We Ranked The 10 Best Old-School Chinese Restaurants In Illinois And Here’s Who Made The List
One Chinese restaurant on this list was long known for what’s billed as the oldest neon sign in its entire city. I love that a sign can outlast decades of food fads and still pull people through the door.
Then there’s the egg roll situation. One kitchen here rolls them burrito-sized, with a peanut butter and five spice flavor that tastes like a local secret.
Another spot has been plating Cantonese favorites since 1954, which means grandparents and grandkids may have ordered the same dish.
Illinois turns out to be packed with these long-running dining rooms. They serve the comfort classics many of us grew up on, like egg foo young, chop suey, crab rangoon, and sweet and sour chicken.
I ranked ten of them, from big-city icons to college-town favorites. Each one has kept its own corner of the state fed for years.
Which one would you hit first?
1. Orange Garden Restaurant
Few restaurants can say their sign is a piece of city history. This North Side classic was long known for what’s billed as the oldest neon sign in Chicago.
Orange Garden has been serving old-school Cantonese cooking since 1932. That’s a long run, and you can feel it in the simple dining rooms filled with art and artifacts.
Look up while you wait, because dragon sculptures decorate the walls. The setting stays casual and quiet, which makes it easy to linger over a big plate.
Now, about those egg rolls. They come burrito-sized, with a vintage Chicago-style peanut butter and five spice flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else.
You’ll want to pair one with a bowl of egg drop soup. Kung pao chicken is another menu highlight if you like a little heat with your history.
Plant-based eaters get real attention here too. The restaurant offers a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu, and it’s a strong pick for tofu dishes.
Portions run large, so plan on leftovers or bring a hungry friend. Families and groups fit right in, and high chairs are available for little diners.
A quick planning tip will save you some frustration. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, and street parking can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday evenings and Saturdays. Takeout and delivery are options when you’d rather eat those egg rolls on your couch.
Address: 1942 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
2. New Star Restaurant
Seven decades is a serious streak for any family business. New Star has been dishing up Cantonese favorites since 1954.
The restaurant is still family-owned, and it keeps that mid-century Cantonese-American spirit alive. It’s casual, friendly, and built for gathering around shared plates.
Hong Kong Steak is one of the long-running stars of the menu. Jumbo Shrimp Fried Rice is another classic, and it’s marked gluten-free for diners who need it.
Craving noodles instead? Hoy Sin Chow Fun brings wide rice noodles to the table, and the New Star Wonton Soup makes a comforting opener.
Seafood fans have plenty to explore here. The kitchen turns out scallops, shrimp, and lobster, along with steak and filet dishes in generous portions.
Planning a birthday dinner? Family-style meals and a fun atmosphere make this a popular spot to celebrate, especially with a big group.
Kids get their own menu, plus high chairs and changing tables. Tea lovers will appreciate the strong tea selection, which pairs nicely with a plate of fried rice.
Service moves fast, so a quick lunch is very doable. Hours run seven days a week, with later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekend evenings get busy, especially Sunday afternoons into dinner. Reservations are accepted, so calling ahead is a smart move for a crowd.
Address: 7444 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
3. Ming Shee
Bubble tea and beef with broccoli on the same order? Ming Shee in Peoria makes that combo totally normal.
This low-key spot on North University Street serves regional Chinese fare along with bubble tea and smoothies. It’s a fun twist on a very traditional menu.
Some families have been eating here for more than two decades. That kind of loyalty says plenty about a small-town Chinese restaurant.
Dinner for three is a smart way to sample the menu. Beef and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, kung pao chicken, and chicken fried rice all make appearances.
Fans of a lighter plate can go for steamed chicken with broccoli. Orange chicken and shrimp fried rice are other popular picks if you stick with the classics.
Food comes out steaming hot, often one dish at a time as it’s ready. That means you’re eating straight from the wok instead of waiting on a lukewarm pile.
The room is casual, quiet, and kept clean. Staff are known for being friendly and quick, which makes a weeknight dinner feel easy.
Tea lovers have options beyond the bubble kind, too. The restaurant has a strong tea selection, so you can go traditional or sweet.
