Loop Chinese

I've been disheartened until recently to find a lack of Chinese restaurants in the loop that weren't a chain with limited menus. That is until I found Eat & Drink. I've not seen this place mentioned before here on LTH.

It's a shack, very very similar to River Kwai on Belmont. High energy, small size, yet a welcome lack of drunk folk. A pretty complete menu of Chicago Chinese favorites including a listing of fresh fruit smoothies.

Today I had the Szechwan Vegetables - size small, that comes with rice is plenty food and plenty spicy. For $6.35, I'm happy. Many vegetarian and tofu selections. Granted, it's not the best Chinese, but it sure ain't the worst, and I can walk to it from work.

Eat & Drink
212 W. Randolph
Chicago
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 9:00 pm

They probably do the best General Tso's chicken in the Loop.

But for a refreshing shift away from the indignities of Loop Chinese, go to Golden Budha [sic].

Golden Budha
312 W. Randolph St.

If I'm not mistaken Eat & Drink was, for some years, a hot dog/polish type stand before being sold and turning Chinese. It's in the parking lot next to where Zimmerman's used to be (Walgreens now, I think).

As already mentioned, Golden Budha Chinese Steakhouse is a block further west on Randolph St. past Eat & Drink (past Franklin St. and before N. Wacker Dr.). It's almost next door to Giordano's. I tried it on the recommendation of someone I didn't really know very well. I've only eaten there once, so don't have experience in comparing dishes. The waitstaff was all non-Chinese/Asian, and, for me, that's a bad indicator of what's to come. However, I was mistaken and I thought the food was worth what I paid.

Golden Budha features a half-dozen lunch specials for $6.95 apiece ($7.60 with tax)(tea not included, I drank only the free glass of water). Included in my special was: good cup of soup (mushroom/egg drop, maybe - I couldn't tell, but it was good), excellent egg roll (the best I've had in years - crispy thin wrapper, not greasy and with nice filling, shrimp, too, I'm recalling), and orange chicken for the entree (good quality chicken, nice sweet/orange sauce). Specials are served with vegetable-fried rice, a healthy serving. Most people won't leave the place hungry.

The restaurant's in the basement portion of the atrium of a small office building. There's a nice-looking bar off to one side. The menu includes steaks at about $25 each. I'm not keen on eating steak in a Chinese restaurant (haven't yet and think it a bit out-of-place).

Golden Budha, for the money, is a good lunch spot - especially when compared with the cost charged by neighborhood take-out/sit down places such as Rice Fields. I'm not certain the full-price dinner menu is worth the visit (or price charged), however - given the plethura of stakehouses in the neighboring areas. Someone else will have to try nighttime dining there and report in.

Golden Budha Chinese Steakhouse
312 W. Randolph St., Lower Level
(312) 609-0000

I must say that of the four "Chinese" places within a block of my office at Randolph and Wells, Eat and Drink would be my last choice. I had a chicken soup there in which I watched them pour the frozen peas and carrots into the broth along with the chicken and the noodles. I think even Panda Express is better. AsiaGo, at 176 N. Wells, is better yet, and is generally happy to make items other than their daily specials. I'm particularly fond of their Singapore Noodles, especially if I'm not at lunch time and they're making them up fresh for me.

Golden Budha Chinese Steak House, despite the unpromising sounding name, is the best of the bunch. My quick google tells me it's owned by Alfred Hsu, who used to have the Szechuan East. It's a pretty room, with waterfall along one wall, in the artrium of a non-descript office building. They have a very extensive menu, identifying the dishes by origin, including, where appropriate, "USA." I had the Tung An Chicken for lunch. Lots of fresh ginger and hot peppers and I'd swear the chicken had been brined. I was too full to more than taste the hot and sour soup, but the taste I had convinced me it was worth saving for tomorrow. They're obviously trying to cater to both the loop lunch crowd, with lunch specials that include egg drop soup, egg roll, and vegetable fried rice along with the entree for $6.95, and the pre-theater dinner crowd, with steaks up to $30.

Golden Budha Chinese Restaurant and Steakhouse
312 W. Randolph.
312 609 0000
7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m

I miss Fast Foo's on Jackson east of State. Their hot braised chicken always hit the spot. Ya know, the spot for fast chinese. That's about all I'd eat there, though.

I have a love-hate relationship with the eggplant chicken at 65 Chinese on Madison between Franklin and Wells.

I'll crave the spicy chicken at Silk Road, 19 S. LaSalle (down the hidden courtyard street), and then regret it afterwards.

On the recommendation of a fellow LTHer, I went to China Inn for the first time about three months ago. I've been back probably an average of once a week since then. I really like the Kang Pao and their shrimp dishes (I prefer cashew) are much better than would be expected. The veggies are always green (or whatever color they are supposed to be ) and crisp.

