Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown

Name: Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown
Address: 520 North Michigan Ave Suite 420, Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
Telephone: (312) 595-0888
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

689 Reviews

$30 and under

Chinese

Top Tags:

2021 UPDATE: All Lao Sze Chuan locations are open for indoor dining! Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to arrival and wear a mask except when eating and drinking. For takeout and delivery, please visit www.laoszechuanusa.com or your favorite app. Please stay safe and take care, and we look forward to your visit!

We will be open normal hours for the upcoming holiday season. We greatly appreciate your patience and kindness with our staff during this time as we do our best to bring you the best dining experience.

Lao Sze Chuan Downtown is Chicago’s premiere restaurant for gourmet, authentic Chinese cuisine - most notably, our Szechuan flavors, traditional Peking Duck, and handmade dim sum. Lao Sze Chuan is beloved locally and nationally since our founding in 1998 in Chicago's Chinatown and is rated as one of the best Chinese Restaurants in the USA. To learn more, please visit www.laoszechuanusa.com. We look forward to sharing our delicious food with you soon!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 595-0888

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Chinese, Chinese (Sichuan), Dim Sum
Hours of operation
Lunch & Dinner Daily 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 595-0888
Website
http://www.laoszechuanusa.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
Please call (312) 595-0888 or email magmile.laoszechuan@gmail.com for more information.
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Lao Sze Chuan Downtown can accommodate all your special event needs. Please email magmile.laoszechuan@gmail.com to inquire or give us a ring at 312-595-0888.

Location
520 North Michigan Ave, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
Ohio St.
Parking details
Discount parking validation is available when you dine in at Lao Sze Chuan Downtown. Validation terms are good at The Shops at North Bridge parking garages located at 10 E. Grand with access from Ohio-Grand-Wabash and at 516 N. Rush. Parking ticket will be validated only if you park three hours or less. Validated parking rate is $15.
Public transit
We are accessible off the Grand Red Line CTA stop as well as many buses that run on Michigan Avenue.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Chinese Food in Chicago

Popular dishes

Szechuan Wontons* (8pcs)$9.95
Peking Dumplings (8pcs)$9.95
Sheng Jian Bao (6pcs)$9.95
Xiao Long Bao (8pcs)$9.95
Famous Tianjin Crepes*$9.95
Pancake Northern Style$9.95
Lao Ma Chao Show** (8pcs)$9.95
Famous Pan Fried Dumpling with Chives (2pcs)$9.95
Steamed Bun (6pcs)$6.95
Crispy Bun (6pcs)$6.95
Scallion Pancake$7.95

Chef Specials

Famous Empress Lobster or Crab with Dry Chili** ^
- M.P
Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger & Scallion^
- M.P
Sea Bass w/ Tofu in Pot^$38.95
Tony's Special Frogs Zi Gong Style** ^$30.95
Szechuan Traditional Grilled Fish** ^$30.95
w. Bone
Extremely Spicy Feng Teng Fish** ^$30.95
w. Bone
Toothpicks Lamb* ^$21.45
House Special Beggar's Chicken** ^$19.45
w. Bone
Lao Gan Ma Grilled Pork Rack** ^$20.45
La La La Spicy Whole Fish** ^$30.95
w. Bone
Szechuan Crawfish** ^$21.95
Green Peppercorn Beef** ^$21.95
Spicy Sour Pickled Fresh Fish Fillet** ^$30.95
w. Bone
House Special Chicken Feet** ^$23.95

Cold Appetizer

Sliced Beef & Maw Szechuan Style** ^$8.45
Five Powder Beef$8.45
Spicy Beef Tendon*$9.45
Bon Bon Chicken* ^$8.45
Sliced Tender Pork w/ Garlic Sauce* (Fat)$8.45
Spicy & Sour Squid*$8.45
Vegetarian Chicken Shanghai Style^$8.45
Spinach w/ Ginger Sauce$8.45
Crispy Peanut w/ Dry Bean Curd**$8.45
Jelly Fish Shanghai Style$9.45
Green Bean Jelly Szechuan Style*$8.45
Cucumber Salad w/ Fresh Garlic$8.45
House Special Spicy Cabbage*
- Sm$5.45
- Lg$7.45
Five Powder Duck Wing$8.45
Spicy Duck Head$8.45

