I recalled Chinatown back in 1960s was quite diverse with outsiders mixing in with the local Cantonese speaking Chinese that was not many, which I heard is over 25,000 Chinese in 2021, living within and around Chinatown and into Bridgeport. Back in 1960s, there were restaurants like Chiam, Guey Sam, Lung Fung, House of Fong. Dai Tong, Chinatown Restaurant, Lucky Coffee Shop, The Junk, King Wah, Lee Canton, Won Kow, Garden Restaurant, Kai Kai, to name a few. Later, In the 1970s, we saw Three Happiness, Moon Palace, Mandarin, Wing Wah, Haylemoon, Hong Kong Restaurant, Royal Pacific and such expanding to about 60+ Chinese businesses covering part of Archer Ave, not far from Santa Fe Coach yard (now Chinatown Square and Ping Tom Park) to south 24th near I55 highway, once a big city park, according to the local. And finally, Chinatown has an agreement with the state for a much needed parking lot, after Royal Pacific restaurant built their building ontop of the old Chinatown Parking Lot (one can still see that painted signage between the wall, of Lucky Coffee shop) near Lucky Coffee, not far from the Chinatown arch, now Triple Crown. The 1990s, more newer restaurants came in, such as Emperor Choice, and a new one Furama on 26th, but it also the time when Chinatown Square added more business (over 120+ business in Chinatown at that time), such as Coa Coa, Lin Restaurant, Lao Tse Shuan, Joy Yee and even a Chinese run Kentucky Fried Chicken, which eventually closed in less then a year. Later, 21st century, Chinatown saw more diverse restaurant business, not limited to just Chinese food, such as Malaysian, Korean, Vietnamese, and even Japanese, but do not expect them to be run by Korean, Japanese, etc, but local Chinese who either speak Cantonese or Mandarin living in or around Chinatown, so practice your Korean, Japanese, etc somewhere else. Citibank, Walgreen, and Starbuck are just a few outside non-Asian businesses that survive in Chinatown, when other such business as Baskin Robbins and KFC has failed inside Chinatown. Chicago Chinatown might be considered homogeneous at time, but the community is a mixture of Italian, Irish, Swedish, Hispanic, and African American who live in this community. Initially, most Chinese in Chinatown were mostly Cantonese speaker from southern part of China or from Hong Kong. In the 1960, more Cantonese speakers came in during that period after the culture revolution to civil unrest in Hong Kong. Later decades, Chinatown begin to see more from China and Taiwan, and very soon more from Hong Kong after that unrest. In recent decades. I noticed more Mandarin speakers from both Taiwan and China living within the community, with local Cantonese speakers soon to be a minority. Chinatown is a great place to visit, almost like a taste of Hong Kong, minus the congestion and crowd. And, it is a great place to practice your Chinese if one is a Cantonese or Mandarin speaker. The local will be impress of one own language skill.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Coming from outside of Chicago, this Chinatown is the most widespread and least packed. It is much busier at night with young adults hanging out or going on dates. Files are seen here to visit and grab dessert and dinner. The options in my opinions are very authentic and reasonably priced. Though people can argue about the parking, this is THE most spacious Chinatown between all 3 NY Chinatown and Philadelphia. Theres a convient subway and a major parking lot thats right under it as well. The roads are wide, sidewalks are big as well. This doesn't mean that it's my fav Chinatown but it's not bad. I do think as a local it does need more fresh produce or a better grocery store options.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Chinatown is a wonderful foodie haven to enjoy the Chinese culture and a variety of Chinese cuisines, ranging from dim sum, Mainland China cuisine, Hong Kong cuisine, Taiwan cuisine, or ABC cuisine (ABC = American Born Chinese), each with their own varieties, character and flavors. The intensity of the flavors decreases according to the above listed order. Best of all, your dollar goes a long way over here! Additionally, there are also Chinese supermarkets. So you can get your Chinese meal fix here and buy some groceries back home to spice up your culinary meals. After a meal and buying groceries, don't forget to leave with a cup of boba tea!

