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House of Wah Sun
Master Critic Review
House of Wah Sun
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
House of Wah Sun is an old-school North Side Chinese restaurant where big plates of chop suey–era classics and appetizer staples like egg rolls, crab rangoon, and pot stickers function as a de facto dim sum spread. Generous portions and long-running neighborhood loyalty make it a go-to for casual dumpling-heavy meals and takeout feasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg Roll, Crab Rangoon, Pot Stickers
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 6.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Decades-old neighborhood Chinese spot where classic apps double as dim sum.
Who should go: Families and locals craving American-Chinese comfort platters.
When to visit: Early dinner on weekends to dodge long delivery and dine-in waits.
What to order: Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Pot Stickers with a shared entree.
Insider tip: Build a DIY dim sum spread by ordering multiple appetizers instead of only mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving Park and nearby residential blocks; can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and comfy attire are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — family chatter and large-group tables, but normal conversation is still doable.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during prime hours, longer during holidays and bad-weather takeout rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; easy seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie appetizers and tofu-based entrées are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable dishes may qualify, but verify sauces and prep.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes use soy sauce or breading; ask when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to relaxed, low-pressure meals than romantic occasions — expect comfort-food vibes over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard, though peak weekend dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — big booths, shareable plates, and familiar flavors make it easy for kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic American-Chinese comfort dishes, large portions, and appetizer-heavy group spreads at fair prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional Cantonese dim sum carts, modern plating, or a trendy dining room.