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House of Hunan
Master Critic Review
House of Hunan
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
A 30+ year Lincoln Park institution delivers reliable American-Chinese comfort food with generous portions at neighborhood prices. The crab rangoons are locally famous—regulars swear they're the best in the city—and the lunch specials remain a budget-friendly steal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Rangoons, General Tso's Chicken, Mongolian Beef
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Three decades of consistent neighborhood Chinese at wallet-friendly prices
Who should go: Families and locals craving reliable comfort food
When to visit: Lunch specials offer best value at $4.95
What to order: Crab rangoons, General Tso's chicken, Hunan beef
Insider tip: The corn in the egg drop soup is a beloved quirk
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—can be tight on Fullerton during peak hours, but generally manageable for this neighborhood
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are, this is neighborhood takeout counter vibes
Noise level: Quiet—easy conversation, no need to raise your voice
Weekend wait: Minimal wait typically—not a destination spot, more neighborhood regulars
Weekday lunch: No wait—lunch specials move fast, in and out
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dishes throughout menu, tofu options available
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating—vegan Pad Thai and Sesame Tofu available, call ahead to confirm
Gluten-free options: Not specifically marked—standard Chinese kitchen, ask about soy sauce substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not really—this is unpretentious neighborhood Chinese, better suited for takeout or casual family dinners than romance. The interior is clean but basic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always. They accept reservations but walk-ins are the norm. This isn't a wait-in-line destination.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—Yelp tags it 'good for kids.' Classic American-Chinese menu has plenty of mild, familiar options. Quick service means less squirming.
How good are those crab rangoons really? Locals insist they're the best in the city—better than MingHin according to regulars. Creamy filling, proper crunch. Order them.
Is delivery worth it? Yes—they're known for excellent takeout and delivery. Food travels well, packaging is solid, and it's available on all major platforms.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious comfort food, reliable weeknight takeout, lunch special value ($4.95), legendary crab rangoons, 30+ years of neighborhood consistency
Skip if: You want authentic regional Chinese (hit Chengdu Impression instead), trendy ambiance, or an impressive date night spot