Hot Appetizer

Shanghai Spring Rolls (2) (Veg)$3.45
Chicken Egg Rolls (2)$4.45
Pork Pot Stickers^ (6)$7.45
Crab Rangoons (4)$6.45
Jumbo Shrimps (6)$9.45
String Bean Spicy Black Bean Sauce* ^$7.45

Soup

Hot & Sour Soup* (1)$2.95
Wonton Soup (1)$2.95
Egg Drop Soup (1)$2.95
Chef Special Duck Soup (1)$3.95
House Special Hot & Sour Soup** (1)$3.95
Steamed Chicken Soup w/ Ginseng (1)$7.95
Mixed Vegetable Soup (2-4)$7.95
Pan-Fried Eggs w/ Tomato Soup (2-4)$7.95
Shredded Pork w/ Chinese Pickle Soup (2-4)$7.95
West Lake Beef Soup (2-4)$8.95
Sour Pickle & Sole Fish Fillet Soup (2-4)$8.95
Seafood Hot & Sour Soup* (2-4)$8.95
Seafood Tofu Soup (2-4)$8.95

Seafood

Live Maine Lobster
Choice of Ginger & Scallion, Salt & Pepper*
- M.P
Live Dungeness Crab
Choice of Ginger & Scallion, Salt & Pepper*
- M.P
Steamed Whole Fish Canton Style$27.95
w/ bone
Whole Fish w/ Tofu Szechuan Style** ^$27.95
w/ bone
Stewed Whole Fish w/ Chili Bean Sauce*$27.95
w/ bone
Spicy Sour Pickled Fish Fillet*$25.95
no bone
House Special Spicy Sole Fish Fillet**$19.95
Sole Fish Fillet Chili Bean Sauce* ^$19.95
Sole Fish Fillet Black Bean Sauce^$19.95
Boiled Sole Fish Fillet in Spicy Szechuan Sauce**$20.95
Stir-Fried Squid*$19.95
Salt and Pepper Squid* ^$19.95
Kung Pao Squid*$19.95
Dragon and Phoenix*$21.95
Prawn, Chicken
Seafood Platter$21.95
Chef's Special Stir-Fried Three Delight*$21.95
Chef's Special Dry Chili Three Delight**$21.95
Salt & Pepper Three Delight* ^$21.95
Sauteed Three Delight$20.95
Seafood w/ Tofu in Pot$20.95
Kung Pao Shrimp*$19.95
Moo Shu Shrimp (4 Pancakes)$19.95
Shrimp in Garlic Sauce*$19.95
Cashew Nut Shrimp*$19.95
Shrimp w/ Mixed Vegetables$19.95
Shrimp w/ Snow Peas$19.95
Shrimp w/ American Broccoli$19.95
Shrimp w/ Lobster Sauce$19.95
Salt & Pepper Prawns*$21.95
with shell
Sweet & Sour Prawns$21.95
Crispy Shrimp w/ Lemon Sauce^$21.95
Scallop in Garlic Sauce* ^$21.95
Salt & Pepper Scallop*$21.45
Kung Pao Scallop*$21.95

