i must say that i have been enjoying the selection of dim sum at furama. we used to live in hyde park and went to chinatown must sundays, but now that we are in rogers park, it is a bit of a trek. i do agree that things are not always as hot as i would like, but i find that is just a part of the dim sum carts. the thing that i am particularly fond of at furama is the selection of dumplings (lots of vegetable and shrimp combos). they have a number of different types and if you do not see what you want on the carts, just ask.

A long time ago on this board I was an observer and sometimes advocate of Silver Seafood -- a place from which I have long ordered takeout due to its lightning fast delivery and unusual for the north side Cantonese menu. In its early glory days, when still owned and run by the fetching lady from Macau (can't remember her name) it was great and a great value. SS has had its ups and downs since then. In recent months, SS has been quite good in my experience. However, some of the prices jumped inexplicably. The oyster dishes, which used to be a great value at 10 bucks or less, just shot up to the $16-20 range. I'm not sure the price of raw materials went up so much, though I do think the dishes were probably underpriced before. The oyster/pork belly/bok choy casserole is very good.

On to Furama. My sentiments track those of eatchicago's. Been dropping in now and again for years. Swings have been between good enough to really bad. However, I should mention that Furama does deliver. They have a massive, Chinatown size menu on a pretty good web site. And the last time I ordered from Furama, the food delivered was quite a bit better than anything else I've had from the place. So maybe the old dog has some new tricks. Or maybe it was a one-off.

Under current kitchen management, Sun Wah is obviously tops in my book (the soups and BBQ alone blow the doors off of similar highly regarded places I like in NY and SF; NY Noodletown, I'm looking at you -- 2 stars in NYTimes, same as Balthazar(!)). But alas, San Wah doesn't deliver.

Finding a Chinese restaurant open on Monday and which delivers was not so easy. I ended up with Plenty (mentioned above) and I'd say that it fared as acceptable, which is about as positive I can be about most of the delivery Chinese options in Lincoln Square. The worst of the order were the oily and flavorless egg rolls which we could not even finish. But the combo fried rice was decent enough, and the Kung Pao Chicken was delivered extra spicy as requested, even if a bit one dimensional in taste. In a pinch, I wouldn't refuse to order from them again which is about as much positive as I could say for the other options in the area, including House of Wah Sun. In fact, I might go as far as to say it was better than most in the area. Take that for what it's worth.

BR wrote:Finding a Chinese restaurant open on Monday and which delivers was not so easy. I ended up with Plenty (mentioned above) ...

for future reference, Wok Cuisine - also mentioned in this thread - is much better than Plenty, and also delivers on Monday.

Kennyz wrote:...Wok Cuisine...

So, what dishes work for you from Wok Cuisine? We've tried it three times now. While I will admit that it is a level more palatable than other Ameri-Chinese delivery in the area, very little that I've had has been enjoyable, especially the meat-oriented dishes.

The best thing I can say so far is that they must have pretty high turnover because all the ingredients seem fresh. But I've tried about 8 or 10 dishes and there's not a single one I'd order again.

eatchicago wrote:

Kennyz wrote:...Wok Cuisine...

So, what dishes work for you from Wok Cuisine? We've tried it three times now. While I will admit that it is a level more palatable than other Ameri-Chinese delivery in the area, very little that I've had has been enjoyable, especially the meat-oriented dishes.

The best thing I can say so far is that they must have pretty high turnover because all the ingredients seem fresh. But I've tried about 8 or 10 dishes and there's not a single one I'd order again.

actually, I think your summary above is exactly how I feel about the place - my standards are probably just lower than yours. I think Wok Cuisine is better than Plenty and the multitude of other horrible places around because the ingredients seem fresher. I like cheap Americhinese delivery as a concept, so I like Wok Cuisine because it's the best of a pretty bad lot.

Young's at Ashland and Irving Park is our go to place for American-style Chinese delivery. The ingredients are fresh and the sauces aren't cloyingly sweet. They do the standards like sesame chicken and been chow fun fairly well and they have some pretty good vegetable dishes like szechuan green beans and eggplant in garlic sauce. It's a big menu too, and they deliver really fast.

fj123 wrote:Susie China
3248 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657[/url]

RIP. That place was my favorite place for Americanized Chinese food from grade school til its close. Best Mongolian Beef. Though I can't say I remember many of the other dishes as the owner knew my order as soon as I walked in and my address as soon as he heard my order/voice combo on the phone. How do I know it wasn't caller ID? Because this persisted after I changed addresses and had a new phone number.

I used to like Young's for their crispy sesame chicken which used a ton of small pieces of chicken battered and fried instead of big chunks, but found everything else to be just okay or worse.

The new go-to spot is Yen's, where I haven't had anything that wasn't at least decent.

