About this spot
Chef's Special delivers authentic American-Chinese comfort food that feels like a warm hug on North Western Avenue, with standout plates like General Tso's chicken and sweet-and-sour pork that locals swear by. The menu changes frequently based on what the chef has fresh, so you'll often find unique stir-fries or dumplings that aren't found in chain restaurants. It captures the classic Chicago Chinatown flavor profile without feeling overly greasy or outdated.
💡 Tips before you go
- Order extra rice if you want to soak up the savory sauces from your main dishes.
- The kitchen operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations, so arrive early for dinner.
Menu27 items
Appetizers
crab rangoon
$11.5
egg roll with pork & shrimp
$12.5
potstickers
$13.5
smashed cucumbers
$7.5
vegetable spring roll
$11.5
wontons in chili oil
$14.5
Mains
beef and broccoli
$18.5
cashew chicken
$17.5
dan dan noodles with ground pork
dan dan noodles w/ ground pork
$17.5
dry chili chicken
$18.5
fried rice
$14.5
hand pulled noodles
$20.5
kung pao
$17
lo mein
$15
mapo tofu with ground pork
$17.5
mongolian beef
$18.5
orange chicken
$16.5
rolled noodles
$20.5
sweet & sour
$16.5
walleye & sizzled leek
$19.5
walnut shrimp
$18.5
Sides
dry-fried green beans
$14.5
roasted carrots
$15.5
wok tossed greens with garlic
wok tossed greens w/ garlic
$12.5
Desserts
almond cookies
$5.5
chocolate tea cake
$12.5
ube custard
$11.5