Pork

Twice Cooked Pork Szechuan Style* ^ (Fat)$16.95
Twice Cooked Dry Chili Pork** (Fat)$17.95
Double Fried Sliced Pork w/ Cilantro** (Dry)$17.95
Chairman Mao Hong Sue Pork* ^ (Fat)$17.95
Sliced Pork, Dry Bean Curd w/ Chives^$16.95
Pork Stir-Fried in Peking Sauce$16.95
Moo Shu Pork (4 Pancakes)$16.95
Pork in Garlic Sauce* ^$16.95
Pork Intestine & Pork Blood Cake in Pot*$17.95
Double Fried Spicy Pork Intestine* (Dry)$16.95
Numb Spicy Pork Intestine Szechuan Style*$16.95
Rice Noodle w/ Ground Pork*$16.95
Salt & Pepper Short Ribs*$17.95
Chef's Special Dry Chili Short Ribs**$17.95
House Special Short Ribs w/ Cumin*$17.95
Beef Maw & Pork Blood Cake Home Style** ^$20.95

Beef & Lamb

Boiled Beef in Spicy Szechuan Sauce** ^$18.95
Kung Pao Beef*$18.95
Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin*$17.95
Orange Beef Tenderloin* ^$18.95
Mongolian Beef Tenderloin^$17.95
Hunan Beef*$17.95
Green Pepper Beef$17.95
Beef w/ Mixed Vegetables$17.95
Szechuan Beef*$17.95
Beef w/ Snow Peas$17.95
Beef w/ American Broccoli$17.95
Moo Shu Beef (4 Pancakes)$18.95
Beef w/ Pure Cumin Powder* ^$18.95
Chef's Special Dry Chili Beef**$18.95
Honey Garlic Pepper Beef Tenderloin*$18.95
Lamb w/ Pure Cumin Powder* ^$20.95
House Special Spicy Lamb*$20.95
Mongolian Lamb$19.95
Sautéed Lamb w/ Thai Basil Leaves*$19.95
Boiled Lamb in Spicy Szechuan Sauce** ^$21.45
Stir-Fried Lamb Hunan Style* ^$21.45

Chicken & Frog

Chef's Special Dry Chili Chicken** ^$17.95
Three Cups Chicken$18.95
w. Bone, sweet
Basil Chicken*$17.95
Sweet & Sour Chicken$16.95
Chicken w/ Snow Peas$16.95
Cashew Nut Chicken*$16.95
Chicken w/ American Broccoli$16.95
Chicken w/ Mixed Vegetables$17.95
General Tao's Chicken* ^$17.95
Orange Chicken*$17.95
Sesame Chicken$17.95
Szechuan Chicken*$16.95
Tony's Chicken w/ Three Chili* ^$17.95
Chicken in Garlic Sauce*$16.95
Kung Pao Chicken*$16.95
Hunan Chicken*$16.95
Mongolian Chicken$16.95
Moo Shu Chicken (4 Pancakes)$16.95
Chengdu Style Kung Pao Chicken$17.95
Boiled Fresh Frog in Spicy Szechuan Sauce**$28.95
Fresh Frog with Garlic*$28.95
Double Fried Fresh Frog*$28.95

Vegetables

Peapod Leaves^$17.95
Choice of: Fresh Garlic | Chili Stir-Fried* | Sauteed
Spinach$15.95
Choice of: Fresh Garlic | Chili Stir-Fried* | Sauteed
String Bean^$15.95
Choice of: Szechuan | Dry Chili* (Vegetarian) | Fresh Garlic (Vegetarian)
Eggplant$15.95
Choice of: Garlic Sauce* (Vegetarian) | Peking Style (Vegetarian) | Crispy Eggplant w/ Ground Pork*
Baby Bok Choy$15.95
Choice of: Sauteed | Fresh Garlic | Mushroom
Napa Cabbage$15.95
Choice of: Napa in Wine Sauce | Spicy & Sour* (Vegetarian) | Sauteed (Vegetarian) | Chili Stir-Fried* (Vegetarian)
Sliced Potato$15.95
Choice of: Vinegar Sauce | Spicy & Sour* | Sauteed | Jalapeno Pepper*
Mixed Vegetables$15.95
Choice of: Szechuan Style | Hunan Style* | Steamed
American Broccoli$15.95
Choice of: Fresh Garlic | Chili Stir-Fried* | Sauteed
Lettuce$16.95
Choice of: Fresh Garlic | Chili Stir-Fried* | Sauteed | Boiled
Chinese Cabbage$16.95
Choice of: Hunan Style* | Szechuan Style*
Fresh Chili$16.95
Choice of: Black Bean Hunan Style* | Vinegar Szechuan Style*
Tong Cai$16.95
Choice of: Fresh Garlic | Chili Stir-Fried* | Spicy Fermented Tofu Paste*
Chinese Broccoli$16.95
Choice of: Fresh Garlic | Chili Stir-Fried* | Sauteed | Oyster Sauce

