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When Alan Yuen’s father passed away, Yuen decided to take the family’s chop suey house up a notch. He completely renovated his Logan Square restaurant (even installing beautiful hardwood floors himself) and set about making fresh and vibrant Cantonese-American classics, as well as somewhat contemporary takes for the neighborhood’s shifting taste buds. Sesame beef, honey-walnut shrimp, kung pao chicken and beef chow fun are joined by creations like stir-fried seafood in a shredded potato “bird’s nest,” salmon wok-smoked with jasmine tea and star anise, spicy garlic tofu with eggplant, and boneless Peking duck with Grand Marnier sauce. While take-out business keeps him afloat, Yuen’s swank—yet often empty—dining room could use some signs of life. To bring in more business, he recently kicked off a Tuesday-night promotion that offers every entrée—even the 14-ounce Hong Kong steak—for $8.95. Considering the pride that Yuen puts into every dish, that’s hands down the best deal on the block.—Heather Shouse

Friendship Chinese Restaurant 2830 N Milwaukee Ave between Diversey and Dawson Aves (773-227-0970). El: Blue to Logan Square. Bus: 56, 76, 82. Open: Lunch (Mon–Sat), dinner. Average main course: $12.