Seinfeld (TV Series) The Chinese Restaurant (1991) User Reviews

A real-time treat

[MaxBorg89 · 10/10 · 30 January 2008]

Ten years before 24 was created, Seinfeld experimented with the real-time format, facing negative reactions from NBC and an increasing risk of cancellation. However, the choice eventually paid off, and The Chinese Restaurant should qualify as one of the show's Top 10 episodes on the sole basis of sheer, groundbreaking creativity.

As already mentioned, this episode plays in real time. How is that possible? Easy: Jerry, George and Elaine are about to go to the movies and see Plan 9 From Outer Space (Jerry claims the worst movie ever produced deserves to be watched on a big screen) and enter a Chinese restaurant for a quick dinner. Unfortunately, they made no reservation, so they will have to wait for five, ten minutes, or at least that's what the owner of the place says. The result is 23 minutes of waiting, with Jerry and Elaine trying not to get bored and George desperately looking for a phone so that he can call his latest girlfriend. As for Kramer, he is nowhere to be seen.

What, no Kramer? Yes, but before the screaming starts, one should consider this: in a storyline that involves staticity and repetition (Bruce, the waiter, keeps saying:"Five, ten minutes..."), what use could there have been for the show's king of unpredictable physical comedy? Of course, he is an integral part of the series (and was never written out of an episode again, except for one time in Season 3), but in this case the sole presence of Jerry, George and Elaine is more than enough. That and the real-time gimmick, which gives the viewer the impression of really being there with the characters, struggling to get a meal (as Elaine wisely notes, restaurants should serve you based on who's the hungriest).

All in all, a great episode, from start to perfectly timed finish, and one of the finest treats Seinfeld's second year has to offer.

"Where I am?!"

[juanmaffeo · 8/10 · 7 October 2016]

I made an IMDb list some time ago about the Top 10 most influential Seinfeld episodes and I placed The Chinese Restaurant in the top spot. Revisiting it today, I'm glad to say that I was right on point with that decision. It's definitely not their best episode and possibly not even perfect but the amount of ground they broke within the lapse of 23 minutes is unprecedented. Real time premise, social commentary, clever dialogue and great performances. I mean, there's really nothing else. It is an episode that solely relies on dialogue, that's it. No stories, no twists, no development. But what's most impressive about this episode is that towards the end you start feeling the anxiety for this problem to be over. On initial viewing I thought that this was that the writers just couldn't keep this episode going any longer, but now I realized that they even managed to make you relate to them in a literary way. You want it to be over, you're sick of hearing them get frustrated, the tension keeps building. They make a similar thing on The Parking Garage where you start to feel the claustrophobia of being in that situation.

The only thing I believe holds this episode from being truly perfect is the lack of Kramer and it's not just because he is a great character, but because I believe that with another character the story could've gained another dynamic.

The best episode yet, a huge landmark of both television and the series, and definitely an early classic even if it may not hold up as well as later 'Seinfeld'.

[SLionsCricketreviews · 8/10 · 5 February 2018]

"The Chinese Restaurant" is all that. It is the first really great 'Seinfeld' episode that happens to be a landmark episode in television given its bold intentions of creating an entire episode around an utterly mundane scenario, confined to a single setting. 'Seinfeld' would time and time, particularly in the two subsequent seasons, re-create the 'characters trapped in a confined setting for the duration of the episode' formula and in my opinion, often to greater effect in episodes like "The Parking Garage" and "The Limo" but that really defies the purpose and legacy of "The Chinese Restaurant.

This is the first episode that is mostly littered with a more classic 'Seinfeld' sense of humour. It begins with the gang, bar Kramer (whose absence is arguably one of the slightly diminishing factors in how this episode is viewed today in slightly lesser light) arriving at the titular Chinese restaurant, discussing the need for greater local law enforcement and garbage collectors. Jerry then proposes the idea of a dual cop/garbage man whose job it would be to clean the rubbish off the street when he's not doing his police work (i.e: often cleaning the rubbish off the street). It's a funny, natural and intriguing little conversation that quickly thereafter is concluded and "The Chinese Restaurant" has begun.