Yen's
2856 North Clark Street
(773) 549-0707

Kennyz wrote:

eatchicago wrote:

Kennyz wrote:...Wok Cuisine...

So, what dishes work for you from Wok Cuisine? We've tried it three times now. While I will admit that it is a level more palatable than other Ameri-Chinese delivery in the area, very little that I've had has been enjoyable, especially the meat-oriented dishes.

The best thing I can say so far is that they must have pretty high turnover because all the ingredients seem fresh. But I've tried about 8 or 10 dishes and there's not a single one I'd order again.

actually, I think your summary above is exactly how I feel about the place - my standards are probably just lower than yours. I think Wok Cuisine is better than Plenty and the multitude of other horrible places around because the ingredients seem fresher. I like cheap Americhinese delivery as a concept, so I like Wok Cuisine because it's the best of a pretty bad lot.

Ha! I love this post... My wife and I feel the same way for Wok Cuisine. We order from there for convenience more than anything. I think the tagline we came up for it is:

Wok Cuisine: Just slighty better than it should be.

Based on this thread and the few mentions of Wok Cuisine being "slightly better than it should be" we gave it a shot. My expectations were pretty dang low, yet the lack of quality still surprised me. When it comes to Ameri-Chinese cuisine, I thought I could stomach just about any of it. Wok Cuisine was the first time I walked out of a restaurant leaving this much food behind. UGH... I will chalk it all up to the fact that there hasn't been a post in 5 years, perhaps things have changed.

The eggroll must have been fried earlier and held under a heat lamp. The exterior was thick and chewy. The guts were flavorless. The szechuan dumplings were abysmal. No, I didn't expect a real spice level, but marked in bold red with a chili pepper clip-art, I would have expected some remnant of spice. The dumpling noodles weren't bad, thin and delicate, but they were drowning in nothing but a cloying peanut sauce. "Double Cook Pork" was literally flavorless other than sugar and corn starch. Szechuan bean curd was cubed tofu drowned in an unknown sweet bland gravy garnished with nothing but peas, carrots and drying out green onion. Not only were these dishes terrible, I am not even sure they accurately resemble American Chinese food. I was confused.

A couple of dishes were okay. The Mu-Shu beef wasn't bad, and the shrimp toast actually tasted quite good, even though it was over fried.

I have had much better luck at House of Wah Sun, and even the very bland Orange Garden, at least their egg rolls are good. I'm still searching for something a step higher in my neighborhood, I'll report back if that happens!

I'm not sure I'd call it a "restaurant" but Tom Lee (4660 N. Western) has been my go-to for take out during the better part of the past decade. It's a true hole-in-the wall squeezed in between a liquor store and Opart Thai, but their "combination chow fun" (shrimp, chicken, beef) is my ultimate comfort food after a hard day. Some nice char on the noodles for a great crispy/springy texture.

I sometimes go for the combination lo mein lunch special (add a dollar in the evening to make it a dinner special). For around 6.50 it's a huge serving of the lo mein, a big side of chicken fried rice, an egg roll, and a can of soda. (FYI, I think their egg rolls and fried rice options are pretty solid if unspectacular). I've also enjoyed the Mongolian Beef (it's spicy, with thicker cuts of meat than typical). Can't vouch for anything else on the menu as I haven't really found a reason to expand beyond the items above.

PeteF wrote:I'm not sure I'd call it a "restaurant" but Tom Lee (4660 N. Western) has been my go-to for take out during the better part of the past decade. It's a true hole-in-the wall squeezed in between a liquor store and Opart Thai, but their "combination chow fun" (shrimp, chicken, beef) is my ultimate comfort food after a hard day. Some nice char on the noodles for a great crispy/springy texture.

I sometimes go for the combination lo mein lunch special (add a dollar in the evening to make it a dinner special). For around 6.50 it's a huge serving of the lo mein, a big side of chicken fried rice, an egg roll, and a can of soda. (FYI, I think their egg rolls and fried rice options are pretty solid if unspectacular). I've also enjoyed the Mongolian Beef (it's spicy, with thicker cuts of meat than typical). Can't vouch for anything else on the menu as I haven't really found a reason to expand beyond the items above.

thanks PeterF for the heads up. i would never have considered Tom Lee, but i do love charred chow fun noodles... will have to try that soon.

I am scratching my head but I cannot think of a single really good "Chinese" restaurant on the North side since my beloved Peter Lo's at 6144 N. Lincoln Avenue closed in 1985. Peter Lo's was of the Mandarin denomination.
In the early 70's and 80's I also liked Tien Tsin at 7015 N. Sheridan, and the Chinese Dumpling House on Howard St. near the red line station. And I sometimes enjoyed the sophistication of Abacus at 2619 N. Clark. Alas all those places are gone.
Nowadays I prefer good simple Vietnamese places such as NhaHang Vietnam on Argyle since I cannot find decent Mandarin or Sichuan restaurant on the north side. I find Mei Shung, mentioned upthread ok but boring. And the Lao Sze Chuan on Broadway in Uptown that used to be exciting when it opened, was very disappointing during my last visit 5 months ago.

alain40 wrote:Lao Sze Chuan on Broadway in Uptown that used to be exciting when it opened, was very disappointing during my last visit 5 months ago.

