Tonys - Chico

If you love great tasting Chinese food and want a phenomenal eating environment... MOVE TO SAN FRANCISCO! But since we're in Chico, this place has great Chinese food and not so much the dine-in atmosphere. Seriously fantastic food, the owner Joe is genuine Chinese chef, and you get a slight attitude for free! I've read alot of reviews on this place for it's off-putting environment and the attitude from the owner... all true. But if you give Joe a chance, he's actually a really nice guy working his butt off to cook amazing Chinese dishes. The pot stickers are hands down the best. I enjoy the Kung poa chicken (the chicken is so tender and the sauce so delicious it tastes like heaven), and the broccoli beef is unbelievable. The black bean fat noodles chicken is really fantastic as well. Give the guy a chance, make a friend and ignore the clutter... this place is best for take-out. Do an order in-person, meet Joe and go buy some beer at Safeway next door while your food is being prepared.

Let me tell you a little about this place. I've been eating this guy's food for the past 8 years. I've had to follow him to a few different locations in Chico. His restaurants are very hole in the wall style. The owner is not your typical friendly bubbly personality type. He is to the point in conversation but don't misinterpret that for rudeness, as he's rather delightful once you account for differences in cultural norms. His restaurants are messy, but never dirty. I've been in the kitchen and its always clean. His food is why I've been coming here for 8 years. It's not your typical Chinese takeout. It's more authentic than westernized and that may account for some negative reviews as it's not quite what Americans are expecting. As far as I'm concerned it's the best Chinese food in Chico. If you only like Panda Express, don't come here, but if you're looking for a cultural food experience this is where you need to come.