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Mon Lung
Master Critic Review
Mon Lung
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Mon Lung is a longtime Ashland Avenue Chinese-American counter known for big portions, classic combination plates, and old-school takeout flavors. Locals lean on it for egg rolls, fried rice, and saucy standards when they want something familiar, fast, and reliably filling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg Roll, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic Chicago-style Chinese-American takeout with generous portions and combo specials.
Who should go: Fans of old-school Chinese-American takeout and big portions.
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch when you want fast, hearty plates.
What to order: Egg Roll, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken with fried rice.
Insider tip: Use it as a value play and build a couple of combo dinners to share family-style instead of ordering individual entrees for everyone.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Ashland and side streets; can be limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — hoodies, jeans, and takeout vibes are the norm.
Noise level: Low–moderate depending on traffic; mostly takeout with a relaxed, no-frills feel.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for takeout during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several veggie-friendly dishes like vegetable fried rice, tofu entrées, and stir-fried vegetables.
Vegan options: Possible with tofu/vegetable dishes, but sauces may contain animal products — best to confirm when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited options; most sauces and fried items likely contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a casual, takeout-style spot — great for a low-key meal, not ideal if you’re looking for atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Reservations aren’t a thing here — it’s mainly counter-service with quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — big portions, mild flavors, and fast service make it easy for families, though space is limited.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chinese-American comfort dishes, large combo plates, and strong value for the price.
Skip if: You want modern Chinese cuisine, specialty cocktails, or a dine-in experience with ambiance.