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Chicago Bears: Former head coach says Trubisky is the guyPatrick Sheldonon August 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm

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Chicago Bears: Former head coach says Trubisky is the guyPatrick Sheldonon August 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Watch Berkowitz w/IL 14th CD R cand. & Sen. Jim Oberweis in one of country’s hottest House races: on Cable in Chicago tonight & Web (24/7)Jeff Berkowitzon August 25, 2020 at 1:10 am

Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz

Watch Berkowitz w/IL 14th CD R cand. & Sen. Jim Oberweis in one of country’s hottest House races: on Cable in Chicago tonight & Web (24/7)

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Watch Berkowitz w/IL 14th CD R cand. & Sen. Jim Oberweis in one of country’s hottest House races: on Cable in Chicago tonight & Web (24/7)Jeff Berkowitzon August 25, 2020 at 1:10 am Read More »

Heating Back Up (Hopefully)–Cubs 9 Tigers 3Mike Bangharton August 25, 2020 at 2:23 am

Cubs Den

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“Black Is Beautiful” Beer Review: Marz Community BrewingMark McDermotton August 25, 2020 at 4:28 am

The Beeronaut

“Black Is Beautiful” Beer Review: Marz Community Brewing

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Meet The Diverse Group from “Below Deck Mediterranean”Nekia Nichelleon August 25, 2020 at 10:00 am

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NEW MUSIC: Laje’ Levels Up with New Video,”Imported”Nekia Nichelleon August 25, 2020 at 11:00 am

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PHOTOS: Oak Brook mansion with spacious sunroom, theater: $2.1MChicagoNow Staffon August 25, 2020 at 12:23 pm

ChicagoNow Staff Blog

PHOTOS: Oak Brook mansion with spacious sunroom, theater: $2.1M

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8 Restaurants in Chicago to Find Refreshing Lettuce WrapsAudrey Snyderon August 24, 2020 at 9:03 pm

Table of Contents

Do you enjoy the crispy, fresh crunch of lettuce? How about the mouth-watering umami of chicken or beef? What is a lettuce wrap if not the combination of these two disparate elements, along with perhaps an earthy peanut sauce and a squeeze of lime? If you like (or even prefer— no judgment) your leafy greens to serve as a vehicle for your protein, or just want to have a snack with your bubble tea, check out these Chicago spots that offer the beloved and often-riffed-on lettuce wrap.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Shine Facebook Page

756 W Webster Ave, Chicago IL 60614

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At Shine in Lincoln Park, you can find just the right mix of light summer flavors with darker savory undertones in the Crisp Lettuce Wraps, which combine chicken, crispy vegetables, egg, crushed roasted almonds, and a plum sauce.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Pingpong Facebook Page

3322 N Broadway St, Chicago IL 60657

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This Pan-Asian restaurant in Lakeview, whose first night of business was apparently sustained chiefly by “two bags of groceries, a secondhand hotplate and a memorized list of recipes,” offers Lettuce Cups— the fresh lettuce being a vehicle for chicken, toasted shallots, lime zest, peanuts, and ginger.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Sushi San Yelp Page

63 W Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60654

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Though this Japanese restaurant’s focus is largely sushi (deliveries from a fish market in Japan arrive regularly), Sushi-San offers an array of other tasty treats— including BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps, which are topped with a miso sambal dressing.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Polygon Yelp Page

5204 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60640

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For some spicy, crunchy goodness, head over to Andersonville for a Thai-style lettuce wrap. With spicy chicken, scallions, red onions, rice, and ground chili presented in fresh lettuce, the Larb Chicken Lettuce Wrap is sure to go well with a Thai Ice Coffee.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Niu Sushi Fusion Yelp Page

332 E Illinois St, Chicago IL 60611

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Though this downtown Japanese fusion lounge doesn’t call it a lettuce wrap, the Vegetarian Rice Paper Spring Roll embodies similar qualities of such a wrap, just without any meat. Avocado, asparagus, bean sprouts, cucumber, and beets are wrapped in both lettuce and rice paper and served with plum sauce.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Joy Yee Yelp Page

Multiple Locations

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Since opening its first two locations in Evanston and Chinatown in the 90s, Joy Yee’s Noodles has been pioneering bubble teas and smoothies, as well as offering a wide variety of Pan-Asian cuisine. Among these delicious menu items is the Thai Style Lettuce Wrap, which comes with shrimp or a combination of shrimp and pork.

Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Opart Thai House Facebook Page

1906 S State St, Chicago IL 60616

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1371 W Chicago Ave, Chicago IL 60642

Among the hefty list of appetizers on Opart Thai House’s menu is Miang Sa-Wan, which is a mixture of dried pork, peanuts, lime, ginger, onions, and Thai hot peppers, which are served alongside some green lettuce leaves to create your wraps.


