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Sun Wah BBQ
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Sun Wah BBQ
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A longtime Uptown destination for Hong Kong–style BBQ where the duck program is the main event and the rest of the menu rewards group ordering. Go with a plan—lock in the duck dinner, add one noodle or rice dish, and let the roast meats do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing duck dinner, Roast duck, BBQ pork buns
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Hong Kong–style barbecue with a signature Beijing duck dinner.
Who should go: Duck dinner groups and roast-meat loyalists
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dinner for easier pacing
What to order: Beijing duck dinner, roast duck, BBQ pork buns
Insider tip: Bring 3–4 people for the duck set and add one noodle dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets; can be competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are common and perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during duck service; conversation is easy at lunch, louder at peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime duck hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and some noodle options.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to ask the server about vegetable-only preparations.
Gluten-free options: Limited and not guaranteed—some roast meats may be gluten-free, but sauces and cross-contact are common; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or food-focused first date than a quiet, intimate one—the room can get busy, but sharing duck is a built-in conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait at dinner—going early or at weekday lunch improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of families dine here, portions are shareable, and the roast meats are approachable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Beijing duck dinners, Hong Kong–style roast meats, and group meals built around one marquee order.
Skip if: You want a quiet, quick solo meal or a menu with strong vegetarian or gluten-free depth.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
A Hong Kong-style barbecue house where the move is roasted meats and the Beijing duck dinner done as a paced, table-first experience. It’s built for groups: you start with crisp skin and buns, then let the kitchen turn the rest of the bird into a proper second and third act.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing duck dinner (tableside carve when available), BBQ pork (char siu), Roast duck on rice
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Chicago’s benchmark for Hong Kong-style BBQ and a true duck-dinner destination.
Who should go: Groups who want a shared duck feast.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the easiest flow.
What to order: Beijing duck dinner, char siu, roast duck on rice.
Insider tip: Treat it like a two-part order: duck dinner first, then add one BBQ-meat plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Broadway and side streets; can be competitive during dinner hours. Metered spots nearby, no valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, comfort-first for a long, shared meal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — table conversation is easy, but the room gets energetic during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer if multiple duck dinners are firing.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes, but the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible to assemble a meal from vegetable sides, but not ideal.
Gluten-free options: Partial — plain roasted meats and rice are naturally gluten-free, but sauces and marinades may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for an established date than a first one — the duck dinner is interactive, social, and a bit involved, which shines more with familiarity than first-date nerves.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights, but expect a wait at dinner. For duck dinners, calling ahead improves timing and pacing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are shareable, and roasted meats with rice are approachable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group dining, ceremonial Beijing duck service, and consistently high-quality Hong Kong-style roasted meats.
Skip if: You’re dining solo, need strong vegetarian or vegan options, or want a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
A Hong Kong barbecue institution best known for duck, but now a smart dim sum stop thanks to a focused lineup available throughout service. Treat it like a two-track order—pick 2–3 dim sum items for the table, then let one signature roast or noodle dish do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har Gow, Siu Mai, Loh Mai Gai
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A high-volume Uptown classic that now runs dim sum all day alongside BBQ.
Who should go: Groups who want dim sum plus a signature roast centerpiece.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the smoothest pacing and easiest seating.
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, loh mai gai.
Insider tip: Keep it tight: 3 dim sum items, then stop and order one roast or noodle plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Argyle and nearby side streets; can be competitive during peak dinner hours, easier mid-day. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine; business-casual works well for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is easy at lunch, more energetic and bustling at dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable dim sum items and sides, but not a dedicated focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with careful ordering, but not ideal.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice-based dishes may work, but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or food-forward dates than intimate ones. The room is lively and table sharing works best if you’re comfortable ordering together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays. Weekend dinners can be tight, but turnover is steady if you arrive earlier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sharing plates. High chairs are not always guaranteed, and the room can feel busy for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Dim sum paired with a serious Hong Kong BBQ centerpiece — especially duck or roast meats — in a polished, high-capacity dining room.
Skip if: You want a traditional cart-pushing dim sum experience or a broad vegetarian-friendly dim sum menu.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
A high-volume Uptown institution that does Hong Kong-style barbecue with real roast-room confidence—glazed meats, crisp edges, and that unmistakable char-sweet perfume. For ribs, the move is to lean into their barbecue spare ribs and keep the order focused so the roast flavors stay front and center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbecued spare ribs, Barbecued pork with honey, Peking style spareribs
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Hong Kong-style in-house roast barbecue with scale-proof consistency.
Who should go: Groups craving roast meats and shared plates
When to visit: Weekday lunch for smoother seating
What to order: Barbecued spare ribs, BBQ pork with honey, Peking style spareribs
Insider tip: Order one BBQ meat centerpiece first—then add noodles or veg.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on and around Argyle St; can be competitive during dinner hours, easier mid-day. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans and sneakers are standard; come comfortable rather than dressed up.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—conversation is possible but expect to speak up during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes is common without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable and noodle dishes, but the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with plain vegetables or noodles, but not a strong fit.
Gluten-free options: Some roasted meats and rice dishes can work, but sauces often contain soy; ask staff to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or food-focused dates than intimate ones—the room is loud and bustling, but sharing ribs and roast meats can break the ice fast.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but be prepared to wait during dinner and weekends. Smaller parties and weekday visits have the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids do well with BBQ pork, rice, and noodle dishes, though the noise level may be intense for very young children.
Best For
Better for: High-volume Hong Kong–style barbecue with real roast-room execution—crispy edges, glossy glazes, and consistency that holds up even when packed.
