Chinese BYOBs in Chicago

Photo: Martha Williams

Sun Wah Bar-B-Q Restaurant
If you thought Argyle Street was only a Vietnamese-food haven, consider this permission to follow that voice in your head telling you to eat the barbecued ducks you see hanging in the window at this Chinese standby. And the pigs, too. And while you’re at it, don’t skimp on the egg rolls. Or even the broccoli. (Trust us, you’ll thank us for the fiber in the vegetables later.) 1132–34 W Argyle St, 773-769-1254.
Corkage fee $3 per bottle
Best nearby liquor store Foremost Liquors (1040 W Argyle St, 773-989-0808)

Ed’s Potsticker House
Not everything on the menu here is a winner, but stick with these choices and you’ll be just fine. Try the pork-stuffed, cigar-shaped pot stickers, the garlicky fried eggplant with mushrooms and chiles, or the panfried pork cake. Want to venture into the rest of the menu? Sorry, you’re on your own. 3139 S Halsted St, 312-326-6898.
Corkage fee None
Best nearby liquor store Lush Wine and Spirits (1257 S Halsted St, 312-738-1900)

Double Li
Szechuan is the style here, and that means you’re going to sweat. Ample amounts of Szechuan peppercorns find their way into dishes such as fish with cabbage and mapo tofu, both of which set your tongue on fire. If you need a breather from all that spice, take the edge off with the sugar-cured bacon tossed with snow peas. 228 W Cermak Rd, 312-842-7818.
Corkage fee None
Best nearby wine store The Wine Consortium (110 E 23rd St, 312-791-9999)
Best nearby beer store Sam’s Wines & Spirits (50 E Roosevelt Rd, 312-663-9463)—David Tamarkin

NEXT>>