Northshore Empress Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Northshore Empress has long been a staple of the Glenview, Illinois dining scene, offering a refined yet approachable take on Mandarin, Szechuan, and Cantonese cuisine. Whether you are a local regular or a first-time visitor looking for authentic Chinese flavors, understanding the Northshore Empress menu with prices is essential before you order. This guide covers their famous Chef’s Specialties, budget-friendly lunch specials, and weekend Dim Sum.
Prices and availability can vary depending on whether you dine in, carry out, or order through third-party delivery platforms. If you are exploring other casual dining Chinese options in the area, you can also check our guides for the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant menu, the China Chef menu, and the Golden China menu.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Northshore Empress is a casual Chinese restaurant known for its generous portions, Empress Chicken, and traditional weekend Dim Sum. Prices are mid-range, with lunch specials offering the best overall value. Calories and allergen menus are not officially published by the restaurant.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Northshore Empress Menu Prices
The Northshore Empress menu is extensive. The following prices reflect standard in-store and direct-order pricing. Keep in mind that exact costs can fluctuate based on market prices for seafood or specific location updates.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pot Stickers (6) | Appetizer | $8.95 | ~450 | Sharing | Available steamed or pan-fried |
| Crab Rangoon (6) | Appetizer | $7.95 | ~520 | Sweet & savory fans | Crispy with cream cheese filling |
| Egg Roll (1) | Appetizer | $2.50 | ~200 | Quick side | Pork and vegetable filling |
| Hot & Sour Soup | Soup | $3.50 | ~120 | Warming up | Spicy and tangy cup size |
| Wonton Soup | Soup | $3.50 | ~100 | Mild appetizer | Clear broth with pork wontons |
| Empress Chicken | Chef’s Specialty | $16.95 | ~950 | Signature dish lovers | Spicy-sweet dark sauce |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Chef’s Specialty | $22.95 | ~1,100 | Seafood cravings | Creamy sauce with glazed walnuts |
| Mongolian Beef | Beef Entree | $18.95 | ~850 | Hearty meals | Sautéed with fresh scallions |
| Sweet and Sour Pork | Pork Entree | $14.95 | ~800 | Classic comfort food | Traditional breaded pork |
| Moo Goo Gai Pan | Poultry Entree | $15.50 | ~550 | Lighter poultry | Sliced chicken with mushrooms |
| Buddha’s Delight | Vegetarian | $13.95 | ~400 | Vegetable lovers | Steamed mixed vegetables |
| House Special Fried Rice | Rice/Noodles | $13.50 | ~900 | A meal in itself | Includes beef, chicken, and shrimp |
| Chicken Lo Mein | Rice/Noodles | $12.95 | ~850 | Noodle fans | Soft wheat noodles |
| Lunch Specials | Special | $10.95–$14.95 | Varies | Mid-day value | Includes soup and rice (Mon-Sat) |
Popular Menu Items
The following dishes have earned "legendary" status among North Shore residents based on years of customer reviews and ordering trends.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empress Chicken | The namesake dish features crispy chicken chunks sautéed with broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers in a proprietary savory-sweet sauce with a kick. | $16.95 | High (Deep-fried) |
| Pot Stickers | Handmade with a thin wrapper and savory pork filling, offering a superior texture compared to typical fast-food dumplings. | $8.95 (for 6) | Moderate |
| Mongolian Beef | Tender slices of beef cooked with a heavy focus on fresh scallions and onions, providing a distinct smoky wok flavor. | $18.95 | Moderate/High |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | A favorite for those who prefer sweet seafood, featuring large tempura-style shrimp and crunchy glazed walnuts. | $22.95 | High (Creamy sauce) |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Empress Chicken
This signature dish balances heat, sweetness, and savory flavors flawlessly, with plenty of vegetables mixed in to cut the richness of the fried chicken.
Lunch Specials
Available Monday through Saturday until 3:30 PM, these specials bundle a main entree, your choice of soup, and rice for roughly the price of a standard appetizer.
House Special Fried Rice
A massive portion of fried rice loaded with beef, chicken, and shrimp. It serves easily as a shared base for a family dinner.
Buddha's Delight (Steamed)
A fresh, colorful mix of steamed vegetables. By asking for it steamed with sauce on the side, you control the flavor and eliminate heavy oils.
Mongolian Beef
A classic staple cooked perfectly at this location, with tender beef and a generous helping of green onions that bring authentic Szechuan-style aromas.