Tofu

Mapo Tofu** ^$15.95
Tofu Home Style*$16.95
Kung Pao Tofu*$15.95
Tofu w/ Mixed Vegetables$15.95
Chef's Special Dry Chili Tofu**$16.95
Salt & Pepper Tofu*$16.95
Orange Tofu*$15.95
General Tao's Tofu*$15.95

Noodle & Noodle Soup

Dan Dan Noodle*$9.95
Szechuan Cold Noodle Salad*$9.95
Spicy & Sour Crystal Noodle**$11.95
Crystal Noodle w/ Pork Intestine**$11.95
Beef Brisket Noodle Soup Szechuan Style*$11.95
Hong Sue Beef Noodle Soup$11.95
Noodle Peking Style$11.95
Shredded Pork w/ Chinese Pickle Noodle Soup$11.95
Mixed Vegetables Noodle Soup$11.95
Mixed Vegetables Rice Noodle Soup$11.95
Seafood Noodle Soup$12.95
Peking Duck Noodle Soup$13.95

Fried Rice & Noodle

Fried Rice$11.95
With egg. Choice of: Chicken | Duck | Beef | Shrimp | Pork | Vegetables (Vegetarian) | Combination
Fried Noodle$11.95
Choice of: Chicken | Duck | Beef | Shrimp | Pork | Vegetables (Vegetarian) | Combination
Singapore Rice Noodle*$13.95
With egg. Choice of: Chicken | Duck | Beef | Shrimp | Pork | Vegetables (Vegetarian) | Combination
Fried Flat Noodle$13.95
Choice of: Chicken | Duck | Beef | Shrimp | Pork | Vegetables (Vegetarian) | Combination
House Special Spicy Chow Mian*$13.95
Choice of: Chicken | Duck | Beef | Shrimp | Pork | Vegetables (Vegetarian) | Combination
Pan Fried Noodle$14.95
Choice of: Chicken | Duck | Beef | Shrimp | Pork | Vegetables (Vegetarian) | Combination
Lao's Kimchi Fried Rice w/ Ground Pork*$12.95
House Special Spicy Fried Rice** ^ (Veg)$13.95
with egg
Duck & Pork Fried Rice$13.95
Yang Zhou Fried Rice$14.95

Desserts

Chinese Yam with Blueberry Jam$9.95
Glutinous Rice Ball in Wine Sauce w/ Osmanthus and Goji Berry (6)$8.95
Golden Sesame Ball (6)$6.95
Red Bean Jelly Cake (6)$6.95
Mango / Durian Pancakes (4)$7.95

Lao Sze Chuan Seasonal Menu

Cold Appetizer

Five Spice Duck Wings$8.45
Five Spice Duck Feet$8.45
Chinese Marinade Duck Head*$8.45
Pickled Chicken Feet*$8.45
Chinese Sausage Szechuan Style*$8.95
Woodear Mushroom ChengDu Style*$8.95

Healthy Soup

Steamed Black Bone Chicken Soup w/ Ginseng
- per person$7.95
Szechuan Peppercorn Black Bone Chicken*$19.95
Black Bone Chicken w/ Mixed Mushrooms$29.95

