The Chinese Dragon of Duluth, Minnesota: A Restaurant Review

The Chinese Dragon of Duluth, located at 108 E Superior St. right across the street from the Fond Duluth Casino, is a small place with a Red Dragon emblazoned above the door. Those passing by would probably consider it a hole in the wall joint as little effort is wasted on an elaborate facade. Entering the restaurant your first impression will be confirmed. Though neat in appearance, it is obvious this place has been around for a good long while. With tables and booths amounting to about 12-15, this isn’t one of those large high class eating establishments. This is a good thing.

Reminiscent of Ma-Jong’s restaurant that Mike Nomad regularly patronized in the Steve Roper comic strip, the Chinese Dragon of Duluth is notable for but one thing. That being Really good food.

Having eaten there many, many times over the past fifteen years, they are anything if not consistent. The decor hasn’t changed, as close as can be told for at least that long. No matter, it’s the food that brings us back time after time.

We usually go with the combination dinners, offering a choice of two main dishes. As an appetizer you have the choice of egg roll, hot cheese wantons, or my favorite chicken wings. Drizzled with Oyster sauce, these wings are unique and delicious.

Our regular combination is sweet and sour chicken and chicken egg foo young. Their brown gravy makes the egg foo young something special and the deep fried breaded chicken pieces are always hot and crisp. Covered with red sauce with a scoop of white rice to finish the platter.

This is not plate, but a good sized platter. To be able to finish the whole meal indicates an appetite larger then we can manage. This is one heck of a lot of food. Always served quickly and piping hot, these people make sure you go away full and completely satisfied.

The service is always prompt and polite, making sure we are well taken care off. The meal is always finished with a fortune cookie as is the tradition at all Chinese restaurants.

When it’s all said and done, including a 15% tip and beverages, my wife prefers hot tea, the final bill will have a hard time getting to $17.50, tip included. What’s more you can park in the parking ramp at the casino located directly across the street from their front door. Better yet they validate, so parking is on them.

With so many Chinese restaurants to choose from, why do we travel ten miles from the western edge of the city, when we pass at least a half dozen other places on the way? It’s the quality of the food, plain and simple. We don’t enjoy paying for ambiance, we just want good food and good service. The Chinese Dragon of Duluth gets a 10 from us on both accounts.