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Golden Bull Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Chinese Chinese [Edit]
242 W Cermak Rd(between Archer Ave & Cottage Grove Ave)
Chicago, IL 60616
Neighborhood: Chinatown
(312) 808-1668
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cermak-Chinatown (Red Line)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
34 reviews for Golden Bull Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Walnut shrimp and mandarin pork chops one of my faves."
(in 4 reviews)
"...fish, frog legs in black bean sauce and were very happy..."
(in 3 reviews)
"i do agree that the late night/after 9 menu is a nice way..."
(in 5 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Samson P.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2011
They have the best crispy skin chicken in all of chinatown! It takes 25 minutes but is totally worth the wait.
They have good Honey Walnut Shrimp too, -
Review from Agnes F.
Chicago, IL
9/6/2011
I think I have been here many many years ago when it was still a vietnamese restaurant but it looks like they are only serving cantonese food now
We ordered the pekingnese style pork chops, steamed whole sole fish, frog legs in black bean sauce and were very happy with the food
had tons of leftovers for the next day too
this place seems to be very popular with the older generation chinese who live around the neighborhood and i think they know a good deal when they see one
definitely a no frills place but the food is good -
Review from Andrew Y.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Little place that gives you a feeling of Chinatown. This was only place that we went to, but they were hospitable hosts. I don't recall all the dishes we had, but it was a private-ish party where the majority of people were in our group. They had a breaded and non breaded honey walnut prawns. I suspect, if I'm back in Chicago, in the winter I'll be back here. Prices were very reasonable.
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Review from Justin M.
Deerfield, IL
8/8/2011
Upon reading reviews, people rated this place at 3 or 4 stars and some even said it was the best in chinatown. Wrong. We ended up going here based on reviews and regretted it.
There was zero atmosphere, no music, and when we walked in, we couldn't tell if it was even open bc the waitresses were sitting in a booth with their heads down!
We ordered the dinner for 2 ($20) and it came with a bland pork Fried rice, decent egg rolls and decent won ton soup. It came with two entrees also; sweet and sour chicken and almond chicken. The highly reviewed sweet and sour chicken was all bread an no meat, not to mention the breading was deep fried and tasted like a doughnut. The almond chicken was stringy and slimy but the sauce was alright.
All in all, I'd look for other places to go in Chinatown next time. -
Review from Matt D.
Minneapolis, MN
12/8/2010 1 photo
This place is amazing! I walked to Chinatown last Saturday with my fiancee in search of a cheap delicious meal. Golden Bull far exceeded our expectations!
The atmosphere leaves you without much to look at, but with food like this, you won't feel like you're missing anything. Our server was a middle-aged Chinese woman with a friendly and attentive attitude. While we experienced a bit of a language barrier, it didn't keep us from ordering what we wanted.
The meal started with amazing complementary tea! From there, we split a plate of veggie fried rice. We both agreed it was the best we remembered ever enjoying. Loaded with fresh veggies and fried and seasoned delicately, so as not to get crusty and salty. I ordered scallops with veggies -- definitely the best sea scallops I've ever had for $6.99. Tender, plump, and so fresh tasting...melt in your mouth seafood here, people. The garlic sauce complemented the dish so well. I can almost still taste it 4 days later (yes, I have brushed). My fiancee ordered tofu with veggies. The tofu was prepared better than I've seen at most places. Tender and creamy, with a crunchy exterior. Best of all, it was some of the freshest tasting tofu I've ever had!
In terms of food quality, Golden Bull was outstanding. And this meal was $18 + tip! I will make a point to go back here the next time I am in the Chicago area, and in the meantime, I am recommending it to anyone and everyone I can. Keep up the good work, Golden Bull! -
Review from Melanie V.
Chicago, IL
11/6/2010
*droooools*
You know how it is when you're hungry, but you wanna eat something GOOD, not just any old thing like bad tacos, pizza, or burgers? Yeah, that's how I was after a trip to the casino.
So, after, literally, racking our brains for a place to eat after at trip to the casino, my friend and I ended up at Golden Bull - thanks to Yelp reviews! It was completely empty when we walked by, so we were a little hesitant about going in. But, I knew Yelp wouldn't steer me wrong, so I busted in there, much to the dismay of my friend.
We started off by ordering shrimp balls ($4.50 for four). This was deep fried goodness. The best tasting I've had in a long time! I'm not sure what they put in their breading, but it was fantastic.
The Kung Pao chicken ($5) was really delicious! Generous portion of chicken, topped with green peppers, onions, peanuts, served over rice. It was also just the right amount of spiciness. Yum! My friend ordered the spareribs in blackbean sauce ($5), which was also tasty and good! Love the huge portions for the price!
For shrimp balls, one cup of hot and sour soup, kung pao chicken and spareribs, the total bill was about $20 (with tip and tax, ya'll!). This restaurant isn't all about the frills and over-the-top service, but the food and price are really the standouts. You'll love it, I promise.
Best decision ever coming in Golden Bull to satisfy our late night hunger! Thanks Yelpers!Listed in: Down South...
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Review from Nancy C.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2010
I vowed this would be the first place I'd write a review for if I ever get around to getting a Yelp account--reason being Golden Bull cooks up the BEST (Chinese) food EVER!! I am Chinese and grew up in a family that essentially worships food, so I think my opinion (when it comes to Chinese food, at least) is reasonably legit. And here it is:
To echo the sentiments from fellow yelpers, if you are looking for ambiance or a place for a first date--this isn't exactly the place to be. Though, in all honesty, it isn't that bad relative to some other places I've seen in Chinatown. The furnishings are on the older end but I can easily overlook all of that with the quality of food they render.
I've been coming to this place with my family for as long as I can remember. We usually go straight for their family combo menu as it contains some pretty staple dishes: salt and pepper shrimp, Peking ribs, some kind of stir-fried seafood combo with yellow chives, oyster in black bean sauce, and their signature dish--the "pei pa" tofu" (little piping hot golden pillows of awesomeness, that is tofu mixed with minced meat and scallions, seasoned and fried to perfection with a sweet and sour dipping sauce) and ordering the combos is cheaper than ordering each dish individually, so it is definitely worthwhile, in case you were wondering. During special occasions/celebrations, we throw in an order of salt and pepper crab or the Cantonese style fish as well, which are always fresh and well prepared.
Of the countless number of times I've been here, I've never really had a bad experience. There are some oddball dishes, which I do not see myself trying for a second time, but otherwise, no big complaints. You are seriously missing out if you have not yet set foot into Golden Bull.
That said, what are you doing still reading this review. Go! ...and don't walk, RUN! -
Review from Diana G.
They got some good food. It's more authentic like everyone says. Not much ambiance.
Yes, those late night dinner plates are good. Cheaper, less portions, but just means more variety.
Walnut shrimp and mandarin pork chops one of my faves. Not for everyone, but the pickled veggies with intestines is good too. Actually not even sure if that is the correct name, but something along those lines. -
Review from Occam W.
Seattle, WA
4/22/2011
Sweet and sour chicken, beef with broccoli, egg rolls, fried rice, hot and sour soup.
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Review from Evelyn Y.
Waukegan, IL
8/5/2006
Here's a chill, Chinese dive that won't flatten your wallet.
Atmosphere: "Small" is the first thing that comes to mind. But somehow, it doesn't feel cramped. I think it helps that they have these square, white-lit panels on the walls, which gives the impression of filtered daylight. It has a nice, clean effect.
Food: B+. Dishes come with a soup appetizer and fresh-cut oranges with the check. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the beef and broccoli, kung pao chicken, and the mayonnaise shrimp (the walnuts that come with this dish are sweet and crunchy--very tasty!). My old-fashioned, pro-Taiwanese independence father digs it.
Service: Friendly. Only takes a long time if they're cooking up a storm for some party of twelve that orders just before you. It's a small place--it's not like the waiters can get lost or anything.
Prices: The single most expensive dish can't be more than $17.99... I'll try to take notes next time I go. But seriously, the average dish is probably $12.00. Average prices. Good deal. -
Review from Irene O.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2010
I got a recommendation through word of mouth for their soft shelled crab. It was great at the restaurant and as left overs...It was quick and yummy; I'd go again =)
My 3 stars comes to play b/c they didn't have enough cans of pop to serve my table. =( -
Review from Helen C.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2006
I love going there are night. If I remember the time correctly, after 9 P.M. there is a special menu for night. Its so much cheaper. The plates are small so you can order a variety to try from.
The only thing that sucks there is there is only one waitress because its not a big restaurant. So if its buzy than you just have to wait. -
Review from Cathaleya C.
Naperville, IL
11/14/2010
We ordered a family package of ten dishes. Every one of those were tasty and full of flavor. I would go back!
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Review from Jennifer C.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2009
My family has been going to Golden Bull for more than 15 years. It is quite possibly one of the best true Cantonese stir-fry places (NOT take-out style) in Chicagoland. As Chinese Americans (and picky ones at that), we feel like the food tastes authentic--where the vegetables are fresh and crisp coming off the wok instead of overcooked and dripping with gravy. There's a certain "flavor of the wok" that some restaurants have and some don't--it's the fragrant combination of the oil and the amount of heat where food just comes out tasting better. Golden Bull definitely serves up the flavor. As a Chinese American, I take all of my non-Chinese friends here for real stir-fry. It's a little divier than the more banquet-styled restaurants around the block, but it's really a hidden gem. Some of the same servers from when I was younger are still there.
I agree with the positive reviews below...The Chinese menu--especially if you like fresh seafood--is much better and really showcases their range.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS: I have a few staples I always get there. I may not know how to translate the exact names, but this should give you enough to ask the server: Squid/Shrimp/Scallops w/ yellow Chinese chives; Jingdu Pai Gu (breaded pork rib meat with a sweet and tangy glaze); Zha zi ji (fried chicken), Salt & Pepper Shrimp (yes, eat the shell), and Stir-fried pea shoots with Garlic (for your veggie dish). I even love the complimentary house soup that they serve when you arrive.
For two people, you can have a FEAST of dishes for under $30. You can't beat this deal. Note: Although I think there are more discerning and adventurous non-Chinese palettes out there these days, it's still a good sign when you see lots of Chinese clientele at the restaurant. -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This place is actually very reasonably priced compared to the fancier counterparts in Chinatown Square. We ordered 5 dishes & the bill was under $30 for 2 people. The food was ok, just average. However, the place is dimly lit with outdated decor. One's more for the food than the ambiance.
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Review from che c.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2008
This is the typical chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Nothing too different when you compare it to the ambiance and decor of the neighboring chinese restaurants. If chinese people eat here and recommend this place then it must be good.
My favorite dish is the walnut shrimp, candied walnuts with shrimp in this butter/mayo coating. Yes mayo on shrimp does not sound appealing but I swear it is soooooooooo good. Don't be fooled by imitators, this is real chinese food not american chinese food. Every other chinese restaurant in chinatown that i've been to does not make it the way Golden Bull does. -
Review from jenn m.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2009
I enjoyed my visit to Golden Bull last night! This was the first time I'd visited a restaurant in Chinatown, and it was very good.
The restaurant itself is small, with several booths and a few large tables for big parties. There was only one waitress serving and she did a great job and was super polite.
I wasn't a big fan of the dumplings, they only had pork. My bf ordered kung pow chicken and I had mongolian beef. We shared and both were delicious. We left soooo full and the best part was, we had an appetizer, tea for 2, 2 entrees and 2 cokes for 35 bucks total and that was with a 30% tip! That is a deal.
Thumbs up. -
Review from Ben V.
Downers Grove, IL
8/21/2010
I have to be honest- the place looks a bit down trodden from the outside- its certainly nothing fancy, but in my experience these types of places have the best food and this place is no different. My dad and I split the soft shell crab, fried octopus, and smelt and holy cow was it all good.