Special Dishes

Chef's Special Spicy Potato*$9.95
Sauteed Pig's Kidney*$17.95
Green Peppercorn Pig's Kidney**$19.95
Beef Tenderloin with Dry Mushroom$18.95
Sauteed Soybean w/ Cured Pork$16.95
Stir-Fried Chinese Cauliflower w/ Cured Pork*$17.95
Chengdu Style Dry Fried String Beans*$16.95
House Special Beef Paddywack*$17.95
Dry Braised Beef*$19.95
Spicy Duck Chin**$19.95
Salt & Pepper Duck Frame*$16.95
Stir-Fried Duck Gizzard w/ Cowpeas*$16.95
Ground Lamb w/ Buns*$19.95
Extremely Spicy FengTeng Whole Fish***$30.95
Spicy Sour Pickled Fresh Fish Fillet w/ Bone*$30.95
Stewed Chinese Yam w/ Woodear & Shrimp$19.95
Fresh Mushroom with Fish$19.95
Clams in Black Bean Sauce$19.95
Green Peppercorn Clams**$23.95
Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables$17.95
Sauteed Pickled Lotus Root*$16.95
Fresh Mushroom Festival$17.95
Dry Mushroom with Chives$17.95
Fresh Frogs w/ Szechuan Peppercorn***$49.95

VIP Special Order

Please order at least one day in advance. Seasonal Pricing

Live King Crab
- M.P
Geoduck
- M.P
Sea Cucumber
- M.P

What 689 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
3.9Service
3.9Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

