Chinatown Square Plaza — Attraction in Chicago

The stores that sell food to traditional Eastern Asian items is a little bit skewed, but to be fair it breeds good levels of competition. Unlike a more traditional Chinatown the Chicago based Chinatown has a long history of being not only a tourist attraction but a general purpose attraction for local city dwellers, on average there's over 6 different restaurants in the area ranging from traditional generic synthetic Chinese food to the authentic within the plaza or across the street from it which I'm sure still counts as being in the same area since they share a zip code and are less than 10' steps away from each other.

Most locations have a preset fan base so even during week days depending on the time of day you can see many people eating laughing and having a good time with the Eastern vibes within the area, Not to mention if one were to get a simple permit you could use their staging area for performances or catch traditional Chinese holidays performances with no need for ticketed entry.

Parking is an absolute nightmare but to be fair due to its location you can easily go less than a full city block across the street and down one block to the local red line paid parking location it's easy to find because on the red line CTA trains there is a stop I believe called Chinatown so everything is pretty much been made easy for you when it comes to navigating if you're going to be coming in a group.

But the fact that parking is hard to come by should let you know that even though many of the employees in the various stores in the area walk there the fact they have so much to people traffic is a good sign.

They have elecktronics device salesmen Asian orientated hair salons so buyer beware if your hair is of any other variety ethnically speaking, However the main draw is food in particular Saints Alp tea house and Joy Yee come to mind, If you wanna see a true Asian menu and I mean they won't even put shrimp fried rice on the menu even though they will serve it if you asked type of locations you really can't go wrong with Chinatown heavy weight business's like these two.

I'll probly go into independent review of the business is I've explored in that area but since this is only supposed to be about the plaza itself, I'll just close by saying you can come here because you wanted an interesting tourist attraction but you will leave with a full belly or a good...

🏮🎎🪭Exploring the Heart of Chicago's Chinatown: Chinatown Square Plaza Review

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown, Chicago, Chinatown Square Plaza is a cultural gem that beckons visitors with its colorful displays, eclectic shops, and tantalizing array of culinary delights.

From the moment you enter the plaza, you're greeted by the lively hustle and bustle of the community, with the aroma of authentic Chinese cuisine wafting through the air. The plaza's architecture, adorned with traditional Chinese motifs and vibrant red lanterns, transports you to a world of rich heritage and history.

Wandering through the plaza's winding streets, you'll discover a treasure trove of shops and boutiques offering everything from traditional Chinese handicrafts to modern fashion trends. Whether you're in search of unique souvenirs or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, Chinatown Square Plaza has something for everyone.

Of course, no visit to Chinatown Square Plaza would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. From hole-in-the-wall noodle joints to upscale dim sum restaurants, the plaza boasts a diverse range of dining options guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Be sure to sample some of the local specialties, such as xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and Peking duck, for a truly authentic experience.

Beyond shopping and dining, Chinatown Square Plaza also serves as a hub for community events and celebrations throughout the year. From Lunar New Year festivities to cultural performances, there's always something exciting happening in the plaza, making it a dynamic and lively destination for locals and tourists alike.

In summary, Chinatown Square Plaza offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, inviting visitors to explore the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's Chinatown. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique shopping experience, a visit to Chinatown Square Plaza is sure to be a memorable...

Chinatowns across the country vary greatly in what they can offer to its visitors.

This one is our favorite so far, way better that New York in comparison especially in terms of cleanliness and lay out and parking options. The variety is adequate and we have sampled our share of restaurants in the last 15 years and each one was on point.

Our favorites are Joyee and MingHin. There are also shops and specialty stores worth checking out.

Parking can be challenging but no more than your usual in any major city. There are parking lots that can be discounted if you get stamped by restaurants. Also have metered street parking.

As far as safety, i can not speak for evening hours since we normally visit during daylight hours. During these times, we have not encountered any issues that were concerning. Exercise common sense and find good lighted spaces, I suppose. There are apartments and other residential spaces close by that looks decent from the outside. It is a mix of old and newer construction to suit different needs for those looking to be close to the area.

Location is very convenient with easy access to 90/94 and downtown. Also close to train station for easy commute. A very quick ride from the baseball stadium so why not grab a quick bite before or after a White Sox game. It will probably be easier on the pocket compared to bar food in that vicinity or a break from bar food or a step above concession fare. Options and variety will surely be more and barely 15 minutes away.

If you visit Chicago, this is a must see and worth adding to your itinerary. If you’re a local why not explore and find your favorite Chinese, Korean spot. Feels like a mini vacation for us when we do. Definitely a foodie nirvana. Lots of affordable option and we always buy frozen dimsum to take home for when we dont want to go but want to savor the Asian...