Chan's

- 701 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

For New Jersey residents in search of truly satisfying, authentic Chinese-American cuisine, **Chan's Chinese Restaurant** stands as an essential local gem in Elizabeth, NJ. Located conveniently at 701 E Jersey St, Chan's has built a fiercely loyal following in Union County, often being cited by locals as having the "best Chinese food in Elizabeth, NJ." This is a place where you are encouraged to look past the unassuming exterior and focus purely on the quality of the food, which patrons consistently describe as "legit."

Chan's is not about trendy, upscale dining; it’s about delivering classic Chinese dishes—from fried rice and lo mein to savory chicken and beef entrees—with exceptional flavor, freshness, and value. The restaurant operates as a beloved, no-frills, cash-only establishment, prioritizing the cooking above all else. Reviewers frequently praise the freshness of the ingredients and the generous portion sizes, emphasizing that every aspect of the meal, including "Flavor, freshness, portions," truly "hits." It is widely considered one of the most affordable places in the area to purchase a satisfying meal, making it a favorite for individuals, families, and groups looking for great value.

While some local fans jokingly complain that the food is so good it’s "worth the walk, the drive, whatever it takes to get there," due to the lack of delivery, this testament speaks volumes about the quality. Whether you are craving the Americanized classics like **General Tso's Chicken** and **Spare Ribs**, or looking for traditional options, Chan's offers a wide menu to accommodate lunch, dinner, and solo dining. They ensure a quick bite can be just as satisfying as a full meal, cementing its reputation as a consistent and reliable neighborhood mainstay.

Furthermore, Chan's caters to a variety of dietary needs, including excellent **Vegetarian options** and **Vegan options**, such as various Sauteed Vegetables and Bean Curd dishes. They also make an effort to cater to health-conscious diners with a Special Diet Menu featuring steamed options like **Steamed Vegetable Delight w. Tofu** and **Steamed Chicken Broccoli**, all prepared without added MSG, which is appreciated by customers with sensitivities.

---

Chan's Chinese Restaurant is strategically located at **701 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA**. Situated in a vibrant part of Elizabeth, the restaurant is easily identifiable, although some reviewers note its appearance is modest—reinforcing the local saying: "Don't judge a book by its cover." The high quality and low prices of the food are what draw the crowds, rather than external flash.

The primary focus of Chan's is on delivering a straightforward, satisfying dining experience, and as such, it operates with a traditional payment policy:

• **Payment Policy:** Chan's is a **Cash-Only** establishment. Customers should be sure to bring cash to ensure a smooth transaction, as the restaurant does not accept credit or debit cards. While this is a common note from customers in reviews, the quality and affordability of the food justify the minor inconvenience for loyal patrons.
• **General Amenities:** The restaurant maintains a **Restroom** amenity for dine-in guests.
• **Atmosphere:** The dining environment is described as **Casual**, which contributes to its reputation as a comforting, local spot for everyday meals. It is a good location for **Groups** and often visited by **Tourists** drawn by its local reputation.

Specific details regarding full wheelchair accessibility are not explicitly provided, but the restaurant's services are focused on accommodating all patrons for quick and easy meal retrieval.

---

Chan's Chinese Restaurant operates efficiently to provide customers with delicious meals tailored to their needs throughout the day:

• **Takeout:** This is a core service, enabling customers to easily pick up their orders to enjoy at home or work.
• **Dine-in:** Patrons are welcome to enjoy their meals inside the casual dining space.
• **Lunch Service:** The restaurant is a popular spot for lunch, offering affordable and satisfying options perfect for a midday meal.
• **Dinner Service:** Serving as a great local option for dinner, the full menu is available throughout the evening.
• **Quick Bite & Small Plates:** The menu is well-suited for a quick, fulfilling meal, featuring appetizers and side orders that can serve as small plates.
• **Family-Friendly:** Chan's is recognized as **Good for Kids**, offering dishes that appeal to younger palates, such as the classic rice and noodle preparations.
• **Crowd Appeal:** It is popular for **Solo dining**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, attracting a steady flow of local customers and groups.

---

The standout features of Chan's are rooted in its dedication to traditional Chinese cooking, offering a menu that covers a wide array of comforting and flavorful dishes:

• **Menu Variety and Depth:** The menu offers comprehensive sections including **Lo Mein** (Roast Pork, Chicken, Beef, Shrimp), **Fried Rice**, **Chow Mein**, **Egg Foo Young**, and a range of chicken, pork, beef, and seafood entrees.
• **Value and Portion Sizes:** Customers consistently note that Chan's is one of the **cheapest places** to buy a meal, offering **generous portions** that are both satisfying and affordable.
• **Flavor and Freshness:** The cooking technique is praised for producing food that is "legit," with great flavor and freshness, avoiding the "greasy" texture often found in other establishments. Specialties like the **Vegetable Lo Mein** are specifically highlighted for being perfectly cooked and not oversauced.
• **Vegetarian and Vegan Options:** The restaurant is conscious of different diets, offering dedicated **Vegetarian Options** and **Vegan Options** such as various sauteed vegetable dishes, **Ma Po Tofu**, and the **Vegetable Egg Foo Young**.
• **Special Diet Menu:** For health-conscious diners, there is a **Special Diet Menu** featuring steamed items like **Steamed Chicken Broccoli** and **Steamed Seafood Delight**, prepared without sauces or oil upon request.
• **Appetizer Quality:** Classic Chinese-American appetizers such as **Egg Roll (Roast Pork)**, **Spring Roll (Chicken)**, and **Fried Crab Stick** are available and known for their crispness and non-greasy preparation.
• **Highly Rated Side Dishes:** Even simple items like the **Fried Rice** are noted in reviews as "REALLY good," demonstrating the care taken across the entire menu.

---

For New Jersey locals planning a visit or needing to place a takeout order, please use the following contact details for Chan's Chinese Restaurant:

• **Restaurant Address:** 701 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA
• **Primary Phone:** (908) 354-0587
• **Mobile Phone (for convenience):** +1 908-354-0587

A friendly reminder: please remember to bring **Cash** when ordering, as Chan's operates as a cash-only establishment.

---

Based on local acclaim and menu highlights, first-time visitors to Chan's Chinese Restaurant should consider ordering the following dishes to experience the best of this Elizabeth favorite:

• **Lo Mein (Any Variety):** Specifically, the **Vegetable Lo Mein** comes highly recommended for being perfectly cooked, nongreasy, and expertly flavored. The classic **Roast Pork Lo Mein** is also a perennial favorite.
• **Chicken with Broccoli:** This standard dish is a true test of a good Chinese kitchen. While one reviewer noted a portion issue, the overall quality of the chicken and sauce often lands this dish high on customer lists. You may wish to request extra broccoli, though this may incur an additional cost.
• **General Tso's Chicken or Sesame Chicken:** These are the quintessential Chinese-American comfort foods. Given the praise for the flavor and non-oily preparation, Chan's version of these classics is likely to be a delicious and reliable choice.
• **The Fried Rice:** Customers highlight the excellence of the **Fried Rice** (especially the Special Fried Rice), noting that it is "REALLY good" and a significant step up from average.
• **Appetizers (Egg Roll and Wings):** The **Egg Rolls** are celebrated for being crispy and not greasy. Although the wings are served plain (without special sauces like garlic or honey), they are popular and beloved by locals.
• **Dishes from the Special Diet Menu:** If you are seeking a lighter, fresher, or MSG-free option, any of the steamed dishes like **Steamed Chicken Mixed Vegetables** allow the quality of the main ingredients to shine through.

Chan's

701 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA