This was our first time coming here. But I can assure you that this will not be our last. When you walk in you don't expect the food to be as good as it is. Ms kitty is wonderful. She greets you with a smile and helps you order the best on the menu also. Ever order is cook when you order it. We had the bacon wrapped shrimp and shrimp and beef fried rice and chicken egg foo young. If we didn't have to go home to the children we would still be ordering. I can promise you this I have no need to go anywhere else for Chinese food now. And it's cheap and wonderful size portions.

Yes, it's open and it's an adventure. I've driven by Chopstick Charley's and the adjoining Joe Motel for a few years never giving it much thought, other than it being a closed and deserted building. It wasn't until a recent article on a local Jacksonville website caught my attention pronouncing that not only was the joint open but it served palatable food.

(If you want to get right to the food, skip down to the next paragraph - this next entry details the restaurant itself) With the restaurant being only a quick 10-minute drive from work, me and a buddy decided to go on the adventure to try a place that pretty much caused most of my co-workers to verbally question my judgement and sanity. That said, I'm going to get right to it - after parking I was still unsure if the restaurant was indeed open. A quick push of the front door led us into the unique atmosphere, that is dark, old, decrepit with a touch of third world-like grime. The structure feels like something from the 50's - the building and its interior also feel like they haven't been cared for since the 50's. But this is also about where the bad ends - we were greeted by an older jovial woman who goes by the name of Kitty. As well as being the greeter, Kitty also cooks. There's another younger gentleman there, who spends a majority of his time changing stations on the television, but doesn't seem to be too involved with the actual operating of the business. This might be good, as it appears he may have some peculiar quirks, which adds even more tinge to the already dilapidated and aberrant environment.

Now, as for the food, it did take about 20 minutes to be made. But the wait was well worth it. I ordered a cup of won ton soup, which contained mostly shredded pork, won tons, delicious and perfectly cooked Chinese cabbage in a flavorful broth. Perhaps a touch salty for some, the soup nonetheless made for a hearty and tasty prologue. For an entree, I tried the chicken chow mein which came with an egg roll and side of fried rice. First, the fried rice is totally unlike the processed, bright yellow-orange drek most of are used to in the fast-food world. It's actually a light-tasting gently seasoned accompaniment to the chow mein. Now, I'm not an expert on Chinese cuisine, but I thought chow mein was a noodle-based dish. However, what I received did not contain noodles, but was mostly chicken, sliced celery, and chopped onion in a light, garlic-like sauce. Though not what I expected, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and textures of the dish. The flavors were relatively muted, but it was appropriately seasoned and was fresh-tasting (celery tasted as if it were pulled from the garden that morning; chicken was undeniable chicken - no need for the "cooked-cat" remarks). I will post some pictures of the dish shortly - if anyone knows exactly what it is/called elsewhere, please comment! The egg roll was a beautiful golden brown (as far as I could tell in the dimly-lit dining room); it was stuffed with freshly shopped celery and onions - if you're not a fan of these staples, you may not want to try.

In all, I was extremely satisfied and pleased I tried Chopstick Charlie's. I absolutely will go back and try some more off the menu (which I've also provided here - the chow mein I tried is on the second page under "Combinations"). I will forewarn those who tend to be squeamish - while the food is terrific, the experience is not for the faint at heart. It does feel third-world and perhaps down-right filthy. But I will say, fresh linens, which were clearly laundered and pressed recently, were brought out to us. There was NO evidence of pests/rodents (as odd as it sounds for a place like this). I will also add this - I ventured into the restroom and that's another adventure. It's awkward, tiny, cramped, and falling apart (like the rest of the building). In the sink, the cold-water handle gushes water along with the faucet; your shoulders will touch the surrounding walls as you use the urinal; the doors don't shut all the way; and yet it still feels cleaner than 90% of the fast food restaurants around town. If any of this bothers you, just call in your order ahead and pick it up (or have a friend pick it up for you)!