If you’ve lived in East Portland long enough, you know the drill. You're driving down SE Powell Boulevard, past the endless stretch of auto shops and strip malls, and there it is: the red awning of Chu's Eatery Portland Oregon. It’s been sitting there at 17110 SE Powell Blvd for decades, looking basically exactly the same as it did in the nineties.
Honestly, it’s a vibe.
Some people call it a "dive" restaurant. Others call it the last standing bastion of "old school" Chinese-American comfort food. But whatever you call it, Chu's isn't trying to be the next trendy Pearl District spot with $18 artisanal dumplings and minimalist concrete walls. It is a family-owned, woman-owned operation that serves massive portions of Kung Pao chicken alongside a lounge where people take their Oregon Lottery games very, very seriously.
What Really Happens Inside Chu's Eatery Portland Oregon?
Walking into Chu's is like stepping into a time capsule. You’ve got the dark wood, the red accents, and that specific, comforting smell of soy sauce and searing woks. It’s quiet. Casual. The kind of place where the staff remembers your face even if you only show up once every six months for a "Appetizer Supreme" fix.
The setup is pretty straightforward. One side is the dining room—family-friendly, clean, and filled with large round tables perfect for a big group. The other side? That’s the lounge.
The lounge is a whole different world. It’s got a full bar, some of the best-reviewed cocktails in the neighborhood (strong and cheap, just how East County likes 'em), and those ubiquitous lottery machines. If you want a quiet lunch, stick to the restaurant. If you want to see the "real" SE Portland soul, the lounge is where it's at.
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The Food: Myths vs. Reality
Let's talk about the crab puffs. People on Yelp and Google lose their absolute minds over the crab puffs at Chu's Eatery Portland Oregon. One reviewer literally claimed they are the "best in the United States."
Is that true?
Well, "best" is subjective, but here’s the reality: they are hand-folded, they aren't mostly air like the ones you get at a buffet, and the cream cheese filling actually has flavor. They’re addictive. You’ve been warned.
The Menu Staples
Most of the menu is classic Cantonese and Szechuan-style hits. We're talking:
- Kung Pao Chicken: Diced chicken, peanuts, and that signature kick. It’s one of the most ordered items for a reason.
- Fried Shrimp: They don't use those tiny, canned-tasting shrimps. They use big ones, breaded and fried until they're dangerously crunchy.
- The Lunch Specials: This is where the value is. For around $11 or $12, you get a main dish, fried rice, crab puffs, an egg roll, and egg flower soup. It’s enough food to feed a small village, or at least provide you with a very heavy dinner later that night.
Now, to be intellectually honest—not everything is a home run for everyone. Because it’s a "comfort food" spot, some dishes can lean into the "heavily breaded" category. If you’re looking for high-end, authentic regional Szechuan peppercorn-numbing authenticity, you might find the flavors here a bit "Americanized." But that’s exactly why people love it. It’s the food you want when it’s raining outside and you just need a mountain of Pork Fried Rice.
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Why Location Matters (And Why It Scares Some People)
Chu's is located in a strip mall that has seen better days. Portland has changed a lot, and the SE 171st and Powell area can feel a bit "gritty" to those who rarely leave the inner city.
Don't let the parking lot fool you.
Once you’re inside, it’s impeccably clean. The service is fast—sometimes surprisingly fast—and the atmosphere is actually quite peaceful. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" spots. With the closure of other East Portland staples like Canton Grill a few years back, Chu's has become even more important to the local community. It’s one of the last places where you can get a massive family dinner without needing a second mortgage.
Common Misconceptions About Chu's
There’s often a bit of confusion online because of a very famous restaurant in Los Altos, California, called "Chef Chu’s" (owned by Lawrence Chu, father of director Jon M. Chu).
Chu's Eatery Portland Oregon is not that restaurant.
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They aren't hosting heads of state or Silicon Valley billionaires. They’re hosting your neighbor, the guy who just finished a shift at the warehouse, and families celebrating a birthday. It’s a local neighborhood joint through and through.
Operating Hours and Practical Tips
If you're planning a visit, keep in mind they are generally open from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM every day. However, the lounge often stays open later, especially on Friday and Saturday nights (sometimes until 1 AM).
Pro-Tips for Your Visit:
- Parking is Free: There’s a dedicated lot. No circling the block for 20 minutes like you have to do on Division or Hawthorne.
- Takeout is King: While they offer dine-in, their takeout game is strong. They box things up tight, and the portions seem even bigger when you get them home.
- Order the "Appetizer Supreme": It’s the easiest way to try the BBQ pork, egg rolls, crab puffs, and fried shrimp all at once.
- Vegetarian Friendly: They actually have a pretty significant array of meat-free dishes, like the Vegetable Egg Foo Young or Tofu Tempura.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you're tired of over-hyped restaurants that prioritize "aesthetic" over actually feeding you, head to SE Powell. Chu's Eatery Portland Oregon is about as authentic as a neighborhood haunt gets.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their website or "Beyond Menu" page for the most current pricing, as inflation hits everyone eventually.
- If you’re going with a group of 6 or more, call ahead at (503) 667-2487; they have large circular tables that make sharing family-style dishes much easier.
- Bring your appetite. Seriously. You will be taking a box home.