Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Marathon Cafe

    4.4 (149 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Marathon Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Marathon Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    MARATHON CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Marathon Cafe

    Recommended Reviews - Marathon Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jamie L.

    OK, I'm finally ready to give my review! I moved to Little Neck earlier this year and have been coming to Marathon Cafe pretty often. I was ready to give it 5 stars after my first few visits, but I wanted to try as many dishes as possible before rushing a review. After several visits, I'd confidently give it 4.5 stars. Here's everything I've tried and what I'd recommend: Beef Macaroni with Egg: A million times YES!!! Believe the hype because it's every bit as good as everyone says! It's the ultimate comfort food. The cellentani pasta is an elite choice, cooked perfectly al dente and coated in a sweet, thick, tangy tomato sauce that's flavorful without being overly acidic. This is an absolute must order! Creamed Corn with Fried Fish: Don't knock it until you try it! The creamed corn is thick, smooth, and naturally sweet, while the fish is perfectly crispy without being overcooked. It sounds like an unusual combination, but somehow it works incredibly well together. Tom Yum Seafood Noodle Soup: The broth is tangy, slightly sweet, and very comforting. I personally would've liked it a bit spicier, but it was still delicious. It also comes with large shrimps and mussels. Rice Rolls with Fish Balls & Turnip: A Cantonese staple done right! The rice rolls are soft and bouncy, served with the perfect balance of peanut sauce and hoisin. The turnip is tender, and everything comes together really well. Bolo Yau (Pineapple Bun with Butter): The pineapple bun is warm, fluffy, and flaky. Honestly, it's delicious even on its own. The thick slab of butter melts quickly, which makes it a little too oily... Drinks: The iced Hong Kong milk tea and the red bean ice are classic Cantonese staples. You really can't come here without ordering one. What I wasn't crazy about: Lava French Toast: Too crunchy and slightly burnt. It tasted over caramelized, with just too much going on. Not for me! Thick Egg & Spam Sandwich: Nothing special. It was pretty bland, and honestly, it's something you could easily make at home. Not worth the $7. Scallion Chicken over Rice: I don't really understand the hype for this one... The poached chicken itself was a little bland and could've used a little more salt. The ginger scallion sauce usually makes this dish, but here it did the opposite. The scallions were chopped too thick instead of finely minced, so all I tasted was scallion, nothing else. :/ Fried Pork Chop & Cheese with Curry Sauce: It was just OK. I wasn't a fan of the curry sauce. What I would recommend instead is ordering the fried pork chop on the side with their pepper sauce. I paired them together myself, and it was much better! For now, I've tried everything that was on my list, but I'll definitely keep coming back for my favorites. One thing I really appreciate is how consistent they've been with every visit. The portions are generous for the price, and overall it's a place I'd highly recommend if you're looking for solid Hong Kong style comfort food.

    Fish Balls, Turnips, & Rice Rolls With Homemade Peanut Sauce
    Evelyn N.

    pretty limited menu but was expecting yummy food since they prob specialize in the few entrees and was not disappointed. Would definitely come back for their drinks and French toasts. Would love to try their crispy fish cream corn over rice next time. The portion sizes are very generous and shareable! The self serve is only for utensils and clean up after you finish dining and they bring your order to your table.

    Tee N.

    YUM. I'm so sad i didn't go into this place sooner! I always see it driving by but so glad I had the chance to try it. Paid at the cash register, they accept Apple Pay. they deliver to your table. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Laid back place and authentic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Iced milk tea had a strong tea flavor and not watered down. Steamed rice rolls and fish balls with turnip (actually could skip the turnip) had an abundance of sauce, was delicious. The spicy beef stew wasn't spicy spicy and just enough spice where it was tangy and enjoyable. The beef was very soft and the noodles were surprisingly flavored and soft. They even gave us some pickled garnish? On the side for the soup and it tasted perfect on top of the beef and noodles. Can't wait to try the other things on the menu.

