Joy Yee — Restaurant in Chicago

Update 12/2025 - place is still the same and the food is on point.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Joy Yee Pan Asian Restaurant during my first-ever visit to Chinatown Chicago. Being one of the top-rated restaurants in the area, my expectations were high, and I must say, the experience was quite a delightful culinary journey.Upon entering the restaurant, the bustling atmosphere and vibrant decor immediately set the tone for an exciting dining experience. Eager to explore the much-talked-about menu, my companions and I decided to try a variety of dishes that reflected the diverse offerings of Pan Asian cuisine.To start, we indulged in the Crab Rangoon, a delightful appetizer that was a perfect blend of creamy and crispy textures. The flavors of the crab and cream cheese filling were well-balanced, making it a great way to kick off our meal.Moving on to the main course, we sampled an array of dishes that showcased the restaurant's versatility. The Sesame Chicken boasted a tantalizing combination of flavors, with the nutty sesame undertones enhancing the succulent chicken pieces. The Korean Beef, a dish I was particularly excited to try, didn't disappoint. The rich marinade and tender beef slices were a true testament to the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors.The Shrimp Fried Rice, a classic favorite, was executed to perfection. Each bite was a medley of flavors, the shrimp adding a delightful seafood twist to the dish. Additionally, the Wontons were a hit among us, with their flavorful filling and delicate wrappers.On the whole, the taste and quality of the dishes were impressive and aligned with the restaurant's reputation. The service, for the most part, was attentive and prompt, adding to the overall positive experience.However, one aspect that left a slight dent in an otherwise wonderful dining experience was the server's communication. It seemed that they struggled to fully comprehend our requests, leading to some minor mix-ups and confusion. This minor hiccup did have a mildly irritating impact, but fortunately, it didn't overshadow the fantastic flavors we encountered.In conclusion, my visit to Joy Yee Pan Asian Restaurant was a memorable one, marked by a variety of delectable dishes that truly showcased the essence of Pan Asian cuisine. While the occasional communication issue with the server was a small drawback, it wasn't enough to overshadow the outstanding food and overall service. If you're seeking a diverse culinary adventure in the heart of Chinatown Chicago, Joy Yee Pan Asian Restaurant is certainly...

I honestly can't give it more stars because I've only been here once. The menu selection/picture menu was amazing!!! I love the fusion type food they offer and was pleased with what I decided on. As pictured, I had the Brisket Udon & szechuan green beans? Honestly can't remember the correct names...but the beans was different from what I'm used to. I'm a green bean fanatic and the flavors they've created with this dish was spectacular! Definitely add it as a side dish to your meal! The Udon dish could have used more sauce and flavor. I did like the brisket in it, very tender and melts in your mouth! (There was more than that one peice you see in my picture- there was actually pretty good amount) Love that the noodles were actually Udon noodles, usually restaurants think they can pass off regular thin noodles as udon...and that's just so disappointing when you were expecting fat nooodles. Overall my experience was ok, I think it was hyped up too much for me. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was really really busy so I didn't feel like I had the best service. I felt like I talked to a different waiter/waitress everytime I needed something. I did forget to mention there was a MASS HYSTERIA of people in their TO-GO line outside waiting for bubble tea. I believe if that's all you're ordering, you have to order from their line outside. Inside is for diners. My friends and I did order some bubble teas and a few of them were bland - I would stick to the milk teas. I am assuming either this was the ONLY place that had it, or these people just haven't had better. Not being a bubble tea snob, but when you live in an area with bubble tea on every corner, the trend calms down a bit. Would I spend an hour to find parking JUST to go eat here again, probably not. If you've never been and happen to be in the area, sure why not? Definitely...

The sample platter appetizer at Joy Yee in Chinatown, IL, is an excellent choice for those who love trying a little bit of everything. It includes a mix of dumplings, spring rolls, and pot stickers, all bursting with delightful flavors and textures. It's perfect for sharing with friends or family, making it a great way to start your dining experience.

On the other hand, the bok choy dish was a bit disappointing. The vegetables were overcooked, resulting in a mushy texture, and the sauce lacked the depth of flavors that we had hoped for. If you're a fan of bok choy, it might be better to explore other options on the menu.

The fried rice, while not outstanding, was still satisfying. It had a good balance of ingredients, but it didn't quite reach the level of some of the other dishes we tried. Nevertheless, it makes for a decent side dish to accompany your main course.

Now, let's talk about the highlight of the meal – the boba tea. Joy Yee offers a fantastic selection of flavors, from classic milk tea to fruit-infused options. The boba pearls were perfectly chewy and added a delightful twist to the drinks. If you haven't tried boba tea before, don't hesitate to give it a shot; you won't be disappointed!

Service-wise, we were impressed with how quickly our food arrived at the table. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. The efficient service enhanced our overall dining experience, allowing us to enjoy our time at Joy Yee even more.

In conclusion, despite the minor setback with the bok choy, Joy Yee in Chinatown, IL, remains a great dining spot with a diverse menu and excellent boba tea. The friendly staff and fast service contribute to making it a place worth revisiting. So, if you're in the area, make sure not to miss out on this enjoyable...