Chinatown Facts

Location: About 2 miles south of the Loop
Boundaries: 21st Street to the north, Dearborn Street to the east, the Stevenson Expressway to the south, and the Dan Ryan Expressway to the west
Demographics: For zip code 60616 which includes Chinatown neighborhood
Median Age: 34.1
Median Household Income: $30,625
24.2% of population 25 and older have bachelor's degree or higher
White 25.9%
African American 0.4%
Hispanic or Latino 9.1%
Asian 29.3%
American Indian and Alaskan Native 0.4%
Other Race 4.1%
Two or more races 1.7%
(Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census)

Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

After the final track of the transcontinental railroad was laid in 1869, the workforce consisting of 80 percent Chinese immigrants was displaced. Years before, these early Chinese settlers had made the Pacific coast their home, but rampant discrimination, anti-Chinese riots, and settlements filled with vice and sin -- most notably in San Francisco's Barbary Coast -- made returning to California, Oregon and Washington an unattractive idea. An eastward move enticed the many ambitious young men who had no more rails to lie, but at this time Chicago wasn't even on the radar.

A single Chinese settler was reported on the 1870 census statement, but it wasn't until 1878, when T.C. Moy arrived in Chicago, that the influx of Chinese culture began. Although the Chicago laws at the time were just as restricting as the ones on the west coast, the people in this new city were more agreeable, and business opportunities abounded. Moy wrote to his friends and family who had dispersed throughout America, and convinced them to join him in this strange mid-western city by the lake. The next year, the census counted 80 Chinese residents, the following year there were over 500.

The new settlement, located near Clark and Van Buren streets, experienced a lopsided ratio of Chinese men to women at a staggering 100:1. The settlers hadn't come to make families, they'd come to do business. And business they did. By 1900, there were 167 restaurants, and 430 laundries operated by Chinese in the city of Chicago. At this time, the Chinese population here was still very small, but by the 1950s, more lenient immigration laws combined with the rise of communism in mainland China led to a migratory surge. By 1970, one hundred years after the very first Chinese settler arrived, Chicago boasted the fourth largest Chinese population in America.

The spike in population couldn't have come at a worse time. Word of California's poor treatment of their Chinese residents had reached the mainland and China put a boycott on American trade. When this news reached Chicago, many of the landlords became suspicious of their new tenants, and raised rents tenfold. Most of the Chinese settlers couldn't pay and were forced to move south to a small area around the intersections of Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue where a new Chinatown was established. When the original Chinatown at Clark and Van Buren was leveled to make way for a detention center in the 1970s, you know where everyone went -- the tiny eight-block area of new Chinatown became overly crowded with the flood of new residents.

Today, Chinatown is still crowded, but a successful ebb and flow has materialized in the neighborhood. Many residents eventually choose to relocate to the suburbs to start families, and new immigrants arrive to fill their places. This means that available housing in Chinatown proper is difficult to come by, vacant units are incredibly desirable for both new immigrants and folks drawn to the cultural prosperity of the neighborhood.
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Landmarks

Wandering the streets of Chinatown is certainly a sensory experience. The smells, the tastes, and the extraordinary architectural sights are so abundant they tend to overwhelm. Looming high above Wentworth Avenue, the building that now houses the Pui Tak Center (2216 S. Wentworth Ave.) may be the most impressive of all. Originally the home of the On Leong Merchants Association, its architectural elements were derived from China's Kwangtung district, but in the true spirit of Chicago's multicultural wealth, the building was designed by Norwegian architects in 1926. In 1993, the site was designated a Chicago Landmark, ensuring that its imposing curves will forever remain high above Chinatown.

The other dominating landmark here is, of course, the Chinatown Gateway, built in 1975 to welcome visitors to the community, and to help the neighborhood snap out of 30 years of decline. This gate is significantly less embellished than those of San Francisco or New York's Chinatowns, and with good reason -- the sleek lines and lack of ornament on the gate were conceived to usher in a period of modernization that local leaders hoped would revitalize the area. Also worth a visit is the zodiac sculpture garden in Chinatown Square (2100 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-225-0088), the nearby Chinatown Mural that features hand-painted tiles depicting early Chinese-American history, and the Nine-Dragon Wall (on Cermak near Wentworth), an extraordinarily detailed wall made up of nine intricate sculptures of dragons.

Here in Chicago, we like our history with a little bit of seedy gang violence -- namely from Chicago's most infamous bad man and favorite son, Al Capone. Because his headquarters at the Lexington Hotel (at 22nd and Michigan) was so close to the Chinatown boundaries, Capone and his men often ventured into the neighborhood for a bite to eat and to attend mass at Madonna Incoronata Church (now St. Therese) on Wentworth Avenue and Alexander Street. As any good Catholic knows, bringing your Tommy-Gun to church is a big no-no, so Capone and his thugs would stash their arsenal below the Guey Sam restaurant (now the site of Penang Restaurant) before entering the confessional. The Lexington, along with many Capone-era landmarks, has been torn down, but if you still want to walk in the shoes of the mob you can visit the church or take in some Malaysian food at Penang.
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Parks

It's hard to imagine life in Chicago without the image of a lushly landscaped city park coming to mind. When it comes to green space, we're really quite spoiled -- and we like it that way. Before the construction of Ping Tom Memorial Park (300 W. 19th St, 312-746-5962) in 1999, Chinatown residents didn't share this basic civic privilege that so many Chicagoans take for granted. During the construction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, several nearby parks were demolished to make way for progress, and two generations of kids grew up without the advantage of an accessible urban retreat. Ping Tom, a life-long Chinatown resident and community leader, had big problems with this fact and worked for years to get something done about it. Eventually, his persistence paid off, in the form of a breathtaking 12-acre park, nestled onto the banks of the Chicago River.

Converted from a historic railway yard, the park was named after its visionary, and adorned with elements of traditional Chinese landscaping. Taking a stroll through the bamboo gardens is a quick way to get very Zen, but it's the Chicago River that is the true star here. The park takes advantage of the waterfront locale with the graceful Riverfront Pavilion and Dragon-boat races that are held periodically on the river. One of our favorite things to do here is to grab a blanket, some take-out and a bottle of cheap wine, and find a spot on the lawn for the free summertime "Movies in the Park" series.
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Real Estate

Although housing is difficult to come by in the Chinatown neighborhood, a residence here remains a holy grail of sorts. The deep sense of community, combined with an authentic dose of Chinese culture and more than enough local businesses to satisfy every need and desire, means a neighborhood bursting with excitement, comfort, and convenience.

The streets here are tightly packed with restaurants and shops, resulting in an unshakable urban vibe. Most of the homes in this Chicago neighborhood are attached and significantly older, including condos, lofts and some townhomes. The housing shortage here is being addressed by community leaders, and over 300 new residences are being built, but people who crave historical flavor in a home love the unique architecture and careful preservation of existing Chinatown apartments.

The average sales price for a one- or two-bedroom unit in Chinatown is around $250,000 with the low end around $220,000 and the higher end around $300,000. It's difficult to find anything with more space -- and more bedrooms -- but typically, a three-bedroom condo or loft in Chinatown would cost about $300,000.

Near South Side Residential Real Estate Info (Includes Chinatown Neighborhood)

Source: Multiple Listings Service of Northern Illinois
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What's on the Menu?

Let's not kid ourselves here, you may be excited about the history, shopping, or architecture of Chinatown but everything takes a backseat to the food. There are countless places to fill your bellies, but be forewarned -- if you are searching for Americanized Chinese, you will be sorely disappointed here. This is the real-deal. Most eating establishments are zero frills, chock-full of MSG, and more authenticity than you can shake a chopstick at.

Tapas may be the in-vogue cuisine, but the original small plate belongs to dim sum. These tasty little treats are typically served during the brunch hours, and there are ample spots in Chinatown that will leave you hooked. Shui Wah (2162 S. Archer Ave, 312-225-8811) is the tiny little dumpling joint that the locals swear by. The wait is long, but if you come on weekdays, you'll be fine. Instead of choosing from carts, you just mark your choices on a paper menu, just like at a sushi place. The claustrophobic or impatient can take advantage of Shui Wah's speedy carryout option, but we usually prefer to dine in. If you like the novelty of overflowing snack carts brimming with barbeque pork buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, and sweet sesame balls wheeled at you from all directions -- your new favorite spot will be the Phoenix (2131 S. Archer Ave, 312-328-0848). Join the club -- the line snaking around the block is proof positive that Chicagoans travel from all corners to stuff their faces with this authentic fare.

For those that prefer their meal without any trimmings on the side, Happy Chef Dim Sum House (2164 S. Archer Ave, 312-808-3689) is happy to oblige. You might have to share a table with some strangers, but since the tables are lined with stacks of trash-bags to allow for quick clean-up, you won't have to wait long for a nice, tidy seat from which to order. Prices are bargain-basement low, the food is addictive, and even though dim sum is traditionally served in the morning and afternoon, Happy Chef will hook you up day or night, offering a special late-night menu as well. The options for dim sum are endless, but when you want a full-plate, we have some clear favorites. Five-taste chicken? That's for the weak. Triple Crown Seafood Chinese Restaurant (211 22nd Pl, 312-791-0788) serves up the 100-flavor stuff, along with seafood specials like walnut shrimp, salt and pepper calamari, and clams in black bean sauce. We like to judge the quality of a Chinese place by the tastiness of its Mongolian beef, and Triple Crown does the spicy staple right. For an authentic Chinatown dining experience, make this your first stop.

If you're not quite ready to stray from the Americanized, but want a more charming experience than the typical mall food court, Lobster King Restaurant (2129-A S China Pl, 312-326-2088) is your destination. The decor is Deco with just the right touch of kitsch, and the food is more than a few steps up from Panda Express. All the romance of low lights and table-top lazy-Susans and as many Mai-Thais as you can double-fist makes for a charming, if not entirely accurate, Chinese experience. When you've got a big group to impress and are desperately seeking the holy trifecta: huge portions of fresh food, immediate seating, and would a BYOB policy be too much to ask? Don't panic. Just pack up your 12 closest friends and head to Lee Wing Wah. (2147 S. China Place, 312-808-1628). They elevate simple salt-and-pepper seasoning to an art form, the selection is great, and the pre-set group menus are full of the things you actually want to eat.

Your belly is full, but not too full for dessert, we hope. There are a lot of bakeries to choose from -- but you need only remember one name: Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe (2158 S. Archer Ave, 312-225-3168) Whether it's cake, custard, or rice balls you're after, you'll find your poison here. The true stars are the egg tarts, made in the Hong-Kong tradition with cookie crusts. All of the delicacies are substantially less sweet than their western counterparts, but you won't miss the sugar at all. Wash your pastry of choice down with an oversized bubble tea or smoothie -- both done very well at this Chinatown neighborhood favorite.

We like a neighborhood cafe feel -- you know: art on the walls, stacks of board games to play, the kind of place that invites you to hang out all day. In Chinatown, that place is Tea Leaf Cafe (2336 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-808-3668). Bubble teas, freezes, and smoothies are made with fresh fruit, the prices are low, and they are open late -- what else could you ask for? Caffeine-fiends around these parts take the path less traveled -- the one lined with tea trees. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to drink ambrosia inside of a citrus fruit, Saint Alp's Teahouse (2131 S. Archer Ave, 312-842-1886) will show you. This Hong-Kong chain does bubble tea better than anyone else in Chinatown, but if you grow weary of the tapioca, there are 70-plus varieties of fancy drinks, from hand-shaken teas to pre-sweetened bobas. Don't worry if you don't understand, the pictures lining the walls will tell you what to expect. You'll come out a little emptier in the wallet -- these specialty beverages don't come cheap -- but, trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Sometimes, we are smack in the middle of Chinatown and just don't feel like Chinese food. We know it's an outrage, but luckily for us, some local restaurants offer up other types of cuisine. If you're still up for all the spice, flair, and adventure you came to Chinatown for, Penang (2201 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-326-6888) is a great alternative. Everything on this authentic Malaysian menu is overwhelmingly fresh -- mangos, chilies, curries, jicama -- you can even drink the juice right out of the coconut. A little establishment history: before it was Penang, this locale was the favorite Chinese food (and gun storage) joint of Capone and his boys. Kind of hard to imagine old Al delicately handling chopsticks.

