11/20/06

One of the best Chinese restaurant in Chinatown

by chi_girl821

You can never go wrong at Happy Chef. The food there is very authentic and almost everything tastes good, considering there extensive menu. The only downfall is it can get pretty busy so there may be a short wait or the waitstaff is not always as attentive as you'd like.

• Pros: The food!
• Cons: Can get pretty busy

10/25/06

Dim sum

by sdollx

In my opinion one of the best and most authentic places for Chinese cuisine. The food hasn't been diluted for the American palate. This is where you go for dim sum.

07/02/06

Good food for a great price

by jnhooligan786

My family and I always go here whenever we're in town and it is something I definitely look forward to each time. Smart choice for those wanting a full stomach at a low budget. Lobster & crab entrees are very well priced. Not to mention that they have a buy 3 entrees receive 1 free deal. Cuttlefish, clams and lobster are amazing. Don't forget to try the dim sum too.

• Pros: Choices of entrees, cheap prices
• Cons: Loud and messy, but that's all part of the Chinatown family dining experience.

03/06/06

Happy Chef makes me happy

by anitachan

I have had dim sum at Happy Chef on several occasions. There are many dishes to choose from. I love the sesame balls. Get there early because, the place is always packed. I suggest between 10am and 10:30. We usually split the bill and you can stuff yourself for between $8 to $10/person. .

• Pros: good food, big selection, good prices
• Cons: cramped tables, wait for service

08/08/05

This reliable spot just off Chinatown Square lures diners with its affordable menu of Cantonese classics.

by Valerie Moloney

The Scene
The sparse, L-shaped space buzzes with chatter of families and couples who practically know the menu by heart. To the left of the entrance, a dining room with round tables seats large parties, while another dining area to the right accommodates smaller groups. Two tanks filled with blue crabs and lobsters seem to be the only attempts at decoration. Friendly servers tend to a mix of Cantonese speakers and tourists.

The Food
It's no surprise that this spot is packed--you could easily feed a family of four for under $30. Chewy pork-filled, crab or shrimp dumplings and the pan-fried taro cake are addictive, while more adventurous choices such as beef tripe in ginger sauce or chicken feet marinated in hoisin sauce remind diners that they're in Chinatown. Don't leave without trying the savory steamed rice roll stuffed with beef, deliciously sweetened by a soy/ginger sauce.

05/04/04

Best chinese food in Chicago

by dodat

Happy Chef is hands down the best chinese restaurant in chicago and thats not saying a lot cause the selection here is pretty bad. The best deal is after 10pm as the price drops to $5 for half the portion. Service is good, food is good and its BYOB. This is the closest thing to eating NY/Toronto/SF quality chinese food. The atmosphere is not the prettiest but alot better than other chinese restaurants.

• Pros: Food, Service