Get to Know Chinatown

Headed to Chinatown to ring in the last of the Lunar New Year celebrations? Here’s what to know and where to go.

Chinatown moved from the Loop to the South Side in the 1900s. And its distance from downtown is why Chicago’s Chinatown continues to grow while other cities’ shrink, Pui Tak Center’s David Wu told ABC7.

Photographer Jack X. Li spent a lot of time in the neighborhood growing up since both his parents worked there. He shares his fav spots.

Something to eat: “In the mood for hot pot? Try Haidilao or the new Shoo Loong Kan. Dim sum is the group decision? Go to Phoenix or MingHin. At Wentworth Seafood House, I recommend any of their banquet-style seafood dishes. Lobster noodles make any occasion feel celebratory.”🍸

Something to drink: “Grab a drink at Nine Bar, a wonderful new cocktail bar by Lily Wang and Joe Briglio. It’s been on many best-of lists — including Hey Chicago’s — for good reason! The drinks are complex, delightful, and highlight a variety of Asian ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorn and baijiu.”

Something to see: “Walk down the main stretch of Wentworth to look at some of the Chinese-style facades of the buildings, most of which date back to the early 1900s. One of my favorites is the prominent Pui Tak Center. Follow Wentworth north to Ping Tom Park to take in some of the beautiful murals that adorn the supports underneath the 18th Street bridge.”

Want to show us your neighborhood? Readers and listeners have taken us from Lincoln Square to Beverly! Email chicago@citycast.fm.