Many years ago, Phoenix Inn was a crusty hole-in-the-wall in swank downtown Evanston. After an exterior makeover and new management a few years later, the place now stands out on a block that features more dining options than ever before. But the main reason Phoenix Inn has survived in this competitive market for over 30 years has little to do with how it looks. The restaurant's superb menu is chock-full of artery-clogging Cantonese-style Chinese food, and its awesome $5.15 lunch specials keep the customers happily marching in.
No more than 20 tables fit inside the small space, whose walls are adorned with faded wood paneling on the bottom half and various Chinese paintings and scrolls up top. Dark wooden tables, similar to those found at Chinatown bakeries, cover the floors. Two Chinese women stand in front, chatting with each other and keeping a careful eye out for any customer requests. Northwestern students, lunching ladies, business types and neighborhood folk make up the diverse clientele. Those looking for serious deals should sample the greasy fried egg rolls that come two for $2.40 or the appetizer mix, which includes one egg roll, one chicken wing and one hunk of fried crab meat. Feel like trying everything? Do it the Chinese way and eat family style: For $21.50, the "dinner for two" can be yours. It comes with Mongolian beef, chicken with broccoli and baby corn and a bevy of appetizers like egg drop soup or hot and sour soup, egg roll, fried chicken wings, fried crab meat and shrimp fried rice. Snag a seat by the window and people watch on this busy E-town street.
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
