illyanna Maisonet
If you were born before 1999 you remember what Chinese food was like. Chow mein came with a heaping pile of delicately flavored blanched bean sprouts, the egg rolls were huge (and not the small spring rolls with the mushy vegetables inside that everyone serves now), the fried shrimp was the puffy battered pupu platter kind, and the spareribs were actual full ribs…not riblets. This is the type of Chinese food Chicago Cafe serves.
Known as the oldest Chinese restaurant in the US, it opened in 1903. And the food reflects that. Do your research before you come because whatever you’re expecting, if you are expecting something, it probably ain’t gonna be it. If you don’t think you’re gonna like the chow mein, ask for double fried rice.
If you’re coming with a large group, call ahead. There’s only one server. I come in on weekday afternoons and always get immediately sat. CASH ONLY.
… moreJustin Leong
I was in the area and decided to stop by after seeing on UCTV that this is one of the oldest Chinese American restaurants in the US. The atmosphere and decor definitely felt historic, and I enjoyed the vibe of the place. However, the food was just okay. Maybe I’m being critical because I’m Malaysian Chinese, but my meal didn’t have a lot of meat. The service, on the other hand, was exceptional. The staff were all very friendly and polite, making me feel welcome.
Bonus: A picture of the restaurant’s exterior, with Woodland’s downtown looking empty in preparation for the Christmas festival.
… moreOscar
Friendly, relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Great service. Very fresh tasting food with a wonderful balance of textures! Here the foods natural flavors are enhanced subtly, not drowning in sauce and salt like every other place. Pretty good pricing and great portions. A historic and delicious place every should try.
… moreSeppo Ilmarinen
I really enjoyed my meal here today. All was delicious, especially the pork fried rice. The server was very overworked as the sole person dealing with many tables of demanding people (somehow, the restaurant was full of people at like 2 pm) but was kind and attentive. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for nicely cooked Chinese American food
… moreBlanca Gomez
Friendly service, welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, cash only, It seems that time stopped in this place which gives a sense of nostalgia, definitely I loved this place.
… moreA K
I’m Chinese, and I’m perfectly satisfied by the food here. Food isn’t Michelin stars but the staff and history is 5 stars. Travel to sample a taste of history before it closes. Appreciate it’s still managed and food is home cooked by a husband and wife duo, in the set up of something that’s uniquely American where chop suey meets American diner meets minestrone meets saltine crackers with an abacus and Elvis Presley photos coexisting side by side.
I didn’t travel to Woodland to expect Michelin quality food. I therefore wasn’t disappointed.
Chances are if people are traveling now to Chicago cafe, it’s to get a bit of history before it closes and not in it for the food.
… moreAllen Miller
Amazing food! Couldn’t get enough! The waitress is very nice and efficient! Took a bit for the food to come out, but the taste and price more than make up for it! If I could give it more than five stars, I would! 11/10, would recommend!
… moreJohn Montgomery
The Chinese food tasted and looked like it came from a food service company. It took forever to get served, but once our order was taken the food came out in minutes like it was taken out of food service containers and reheated. If you are looking for real Chinese food this is not the place which is sad because it’s supposed to be the oldest Chinese restaurant on the West Coast.
… moreMaria Sierra
Let’s just start off with me and my husband both got food poisoning from here. We decided to try out a new restaurant in town, and were extremely disappointed. The food had absolutely no flavor. I am not even sure if what I was served as chicken was chicken. Although the waitress was nice, she walked out and came back in smelling like cigarettes so bad. I understand some people need a smoke break but maybe switch out with someone else. Food was way over priced for the quality we were served.
… moreSIN WAI LAU
The Chinese styles of food, the outlook, quality, and taste of food are poor. It is hard to be accepted by Chinese. The service is good, but the waitress is always busy. It is because many customers will come for lunch. Hot tea be changed to ice tea will be charged as normal price of beverage.
… more