Weekend Dim Sum
Serving small plates cart-style on weekends allows you to build a highly customized meal sampling dumplings, buns, and unique delicacies like Chicken Feet.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining at a full-service Chinese restaurant can add up, but Northshore Empress offers excellent ways to stretch your dollar if you know how to order.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lunch Special | For $10.95–$14.95, you get an entree, soup (Wonton, Egg Drop, or Hot & Sour), and rice. | Only available Mon–Sat from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. | Arrive early to beat the local lunch rush, as this is a very popular deal. |
| Appetizer Combo Meal | Pairing an Egg Roll ($2.50) with a large Wonton Soup ($7.50) creates a filling meal under $12. | Soups are filling but lighter on protein. | Ask if you can substitute a larger egg roll or spring roll to mix up the flavors. |
| Family-Style Sharing | Dinner entrees are oversized. Ordering three entrees for four people is usually more than enough. | Everyone has to agree on the entrees. | Order one chicken, one beef, and one vegetable dish to balance the table. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Like many independent, traditional Chinese restaurants, Northshore Empress does not publish an official calorie or nutrition guide. The figures used in this guide are estimates based on standard Chinese-American restaurant recipes.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed Options | Requesting dishes "Steamed" with sauce on the side reduces calories by 300–500 by eliminating frying oils. | Low-calorie or low-fat diets | Medium (General culinary standard) |
| Fried & Breaded Meats | Orange Beef, Empress Chicken, and Sweet & Sour Pork typically range from 800 to 1,200 calories due to starch coating and sugar sauces. | Cheat days or sharing | Medium (Estimate based on prep methods) |
| Low-Calorie Picks | Buddha’s Delight, Moo Goo Gai Pan (with light sauce), and Steamed Chicken with Vegetables are naturally lighter. | Health-conscious diners | High (Ingredient profile is inherently lower calorie) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Always alert the restaurant staff to severe allergies before ordering, as cross-contact in a bustling kitchen using woks is highly possible.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Traditional soy sauce contains wheat. | Ask for dishes to be prepared with "White Sauce" (wine/garlic based) and specify no soy sauce. |
| MSG Sensitivity | MSG is commonly used in traditional seasonings. | You can request "No MSG" for made-to-order dishes, though pre-marinated meats may still have traces. |
| Nut Allergies | Peanuts and cashews are heavily used in Kung Pao and Cashew dishes. | Cross-contact is a risk. Inform the server of any severe nut allergies immediately. |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Oyster sauce or chicken broth may be used in vegetable dishes. | The "Vegetables & Tofu" section is robust. Explicitly request vegan preparation (no oyster sauce/meat broth). |
Special Menu Sections
Lunch Specials
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon-Sat Lunch Combo | A main entree, choice of soup, and rice. | $10.95–$14.95 | Affordable mid-day dining |
Weekend Dim Sum
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dim Sum Service | Small plates like Siu Mai, Har Gow, and steamed buns served traditional style. | Priced per small plate | Weekend brunch or adventurous groups |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This menu guide is designed to help:
- Locals and visitors checking in-store prices before deciding to dine in or order takeout.
- Budget-conscious diners looking for the best values like the Monday–Saturday lunch specials.
- People with dietary restrictions who need to know how to navigate the menu for vegetarian or gluten-sensitive options.
- Families planning a large group meal who want to understand portion sizes and sharing strategies.
- Health-conscious readers looking for practical ways to order lower-calorie steamed meals.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most of your Northshore Empress order with these practical tips to save money and get exactly what you want.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices can vary by city, restaurant, and delivery platform.
- Call directly to avoid delivery app markups. Third-party delivery apps like Grubhub often inflate prices by up to 20%. Ordering pickup directly supports the restaurant and saves you money.
- Ask about spice levels. The restaurant's "Medium" is generally mild by traditional Szechuan standards. If you love heat, ask for "Extra Spicy."
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. Because Northshore Empress does not publish official calorie counts, always speak to a manager if you have a life-threatening allergy.
- Take advantage of family-style portions. Entrees are large. Instead of ordering an entree for every single person, order a few to place in the center of the table and share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northshore Empress have a menu with prices?
Yes, Northshore Empress has a detailed menu with prices available at the restaurant and via their official online ordering portal.
Do prices vary by location or app?
Yes. While Northshore Empress is a single location in Glenview, IL, the prices you see on apps like Grubhub or DoorDash are typically higher than if you call the restaurant directly.
Where can I find calories for the Northshore Empress menu?
As an independent casual dining restaurant, Northshore Empress does not officially publish calorie counts. The numbers in this guide are estimates based on standard culinary practices for Chinese-American food.
Does Northshore Empress have an allergen menu?
No, there is no official published allergen menu. If you have severe allergies (like peanuts or shellfish), you must speak with the staff before ordering due to the risk of cross-contact.
What are the popular items at Northshore Empress?
The most popular items include the Empress Chicken, Handmade Pot Stickers, Mongolian Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp.
What are the best things to order for value?
The best values are the Lunch Specials, served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, which include soup, an entree, and rice for under $15.
Does Northshore Empress serve Dim Sum?
Yes, they are locally famous for their weekend Dim Sum service, which is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Are there gluten-free options on the menu?
While there is no dedicated gluten-free menu, many dishes can be modified. Diners should request dishes to be steamed or cooked in "white sauce" rather than traditional soy sauce.
Can I order online?
Yes, you can order online for pickup directly through the official Northshore Empress website or by calling the restaurant.
Is Northshore Empress good for large groups?
Yes, the restaurant features large round tables equipped with Lazy Susans, making it a perfect spot for family-style sharing and group dining.
Conclusion
The Northshore Empress menu offers an excellent mix of beloved Chinese-American classics, spicy Szechuan favorites, and authentic weekend Dim Sum. For the best value, be sure to visit during their generous lunch hours or share their large dinner entrees family-style. Because third-party delivery apps often increase costs, calling your order in directly is always the best way to save.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