    Tiffany C.

    My new favorite spot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The moment you walk in, you'll feel transported back to a Hong Kong cafe--no frills, just good food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Went midday on a post holiday and it was full of people. It was so lively with every table conversing coupled with Chinese news channels playing in the background.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You grab a table, and order from the counter. They'll bring you your food but everything else is self-serve, so no tip. Staff were friendly. Food: it was amazing! The famous Scallion chicken was perfect. Each bite was succulent and juicy, complemented with the light scallion condiment and sweet soy sauce. It also comes with a side of radish soup. Everything about this dish was homey and delicious. The other dish I got was a fatty beef with tomato-based noodle soup and an onsen egg. Classic flavors. Can't go wrong with both dishes. Portions are pretty large and I see everyone taking some food to go.

    Scallion Chicken Over Rice
    Mei L.

    Excellent Hong Kong restaurant. Self serving and very inexpensive, but food is great especially chicken and French toast.

    Kitty H.

    It's been opened for more than 3 years but it's my first time visiting. Plenty of street side residential parking. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small store on a side street. It's easily missed if you don't pay attention. There wasn't much pedestrian traffic either[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Business is mainly depends on spread of words from returning customers. Right opposite from the cafe is Jmart Chinese grocery store which is convenient. Cafe closes 6 pm daily. Self service. No tips needed. Service: wait staff was very friendly. Food time was quick. Owners stopped by the table and started conversation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was karaoke time when we walked in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food: - their milk tea was highly recommended to us. So four of us tried the hot and cold milk tea and hot milk tea / coffee combo. All of them were very rich in flavor and smooth, exactly what a milk tea should be. $4.75 for a 12 oz hot milk tea is reasonable. - French toast with peanut butter: Love the syrup that it came with. It has a distinct refreshing flavor with delighted sweetness. Definitely different from other syrup from other places which is just pure sweetness. Owner told us the syrup was imported from England. Highly recommended! - turnip, fish ball, rice roll: 3 in one bowl. Portion is enough to share - scallion chicken: It was recommended to me also. It was indeed very tender and flavorful. $24 for half a chicken with one quart of soup. Conclusion: will definitely return. Even just stopping by to pick up a flavorful milk tea which is cheaper than a sugary bubble tea.

    Crispy pork with cheese and tomato sauce over rice
    Amy W.

    My friends and I came here on a Saturday afternoon around 1pm and managed to get the last available table. The place has a hole in the wall vibe and it's self serve so you'll grab a table, order in the front counter and then grab all the plates and utensils you need. They do bring to food to your table. The portions are huge for its price. My favorite was the bolo Yau. It was so crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I love that they didn't overload the butter. I'll definitely come back.

    Radish Soup
    Jessica B.

    My family has been raving about this place for awhile. I've been wanting to see what it's about! Came on a Saturday afternoon and it was buzzing! Luckily, we grabbed the last available table for 5 people before a huge swarm of people followed. They do not have a private parking lot but we found parking in the residential area behind it (on a slope). Upon walking in, the employees do help you find a table but once you get seated, you have to obtain your own plates, utensils, and napkins. That's why there's no tip required! They do bring the food out to your table though. They are known for their scallion chicken which is so fresh, soft, and flavorful. It also comes with radish soup that's very good. The peanut butter rice rolls with fish balls were decent, but I prefer curry fish balls. We also shared two other rice dishes - the baked pork chop and the corn fish. Both were very good and the portions are huge. We also got a pineapple Bun which comes with a thick slab of butter. The outside shell was not as crispy as I would want it to be. As for the drinks, they are known for their Hong Kong Style Milk Tea which is very strong. I thought the red bean ice was ok, a bit too liquidy for me. The honey Lemon is good. Will definitely be back for their yummy chicken!!

    Maggie L.

