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Guide to Armour Square

Lunch spots and fried rice

A midday fried-rice fix that actually hits the spot without requiring a sit-down commitment.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Golden Bull Restaurant image 1
Golden Bull Restaurant image 2
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Chinese restaurant

Small, crowded space with a family-style atmosphere and authentic Cantonese vibe. Noise levels rise from bustling servers and lively conversations, creating a chaotic but cozy environment. A big lazy Susan at tables adds to the communal dining experience.

Lunch offers include a special set from Monday to Friday priced at 26 dollars, reduced from 46 dollars. The three-dish lunch set costs 28 dollars and comes with a free extra box of rice.

Vegetable fried rice stands out with a good amount of vegetables, more than most places. Chicken fried rice and salted fish fried rice also appear on the menu alongside classic dishes.

People are saying

"The Cantonese food here is authentic and reminds me of home."

"The staff here is so friendly, especially with kids."

"You have to try the egg tofu; it's crispy outside and tender inside."

Good to know

1

The restaurant validates parking for the large lot in the area.

2

Prices are reasonable and cater to locals without tourist markups.

3

Food typically arrives within 10-15 minutes after ordering.

02
Emperor's Choice image 1
Chinese restaurant

Classic Chinese diner with cozy, family-run vibes and crowded, lively atmosphere where tables sit close together. The space feels small and intimate, fitting well within Chinatown's bustling scene. Strong, tasty drinks and authentic, standout dishes complement the energetic setting.

Lunch offers three-course meals for about $12 on weekdays until 3:00. The menu includes dishes like beef and broccoli and features great prices with specials.

Kimchi fried rice with shrimp stands out with its bold flavors and fresh shrimp. Fried rice here pairs well with dishes like sesame chicken and Singapore-style noodles, offering a well-rounded meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"The Lunch Spot's beef and broccoli was excellent."

"I considered the Emperor's Fried Rice a must order."

Good to know

1

The lunch menu is around $12 until 3:00 on weekdays.

2

Expect the restaurant to fill up quickly during peak hours.

3

Portion sizes are huge, making it easy to share dishes.

03
Go 4 Food image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, intimate Chinese restaurant with family-style seating and unpretentious decor focuses attention on fresh, vibrant flavors. Atmosphere feels cozy and authentic, attracting those who prioritize food quality over aesthetics. BYOB option and a large party room downstairs add to its appeal.

Lunch specials cost only $8, offering an affordable Cantonese option. The specials include a variety of dishes that provide great value for the price.

Millionaire Fried Rice stands out with a unique flavor not found elsewhere. Shrimp fried rice tastes yummy, and the Tai Chi fried rice offers a rare traditional Hong Kong style not common in Chinatown.

People are saying

"I've never had Chinese food this good before."

"I thought the seafood here was one of the best I'd ever had."

"I thought their millionaire's fried rice was better than most places in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Lunch specials are available daily with great value.

3

Street paid parking is available in the Chinatown area.

04
Ahjoomah's Apron Korean Restaurant image 1

Small Korean restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dark, modern decor and dividers for privacy. The vibe stays chill and comforting with good music and warm hospitality. Seating is tight with low tables and limited space around booths.

Beef gimbap stands out as a light lunch option. Lunch here offers a fantastic experience with satisfying flavors.

Kimchi fried rice stands out with its bold flavor and is often paired with beef bulgogi or other dishes. It consistently delivers a perfect balance of spice and savory notes.

People are saying

"You get a ton of Korean food for the amount you pay."

"This lunch spot has amazing food, truly divine."

"I loved the kimchi fried rice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off alcohol, making a bottle of soju $9.

2

Daily specials include 50% off bibimbap and half-off noodles on Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant serves large portions, ideal for sharing or taking leftovers.

05
Bonchon image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers a stylish modern decor with dim lighting and a small, cozy space. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxed to loud and crowded depending on time and music volume. Frequented by diners who enjoy crispy soy garlic chicken wings and shareable large portions.

