RockBuzz Stateline's Reel
If you’ve lived around the Stateline for any length of time, you’ve probably driven past The China Palace on Blackhawk Blvd in Rockton a hundred times. It’s one of those spots that feels like a permanent fixture of the community, and for good reason—they’ve been at it for over 45 years. I stopped in recently to grab a meal, and it reminded me why these long-standing family spots are so important to our local food scene. The Meal: A Warning for the Bold I went in with a pretty specific craving, so I started with a beer and some of the staples. You can’t go wrong with their wonton soup—it’s that classic, comforting broth that hits the spot right away. I followed that up with the crab rangoons, which were exactly what you want them to be: crispy, creamy, and gone way too fast. But then came the main event: extra spicy combination fried rice. Now, I usually tell people I like heat. I’ve had "spicy" at a lot of places where it’s more of a suggestion than a reality. That is not the case here. This rice didn’t just have a kick; it had a vendetta. It was so intense that I actually had tears rolling down my face while I was eating. It was painful, it was delicious, and I couldn’t stop. If you’re the type who thinks "extra spicy" is a challenge, The China Palace will gladly accept it. More Than Just a Restaurant What’s really cool about this place—and something I think a lot of people miss if they only take out—is the history inside the building. The China Palace is actually housed in what was once the "Junior Wagon Wheel," part of the legendary Wagon Wheel Resort era of Rockton. As a result, the interior is filled with these incredible historical artifacts. There are chandeliers and intricate woodwork that were salvaged from the Jacob Haish mansion in DeKalb before it was torn down. It gives the dining room this weirdly elegant, "time capsule" feel that you don't get in modern strip-mall joints. Why You Should Stop By The restaurant is run by the Kwok family, and they’ve been the heart and soul of the place since the 70s. While they’re known for Mandarin and Cantonese classics like Hunan Shrimp and their handmade egg rolls, it’s really the consistency and the story that keep people coming back. Whether you're looking for a quiet sit-down dinner surrounded by a bit of Rockton history or you want to see if you can handle the "tear-inducing" heat of their spicy fried rice, it’s a spot worth supporting. Just maybe keep a cold drink (and some napkins for your eyes) within reach if you go the extra spicy route. 📍625 S Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL