Tans Family Restaurant in Dartmouth

900 Cole Harbour Rd, Dartmouth, NS B2V 2A8, Canada

★★★★☆
(149 reviews)
Categories: Chinese restaurant
Website
tansrestaurant.com
Address
900 Cole Harbour Rd, Dartmouth, NS B2V 2A8, Canada
Plus Code
MF9X+WX Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Time Zone
America/Halifax

Business Hours

Sunday
3–8 PM
Monday
11:30 AM–9 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM–9 PM
Friday
11:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM–9 PM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great tea selection
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Seating
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Reviews

3.7
★★★★☆
149 reviews

Most Mentioned

egg rolls (20) price (18) chicken balls (8) broccoli (6) wontons (3) overcooked (3) ribs (3) chicken fried rice (2) dough (2) desk (2)
5 stars
72
4 stars
24
3 stars
13
2 stars
12
1 stars
28
December 13, 2024

25 mins of waiting (when quoted 5 minutes) the food was near ice cold. Will never eat at this restaurant again

November 28, 2024

Placed a large order for a birthday dinner. Was missing an item. As we ordered through skip the dishes only received a refund in skip credits.

November 21, 2024

This was the absolute WORST experience my friends and I have ever had! We were randomly in the area and got excited to see a resturant with dine in service...... First we were "greeted" and I say that very lightly by the server who was clearly upset we even walked in. Then she was was upset we decided to dine in. This was 810pm and the resturant closed at 9...we thought we had plenty of time. We were rudely asked what we wanted to drink then the drinks were slammed down with our menus...she demanded to know if we were ready to order before we had even looked at the menu. She put our whole order on one bill, served us COLD/LUKEWARM food...and by served I mean slammed down on the table. The server walked away then stomped back over, practically yelled she was off work, wouldn't let us pay her, said the kitchen staff would take care of us, then stormed out the door. We were not checked on, we had to gather our own bills...then have them separated...absolutely ZERO TIP was left as no good service was provided. This was just ridiculous....if you don't want customers then offer take out only after 8pm.

★★
November 16, 2024

My daughter and I sat down but decided to leave because of all the flies. We instead ordered take-out. The chicken fried rice was dry and I didn't see any chicken. The dough on the chicken balls was good but the chicken was hard and dry. We also had ribs that were more fat and bone than meat. The portions are very small compared to other places and much more expensive. I will say however that the egg roll was good. The young lady at the desk was very nice. All in all we won't be back

November 3, 2024

My grandson liked his won ton soup, the rest of or meal was terrible especially the rice. Fong’s is much better and less expensive!

★★★
October 29, 2024

Food is great but skimpy on some portions. Picture is the combo's $6 add-on for chicken balls. Happened twice in a row.

★★★
July 28, 2024

Unfortunately this business has went down hill big time in the last couple of years, the portion sizes are nearly half as much as they used to be but yet still $2-4 more per combo. Not to mention recently having to wait 10 minutes inside the restaurant (no one else there) and the food sitting on counter, for one of the workers to come from out back. Most likely won’t continue using this place as my choice of Chinese food

January 28, 2024

Ordered a half order if ribs and two egg rolls. Egg rolls were flat with no filling and I got 7 ribs. 18 dollars. Used to be my go to for the last 20 yrs,Not anymore. I'm flabbergasted with the price and the quality of food now at restaurants. Very sad

June 21, 2024

the food was nasty will never waste my money there again Parking: lots of parking Food : 1/5 |

★★★★★
February 21, 2024

Longtime customer of another Chinese restaurant, tried tans as the other place had gone downhill. Wow! Very sorry we hadnt tried them before! Food is fantastic!

★★★★
January 21, 2024

I eat here often. I think the food is great, prices are decent, and the employees are friendly. Highly recommend.

Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Probably some of the worst Chinese food Ive ever tasted. Honestly felt sick because of how greasy the chicken fried rice was, I couldnt even eat more then 3 forks full. Sweet and sour chicken balls were basically just breading and Ive made better chicken and broccoli at home. Would no recommend.

