Chicago Chinatown
Chicago Chinatown
3.5
About
Chicago's Chinatown is the second largest Chinatown in the U.S., with rows of specialty shops, cafes, Chinese teahouses and dim sum restaurants at the corner of Cemak Road and Wentworth Avenue. Apart from digging into delicious Chinese food, you can learn about Chicago's Chinese history at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago and Pui Tak Center, stop by the Chinese American Veteran Memorial, admire views of the city at Ping Tom Memorial Park, and marvel at the brilliantly tiled Nine Dragon Wall. Don't miss all the highlights on a food and walking tour of Chinatown. Time your visit during the Lunar New Year to experience the annual Chinatown Parade, complete with lion dances, colorful floats, and more. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Chinatown may be one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods geographically, but it's big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. In this South Side neighborhood, you’ll find authentic Chinese restaurants dotting the length of Wentworth Avenue. After a meal of dim sum, noodles, duck or other tantalizing food specialties, satiate your visual appetite with dozens of public art sculptures sprinkled throughout the neighborhood ranging from animal structures to pagodas, a tile mosaic, Chinatown Gate, and a Buddhist Temple.
How to get there
- Cermak–Chinatown • 6 min walk
- Cermak–McCormick Place • 9 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,411 within 3 miles
Attractions
953 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Pam TMansfield, Ohio300 contributionsChinatown is a fun place outside the norm.I love Chinatown as a destination for shopping for produce etc and eating. Saturday the parking was hard to get and so I ended up in public parking which was 15 bucks for a little over an hour. When I went back on Tuesday morning, I found a free spot along the road. Found some awesome produce as well as noodles to bring home in my suitcase. Ate twice at Happy Cafe which I will review on their page. Some places did ask for cash. Be ready for that. There are hotels in the area which would eliminate the parking issue but the one charges $30 a day. Just an FYI, not complaining. Love to go here as an escape from the norm. Will return.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 31 January 2024
- tom b3 contributionsFirst time in ChicagoVisited Chicago for just under a week the start of June 2024. I'll start by saying public transport is great for America with many bus routes and train/ metro lines at a very reasonable price of $25 for a week's pass. The city has a lot to offer from parks to museums, beach's and shops. There's plenty of places to each all over the city for all budgets. My personal favourites were the museum of science and industry and just being down near the water and Lincoln park. I stayed in the Logan square area, which is about 30 minutes from downtown on the blue line , there's plenty of shops in the area and buses all over.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 June 2024
- starr ☆彡Florida26 contributionsChinatown is WORTH IT!Chinatown was amazing! My boyfriend recommended we go there while in Chicago and we ended spending the whole day there. Lots of stores to shop in for anime, manga, sanrio, kpop, and more from asian culture. We tried tons of new foods like karaage, takoyaki, and then some familiar foods like sushi, chicken/beef skewers, etc. Definitely worth the trip and take your time there because there’s lots to see! Places you should definitely stop by in: - Kuro Ramen - Yamato Beauty - Asian Image - EK Souvenirs - Ume Tea - Sushi Plus Rotary Bar - Kong Dog - Ichiban Candy and SnacksVisited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.5
638 reviews
Excellent
139
Very good
207
Average
171
Poor
81
Terrible
41
Missing China
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
After reading some not so positive reviews, we decided to head to Chinatown for lunch, (we live 4 hours away in Northern Michigan) with 2 older children and 1 medium sized dog in tow. I read complaints about the streets being dirty, the food not so good, cleanliness standards and smells not up to par, and restaurants not being dog friendly. We had low expectations and did not know what to expect because of Covid. We were pleasantly surprised to find that most places were open on Sunday (very Chinese), roast duck and bbq pig were abundant (very Chinese), people were scared of our 20 lb dog and walked far around us (again.. very Chinese) and that street vendors were selling veggies on the sidewalk (wait for it.. very Chinese)! This was an authentic experience as it felt like we were back in Shenzhen where we lived last year for 6 months. I found myself saying hello and thank you in Chinese and asking for food in Mandarin. If you want to know what China looks and smells like, go here and step into the hidden grocery store I’m the basement below the restaurant (one more time.. VERY Chinese)! We tried food at 6 different restaurants and shopped at 2 supermarkets. Even though we had a dog, we were invited to sit at an outdoor restaurant with no hesitation! No one blinked an eye, as he was very quiet and well behaved. My children were polite to the homeless people and beggars which are prevalent in Chicago and one gentleman even asked if our dog was a cattle dog (he is a mini Australian Shepherd). The people were very authentic and I enjoyed the conversations I had with children and families as I waited in line for groceries and food. Our family enjoyed a little slice of the the life we were missing in China and my son said we need to go back in a couple of weeks😉. If you are expecting a touristy place, this is not it. If you expect to go home smelling like China, this is the place for you!!!
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,455 contributions
Apr 2022
Chicago Chinatown is far below the NYC's or SF's.
It's out of the main area, south from the city center and main city attractions with nothing else to do there.
The area is pretty small and not interesting - mostly small shops selling cheap trinkets and restaurants with inflated prices.
It's out of the main area, south from the city center and main city attractions with nothing else to do there.
The area is pretty small and not interesting - mostly small shops selling cheap trinkets and restaurants with inflated prices.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silver
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Dec 2022
I go here literally every week. The food here is so good along with the boba. There is so many boba shops and theres just so many resturants in general. Although the shops sell a lot of the same stuff, there is some hidden gems. The kpop store sells so many albums , but its very overpriced. Its the only kpop store in chicago so I just suck it up. Some places I recommend is: Joyhee, Chi cafe, Uni Uni tea, Korean BBQ.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James
2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Chinatown was disappointing. We ate at four restaurants and had zero good meals. Greasy, salty and poorly prepared food at a premium price. We had better Chinese/Korean food in Green Bay. Chinatown Chicago thinks tourists will eat whatever crap they want to serve. That and the dirty streets/sidewalks explains the areas’ decline. Plus the $50 parking tickets to make it worse.
