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 bland, greasy, or poorly prepared, with several dishes being inedible or disappointing.
Service Experience
While some reviews praised the service as friendly and attentive, others highlighted issues with staff demeanor and service quality, particularly during busy times.
Pricing Concerns
Several customers expressed dissatisfaction with the high prices relative to portion sizes and food quality, suggesting that the restaurant may not be family-friendly in terms of pricing.
Consistency Issues
Long-time patrons noted a decline in food quality and consistency compared to previous visits, indicating that the restaurant may have lost its former standards.
HG
Heather Gudaz-Sbai
Jan 11, 2026
3.0
Service was great and fast.
Egg flower soup, BBQ pork, beef fried rice were good.
General Tsos chicken was HARD very unflavorful, pork fried rice just tasted like soy sauce, lemon chicken was soggy.
Probably won't go back.
SM
Sean MacPherson
Jan 4, 2026
1.0
By far the worst Chinese food I have ever eaten. 2 attempts to make a chow mein that were both just processed foods mixed together. Should have realized it wasn't good by the empty car park at 5pm on a Sunday. My son and I now both have stomach ache with in 15 minutes of leaving there. Thanks!
GR
Ginger Remington
Dec 30, 2025
3.0
The food was really not exceptional and some of the food came to us cold.
TD
Tessa Dawn
Dec 23, 2025
4.0
We have driven by this place so many times on our trips coming through spokane. We finally stopped. A family of 6. The food was great, especially the almond chicken. But we were a little taken back by the price and portions. For one person to grt a meal and it be $20-$27 was alot and especially having kids, and then appetizers. It would be nice if they were to drop prices a little more i would imagine the business would pick up if it was a little more family price friendly. But the food was very good. Nothing fancy.
WH
Wilma Hughes
Dec 19, 2025
1.0
I went with a group of friends for a birthday dinner. First off the waiter was amazing!! I ordered a noodle dish and egg flower soup. The others in my party ordered combo dinners to split. Appetizers were good. The egg flowe soup tasted odd and was super salty. The noodle dish was pure salt, noodles looked reheated and the taste other than pure salt tasted like dry dogfood smells when it's wet. It was disgusting. I have NEVER sent anything back at a restaurant and would not pay for it in my entire life and I am 62 years old!! I did with this meal. I did pay for the soup and tipped the waiter nicely it was not his fault. It dimmed the celebration but we made due. The other dishes were salty as well but was eaten. I will not be going back to the Cathay Inn. It's truly sad as this used to be the go to restaurant for our family gatherings. It's went downhill.
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.