The smelt was as fresh as I've ever had and very well seasoned, the soft shell crab was also super fresh and very good quality, and the fried octopus was well seasoned- maybe a bit chewy but hey its tough to fry an octopus and it was definitely one of the better octopuses (octopii?) I've had.
This place has great service and great food- The three dishes we had tonight were absolutely excellent - I will most definitely be back ASAP to try some of the other dishes which looked great. -
Review from adam C.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2009
Hey, its the Vietnamese restaurant that doesn't serve pho!
Maybe I just had a very bad experience here, but I found myself taking big gulps of my drink to try to force down these starchy mess they serve. I may have been better off ordering something Chinese, but their Vietnamese food was a disappointment. -
Review from E W.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2008
This is my favorite "CHINESE" restaurant in Chicagoland. Brought my boyfriend there, and he can't stop going there...of course for Chinese Food only... Golden Bull is more authentic than regular Chop Suey places out there like every other 2 blocks are so. Trust me I owned a chop suey joint in Rogers Park. Tell me there aren't lots of Chinese restaurants around!
The atmosphere is not that great, but that's how it is in most places - when the food is great. Here they use white looking garbage bag material on their tables. I don't blame them, once customers leave they just wrap it up and throw it in the garbage (they do have about 5-6 underneath) so it's pretty quick to make a table up for you. They even have fake windows around the wall with lights shining through.
The best time I think is after 9pm, that's when they have their late night meals...basically it's almost half the price but of course it's half the portion. I like it because there are varieties of food to chose from, don't need to order a dinner portion.
Favorites: Pea pod leaves w/garlic, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Pork Loin with onion (similar to Sweet & Sour pork - but BETTER), Satay Beef, etc... I can go on and on...
Give this place a try, guarantee you won't be disappointed! -
Review from Tanya J.
Chicago, IL
10/12/2009
I haven't eaten here for YEARS, but my family used to come all the time. Came for a late night dinner and it was fantastic. I think we ate our hearts out. We did pay a little more than we anticipated, but we could have ordered less too. The Pei Pa Tofu was just as I remember it (delish!) and we subbed some seafood dish for salt and pepper squid.
As an FYI, if you have 10 people, get the 8 person meal... if you're really that hungry, then order more. We stuffed ourselves silly... ordering the 8 person meal would have been just right for the 10 of us. -
Review from Nora L.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2010
How can u call it good food when u can get sick after eating it?
It use to be popular a couple years ago but it has gone significantly down since then. That is why it was hollow when I went there with friends on a Sunday nite.
We ordered the usual - flat fish (usually ordered at banquets), sweet and sour pork with red sauce and some other dishes. Took one bite of the fish and it was raw! I asked my friend to try it and she agrees too. Called the waitress over to heat it up and she said "this type of fish is suppose to be like this." No it's not! I tasted this type of fish many times and trust me, it's not raw like this! So as she heated up the fish, I tried the second dish just as unsettling - the sweet and sour pork.
You would think I would find pork in here right? Wrong. Found chicken parts. It's was fried pretty thick and covered with the sauce so I couldn't tell but they fooled me. I even ate a chicken joint (like the one you find at the edge of chicken's feet). What the? Am I suppose to find a chicken butt if I continue eating?
After nearly finish eating, we noticed we still didn't get our reheated fish back. By that time, I didn't even care if I ate it or not.
My stomach was hurting for two days straight afterwards.
Never again will I come to this place and neither should you. -
Review from Stephanie O.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2011
This place doesn't scream fancy, with plastic tablecloths but it was really really yummy.
I would recommend it as a top choice for anyone venturing into China Town. -
Review from mike b.
Western Springs, IL
5/9/2010
Hands down one of the most reasonably priced restaurants in chicago's Chinatown . The locals flock there on holidays. Bountiful portions.
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Review from Jessica L.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2010 10 photos
Best Chinese food in Chinatown :)
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Review from Emily S.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2011
DO. NOT. EAT. HERE. This was the very worst Chinese restaurant that I have ever experienced. Even the vegetarian meal was disgusting. My nightmares now center around the Golden Bull. *shudder* No one should be forced to experience the Golden Bull Restaurant more than once. It's cruel.
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Review from Diana T.
When people venture into Chinatown looking for a nice chinese dinner, they'll typically venture to places like Triple Crown or Ken Kee. Honestly, I think this restaurant beats those two in terms of taste, value, and selection! I came here last night and got the baked rice pot with chinese sausage and pork belly. We called in the order for this ahead of time since it takes about 30 minutes. I heard no other place in Chinatown can make this, let alone make it as good as this restaurant. In addition, we ordered the tong choy (veggies with bean curd sauce), salt and pepper shrimp without shells (they just lightly batter the shrimp), steamed oysters in black bean sauce with cilantro, and peking rib (thanks to the suggestions of other yelpers). I ate way too much for my size because everything was so delicious. The bill was just right for 4 people and we all left happy and ready to pass out with food coma.
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Review from Demetrio P.
Chicago, IL
6/6/2008 1 Check-in Here
Golden Bull is a good Chinese restaurant. Service may be slow at times, but the food makes up for that. Prices are very reasonable as well. My faves are the deep fried smelt, pea pod leaves in a garlic sauce, and the fish with yellow chives entree. A must try if you visit this place.
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Review from Ben E.
12/12/2008
The key to having a great meal here is to bring along a friend who speaks and reads Chinese. The Chinese menu is far, far more extensive and interesting than what's offered in English, and you can get literally insane deals. Three friends and I shared a meal of soup, lobster, shrimp, a noodle dish, and stir-fried greens for a ludicrously small sum...perhaps $10 per person, including tip. It's not the best food I've ever had, but it's a great option if you're willing to demand that the servers give you full information about the Chinese language options.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2008
The Golden Bull is a very typical Chinatown restaurant - it won't win any awards for decor, atmosphere, or original menu. Deserted on a Sunday afternoon, when I came in I literally woke the one waitress from a nap. But the food is simple and excellent. I started with the chicken and corn soup for $1.95 ( a dash of soy sauce made it perfect) and had the shrimp with Chinese broccoli ($10.95). The entree was enough for two, with delicate fresh shrimp in a light sauce with ginger, scallions, and mushrooms over steamed Chinese broccoli. Add a pot of oolong tea, a fortune cookie, my total bill came to $14.00 for a delicious lunch. I will definitely return.
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Review from Ann G.
Minneapolis, MN
8/17/2008
This was the best Chinese food I've had since I was in Shanghai 3 years ago. Reasonable prices, hot loose-leaf tea, adequate service, fantastic food and they served us oranges at the end of our meal. I will be back to further explore the menu.
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Review from calvin y.
Aurora, IL
1/13/2009
we were introduced to this place by our chinese friend and for a long time, we thought she was saying golden bowl lol. anyway, we were looking for a new chinese restaurant to go to since hong min burned down and just like any other restaurant in china town, they have dirty washrooms, surly service, and no ambiance. but it keeps you focused on the food.
we normally get 3-5 dishes when i go with my wife... i know, we're pigs. and we usually finish it.
salt and pepper shrimp, fresh steamed oysters, baby clams, garlic stir fried veggie, and some fish dish with cilantro and black bean... i'm drooling.
i do agree that the late night/after 9 menu is a nice way to try more dishes. -
Review from i. e.
Atlanta, GA
5/17/2009
This is my favourite Chinese restaurant in Chicago so far. I've been there twice for a weekend lunch. I was glad to be away from dim-sum crowds, where people want you to swallow everything and leave within fifteen minutes. Here, you can take your time and enjoy your meal in peace. Now, about food: I have a weakness for pork intestines and sea cucumbers. And they have these on the menu, on the front page. That alone made me happy. Not as good as my mom's and my grandma's, but good enough. I'll keep going back.
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Review from vicky y.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2006
very much of a dive restaurant, but their clay pot rice dishes are very popular. i'd definitely recommend trying it here. takes about 45 min. to prepare; we usually order ours in advance.