China Inn
233 W. Van Buren
312-922-8100
M-F 10 AM - 8 PM

Oh my goodness, Pigmon asked me to join him a China Inn yesterday*....my tongue is still mad at my feet for going there. I had the Kung Pao Chicken which came with a sauce thick enough to spackle, if not stucco. No heat from any peppery spice.

"Was that heinous or what" Pigmon said as we were leaving. I agreed. If it were not for that Chirstmas Story-esq** schtick of the owner, there would be no redeeming aspect of this dive.


* We seem to be on a mission to try every dive in the culinary wasteland a/ka/a Southwest Loop.

**The movie, particularly the scene where the family has to have Chistmas dinner in a Chinese restaurant: Fa, Ra, Ra, Ra, Raaaaaa!

Wow...I disagree with pretty much everything you said in that post. The sauce is definitely rich, as it states on the menu, but IMO it does have a decent amount of spice for what it is, a loop chinese joint. What sets it apart is the feeling that they just grilled up the veggies and shrimp before the food got to me, as opposed to having it sit in a serving tray for who knows how long at Panda, freshness seeping out as I wait in line.

What I find amazing is your assessment of the SW Loop...what other part of the loop is better? Sure, two of my favorite places (Oasis & Goodwin's) are in other parts of the loop, but there are plenty of solid options in the area, from Korean Express to good burgers at Paog Mahome's, cheap burgers at Peppers, Burrito Buggy, Abe's, Skrine Chop, Luke's, a Potbelly's, and the shortest walk/cab from the loop to JC Bombacigno's and Greektown. Those are just the things in my rotation...I know people have their own favorites in the area that are completely different from mine.

I've been employed for the last 20+ years in the south loop area. So, by default, I have tried pretty much everything in the area. All I can really add to this is that, in the 80s, a good (albeit sarcastic) friend of mine threw an office party he called the "taste of Van Buren". The guests all brought in food from the local establishments and that meant Duncan Donuts, KFC, Alcock's, and some other lesser examples. Needless to say, as the food poured in, we got some pretty good chuckles.
I guess my point is that no matter what your opinions are about south loop joints, they are worlds better today than they have ever been. So, maybe we should be grateful that we are on the road to, someday, being able to have a great lunch.

"south loop joints, they are worlds better today than they have ever been"
NOOOOOO PIGMON! your choice of SWEET ladies is much better your analysis of south loop places. maybe it is your youth, but the south loop used to have much better restaurants! The Dill Pickle! Several great, and a few not so great Chinese restaurants; but better than some of the drek mentioned above. There was a very good place opposite the Fed pen back in the 70s. I think the shark seafood place is there now. binyon's was there. The real good blackie's--not that boston blackies stuff. A chinese place on corner of van buren, just west of CBOT. Orlando's!!= best steak sandwich in Chicago!. So many other's. Heck, i'd take Pago, Pago over some of the places mentioned by the previous posts. the broker's inn for fish and mac. going west--Cafe' Bohemia, which, according to the search for best steak in chitown by Chicago Mag, had the "best steak we tasted, but someone told us it was not consistent." George Diamond's!! and, to top off this rant, JIMMY WONG'S!!

Who ever said that trixie-pea is "SWEET"?!!!!

I'm not here to defend the greatness of today's South Loop restaurants. I just happen to think that my daily outings today are much better than they used to be. In the 80s, many establishments in and around the exchange served fairly straightforward fare as opposed to today where I can get a fairly wide range of international cuisine. Not to say that they're necessarily good examples, but in my opinion, way more interesting than before.
I believe the Chinese restaurant you’re talking about across from the correctional facility on Clark was called the Shanghai. Could it possibly be? Thanks for resurrecting that nasty memory! The Chinese place adjacent to the CBOT was called Yee Wall.

So, El Panzone, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch at Pepper’s…my treat!

too hot for pepper's, and it's tuff for me to do lunch, but i can try to make it to the korean place on van buren anytime for bulgogi. Or, Hannah's Bretzel's! gonna do that friday it think.

and yes, it was Yee Wall. And, SHanghai was very good back in the 70s. And, you know trixie-pea is a sweetie!

The chinese place that used to be Yee Wall moved up to Wacker and is now ABC Chinese. The food is still good, although it is no longer a hole in the wall. They also have a carryout menu.

ABC Chinese
250 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL
312-627-8349

Suzy

"Help me to sing, Muse, of the glory that was Pago Pago"

I have to step in and draw the line, "ABC Chinese"? - no, no, again NO! A colleague in my office subsists 4 days a week on their potstickers, I'm saddened and gravely concerned.

Bit of a digression but we are talking loop lunches, jumped in a cab and had lunch couple days ago at India House in River North, excellent buffet. Place was packed and I'd say 75% of the customers were South Asians, pretty good sign. Another good sign is the chicken dishes consist of boneless meat instead of the gnarly chicken backs most Indian places are kind enough to stockpile for the buffet. This was the best lunch I've had downtown in quite some time ($15/person), nice change of pace from the whole Rivers, Lloyd's, One North and Van Buren/Wells scene in SW Loop. Plus you can jump on the Wendella RiverBus at Michigan and take the scenic route back for $2.