If all this mafia-talk has you in the mood for something a little more classic Chicago, Connie's Pizza (2373 S. Archer Ave, 312-326-3029) will get you back to your happy place. This huge, open-loft style restaurant seems out of place in Chinatown, but it's a welcome retreat from all of the small store-front eateries. When the term "Chicago Institution" is applied to deep-dish, it's usually during a conversation about Connie's. They've been pumping out piping fresh pies to crowds at ball games, movie theaters, and malls around Chicago for years, but if you haven't eaten at this location, you haven't really had Connie's. This is the pie that people write home about. If you prefer your Italian food in seedy, obscure, Sopranos-esque environs, Bertucci's Corner (300 W. 24th St, 312-225-2848) is the little corner joint for you. Everything on the chalkboard menu is tasty, the staff is friendly, and the scruffy ambiance can't be beat.
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Best Shopping Stops

Every Chicago neighborhood has something special to offer in the shopping department, but when it comes to the search for exotic gifts, curious herbs, and worldly home decor, Chinatown is the prime hunting ground.

For your medicinal needs, make a stop at Yin Wall City (2112 S. Archer Ave, 312-225-2888). The ginseng selection is superb, but what really impresses us is the enormous catalogue of herbs and sundries. Whether it's a shark fin, rare mushroom, or the edible nest of the Malaysian Swiftlet you're after, you'll find it here. Yin Wall also has a large collection of loose leaf Chinese teas to choose from. We'd never begrudge you the thrill of comparison shopping, so after you've scanned the shelves at Yin Wall, head over to Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng, Co. (2247 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-842-1171) . Whatever your ailment, Ten Ren has a tea that will heal it. You can sample any variety before you buy, and they even stock traditional teapots and ware. The assortment of ginseng here is on par with Yin Wall, so choose your fave, and bask in all the benefits of Eastern Medicine.

Chinatown Square is lined with all kinds of gift shops, but the Chinatown Bazaar (2221 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-225-1088) will always be our one-stop shopping mecca. Remember Templeton the rat from Charlotte's Web who was turned loose in the fair after-hours? Even the most reserved of us run around like that when we step foot into this place. Whether it's that perfect bag, silk slippers, or an elegant Mandarin dress, you'll find it here, and at an obscenely low price. After sifting through all the colorful goodies at the Bazaar, it's high time for a sugar rush. At Aji Ichban (2117-A S. China Place, 312-328-9998) you will find all of the Asian candies that you never knew you wanted. The tiny storefront is filled with bins of gingers, dried fruits, and even those adorable cartoonish Japanese treats. Make sure to sample everything in sight before you scoop your choices into a plastic bag. While you're in an indulgent mood, it's time to head over to HoyPoloi Gallery (2235 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-225-6477). Chinatown's signature "I want everything in this store" shop comes with hefty price tags, but when it comes to conversation-igniting home decor, there's no place like it. If you're looking for that perfect piece of art to pull a room together, you'll find a great selection of unique and inspiring items here.
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Night on the Town

We'd be happy eating and shopping until the sun comes up, but we just can't resist the call of a night out in Chinatown.

Nightlife here is limited, but we're really only here to answer an age-old riddle: What's loud, off-key, and tone-deaf all over? That would be us, whenever we go to the Red-I Lounge (2201 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-927-7334). When you want to get in touch with your inner American Idol, this is the spot to hit. The furniture is red, the walls are red, but the money is green -- they don't take plastic here, so bring plenty of cash. Private booths line the walls, but we don't mind embarrassing ourselves by singing Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in front of strangers in the main room. If you prefer your karaoke more high-tech, check out the subterranean Sushi Lounge (234 W. Cermak Rd, 312-326-9168). This lower-level Chinatown bar invites guests in to indulge their senses. Plasma screens show cheesy music videos that accompany each song track, colored lights spin 'round like disco night at a bowling alley, and you get to sit in swanky, quirky furniture like those giant plastic hand-shaped chairs you've always wanted while singing to your heart's content -- all the while getting your wasabi and sake fix.
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Showtime!

