0 Followers
Peking Chinese Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Peking Chinese Kitchen
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
No-frills Boystown institution delivering classic Chinese-American takeout with massive portions at neighborhood-friendly prices. The lunch specials are legendary for value, and regulars swear the Hot and Sour Soup rivals anywhere in the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot and Sour Soup, Sesame Chicken, Mongolian Beef
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: 28+ years serving affordable classics with legendary lunch specials
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking generous portions
When to visit: Lunch special includes soup, egg roll, and entree for under $10
What to order: Hot and Sour Soup, General Tso's Chicken, Crab Rangoon
Insider tip: Request extra crispy on the chicken dishes - they accommodate perfectly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Halsted usually available; this is grab-and-go territory so quick stops work fine
Dress code: Anything goes - sweats, scrubs, whatever you're wearing when the craving hits
Noise level: Minimal seating, mostly takeout focused - expect counter service ambiance
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for takeout orders; limited dine-in seats fill randomly
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min - kitchen runs fast during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - standard veggie section with tofu dishes, Buddha's Delight, and vegetable lo mein
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable dishes available but many sauces contain egg or oyster sauce; ask before ordering
Gluten-free options: Difficult - soy sauce is everywhere, no dedicated accommodations for a kitchen this size
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not unless you're both in on the joke. This is where you go together after you're already comfortable - late-night takeout on the couch, not impressing anyone with ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations aren't a concept here. A few tables exist but this is primarily takeout. Walk in, order, and either grab a seat or take it home.
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for feeding hungry kids without the fuss. Quick service, crowd-pleasing dishes like sweet and sour chicken, and portions big enough to share. No highchairs or kids menu - just solid food fast.
Best For
Better for: When you want maximum food for minimum dollars with zero pretense - the lunch special value is unmatched, and that Hot and Sour Soup has earned its reputation over 28 years
Skip if: You're looking for a dining experience or modern Chinese flavors - this is comfort food done reliably, not a culinary adventure