Skip if: You want a quiet, relaxed meal or need strong vegetarian/vegan options—this is a meat-first, high-energy dining room.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.4
An Uptown institution for Hong Kong-style barbecue where the move is to commit to the duck service and a couple of supporting plates. The room is casual and busy, but the kitchen’s strengths—crisp skin, rich aromatics, and BBQ meats—make it a repeat-visit staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing duck dinner, BBQ pork (char siu), Garlic eggplant
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Hong Kong BBQ and the signature Beijing duck dinner in Uptown.
Who should go: Groups who want duck and classic BBQ
When to visit: Early dinner to beat peak crowds
What to order: Beijing duck dinner, char siu, garlic eggplant
Insider tip: Call ahead to reserve and specify how many ducks you want.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans and sneakers are completely fine.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer if ordering duck without advance notice
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, even for small groups
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-focused stir-fries and tofu dishes, but not a large dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes can work if ordered without oyster sauce; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes are available, but sauces often contain soy; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or food-focused first date than a romantic one. The room is busy and loud, but sharing duck can be a great icebreaker if you both like Chinese BBQ.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during dinner. For the Beijing duck service, calling ahead is strongly recommended even if you’re willing to wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come regularly, portions are shareable, and the menu is approachable for kids who like rice and roasted meats.
Best For
Better for: Whole-table dining, traditional Hong Kong-style BBQ, and the full Beijing duck experience without upscale pricing.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or modern Chinese cooking — this is classic, busy, and unapologetically old-school.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
A classic Uptown Hong Kong–style BBQ room best known for the Beijing duck dinner ritual—crackling skin, buns, and follow-up courses that make the table feel like an event. The private upstairs event level is the move for milestone groups when you want banquet energy without losing the kitchen’s signature strengths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing Duck Dinner, BBQ Roast Pork (Char Siu), BBQ Roast Duck
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A banquet-capable BBQ institution built around the Beijing duck dinner.
Who should go: Duck dinner groups and celebration tables
When to visit: Weeknights, earlier dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Beijing Duck Dinner, char siu, roast duck
Insider tip: Book the upstairs event level early for large groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets; can be challenging in the evening, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sweaters, and comfortable shoes are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively to loud, especially during peak dinner hours and upstairs banquets; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for Beijing duck tables or large groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable and tofu dishes are available, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; possible with careful ordering of vegetable-only dishes.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some roasted meats and plain rice dishes may work, but sauces often contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet, intimate first date—the room is busy and the experience is communal—but great if you want something lively and memorable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for smaller parties, especially on weekdays, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, duck service, or large groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families and multi-generational groups are common, and kids generally enjoy the duck, buns, and BBQ meats.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, classic Hong Kong–style BBQ, and the full Beijing duck dinner ritual.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal, extensive vegetarian options, or a modern fine-dining atmosphere.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
An Uptown institution that can absolutely function as a business lunch if you keep the order tight: choose a BBQ protein, a rice/noodle support, and get in and out. It’s most famous for the Beijing duck dinner ritual, but the daytime move is the roast meats—fast, savory, and built for repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast duck, Char siu (BBQ pork), Beijing duck dinner
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Hong Kong–style BBQ with signature roast meats and a famous duck program.
Who should go: Work lunches that want fast, serious flavor.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the quickest turnaround.
What to order: Roast duck, char siu, BBQ pork over rice
Insider tip: If time is tight, skip the duck dinner and order roast meats instead.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and side streets; can be tight during peak hours but usually manageable midday. No valet.
Dress code: Casual. Business casual works fine; suits not required, jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during rushes – workable for business talk at lunch, less ideal for quiet conversations.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes for duck dinner without a reservation; shorter waits for regular tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes if ordering roast meats.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited – a few vegetable and noodle dishes, but the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited – possible with plain vegetable dishes, but not a strong fit.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some roast meats and rice dishes may work, but sauces often contain gluten; ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a classic first date, but fine if both people prioritize food over ambiance. Better for casual, no-frills vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Lunch service and non-duck dinners are mostly walk-in friendly; duck dinners benefit from planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Families are common, portions are shareable, and kids usually enjoy the BBQ meats.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavor-forward business lunches and repeatable roast-meat meals that don’t require a long sit-down.
Skip if: You want a polished room, quiet conversation, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.
Sun Wah BBQ
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Hong Kong-style BBQ institution where the move is to treat the roast meats as the main event—crisp-skinned duck, lacquered char siu, and soy-poached chicken that holds up even when the room is busy. Come with a plan (one BBQ platter plus one noodle/rice support) and you’ll get a big-flavor meal that still reads like Uptown value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing duck dinner, BBQ pork (char siu), Roast duck over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Classic Hong Kong BBQ with a signature duck ritual and roast-meat depth.
Who should go: Groups chasing roast meats and shareable mains
When to visit: Weekday lunch to beat peak rush
What to order: Beijing duck dinner, char siu, roast duck rice
Insider tip: Skip menu sprawl—order one roast-meat lane plus noodles/rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; can be competitive during dinner hours, easier midday.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversation is possible, but expect a busy dining-room hum, especially at peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait outside of noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable stir-fries and rice/noodle sides, but the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with vegetable-only dishes, but not a strong fit.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some roasted meats without sauce may work, but cross-contact is likely and soy-based marinades are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or food-focused first date than a quiet, romantic one—the energy is lively and the experience is more about sharing great food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during weekend dinners or if you’re aiming for the Beijing duck experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids who enjoy roast meats and noodles; the room is loud and bustling, which can be challenging for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Roast-meat depth, portion value, and group-friendly ordering—few local spots match its consistency with duck and char siu.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, strong vegetarian/vegan options, or a more modern, polished dining atmosphere.