Bar a few moments that don't really work for me, notably Elaine's attempt to go through with Jerry's 'dare' of stealing food off from someone's plate (I especially dislike the 'effect' of Elaine whispering to the people at the table), this episode is endlessly fascinating and fun. It perhaps does not stand the test of time, at least in my opinion, as one of the show's funniest episodes but is nevertheless a mostly funny and impressive episode for the time, not just in terms of the television sitcom but also 'Seinfeld' as a series, which even in its second year, did not demonstrate particular confidence about itself.

"The Chinese Restaurant" is one of the earliest episodes that is befitting of Seinfeld's legacy as "the show about nothing" since so much of the episode is based around the utterly mundane and everyday happenstances that one could expect in social circumstances, be it people selfishly hogging public payphones or the seemingly endless wait in queues or recognizing someone in a public place that looks familiar, but one you may not necessarily know by name.

George's entire situation is particularly amusing to me, especially his ranting and exasperation at the people in front of him at the payphones and it provides 'Seinfeld' with some early vintage George Costanza. His entire complication that arose with the girl he was dating is also particularly amusing, notably in terms of Jason Alexander's fantastic performance and the writing, and how it to great comedic effect attempts to add an aura of dignity to George's precarious situation. The entire dialogue in that scene is particularly funny to me.

"The Chinese Restaurant" is certainly a classic, both of 'Seinfeld' and arguably the sitcom genre in television. It did something quite remarkable by staging its main characters into an extremely confined space and creating an episode's worth of comedy and depth out of something so trivial. In my opinion, there are better episodes that reuse this device in the coming seasons and it largely has to do with 'Seinfeld' finding a clearer voice for itself by then but "The Chinese Restaurant" is an admirably, funny and all-round entertaining early episode. Perhaps a little dated in instances, but an iconic classic of both the series and the medium of television.

Seinfeld's First Perfect Episode

[mpowers-46367 · 10/10 · 4 October 2021]

This is where the show really finds its identity and embraces its role as a show about nothing.

Table Waiting Anarchy

[atlasmb · 10/10 · 14 February 2021]

Rules govern a civilized society. We expect people to follow those rules or, we believe, civilized society freefalls into chaos, anarchy. When you walk into a restaurant, you know the rules that apply. If a table is not available, they take your name. Waiting patrons are seated in the order in which their names were recorded.

This episode is about Jerry, Elaine, and George waiting to be seated at a Chinese restaurant. The episode deserves a high score just because of the courage of the writers---to dare to write an entire episode around such an uneventful theme.

Jerry and friends are nit-pickers. They live their lives deconstructing the minutiae of society and human behavior. And they insist on rules. But this waiting room exists outside the conventions of civil society. Though they are hungry and in a hurry, their way is blocked by Bruce, the Chinese gentleman who handles the seating. Like Saint Peter before the heavenly portal, Bruce determines the destinies of all who wait to enter. They depend on his equitability. And, being who they are, they rely upon him to enforce the rules of all waiting rooms.

But Bruce talks in non sequiturs. When they ask why someone who just entered the restaurant was seated before them, Bruce says the customer is a nice man. And he lives on Park Avenue. Jerry, Elaine, and George have entered a Kafkaesque reality. The entire episode, minus the side bits, is about them trying to make sense of a nonsensical world. This is prime Seinfeld territory and it perfectly plays into the talents of the three actors

This may not be the funniest episode, but it is original and fun to watch.

James Hong Steals the Show

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 28 January 2022]

When the threesome stop in a Chinese restaurant before going to see Plan 9 from Outer Space, they meet one obstacle after another as they try to get a table. James Hong plays the manager who keeps allowing others to get seated ahead of them. George is great as he tries to make a pay phone phone call as others keep jumping in ahead of him. Great individual bits as they maneuver their way, trying to finally get a table.

Next

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 17 June 2020]

I like the bit where they have to wait ages to get a table

Gang, I feel your pain.

[Sirus_the_Virus · 10/10 · 27 August 2009]

The Plot: Jerry, Elaine, and George all plan on going to see a low budget B movie called Plan 9 from Outer Space. But before they go, they decide to stop at a Chinese Restaurant. The three of them wait and experience things. Jerry bets Elaine to go take an eggroll off of a table because she is starving and George is waiting to use the phone because he is trying to call his girlfriend. The Chinese Restaurant is a classic Seinfeld episode. I feel Jerry, George, and Elaine. Because i've been in that situation once before. Once i went to a Pizza place and people who got in there after us got in before us. That's exactly what happens in this episode. In this episode, Jerry, George and Elaine are waiting in the restaurant and everyone who came in after them got in before them. Some Seinfeld episodes can happen all the time and are memorable. Like the one where they can't find their car. I could see myself in that situation. The Chinese Restaurant is a great episode.