    So glad to have been recommended Marathon Cafe! I'm a huge fan of HK style cha chaan tang. This spot isn't too far from me, which makes it even better! Not to mention, service is super friendly and food is simple, yet delish, exactly why I love HK-style grub! Their HK milk tea, sandwiches, cheung fun and fish balls, plus soupy entrees are all amazing. Gotta mention how LOADED their sandwiches are and how unique some items are on their menu - like the bolo bau burger, which I havent tried but will some day!

    Yvonne C.

    Ooooooooweeee! This is kinda like a hole in the wall spot located right on the corner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You walk in and it smells like cat piss ngl.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But the food? Absolutely delish!!! The chicken rice is to die for. I've had good chicken rice before but this? Out of this world. It was so good that I had to buy 2 more to go for my parents. The filet corn on rice was freshly made piping hot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We got here when it just opened and it was already somewhat busy with takeout orders along with people seated ready to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You order and pay in the front first and then they will bring you the food.

    Salmon Salad
    Sharon T.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]We've always been on short end of the stick during our attempts to dine here--it's usually packed during weekend lunch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]But we finally dragged ourselves to beat the rush and it didn't disappoint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's hard to find HK-style cha chan tangs in NYC, especially in Queens. [[HIGHLIGHT]]By no means is it fancy on the slightest but that's the true essence of cha chan tangs--no frills, quick, and a bit dingy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My family was surprised at the large portions and at such good prices (no more than $18 being the most expensive item) that we either couldn't even finish most of the food or had to force ourselves to. I didn't love that they serve the food in plastic containers but they probably do this, expecting people to not finish and take the rest to go. I had the Tomato Beef Macaroni Soup and it was perfect for the cold, rainy day we came in on. Generous portions of beef, too. Also had a pineapple bun with butter and they both were okay. Obviously, they don't make the drinks in true HK fashion with a pantyhose but it was good for what it was. The service was nice--family run and you pay first, though I think they were a bit overstimulated by our group of 4 (which isn't big to begin with) and made a few errors on our orders, so definitely not a place to bring a large group to. In my opinion, this place is worth the commute but they're opening a location in Flushing very soon so there's no reason to make the complex travel to Little Neck.

    Exterior
    Tsz-Cheong C.

    Located on the corner of a residential area. The Marathon Cafe is a sweet little taste of the "chaan tengs" of Hong Kong. The menu is simple offering traditional style Cantonese comfort food. Their Hong Kong-style milk tea is perfectly brewed, striking an ideal balance between strong black tea and creamy evaporated milk (They use the black and white brand evaporated milk which IMHO tastes the best) My favorite entrees here are: * Beef macaroni soup with egg. Delicate cuts of beef wth a savory and velvety delicious tomato based broth. * Pork cutlet in curry sauce - the chop is moist and smothered in yellow curry on a bed of rice with broccoli and carrots * Cream corn fish - fish fried perfectly and drenched in creamy corn sauce over a bed of rice * French toast - Coated in sweet and delicious peanut butter. The portions are generous, the flavors authentic, and the prices are remarkably fair for such a nice size portion. Parking is limited in the area, and if you park way up the hilly dead end street on Beechknoll Ave, be forewarned. The hilly street is not a challenge walking down, as Miley Cyrus sang "It's the climb" The trek up was invigorating, to say the least. Halfway there, you may question all your life choices, including why you didn't just order takeout. Who knew you would be signing up for an impromptu cardio workout as it may feel like a workout, all that's missing are volunteers offering up cups of water on the walk-up. Marathon cafe is definitely worth the extra cardio and make sure you don't skip leg day at the gym as the food is simply delicious!

    Interior
    Jamie Z.