Doors open at 10:30 AM most days, but the place is closed on Mondays. Friday afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretch, so plan around that.
Address: 3510 N University St Ste A, Peoria, IL 61604
4. Hot Wok Express
Crab rangoon has a way of starting friendly arguments in any town. In Bloomington, Hot Wok Express sits right in the middle of that debate.
This long-standing Chinese restaurant is known for its crab rangoon and General Tso’s chicken. Those two dishes alone keep plenty of local orders rolling in.
Egg foo young deserves your attention as well. It’s one of the old-school dishes that helped the kitchen build its loyal following.
Not sure what to order? The staff are helpful with questions, so you can ask for a recommendation without feeling rushed.
Takeout is a big part of the story here. You can choose curbside pickup, delivery, or no-contact delivery when you’d rather stay in your pajamas.
Dining in works too, with seating in a casual, quiet setting. High chairs are available, making it an easy stop for families with little ones.
Vegetarians get a full menu to pick from. Small plates are also on offer, which is perfect if you want to snack your way across the table.
The schedule has one quirk worth remembering. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays but opens at 10 AM the rest of the week.
Parking is simple, with a free lot right there. Reservations are accepted, though most folks seem happy just grabbing a bag of rangoon and heading home.
Address: 401 N Veterans Pkwy #2, Bloomington, IL 61704
5. New Kahala: Chinese Cuisine
Late-night study sessions in Carbondale have a delicious backup plan. New Kahala stays open until 11 PM seven days a week.
This long-running spot has fed generations of college students and locals for more than 30 years. That’s a lot of finals weeks powered by stir-fry.
The menu blends traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cooking. Expect stir-fry plates, noodle dishes, and combos that make ordering easy when you’re tired.
Sesame chicken and house chicken are popular picks. Spicy garlic eggplant brings bold flavor, and string beans in garlic make a great side.
Save room for Chinese donuts, a fun sweet treat on the menu. Broccoli with garlic sauce and vegetable egg rolls are solid meat-free choices too.
Speaking of meat-free, the restaurant offers full vegan and full vegetarian menus. Organic dishes and healthy options also appear, which is great news for picky groups.
Portions run huge, and prices stay friendly for student budgets. The menu is so big that you could try something new each week for a semester.
The vibe is casual, with friendly service and a welcoming crowd. It’s a solid spot for families, groups, and solo diners alike.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just drop in. Parking is easy, and weekdays open at 11 AM while weekends start at noon.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901
6. China Cafe
Drive-through Chinese food is a rare treat, and Moline has it. China Cafe lets you grab crab rangoon without leaving your car.
Out in the Quad Cities, this casual restaurant has built a name for consistency. Familiar staples come in large portions, and the quality stays steady visit after visit.
Crab rangoon is one of the big reasons people stop in. Sesame chicken, orange chicken, and General chicken cover the sweet and crispy side of the menu.
Looking for something less expected? Combination angel hair is a fun pick, and Ma Po Tofu offers a vegan option with real kick.
Soup fans should try the house special soup. You’ll also find classics like chop suey, lo mein, and egg drop soup on the menu.
Lunch specials are generous, making midday a smart time to visit. Beef with broccoli is another menu highlight if you want something straightforward.
Families will feel right at home here. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a clean, friendly dining room that stays fairly quiet.
Vegetarian and vegan diners get full menus of their own. That’s a big plus when your group can’t agree on what to eat.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and open until 10 PM most other nights. Weekends run a little later, and parking is free and easy.
Address: 4605 16th St, Moline, IL 61265
7. Moy Lee Chinese Restaurant
Signature egg rolls are a big promise, and this Northwest Side spot backs it up. Moy Lee has built its reputation on those rolls and generous portions.
This long-standing Chinese restaurant on Milwaukee Avenue is family owned. It serves classic Cantonese fare that fits right into Chicago’s old-school Chinese tradition.
The menu reads like a greatest hits list. Egg drop soup, bar-b-q pork, fried shrimp, fried rice, and sweet and sour pork are all part of the lineup.
Cantonese dishes and beef plates also get plenty of love. Pair a few with fried rice and you’ve got a full feast for the table.