★★★★
December 21, 2023

We placed an order for pickup this afternoon. When I went to pick up the order I was told there was no order under that name. I said I could tell what the order was and maybe it was entered under the wrong name. The women on the front desk said that was no good as there could have been the same order placed by someone else. The overall attitude of the women on the desk was awful, she would not listen to anything I was saying. The name didnt match so there was nothing she would do. When I returned home we called back and it was the same story. She had an order we placed but the name was not correct. There was no apology or attempt to resolve the situation, it was our fault and that was that. Unfortunately this combative attitude has resulted in Tans losing a long time customer. The food was always good in the past, but this level of customer service is not acceptable. We have asked the owner/manager to call in the hopes of resolving the situation, but that is unlikely as she did not take our phone number. PS - Glad to say we did get a call back, and we had a pleasant productive conversation with a good resolution. Note to self: dont write comments too quickly, take some time and sleep on it.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Delicious meals served in a timely fashion.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

The service was quick and positive. The food was delish. If I had one complaint, it would be I wanted more...lol but the servings were within reason. So more was because it was so good. Yummy

Local Guide
December 21, 2023

The worst Chinese food Ive had. They drown the food in the sauce for you so by the time you pick it up or it gets delivered to you, its soggy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Excellent Chinese food, allot of flavor and not to salty or MSG. It was delicious. Almond guy ding was so good. Staff was so friendly. Great prices. Would recommend.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Best Chinese food ever! Lo Mein is amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Our go-to Chinese food restaurant in Dartmouth! Always a New Years Eve special meal for our family - 5 years in a row! Great staff and absolutely awesome food. I would highly recommend Tans Restaurant! One more point - always order extra egg rolls for the next day - there will be leftovers! Thank you again Tans

★★★
December 21, 2022

Normally their food is pretty good and I enjoy ordering from them but tonight I ordered and paid for my meal at 3pm and was told it wouldnt be ready until 6:45 which I was okay with. Then I got there at 6:45 and there was a 20-30 person line up outside in the rain. I waited for 45 minutes outside in the cold and rain and ended up having to ask for a refund because I was still behind over 20 people. When you get an too many orders you need to cut off taking orders at some point not just keep taking orders and making people stand outside for a over an hour.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Outstanding food.. xo crispy beef the best taste I have ever had in my mouth (except beer) very friendly owners as well makes the recipe perfect

December 21, 2022

I ordered chicken fried rice and shrimp fried rice. It was hard to find shrimp or chicken though the amount of rice was sufficient. Food wasnt delicious, burned.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Everything was hot,perfectly cooked and fresh ! Egg rolls are amazing! Glad we gave this place a try and will definitely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

This has been my go-to Chinese food place in the HRM since it opened. Ive never had a bad meal here. Absolutely delicious and very generous portion sizes! My go-to is combo one and I also love their xo crispy beef! And Im not usually to big on egg rolls but Im OBSESSED with the ones at Tans!

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Excellent meal! Fresh, hot and delicious!

★★
December 21, 2022

Worked all day, decided to get Chinese takeout from Tans. Egg rolls were fine, Fried rice was fine, Chicken Broccoli should have been called Broccoli Plus, Little chicken, Hot and Sour soup was way too thick, could not eat, overall a bad Customer Experience.

December 21, 2022

I don t usually leave reviews but I was so disappointed in the food last time I got takeout. The one star is for the egg roll. All I got was chicken balls and rice at lunch time and the chicken balls were doughy and the rice was burnt. Very disappointing when you only get Chinese one in a while.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Go to for Chinese! Delicious and consistent. Great portions. Friendly staff. Eat in or take out, always satisfying.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

This place is amazing. Food is really good and staff are so friendly.