I had to visit the Chicago Chinatown on my visit to town. I was impressed with how easy it was to navigate here on the El from downtown. The gate was kept nicely and the bus stop right underneath it is convenient. The Chinatown here is much smaller than I was expecting (I'm used to the one in San Francisco), and felt more like a neighborhood with a small shopping/eating strip. But definitely worth the visit to eat authentic food and buy some souvenirs.

Such an amazing area. Really feels like you're traveling, foods great, people are sweet, shops are so cool the lunar New Year this year there was outstanding! If you're from out of town or live here, VISIT!!!!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Very touristy place to see in Chicago, but would only recommend going during the daytime and with a group. Seems very shifty in some places and pickpockets are all around. Just be smart and you'll be fine!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Love the culture. Love the pride and the community. Ok ok the food is wonderful also. You can purchase clothing and more so go enjoy and have fun. Ask questions to the locals also
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Definitely an experience for my family. We visited Chicago for the weekend and it was nothing like what i expected. The stores and shops all had a bad, moist smell like being in a vacant damp building. The area is not very festive and didn't offer anything you can't buyon Amazon for the most part

This is my first visit to a "big city" Chinatown. I loved it! There was a street festival going on so it was very crowded, which made it difficult to talk at length with people. I will definitely go back when I can and hopefully get to see more. Perhaps some of the less "tourist'y" places.

After visiting University of Chicago, I stopped by Chinatown to see what kind of goody I could find. I thought S Wentworth Ave is the only place I could find Chinese restaurants and I missed the other two streets: S Archer Ave and S China Pl. I love Chicago and I'll come back next time.

A very popular destination for tourist (and those of us that like to play tourist in our own city.) Great architectural designs and atmosphere.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Iconic area of Chicago with a rich cultural history. Stop by the local museum and have some delicious food from a local family restaurant.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Iconic and beautiful! The architecture of Chinatown is mystical. Enjoyed shopping and dining roaming throughout Chicago’s Chinatown. Bling Blinky of Texas Shout Out: Wonderful place to spend a day when visiting Chicago! Be sure and add it to your itinerary!

With all of the tourists it attracts, I feel Chinatown should definitely get a remodel. The area (and gate, specifically) are a bit rundown. All else aside, it's still nice to spend a few hours browsing through shops and sampling delicious authentic foods!

Chicago Chinatown not very big, but still has a decent selection of authentic Chinese restaurants and traditional Chinese bakeries.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Well first time here, place is interesting and geared for tourist. I found it not to be that interesting. What surprised me is it definitely is not clean, very run down in appearance. Sad but this alley photo was the thing that caught my attention.

The gate looks nice just to get by and take a picture. on one side you can see the main street and the shops that you will spend time walking around and good food. if you see it from the other side you can see the buildings downtown.

It's not really a Chinatown, its only 1 long block with a couple restaurants and a few gift shops. Oh yeah and a karaoke spot. Nice to visit and there might be more beyond the 1 block but that section seems to the area to explore.

What a fun and delicious corner of Chicago! There were so many fun little shops to duck into and see and so many great tea and food shops to try! This will definitely be added to my must do list for anytime I visit Chicago!

Chicago is proud to be multicultural city. And this landmark and Chinatown show how Chicago can be diversified with many different cultures. Many interesting shops around the gateway and good restaurants nearby.

Embracing Asian flavors, boba tea, and the richness of Chinese culture? Well, then, come on over and savor the experience
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

Compared to other China towns like NYC or San Fran, this area pales in comparison. But we still enjoyed the area. Lots of food options and trinket stores. Come for a meal such as dumplings, dim sum, etc.

its a nice corner where many shops and restaurants are located. ive been to it many times and I always find something new in the shops and the food is always good (so long as you know what to ask for)

Surprisingly took an authentic SzeChuan (literally means for Four Riverias) food right here. The chilled hot sliced beef with Tofu in a soup makes an amazing, tingling and numbling sensation. Yummy!

Dirty, crowded, noisy. People are rude. Nearly impossible to drive/park cars. Everything is expense. Why come here why there are so many options (Chinese restaurants) everywhere else?