Solid dinner at Skokie Lao Sze Chuan last week, equaled Chinatown LSC on a good day. I don't think this is an anomaly, every time I've been to the Skokie branch its been rock solid.

justjoan wrote:

PeteF wrote:I'm not sure I'd call it a "restaurant" but Tom Lee (4660 N. Western) has been my go-to for take out during the better part of the past decade. It's a true hole-in-the wall squeezed in between a liquor store and Opart Thai, but their "combination chow fun" (shrimp, chicken, beef) is my ultimate comfort food after a hard day. Some nice char on the noodles for a great crispy/springy texture.

I sometimes go for the combination lo mein lunch special (add a dollar in the evening to make it a dinner special). For around 6.50 it's a huge serving of the lo mein, a big side of chicken fried rice, an egg roll, and a can of soda. (FYI, I think their egg rolls and fried rice options are pretty solid if unspectacular). I've also enjoyed the Mongolian Beef (it's spicy, with thicker cuts of meat than typical). Can't vouch for anything else on the menu as I haven't really found a reason to expand beyond the items above.

thanks PeterF for the heads up. i would never have considered Tom Lee, but i do love charred chow fun noodles... will have to try that soon.

Yes, thanks! I have also never considered it, surprising considering it's probably the closest one to my house. I know it's strange, but we never order delivery and when I go out for Chinese, I tend to want to eat in. I'll give Tom Lee a go for sure, thanks!

laikom wrote:

justjoan wrote:

PeteF wrote:I'm not sure I'd call it a "restaurant" but Tom Lee (4660 N. Western) has been my go-to for take out during the better part of the past decade. It's a true hole-in-the wall squeezed in between a liquor store and Opart Thai, but their "combination chow fun" (shrimp, chicken, beef) is my ultimate comfort food after a hard day. Some nice char on the noodles for a great crispy/springy texture.

I sometimes go for the combination lo mein lunch special (add a dollar in the evening to make it a dinner special). For around 6.50 it's a huge serving of the lo mein, a big side of chicken fried rice, an egg roll, and a can of soda. (FYI, I think their egg rolls and fried rice options are pretty solid if unspectacular). I've also enjoyed the Mongolian Beef (it's spicy, with thicker cuts of meat than typical). Can't vouch for anything else on the menu as I haven't really found a reason to expand beyond the items above.

thanks PeterF for the heads up. i would never have considered Tom Lee, but i do love charred chow fun noodles... will have to try that soon.

Yes, thanks! I have also never considered it, surprising considering it's probably the closest one to my house. I know it's strange, but we never order delivery and when I go out for Chinese, I tend to want to eat in. I'll give Tom Lee a go for sure, thanks!

i was going to go today after my haircut around the corner, but it's closed on tuesdays. FYI

Tom Lee is a real survivor. I used them a lot for carryout when my kitchen was being remodeled in 1976 right after I moved to Lincoln Square. We almost never use carryout from anywhere except Nhu Lan and so probably haven't had anything from Tom Lee more than a couple of times since 1976. Recently my wife and I were talking about Tom Lee and said we really ought to give them a shot.

can i geographically hijack this thread, dragging it to the near north side or near northwest side? here in bucktown, we cry ourselves to sleep that there is ZERO serviceable chinese for just your average weeknight takeout etc. THANK YOU in Logan Square has been delicious several times, but isn't quite the mainstream american-style cantonese that hits the spot (especially the feed-my-toddler spot). any recs?

I am a sucker for crab rangoon, and Tom Lee has my favorite version in the area. It's always crispy and has lots of creamy filling and just hits all my checkboxes for what I like in my Ameri-Chinese guilty pleasure. That combined with the cheap lunch/dinner specials, plus it's proximity to the el, has made it my neighborhood go-to.

I've also gotten takeout a few times from New China 2 at Western & Addison. It was pretty good, but not good enough to warrant me going out of my way too often for it. Strangely, what really stuck out was the side of steamed veggies I ordered. They tasted really fresh and were cooked perfectly with a bit of bite left. Additionally, they called me after I ordered online to see if I wanted them mixed in with my entree or on the side, which I thought was a nice touch. I believe they might be relatively new or under new management.

New China 2
3533 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-388-1777
http://www.newchina2chicago.com/

skess wrote:I am a sucker for crab rangoon, and Tom Lee has my favorite version in the area. It's always crispy and has lots of creamy filling and just hits all my checkboxes for what I like in my Ameri-Chinese guilty pleasure. That combined with the cheap lunch/dinner specials, plus it's proximity to the el, has made it my neighborhood go-to.