A
Autumn
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience4
Family holiday
P
Purisumit67
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Catch up meal with my son! Was great in every way.
JC
JorgeC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
Service and food wasn’t the same as when we visited In 2015, food was cold when it got to our table, server was not attentive to our needs, ordered more food and the old plates were never picked up prior to our second batch of food. Won’t be visiting this restaurant again when coming to Chicago.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Loved the dishes we ordered! Had the half duck, soup dumplings and the flat rice noodles with shrimp, all delicious. Every restaurant is low on servers right now, so I don’t hold any place to high expectations. The service was pleasant and they attended to all our needs. Will be back!
BS
BernardS
Chicago
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was great and Jenny our server was awesome!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We shared lots of different things from bao, soup, noodles to entrees. Loved everything!
G
Grandee
Chicago
72 reviews
vip
3.0
72 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience2
We had a very difficult time with poor service. We had to flag a Server down just to get water. Same for cocktails. While the food was absolutely delicious, one of the people in our party ordered old-school eggrolls and did not get sauce for it. When we asked for the sweet-and-sour and mustard sauce they brought us an empty sweet-and-sour container. The restaurant was crowded and we understand that can be chaotic for the kitchen and perhaps they were understaffed. But there should have been some kind of acknowledgment to us for all of the delays and unpleasantness.. I really do like their food and so did everyone in our party. I hate leaving a poor review, but I like to tell the truth .
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Where do I start, we got there and our whiskey had flies in it, then our fried rice had a metal end from a shredded plastic bag in it and I almost but down on the metal piece. Then the waiter started yelling. Terrible time trying to take my friend on a birthday dinner. I’m not ever coming back to this location.
CR
CraigR
Cincinnati
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
I've had Chinese all over the world, Lao Sze Chuan is in the top 3 or 4 globally. Including China. I took groups twice during a conference and got rave reviews from my guests. Get the Dry Chili Fish. One of the best anywhere.
J
Josi
Tampa
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience2
Very disappointed with the menu and ambiance since our last visit a few years ago. We were very disappointed after looking forward to a duck dinner for one person as well as no sushi and sashimi available at all. We will not return to this restaurant because the menu is limited and the ambiance is gone.
H
Haooy
Manitoba
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
Food portion was small. Grilled fish tasted like made from packaged hotpot base.
CK
CharlieK
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
The lobby of the Michigan street entrance was filthy. Entered the elevator and was filthy as well. Food and garbage on the floor. We entered the restaurant and there was no one to give our reservation or greet us. There was a couple in front of us that told us that they were waiting for 10 min with same issue. We approach several busy servers and we were told to wait. We finally approached someone who handled reservations and was told to wait. We informed her to cancel our reservation. She did not show interest in customer service. With no hesitation she said ok to cancel. The restaurant had poor air circulations and was hot and crowded. It lacked standards. Would not recommend anyone that is intereseted in a pleasant dining experience to dine in this restaurant.
K
Katamarom
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience3
Don’t know why to bother with reserving a table and confirming presence - there was no table free. My impression was they fill all tables as customers come in. Perhaps reservations get some priority if there is a queue ? Anyway, we did get a table, the wait was not too long. The food was OK, but we don’t think everything we got was wat we ordered : an appetizer that would hold 6 pcs turned out to hold only 2. Though it was good, it cannot be what we ordered. The service was overall poor : we didn’t feel welcome, they hardly came by to remove empty plates, waiter didn’t know the dish he was bringing. Luckily, as said, what was brought was good, but that’s about it.
JB
JenniferB
Houston
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience5
Menu is very overwhelming! Food was good but took forever for us to decide! I finally just told waitress I like seafood and veggies and she brought me seafood special was really good but my husband didn’t like his. Plate of red peppers with little fried chicken nuggets. Very weird.
BC
BingC
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent meal consisting of soup dumplings, pot stickers, honey shrimp, whole steamed fish Cantonese style, garlic green beans, beef flat rice noodles, and combination fried rice.
H
Heim4
Chicago
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a favorite! I no longer live in Chicago, but was happy to eat here in my last visit. When we lived in Streeterville, it was our go to place. Best fresh kimchi ever!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
I’m from Beijing and gotta say the Peking duck is not authentic, plus it is a tiny amount for the price. Vegetables ok but overpriced as well :(
G
Gray
Chicago
140 reviews
vip
5.0
140 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent preparation of favorite dishes and attentive waitress. Good wine selections in a Chinese restaurant much appreciated
NL
NingningL
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Roast duck is super delicious and highly recommended
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Good soup dumplings, but top five dishes are underwhelming.
R
Randy
Chicago
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Sole Fish Fillet Chili Bean Sauce was fantastic! The fish and baby bok choy were tender, and the sauce was delicious. We will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent. The service was amazing (Jesse). I can’t wasn’t to return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
Unfortunately this location needs some help. The server was
c
cathys
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience1
The place was a mess. They said they were overbooked. No bartender, hostess wearing sweatpants and a t shirt. Tables dirty, seats torn. Was told to park at nordstroms and they validate, not! $50 parking. Add that to a $100 bill for kungpao chicken, a few dumplings and 2 drinks. Won’t be going back. If they short staffed they need to reduce capacity.
KG
KevinG
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always wonderful. It’s really one of the best. It’s sort of unexpected being on the Mag-mile and all but it doesn’t make the food less authentic and delicious.
JG
JohnG
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience4
We had eaten here several times before Covid struck and really enjoyed it. Yesterday we were greatly disappointed! For the first time ever in a Chinese restaurant the soup was cold . The shrimp dish we ordered seemed like it had been on a hot plate far too long. The Peking Duck was almost as disappointing. My wife who is Chinese used to like this place so that to me was very telling . Yesterday she left very disappointed which is as telling. We won’t be going there again anytime soon! Sadly disappointed!
M
Momopi
Chicago
86 reviews
vip
5.0
86 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server Tram was great! We always enjoy our meal there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, great staff and outstanding ambience
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food and a tremendous selection of authentic Chinese dishes.
CM
CherylM
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Location, food great - dim sum delish - waitress Jesse was amazing! Highly recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
LSZ is always a favorite for me. As usual, they knocked its out of the park. Recommend the Chengdu-style Kung Pao and dry chili chicken.
BC
BillyC
Chicago
44 reviews
vip
4.0
44 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good food and great service
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
It was delicious and seemed to be authentic Chinese dishes
DL
DLeonard
Chicago
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
All the food was well made and the ambiance was nice but lots of pop music playing. Waitress checked in on us often.
SL
SamL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good Peking duck, highly recommend this menu item!
V
Vineet
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, fantastic service. Value for money.
SD
SteveD
Indiana
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We stopped in for some tea and dumplings. All was really delicious.
AK
AngieKay
Chicago
42 reviews
vip
3.0
42 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall3food5service5ambience2
Every bite was delicious. It just seemed like we were eating in a food court.
DC
DavidC
Chicago
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Nothing bad to report. The reason for the 3 stars was simply for the food. None of it was memorable. We had a few different kinds of dim sum, duck fried rice and my wife had a chicken dish. Service was great, place was clean and nice. There seemed to be an infinite number of babies screaming at the top of their lungs which is just bad luck, nobody’s fault.
BC
BingC
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Superb dinner consisting of pot stickers, crispy lemon shrimp, whole steamed fish, garlic string beans, shrimp fried rice, and beef chow fun (flat rice noodles).