Looks nice, but with a busy street underneath, it's almost impossible to get nice photos.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

One of the best place for authentic Chinese food in Chicago.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

ICONIC GATE. Definitely let's you know what town your visiting. Have always had a great time visiting Chinatown and its shops and restaurants. Been visiting since I was little.

Chinatown is legit. Get some food and visit the park!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is a nice culturally themed area in Chicago. Plenty of asian inspired shops and architecture. Can catch buses to most of the Chicagoland casinos around here as well.

If you're lover Asian food, this is the place! I was there at night, it was so empty. I don't know how is in the daylight. It's besides to metro station, so easy to go.

Great stores. Not so great store employees. They follow you like they do in the movies. I felt like I was being watched closely....like I was going to steal something.

Amazing area. I always love going to Chinatown.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Awesome !!!! Loved every corner of it !!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Chinatown! Unique, quirky and adorable little shops full of stuff! I wish I had had more time to wander about! Please go and enjoy celebrating diversity.

I love seeing and experiencing different cultures. My daughter had a class project for photography class, so we went to China town to take some pictures

I love this location. Wonderful area filled with kind people. Use the restroom at the Hilton nearby-its hard to find a public restroom elsewhere!

Overall dissapointed with Chinatown, except for the wide selection of good restaurants. My expectations were for a more cultural experience!

Maybe because of the epidemic, many shops in this street are closed and few people are there. It was very busy at that time a few years ago

Authentic architecture and atmosphere ⛩️
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Price for adult entry
Free

Of course it was interesting! I have my reservations as to what a McDonald's sponsored fair in Chinatown would look like though …

Amazing food and had a great time looking in all the shops
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Price for adult entry
Free

Chinatown has so many things to do an explore! It's so very pretty and you can always find cool things in all the shops!

The architecture of the buildings, and the future is so great. This was our first time, and we will definitely be back.

Getting quite rundown..this area could use some renovating. It's not too big so easy to walk around here and explore.

The Gate itself needs a fresh coat of paint and storefronts windows are so dirty you can hardly see what's inside!

Pretty cool place to check out especially if you are Asian food lover, so many choices on both sides of the street

great service and food. The down fall was that no licor was served because the bartender was absent for the day.

The gate is a great spot for a photo op; makes for better photos compared to the Dragon Wall across the street!

Always nice to just walk around and enjoy the area and food.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Chinatown is neat, though dirty. It is a city, after all. There are neat restaurants and bakeries to enjoy.

It's a very nice place if you like to get little to big souvenirs from China without traveling to china.

Great place to visit second time we visit while visiting Chicago. Some of the stores are still closed.

Extremely busy! I don't recommend going on your own. Take a tour and you'll have time for everything.

Is absolutely gorgeous a beautiful addition to an full addition to an already marvelous city Chicago.

Good p roducts
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice experience, even if not close to the rest of the sightseeing options, go if you have the time

I love the area, it gives you a taste of China. The scenery, food, customs, teas, drinks, & herbs.

A must see if first time in Chicago, great food, great service and culture environment.

Very easy place to explore with lots of shops for food, trinkets, gifts, and groceries

I absolutely love this place. I got some really delicious boba tea and cute trinkets.

The best food in town. It feels like walking on streets in China. Will go back again.

Nice place but the parking you have to pay all the week days and not to much parking

It is a unique place, no matter what other people say, I love to visit Chinatown...

Classic chinatown gate which can be found in any mayor city around the globe.

You can feel real china here.. There are Different restaurants, gift shop..

There's a water taxi to/from downtown Chicago. This is the Chinatown stop.

It’s nice that it’s a change of scenery!! They had some really nice cafes!

Very beautiful landmark site to see especially on Chinese New Years 2020

Awesome experience! Great shopping area. Lots of food to choose from.

I had a good time with my family and they had nice places to visit.

Cool to see but was covered with a banner on the bottom

Very neat area with a lot of shops and restaurants.

The place is gorgeous but the parking is terrible!

First Time in Chinatown enjoying the festival

Must visit and experience chicago china town!

A lot of restaurants around this area

Great parking and great fun.

Best Chinatown in America!

Good food, great prices