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The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Chinatown

August 25, 2017

Brought to you by Chicago’s Best Chinatown Movers

For a century, Chinatown has been the center of a tight-knit Chinese community. Located just below the South Loop, Chinatown offers a variety of restaurants, amenities, and cultural centers that offer authentic experiences to residents, visitors, and ex-pats of all backgrounds. Chinatown is conveniently close to downtown Chicago, so you’ll just be a train or bus ride away from anything else you need. As your Chinatown movers, we’ll help you settle stress-free into your new neighborhood, letting you start finding your own favorite spots right away.

About 11,000 people live in the Chinatown area, with an even gender balance. Many folks are older, and have roots in the neighborhood that go back generations, but there is a mix of ages. There’s also a sizable number of families with children.

Chinatown, in its location today, first began to establish its identity around 1915. Before this, Chinese immigrants who had moved from California were establishing businesses and communities in Chicago. In the 1920s, residents began to build monuments and other structures that solidified their neighborhood’s identity, along with founding organizations that remain today.

Now you’ve got the gist, here are some highlights—and basics—we found to help you start your best Chinatown life.

Things to Do in Chinatown:

Ping Tom Memorial Park: Community spaces, river access, and boat rentals.
Chicago Chinese Cultural Center: Events and outreach.
Chinese-American Museum of Chicago: The immigrant experience, community events.
Chinatown Square: Tw0-level mall with restaurants and store.
Hoypoloi Gallery: Distinctive art and decor for sale.
Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce: For community events and information.

Best Restaurants in Chinatown:

A variety of Chinese options.

Trendy: Go 4 Food. Michelin-starred.
212 W 23rd St. | (312) 842-8688
Upscale: Dolo Restaurant and Bar. Fusion cuisine in modern setting.
2222 S Archer Ave. | (312) 877-5117
Groups: Ming Hin. Big tables and full bar.

2168 S Archer Ave. | (312) 808-1999
Seafood: Emperor’s Choice. Creative preparations.

2238 S Wentworth Ave. | (312) 225-8800
Open Late: Triple Crown. Sit in or delivery.

2217 Wentworth Ave. | (312)-842-0088

Also:

Ramen: Strings Ramen. Some of the best in the city.
2141 S Archer Ave. | (312) 374-3450
Pizza: Connie’s Pizza. Delivers.

2373 S Archer Ave. | (312) 326-3443

Best Bars near Chinatown:

Cocktails: Velvet Lounge. Long-time night club.

67 E Cermak Rd. | (312) 794-5904
Karaoke: Sakura Karaoke. Private rooms available.

234 W Cermak Rd. | (312) 326-9168
Food: 15/20 Lounge. Karaoke as well.
2428 S Wallace St. | (312) 496-3215
Live Music: Reggie’s Chicago. Lots of shows, beers, and food.

2105 S State St. | (312) 949-0120

Grocery Stores in Chinatown:

Park to Shop Supermarket: Lots of options, Asian focus.

2425 S Wallace St. | (312) 791-9111
Chinatown Market: Seafood counter and more.

2121 S Archer Ave. | (312) 881-0068

Coffee Shops in Chinatown:

Captain Cafe and Bakery: Chinese pastries and desserts.

2161 S China Pl. | (312) 791-0888
TBaar Bubble Tea, Juice, Smoothies: Hot and cold beverages.

2234 S Wentworth Ave. | (877) 648-2227

Gyms near Chinatown:

FFC South Loop: Equipment, classes and spa.

1151 S State St. | (312) 360-1151
Dre’s Diesel Dome Fitness: Variety of group training.

125 E 26th St, 3rd floor. | (312) 276-5138

Chinatown Local UPS/Post Office:

United Stats Postal Service
2345 S Wentworth Ave., A | M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm

Dry Cleaners near Chinatown:

CD One Price Cleaners
2200 S Michigan Ave. | M-Sat 7am-7pm
Pronto Cleaners
2235 S Michigan Ave. | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 7am-5pm

Parking in Chinatown.

Visit the Ward 34 site for information

This has been a tiny sampling of the great things you’ll experience at your new Chinatown home. As a seasoned Chinatown moving company, we’ve learned all about the staples and cool places in the area. We’re happy to share more!

As you’re planning your big move, cross one major thing off your to-do list, and book Chinatown movers who’ll a take load of stress off your mind. Call us at New City Moving, and we’ll help you move safely, smoothly, and on-schedule, so you can settle right in and start living your greatest Chinatown life.