Lunch features spicy wings, chicken strips, and a new Yum Yum Sauce flavor. Service stays quick and attentive even during busy Saturday lunch hours.

Kimchi fried rice stands out with its spicy flavor and sometimes includes bacon. Chicken fried rice offers a full flavor profile. Some dishes like bulgogi fries and loaded fries with kimchi fried rice combine multiple elements but can lack seasoning.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the soy garlic flavor."

"I found the fried rice to be delicious and full of flavor."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is always super friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The kitchen closes at 10 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking can be difficult; expect to drive around to find a spot.

06
Yep Kitchen (AYCE Sushi & Hotpot )源记茶餐厅 image 1

Huge dining room with modern design and electronic tablet ordering creates a bright, clean, and efficient environment. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and lively, with cozy decor and pleasant music. Cantonese and sushi dishes offer authentic flavors that complement the warm vibe.

Lunch specials include a free hot drink before 11 AM or after 2:30 PM. Meals are filling and cost about $120 for three people. Food quality is consistently good during lunch.

Fried rice here stands out for its distinct grains and savory scallop richness that delivers a deep umami without heaviness. Options like house and home style fried rice offer a balanced texture with tender scallops and fluffy rice, often enjoyed with table chili oil and refreshing drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor."

"The Lunch Spot dishes here are pretty small, mostly for one person."

"I found the fried rice here to be the best prepared and most flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking on the Clark Street lot can be validated at the restaurant.

2

Expect a 1-hour wait time for dim sum on busy days like Christmas.

3

Breakfast or lunch specials come with a free hot drink before 11 AM or after 2:30 PM.

07
Koto Hibachi image 1
Restaurant

Compact dining area offers a cozy, laid-back vibe with an open kitchen that showcases culinary skills. Atmosphere blends lively energy with a pleasant aroma of sizzling hibachi dishes, creating an inviting and chill setting. Space feels comfortable without crowding, supporting relaxed visits.

Lunch specials offer great value with generous portions. Options like the steak bowl and chicken lunch bowl come with plenty of food and include vegetables, rice, and sauce.

Rich and satisfying without being too heavy, the fried rice comes with combos that include chicken, shrimp, and steak. Portions are generous enough to last for two days.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

"The seafood here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"The hibachi chicken is perfectly grilled and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited due to the restaurant's location on a busy street.

2

Paid street parking is available near the restaurant.

3

Food is made to order, which may cause a wait time.

08
Hunan Cuisine 湘乡香 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Clean, modern, and spacious interior offers a quieter atmosphere than typical Chinatown spots. Authentic Hunan cuisine features spicy dishes with adjustable heat levels and imported ingredients from China. Adjacent karaoke bar adds a lively contrast to the otherwise calm dining experience.

Fried rice offers a nice kick and strong wok aroma in the Xiang special. Shrimp fried rice sometimes has undercooked shrimp, while other versions like chicken fried rice pair well with other dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and full of flavor."

"The fried rice had a nice kick and great wok aroma."

"The fried rice at this Lunch Spot was decent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant allows you to choose the spice level for your dishes.

2

Expect prices around $25 for entrées without rice.

3

The portion sizes are substantial and generally affordable.

09
Chef Xiong - Taste of Szechuan image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Sichuan cuisine with spicy, flavorful dishes and large portions. Interior blends a modern, clean design with unique touches like brass bird sculptures and kungfu panda figurines. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, suitable for conversations without rush or loud noise.

Late lunches feature dumplings and seafood noodles. The spot offers a solid choice for a satisfying midday meal.

Twice cooked pork fried rice stands out as a top dish here. The veggie fried rice also impresses with its flavor. Overall, the fried rice dishes are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The Szechuan food here is delicious and authentic."

"This lunch spot's spicy food is amazing and authentic."

"The fried rice here is excellent and a stand-out dish."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accommodates seafood, peanut allergies, and vegan diets.

2

Portion sizes are large enough to share among diners.

3

Prices are affordable compared to other Szechuan restaurants in the area.

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Armour Square, Chicago

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