India House Restaurant
59 W Grand Ave
Chicago, 60610
(312) 645-9500

My family also enjoys the India House buffet, although we usually hit it on Sundays. There is always a nice variety and the kids can find plenty to eat. Service on Sundays has always been good for us. It's reasonable and we eat as much as we want, usually followed by a rambling walk in the downtown area to walk off all the food. Haven't been for a while, but when the girls get back from their respective vacations we will have to go back.

Suzy

I used to eat at Yee Wall near the Board of Trade in the '80s when I worked down there. I remember that you'd barely be done ordering and your food would be in front of you! And do you remember the very tall skinny waiter! Brings back memories.....

Martwork wrote:I used to eat at Yee Wall near the Board of Trade in the '80s when I worked down there. I remember that you'd barely be done ordering and your food would be in front of you! And do you remember the very tall skinny waiter! Brings back memories.....

It's as though I wrote this myself! Exactly. We used to kid about how you'd order your food with this tall guy, he'd run into the kitchen through the swing doors, and he'd come out before the doors had a chance to stop. Quite accurate.

Bill wrote:If I'm not mistaken Eat & Drink was, for some years, a hot dog/polish type stand before being sold and turning Chinese.

Eat & Drink (formerly "C" Food Chinese Restaurant) is one of the last remaining "Lemmy's Red Hots" stands in Chicago.

Loved that place in the 70's and 80's

<edit>

Golden Budha has closed.

It has been a couple years since we addressed this topic. Golden Budha has indeed closed. Yet I still work near to Daley Plaza. Are there any new recommendations in this area of the loop?

- Mike

Damn! Golden Budha was our favorite place to go pre-theatre. I like office buildings with hidden atriums; shame they're tearing it down.

I like the Asian steam table at the Market Creations buffet on the 3rd floor of the Civic Opera Building. They have Asian chefs working in the back and I think it's much better than 65 Chinese for lunchtime carry-out.

>>Brent

I used to go to a place called the Silver Palace a lot when I ate Chinese on a regular basis. They have good lunch specials and I always thought their food quality was a bit better than your typical places. If I remember right they had a good barbeque chicken or pork dish that was outstanding. It's a restaurant in the basement of a building, which isn't that inviting, but you can order takeout no problem.

Silver Palace
122 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610

My first post from a long-time lurker.

I did want to correct something - Golden Budha is not closed, and hasn't been for the last two years.
I work just up the street from it - and have enjoyed many a lunch there.
It isn't the greatest Chinese restaurant - but for lunch in the loop - adequate.

The entrance is a little hidden - as the restaurant is within the atrium of an office building, but it is alive and well.

Well maybe there are two of them? I saw one of the earlier posts and this website:

http://www.goldenbudhachicago.com/

and assumed closure. Is there a doppelgänger?

Let me clarify,

If Golden Bhuda has not closed, it is doing so shortly.

Sign out front said "Closing and selling everything" and no one answer the phone number.

As a side note, Potbellys on Wacker and Randolph, Salad Spinners, Giorodono's and the Travel Agency will all be closing shortly too. Word in the real estate market is that all of those buildings EXCEPT Harry's Hot Dogs are coming down, and a 55 story office is going up. Good Ol' Harry refused to sell out.

And Silver Palace (formerly Pago Pago) had been closed for years, unless they recently reopened.

<edit>

Thanks for the link ChgoMike, that confirms it, the whole block is coming down.

Sure hope the Harry's Hot Dog part of the rumor is true. Great breakfast w/grits (found that tip on this site)

the little diner place on randolph [eat n drink?] has very good, cheap food and will cook it the way you want. i like the garlic shrimp, but there is healthy veggy stuff too. btw, i am embarrassed by my rant 2 years ago, especially since i did not mention pago pago! and, trixie pea is too sweet!
wow bao is opening soon on van buren in the old Krispy Kreme space. also, there are a couple of thai places getting ready to open. TUC--yuch!

ep

Willkat98 wrote:As a side note, Potbellys on Wacker and Randolph, Salad Spinners, Giorodono's and the Travel Agency will all be closing shortly too. Word in the real estate market is that all of those buildings EXCEPT Harry's Hot Dogs are coming down, and a 55 story office is going up. Good Ol' Harry refused to sell out.

Did you have a link on that?? I work right there and that would be huge, not that I got to Spinners all that much!

Once again LTHForum has saved my bacon -- i was going to meet someone at Golden Budha for lunch tomorrow.

I'm really sad about this! It wasn't the finest Chinese food but it was a nice break in the day -- very nice location and decent enough.

Shannon