Lim's Cafe

Great selection, NO MSG! I am allergic to wheat and our server helped me to find a perfect alternative! Gynourmous portions make it all very affordable. Very tasty, and very friendly staff.

Lim's Cafe has been our family's go to restarant for the best Chinese food to be found in nor cal. This time we got special Beef tomatoe chow mein and sweet and sour pork. Then took home a dinner for two which includes a lovely appetizer plate. They use the best ingredients and recipes that have stood the test of time for over 80 years! Always yummy and owned and operated by the Lim family since they opened the doors. It is a treat that will keep you coming back. Oh, and they also serve the best patty sausage in town for breakfast!!

Had to eat there egg foo young one last time before they close there doors for good...its the best in town. We are loosing a wonderful Chinese restaurant. Been here in redding 90 years...family owned with lost of history

Very consistent menu and great variety. They've been serving food since 1933 and a long time favorite with the family and locals. I've been coming back to eat here for over 30 years and the owners are the same as well as some of the staff.

Lim's has always done well by my family since the first they opened their doors. As always we received wonderful service and the food was excellent. Our waitress also did very well. Thank you for the very nice night and a great family meal.

I grew up around this place. My family has known the Lim's for years. One of the oldest restaurants in Shasta County! Before we had rights to do anything and when all shops and restaurants had signs up that said "No Dogs or Indians Allowed", they were one of the only places that respected American Indians enough to let us in. If you haven't tried their beef chow mein, you need to.

I really enjoy Lims. Simply because it's been in Redding for forever. The food is consistently good. It's just very good authentic food. My favorite meal is the chicken pork noodle soup. Are so full of good flavor and my friend always gets the special of the day it doesn't matter what it is because it's generally always good. I enjoy the servers at this restaurant they are so wonderful. I really take care of you when you're there. I go there once a week after my weekly infusion therapy and I always enjoy my time there and I've never had a bad meal. I highly suggest that you just take an afternoon and go have lunch at Lim's Cafe. It's a great place to take your family it's a great place to just have lunch it's a really nice atmosphere and the people who own it and who stopped it could not be more friendlier.

Food and service was great while they were opened I went there a lot with family and the food was amazing prices were good and the vibe was amazing! 🤩 the place has now been left vacant and badly vandalized it’s really sad to see such an amazing place we’re family’s once came together to eat and have a good time has been destroyed

I don't think I've ever had better, more authentic Chinese food before! This place has been in the same family since 1933, and they clearly know what they're doing. The place doesn't look like it's seen a renovation since the 50s. It's also huge! With a great diner counter and amazing period booths! The whole atmosphere is amazing! If I lived here, this would be my hang out, for sure. I had the "Special" Chow Mien w/ Pork and it was about the best thing I've ever put in my mouth! It was hot and piled high and, with some tea alongside, was a perfect meal. The old Asian man behind the counter (unsure if he was part of the family, but thinking yes) was fussy and grouchy to everyone, which was rather hilarious. Anyway, this place is such an incredible period gem of a diner, but the amazing food will have you coming back again and again!! WELL DONE, INDEED! NEVER CHANGE!!! HIGHLY, STRATOSPHERICALLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!

There's not enough stars, I give Lim's a 10. I've never had Chinese Scrambled eggs before, and now I'm not sure I'll ever have any other way again. My wife had the biscuits and gravy, also phenomenal. Rae and Dawn were amazing, they made sure we were well taken care of. Now that we know our new breakfast Cafe, we have to try lunch and dinner. I highly recommend you do as well.

Every time I make the 3 hour drive to see my Grandpa in Redding, I almost look forward to Lim’s as much as I look forward to seeing him. Their vegetable chow mein is stellar. Kerri makes an amazing Mai Thai (it’s her signature drink) and expect the best Bloody Mary from Dawn (her signature drink). The setting has a familial feeling to it, which would explain why it takes me forever to leave; very welcoming. Only gripe on my end is that I wish there was vegetarian/vegan options for their breakfast, or at least avocado toast. Other than that, I love this place!

* OUTSTANDING * The staff are very helpful. My friend likes Corona Beer. So the waitress brings his beer in a plastic water pitcher with his Corona and full of ice !!!! Food was marvelous and they all loved my SERVICE DOG

It was nice to get the opportunity to dine inside at the last moment one more time. I wish the owners and family the best.

Fresh, delicious food and awesome service!

This is my favorite place to eat Chinese I have tried other places Lims is still my favorite. So sad to see them go.

