For the typical college student — no, for the typical human being — Chinese takeout is sacred. It’s that time of the week when all your friends come over and eat together in a place that’s homier than your average dining hall (unless you live in Hinman College) and free of CNN. It’s that meal that’s affordable even on a college budget, and you never even have to leave campus for it. Chinese takeout is one of the few types of off-campus food that’s available to students on campus — some restaurants even deliver right to the door of your dorm building.

If you’re a student who lives or has lived on campus, then you know Panda III. That’s the menu you throw out when you find it in your mailbox, the piece of paper that’s mysteriously slid under your door seemingly every day. Say what you will about Panda III, but it knows how to get its name out there. But that’s not the only option available to Binghamton University students off campus. While it may seem like you are limited to the two or three menus that you’ve collected over the last semester or so, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The local community has plenty of Chinese food restaurants, and yes, they deliver. Some of the most popular local Chinese restaurants include Panda III, New Century, Long Feng and Red Wok. Don’t be afraid to try out new locations or dishes, but remember that it’s always a gamble.

Jordan Mesibov, a sophomore majoring in biology, decided to try out Long Feng with a friend. They figured the place was new, and they could use a change-up from the norm. The menu was new and colorful; they even decided to overlook the fact that the restaurant misspelled its name on the front of the menu (“Long Femg”). He was sorely disappointed.

“They served me undercooked shrimp with my shrimp with lobster sauce. Never again, Long Feng, never again,” Mesibov wrote.

However, despite the abhorrent dish, Mesibov commented that its crab rangoon was some of the best he’s ever had, but that his restaurant of choice is New Century.

With Chinese takeout, new places can be hit-or-miss. So before you order, ask around. Ask what dishes people like and from where. Different restaurants have different strengths. Do your research. People generally like Panda III because it’s quick, cheap and has consistently passable food. Also, it gives you a free order of General Tso’s chicken if you order more than $30 of food. But you have to ask.

“They are always reliable and get the order right. Delivery is usually quick, and they know where they are going on campus. I have never been dissatisfied with their food,” wrote Matt McAuliffe, a junior double-majoring in classical studies and neuroscience.

But some people flat-out dislike Panda III, like Dan Kersten, an undeclared freshman.

“It took forever, and it tasted average. My friend got the wrong order as well; instead of chicken they gave him pork. I will say that their fried rice was good,” said Kersten, who prefers New Century.

Large groups usually go with these all-around acceptable options like Panda III and New Century. However, who’s to say you can’t have your wonton and eat it too? If you have a large group, consider ordering from two different restaurants. If five people like the crab rangoon from Long Feng (they are delicious) and five people like the General Tso’s from Panda III, consider placing two separate orders. Don’t sacrifice quality for convenience. Between one more phone call and $2 extra for tip, you might just have yourself the best Chinese takeout dinner of your life.