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Modern China Cafe
Master Critic Review
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.