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Modern China Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Modern China Cafe
8.2
High-energy Chinese spot known for late-night hours, all-day happy hour, and shareable plates. Bartenders move fast and the patio stays lively well past dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy wontons, Honey walnut prawns, Mongolian beef
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Late-night Chinese with an all-day happy hour and patio energy.
Who should go: Groups craving fast, shareable plates
When to visit: 10–11:30 pm for buzzy late-night service
What to order: Spicy wontons; honey walnut prawns; Mongolian beef
Insider tip: Ask for late-night happy hour items even at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on North Main and nearby garage access at Plaza Calle lot; easiest after 8pm when meters end.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and tees fine but many lean stylish for nightlife crowds.
Noise level: Loud — upbeat music and patio chatter make it better for socializing than conversation-heavy dinners.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after 9pm; later arrivals often stand at the bar first.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; opens midafternoon for early happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable entrées, fried rice, and noodle options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be modified if requested (avoid sauces with oyster or fish).
Gluten-free options: Partial — some stir-fries can be made gluten-free on request, but soy sauce is default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for second or casual dates; the high energy, music, and bar crowd make it more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though waits increase after 9pm on weekends. Bar and patio often seat faster than indoor tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings before 8pm are fine for families, but late-night hours skew adult and bar-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Late-night drinks and social small-plate sharing compared to quieter Chinese restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You want a calm dinner or refined traditional Chinese dining — it’s built for buzz, not tranquility.
Modern China Cafe
7.9
Lively downtown lounge for Chinese-American favorites and shareable plates with a full bar and late hours. Best for groups seeking cocktails alongside crowd-pleasing classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey walnut prawns, Mongolian beef, Chili wontons
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-energy bar program paired with Chinese-inspired share plates.
Who should go: Night-out groups and cocktail seekers
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for easier seating
What to order: Honey walnut prawns, chili wontons, cumin lamb
Insider tip: Patio fire-pit tables book first—reserve if you want outdoor seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and nearby garage options (Lesher Center or Locust Street) — both within a short walk. Street spots fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; stylish jeans and a nice top fit in. Many guests dress up slightly for nightlife hours.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner and bar hours — conversation-friendly only on the patio or earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; dinner crowd starts building around 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tofu, veggie noodle, and stir-fry options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but sauces may contain oyster or egg ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free soy sauce can be requested, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a lively first date if you’re looking for fun energy and cocktails. Not ideal for intimate conversation due to noise.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are common before 6:30pm or after 9pm. Reservations are highly recommended for prime-time weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — it skews adult with a bar crowd and late-night vibe. Best suited for teens or older groups, not young kids.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting upbeat ambience, cocktails, and shareable Chinese-American dishes in a downtown social setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet, traditional Chinese dining or family-oriented service — try Dragon’s Pond or Benvenuti nearby instead.