Joseph benthal

Food and service was great while they were opened I went there a lot with family and the food was amazing prices were good and the vibe was amazing! 🤩 the place has now been left vacant and badly vandalized it’s really sad to see such an amazing place we’re family’s once came together to eat and have a good time has been destroyed

N Z (Scorpionfury)

I don't think I've ever had better, more authentic Chinese food before! This place has been in the same family since 1933, and they clearly know what they're doing. The place doesn't look like it's seen a renovation since the 50s. It's also huge! With a great diner counter and amazing period booths! The whole atmosphere is amazing! If I lived here, this would be my hang out, for sure. I had the "Special" Chow Mien w/ Pork and it was about the best thing I've ever put in my mouth! It was hot and piled high and, with some tea alongside, was a perfect meal. The old Asian man behind the counter (unsure if he was part of the family, but thinking yes) was fussy and grouchy to everyone, which was rather hilarious. Anyway, this place is such an incredible period gem of a diner, but the amazing food will have you coming back again and again!! WELL DONE, INDEED! NEVER CHANGE!!! HIGHLY, STRATOSPHERICALLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!

John Wiser

There's not enough stars, I give Lim's a 10. I've never had Chinese Scrambled eggs before, and now I'm not sure I'll ever have any other way again. My wife had the biscuits and gravy, also phenomenal. Rae and Dawn were amazing, they made sure we were well taken care of. Now that we know our new breakfast Cafe, we have to try lunch and dinner. I highly recommend you do as well.

Jessica Duncan

Every time I make the 3 hour drive to see my Grandpa in Redding, I almost look forward to Lim’s as much as I look forward to seeing him. Their vegetable chow mein is stellar. Kerri makes an amazing Mai Thai (it’s her signature drink) and expect the best Bloody Mary from Dawn (her signature drink). The setting has a familial feeling to it, which would explain why it takes me forever to leave; very welcoming. Only gripe on my end is that I wish there was vegetarian/vegan options for their breakfast, or at least avocado toast. Other than that, I love this place!

Dennis Bacon

* OUTSTANDING * The staff are very helpful. My friend likes Corona Beer. So the waitress brings his beer in a plastic water pitcher with his Corona and full of ice !!!! Food was marvelous and they all loved my SERVICE DOG

Macroaquire

It was nice to get the opportunity to dine inside at the last moment one more time. I wish the owners and family the best.

Shonda Crawford

Fresh, delicious food and awesome service!

Shelly Jacobs

This is my favorite place to eat Chinese I have tried other places Lims is still my favorite. So sad to see them go.

Took my Mom. It was very pleasant without a lot of bustle. Very good waitress. My mom loves their chicken noodle soup. The egg foo young is fresh. The chow mein is a good portion, over pan fried noodles, for the 2 person dinner meal. The fried rice is generic but tasty and a good portion. We love their fried shrimp. It's not a tempura batter, and is a favorite. Their spring rolls are just vegetables, freshly fried, and a good size. The sweet and sour chicken is a good portion with classic flavor and texture.

My! I haven't been here for a long time but know I'm going more often I had the best lunch in a long time . Trust me this Chinese food is as authentic as it gets it makes you feel like your in China town. But don't take my word for it get in there and try it for yourself. I had the Mongolian beef over fried noodles and let me tell you it was delicious 😋 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Hands-down my favorite Cantonese food in Town. At almost 90 years it’s a Redding institution. Family friendly atmosphere with classic diner style seating for dine in. To go is also a great option as the portions are enormous and well packed. The sweet-and-sour sauce is homemade and some of the best I have ever tasted. The breading they use for the sweet-and-sour dishes is absolutely phenomenal also. For an appetizer try the fried shrimp it’s not your basic tempura but it is absolutely my favorite with a little hot mustard and ketchup on the side. Top it all off with some amazing pan fried noodle special chow mein. The food aside the wait staff is amazing and friendly and is always happy to see you. Do yourself a favor and skip the chain restaurants and eat local at this great family owned spot!

Edward Bring

Hands-down my favorite Cantonese food in Town. At almost 90 years it’s a Redding institution. Family friendly atmosphere with classic diner style seating for dine in. To go is also a great option as the portions are enormous and well packed. The sweet-and-sour sauce is homemade and some of the best I have ever tasted. The breading they use for the sweet-and-sour dishes is absolutely phenomenal also. For an appetizer try the fried shrimp it’s not your basic tempura but it is absolutely my favorite with a little hot mustard and ketchup on the side. Top it all off with some amazing pan fried noodle special chow mein. The food aside the wait staff is amazing and friendly and is always happy to see you. Do yourself a favor and skip the chain restaurants and eat local at this great family owned spot!

