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White Bear
Master Critic Review
White Bear
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
White Bear is a tiny counter on Roosevelt Avenue best known for its No. 6 pork wontons in chili oil, served in a styrofoam bowl with almost no ceremony. Locals and visiting dumpling fans treat it as a quick pilgrimage stop for cheap, supremely satisfying northern Chinese comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
No. 6 Wontons in Chili Oil, Pork Wontons with Hot Sauce, Wonton Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A tiny Roosevelt Avenue dumpling counter famous for its No. 6 chili wontons.
Who should go: Dumpling lovers who appreciate tiny, no-frills counters.
When to visit: Midday or early evening to dodge peak lines.
What to order: No. 6 wontons, extra chili oil, wonton noodle soup.
Insider tip: Order two bowls of No. 6 if you hate sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect competitive metered spots along Roosevelt Avenue and nearby side streets. Plan extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are. Streetwear, hoodies, and winter jackets are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a tiny counter space with quick turnover, so conversation is possible but not leisurely.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, mostly due to the line forming outside the small storefront.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, aside from a short queue during peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited — the signature items are pork-based; a few chili oil or noodle sides may work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dumplings contain meat, and broths are not vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Not suitable — dumpling wrappers and noodles contain gluten with no gluten-free alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates no-frills, hyper-casual food adventures. The setting is tiny and functional rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and essentially no true tables — expect counter seating or takeaway. Turnover is fast, so any wait is short.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy dumplings and quick stops. Limited seating and spicy oil options may not work well for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, ultra-satisfying chili wontons at a low price; ideal for dumpling purists and solo eaters who want speed and flavor over ambiance.
Skip if: You want a full meal with comfortable seating, broader menu variety, or dietary accommodations. Choose nearby sit-down spots instead.