About China Bistro
China Bistro is a family-run Chinese-American restaurant on Algonquin Road in Algonquin, in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago. The family opened its first restaurant in Crystal Lake in the 1990s and has since run three restaurants in the area; China Bistro has served Algonquin since 2004.
The menu sticks to Chinese-American classics made with fresh ingredients, using recipes the family has refined over the years, and portions are generous. You can eat in or take food to go, and online ordering is available from the restaurant's website. The family also caters for schools, offices and private events, which makes it a practical choice for feeding a group after a day out.
The restaurant opens at 11 am Tuesday through Friday and at noon on weekends. It closes at 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday, and at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. It is closed Mondays, so plan around that if your trip starts the week.
Maria's Farm, a lavender farm near Marengo that hosts visits by appointment, is about 18 miles northwest, roughly a 30-minute drive. China Bistro makes an easy dinner stop on the way back toward Chicago after an afternoon visit, or a takeout pickup for a late drive home.
What to do
- Order Chinese-American classics for dine-in or takeout
- Order ahead online for pickup on the drive home
- Book catering for a school, office or private event
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round, closed Mondays
- Hours
- As posted October 2026: Tue–Thu 11 am–9 pm; Fri 11 am–10 pm; Sat noon–10 pm; Sun noon–9 pm; closed Monday
Tips for your visit
- It's closed on Mondays
- Weekend hours start at noon, not 11
Pair it with a lavender farm
Maria's Farm · about 30 minutes away
Maria's Farm is about 30 minutes northwest and takes visitors by appointment; stop here for dinner on the way back toward Chicago.
Getting there
Questions
Is China Bistro open on Mondays?
No. It's open Tuesday through Sunday.
Does China Bistro do catering?
Yes, for schools, companies and events.
How long has China Bistro been in Algonquin?
Since 2004.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Marengo & Woodstock, Illinois
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
