sundays and Mondays for kitchen maintenance
  • Takeout orders accepted until 9:00 PM
  • Reservations recommended for parties of six or more
  • Delivery service available through third-party platforms within 5-mile radius

Minnesota Chinese Dining Context

Within Minnesota's diverse culinary landscape, Red Ginger China Bistro represents the established neighborhood Chinese restaurant model. Unlike Minneapolis's more cosmopolitan Asian fusion establishments, this Rochester venue focuses on approachable Chinese cuisine with Midwestern hospitality sensibilities. The restaurant fills an important niche in southeastern Minnesota where authentic Asian dining options remain limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Food enthusiasts researching Chinese bistro near me options in southern Minnesota consistently identify Red Ginger as a reliable choice for both traditional preparations and familiar American-Chinese standards. The establishment's longevity suggests successful adaptation to local tastes while maintaining culinary integrity.

Is Red Ginger China Bistro in Rochester open for dine-in service?

Yes, Red Ginger China Bistro offers full dine-in service Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant maintains standard operating hours with indoor seating available throughout service times. During extreme weather conditions, they may implement modified seating arrangements while maintaining appropriate spacing.

What are the most popular dishes at Red Ginger China Bistro Minnesota?

Based on consistent customer feedback, the most popular menu items include Szechuan Ribs, Mongolian Beef, and their signature House Special Fried Rice. The lunch special combinations featuring egg rolls and soup remain particularly favored by regular business patrons. Their homemade potstickers consistently receive praise across multiple review platforms.

Does Red Ginger China Bistro offer vegetarian options in Rochester?

Yes, Red Ginger China Bistro provides several vegetarian menu options clearly marked with a 'V' designation. Popular choices include Buddha's Delight, Vegetable Lo Mein, and Tofu with Mixed Vegetables. While not a vegetarian-specific restaurant, they accommodate moderate dietary restrictions with advance notice and can modify certain dishes by request.

How far in advance should I make reservations for Red Ginger China Bistro?

For parties of six or more guests, Red Ginger China Bistro recommends reservations at least 24 hours in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings. Smaller parties typically don't require reservations except during holiday periods or special events in Rochester. The restaurant maintains a waiting list system for same-day requests during peak hours.

What payment methods does Red Ginger China Bistro Minnesota accept?

Red Ginger China Bistro accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and cash payments. They do not accept personal checks or mobile payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. The restaurant maintains a strict policy of not splitting checks across multiple payment methods for dine-in service.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.