First come First Serve

[dannylee-78082 · 9/10 · 2 March 2023]

1. George waits for a phone 2. Elaine is hungry 3. Jerry wants to go watch a movie

I didn't know this but turns out that this is one of Seinfeld's signature episode as it really highlights how it's often a "show about nothing". I agree with the assessment. I think it's basically the conversations very good friends would have but more refined, just like real life conversations. It felt even better because it was in a "real-time" format. The passage of time in the show actually equals the duration of the episode. This grounds the whole thing in reality and brings it closer to the audience, and I have to say that it indeed worked.

The James Hong cameo was nice. Each episode, I marvel at how great George is as a character. He's a ball of contradictions as he hates the world but doesn't quite have the guts to stand against it. In this episode, he is exasperated at the society as he waits for the public phone (seems like ages ago...). But when the guy gets off the phone, he hides his anger and cordially greets him. He definitely has self-esteem issues but at the same he's charming and likable. It's hard to write a character like this.

Chinese Restaurant

[nuclearfanta · 7/10 · 28 June 2022]

Decent early episode of Seinfeld, maybe first one that has some rewatchability value. Plot constructed in a clever way, but episode lacks a usual charm that later seasons have. Maybe it is cause of absence of Kramer, or George's neurosis not as funny as it could be. Elaine and Jerry are just there. Egg roll and 50 bucks part was funny, as well as chinese guy at the counter.

Be about, five, ten minutes.

[bombersflyup · 10/10 · 13 January 2022]

The Chinese Restaurant is about waiting for a table, never to be.

One of the high-points of the second season, a Twilight Zone type debacle. Though I do think Jerry and George were a tad rude first off, continuing to converse instead of responding. Perhaps yielding this treatment, out of spite. The episode's not perfect, but excellent. Also out of order, Kramer absent entirely. George not evoking utter hilarity like he's capable of, but still with all the highlights. His infuriated distaste for the lack of human compassion, yet immediately apologetic and aback when approached or spoken to. The bathroom story's classic, the meat and potatoes content. Jerry's standup's weak to open, but strong closing. James Hong, a terrific guest appearance.

George: She called. He yelled Cartwright. I missed her. Jerry: Who's Cartwright? George: I'm Cartwright! Jerry: You're not Cartwright. George: Of course I'm not Cartwright!

It's alright

[jakerl-43504 · 6/10 · 1 December 2020]

Don't hate me, but I always found this episode to be overrated. I understand Seinfeld is a show about nothing, but the whole episode is them waiting for a table in a Chinese restaurant.

Not nearly a great show

[FlushingCaps · 4/10 · 6 March 2014]

Saw this again and I still don't see why anyone thinks it's more than mildly funny.

The three characters begin asking for a table in the lobby of a Chinese restaurant. At the end of the show, they finally leave, never getting a table. The entire show is them talking while waiting and putting up with the host letting everyone else in, with obvious lies about why others got seated ahead of the Seinfeld party.

I thought the best parts were George hassling people using the pay phone because his call was so much more important than theirs--as if he would know. He walks across the room while a man is on the phone, then sees that the man hung up, but before he can re-cross the room, a woman picks up the phone. She wisely said, "Well if you were here waiting for it, how come I'm the one holding the phone" (or something like that).

I also liked Jerry daring Elaine to steal food from someone's table.

But the whole thing about them worrying about missing this special movie if they don't get seated soon just didn't work. If you're in a hurry, try going to another restaurant--I understand Manhattan has more than a couple. My experiences say that if it takes a restaurant a long time to seat you, it will also take longer than normal to be served--so they really should have known they couldn't see the movie if they waited more than a few minutes for a table there, even if they got seated.

As for George waiting for a phone call--call from the other restaurant and leave a fresh message--DUH!

