Best Chinese Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago is home to more Chinese restaurants than a single person could ever visit, but there are a few standouts throughout the city. Home to a bustling Chinatown, Chicago's roundup of great dining spots each offers a unique twist to their menu or cuisine. Luckily though, not all the best Chinese restaurants are packed into Chinatown. Here are my favorite Chinese restaurants spread throughout the city of Chicago.

Ben Pao
52 W Illinois St, Chicago, Illinois
Ben Pao has a nice mix of meat dishes, but my favorites here are the vegetable dishes because they are done so well. Four different types of styles are prepared here so there is a little more variety when it comes to the way popular dishes are prepared. A dinner entrée averages $12.

Dee's Mandarin
1114 Armitage Ave, Chicago, Illinois
If you are a fan of hot and spicy dishes try Dee's Mandarin, which features dishes that mix Mandarin and Chinese cuisine. Everything at this Lincoln Park hot spot is authentic and fresh which is why it is a favorite dining spot for most of the Lincoln Park crowd. Entrees average $10.

Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Lao Sze Chuan is hands down the most popular spot in Chinatown, especially with locals-and where ever the locals flock is probably where you want to start your feast fest. Servings are huge and suitable for large groups, the menu is extensive and sometimes overwhelming, but the food is always excellent and the best I have ever had anywhere. A family of four can easily split four entrees and spend under $50.

Phoenix
2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Phoenix has an impressive menu, but it's the rolling carts that catch everyone's attention. If you are going to be ordering straight from the menu expect to spend about twelve dollars per entrée. If, one the other hand, you pick and choose dishes off the cart, chances are your bill is going to double.

Emperor's Choice
2238 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Also in the heart of Chinatown, Emperor's Choice is one of the nicer sit down restaurants in the neighborhood. If you are a fan of seafood, this is the place to go. The menu is packed with regional fish favorites, and the multi-talented chef is good at preparing a wide variety of dishes. Entrees average $15-20

Dragonfly Mandarin
832 W Randolph St , Chicago , Illinois
In the Gold Coast, Dragonfly Mandarin is a mix of country cooking and classic Chinese that includes a mix of several regional dishes. The comfy spot is hot and popular with a younger crowd, especially with the restaurant turning nightclub at the end of the night. Again, the prices reflect the location, average entrée is $25-$30, but in this case you pay for the food and a night out so it is well worth it.

Opera
1301 S Wabash Ave , Chicago , Illinois
Opera is one of the few fine dining Chinese restaurants in the city, the atmosphere and décor make it a great date spot as well- try to get one of the private vaults for. Located in the South Loop, go here for the sexy vibe and unique menu. I often try new dishes at Opera that I can't find anywhere else in the city. You will pay more for the location; the average entrée is about $25.

Chens Chinese & Sushi
3506 N Clark St, Chicago , Illinois
Making its home in Wrigleyville, Chens Chinese and Sushi is a nice mix of two cuisines. I never really thought the two would mix well, but Chens shows you just how well the two types of dishes go together. The well rounded menu has a little bit of everything, and if you are just in the mood for some Peking duck or maki, it's a nice place to stop in the neighborhood. Entrees average $15.