When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Cha Kee
Why Cha Kee is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cha Kee is a distinctive restaurant located at 43 Mott Street in New York City's Chinatown, celebrated for blending traditional Cantonese flavors with subtle Japanese influences. The ambiance is inviting, featuring a vibrant setting under hundreds of colorful paper lanterns, making it an excellent spot for friends and family to gather for a relaxed meal. The eatery serves a wide range of dishes inspired by Hong Kong cuisine, highlighted by specialties like the Scramble Egg Toast with Truffle Oil and the comforting Baked Pork Chop with Tomato Sauce. The menu is diverse enough to accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets, while the cozy and moderately noisy atmosphere supports casual conversations and group outings. Additionally, Cha Kee's service options—including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and reservations—offer guests flexibility for any occasion. The restaurant warmly welcomes families and even allows dogs, further enhancing its appeal for communal meetups and casual dining experiences.
Here's what people think of Cha Kee
As of recent, Cha Kee holds a 3.9-star rating based on 1140 reviews.
User reviews for Cha Kee reveal a generally positive reception with an overall rating of 3.9 based on more than 1,100 reviews. Positive feedback frequently praises the authenticity of the Hong Kong-inspired dishes, with customers appreciating the bold flavors and distinctive fusion elements. Reviewers often highlight the friendly and attentive staff, cozy atmosphere, and reasonable pricing as key strengths. Many found the café setting vibrant and reminiscent of an authentic Hong Kong dining experience, particularly commending dishes like the Seafood Hor Fun and the flavorful coffee that evokes nostalgia. On the downside, some negative reviews mention inconsistencies in service and food quality, which occasionally diminished the overall experience. A few customers cited issues with wait times and the execution of certain dishes not meeting expectations. Despite these mixed experiences, the majority find Cha Kee to be a worthwhile visit, particularly for those seeking unique, comforting Cantonese cuisine with a Japanese influence in Chinatown. The restaurant remains a popular and vibrant destination to enjoy casual gatherings and flavorful meals.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
James Lin
food was bussin fr fr. we ordered the hotpot and it was gas. the salty fry chicken was also mad good bruh. customer service was top notch just like japan made us feel like we was really there fr.
Chu Lin
I thought cha kee was quite good, especially if you're into Cantonese snacks and cuisine, this is a great place. I love the bolo bao with butter. It's flaky, lightly sweet and tasty. We were restaurant hopping so we only got small things here. The salt and pepper squid was really tasty, perfectly fried, not overly seasoned. The curry sauce on the curry fish balls was really good. The staff is pleasant and attentive
Vince Wu
Everyone that knows Chinatown knows Cha Kee. Delicious Hong Kong style food. The vibes are chill, there's plenty of seating, the staff are super nice and the food comes out super quick. Had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Baron. He is a chills and awesome dude and will make sure your visit went well.
Ray Low
This restaurant hits as a Hong Kong style morning breakfast place. I always come here for the satay beef instant noodle dish, and it comes topped with a fried egg. If you're here early enough, you get a free drink with it too! The curry fish balls were also delicious, and the toast will bring you back to those days when that was the simplest thing to eat in the morning. The service can be a bit slow at times, but they're getting better.
Nick S
Cha Kee is a HK Style Cha Chaan Teng located in the heart of NYC's Chinatown. They didn't have any physical menus when I went, however I assume you could ask for them if you don't have a mobile device. The service is quick and efficient, much easier to order things if you know Cantonese, but English works fine as well. The atmosphere is like a HK style cafe, with some big tables and smaller tables spread throughout. It would be best to come here with a party of around 3-5. The food was great. I came during brunch, so it was focused on HK style breakfast foods. The Porkchop over fries was crispy and not too oily. The Rice Cakes in XO Sauce had both a sweetness to it that was complimented well with the peanut sauce. The only thing that was kind of eh was the Salt & Pepper Vegetables. It was a little too salty for the taste, and it ended up overwhelming the dish. Overall a good place to visit if one of the other Cha Chaan Tengs are too crowded.
How to reach Cha Kee
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Website: None
Why Cha Kee may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cha Kee with your friends? Cha Kee offers a unique and inviting setting that makes it an excellent destination for gatherings with friends or family. Its cozy, family-run atmosphere provides a warm and comfortable environment where everyone can feel at home, making it an ideal spot for socializing. The menu is full of solid, homey Hong Kong-style dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying, which means the food will undoubtedly be a highlight of your outing. Whether you’re sitting down for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, the inviting ambiance paired with attentive, friendly service ensures a relaxed and enjoyable time. Cha Kee’s combination of delicious food, welcoming vibe, and reasonable pricing delivers a perfect backdrop to catch up, laugh, and make memories with your group.
