Chan's Chinese Restaurant — Restaurant in Gurnee

BEWARE!! I ordered the shrimp Subgum chow mein from Chans. I have been eating subgum chow mein for too many years (40yrs) to admit. It was absolutely AWFUL! The paper bag that was delivered to my front porch was dripping all over the porch and down the hallway of my home. I didn't even realize it was dripping at first, because I didn't order soup or anything with a soup like consistently, so I certainly wasn't expecting a leak from the bag. After I got the food into the kitchen and on the counter, I started to unpack it. I thought maybe I had received the wrong order and I had somebody else's order with soup in it. But it wasn't the soup, it was the shrimp subgum chow mein. Yes, my shrimp and vegetables we're just simply swimming in water. I immediately called the restaurant and spoke with some lady who explained to me that it's watery because of the bean sprouts. What do the bean sprouts have to do with making shrimp subgum chow mein? Subgum chow mein is supposed to have a nice, rich, thick opalescent sauce that clings to the vegetables and shrimp. It should also be flavorful. If I wanted steamed shrimp and vegetables in water, that's what I would have ordered. So I asked the lady if I could add cornstarch to thicken up it up, because I know that is how they thicken up the subgum sauce. She says "yes, on the stove, add a little water and slowly add in cornstarch to thicken it up and then add it to the shrimp subgum". I realize that I didn't spend $55 to go to the stove and start mixing together a thickener, in order to have the shrimp subgum chow mein that I initially ordered. I tried to eat it, however it was simply just steamed shrimp and vegetables with no flavor profile at all. I really wanted the flavor of that flavorful thick subgum sauce that every other Chinese restaurant, that offers subgum chow mein, now how to successfully create in their own kitchen. I then tried to call the restaurant the next day, but I didn't realize it was Monday and they were closed, so I waited until Tuesday and reach back out to the restaurant. I spoke with a very rude man. I asked him why it was so waterery and he said "after 20 minutes it gets watery because of the bean sprouts ". Again with the bean sprouts!? I asked why is it that every other Chinese restaurant that I've ordered subgum from, ever after a night in the refrigerator and being reheated the next day, still has a velvety, thick and flavorful sauce clinging to the vegetables and shrimp. He told me that if I don't like their subgum, I should order something different. But I have a better idea! I'll never order from you again, and I will make sure that everybody that I know, is aware of how much your food lacks and how unprofessional, inconsiderate and rude your restaurant is. I reached out to GrubHub too to let them know how dissatisfied I was. I don't often complain but when I spend $55 on takeout Chinese, I want and expect a nice meal, even a decent meal would do. Definitely would have been better off even with Panda Express at this point. So if you want authentic, flavorful, rich Chinese-American food, I would steer very clear of Chan's Chinese...

Stepping into Chan's Chinese in Gurnee is not merely about enjoying a meal; it is an immersive exploration into the vast and vibrant flavors of China, wrapped in an ambiance that whispers of both modern comfort and traditional charm. Each visit to this esteemed establishment unfolds like a chapter in a culinary saga, deserving of a prestigious five-star Michelin rating.

The menu at Chan’s is a testament to the artistry and precision of its chefs, who expertly balance traditional techniques with contemporary presentations. The Sesame Chicken, available in both pint and quart servings, is a standout—a dish where the chicken is cooked to tender perfection, its batter crispy, enrobed in a lusciously sticky and sweet sauce that clings to each morsel, promising a burst of flavor with every bite.

Not to be outdone, the Broccoli Beef & Onions offers a robust feast for the senses. The beef, supple and rich, melds harmoniously with the crispness of fresh broccoli and the sharpness of onions, all seasoned with a masterful blend of sauces that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural flavors of the ingredients.

The Walnut Shrimp is a delightful surprise, combining the soft, creamy texture of well-cooked shrimp with the earthy crunch of walnuts, all dressed in a light, creamy sauce that adds a hint of sweetness, making each forkful a complex taste adventure.

A dish that truly showcases Chan’s prowess is the Homemade Cantonese Roast Duck. This dish is a culinary masterpiece, featuring a half duck roasted to achieve the perfect contrast between its crispy skin and the succulent, tender meat beneath. It’s a recipe that requires patience and skill, evident in the layering of flavors and textures that make this dish a must-try for any aficionado of Chinese cuisine.

Completing the menu on my recent visit, the Jumbo Shrimp Fried Rice was a harmonious blend of aromatic rice and generous chunks of jumbo shrimp, each grain infused with the flavors of soy and sesame, dotted with crisp veggies and scrambled eggs, culminating in a satisfying and comforting dish.

In conclusion, Chan’s Chinese in Gurnee is not just the best Chinese restaurant in the area but a true jewel of the North Shore. With each dish crafted as if for royalty, an evening here is nothing short of a regal affair. The meticulous attention to detail, the welcoming ambiance, and the unparalleled mastery of Chinese culinary traditions make Chan’s a paragon of dining excellence. It’s a gastronomic journey well worth taking, deserving of the highest accolades and a metaphorical five-star Michelin rating. Whether you are a local or a traveler, missing out on this culinary treasure would be a sizable...

Their food is great, service excellent even though the dining in is closed for the moment but to go is still great!! Their fried food keep being crunchy for hours, and they are flexible with your orders, As a Chinese myself, they are very Cantonese, you can order the beef chow fun and have them press the fun more crunchy, they will do that for you or light on the oil or different combination you can think of. You know we are picky Chinese but they are willing to do that for you. If you want them to do light on the breading, they could too. I am very happy for my chow fun, veggie delight, deep fried won ton with meat, egg drop soup is great too, friend beans schezhuen style is great too. the deep friend wings leftover for the next day is still crunchy, amazing. I will definitely go back, even my German American hubby will go back too. Happy Chinese New Year and God bless...