Happy Chen

4.1 ( 306 reviews )
Checking... 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
1161 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA 17013, United States
+1 717-243-6666

Nestled conveniently next to the Loves Travel Center in Carlisle, PA, Happy Chen stands out as a hidden gem in the realm of Chinese cuisine. Diners rave about the generous portions and affordability, making it a must-visit for those seeking hearty meals without breaking the bank. Laura Horst applauds the house special fried rice, emphasizing its colossal size, while Al Mac highlights the delightful hot and sour soup, which strikes the perfect balance of spice and flavor.

The General Tso’s Chicken garners universal acclaim, with Anthony Busse declaring it the best he’s experienced, a sentiment echoed by many. Customers appreciate the warm hospitality offered by the owners, especially those with dietary requirements, as the staff at Happy Chen go above and beyond to accommodate gluten-free needs, ensuring every bite is both safe and satisfying.

Giselle Cary notes the restaurant's inviting interior, a far cry from its unassuming exterior. With a combination of flavorful dishes, immense portions, and friendly service, Happy Chen emerges as a remarkable dining option. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this establishment promises an exceptional culinary experience that is too good to miss.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Happy Chen

Laura Horst
Jun 14,2025
We walked over here from the truck stop for supper and it was definitely worth it. There was only one other couple in here but man y’all are missing out. Massive portions for cheap, I got the house special fried rice and it barely fit on the plate, by the time I was full it was hardly half gone. My husband got the General Tso’s chicken and that was amazing as well. Definitely would come here again.
Al Mac
Jun 9,2025
I can not figure out why this place isn't busier. The empty bowl is my hot and sour soup... or was. Hot and sour soup seems to be like American stew is different wherever you go. Sometimes it's not so good and a little weird and sometimes... it's fantastic! That is this hot and sore soup. It is everything you'd expect. It is spicy, but no so spicy it takes your breath away, perfect amount of heat. The flavor is what you expect from traditional hot and sour soup bursting with flavor! The chicken fried rice was spectacular. Well executed will with, eggs, carrots, peas, chicken and seasoning that gives it a full bodied flavor. The sesame chicken is a star. It has no spice but the amount of sweetness to allow you to devour the whole dish. This place is empty at 12:30, lunch time! I'm very surprised. If you've not eaten here. Or if you've seen the parking lot empty, don't let that detract you. This place is a gem. The people are very nice. The food is spectacular. 35 for two people!
Jinshan Lin
May 26,2025
We had to find a gluten free restaurant due to celiac disease. The owners in Happy Chen was very helpful and friendly. They made sure no flour, no bean paste (bean paste usually contains flour) were used. All the dishes were very tasty. We ordered lunch to dine in and dinner to take out. Very happy with all the dishes. Highly recommend especially if you are also super sensitive to gluten. Just say no flour or wheat(不要小麦面粉), no bean paste (不要豆瓣酱)。 We can eat soy sauce. If you are sensitive to soy sauce, remember to add that to the list :)
Giselle Cary
May 23,2025
Located right next to the Loves travel center, we found this little Chem. It was surprisingly nice. I say surprisingly, for from the outside, it really doesn't look like much. Once inside it changes. It's pleasant, and the service was great. The portions are large, and the food is very flavorful I will definitely revisit when in the area
Anthony Busse
May 20,2025
My wife and I have been all over the entire country and Happy Chen has by far the best General Tao’s Chicken!!!! The Sweet and sour Chicken was also excellent!!! We could not believe this place wasn’t packed!!! The food is incredible and the service was amazing!
Will X
May 6,2025
The building is a little dated, but the food, OMG. Had salt and pepper tofu, egg foo young, sweet and sour soup. Came out great. Food was hot, freshly made. If you're ever in that area, stop and grab something to eat. Also, if you're a truck driver, you can park at the Love's Travel Stop, walk over the Happ Chen and enjoy some good hot food. UPDATE: When passing through the Carlisle, PA, we always try to stop at this place. On this occasion, we were able to dine in. We had salt and pepper tofu, Shrimp Fried Rice and Moo Shi Shrimp. While eating, we had the opportunity to talk with one of the owners. She was super nice and advised that they have owned a restaurant for around 30 years. They are thinking about retirement, but like most of us, they are not quite ready. Stop by, enjoy some good food, and maybe have a good conversation with one of the owners.
Robertha Agimudie Paul
Mar 22,2025
Parked at the Loves truck stop and walked over. Ordered the pork fried rice, wings and house special soup. The rice was so good that I ate the entire bowl at the restaurant and had to order a second portion to go. COME BY YOU WON'T REGRET IT. The food was very tasty and seasoned nicely.
Rogelio Garza
Mar 21,2025
Wow! Food was amazing! Staff very friendly! Fast service! I will return!

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Las Vieyras Restaurante
(112 review)
Las Vieyras Restaurante
  • Positos 33, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
Restaurant
+52 473 139 9154
Kaldi's Coffee at Mid Campus Center
(114 review)
Kaldi's Coffee at Mid Campus Center
  • MCC, MID CAMPUS CENTER, 4590 Children's Pl, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
Cafe
+1 314-312-0758
Five Guys Wood Green
(1495 review)
Five Guys Wood Green
  • Unit 12, The Mall, London N22 6HE, United Kingdom
Hamburger restaurant
+44 20 8150 3811
Orleans Coffee Espresso Bar
(111 review)
Orleans Coffee Espresso Bar
  • 3445 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States
coffee shop
+1 504-333-0064
Nicholas Pizza House
(177 review)
Nicholas Pizza House
  • 88 Water St, Torrington, CT 06790, United States
pizza restaurant
+1 860-489-5990
Assaggio's Italian Restaurant
(1060 review)
Assaggio's Italian Restaurant
  • 3501 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613, United States
italian restaurant
+1 919-785-2088
Left Field Brewery (Liberty Village)
(218 review)
Left Field Brewery (Liberty Village)
  • 40 Hanna Ave Suite G1, Toronto, ON M6K 0C3, Canada
restaurant
+1 416-350-1958
Java Love Coffee Bar Church Street
(175 review)
Java Love Coffee Bar Church Street
  • 49 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States
Coffee shop
+1 973-744-2323
Runway Restaurant
(404 review)
Runway Restaurant
  • 13 Airport Dr, Limington, ME 04049, United States
American restaurant
Field of Greens - Palm Beach Island
(221 review)
Field of Greens - Palm Beach Island
  • 253A Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480, United States
Health food restaurant
+1 561-335-5144