Deanna Stevens

Took my Mom. It was very pleasant without a lot of bustle. Very good waitress. My mom loves their chicken noodle soup. The egg foo young is fresh. The chow mein is a good portion, over pan fried noodles, for the 2 person dinner meal. The fried rice is generic but tasty and a good portion. We love their fried shrimp. It's not a tempura batter, and is a favorite. Their spring rolls are just vegetables, freshly fried, and a good size. The sweet and sour chicken is a good portion with classic flavor and texture.

Aaron Gallegos

My! I haven't been here for a long time but know I'm going more often I had the best lunch in a long time . Trust me this Chinese food is as authentic as it gets it makes you feel like your in China town. But don't take my word for it get in there and try it for yourself. I had the Mongolian beef over fried noodles and let me tell you it was delicious 😋 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Great meal in a friendly, retro, funky atmosphere! We had a great conversation with the waitress and received excellent service. Good amount of food for the price and very tasty. The place was opened 80 years ago and we really enjoyed the nice touches like a real tea pot and the old flashy sign. This is now "our restaurant" in Redding!

Spent the day in Redding Calif.had nice lunch there. Felt like 1960's

Good food and great service. The waitress is very nice and helpful.

stephen forman

Spent the day in Redding Calif.had nice lunch there. Felt like 1960's

Ramida S.

Good food and great service. The waitress is very nice and helpful.

The chop suey with BBQ pork was fabulous. My aunt has been dining here for years and brought us for dinner - we are so grateful to now know of this treasure in Reading. Great service as well. The waitress was so attentive and good-humoured I thought for sure she was the owner but she wasn't.

Sissy Love

The chop suey with BBQ pork was fabulous. My aunt has been dining here for years and brought us for dinner - we are so grateful to now know of this treasure in Reading. Great service as well. The waitress was so attentive and good-humoured I thought for sure she was the owner but she wasn't.

"Chinese food". The stuff served here is honestly just confusing. I think it's from a different era, and possibly a relic. I've only heard my grandparents talk about this kind of noodles, it's bland, but filling. Hardly recognizable as Chinese food. I think it's what old white people used to eat (I'm white, chill). Great service though, and definitely has a following with the older crowd. As for me and my family, it's not something we enjoyed, even after a second chance. Check it out though, always try new local places.

I never eat the rice or chow mein. It does not taste as good as I get in Sacramento. So I order war wonton soup. It is good but I only got one shrimp. My family likes it so I go to be with them

Step back in time and enjoy comfort food with a Chinese name. Food is not good not bad … Interesting place and worth a visit if you’re getting your car smogged. Also interesting is the pawn shop next door. Good way to waste an hour !

Fries were good. The burger was made from steak. I didn't particularly enjoy it. Had a bit of a gamey taste. The lady behind the counter was nice and working pretty hard. I tipped her about the same price as my meal. The restaurant was older, muted colors and dated to a time before me. The mens restroom needs some TLC. I'd say check them out if your near by.

Ryan Mortier

Step back in time and enjoy comfort food with a Chinese name. Food is not good not bad … Interesting place and worth a visit if you’re getting your car smogged. Also interesting is the pawn shop next door. Good way to waste an hour !

J. H.

Fries were good. The burger was made from steak. I didn't particularly enjoy it. Had a bit of a gamey taste. The lady behind the counter was nice and working pretty hard. I tipped her about the same price as my meal. The restaurant was older, muted colors and dated to a time before me. The mens restroom needs some TLC. I'd say check them out if your near by.

I did not enjoy my breakfast, the chicken fried steak had very little flavor in the breading and gravy. My husband enjoyed an egg noodle dish a lot. The server was so very friendly and made our visit very fun. I would come back to try the Chinese food for sure.

Melanie Fetty

I did not enjoy my breakfast, the chicken fried steak had very little flavor in the breading and gravy. My husband enjoyed an egg noodle dish a lot. The server was so very friendly and made our visit very fun. I would come back to try the Chinese food for sure.

I gave it 2 stars because the waitress was a very nice and attentive woman, the food however was another story. I have had chow mein in many states from many places and never had it like that...it was like hot garbage. The egg flower soup looked sub par to begin with, and tasted as I expected. Liked the pork however. Sadly we were disappointed in all of it aside from that and the waitress.

Just ate lunch here because Thai restaurant next door was closed for super bowl. I had sweet sour chicken and wife had potstickers. Neither were good. It was the worst sweet and sour chicken I've ever eaten. Only reason for 2 stars and not 1 is the owner was an extremely nice man. Great service just awful food.

I felt as though the cook didn't even try. Things were under cooked, noodles were rubbery and stiff bland. I really really tried to like it and be a good sport. Portions were generous though. Rice was bland, without flavor. Restaurant wasn't as clean as I would expect. Staff was pleasant and very nice. I just expected more out of this restaurant because it has been around for many many years. I don't consider myself a picky person, that's why I was so disappointed.