Local Guide
December 21, 2021

Our first experience here and will be the last! Food was cold when we got it home (Im 5 mins away). Spicy chicken is not hand made, basically bagged chicken fingers from GFS in a sauce from a jar. Rice was overcooked, mushy, and no flavour. Singapore noodles were also overcooked, mushy, and tasted burnt with chunks of burnt pieces from the bottom of the of the pan. Shrimp was not even deveined. Absolutely disgusting.

Local Guide
December 21, 2021

Worst slop ever!!! Tried twice that was enough!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2021

The food was hot, portions big, and ready as I arrived, and the staff were friendly.

December 21, 2021

First time ordering and the last! Got sick almost immediate after eating it and the filling in the egg rolls was the dark mush substance! We both got sick!

December 21, 2021

Got food there yesterday and spent the day sick.

Local Guide
December 21, 2021

The absolute worst chinese food ever!! If anyone likes this place, they dont know Chinese Food!! Never ever going there again. Waste of money.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2021

Love this place. Have not had a problem here in the 8 years Ive been ordering from tans ...

Local Guide
December 21, 2021

My mother told me that if I have nothing good to say about someone, then I should say nothing. Hence _ _ _

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Not great, just mediocre

December 21, 2020

I wont be going here again. This second time eating from here and its just if not more flavorless than ever. Theres way better Chinese food places here.

★★★★
December 21, 2020

This restaurant is very good, the service is very attentive, and the Tang cuisine is very delicious. I give this restaurant 5 stars

★★
December 21, 2020

Rice was burnt. I could only get down a few bites. Prices also went up from the menu I found online so it cost quite a bit more then expected.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Love it

December 21, 2020

Chicken fried rice was very plain, chicken balls too much batter, and egg rolls overcooked

December 21, 2020

I found a worm in my food on my birthday never coming back

★★
December 21, 2020

Food was lukewarm, lemon chicken had really thick lemon sauce (like lemon meringue pie filling), beef & broccoli was soggy/limp, no meat in the wontons, the rice was burnt, egg rolls were ok ...overall a very disappointing meal!

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Tried them for the first time a few days ago, the wife and I ordered 2 different combos. Beef and broccoli tasted funky and the egg rolls just werent good. I would not recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Friendly, smiling faces. Great service. Tasty broccoli and beef, yummy chicken balls and cherry sauce, spring rolls were lovely and spare ribs were good. Loved our meal!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Very good food, friendly staff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Good food, huge portions, friendly staff!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Best Chinese food in Cole Harbour

★★★
December 21, 2019

Fast good service and good food with more than we could eat .Great way for a family to celebrate new years eve

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Yummy food.good service. Took a crazy long time to receive the bill too busy with take out orders unfortunate because we were the only people in the restaurant. But overall good times.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Good food, enjoyed everything we got and staff was very helpful

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Amazing food, large portion. Great prices.

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Food was kind of bland.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Big portions. Didnt wait that long. Good food. Not much for combos tho

★★★★★
December 21, 2019

Man I ate here so mant times great great food very cheap.

December 21, 2019

We ordered take out tonight $75 worth of Chinese... it was the worst I ve ever had and I ve been ordering from Tans for years. Our spring rolls and egg rolls were dry and burnt the rice was so burnt you could smell the charcoal smell the Singapore noodle looked like it was left over from someone else s plate earlier in the day... nothing was hot or fresh. I ve never returned food but I had to because it was so bad. That meant going out in this terrible rain storm again ... any restaurant would have given a full refund for the inconvenience along with the awful food... but they did agree that the food was terrible and gave me $43 back. I will not be back

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Ordered twice in the last two months. Always ate there and was always the greatest but not the last two times. The food didn t have as much taste as it used to, the chicken balls were a bit harder then use too. They must have changed their spring rolls cause now when you ask for spring rolls (which I use to love theirs) instead of egg rolls, they give you two because they are smaller and now they aren t as good. Then find them didn t taste as good. Must be a different recipe. I believe they changed everything around. It will be a while before I come back if I come back. Yes the portions are big and price is fair but the flavour isn t there anymore

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

I ve eaten here several times at the insistance of my sister, who swears it s the best Chinese in the area. I don t think there s anything special here; the food is bland and not very good and they are usually soggy and not cooked consistently. None of the dishes have blown me away. Not one. Also... what s in the egg rolls??? No one knows... (filler is unidentifiable mush and brown... I ll let you draw your own conclusions about what I think it looks like)

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

I would say its mostly average. Not terrible, but not the best. However, I do really enjoy their egg rolls because they dont contain (as much or any) cabbage and bean sprouts.

