When Christina Wan’s Mandarin House Fort Lauderdale suddenly shut its doors in November 2024, locals basically went into a state of mourning. If you lived anywhere near Victoria Park, this wasn’t just another Chinese joint. It was the place where you had your first date, your 30th birthday, and definitely your "I'm too tired to cook" Sunday night takeout.
For 28 years, the restaurant sat at 664 North Federal Highway like a beacon of reliability. Then, overnight, a sign appeared: "Closed after dinner service on Sunday, November 10."
Honestly, the shock was real. People started speculating immediately. Was it the rent? Was it a family feud? It turns out, the reality was a lot more wholesome—and the story didn't actually end there.
The Rebirth of Christina Wan's Mandarin House Fort Lauderdale
If you've been driving past the old Winn-Dixie plaza recently and saw people sitting at the familiar bar, you aren't seeing ghosts. Christina Wan retired, yes, but the family legacy refused to stay quiet for long.
By March 2025, the restaurant underwent a massive transformation and reopened simply as Wan’s.
It’s now helmed by Alex Kuk—Christina’s nephew and a fourth-generation restaurateur—and Christina’s daughter, Courtney Van Leeuwaarde. If the name Alex Kuk sounds familiar, it's because he’s also one of the brains behind Temple Street Eatery just down the road.
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The "new" version of the restaurant is basically a love letter to the original Christina Wan's Mandarin House Fort Lauderdale. They kept the soul but swapped out the 90s-era tablecloth vibes for something a bit more "pop."
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
You might think, "It’s just Chinese food, right?" Wrong.
The Wan family has been feeding South Florida since 1966. They started in Miami on Southwest 8th Street before moving north. When you eat here, you’re eating recipes that have been tweaked and perfected over sixty years.
Kinda incredible when you think about most restaurants closing within two years.
What to Actually Order
Look, the menu at the revived Wan’s is a mix of the old-school Christina Wan’s Mandarin House Fort Lauderdale classics and some tighter, modern touches. If you're going, there are three things you absolutely cannot skip:
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- The Peking Duck: They still do the full deboned roast duck service with the 12 thin wrappers, scallions, and hoisin. It’s the gold standard.
- The Ribs: People used to travel across county lines for these. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and messy in the best way possible.
- Cantonese Pan Fried Noodles: These are those thin, angel hair egg noodles that are pan-browned until they’re slightly crispy on the outside, then topped with that rich gravy and veggies.
The vibe now is definitely more "social." The bar is a huge focus. You can grab a serious cocktail while you wait for your Honey Garlic Chicken, which, let’s be honest, is a major upgrade from the tiny waiting chairs of the past.
The Truth About "Americanized" Chinese Food
There’s always that one foodie friend who complains that Christina Wan’s Mandarin House Fort Lauderdale is "too Americanized."
Well, yeah. That was kind of the point.
The Wan family never pretended to be a hole-in-the-wall spot serving only regional Szechuan delicacies for experts. They mastered the art of high-quality, sit-down Chinese-American dining. It's the comfort food we grew up with, but made with Angus steak and fresh, jumbo U8 shrimp.
Is it authentic to 2026 Beijing? Maybe not. Is it authentic to the soul of Fort Lauderdale? Absolutely.
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The new owners have been very vocal about keeping "Grandpa’s secret spicy sauce" for the General Tso’s. They know that if they changed the flavor profile too much, the regulars would riot.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
The restaurant is located at 664 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
Since the reopening, it has been packed. You’ve basically got to plan ahead if you want a table on a Friday night.
- Parking: It’s in the Victoria Shoppes. Parking is usually fine, but that plaza gets chaotic around 7:00 PM because of the neighboring shops.
- The Bar: If you can’t get a table, eat at the bar. The service is faster and you get to watch the bartenders work.
- Takeout: They still do it, and yes, it still comes in those heavy-duty containers that somehow keep the Lo Mein steaming hot all the way back to Wilton Manors.
It's rare to see a local landmark get a second lease on life like this. Usually, when the founder retires, the place turns into a bank or a cell phone store. Seeing the fourth generation of the Wan family step up to save the legacy of Christina Wan's Mandarin House Fort Lauderdale is a win for anyone who loves good food and local history.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the current hours: Before heading out, visit their updated website (https://www.google.com/search?q=wansfl.com) or check their Instagram (@christinawans) as they sometimes adjust hours for private events or holidays.
- Make a reservation: Use their online booking system at least 48 hours in advance for weekend dining to avoid the 45-minute wait at the bar.
- Try the "Sunset Specials": If you’re looking for the best value, ask if they are running the early bird specials that made the original location a neighborhood staple.