Chicago might don the nickname Second City, but when it comes to music there is no question who's first. These days, the city is known for an outpouring of rock and Hip Hop acts, but once upon a time nothing came close to the Chicago Sound, a musical genre that includes jazz -- it's a beautiful, fluid, inspired thing, and it's hanging out every night of the week at the Velvet Lounge (67 E. Cermak Rd, 312-791-9050). Legendary musician Fred Anderson opened the Velvet Lounge in 1982, after his infamous Birdhouse closed down on the north side. The proprietor can still be found taking money at the door, going table to table to greet jazz-enthusiasts, and at his rightful place on stage, lips wrapped around a tenor sax. Drinks are affordable, brass reigns supreme, and the stage is ground zero for legends to newbies; classics to experimental; the heart-wrenching to the dance-worthy. Grab your Honey, or get a group of friends and spend an evening in the belly of Chinatown, soaking in the soul of Chicago.
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Mark Your Calendar

Chicago plays host to many festivals, special events, and celebrations -- but no neighborhood does this with more pizzazz than Chinatown. Always colorful, over-the-top, and community-oriented, this Chicago neighborhood stages happenings that will give you the "warm fuzzies" year-round.

When it comes to a celebration nothing says "Festive" like a parade, and really, nothing says "Parade" like a hundred-foot mystical dragon snaking through a city street. Of course, we are talking about the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade (2400 S. Wentworth Ave, 312-326-5320) complete with all the requisite marching bands, floats, and beauty queens you can handle. Not even the nippy February weather can hold a candle to a team of heavily costumed lions -- one that draws a crowd big enough to keep Chicago's celebrations on par with the larger ones in San Francisco and New York.

You don't have to wait for the winter freeze to enjoy community merriment and street fair fun -- the Chinatown neighborhood hosts one of the largest summer celebrations, too. Each year in the middle of July, local restaurants and merchants set up outposts on the street for the Chinatown Summer Fair (2200 S Wentworth Ave, 312-225-6198). You can sample dumplings and other irresistible Chinatown fare, dig through piles of goodies -- both the edible and the wearable type -- and take your time perusing through festive artwork that might be just the touch your new home is in need of. You'll be in good company as the fair attracts around 70,000 people every year, and makes sure to entertain them with plenty of live music and a much anticipated Lion Dance Procession.
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Getting Around

There's nothing like walking through the Chinatown Gate and using your own two feet to guide your way. Since everything is so close together in this tiny Chicago neighborhood, you'll be sure to miss some things if you opt to drive. If it's really wheels that you want, a bike would be a better option. If you'd prefer to let someone else do the pedaling for you just flag down a pedicab. These modern-day versions of the rickshaw are an authentic and fun way to experience Chinese living. The buggy-seats are actually quite comfy, and using manpower to propel you through the streets is an environmentally-sound choice.

When coming and going from the neighborhood, we like to take advantage of Chicago's stellar public transportation system -- the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The Red Line train runs straight through Chinatown with a stop on the neighborhood's north side at Cermak/Chinatown. It makes getting in and out of Chinatown a snap any time of day or night, as the line runs 24 hours a day. And if you want our humble opinion, the view from the platform should be on a postcard.

We know that when you're in a hurry, cold, or just tired, taking a cab is the easiest option. Luckily, you'll never have trouble finding a ride around here, and ten bucks will usually get you to the Loop. If you prefer to drive yourself, you'll love the easy access to both the I-90/94 Dan Ryan Expressway to the west, and the I-55 Stevenson Expressway to the south -- just beware of morning and evening rush hours -- these highways are heavily traveled and can make for a serious case of road rage. During the week, street parking here is easy to find, but on the weekends the area is stuffed full of tourists, so it might be better to take advantage of the parking garages in the neighborhood.
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School's in Session

Despite its stellar range of primary schools, Chinatown isn't home to any colleges or universities. However, the emphasis on historical and cultural education is apparent, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new.

Whether you are interested in tracking the historical journey of tofu before it landed in your grocer's freezer, or are considering the impact of Chicago's two legendary World Fairs on East-Asian immigrants, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago (238 W. 23rd St, 312-949-1000) is here to school you. The museum is a hotspot for learning about Chicago's Chinese-American population in general, and specifically concerns itself with examining the Chinatown neighborhood from every perspective possible. The Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute (2145-B S. China Pl, 312-842-1988) offers tours of the neighborhood, programs about specific areas of Chinese culture, and language courses galore. When you are ready for that final push across the Pacific, they host a cultural exchange program with the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing.

Whether it's public or private you are interested in, families can choose from several fine neighborhood schools throughout Chicago. In addition to the following list of schools in Chinatown, you can get more information by visiting Chicago Public Schools and Great Schools.

Haines Elementary School - 247 W 23rd Pl - (773) 534-9200
National Teacher's Academy - 55 W Cermak Rd - (773) 534-9970
Pui Tak Christian School - 2301 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 328-1188
St Therese Chinese Catholic Mission - 247 W 23rd St - (312) 326-2837

Basic Needs

Be it bubble tea, ginseng, or dim sum you're after, you'll need to know where to look. We've compiled a guide to the Chinatown basics -- and yes, that includes a place to get a pizza fix once in a while.

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Post Offices

US Post Office - 2345 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 326-6440

Libraries

Chinatown Public Library - 2353 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 747-8013

Pharmacies

Linda's Pharmacy - 2339 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 791-0533
Peace Pharmacy - 2320 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-2500
Walgreens - 316 W Cermak Rd - (312) 791-0376

Grocery Stores

Chicago Food Market - 2245 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-4361
Hong Kong Market - 2425 S Wallace St - (312) 791-9111
Mayflower Foods - 2140 S Archer Ave - (312) 326-7440
Mei Wah Inc - 2401-03 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-9090
Yee Wau Tang Grocery - 211 W Cermak Rd - (312) 326-1883

ENTERTAINMENT

Chicago Chinese Cultural Institution - 2145 B S. China Pl Chinatown Sq - (312) 842-1988
Chinese American Museum of Chicago - 238 W 23rd St - (312) 949-1000

Events
Chinatown Summer Fair - 2200 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-6198
Chinese Lunar New Year Parade - 2400 S. Wentworth Ave - (312) 326-5320

SHOPPING

88 Video and Gift - 2337 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 326-9888
Aj Houseware & Gifts - 2125 S China Pl - (312) 567-9908
Aji Ichiban 2117 - A S China Pl - (312) 328-9998
C W Mei's Gift Shop - 2290 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-7608
Chinatown Bazaar - 2221 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-1088
Hit Music - 2105 S China Pl - (312) 326-3222
Hoypoloi Gallery - 2235 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-6477
Mandar-Inn Gifts - 2319 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 326-5082
Sun Sun Tong - 2260 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-6398
Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng Co. - 2247 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-1171
Yin Wall City - 2112 S Archer Ave - (312) 225-2888

DINING

Bakeries
Captain Bakery & Cafe - 2161 S China Pl - (312) 791-0888
Chinese Happiness - 2409 S Wentworth St - (312) 225-6608
Chiu Quon Bakery - 2242 S Wentworth Ave - (773) 927-2288
Double Happiness - 2409 S Wentworth St - (312) 225-6608
Feida Bakery - 2228 S Wentworth St - (312) 808-1113
Golden Dragon Fortune Cookies - 2323 S Archer Ave - (312) 842-8199
Happy Garden Bakery - 2140 S Archer Ave - (312) 808-9538
Poppie's Dough - 2411 S Wallace St - (312) 640-0404
Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe - 2158 S Archer Ave - (312) 225-3168
Wan Shi Da Bakery - 2229 S Wentworth St - (312) 225-1133
Woks 'n' Things - 2234 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-0701

Tea House/Coffee Shop
Saint's Alp Teahouse - 2131 S Archer Ave - (312) 842-1886
Tea Leaf Cafe - 2336 S Wentworth Ave - 312-808-3668

Chinese Cuisine
Cantonesia - 204 W Cermak Rd - (312) 225-0100
China Buffet - 332 W 24th Pl - (308) 324-8560
China Cafe - 2300 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 808-0202
China Garden Cafe - 2230 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 949-9898
China Restaurant - 2253 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-2600
China Town Cafe - 2604 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 791-0366
Chinatown Chop Suey - 207 W Cermak Rd - (312) 326-2265
Chinn's Seafood Restaurant - 216 W 22nd Pl - (312) 808-0882
Dim Sum House - 2610 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-5400
Dragon Court Co - 2414 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 791-1882
Dragon King Restaurant - 2138 S Archer Ave - (312) 881-0168
Emperor's Choice - 2238 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-8800
Evergreen - 2411 S Wentworth Ave - 312-225-8898
Great Wall Restaurant - 2127 S China Pl - (312) 808-9686
The Happy Chef Dim Sum House - 2164 S Archer Ave - (312) 808-3689
House of Fortune - 2407 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-0880
Jade Garden Restaurant - 2243 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-7023
Joy Yee's Noodles - 2159 S China Pl - (312) 328-0001
Kam Fung - 216 W 22nd Pl - (312) 949-9828
Ken Kee - 2129 S China Pl - (312) 326-2088
KS Seafood - 2163 S China Pl - (312) 842-1238
Lao Sze Chuan - 2172 S Archer Ave - (312) 326-5040
Lee Wing Wah - 2147 S China Pl - (312) 808-1628
Lobster King Restaurant 2 - 129-A S China Place Chinatown Sq - (312) 326-2088
Mandarin Kitchen - 2143 S Archer St - (312) 328-0228
Moon Palace - 216 W Cermak Rd - (312) 225-4081
Mountainview Food Court - 2168 S Archer Ave Chinatown Sq - (312) 842-2168
Mulan - 2017 S Wells St - (312) 842-8282
Phoenix Restaurant - 2131 S Archer - (312) 328-0848
Seven Treasures - 2310 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 225-2668
Shui Wah - 2162 S Archer Ave - (312) 225-8811
Sky Food Chinese Restaurant - 228 W Cermak Rd - (312) 842-7818
Spring World - 2109 A S China Pl - (312) 326-9966
Three Happiness - 2130 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 791-1228
(Little) Three Happiness - 209 W Cermak Rd - (312) 842-1964
Triple Crown Seafood Chinese Restaurant - 211 W 22nd Pl - (312) 791-0788
Wing Chan BBQ - 2157 S China Pl - (312) 791-9389
Won Kow - 2237 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 842-7500
Yee Heung Seafood House - 225 W Cermak Rd - (312) 326-3171

Italian Cuisine
Bertucci's Corner - 300 W 24th St - (312) 225-2848

Japanese Cuisine
Sushi Lounge - 234 W Cermak Rd - 312-326-9168

Malaysian Cuisine
Penang - 2201 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 326-6888

Pizza
Connie's Pizza - 2373 S Archer Ave - (312) 326-3029

Vietnamese Cuisine
Hing Kee Phohung - 2140 S Archer Ave - (312) 808-9538
Noodle - 2336 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 674-1168

Nightlife/Bars
Red-I Lounge - 2201 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 927-7334
Sushi Lounge - 234 W Cermak Rd (312) - 326-9168
Velvet Lounge - 67 E Cermak Rd - (312) 791-9050
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There's a lot of mystery involved in searching for a new homeit starts with the property and expands outward to encompass the street, the block, the neighborhood, the entire city! Every little thing matters from the color of the walls to the attractions of the town. That's why a guide like this one on Chinatown is so helpful to potential homebuyers. Without leaving the comfort of your desktop computer or laptop, you've got an extensive pool of information on all of Chicago's neighborhoods that includes first-hand descriptions of dining, entertainment, shopping, bars, and events, in addition to lists of schools, hospitals, post offices, and gyms. We've done all the research to carefully craft this one-stop online spot, and create your hub for the real deal on Chinatown. So as soon as a Chicago loft, condo, townhome or house catches your eye, you know where to come for the low down on the digs around that prime piece of real estate.
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