Were it not for this episode,,,,

[rodinnyc · 10/10 · 7 March 2022]

This is the first time I watched Seinfeld as a new show. I was so amused by the cleverness of the episode and its difference from other sticoms that I began watching.

ON the other hand, I don't like any other the early season episodes.

What is different for a younger viewer: having to wait to use a public pay telephone.

The Cartwright reference. I love when the manager calls out Cartwright....

Plan 9 from Outer Space....

I can hear David's voice over as one the table of older customers when Elaine goes over to eat off their plate on a dare.

Very cleverly written and in real time.... J L Dreyfuss's sitcom with unknown and very annoying Steve Carrell in real time was terrible.

Had I seen any other of the early episodes, I"d have passed on this show.

I love episodes like these.

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 11 March 2023]

How they were able to pull this off takes a genius and a khazar.

March 11th on 2023

What is this episode about?: Elaine Benes, Jerome Seinfeld and George Costanza all wait to be seated at a Chinese restaurant.

Elaine is hungry

George is hungry and waits to call his girlfriend before she dumps him.

Jerry is hungry and recognizes a lady.

Story and production: Not a story going on in this episode. It's literally about the gang waiting.

Kramer is absent because he is supposed to be a character that never leaves the house. I would have preferred that concept better because it allows mystery on this Kramer character.

Mr. Richards was upset about it.

Overall a very Stationary and fun episode.

Highlight: George vs pay phone moments.

Laugh meter: 10

Villian: The Desk Waiter was BS. His listening skills and professionalism was horrible. If google reviews existed during this time period that restaurant would get shutdown.

What can be learned?: Mr. Cowan always here.

Verdict: A great silly episode.

If anything happens here, can i count on you ?

[mikeyboy26 · 9/10 · 19 June 2022]

So says George about the "well coordinated" dressed man who is monopolizing the pay phone at the Chinese Restaurant.

This episode has grown on me. Like some Seinfeld episodes, it relies on the non existence of "cell" or mobile phones. Similar dilemas occur in episodes that require the answering machine as a narrative point. Obviously this episode would not play out in quite the same ways as we'd all be standing in line texting, emailing calling and Instagraming while waiting for a table. Like we we do. Great, one off episode!

Not so good

[JohnDee2 · 6/10 · 30 September 2023]

While Seinfeld is usually pretty funny and well written, this episode is not an example of that. I don't understand the praise it received here on IMDb.

Jerry, George and Elaine wait to get a table at a chinese restaurant. That's it. Nothing happens. In pretty much every other episode, something DOES happen. The Chinese Restaurant is nothing but meaningless talking. George is not as neurotic as usual (which is bad), and Jerry and Elaine are plain boring. Kramer is nowhere to be seen for some reason.

Some of the jokes here are completely absurd. They make no sense at all. Like when the manager of the restaurant yells "Cartwright!" instead of "George" when he gets a phone call. What's funny about that? It's utterly ridiculous. Making no sense may work in a show like Monty Python's Flying Circus, but Seinfeld is different. I expect things to make sense.

It's mildly entertaining, and that's it.

Everything everywhere all at once

[safenoe · 7/10 · 6 April 2024]

The Chinese Restaurant, from season two of Seinfeld, is quintessentially an episode about nothing, but it's really about something if you look close enough. Acclaimed actor James Hong, guest stars, and he pretty much makes the episode for what it's worth. Over three decades later James starred in the smash hit Everything Everywhere all at Once, and it's wonderful to see him getting that acclaim that he deserves.

Anyway, we can relate to having to wait for a table, when others get seated, and we wonder why. All credit to the creative team behind this episode, which is worthy to watch at least once.

"Cartwright!!"

[vivianla · 7 February 2022]

The three of them go to a Chinese restaurant and plan to go to a horrible movie afterwards. Jerry has told his uncle that he cannot make it due to other reasons. Elaine is super hungry and George is waiting to call Tatiana.

Elaine is dared to eat food off of a table and they will have a story of a lifetime to tell. They cannot do anything.

George finally gets to use the public phone and cannot get ahold of Tatiana so he leaves a message. The first man who was taking a long time on the payphone apologizes and George says don't worry about it so kindly. During sex with her, he had a big intestinal urge. Her bathroom and place are small and he didn't want to do it without buffer so he gets up, gets dressed and leaves during the sex.