★★★★★
December 21, 2019

Fresh consistent good food

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Tan S used to be really good but not as good now staff are always changing

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

I love Tans food. They have the best vegetable rice. I will be back

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

I love Tans my favorite Chinese place in Dartmouth, my family has been going for years

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Food is always awesome and you definitely get your moneys worth.

Local Guide
December 21, 2019

terrible the food was cold no flavour. no meeting the wontons. pepper in the plum sauce is just not great. Wont be back

★★★★★
December 21, 2018

Yummy egg rolls and good food. Reasonably priced.

★★
December 21, 2018

Beef and Broccoli had almost no beef, so an extra 4$ for broccoli and not much flavour to the food. Wont go back.

December 21, 2018

Did not want to change rice for noodle. Eggroll tasted like it was filled with meet from taco bell and the rice tasted like cigarettes

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Great service, well priced large portions. Will be going back!

December 21, 2018

Not quality

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Excellent food.

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Its decent. Service not bad, food okay. I like the egg rolls.

★★★★★
December 21, 2018

Quick....friendly.....large portion....good food.....good price.....

December 21, 2018

We got take out last night. It was absolutely terrible and I will never go back! I ordered combination 1 and substituted beef and broccoli for chow mein. They did not give me the substitute but instead I got beef and broccoli and the broccoli was basically raw. I could not eat it. It was not even hot. The rice was room temperature. I am sure it sat around since lunch on a counter somewhere and that is what I got. None of the meal was hot. I found something in it that resembled a very overcooked round noodle that kind of looked like a worm. I still dont know what that was. Needless to say, I will never eat there again. I actually felt sick from what I did eat of it!!!

★★★★
December 21, 2018

Good, cheap Chinese food!

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Good good and there are some GF free dishes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Reasonably priced, large portions and very tasty. Always have enough to take some home.

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Got take out on November 23rd and it was fantastic we had stopped ordering from there cuz the food has gotten so bad but on November 23rd and it was great best Chinese Ive had ordered it again yesterday on December 1st worst we ever had totally different cook totally different prepared ways the chicken balls were hard as a rock they put the wrong sauce with the sweet and sour chicken balls veggies wont even cut up totally different chef from the 23rd cant believe its the same place wont be going there again so good luck I guess it depends on the day you go and who the chef is one is s*** the other is great

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2018

Ok smaller portions cheaper than some Chinese place

★★★★★
December 21, 2017

Possibly one of the best Chinese food in Dartmouth. Large portions, delicious and inexpensive. I see no downside.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2017

great food and a at a good price.

★★★★★
December 21, 2017

great portions, great food and great service. no better spot in Dartmouth!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2017

Big portions good price delicious

★★★★★
December 21, 2017

Good food here and great service. Id recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Chinese cuisine.

★★★★
December 21, 2017

Best egg rolls around!! The meat is minced and spiced well!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2017

Always great food and service.

★★★★
December 21, 2017

Very good. Ordered for take out. Portions were huge and very well priced. Meat egg rolls were amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2017

Delicious Chinese food at decent prices. What more could you ask for?

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2016

Awesome food. Good job

★★★★★
December 21, 2016

Best Chinese in Cole harbour by far! Always consistent and always delicious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2016

Best Chinese around! Huge portion and great price!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2016

Amazing food... good prices. Great people and service

★★★★★
December 21, 2016

Excellent service great food and awesome portions

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2013

Delicious and easily worth it