Eau Claire might be better known for its indie music and River Prairie trails, but its Chinese dining scene is a stealthy delight.
Balancing cozy Midwestern comfort with a surprising touch of global flair, the city’s top Chinese restaurants are beloved by students, locals, and families alike.
If you’re seeking anything from late-night egg rolls to an all-out dim sum brunch, these five spots will satisfy every kind of craving.
1. Shanghai Bistro
Shanghai Bistro is where Eau Claire’s foodies and sushi fans converge for a night out.
While the menu travels across Asia, the Chinese section is its soul: wok-seared green beans, beautifully tender Mongolian beef, and expertly fried sweet-and-sour shrimp.
The contemporary space, with colorful art and sleek wooden tables, makes it great for dinner dates or celebratory group meals.
Don’t skip their handmade dumplings, which give the restaurant its name—they’re juicy, flavorful, and even better with the tableside chili oil. This is where Eau Claire goes when you want both style and substance.
2. Egg Roll Plus
If Eau Claire has a late-night legend, it’s Egg Roll Plus. Open nearly 24/7 and always buzzing, it’s everyone’s go-to after a concert or bar crawl.
The star is—naturally—the egg rolls, fat and packed with pork, chicken, or tofu, and shatteringly crisp.
But the menu doesn’t stop there: the Hmong sausage, fried rice, and hot noodle soups have helped generations of students survive Wisconsin winters.
Meals come fast and hot, prices are student-friendly, and there’s always a mix of Hmong and old-school Chinese options for adventurous eaters.
3. Jade Garden
If you’re craving delivery or a cozy meal at home, Jade Garden is the city’s favorite.
The menu plays all the classic American-Chinese hits: pork fried rice, orange chicken, sweet and sour everything, and delicious hot-and-sour soup. What keeps folks coming back?
Dependable service, lightning-fast delivery, and portions that guarantee leftovers.
The family-run atmosphere shines through in every takeout bag, and regulars say you can taste the pride in every bite.
4. Mandarin
Mandarin is the sort of neighborhood spot where the buffet is both a nostalgic rite and a serious value.
Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a comforting evening meal, there’s always egg drop soup bubbling, crispy crab rangoon, and piles of steaming fried rice.
Eau Claire families gravitate here for the all-you-can-eat options and super friendly staff. For college students, the low prices and heaping buffets are a must.
5. Happy China
Hidden in plain sight, Happy China is the unsung hero of spicy Chinese fare in Eau Claire.
The kitchen pays special attention to Szechuan and Hunan classics—mapo tofu with numbing heat, dry-pepper chicken, and pork dishes covered in intense, savory sauce.
When you want something with a kick, this is the go-to. Delivery is quick, the portions are impressive, and “spicy” really means spicy (but the kitchen will adjust if you ask).
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