Dating from the 19th century, Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the country. This neighborhood, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offers authentic dining, exotic shopping, and rich cultural events. Immerse yourself in Chinese-American culture by walking through its streets, allowing your senses to take it all in.
Naturally, Chinatown Chicago serves up some of the best, most authentic Chinese cuisine in the city. Here are some can’t-miss Chicago Chinatown restaurants.
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Find the Best Chicago Chinatown Restaurants
Ken Kee Restaurant
Address: 2129 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
Inspired by retro Hong Kong, Ken Kee Restaurant’s expansive Cantonese menu will pique any diner’s taste buds. The restaurant dates back to 1997, but recently changed ownership and got a glow-up. The atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dinners and date night alike.
Customers rave about the bold flavors of the food as well as the tremendous value given the quality and portion size. Of special interest is the noodle cart, where guests can build their own noodle bowl, choosing from a variety of broths, noodles, proteins, and vegetables. The lunch menu will also spice up your midday meal.
What to Eat:
The congee, in any of its various options, comes highly recommended, as does the crab rangoon.
BBQ King House
Address: 2148 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
If you want authentic Hong Kong BBQ, hit up BBQ King House. But, don’t wait until too late in the day because popular items fly out the door.
Guests can dine in with the full menu or take roasted meats to go. All of the meats — duck, pork, chicken, and beef — cook up to crispy, yet tender and juicy perfection. On the menu, patrons will see complete dinners for two, four, or even ten, depending on how many friends dine with you. Or, you can opt for a wide variety of solo entrees, from soups to noodle dishes to casseroles to fried rice, and so much more. Dine-in customers also note their delight at the arrival of a pot of hot tea at their table instead of simple water.
What to Eat:
The Small Peking Duck Dinner, which feeds 3-4 adults for under $40, comes up again and again in customer reviews.
Chi Cafe
Address: 2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Whether you show up with a big group, seek a casual setting, or need a late-night snack (or all three!), Chi Cafe awaits you. With special attention to the ingredients and to the atmosphere, guests can find comfort no matter what time of day they dine at Chi Cafe. This modern eatery, located in the heart of Chinatown Square, serves an extensive menu of classic Chinese dishes.
As one of the few restaurants in the area to stay open until 2am, Chi Cafe definitely caters to the late night, bar hopping crowd. You will find everything on the menu from congee and noodle soups to beef, pork, chicken, and seafood entrees. And, no matter what you order, you can’t go wrong.
What to Eat:
They perfected all the traditional favorites, but the Sizzling Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper Sauce will delight you.
Chiu Quon Bakery
Address: 2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
The oldest bakery in Chinatown, Chiu Quon Bakery, sells a great variety of pastries, baked buns, and steamed selections. They make it all fresh daily, ready for you to take to go or eat inside. Fair warning: this is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM inside if you forget.
Chiu Quon Bakery focuses on tradition and seeks out the freshest ingredients to prepare over 100 items in the bakery. Whether you want a savory or sweet breakfast, lunch, snack, or dessert, their pastry case contains exactly what you crave. They even cater at corporate events in case you want to plan a unique work event.
What to Eat:
The Roast Pork Buns and the Egg Custard Tarts are local favorites.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
Address: 2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Named one of Esquire’s best restaurants in the country in 2015, Dolo Restaurant and Bar takes a modern approach to classic Chinese cuisine. They make every item on the menu to order, allowing visitors to relax over a drink while dining.
Dolo focuses mostly on fresh seafood, but offers other proteins like chicken, beef, and duck as well. Guests praise the large portions and value for the price that go along with the extensive menu. Many people order several dishes and pass them around family-style, making Dolo the perfect place for a group.
What to Eat:
The menu is so varied that it really depends on what you feel in the mood for, but the Mango Beef Tenderloin stands out.
Live Near Chicago’s Chinatown Restaurants
If you want to live near these (and many other) authentic Chinese restaurants, let us help you find the perfect place to call home. Whether you want to move near Chinatown or another area of Chicago, AptAmigo can do the heavy lifting when finding your next apartment. We will scout locations and set up tours based on your criteria, while you sit back and relax.
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Lori Walker is a freelance writer and content marketer. She writes personal essays, memoir, and poetry in Tulsa, where she lives with her husband and cat, Joan Didion.
