Cathay Chow Mein

Loved their Shrimp fried rice and mixed fried rice that my husbad got . Did not like the chicken chow mein but my daughter did.  I would go there again , the staff is very friendlly and the place to wait   for the food is very clean . Next time would  call ahead knowing that it is takeout only .

This hole-in-the-wall Chinese Take-Out joint has been in business for over 60 years, and it's easy to see why: They have a menu of only about 25 items, no more, and they do them exceptionally well. Don't expect any place to sit and be served...this storefront is takeout only, and only has a few chairs in which to sit while your food is being prepared behind a wall whose paneling must be at least 40 years old. You can expect your food to be hot, fresh, thick, eggy, gooey, salty...in other words...PERFECT! I grew up on Chinese Take-Out like this back in Queens, NYC (the HOME of proper hole-in-the-wall Chinese Take-Out, thankyouverymuch!), and this surprise find here in Minneapolis compares quite favorably and is now a must-get for me whenever I'm in town on business.

We live in the neighborhood and I understand this place has been around forever, so I really wanted to like Cathay...but I have to say our takeout last night was a total let down.

We had the sesame chicken (not sure there was even chicken in it -- mostly crunchy batter), and chicken lo mein (bland, and where were the vegetables?), cream cheese wontons (overcooked, small), and egg rolls (probably the best part, but certainly nothing to write home about).

We each had a plate and we threw the rest away. It certainly wasn't inedible or anything, and I suppose I've spoiled myself since Rainbow on Nicollet and 27th is usually my go-to Chinese place...but honestly, I've had better in a mall food court.

Maybe we just ordered the wrong things? I've seen people mention the egg foo young; maybe I should have I tried that. Since this is a neighborhood place (and I want to support my neighborhood businesses), I'll probably try it again and different items..but our first impression was not a good one.

On a positive note, the guy behind the counter was super nice, the people coming in and out while we waited for our food seemed like regulars (a good sign I suppose), and it was only 10 minutes from the time we walked in the door until we left with our food. Fast and friendly service, most definitely.