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 .
Review Source: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.
Review Source: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.
I've lived in the neighborhood for 4 years now and had yet to try Cathay. Â So yesterday, after the new restaurant up the street was full, my wife and I decided to give it a go.
If you plan on patronizing Cathay, be aware that their sign does not lie. 'Cathay Chow Mein - To Take Out' means just that. Â The store is just a waiting area and a cashier's counter circa 1970. Â Which isn't that far off considering we later learned the joint has been open for more than 65 years! Â The owner/operator is very nice and seemed to know everyone that came in.
The food was just fine.  I've had better and I've had much worse.  I had the sesame chicken and my wife had the chicken and broccoli.  Both were good.  The cream cheese wontons were small and could have used a bit more cream cheese, but considering we got them for free, I'm not going to raise too much of a stink.  The egg rolls were AWESOME!  I could have easily  eaten 20 more and suggest giving Cathay a try based on the egg rolls alone.
Overall, everything was to be expected. Â It is very nice to know we have some good Chinese take-out right in the neighborhood. Â It's friendly, good, and you get a lot of food for the price. Â I will be going back!
I am a sucker for some good ol' take home Chinese (the only way you can get it here). Â The food is higher quality and more affordable than most, but the standard menu is still applicable. Â Most of the time won-ton's are part of the package and the fried rice is a must-buy, every time. Â Food is always ready in 5 minutes or so.
The owners/operators are some of the nicest people you will meet. Â If you happen to frequent this place, they will remember you and appreciate your business more and more every time. Â
Careful when you plan for taking out here. Â They close early on Sunday and are not open Monday.
Since I can see Cathay's sign from my sidewalk, there is no doubt that I will be back for some not-so-guilty indulgence!
Dont be fooled by this little noodle hidden in South Minneapolis between a steak joint and  a new Christian science bookstore.  The service and food will quickly have you look past the decor and see that the food produced out of this little place probably ranks as high any take out venue in the Twin Cities ...hands down!
I think the rule of thumb of judging the quality of the types of products a Chinese restaurant uses is the quality of rice they use. Â The rice here is why i drive over 20 min one way for a $5 box of beef fried rice for the last 15 years. Â The consistency is another reason I stay loyal to this small business, Â ive never had a bad output of food in 15 years which says something being a chef and food snob myself.
I've been taking out food from Cathay for years (It's take out only). Â I've heard that it's been around for 50 or 60 years...and there's a good reason for that...it's much better than you'd expect from its down-scale exterior.
This is a classic throw-back Cantonese joint with excellent Chow Mein, Chicken Almond Ding, Egg Foo Yung (order it "well done")...all the good stuff. Â Their Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is not to be missed!!!
Look here...they have the best "classic" fried egg rolls in town. Â They're the old style, seriously deep fried, so you have to be able to take a bit of oil, but they're tremendous. Â Also, their cream chees won tons are savory. Â They're light, crispy and not over-laden with cream cheese. Â And if you spend over $18 (or $16...I can't remember), they give you a free order of them. Â
Some of the dishes are a bit oily...you just have to hunt and peck for the good ones. Â But Cathay is worth the trip.
Ordered takeout from Cathay for the first time simply based on web reviews and was very pleased. Â Â Chinese takeout restaurants can be a little scary to try for the first time... they don't seem to care about what images the ordering area may conjure up... Â this local joint is no exception. Â I would have never tried it were it not for the web. Â Anyway, the food was hot, fresh, and delicious, although next time I will ask them to kick up the heat. Â Portions are huge. Â Prices very fair. Â Â THEIR EGG ROLLS ARE THE BEST! Â Also, this place has been in business, same name same location, for 65 years. Â Â They are doing something right.
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