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ZipPicks Awards

Best Chinese in Elmwood Park

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

New Star Restaurant 8.6
Elmwood Park
A big, high-volume Chinese mainstay built for groups, with a menu that runs deep across classic American-Chinese staples alongside broader pan-Asian options. The kitchen’s best lane is crispy-sauced chicken, fried rice built for sharing, and appetizer platters that make ordering easy when you want variety without overthinking it.
Must-Try Dishes: Orange Chicken, New Star Fried Rice, Crab Rangoon
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 7 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume, large-format Chinese spot with proven consistency at scale.
Who should go: Groups who want crowd-pleasing Chinese classics
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier pacing
What to order: Orange Chicken, New Star Fried Rice, Crab Rangoon
Insider tip: Order one sauced chicken + one fried rice, then fill in with apps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large on-site parking lot; generally easy even during busy dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak times; conversation is fine, but it’s not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable stir-fries, fried rice, and tofu-based options.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with vegetable-focused dishes if you confirm sauces with the server.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some rice and protein dishes may work, but sauces often contain gluten; ask before ordering.
Best For
Better for: Group dining, celebrations, and ordering a wide spread of familiar Chinese-American classics without overthinking the menu.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate dinner or highly regional, traditional Chinese specialties.