South Austinites have one more sorely needed option for picking up Chinese meals: Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery will open at 1824 W. Slaughter Ln., Ste. 100, on Friday, April 18. The company calls this its Menchaca location, because it's at the cross section between the two roads.

This small chain — with five locations across the Greater Austin area — is known for its modern, ghost kitchen approach. As the name suggests, it only offers takeout and delivery. Guests can order online, via a third-party delivery service, or at a new self-serve kiosk at the Manchaca location.

Tso Chinese is evidence that this model works, not just because its been expanding since its origin in 2017, but because the food is actually good. It's been voted Best Restaurant/Beverage Delivery by Austin Chronicle readers three years in a row, from 2022-2024. And more important, it's designed for takeout — no awkward compromises or over-steaming on the car ride home.

Nearly every menu item is $16 or under, and generously portioned. (Plus, tips are not accepted.) Especially for Austinites from larger cities, Tso Chinese might call to mind the hole-in-the-wall, Americanized takeout spots locals are fond of, but with extra polish.

"We're excited to expand further into South Austin and reach even more neighborhoods with our takeout and delivery model," said CEO and co-founder Min Choe. "Our goal is to make quality, affordable Chinese-American food more accessible, and this new location is another step in that mission."

In all, there were four founders, in two husband-and-wife pairs: Min and Jenna Choe, and Angell and Eunice Tsang. Picking up food isn't more complicated at Tso Chinese than anywhere else, but the restaurants do have their own proprietary software platform developed by Angell Tsang.

Guests will find all the classics on the menu: General Tso Chicken, orange chicken, crab rangoons, pork fried rice, and more. A budget option offers customizable bowls starting at $12.95 or less, and can be made a combo with soup and a spring roll for $3.50 more. Vegan options, like Szechuan green beans and veggie potstickers are also available.

A press release promises a grand opening celebration later this spring with a lion dance and complimentary food tastings.

It also points out the TsoGiving, a donation program that has contributed $500,000 of meals and finances to local nonprofits, schools, and emergency response.

“Tso was built to serve,” said CTO Angell Tsang. “Whether it’s through our takeout and delivery model or our community work, we’re always looking for ways to show up for Austin – and we can’t wait to get to know our new neighbors.”

Tso Chinese's Menchaca location will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 am to 10 pm, Fridays from 10 am to midnight, Saturdays from 11 am to midnight, and Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm.