The South Loop, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, boasts a diverse culinary scene. While known for its trendy restaurants and bustling atmosphere, it also offers a surprising number of excellent options for roast duck. This guide dives deep into the top 15 places to find the best roast duck in the South Loop, helping you navigate this delicious corner of Chicago's food landscape. We’ll cover everything from classic Cantonese preparations to modern interpretations, ensuring you find the perfect roast duck to satisfy your cravings.
Finding the Perfect Roast Duck: A South Loop Adventure
Choosing the perfect roast duck involves considering several factors. Do you prefer crispy skin, juicy meat, or a specific sauce? Are you looking for a casual dining experience or a more upscale setting? This guide helps you answer these questions and discover your ideal roast duck haven in the South Loop. We’ve meticulously researched the best restaurants, considering both online reviews and firsthand experiences to deliver this definitive list.
Top 15 Roast Duck Restaurants in South Loop Chicago
This list isn't ranked, as each restaurant offers a unique and delicious experience. We've categorized them to help you find what suits your preference:
Cantonese Classics:
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Ming Hin Cuisine: Known for its authentic Cantonese dishes, Ming Hin often features a perfectly roasted duck as a special. Their duck is renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, prepared with traditional techniques. Expect a bustling atmosphere and impeccable service.
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House of Gluttony: This upscale Chinese restaurant offers a sophisticated take on Cantonese classics. Their roast duck is a highlight, showcasing high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. The accompanying sauces are also a noteworthy feature.
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Lao Sze Chuan: While primarily known for its Szechuan cuisine, Lao Sze Chuan occasionally features roast duck on its menu. Their version might offer a unique blend of Cantonese and Szechuan flavors, providing an interesting twist on the classic dish.
Modern Interpretations:
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RPM Italian: While not strictly a Chinese restaurant, RPM Italian surprisingly serves a delectable roast duck dish as a special item on their menu. Their interpretation might feature a more contemporary presentation and flavor profile.
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The Purple Pig: This Mediterranean-inspired tapas restaurant occasionally includes roast duck in their rotating menu. Their version might incorporate herbs and spices not typically found in traditional roast duck.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: While known for their steak, Bavette’s sometimes includes a unique duck preparation as part of their specials. Expect a refined, upscale take on the dish.
Casual Eats:
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Duck Duck Goat: Stephanie Izard’s renowned restaurant has included a Duck Confit and other duck dishes in the past. This highlights duck's versatility in different forms than the roast.
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Pequod's Pizza: While primarily known for its deep dish pizza, Pequod's occasionally features specials. They might include duck dishes in unique combinations. It's worth checking their menu for surprises!
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Girl & the Goat: Similar to Duck Duck Goat, Girl & the Goat is known for more innovative and experimental dishes. This means duck preparations can be creative and unusual.
Hidden Gems & Unexpected Finds:
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Chubby's: This local favorite may have a surprise duck dish during seasonal specials, offering a chance for an unexpected culinary adventure.
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Monteverde: This highly-rated Italian restaurant might offer seasonally inspired duck dishes, showcasing creative Italian interpretations. Expect fresh ingredients and high culinary skill.
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Little Goat Diner: This playful diner by Stephanie Izard can also feature surprise duck preparations, usually highlighting more casual, comforting styles.
Locations Outside the Immediate South Loop (but worth the short trip):
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Sun Wah BBQ: Located a bit further north, this spot is legendary for its roast duck and is worth including due to its strong reputation amongst locals.
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Phoenix Restaurant: Another highly-rated Cantonese option, Phoenix might offer a different experience and perspective on Chicago’s roast duck scene.
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Three Happiness Bakery: More of a bakery, Three Happiness occasionally features roasted duck in sandwiches or buns. This makes for a fantastic option for a quick bite on the go.
Note: Restaurant menus change. Please check with the establishments directly to confirm the availability of roast duck before your visit.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Roast Duck
- Crispy Skin: Many prefer crispy duck skin, a hallmark of well-prepared roast duck.
- Tender Meat: The meat should be juicy and tender, not dry or tough.
- Sauce: The accompanying sauce can significantly impact the flavor. Some prefer a simple plum sauce, while others prefer more complex sauces.
- Ambiance: Consider the atmosphere you prefer – casual or upscale.
- Price: Prices vary widely, so set a budget beforehand.
Conclusion: Your South Loop Roast Duck Adventure Awaits!
The South Loop offers a diverse selection of roast duck, catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a traditional Cantonese experience or a modern interpretation, this guide provides a comprehensive starting point for your culinary adventure. Remember to check menus and make reservations, especially during peak hours. Enjoy your delicious South Loop roast duck experience!
