The selfish diner inside me doesn't want me to report on Friendship Chinese, a unique cut-above the norm on Milwaukee Ave. I want to keep it hidden for myself. Nevertheless, as I did with Hot Doug's, I'll report on Friendship because it's so damn good.

Hidden in West Logan Square, Friendship is not your normal neighborhood Chinese restaurant. The chef and owner, Alan, takes great care in the food and atmosphere of his restaurant. The menu carries many of the standards dishes and quite a few originals, and all of the sauces are homemade.

I ate at Friendship last night for about the 30th time in the last few years. As usual, I had to have the Smoky China Wings, an appetizer of huge, meaty chicken wings in an unbelieveable sweet and spicy brown sauce. Our table also pulled in a couple more of my favorites, the wok-seared ginger Honk Kong steak and the spicy schezwan long-beans. The steak is tender, flavorful and tossed with a heaping plate of fresh veggies and ginger. I have dreams about the long beans; crunchy, fresh, spicy, and salty, they're tossed in a super-hot wok with red chilies, minced pork. A couple other dishes we had were sesame chicken and pea pod and mushroom shrimp, both very good.

There are plenty of other things to try. The soups are great, there are 3 kinds of spring rolls and egg rolls, a few different dumplings, and plenty of other entrees. I miss the ma po tofu, a traditional Chinese dish of silken tofu with minced pork mushrooms, and chilies in a very spicy brown sauce, served over rice. It was taken off the menu a few months back (too spicy for the clientele, I was told), but can be made on request (though, I don't think it's the same anymore).

Friendship is also full of other surprises. We were once given a free dessert, (Alan must have been experimenting), of ginger creme brulee. Also, on the first Sat. of the month (I think), the kitchen staff sets up a band to play Chinese music for the dining room. Alan has also done a fixed-price tasting menu from time to time.

Friendship is a gem. It's an affordable, gourmet-style Chinese restaurant in a neighborhood where you don't have to valet park. It's rarely crowded, they do takeout and delivery, BYOB, and have a nice room for a medium-sized private party. Chef/Owner Alan is super-friendly and will usually stop by with a smile to see how dinner is going. It's definitely on my what-would-I-do-without-this-place list. (I'll have to publish that list).

Check out Friendship at 2830 N. Milwaukee (N. of Diversey), 773-227-0970. Street parking, BYOB.

Coincidentally, my roommates and I ordered Friendship for delivery on the very day that you posted your write-up. I've enjoyed Friendship on several occasions, and will continue to order from them. Beware though, as the packer of our order failed to include ALL sauces (soy, sweet & sour, pot sticker sauce, etc). How can one eat Chinese food without sauce? The meal was basically ruined. The person who we spoke with upon our phone call to notify the restaurant of the mishap offered us a gift certificate, which they are sending out to us. Naturally, they were apologetic.
Do you know of any good Seders in the area? My mom can't cook!

Posted by: K-Bone Harris at April 5, 2004 11:14 AM

I'll be having my first seder at "The Bagel" in Old Orchard tonight. I don't have high hopes for good food. Sorry.

Posted by: eatchicago at April 5, 2004 4:22 PM

I found it humorous to have stumbled on this site for the first time on a night when I ordered out from Friendship. I am in complete agreement with the author. Friendship is a rare jewel (and had been for years.) I am torn between spreading the word and keeping it for myself. Too many good spots have been lost to wave after wave of gentrification. But then too many good spots have been lost to failed business, too. And I do know that Friendship has had troubles due to lack of business in the past. That absolutely amazes me. One of the true treasures of Chicago. --- And to "K-Bone": Your dinner was "ruined" because you didn't get your soy sauce?!? and you complained until they gave you a gift certificate?!? You are one whiney, cheap bastard.

Posted by: c0nflict at May 7, 2004 11:50 PM

I would absolutely die for Friendship! It is my very favorite Chinese food ever. Sadly, I've never eaten in the restaurant, but it is our number one delivery choice. Last time we ordered from there, we got the Red China (?) chicken (I think it is called) for the first time and the sesame beef, which is an old standby. The chicken was so spicy and curry-heavy, but it was fantastic. The only downside was that it had a lot of baby corn, which I don't care for, but that was a personal preference.

We argue over what to get every time, but our favorites are the orange chicken, sesame chicken, and peppercorn beef. Not very adventurous, but indescribably delicious. My biggest complaint about Friendship is that I am allergic to shrimp, and lots of their soups and appetizers have shrimp mixed in. I also am not a fan of the wings. There's just too much going on with the flavor, and ours were really fatty and kind of gross.

I could eat Friendship every night. Negative points for the abundance of appetizers and soups with shrimp, but triple points for the entrees. I love it.

Posted by: S at May 13, 2004 9:30 AM

i'm waiting for my first order from friendship based on your recommendation. cross my fingers...

Posted by: justin at July 25, 2004 4:56 PM

I used to live in Logan Square with my then boyfriend (who is now my husband)about 4 years ago. We loved Friendship! Reading the article brought back many yummy memories. We are now living in the Boston area and have tried many Chinese takeout places but none can compare to Friendship. I miss it terribly.

Posted by: T at October 13, 2004 2:59 PM

yeah my little brother is dragging me there tonight and if the wok-seared ginger Honk Kong steak isn't "tender, flavorful and tossed with a heaping plate of fresh veggies and ginger" imma start sluggin anyone within range incl innocent bystanders.

Posted by: Jazzy Jake at September 28, 2005 2:56 PM

I'm the "little brother" bringing Jazzy Jake to Friendship tonight. Please pardon him. He just broke up with his really cute boyfriend and he's acting a little crazy. I will make sure he takes his Paxil before he posts any more messages on this blog. Take care bitches.

Posted by: Andrew at September 28, 2005 3:08 PM