Dirty restaurants and rudeness to non-Asians was our experience. Panda Express has Chinatown beat so head to the local mall if you want decent Chinese food.
Dirty restaurants and rudeness to non-Asians was our experience. Panda Express has Chinatown beat so head to the local mall if you want decent Chinese food.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobbie W
Warwick, RI1,693 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Whenever we’re in a big city that has a Chinatown we check it out. Not Blake Boston, New York or San Francisco, Chicago has a Chinatown too. Overflowing with restaurants and shops, you won’t be disappointed.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam T
Mansfield, OH300 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I love Chinatown as a destination for shopping for produce etc and eating. Saturday the parking was hard to get and so I ended up in public parking which was 15 bucks for a little over an hour. When I went back on Tuesday morning, I found a free spot along the road. Found some awesome produce as well as noodles to bring home in my suitcase. Ate twice at Happy Cafe which I will review on their page. Some places did ask for cash. Be ready for that. There are hotels in the area which would eliminate the parking issue but the one charges $30 a day. Just an FYI, not complaining. Love to go here as an escape from the norm. Will return.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TakenByTravel777
Kalamazoo, MI187 contributions
Feb 2020
Chinatown wasn't what I expected, and that's GOOD! A simple, long street with a lovely Chinese Gate at the entrance and many great shops and restaurants along the way. It was simple to walk down each side, was clean, and fun to explore. We went into several groceries and health shops for interesting snacks, gifts, and tea. Prices are similar. We discovered a "rolled ice cream shop," too. There are many Chinese shoppers so we tried to be courteous and walk around them in the tiny spaces since we had a tourist agenda and wanted them to receive service first.
We ate at HAPPY LAMP HOT POT and loved it. The whole experience was great.
We ate at HAPPY LAMP HOT POT and loved it. The whole experience was great.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
k2xsara
Chicago, IL94 contributions
Jan 2020
I live downtown, and though it isn’t a short walk to get to Chinatown, it is surprisingly close and easy to get to. We often come for dinner, or rolled ice cream, or for Asian ingredients, or for dim sum, or for acupuncture, or bamboo plants, or purchasing cabinets, or whatever. It is an asset to the city. For the tourist, it’s fun to walk around and eat at one of the myriad of options, or check out the stores. You can spend an hour, or spend more time - it’s up to you. My only advice is to make sure you visit around meal time.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Özlem G
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Unfortunately, my visit to Chicago's Chinatown didn't meet my expectations. The area felt quite quiet, and I struggled to find engaging activities. The limited options for things to do left me feeling a bit bored during my time there.It doesn't worth going, there is nothing to do.
Written 9 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie M
Michigan197 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Overall just a big disappointment. The older section was smelly and dirty. The stores all had really cheap stuff in them. They nine dragon wall wasn't anything special- really just a photo op on a really busy street. We went to the newer section as well. Again, nothing that exciting.
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there street food food vendors. Or mostly brick and mortar resteraunts.
Written 21 March 2021
Is there somewhere close by Chinatown tourist shops to park and walk up and down the main streets that people talk about with rolled ice cream, tourist "stuff" etc? We will be in town for a couple days this summer and my 14 year old wants to see Chinatown architecture, cuisine etc?
Written 20 May 2019
Yes. Two big parking lots along Wentworth Ave at Cermak and at Archer Ave. (under the CTA Red Line stataion). You can get a validation ticket in participating stores or restaurants for a discount on the parking rate.
Written 30 June 2019
Donde puedo comer el mejor pato en el barrio chino????
Written 19 November 2018
El mejor enMichigan Av .
Lao Sze Chuan
Written 10 July 2019
Donde puedo comer el mejor pato del barrio chino????
Written 19 November 2018
Recorrí el barrio, y me dio sensación de suciedad . De abandono. Comparado con otros barrios chino de otras partes del mundo como el de San Francisco , da pena lo descuidado. Realmente te recomiendo que comas en otro sitio de Chicago que tiene lugares encantadores y restaurantes para todos los presupuestos del turista
Written 19 November 2018
Would you recommend staying in an airbnb for 5 nights in Chinatown, I'm considering, since I have a conference at Mc cormick place and it's walking distance. Thanks
Written 4 April 2018
Yes!! Absolutely Yes.. I can’t wait to go back, I cant imagine how fun it would be to stay for a few days, time to sample the bakery items, several bubble teas, dim sum, Shabu Shabu, I would be in heaven here..
Written 24 June 2018
is it like the China Town in NYC? lots of shops with cheap stuff?
is it a good idea to visit week of Thanksgiving?
Written 23 September 2017
Chicago's Chinatown is smaller than New York. There are many stores to buy inexpensive things, One restaurant I highly recommend is Ming Hin for dim sum, entrees, etc.They own 3 restaurants in various areas, so are successful. Thanksgiving is as good a time as any. Enjoy!
Written 4 October 2017
What time do they shut down on Sunday?
Written 11 June 2017
It looks like Sing's Noodles and Slurp Slurp are the only places that offer hand-pulled noodles. Is that correct, or are there others that you would recommend? Thanks!
Written 27 February 2017
I haven't been there so I can't answer your question.
Written 27 February 2017
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