In 1950, Tom F. Eng introduced Spokane to the delicacies of fine Chinese cuisine at his restaurant, the Cathay Inn, at 3714 North Division. It was dedicated to treating customers like family, serving only the finest, freshest, quality ingredients. Today, The Cathay Inn is in its fourth generation of family ownership, with Raymond Eng, Tom's great grandson running the business at the same address.
Many customers reported that the food was greasy, poorly cooked, or bland, with several dishes being inedible.
Service Issues
While some reviews praised the service, others highlighted poor service experiences, including mistakes with orders and unprofessional behavior from staff.
Value for Money
Several customers felt that the prices were too high for the quality and portion sizes of the food, leading to disappointment.
Consistency
There were mixed reviews regarding the consistency of food quality, with some long-time customers noting a decline compared to previous visits.
Positive Experiences
Despite the negative feedback, some customers expressed satisfaction with specific dishes and the overall atmosphere, indicating that there are still enjoyable experiences to be had.
KJ
Kelly Jones
Feb 17, 2026
1.0
Pot sticker took 20 minutes and still were half cooked. And so greasy that I could not eat them. Angry customer came into bar and asked if anyone was working. It is so sad when good places go bad.
DK
Dawn Kardokus
Feb 17, 2026
2.0
I went to this restaurant with my mom on 2/16/2026. I had grown up going to the Cathay Inn and figured it was a safe choice. It was not. My mom and I both ordered the Dinner Combo #7. It came with Sweet and Sour Chicken, Pork Chow Mein, Fried Rice and Fried Shrimp. They served the Fried Shrimp with ketchup, mustard and sesame seeds, which was very odd. Every other place I have been to served the shrimp with sweet and sour sauce. The shrimp was soaked in grease and the breading was doughy- should have been cooked longer. The fried rice was ok. The egg drop soup and chow mein were very good. The sweet and sour chicken was terrible. The breading on the chicken, again, doughy and not cooked well. It made the entire dish mushy and not good. We will not visit this establishment again. There’s much better Chinese Food in Spokane.
MS
Matt Smolinski
Feb 14, 2026
1.0
Since my wife is Chinese she is more difficult to impress with Chinese food. But, I myself was less than impressed. I think if you don't know any better you will be good with the food here. I think the UGM would serve about the same quality more or less.
MR
Mike Ryan
Feb 11, 2026
3.0
Food was the most average thing you could get. Ketchup, that's what was given to dip food in, not duck sauce, or sweet and sour. Nothing brings out a Prawns flavor more than ketchup. The variety of food was not there, unless you want $50 worth of just noodles and chicken. Skip this place and go elsewhere, save your money.
DD
D
Feb 5, 2026
5.0
I ordered take out today for my husband and I's 49th anniversary. As my husband is now housebound we could not visit as usual. The food was exceptionally good. The portions were very generous. The order was perfect, nothing was forgotten. The attention to detail is an art that eludes many dining establishments. So a perfect order of delicious food is a great way to celebrate the day. Thank you.
Cathay Inn was established in 1957 by Tom F. Eng, who introduced fine Chinese cuisine to Spokane. It is now run by his great grandson Raymond Eng, continuing the family tradition at the original location on North Division Street.
What are the operating hours of Cathay Inn?
Cathay Inn is open every day from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Where is Cathay Inn located?
Cathay Inn is located at 3714 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99207, USA.
Does Cathay Inn accept card payments and which ones?
Yes, Cathay Inn accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Does Cathay Inn offer takeout service?
Yes, Cathay Inn offers takeout services for customer convenience.
How can I contact Cathay Inn for reservations or inquiries?
You can call Cathay Inn at +1 509-326-2226 or email eng_raymond@yahoo.com. More information is available on their website https://cathayinn.com/
Is Cathay Inn suitable for events and weddings?
Yes, Cathay Inn serves as a banquet hall, convention center, wedding venue, and event venue.
What points of interest are near Cathay Inn that I might visit before or after dining?
Nearby places include Doughboys Tools & Equipment, Tip Toes nail salon, Walgreens pharmacy, and Denny's restaurant. These spots provide convenient options for shopping, beauty services, pharmacy needs, or a casual meal.
Are there any nearby services where I can access an ATM or transfer money near Cathay Inn?
Yes, customers can find the LibertyX Bitcoin ATM, The Exchange Network ATMs, and Western Union money transfer services near Cathay Inn for their financial transaction needs.
What local businesses and shops are close to Cathay Inn in Spokane?
Near Cathay Inn you'll find various stores such as Adam & Eve Stores (lingerie and clothing), Spokane Cigar (tobacco shop), Mattress Firm (retail), and Pur Laundry (laundromat), among others for diverse shopping needs.
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