I've also gotten takeout a few times from New China 2 at Western & Addison. It was pretty good, but not good enough to warrant me going out of my way too often for it. Strangely, what really stuck out was the side of steamed veggies I ordered. They tasted really fresh and were cooked perfectly with a bit of bite left. Additionally, they called me after I ordered online to see if I wanted them mixed in with my entree or on the side, which I thought was a nice touch. I believe they might be relatively new or under new management.

New China 2
3533 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-388-1777
http://www.newchina2chicago.com/

thanks skess: it's hard getting any asian delivered to logan square, surprisingly. it seems i'm just outside the delivery area for the western ave. restaurants. i'll give this one a try. have you had any of the thai options, or just chinese.

Does Chengdu Impressions not count as the northside? The food is amazing!

justjoan wrote:

skess wrote:I am a sucker for crab rangoon, and Tom Lee has my favorite version in the area. It's always crispy and has lots of creamy filling and just hits all my checkboxes for what I like in my Ameri-Chinese guilty pleasure. That combined with the cheap lunch/dinner specials, plus it's proximity to the el, has made it my neighborhood go-to.

I've also gotten takeout a few times from New China 2 at Western & Addison. It was pretty good, but not good enough to warrant me going out of my way too often for it. Strangely, what really stuck out was the side of steamed veggies I ordered. They tasted really fresh and were cooked perfectly with a bit of bite left. Additionally, they called me after I ordered online to see if I wanted them mixed in with my entree or on the side, which I thought was a nice touch. I believe they might be relatively new or under new management.

New China 2
3533 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-388-1777
http://www.newchina2chicago.com/

thanks skess: it's hard getting any asian delivered to logan square, surprisingly. it seems i'm just outside the delivery area for the western ave. restaurants. i'll give this one a try. have you had any of the thai options, or just chinese.

Just Chinese, and very pedestrian stuff, at that. Crab rangoon, General Tso's chicken, fried rice--you get the drift. All on the tastier side of 'just okay', but fresh and made with care. A total guess, but I would think their other options fall into that category, too. However, I am a lot more likely to be forgiving of Chinese food which is closer to mediocre than exceptional than I am of Thai food in Chicago!

annak wrote:can i geographically hijack this thread, dragging it to the near north side or near northwest side? here in bucktown, we cry ourselves to sleep that there is ZERO serviceable chinese for just your average weeknight takeout etc. THANK YOU in Logan Square has been delicious several times, but isn't quite the mainstream american-style cantonese that hits the spot (especially the feed-my-toddler spot). any recs?

I feel you on this. When I want to scratch the Americanized Chinese food itch, I hit up Tasty China in Humboldt Park (North and Spaulding). Their portions are huge and for $6.50 or so you can get the lunch special for dinner. It's a hefty styrofoam container loaded with the entree of your choosing and fried rice (default is shrimp but I have them sub BBQ pork instead), along with an egg roll and can of soda.

I have no pretenses that the food is gourmet or anything beyond standard takeout far, but it hits the spot and throws in a bit of nostalgia for the days when I lived across the street. Also, they've somehow kept my orange chicken crispy when delivering it multiple times which is an impressive feat.

G Wiv wrote:

alain40 wrote:Lao Sze Chuan on Broadway in Uptown that used to be exciting when it opened, was very disappointing during my last visit 5 months ago.

Solid dinner at Skokie Lao Sze Chuan last week, equaled Chinatown LSC on a good day. I don't think this is an anomaly, every time I've been to the Skokie branch its been rock solid.

My most recent (off hours) order from LSC in Uptown was solid across the board. I think there might be a weak link in the kitchen area.

Thank you for the suggestion for the Skokie Lao Sze Chuan. We tried the take out on Friday and everyone in my little family really enjoyed the food. I didn't love the egg rolls but I am still in mourning for my favorite eggrolls from KowKow that closed a few weeks ago. Otherwise the food was ready when it was supposed to be, fresh and very tasty. This is my first posting here. I really like what I am reading.

I am a northsider Chinese and visit Lo's China Kitchen for convenience more than anything. They sometimes make off-menu dishes on request, that are less Americanized, so try that with your local takeout place.

excelsior wrote:I am a northsider Chinese and visit Lo's China Kitchen for convenience more than anything. They sometimes make off-menu dishes on request, that are less Americanized, so try that with your local takeout place.

Crazy that you mention this! I was just telling my wife that we should try that one next. I have had decent "authentic", aka non-Americhinese specials from the specials board. I recall eating a very well made bitter melon dish. Their maple syrup scented egg roll is the most bizarre I've had, and while I enjoyed it, I would doubt it is for everyone.