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Lee's Chop Suey
Master Critic Review
Lee's Chop Suey
7.9
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
One of Chicago's oldest Chinese restaurants, this Cantonese-style institution has served the neighborhood for decades with classic egg foo young, chop suey, and what many consider the city's best egg rolls. The traditional mom-and-pop atmosphere delivers nostalgic comfort food that keeps generations returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg Rolls, Hot and Sour Soup, Egg Foo Young
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Decades of Cantonese tradition with egg rolls widely considered among Chicago's finest
Who should go: Nostalgic diners seeking authentic old-school Chinese-American
When to visit: Lunch for specials; dinner for full menu experience
What to order: Egg Rolls, Beef Fried Rice, Hot and Sour Soup
Insider tip: Large portions designed for family-style sharing; one entree often feeds two
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Diversey Ave—can require parking 2-3 blocks away during busy times. No dedicated lot. Consider delivery or takeout to skip the hunt.
Dress code: Totally casual. This is old-school neighborhood Chinese—come in whatever you're wearing. No one's judging.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate—small, no-frills dining room. Easy conversation, though most locals grab takeout.
Weekend wait: Rarely more than 5-10 min for a table. Most business is takeout/delivery.
Weekday lunch: No wait. Walk in, order, sit down.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegetarian section on menu—tofu dishes, vegetable chop suey, veggie fried rice, vegetable egg foo young. Solid options.
Vegan options: Very limited. Traditional Chinese-American cooking uses egg, oyster sauce, and chicken stock throughout. Ask carefully; cross-contamination likely.
Gluten-free options: Not accommodating. Soy sauce in most dishes, breaded items, no dedicated prep. Not recommended for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Probably not—unless you both embrace dive-y charm. The dated dining room is bare-bones utilitarian. Better as a comfortable spot with someone you already know, or order delivery for a cozy night in.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always. Reservations technically accepted but unnecessary. This is walk-in territory—small dining room rarely fills since most customers order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Large portions to share, mild options like sweet and sour chicken and fried rice, quick service, and zero fuss from staff. Generations of Chicago families have brought kids here.
Best For
Better for: Nostalgic Chinese-American classics at rock-bottom prices. The egg rolls are legitimately legendary—crispy, hot, and worth a trip alone. Giant portions make it ideal for feeding a family without spending much.
Skip if: You want modern Asian fusion, authentic regional Chinese, or any atmosphere beyond fluorescent lights and formica. Also skip for dietary restrictions—this kitchen isn't set up for accommodations.