What activities are there to do at Cha Kee that make it perfect for a group meetup? While Cha Kee is primarily a restaurant, it excels in providing a space where groups can enjoy a shared culinary experience. The menu offers a variety of classic Hong Kong-style comfort foods like baked casseroles with creamy sauces, satay beef slices, crispy chicken wings, and freshly made dumplings that cater to diverse palates within a group. This variety means everyone can find something they love, making it easy to order several dishes to share—a fun and interactive way to engage during your gathering. Additionally, Cha Kee provides complimentary beverages with meals, including intriguing choices such as lemon with Ribena sparkling water, which can spark conversation over something unique. Beyond eating, the cozy and compact layout of the restaurant encourages intimate group interaction and easy conversation. This setting is perfect for friends and family looking not just for a meal, but also a shared, memorable dining experience.
What specific features make Cha Kee a great spot for friendly meetups? The first key feature is its family-run nature, giving it a personal touch that larger chain restaurants often lack. The staff is described as cheerful and friendly, which helps groups feel welcomed and well taken care of. The compact size adds to the intimacy but still offers enough space for small to medium groups to be comfortable. Moreover, the food is a standout aspect—specialties like creamy baked macaroni and cheese with luncheon meat, baked battered fish filet casseroles with white cream sauce, satay beef slices with instant noodles, and fried chicken wings provide hearty, flavorful meals that work wonderfully for sharing. This kind of menu encourages a communal dining experience and supports bonding over familiar yet exciting flavors. Furthermore, the reasonable pricing makes it accessible for groups without breaking the bank, adding to its appeal as a casual and enjoyable meetup spot.
How does the food at Cha Kee enhance group gatherings? Cha Kee’s food is designed to deliver comfort and satisfaction with generous portions and well-executed recipes. Signature dishes like baked casserole with creamy coconut-tinged white sauce and tender satay beef add layers of flavor and texture that invite multiple tastings and sharing. The crispy, hot chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser and invite fun finger-licking moments that enliven group meals. The menu’s diversity caters to varying tastes and dietary preferences, allowing groups to order assortments of dishes that can be sampled by everyone. This variety promotes interaction across the table, as discussing and sharing dishes is part of the dining joy. Additionally, the availability of affordable, specialty beverages adds an extra dimension to the experience, giving groups something to toast to and enjoy together. Overall, Cha Kee’s food offerings help create a lively and cohesive dining environment that makes meetups not just about eating but about enjoying the moment as a group.
What kind of atmosphere and service can guests expect at Cha Kee? The atmosphere at Cha Kee is described as cozy, intimate, and distinctly Hong Kong-style with a personal, family-run feel. This ambiance is supportive of relaxed socializing, allowing groups to focus on each other without distractions. The friendly and cheerful service staff contribute positively to the experience, making guests feel welcomed and cared for from start to finish. Fast and efficient service ensures that food arrives promptly, which is especially appreciated when dining with groups, as no one wants to wait long times between courses. The clean, well-maintained space adds to comfort and approachability. These factors combine to create an inviting environment where groups can linger, enjoy their meal, and be fully present with their company.
Why is Cha Kee a top choice when considering places for family and friend reunions? Cha Kee’s blend of delicious comfort food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service aligns perfectly with what most groups seek in a gathering spot. Its unpretentious charm and focus on heartfelt, homey dishes provide a break from ordinary restaurant experiences, encouraging a sense of belonging and warmth. The dishes are shareable and satisfying, making it easier for groups to bond over a communal dining table, sharing flavors and stories. The casual vibe also takes the pressure off formal dining etiquette, allowing friends and family to relax and enjoy themselves fully. Moreover, the reasonable pricing means inviting larger groups won’t be a financial strain. Whether it’s a casual weekday meetup or a weekend family reunion, Cha Kee’s welcoming nature and solid food reputation make it a reliable and appealing choice for memorable gatherings.
In summary, Cha Kee is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination where groups of friends and families can rally around good food and warm hospitality. Its strong focus on traditional Hong Kong-style dishes, convivial atmosphere, and attentive service ensures that every meetup becomes a celebration of both food and friendship. Whether sharing baked casseroles, indulging in crispy wings, or sipping unique beverages, Cha Kee offers a heartfelt experience that brings people together. Its character as a cozy, family-run spot creates an inclusive, relaxed setting ideal for deep conversation and joyful moments, making it a go-to venue for anyone looking to enjoy a quality group outing.