------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 18:40:00 CDT ------------------------------------------------------------------ Chicago's Chinatown FAQ Ver. 2.4 First, I will begin with a brief history of Chicago Chinatown as told by the elders of this community, which they have pass this historical story to me. Initially, there were 2 Chinatowns. Both started out in the early 1880's. The first Chinatown lasted until 1972 (Van Buren and Clark), when it was razed to make way for state detention center. The remaining business moved up north to Argyle & Broadway, which became known as "New Chinatown" ("Little Saigon" by its inhabitant, when a influx of Vietnamese from the mid 1970's eventually settled). The 2nd Chinatown (located at Wentworth and Clark) is predominately Chinese from southern part of China that thrived and grew in their effort of trying to survive in America. One can still visit the 1st Chinatown, but the only thing remaining now is the old "Shanghai Rest", which closed on September 1995. Now, here is the listing of Chinese restaurant by alphabetical order. I have gone to almost all of the restaurant on this list. Still, informations based here is an accumulation of my years, living in Chinatown from the mid 1960's. I have seen their success, down turn, and hopefully NOT their eventual demise. Competitions may be healthy, but the will being of the community is also critical. Nevertheless, I will not choose any restaurant on this list, which will make this list bias and defeat the purpose of these fine establishments. Furthermore, you have to bare with me on some of these restaurants, because I don't have all the necessary information on hand. Hopefully, it will be on the revised addition. In addition, No flame will be accepted. Suggestion is welcome and encourage. ============================================================================== August Moon Rest. 225 W. 26th St. (312) 842-2951 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 6 years Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, Indonesian & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: Indonesian food. Atmosphere: Simple, with a few Oriental decor Seating: 40 or over Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.35 Dinner: $ 8.55 Buffet: $ None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- BBQ King House 2148A S. Archer Ave. 2310 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 326-1219 Unit: 2 Owner: Family? Years in business: Aug 1994. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out & Delivery Service Food Type: Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: Bar B-Q roast duck. Atmosphere: Modern, with little Oriental decor. Seating: Over 30 Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 4.75 Dinner: $ 7.85 Buffet: $ None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cafe de Manila << closed - Cateering business is still open >> 2159A S. China Place. (312) 949-0636 Unit: 1 Owner: Family? Years in business: Aug 1994. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, & Cateering. Food Type: Fillipino Cuisines & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Atmosphere: Moderate none asian decor. Seating: Over 30 Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.55 Dinner: $ 7.50 Buffet: $ None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cantonese Chef Rest. 2342 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-3232 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 19 years under 2nd owner. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Cantonese Vegetarian Cuisines Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Atmosphere: moderate, dimly lit. Seating: Over 100 Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.00 Dinner: $ 11.50 Buffet: $ 5.95 (vary) Historical Note: None Note: They are now offering vegetarian cuisine. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cantonesia Rest. 204 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 225-0100 Unit: 1 Owner: Mult-Family Years in business: Over 20 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Atmosphere: A bit of high class type. (Modern American) Dim lighting. Seating: Over 100 (2 floors) Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 8.00 Dinner: $ 14.40 Buffet: $ None Historical Note: Formerly "Guey Yee Rest." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Chee King Rest. 216 W. 22nd Place. (312) 842-7777 Unit: 1 Owner: Family? Years in business: Over 12 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: Chinese Casserole Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but it has some Oriental decor. Seating: Over 40 Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.50 Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 11.50 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site "Three Happiness #2" and "Harry May's Fong Yuen Rest." First Chinatown restaurant to specialize in just Chinese casserole dish. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- China Cafe 2300 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-4838 Unit: 1 Owner: Multipartner Years in business: 1994 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 90 (2 rooms) Atmosphere: Few Oriental decor, but with modern look. Liqueur: Service Bar. Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.75 Lunch: $ 6.00 Dinner: $ 11.45 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Lee's Canton". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- China Rest. 2253 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-2600 Unit: 1 Owner: Mult-Partner Years in business: Over 25 years. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, & Banquet Service Food Type: Cantonese, Mandarin, & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 100 (2 floors) Atmosphere: Oriental Decor. