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China Cafe
Master Critic Review
China Cafe
7.6
A long-running Grand Central Market counter doing classic California Chinese-American plates in a fast, cafeteria rhythm. Portions are generous and the cooking hits comforting notes—think chow mein, fried rice, and wonton soup—more about nostalgia and value than modern regional precision. Service is brisk and no-frills, fitting the market crawl vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
House wonton soup, Hong Kong-style chow mein, BBQ pork fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: An OG GCM stall serving unchanged Chinese-American comfort since 1959.
Who should go: Market visitors craving a cheap, filling classic.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the market rush.
What to order: Wonton soup, chow mein, fried rice trio.
Insider tip: Add chili oil and lime to the wonton soup—locals do.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid structures around Grand Central Market (Broadway or Hill Street garages) offer the easiest option; limited metered street parking fills early.
Dress code: Completely casual—market attire, work clothes, or tourist-wear all fit.
Noise level: High—busy market energy with constant foot traffic; conversation is possible but not relaxed.
Weekend wait: 5-15 minutes depending on market crowds; seating at the counter turns quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short queue even during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like veggie chow mein, fried rice without meat, and sautéed vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes use egg or sauces with animal products; request custom modifications when possible.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—most sauces and noodles contain gluten; safest choices are plain rice and simple vegetable sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's a loud food-hall counter with quick turnover, better suited to casual hangs than date-night conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come at the shared market tables; counter seats open frequently during all hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—portions are generous, flavors are mild, and the market layout is stroller-friendly, though noise can be overwhelming for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chinese-American comfort staples served fast and affordably—ideal when you want nostalgia and a quick fill-up.
Skip if: You’re seeking regional Chinese cooking, quieter ambiance, or gluten-free accommodation—other DTLA options serve those needs better.