You’ve seen the neon signs. You’ve probably smelled the sesame oil wafting through the parking lot of a nondescript North Carolina shopping strip. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might drive right past 68 East Stewart Street in Coats without a second thought. But for the locals in Harnett County, Welcome 68 Chinese Restaurant isn't just another takeout joint. It is a fundamental part of the town's ecosystem.
People have some pretty strong opinions about small-town Chinese food. Some folks expect a Michelin-star experience in a plastic booth, while others just want a mountain of fried rice that can feed a family of four for twenty bucks. Welcome 68 sits comfortably in that middle ground, but there's a lot more to the story than just "cheap eats."
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The Reality of the "Dated" Vibe
Let’s be real. The decor in Welcome 68 is... seasoned. We're talking about a space that looks like it hasn't changed since the early 2000s. To some, that's a red flag. To the initiated, it's a sign that the owners are focusing more on the wok than the wallpaper.
The dining area is clean, sure, but it's definitely modest. It's the kind of place where you see the same families every Tuesday night and the counter staff remembers if you hate onions. There’s a specific kind of comfort in that lack of pretension. You aren't paying for a "concept" or a "curated atmosphere." You are paying for a massive plate of food.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Most people walk in and panic-order the General Tso’s. Look, the General Tso’s Chicken here is a crowd-favorite for a reason—it’s got that specific balance of sweet and spicy that hits the lizard brain just right. The portions are, frankly, aggressive. You will have leftovers. You will probably eat those leftovers cold at midnight.
But if you want to eat like a regular, you have to branch out.
- The Pu Pu Platter: This is basically a 1970s tiki party on a plate. It’s got the egg rolls, the jumbo shrimp, crab sticks, and teriyaki chicken skewers. It’s messy, it’s greasy, and it’s the best way to sample the appetizer menu without committing to just one thing.
- Seafood Combination: For the price point, getting a mix of jumbo shrimp, scallops, and "crab meat" (surimi) with mixed vegetables in a white sauce is a solid move. It’s lighter than the deep-fried options but still feels indulgent.
- The Lo Mein: Honestly? The soft noodles here are consistently good. They don't overcook them into a mushy pile, which is a common sin in many small-town spots.
One thing to keep in mind: wait times. Because this is the "go-to" spot for Coats and the surrounding rural areas, Friday nights can be a bit of a circus. If the phone line is busy, it’s because twenty other people are trying to order their pepper steak at the exact same time as you.
Managing the Service Quirk
If you read reviews online, you’ll see people mention "order accuracy" or "wait times." Here’s the deal. Welcome 68 is a high-volume operation with a small staff.
The service is friendly, but it is fast. It’s efficient. They aren't going to sit and chat about your day because there are three delivery drivers behind you and four more orders coming off the printer.
Pro tip: Check your bag before you leave the parking lot. It's not that they're trying to short you; it's just the nature of a kitchen that's moving at 100 mph. If you're missing your extra duck sauce or that side of white rice, just pop back in. They'll fix it.
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Why This Place Actually Matters
In a world being swallowed by fast-food chains and corporate franchises, a place like Welcome 68 Chinese Restaurant is a relic. It represents a specific type of American immigrant success story—the "Chinese-American takeout" model that has sustained families for generations.
It’s not trying to be "authentic" in the sense of a Sichuan teahouse in Chengdu. It’s authentic to its environment: a small North Carolina town that needs reliable, flavorful, and affordable food.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a stop at Welcome 68, don't just wing it.
- Check the Hours: They are traditionally closed on Mondays. Don't be the person pulling on a locked door at 6:00 PM on a Monday night.
- Order the "Health Dishes" if You're Feeling Heavy: Their steamed chicken and vegetables with the sauce on the side is surprisingly fresh. It’s a good way to get your greens in without the heavy cornstarch-thickened sauces.
- Use the Online Tools: While it’s an old-school spot, they are integrated with platforms like Uber Eats. If you don't want to deal with the phone line during peak hours, use the app.
- The "Egg Drop" Test: Their Egg Drop Soup is a great litmus test. It’s simple, velvety, and served with those crispy noodles that everyone pretends to hate but ends up eating by the handful.
The bottom line is simple. Welcome 68 isn't trying to change the world. It’s trying to feed you. Whether you’re a traveler passing through Harnett County or a local looking for a break from cooking, it delivers exactly what it promises: a hot, heavy bag of food and a friendly "see you next time."
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The Next Step for You: Next time you're passing through Coats, call in an order for the Hunan Triple. It’s a mix of beef, chicken, and shrimp in a spicy garlic sauce. It’s a step up in complexity from the standard sweet-and-sour fare and gives you a real sense of what their wok-cooks can do when they're firing on all cylinders.