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: None Dinner: $ 11.50 Buffet: None Historical Note: It was one of the last restaurant that use to have live entertainment. Note: This one open late and close late. Furthermore, it is not handicap accessible for their upstair banquet facilities ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Chinatown Chop Suey 207 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 326-2265 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 12 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 20 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.00 Dinner: $ 10.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: Restaurant has been there for over 20 years, but under new owner since the 80's. Former owner retire. Note: Open late and close late. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Chinatown Cafe 2604 W. Wentworth Ave. (312) 791-0366 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 12 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 20 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.00 Dinner: $ 10.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Chow Kee Rest. 2232 S. Archer Ave. (312) 326-4966 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 2 year. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, & Delivery Service. Food Type: American Cantonese & American Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Unless, you count chicken wings as one. Seating: Over 6 Atmosphere: A bit lacking in Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 3.50 Dinner: $ 11.96 Buffet: None Note: The only place that will offer "money back quarantee" ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CoCo Cafe 2163A S. China Place (312) 842-1238 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Aug 1994 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: American Cantonese, Dim Sum & Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: Coffee Seating: Over 6 Atmosphere: A bit lacking in Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.45 Lunch: $ 5.75 Dinner: $ 7.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragon Garden Rest. << closed >> 2206 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 567-1188 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Since Aug 5, 1995 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Mandarin, Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: over 60 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but has a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.45 Dinner: $12.50 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Grand Shanghai Rest.", "Moon Palace", and unamed Chinese restaurant. All, I remember was Wong ????. Note: Not handicap accessible. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Emerald City Rest. 218 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 326-4224 Unit: 1 Owner: Mult-partner Years in business: sometime 1996 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: A few Oriental decor, otherwise lacking. Liqueur: ---- Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: ---- Dinner: ---- Buffet: None Historical Note: Formerly "Jade East Rest." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Emperor's Choice Rest. 2238 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-8800 Unit: 1 Owner: Mult-partner (rumour has it, they maybe from Lucky Coffee Shop) Years in business: Over 6 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: None that I am aware of. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Very American-Chinese high decor inside, but Oriental exterior. A inheritance from their previous owner. A bit of a high class type. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 8.75 Dinner: $ 15.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: This was the site of the former "Moy Ying Ming Gallery" or "Chinatown Museum", which was closed in the 80's. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Evergreen Restaurant 2411 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-8898 Unit: 1 Owner: Mult-partner (rumour has it, they might be the former owner of "Won Kow Rest.") Years in business: Over 7 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: Authentic cuisine as those seen in Hong Kong Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Very high decor similar to those at Hong Kong. A bit of a high class type. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 14.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: One of the two Chinese restaurant to offer a high class atmosphere and authentic Chinese cuisine and shuttle bus service (lasted until the late 80's). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Four Seasons Kitchen (closed) 2306 W. Wentworth Ave. (312) 791-9085 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Now, under new management on March 1995. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: American Cantonese, Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: ? Seating: over 15. Atmosphere: Modern contemporary look. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: ? Dinner: ? Buffet: None Historical Note: Formerly "Chinatown Snack Shop". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Furama Seafood Rest. 2828 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-6888 Unit: 2 Owner: Multi-partner Years in business: Over 6 years. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, Delivery, & Banquet Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I am aware of. Seating: Over 200 (2 floors) Atmosphere: A bit high class with some Oriental decor. (Modern) Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ 6.35 Lunch: $ 7.50 Dinner: $ 11.80 Buffet: None Historical Note: First large chinese restaurant outside of Chinatwon. And, it is also the first to have a general store & restaurant concept. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Golden Bull Rest. 242 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 808-1668 Unit: 1 Owner: Multi-partner Years in business: Over 2 years under 2nd owner. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Vietnamese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I am aware of. Seating: Over 50 Atmosphere: Oriental decor, which similar to some Hong Kong type rest. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ None Lunch: $ 6.00 Dinner: $ 11.50 Buffet: None Historical Note: Originally a florist. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Good World Rest. 239 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 567-9660 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 6 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: chow mein noodle soup (Cantonese style), which can be with any meat you choose. Seating: About 12 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but has a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None. Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.35 Dinner: $ 10.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: None Note: This restaurant make their own chow mein noodle. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Gourmet Food Inc. 210 W. 23rd Street. (312) 842-3366 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 8 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: About 18 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but has a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.75 Lunch: $ 5.45 Dinner: None Buffet: None Historical Note: None, unless you consider it use to be the garage for "Quong Yick & Company" (grocery store). Note: This restaurant offers more of take out, then dine-in. Unfortunately, they close early. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Great Wall Rest. 2127A S. China Place (312) 808-9686 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Sept 1994. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: Fast Food. Seating: About 25 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but has a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 4.75 Dinner: $ 7.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Happy Garden Bakery 2140A S. Archer Ave. (312) 808-9538 Unit: 2 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 25 years Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: About 25 Atmosphere: A bit lacking, but has a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.65 Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 8.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Hong Min Rest. 211 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 842-5026 Unit: 2 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 15 years under 2nd (or 3rd?) owner. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of, except for their Dim Sum. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: A few Oriental decor, otherwise lacking. Liqueur: None that I'm aware of. Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.65 Lunch: $ 6.25 Dinner: $ 11.45 Buffet: None Historical Note: It was originally open as single unit until it bought out its neightbor early in the 1970's. Sold in the mid or late 70's. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- House of Fortune Rest. 2407 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-0880 Unit: 1 Owner: Multi-partner Years in business: Over 6 years under 2nd owner. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Very high decor similar to those at Hong Kong Hotels. A bit of high class type. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 14.85 Buffet: None Historical Note: One of the two Chinese restaurant to offer a high class atmosphere and authentic Chinese cuisine and shuttle bus service (lasted until the late 80's until this restaurant was sold.) Note: Current owner used to own "Roxy Book Store". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Jade Garden Rest. 2243 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 842-7023 Unit: 1 Owner: Multi-partner Years in business: Over 8 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Moderately decorated Liqueur: Service bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.25 Dinner: $ 12.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Far East Oven Rest". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Kim Yeun Rest. 228 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 842-7818 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 2 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese & Vietnamese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 50 Atmosphere: Few Oriental-American decor (modern) Liqueur: None that I'm aware of Price: Dim Sum: $ None Lunch: $ 6.25 Dinner: $ 11.65 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Bing Restaurant." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- King Wah Rest. 2223-25 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 842-1404 Unit: 2 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 30 years. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, Catering & Banquet Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 120 (2 rooms) Atmosphere: Few Oriental decor, but mostly modern American corporate look. A bit of a high class type. Liqueur: Service Bar. Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.65 Lunch: $ 7.50 Dinner: $ 13.65 Buffet: None Historical Note: First Chinese restaurant in Chinatown to attend the "Taste of Chicago" and became successful at it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Lee Wing Wah Rest. 2147 S. China Place. (312) 808-1628 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Aug 1994. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 80 Atmosphere: American-Oriental decor (modern) Liqueur: None. Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.25 Dinner: $ 13.60 Buffet: None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Lin's Chinese American Rest. 2170A S. Archer Ave. (312) 326-7979 Unit: 1 Owner: Mult-partner? Years in business: Aug 1994. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 80 Atmosphere: American-Oriental decor (modern) Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.95 Lunch: $ 6.95 Dinner: $ 13.60 Buffet: None Historical Note: None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Mandarin Chef 2172A S. Archer Ave. (312) 326-5040 Unit: 1 Owner: Family? Years in business: December 2, 1995 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: American-Oriental decor (modern) Liqueur: Yes Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.75 Dinner: $ 15.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: Formery "Mandalay Rest." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Mandar Inn Rest. 2249 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 842-4014 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 20 years (multi-partner over 8 years). Now, the business is under new ownership. Dec 1995. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 50 Atmosphere: American-Oriental decor (modern). A bit of a high class type Liqueur: Service Bar. Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.65 Lunch: $ 6.00 Dinner: $ 13.85 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "4 Happiness Rest." & "House of Fong Rest.". Previous owner of Mandar Inn retire in the mid 80's, which was sold to "3 Happiness". Former Mandarin's employees bought out "4 Happiness" and carry on the same name. Until, the business was sold in Dec 1995. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Moon Palace Rest. 216 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 225-4081 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 14 years (multi-partner over 5 years). Now, the is under new ownership. Feb 1995 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 70 Atmosphere: American-Oriental decor (modern) Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 13.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Red Lantern Rest.", "Tai Wu Rest.", Emperor Palace Rest.", & "Wah Cheong Co." Note: Moon Palace just recently lost their lease, but aquire the former bankrupt business "Red Lantern Rest.". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Royal Pacific Rest. 2217 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 842-4444 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 23 years Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American, American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Moderately Oriental decoration. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.45 Dinner: $ 12.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of old "Chinatown Parking Lot". Note: The only restaurant that offer outside view of Chinatown from above, which is not handicap accessible. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Saigon Vietnamese Rest. 232 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 808-1318 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 5 years Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Vietnamese & Malaysian Cuisines. Speciality: Mostly Vietnamese cuisines. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Moderately decorate with a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: Yes Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.25 Dinner: $ 11.80 Buffet: None Historical Note: First Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Seven Treasure Rest. 2312 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-2668 2138A S. Archer Ave. (312) 808-9962 Unit: 2 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 8 years Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: chow mein noodle soup (Cantonese style), which can be with any meat you choose. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Otherwise lacking in a few Oriental decor. Mondern contemporary in their Archer location. Liqueur: Service Bar in their Archer location? Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.25 Dinner: $ 11.25 Buffet: None Historical Note: First Chinese restaurant in Chinatown to specialize in just noodle soup. Note: This restaurant make their own chow mein noodle. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Shanghai Rest. 2162A S. Archer Ave. (312) 326-0077 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Sept 1994 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: None that I aware of Seating: Over 25 Atmosphere: Moderately decorate with a few Oriental decor. (modern) Impression of a fast food restaurant. Liqueur: None. Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.45 Lunch: $ 6.25 Dinner: $ 14.96 Buffet: None Historical Note: None Note: It is not related with the "Shanghai Rest." on Clark St. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Sixty-Five Rest. 2414 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 225-7060 Unit: 2 Owner: Multi-partner Years in business: Over 7 years Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out & Banquet Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Slowly becoming a high class restaurant. Speciality: Seafood Seating: Over 60 (2 floors) Atmosphere: Moderately decorate with a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None, but may have them in their bigger unit. Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.90 Lunch: $ 6.00 Dinner: $ 11.96 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Gum Luck Rest." Note: 65 is one of the few Chinese restaurant that took Chinatown by storm with their "live lobster & crab tank". They quickly expand upon their immediate success onto the present site, whose owner ( Gum Luck Rest.) leased out to them. In addition, they are the 1st to expand rapidly outside of Chinatown. Neverthless, this unit is not handicap accessible for their 2nd floor banquet facilities. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Junk Rest. 2143 S. Archer Ave. (312) 326-3311 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 30 years, now under new ownership in 1993 Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & (American Cuisines?) Speciality: Non that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 70 Atmosphere: Moderately decorate with a few American-Oriental decor. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: None Dinner: $ 11.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: Maybe one of the last private club type restaurant. Note: Open late and close late. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Happiness Rest. 209 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 842-1970 Owner: Family? Unit: 1 Years in business: Under "New Ownership" in Feb 1995. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: Dim Sum? Seating: Over 20 Atmosphere: Modern contempary look. Liqueur: Yes Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.75 Lunch: $ 6.45 Dinner: $ 12.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of original "Three Happiness.", because it was recently sold. It still retain the original name. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Happiness Rest. #3 2130 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 791-1228 Unit: 1 Owner: Multi-Family Years in business: 20 years Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, & Banquet Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: Dim Sum Seating: Over 150 (2 floors) Atmosphere: Moderately decorate with a few Oriental decor. (modern) A bit of high class type. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.85 Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 13.95 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Chinatown Garden Rest," and "Mandar Inn Rest." 3 Happiness is the first to introduce Dim Sum, that took Chinatown by storm. Note: At night, they have live "karokee" on the 1st floor. Warning: Expect to wait in a long line for Dim Sum, which can be as long as 30-45 minutes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tin Yen Rest. 2242 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 842-7156 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 30 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Thai Cuisines. Speciality: Steamed Pike Fish. Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Just a few Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: None Dinner: $ 11.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: None Note: Open late and close late. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Triple Crown Rest. 211 W. 22nd Place. (312) 791-0788 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: 1 year Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, Catering, & Banquet Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, & Mandarin Cuisines. Speciality: Non that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 180 Atmosphere: Moderately Oriental decor (modern). Slowly becoming a high class restaurant. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 6.50 Dinner: $ 13.20 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of "Pearl City Rest." Note: Unfortunately, this restaurant is not handicap accessible. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Vegetarian Garden Rest. 237 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 949-1388 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Sept 1995. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese Vegetarian and some American Cantonese Cuisines Speciality: None that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 20 Atmosphere: Contemporary - Oriental decor (modern) Liqueur: None. Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 5.65 Dinner: $ 12.60 Buffet: None Historical Note: Formerly "Lung Kee Rest," "Garden Bakery", and Chinese Herbal Store. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Wing Chan Bar-B-Q 2157 S. China Pl. (312) 791-9389 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 7 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: Whole Roast Duck & Bar-B-Q Pork. Seating: Over 40 Atmosphere: Moderately Oriental decor (modern). Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: None Lunch: $ 4.75 Dinner: $ 7.95 Buffet: None Historical Note: None Note: Not a typical dine-in place, but this is a place one can see duck & roast pork being sold and eaten. Don't expect to find egg roll or casserole dishes here. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Wing Wah Rest. 208 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 225-4611 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 27 years. Service offer: Dine-In & Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, Cantonese Vegetarian, & Dim Sum Cuisines Speciality: Spicy Green Pepper Beef Chow Fun (pan fried noodle) Seating: Over 60 Atmosphere: Moderately decorated with Oriental decor. (traditional) Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.55 Lunch: $ 5.25 Dinner: $ 10.45 Buffet: None Historical Note: Former site of a "Tai Wing" jewelary store. First restaurant to introduce the "sizzling hot plate" Note: Make their own noodle. And, it is the only restaurant in Chinatown to offer Dim Sum all day and all night. In addition, they have their own vegetarian menu. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Won Kow Rest. 2237 S. Wentworth Ave. (312) 842-7500 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 7 years under 3rd owner. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out, & Banquet Service. Food Type: Cantonese, American Cantonese, Mandarin, & Dim Sum Cuisines. Speciality: Non that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 90 Atmosphere: Moderately decorate with a few Oriental decor. Similar in style as some Hong Kong Rest. Liqueur: Service Bar Price: Dim Sum: $ 5.65 Lunch: $ 6.15 Dinner: $ 12.35 Buffet: None Historical Note: Original owner has since pass away. Interesting note about this owner is that he own the building, which he took over the lease from the 2nd owner of "Won Kow Rest." Note: Unfortunately, this restaurant is not handicap accessible. Unless, you want to carry someone up the long flight of stairs. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Yee Heung Rest. 225 W. Cermak Rd. (312) 326-3171 Unit: 1 Owner: Family Years in business: Over 5 years. Service offer: Dine-In, Take Out. Food Type: Cantonese, Vietnamese & American Cantonese Cuisines. Speciality: Non that I'm aware of. Seating: Over 40 Atmosphere: Moderately decorated with some Oriental decor. Liqueur: None Price: Dim Sum: Lunch: $ 5.25 Dinner: $ 11.75 Buffet: None Historical Note: Formerly "Chinese Deli Rest." Note: None ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Closed Restaurant: From 1970-1996 ------------------ Bing Rest. (bankrupt - sold to "Kim Yuen Rest") Cafe de Manila (closed - for sale) Chiam Rest. (retire - sold to - "Pacific Global Bank") Chinatown Garden (sold to "Mandar Inn Rest") Chinese Deli Rest. (sold to "Yee Heung Rest.") Dragon Garden Rest. (closed - for sale) Dynasty Rest. (sold to "Feida Bakery") Emperor Palace (bankrupt - sold to "Tai Wu Rest.") Far East Oven (retire - sold to - "Jade Garden") Friendship Cafe (closed - for sale) Four Happiness (sold to "Mandar Inn's employees") Four Seasons Rest. (bankrupt - sold to - "Bar-B-Q King Rest") Golden Gate Rest. (lost lease will never reopen) Grand Shanghai Rest.(closed - gave away to "Dragon Garden Rest.") Guey Sam Rest. (retire - sold to - "Haylemon Rest.") Guey Yee Rest. (retire - sold to - "Cantonesia Rest.") Gum Luk Rest. (retire - sold to - "65 Rest.") Haylemoon Rest. (closed - for sale) Happy Garden Rest. (sold to "Dynasty Rest.") Harry May's Fong Yuen Rest. (sold to "Three Happiness #2") Hong Kong Rest. (bankrupt - vacant building) House of Fong Rest. (retire - sold to - "Four Happiness Rest.") Jade East Rest. (closed - sold to - "Emerald City Rest.") Kai Kai Coffee Shop (lost lease after 80 years of family business will never reopen) Kowloon Rest. (sold to "King Wah Rest.") Lee Canton Rest. (sold to "China Cafe") Lucky Coffee Shop (retire - sold to - "Chinatown Gift Shop") Lung Fung Rest. (lost lease - sold to - "New Lung Fung Rest.") Lung Kee Rest. (closed - sold to - "Vegetarian Garden Rest.") Mandar Inn Rest. (business sold to "Three Happiness", business name sold to "Mandar Inn's employees.") Mandalay Rest. (closed - sold to - "Mandarin Chef Rest.") New Lung Fung Rest. (lost lease - "Pacific Furniture Inc.") Pearl City Rest. (bankrupt - sold to "Triple Crown Rest.") Red Lantern Rest. (bankrupt - sold to "Moon Palace Rest.") Tai Wu Rest. (bankrupt - sold to "Red Lantern Rest.") Three Happiness #1 (sold to new owner "Three Happiness") Three Happiness #2 (sold to "Chee King Rest.") Wong ?????? (sold to "Moon Palace Rest." now "Grand Shanghai Rest.") Glossary: --------- American: Type of cooking usually found in most continetal style restaurant. (i.e. McDonald & Boston Chicken to name a few). One don't need to elaborate here. American Cantonese: Such dishes that are common in america, but not commonly found in either Hong Kong & China. (i.e. egg foo young, chop suey, and other similar dishes). These dishes are usually heavy on gravy or sauce to satisfy most American taste. Burmese: A bit hard to describe, but similar to thai & indian cuisines. Cantonese: These dishes are commonly found at the southern part of China. (i.e. Roast Duck, Chinese Brocolli w/ oyster sauce and other etc). Typical dishes usually consist of flavor such as: soy sauce, oyster sauce, & salty bean curd sauce. This is not only in flavoring, but we don't use a lot of it to overpower our food. Texture is also not only the important part of most Chinese eating habit. It is our way to enhance the pleasure of our food. (i.e. sea-cucumber "sea slug", squid, and other texture type dishes). Cantonese Vegetarian: Simply, these are dishes that has no meat. They can (lacking a better be mostly vegetable or meat substitute. Some word) restaurants have now prepare these dishes in the Buddist ways, which contains no garlic, ginger, scallion (green onion), and onion. Chinese: A misuse term commonly refer to Cantonese Cuisine. It is basically a collection of style of cooking. (i.e. Cantonese). Fillipino: I don't have a exact definition, because most of my "Fillipino" friends are unable to tell me what good about it. From, what I gathered. It is cross between Chinese, Spanish, and American. Hunan: A style of cooking usually found in Western part of China. The use of hot & oil spice is use to enhance the flavor of food. Indonesian: A combination of style of cooking from India and Polynesian. Malaysian: Something similar to Indian cuisine, but with Chinese influence. Mandarin: Dishes such as these are commonly found in the western part of China. It is commonly associate with Szechuan and Hunan style of cooking. Thai: A typical spicy style of cooking similar to Mandarin & Szechuan, but inaddition of coconut milk and peanut. Vietnamese: Similar to Cantonese Cuisines, but with a bit of french influence. Some common additive use in their cooking are lemon grass & fish sauce to name a few. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Appendum: Dim Sum: simply mean,"little brunch" or "little jewel that tug to the heart." (i.e. of some dish like "Har Gau" (shrimp dumpling)). The average price is base on 3 dim sum dishes, tea & tax for 1 person. Dishes and price may vary from place to place. Lunch: Base on the restaurant's luncheon menu or course that are similar in proportion to size of the lunch course. My base is 1 soup, 1 egg roll, and average price meal. Please note, not all restaurant have egg roll or soup. I would simply base it on one average dish with tax. Dinner: Base on the restaurant's dinner menu of 1 soup, 1 egg roll, average price main course (nothing like chop suey dishes) and tax. Please note, not all restaurant have egg roll or soup. I would simply base it on one average dish with tax. Hope you find this informative as well as enhancing one own dining experience, because it took me sometime just to type this out. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Correction & Update - Updated history for some of the restaurants. - Updated some restaurants status. - Updated some restaurants new features. - Correct some spelling and grammar mistakes. (Hopefully, I got most of them.)