    This Hong Kong style cafe is a hidden gem located in Little Neck. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere provided a cozy, casual and clean feel as we took our first few steps through the front door.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owner and staffs were friendly and welcoming. We've been here 2-3 times previously and loved how there were a variety of choices to choose from, whether you want rice & noodles dishes, eastern/western foods (with a twist of hk/chinese style by using bolo sweet bun as a bun for those burgers), toast and desserts, savory snacks (e.g. thick egg sandwiches, rice rolls w. fish balls and turnips), and there is a whole page of menu dedicated to the chef's choice. My boyfriend ordered the crispy pork chop & cheese in fresh tomato sauce over rice, while I've ordered the scallion chicken over rice and the hk style milk tea. I've tried my boyfriend's dish. The crispy pork chop was absolutely my favorite. It was super crispy and tender on the inside. The tomato sauce wasn't overpowering nor too strong and adds a little sweetness to the plain white rice. The scallion chicken was juicy but it was a bit more oily than what I'm used to at home. I finished the entire bowl, though so it was definitely still good! Lastly, I wanted to try their hot hk style milk tea. It didn't disappoint because I loved it so much and would recommend others to try it. Definitely coming back again to try different menu items.

    See all

    Review Insights

    18 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mei L.
    0
    10
    19

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy L.
    20
    75
    186

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mara L.

    Mara L.

    Thank you very much

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 4
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kat J.
    209
    387
    4520

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mara L.

    Mara L.

    Thank you for your stars

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mara L.

    Mara L.

    Thank you very much

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Juju W.
    215
    826
    3460

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Marathon Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Marathon Cafe

    You might also consider

    1480 HK Café

    1480 HK Café

    3.4
    (137 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    From the moment we arrived with our four children, the blonde-haired lady who appeared to be the…read moremanager or owner seemed annoyed that we came in with kids. When we asked whether they had clay pot dishes, she twice told us to "look at the menu" with an attitude instead of helping us. The service throughout the meal was poor. Our children's plates were taken away in the beginning and we were not even given enough utensils. Staff members were also talking behind us in Cantonese, which made the experience very uncomfortable. The biggest issue was the bill. The restaurant added a "charge" that appeared to be an included tip or service charge, but nobody informed us about it. Since it was not clearly explained and they still asked for an additional tip, we unknowingly tipped twice. Only after getting home did we realize the total did not add up. They even charged us for take out box. When I returned to ask about it, the manager/owner was extremely rude and unprofessional. Instead of apologizing for the confusion, she questioned us, blamed us, and repeatedly motioned for me to stay quiet. She even wanted to check the camera to verify how much tip we left. At no point did anyone apologize for the misunderstanding or the poor customer service. I also felt that families with children were treated differently and unwelcome there. Customers should carefully review their bills before paying here. Charging an included gratuity without clearly informing customers, while also requesting an additional tip, is misleading and unacceptable. The overall attitude from management was arrogant, disrespectful, and completely lacking in professionalism. Dining out should be an enjoyable experience, but this restaurant completely ruined that for us. Based on our experience, I would not recommend this restaurant for anyone.

    We ordered takeout once at night time, and liked the satay beef bun and the iced HK milk tea…read morewithout ice with half sugar (they sold out the hot HK milk tea and recommended the iced without ice). One week later, we returned to try the breakfast. For breakfast, we tried (1) combo E with pork chop; it is a good portion and comes with a hot coffee/tea; (2) mixed sauce rice roll, I like that it's cut side ways in half with bigger surface for sauce, but the sauce is a bit sour for me, won't order again; (3) pineapple bun with thick butter, have always wanted to try this somewhere and finally tried it, no regrets but may not order it regularly; (4) hot HK milk tea with half sugar, the hot version tastes a bit astringent (涩) to me. We don't mind coming back to try other dishes. They take cash and Zelle. Some parking spots in rear but can also do street parking in residential area.

    Photos
    Inside - Seating, near closing time; but last night (Friday), the place was busy
    Inside - Seating, near closing time; but last night (Friday), the place was busy
    Salted fish and Chicken fried rice
    Salted fish and Chicken fried rice
    Ambiant calm setting

    See all

    Ambiant calm setting

    Marathon Cafe - chicken_wings - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...