A Can't-Miss Meal in Woonsocket, Rhode Island: An Insider's Guide

Ask anyone you meet in Woonsocket, Rhode Island for some insider travel tips or restaurant recommendations, chances are good that they'll have only good things and memorable meals to tell you about Chan's Restaurant on Main Street. In fact, ask around in Providence, RI about Chan's Eggroll, Jazz, and Blues, and you'll definitely find fans of the restaurant, even though it's 20 miles away. Chan's is definitely an excellent place for great food off the beaten track, so whether you live in Woonsocket or you're visiting Providence, you should definitely check out Chan's at 267 Main Street in Woonsocket, RI.

So what's so special about Chan's? What's not special, more like it! Picture any Chinese or Oriental restaurant that you've ever visited. Like it or not, most Chinese restaurant look pretty much the same, with the same tired vistas of rice paddies and those weird red velvet hanging lanterns. There might be some dusty fake flowers on the tables and you'll probably find a smattering of Chinese symbols or leaping fish. Not Chan's. The artwork on the walls of Chan's is bright, vivid rock-n-roll paintings, which the exception of the huge metal relief portrait featuring dozens of different types of birds. This is a wild and rockin' place that looks nothing like you might expect.

Open 7 days a week at 11:30 am, Chan's is open until 10 PM Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, until 11 PM on Thursdays and Sundays, and until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Tell me those aren't some impressive hours! Chan's has the absolute best in live music, with live acts on almost every Friday and Saturday night, but don't be surprised to hear live music on a Tuesday or Wednesday night either. Chan's even has open mic nights once a month. Since reservations are advised on some of the show nights, you might want to get in the habit of calling in advance before you go, especially if you are making a long drive.

Great art and excellent music is one thing, but how's the food at Chan's in Woonsocket? According to their website, "Our skilled culinary staff wishes to reflect your growing interest and appreciation of the exceptional flavors, spices and sauces of the four schools of Chinese cuisine. Whether you favor the Cantonese style, Szechwan and Hunan, the Mandarin , or the Shanghai style, we are pleased to fulfill your individual taste in our oriental cooking." No matter what your poison, you'll find it at Chan's.

The food, my friends, is so delicious, that ever since my first visit to Chan's, I've found myself craving their delicious sesame chicken. I've been back three times, and I assure you, I'll go there again... and again... and again. Let me give you an insider's tip: check out the combination dinners. Think a combo won't be enough food? Think again. I've only ever finished my plate once, and most times I have leftovers plenty enough for lunch the next day (or a midnight snack, if I can't wait that long!). I order the #19 every time, and my boyfriend gets either the #5 or #10, with Chow Mein, which is this weird crunchy noodles with gravy thing that's good, but strange. The boneless ribs are so delicious that I'm always picking them off his plate, and the Beef Teriyaki is the best I've ever had. The rice is actually a little bland, but ask for some Szechwan sauce on the side, and you'll be all set.

A few times that I've been there, I've seen people order the PuPu platter, which is this sizzling, giant appetizer. We haven't tried it yet, but the people who I've seen order it seem to love it. Also, we have yet to order an eggroll, which I suppose is weird considering Chan's is the "Home of eggroll, jazz, and blues", but I bet they are good. Chan's has an extensive wine and liquor list as well as serving draft beers and bottles.

Still not convinced? Then make sure you visit Chan's in Woonsocket RI to find out for yourself. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.