3 /5 John O: I had high hopes, given I’ve seen Fred’s here in downtown Nevada City for many years. I found the experience underwhelming. The restaurant was likely renovated in the 90’s and not updated since. Greeted by no one, after a few awkward minutes milling about we were led past a big round table in the front stacked with restaurant supplies (splenda boxes,etc) and to a booth not far from another table piled with table cloths and napkins. It was a cool night but it was noticeably stuffy in Fred’s. At the last renovation mirrored recessed lights were put into the ceiling - the bulbs and functionality are long gone but the skeleton remains, giving an unsettling feeling about dedication to service and quality around here, unless you managed to visit in the 90’s. Service was decent if not awkward, like we may be interrupting some other activity. Positive - they are connected to the mineshaft next store so a full bar available including ice cold draft beer. Ordered spring rolls, which hinted at being very tasty save they had that oil-logged look and taste that is usually the result of a fryer that needs its oil changed. Chow mein entirely serviceable, nice meat portions, especially two big shrimp in the mix Pretty standard fare for white people chinese but the “mongolian chicken” took that concept to a new level - the sauce was literally barbecue sauce! Sweet, lots of onions, again good meat portion but was not a fan. Also asked for extra spicy and it was not spicy in any way. Next time I need Chinese in Nevada city I’ll do the pro move I noticed on my bathroom trip - get it to go and sit in the Mineshaft’s garden at the back of the bar.