Service moves fast, and the staff keep things running smoothly. That makes it a great call for both quick takeout and sit-down dinners.
Tea lovers can explore a strong tea selection. A full vegetarian menu is also available, so meat-free friends can join the egg roll fun.
The dining room is casual and quiet, with room for families and groups. High chairs are available if you’re bringing a tiny food critic.
Moy Lee is closed on Mondays and opens at 11:30 AM on most weekdays. Free street parking is usually easy to find, which is a nice break in Chicago.
Address: 5346 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
8. China Wok
The state capital runs on history, government, and apparently a very reliable lunch buffet. China Wok on West Monroe Street has been part of Springfield’s routine for more than 25 years.
A quarter century is a long time in the takeout business. Staying open that long means people keep coming back, plate after plate.
The lunch buffet is the big draw here. It’s a great choice when you want a little of this and a little of that without committing to one dish.
Prefer to eat at home? The restaurant offers a wide range of takeout options, and online ordering makes the whole thing simple.
Delivery is available too, which is handy on lazy evenings. Service is fast, so a quick lunch break won’t turn into an afternoon.
The dining room is casual and quiet. It’s a relaxed place to grab a seat, refill your plate, and chat without shouting over the crowd.
Kids are welcome, so a family lunch works fine. You’ll also find dessert on the list, which makes a buffet trip feel complete.
Watch the schedule before you go. The restaurant opens at 10:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, but Saturday service doesn’t start until 3:30 PM.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up. Parking is easy, with a free lot and plenty of spaces waiting for you.
Address: 1955 W Monroe St, Springfield, IL 62704
9. Emperor’s Choice
Old-fashioned egg foo young and modern walnut shrimp share the same menu here. That mix makes this Chinatown favorite a perfect final stop on the list.
Emperor’s Choice has served Chicago’s Chinatown for decades from its spot on Wentworth Avenue. Its traditional Cantonese menu includes some creative seafood dishes too.
Fans of the classics will find plenty to love. Egg foo young, fried rice, and chow mein sit right alongside crispy sweet and sour chicken.
Want something newer? Peking duck and walnut shrimp bring a more modern touch, and pepper sauce beef adds some punch.
The house specialties carry the restaurant’s name. Emperor’s Spicy Chow Fun and Emperor’s Spicy Chicken are great picks if you like heat.
Starters cover the basics nicely. Crab rangoon, pot stickers, Emperor’s Egg Rolls, wonton soup, and egg drop soup are all on the menu.
The dining room is small, clean, and modern, with friendly staff. Because space is tight, expect a possible wait, especially on weekend afternoons.
Reservations are accepted, which can save you some standing around. Takeout and delivery work well if you’d rather enjoy that duck at home.
The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and opens at noon the rest of the week. Paid lots nearby help with parking, a handy perk for a busy Illinois neighborhood.
Address: 2238 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
10. Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
Sizzling rice soup is basically dinner with a soundtrack. Rockford’s Great Wall serves it up alongside a long list of traditional staples.
This long-standing eatery on East State Street sticks with the classics. General Tso chicken and Mongolian beef lead the lineup, and both come in big portions.
The dining room carries a strong dose of nostalgia. It feels like the Chinese restaurants many folks remember from childhood, which is half the fun.
Want something a little different? Snow White Chicken Moo Goo Gai Pan and Snow White Seafood Soup bring lighter flavors to the table.
Hungry for the whole experience? The Han Dynasty Dinner for 6 is built for families and groups who want to try a bit of everything on the platter.
Appetizer fans should look for crab meat with cheese and pot stickers. Princess prawn, orange beef, lo mein, and shrimp fried rice round out a very full menu.
Vegetarians aren’t left out, either. Four Vegetables Delight is a menu highlight, and the sizzling rice soup is vegan.
Timing matters here, so check the clock before you head out. The restaurant opens at 4 PM, stays closed on Mondays, and wraps up fairly early in the evening.
Parking is easy, with a free lot and plenty of spaces. Reservations are accepted if you’re bringing that group of six for the big dinner.
Address: 4228 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108