It's one of those small businesses in the area that you want to do well; it has a nice atmosphere, in a relatively decent location for college students, and has a lot to offer on its menu.
But the truth is--it's overpriced, a little more expensive than most other Chinese places, isn't really even close to authentic (or so I've been told by two of my Chinese conversational English partners), but the worst part of it all: the food isn't that good.
I've been here numerous times and the food is just bland. There's no flavor to the meat, the sauces are weak and flavorless, and there's no spice whatsoever. The rice is often undercooked and hard and the vegetables were such poor quality, I found a borderline rotten piece of broccoli in my dinner once. None of these things are tolerable in a Chinese restaurant. None. Especially not when I can make it at home for much cheaper.
I wanted to believe that this place wasn't bad--but three strikes and Hong Kong Cafe, you're out.