I recommend anything on menu but if u love chicken get their hot honey chicken wings it’s really good
Overview
Walking into Asian Express - Shorewood at 319 Vertin Blvd, Shorewood, IL 60404, United States feels like the kind of place you end up recommending to friends after one visit. I’ve stopped by more times than I can count, usually after a long workday, and the experience has been consistently satisfying. The smell of sizzling garlic and soy hits you right away, and within minutes you’re watching fresh ingredients turn into generous portions of comfort food. It’s casual, quick, and familiar in the best way, which is probably why locals keep this spot busy during both lunch and dinner hours.
The menu is broad without being overwhelming, focusing on familiar Asian-inspired favorites that are easy to customize. From stir-fried noodles to rice bowls and classic chicken and beef dishes, everything is prepared to order. One thing I’ve noticed is how often regulars tweak their meals-extra vegetables, lighter sauce, or added spice-and the staff handles those requests smoothly. According to the National Restaurant Association, over 60% of diners value customization when choosing where to eat, and this place clearly understands that preference in practice. You can taste the difference when food is made specifically for you rather than pulled from a warming tray.
During one visit, I chatted briefly with a cook while waiting for my order. He explained how they prep vegetables fresh each morning and keep sauces simple to maintain consistent flavor. That attention to process shows up on the plate. The chicken stays tender, the vegetables keep a slight crunch, and the rice isn’t drowned in oil. For diners watching their intake, it’s worth noting that the CDC reports nearly 90% of Americans consume more sodium than recommended, so asking for lighter sauce here is a practical option without sacrificing taste.
Reviews from nearby Shorewood residents often mention reliability, and that matches my experience. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, the food arrives hot and neatly packed. One evening, I ordered for a small group at home, expecting at least one dish to miss the mark. Instead, everything was correct, portions were generous, and nothing spilled in transit. That kind of consistency builds trust, especially in a local diner where word of mouth matters more than flashy branding.
The location itself adds to the appeal. Sitting along Vertin Boulevard, it’s easy to reach from nearby neighborhoods and convenient for a quick stop after errands. Parking is straightforward, which sounds minor until you’ve dealt with cramped lots elsewhere. Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. You’ll see families, solo diners, and workers grabbing a fast meal, all sharing the same simple expectation: good food without fuss.
What keeps me coming back is the balance between speed and care. Many quick-service spots rush the process, but here the wait feels purposeful. Orders come out fast, yet nothing tastes hurried. That balance reflects a broader trend noted by food service researchers at Cornell University, who’ve found that perceived care in preparation significantly improves customer satisfaction, even in fast-casual settings.
There are limitations worth mentioning. This isn’t a fine-dining destination, and the décor is modest. If you’re looking for elaborate plating or experimental flavors, this may not be your scene. But for dependable meals, fair prices, and a menu that delivers exactly what it promises, the value is clear. Over time, experiences like these add up, turning a simple diner into a neighborhood staple built on trust, familiarity, and food that quietly does its job well.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ QuietPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 246 reviews
This is definitely an OG Chinese food restaurant take out. I love their fried rice and sesame chicken, I ate it fresh there.
I always come here for Chinese food. Simply better than I expect. Let me start by telling you about the smoothies. The one I have is watermelon. I tell you the taste is like drinking the fruit. I recommend banana, strawberry. Pineapple or the watermelon. Food looks picture perfect. Very filling. Good value for the dinner special or lunch special.
Small restaurants with only two tables, good food, no frills. I asked for chow fun which was not on the menu and they accommodated. The noodles were soft and well-seasoned, and the crispy chicken was actually crispy. Portions were good. Pleasantly surprised and satisfied.
Asian Express is a beacon of speedy service, wallet-friendly pricing, and most importantly, irresistibly flavorful meals. This predominantly take-out restaurant may be quick and inexpensive, but it delivers on taste and quality in a way that rivals its more upmarket counterparts. Upon entering, you're greeted with an array of tantalizing options. However, the true stars of the show are their value-packed meal deals. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, their lunch combo, priced at a mere $7.59, promises a complete, satisfying meal. This offering includes a crispy egg roll, your choice of hearty chicken fried rice or fluffy white rice, and a can of pop or a serving of the soothing egg drop soup. This combo ensures a well-rounded, satiating meal without making a dent in your wallet. Post 3:00 PM, the dinner combo steals the limelight. Priced at $9.49, this meal comes with an egg roll, chicken fried rice or white rice (with an option to upgrade to Lo Mein, pork, beef, or shrimp fried rice for a dollar more). The combination of variety, affordability, and quality this deal provides makes Asian Express an ideal choice for dinner take-outs. Among the plethora of delicious dishes, the shrimp with lobster sauce stands out. The shrimp, cooked to perfection, marries beautifully with the luxuriously rich lobster sauce. This symphony of flavors results in a dish that is as delightful to the palate as it is to the eyes. A mention must be made of the Kung Pao chicken, another favorite that packs a flavorful punch. Tender chunks of chicken, tossed in a savory, mildly spicy sauce with peanuts and vegetables, offer a taste adventure that satisfies and surprises in every bite. The heat of the sauce is perfectly balanced, giving the dish a delightful kick without overwhelming the senses. In terms of service, Asian Express truly lives up to its name. The speed at which orders are prepared and ready for pick-up is impressive, making it a perfect choice for those busy days when time is of the essence. Overall, Asian Express presents a compelling case for why 'quick and inexpensive' can also mean 'delicious and satisfying.' With its budget-friendly combos, rapid service, and diverse array of mouth-watering dishes, this take-out restaurant is a gem in Joliet, one that guarantees an exceptional dining experience without breaking the bank.
I moved into the area about a year ago and have been looking for a good Chinese spot. I've gone to 3 in total. The first two, I did not eat the chicken and the sweet and sour soup were okay. This restaurant had the best sweet and sour soup and I really appreciate that they eliminate pork, if requested, and replaced it with chicken. I also enjoyed the chicken from this place as I did not like the first two places I went to. This was good quality chicken. I also got the chicken lo mein which was good. I asked for spicy but it was not and I wish it had a little more flavor but honestly overall it was good. Out of all 3 this would be my overall pick. I will be coming again.