The Story
Won Kow opened in 1928, just a couple of decades after Chicago's current Chinatown was established around Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road. The building, designed by architects Michaelson & Rognstad (who also designed Chinatown's iconic Pui Tak Building), became a neighborhood anchor for nine decades.
The restaurant served generations of Chicagoans. Legend has it that Al Capone kept a regular table. Jewish families from the North and South Sides made Won Kow their Sunday dinner tradition. The menu featured Chinese-American classics: orange chicken, chow mein, chop suey, dim sum, and fresh seafood.
By 2018, owner Peter Huey, who had run the restaurant since 1991, was ready to retire. 'It's time for me to take it easy for a while,' he said. With no one to take over, Won Kow served its last meal on February 1, 2018. The title of oldest Chinese restaurant in Chicago passed to Orange Garden on Irving Park Road.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Classic Chinese-American preparation that defined the era
Traditional Cantonese small plates served for generations
💡 Did You Know?
- Al Capone allegedly kept a regular table at Won Kow
- The building was designed by the same architects who created Chinatown's Pui Tak Building
- Chef Tony Hu later planned to open a hot pot restaurant in the former Won Kow space
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Building remains; planned hot pot restaurant by Chef Tony Hu [VERIFY if opened]
Original Address: 2233-2239 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60616