This was my first time coming here but I don't think I'll be back again. We came in and ordered to go, when we got home the food was very bad. The fried wontons had pea sized meat portions in them so they were basically chips. The fried noodles seemed like they weren't boiled enough because they were very tough and hard. The egg Foo young and sauce had no taste to it. The pork fried rice was the most alright tasting dish but it was very hard and dry. The burned out florescent sign should have been an indicator of the quality of this establishment.

Disappointed. The sweet and sour chicken must have been made from chicken gizzards. It was terrible. The texture was too tough to chew and was exactly like a chicken gizzard. All of them were that way. It also tasted like they were fried in super stale grease.

I will start by saying the staff was very friendly and if it wasn’t for that, I would have raised hell! Have ZERO idea how this place is still open for business and how anyone can honestly say the food is good!?!? By far the WORST and I repeat! THE WORST Chinese food I have EVER come across in my entire life. Got the shrimp mein with sweet and sour pork and rice. Noodles were hard, burnt and tasted stale covered with some slim that I think was just corn starch and water. Shrimp were the tiniest shrimp I think I’ve ever seen. Pork was old and dry in side the batter and sauce was runny. The rice tasted reheated from a few days ago and everything literally had no flavor. The blandest slop ive ever. They should be ashamed to be serving such a thing and charging for it. NEVER AGAIN....

Ordered dinner for 3.. pure garbage. No seasonings whatsoever literally all the food tasted bland like it was simply heated up. Not to mention the grill cooks and service girls talking up a storm being completely unthoughtful of us trying to eat . Gravy tasted like water no flavor! Worst Chinese food I've had paid $40 for a crummy meal wouldn't recommend to others

This was always the favorite past 30 years, however we went in for dinner 10-1-21 and smoke engulfed inside, doors open to let smoke out. We were seated, tables were not clean. While we were waiting to give our order a cockroach scurried under our feet. My husband killed it and 2 more crawled around our feet! So disappointing how run down Lim’s has gotten. Now I know why they’re keeping it so dark in there. Won’t return!

Would have been 5 stars if: the chicken fried steak was seasoned, mine had 0 salt, if my chicken fried steak hadn't been burnt on the side they placed on the plate and if the zucchini wasn't singed so it was inedible. What a bummer.

This place is AWFUL. Truly the worst Chinese food I’ve ever had. It was disgusting. We didn’t finish any of the entrees we ordered and didn’t take them to go either. Just so nasty. They put canned pineapple and a maraschino cherry into the sweet and sour chicken. Ugh just awful I do not recommend at all

The food was aweful. Sub par and how do you server chicken gizzards as orange 🐔? Really chicken meat isnt made with 👀👃👂. Ok sorry my friend invited me there!

Doubled ww

The food was aweful. Sub par and how do you server chicken gizzards as orange 🐔? Really chicken meat isnt made with 👀👃👂. Ok sorry my friend invited me there!

Paid 30$ to end up only eating a few bites. Food was fast, way too fast. Was trying to be optimistic but service didn’t seem to care or make anything better and still charged me full price though it was obvious me nor my 8 year old could stomach the food. 100% disappointed in our first experience there and will not be back. I was really hoping to have a nice experience but it was all so underwhelming.. not to mention, I’m 95% sure that’s Campbell chicken noodle soup.

Staff was friendly in the beginning and the hot tea was great! But...We ordered sweet and sour chicken and one of the specials including vegetable chow main. The chicken tasted old and freezer burnt. The sweet and sour sauce tasted like tomato soup. And the chow mean was chewy and undercooked. Not even mentioning how awful the rest of the appetizers were. We regret wasting our time there. This was the first time we ever sent the food back.

Sarah Roth

Paid 30$ to end up only eating a few bites. Food was fast, way too fast. Was trying to be optimistic but service didn’t seem to care or make anything better and still charged me full price though it was obvious me nor my 8 year old could stomach the food. 100% disappointed in our first experience there and will not be back. I was really hoping to have a nice experience but it was all so underwhelming.. not to mention, I’m 95% sure that’s Campbell chicken noodle soup.

Alexandria Matthews

Staff was friendly in the beginning and the hot tea was great! But...We ordered sweet and sour chicken and one of the specials including vegetable chow main. The chicken tasted old and freezer burnt. The sweet and sour sauce tasted like tomato soup. And the chow mean was chewy and undercooked. Not even mentioning how awful the rest of the appetizers were. We regret wasting our time there. This was the first time we ever sent the food back.