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Dee's Mandarin & Sushi Lounge
Master Critic Review
Dee's Mandarin & Sushi Lounge
7.5
A Lincoln Park legend since 1983, owner Dee Kang's 40-year-old institution now operates as carry-out and delivery only but maintains the quality that earned generations of devotees. The Mongolian beef and string green beans remain comfort food benchmarks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mongolian Beef, String Green Beans, Crab Rangoons
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: 40 years of family-owned consistency from Korean-Chinese owner Dee Kang
Who should go: Nostalgic locals and anyone craving reliable takeout
When to visit: Evenings 4pm-9pm; closed Tuesdays
What to order: Mongolian beef, string green beans, scallion pancakes
Insider tip: Sushi menu is underrated—trained under her brother's acclaimed North Shore restaurant
Logistics & Planning
Parking: N/A for dining - carry-out/delivery only. For pickup: street parking on Armitage typically available, or quick-stop in front works for grab-and-go
Dress code: N/A - carry-out and delivery only, no dining room
Noise level: N/A - carry-out and delivery only operation
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for pickup orders; call ahead recommended on Fri/Sat nights
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - opens at 4pm daily (closed Mondays)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu versions available on most entrees, vegetable dumplings, edamame, vegetable egg rolls, and multiple veggie stir-fries
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable dishes and tofu options exist, but many sauces contain oyster sauce or egg. Ask specifically when ordering
Gluten-free options: Caution advised - some reviewers with celiac reported cross-contamination issues despite staff claims. Not recommended for severe allergies
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not anymore - they've transitioned to carry-out/delivery only with no dining room. However, ordering in for a cozy home date works beautifully; the food quality and variety (Chinese plus sushi) impresses without requiring you to cook.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables available - Dee's now operates as carry-out and delivery only. Order via their website, ChowNow, DoorDash, or call (773) 477-1500. Pickup is quick and efficient.
Is it kid-friendly? Great for family takeout nights. The broad menu means picky eaters find something (sesame chicken, fried rice, California rolls) while adventurous parents can order the good stuff. Large portions work well for family-style sharing at home.
Best For
Better for: Nostalgic Lincoln Park families who've been ordering here for decades and want reliable, unfussy Chinese-American comfort food with a legit sushi option on the same ticket. The 40-year consistency and Dee's personal quality standards beat generic delivery apps every time.
Skip if: You want a dine-in experience, Sichuan heat, or cutting-edge regional Chinese. Also skip if you have severe gluten allergies - cross-contamination has been reported despite good intentions.