Chinese Food Chicago
Photo Credit: Go 4 Food Facebook

View the Best Chinese Restaurants in Chicago

Are you trying to find the best Chinese food places in Chicago to visit? View our list of the top Chinese restaurants in the city.

View the Best Chinese Food Places in Chicago


Lettuce Wraps Chicago
Photo Credit: Shore Club Facebook Page

1603 N Lakeshore Dr, Chicago IL 60611

Listed among the “Club Favorites” on the menu of this North Avenue Beach spot, you’ll find Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps which, while they are technically cups, thankfully deliver the expected goodness of Thai chicken, peanut sauce, tropical slaw, and cilantro.

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Featured Image Credit: Sunda on Twitter

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8 Restaurants in Chicago to Find Refreshing Lettuce WrapsAudrey Snyderon August 24, 2020 at 9:03 pm Read More »

9 Best Bars Near ChinatownAlicia Likenon August 24, 2020 at 9:51 pm

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From energetic karaoke bars to stellar new restaurants, there’s no shortage of fun in Chinatown! Whether you’re visiting a friend or just looking for something different, check out these must-see locations to grab a drink. Or two. Or seven (just kidding, please drink responsibly). 

Bars Near Chinatown
Photo Credit: Dolo Bar Instagram Page

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

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Looking for wine, beer, and cocktails? Dolo is one of the only restaurants in Chinatown to offer a full-service bar. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio—it’s an adorable location to kick back and enjoy gourmet Dim Sum, dumplings, and drinks.

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Photo Credit: Sakura Instagram Page

234 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

A night out in Chinatown isn’t complete unless you hit up a karaoke bar. Sakura is one of the best-known karaoke places in Chicagoland with a recently remodeled and expanded bar, a dance floor with LED lighting system, and private VIP suites. Sip a few martinis here and you’ll be ready to take the stage!

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Photo Credit: Zero Bar Instagram Page

453 W 24th St, Chicago, IL 60616

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Keep the party going at this chill karaoke bar. Head to the second floor for some moody lighting, leather chairs, and modern-looking space. The bar area has a $15 minimum per person so feel free to quench your thirst with some bucket o’ beers or cocktails. 

Photo Credit: Pop KTV Groupon

2002 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

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Another Karaoke bar that welcomes everyone from amateur singers to American Idol wannabes. Pop KTV offers a wide range of music from F.Cuz to Evanescence, unique drink specialties like rainbow shots, casual bar fares like lamb and beef skewers and fried chicken wings, and all-around good times for large groups. 

Bars Near Chinatown
Photo Credit: Ahjoomah’s Apron Instagram

218 W Cermak Rd, Chicago IL 60616

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If you’re wanting something a little different, check out the first and only Korean restaurant in Chinatown. Order up a round or three of Korea’s national alcohol, Soju, a clear beverage with an alcohol by volume between 16% and 25%. 

Photo Credit: Reggie’s Instagram Page

2109 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616

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Located just outside of Chinatown, Reggies is a great spot to enjoy drinks and live music. They’re open Sunday through Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm but you’ll want to get here early since they don’t accept reservations and tables are first-come, first-serve. Knockback a few cold ones and rock out!

Photo Credit: Sage Room Instagram Page

67 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Just a stone’s throw away from Chinatown is this classy joint with exceptional drinks. Experience the Sage Room’s playful twist on classic cocktails, curated by in-house mixologists. Their seasonal cocktail menu features flavor profiles that start at refreshing and light, maturing to more robust. Great for happy hour, Wine Wednesdays, and DJ sets on the weekend. 

Photo Credit: Bar 22 Instagram Page

2244 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Another “hidden gem” in Chicago’s South Loop is this modern, upscale bar. Former home to some of the first automobile rows, Bar 22 represents the evolution of the Motor Row District into a hub for music and entertainment. Check out their live music on Fridays or fifty-cent wings on Saturday. 


Chinese Restaurants in Chicago
Photo Credit: Chengdu Impression Yelp Page

View the Best Chinese Restaurants in Chicago

Need a quick bite before you hit the town? Here’s a list of our favorite Chinese restaurants in Chicago.

View the Best Chinese Restaurants in Chicago


Bars Near Chinatown
Photo Credit: Vu Rooftop

133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Located 22 stories high, VU Skyward boasts three bars and two patios allowing for casual drinking, eating, and lounging experience. Enjoy a locally-driven beverage program with top-notch eats and stunning views of the lake and downtown area. 

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: VU Rooftop Bar

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9 Best Bars Near ChinatownAlicia Likenon August 24, 2020 at 9:51 pm Read More »

Chicago Bulls: Coaching search just took an interesting turnPatrick Sheldonon August 24, 2020 at 6:11 pm

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Chicago Bulls: Coaching search just took an interesting turnPatrick Sheldonon August 24, 2020 at 6:11 pm Read More »