"If you're just interested in the food, feel free to skip to the next paragraph. The restaurant is only a quick ten-minute drive from my workplace, so a friend and I decided to venture out to this spot that had my coworkers questioning my judgment. Upon arriving and parking, I was still uncertain whether the restaurant was truly open. A gentle push on the front door led us into a unique atmosphere that felt dark, old, and worn, with a hint of gritty charm reminiscent of a third-world locale. The structure appears to be stuck in the 1950s, with an interior that seems to have received little care since then. However, this is where the negative aspects end. We were greeted by a cheerful older woman named Kitty, who not only welcomed us but also cooked our meals. There was also a younger guy working there, mostly preoccupied with changing channels on the television, seemingly less involved in running the place. This quirky detail adds to the eccentric ambiance of the already rundown establishment.
Now, onto the food. It took about 20 minutes for our dishes to be prepared, but the wait was absolutely worthwhile. I ordered a cup of wonton soup, which was rich with shredded pork, deliciously cooked wontons, and Chinese cabbage in a flavorful broth. Some might find it a bit salty, but I thought it was a hearty and tasty beginning. For my main dish, I tried the chicken chow mein, which came with an egg roll and a side of fried rice. Unlike the overly processed, brightly colored fried rice you often encounter at fast-food spots, this version was lightly seasoned and complimented the chow mein perfectly. As for the chow mein itself, which I assumed would be noodle-based, my dish was mostly chicken, sliced celery, and chopped onions in a light garlic sauce. Although it wasn't what I expected, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture. The flavors were subtle, well-seasoned, and fresh; the celery tasted as if it had just come from the garden that morning, and the chicken was unmistakably chicken (no need for "cooked cat" jokes here). I'll be posting pictures of the dish—if anyone recognizes what it might be called elsewhere, please let me know! The egg roll was a lovely golden brown (or at least it seemed that way in the dimly lit dining room) and was filled with freshly chopped celery and onions—definitely one to skip if you’re not a fan of these ingredients.
Overall, I was extremely satisfied and delighted that I decided to try Chopstick Charlie’s. I will definitely return to sample more dishes from the menu (the chow mein I had is on the second page under 'Combinations'). Just a heads up for those who might be squeamish: while the food is great, the experience might not be for everyone. The place has a third-world vibe and can feel rather grimy. Still, I must mention that they provided fresh linens that appeared to be recently laundered and pressed. Importantly, there was no sign of pests or rodents—odd as it may sound for a place like this. I also ventured into the restroom, which was indeed another adventure in itself. It’s awkwardly small, cramped, and in disrepair (like the rest of the building), with the cold water handle in the sink gushing water along with the faucet. Your shoulders will touch the walls while using the urinal, the doors don’t quite close, and yet somehow it felt cleaner than 90% of the fast-food joints around town. If any of this sounds unappealing to you, I recommend calling in your order ahead of time and picking it up (or having a friend do it for you)!"
