Chinatown Chicago: The Ultimate Restaurant Guide
Chicago is one of the most interesting cities in the US, and the city offers some unforgettable dining options. When you’re craving comfort food, there’s only one place to go in this city. Chinatown has endless options of restaurants whether you want the best dumplings or ramen, they’ve got it all and more. Check out this article to find where some of the best eats are in Chinatown, Chicago.
1. MCCB Chicago
2138 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 881-0168
MCCB is the kind of place where you want to find a nice corner to cozy up in and stay a while. This little spot in Chinatown hits the spot every time. Start off with a bowl of egg drop soup for yourself and the Crispy Crab Rangoons and the Cheng Du Spicy Dumplings to share with the table. For the main course they have so many great noodle, stir fry, hot pot options and more. The service is quick and you’ll feel right at home here.
2. Triple Crown Chinese Restaurant
2217 W Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-0088
This restaurant is located near 22nd Place, one of the oldest streets in Chinatown. Triple Crown serves delicious Chinese food filled with deliciously flavored vegetables and meats, and they are very well known for their dim sum. Popular appetizers include the rice crepe with shrimp or fried dumplings filled with minced pork. Sui Mai dumplings are a big hit as well, and you can also enjoy the feast for up to eight people, complete with rice, sautéed veggies, braised seafood and chicken, and beef dishes.
3. Phoenix Restaurant
2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0848
Phoenix restaurant is one of Chinatown’s most popular eateries. Diners love the array of appetizers and soups, including egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, chicken corn soup, and wonton soup. You’ll also love some of the poultry options the restaurant offers, such as the whole Peking duck, which is a delicious two-course meal. Or, you can try the Mongolian chicken if you’re in the mood for lunch or dinner with a little kick. The barbecue pork turnovers are a favorite with diners as well, and if you prefer a vegetarian meal, try the spicy Szechuan assorted vegetables or the Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli).
4. Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop
2139 S. China Place, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0001
If you’re in the mood for a tasty spring roll or want to try some short ribs topped with fresh herbs, Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop is the place to go when you’re in Chinatown. Of course, the restaurant is also known for its tasty noodle dishes, so don’t forget to try the beef lo mein or the beef ramen topped with fresh onions and cilantro. If you love seafood, you’ll want to try the softshell crab pasta, or you can try the stir fry udon noodles for an Asian variation of chicken and dumplings. Joy Yee’s also offers delicious bowls of pho so you can enjoy a steaming bowl of soup filled with the meat and/or veggies of your choice.
5. Go 4 Food
212 W 23rd St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-8688
Go 4 Food is serving some hot, fresh delicious food all day long. One of the most popular dishes is the 100-Spice beef made with fresh peppers and onions. Or, you can try the Cantonese-style crispy chicken, which is a delicious meal for two that comes with vegetables on the side. The BBQ pork fried rice is a favorite as well and is the perfect complement to another meat or vegetable dish. On cold Chicago days, the hot and sour soup from Go 4 Food really hits the spot, and you can’t go wrong with the egg-battered salted shrimp, either.
6. Ken Kee Restaurant
2129 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-2088
Whether you’re in the mood for chicken and broccoli, soya sauce chow mein, or won ton noodle soup, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Ken Kee Restaurant. This Chicago eatery is also known for its Lotus root and Chinese sausage entree, which is a great way to include some veggies in your lunch or dinner. If you’re dining with friends, you may want to try the sampler platter, which includes teriyaki chicken, spare ribs, cheese wontons, and egg rolls. Chef’s specials include the Triple Delight, which is a combination of chicken, shrimp, beef, and mixed vegetables, or the Seafood Delight, a mixture of king crab, lobster meat, jumbo shrimp, and scallops. This spot stays open late so you’ll always be able to get your fix.
7. Strings Ramen
2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 374-3450
Strings Ramen is known for delicious ramen, but the restaurant also offers tasty dishes like pork belly and wasabi green beans. The Exquisito Ramen is one of the eatery’s most popular entrees and includes a boiled egg, corn, braised meat, and fresh herbs. Seasonal specials include a Teriyaki beef don and the Japanese curry rice bowl, and you can also enjoy sashimi rice bowls like spicy cat rice or ikura don. Yakisoba noodles with turkey, pork, duck breast, or sausage are available as well. For a hot, hearty bowl of ramen, this is the spot, for lunch dinner, or late night.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Chicago page, here!
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