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown using the Order Online button. Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 595-0888.

Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown is rated 4.2 stars by 689 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 595-0888

Other options

Order online

520 North Michigan Ave, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

Cross street
Ohio St.
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Hours of operation
Lunch & Dinner Daily 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Chinese, Chinese (Sichuan), Dim Sum
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Discount parking validation is available when you dine in at Lao Sze Chuan Downtown. Validation terms are good at The Shops at North Bridge parking garages located at 10 E. Grand with access from Ohio-Grand-Wabash and at 516 N. Rush. Parking ticket will be validated only if you park three hours or less. Validated parking rate is $15.
Public transit
We are accessible off the Grand Red Line CTA stop as well as many buses that run on Michigan Avenue.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.laoszechuanusa.com/
Phone number
(312) 595-0888
Catering
Please call (312) 595-0888 or email magmile.laoszechuan@gmail.com for more information.
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Lao Sze Chuan Downtown can accommodate all your special event needs. Please email magmile.laoszechuan@gmail.com to inquire or give us a ring at 312-595-0888.

Featured in

The Best Chinese Food in Chicago

Lao Sze Chuan - Downtown

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

The Best Chinese Food in Chicago

Basil Chicken

Geoduck

Shrimp

Oven Roasted Peking Duck

Oven Roasted Peking Duck

Duck Series

Dry Chili Duck Frame**$16.45

Salt & Pepper Duck Frame*$16.45

Stir Fried Sliced Duck$19.45

Duck Tongue Peking Style$28.45

Dry Chili Duck Tongue**$28.45

Lao Gan Ma Duck Head**$19.95

Dry Chili Duck Head**$19.95

Duck Feet w/ Hot Mustard Sauce*$17.95

Lao Sze Chuan Classic

Green Peppercorn Series*

Chicken$19.45

Lamb$21.45

Frog$30.45

Seafood$23.45

Hot & Spicy Pot Series**

Vegetarian$21.45

Meat Optional$23.45

Seafood$26.45

Combo$27.45

House Made Sour Pickle Chili Series*

Whole Fish$26.45

Fish Fillet$20.45

Shrimp$21.45

Seafood Delight$22.45

Frog$29.45

Salted Egg Paste Series

Lobster

Dungeness Crab

Jumbo Shrimp$23.45

Tofu$17.45

Lalala Spicy Dry Pot Series**

Chicken$17.95

Beef$19.45

Jumbo Shrimp$23.45

Pork Ribs$17.95

Frog$29.45

Lao Sze Chuan Tender Tofu Series*

Diced Fish Fillet$20.45

Diced Beef$19.45

Diced Lamb$20.45

Diced Seafood Delight$22.45

Fresh Handmade Dim Sum

Szechuan Wontons* (8pcs)$9.95

Peking Dumplings (8pcs)$9.95

Sheng Jian Bao (6pcs)$9.95

Xiao Long Bao (8pcs)$9.95

Famous Tianjin Crepes*$9.95

Pancake Northern Style$9.95

Lao Ma Chao Show** (8pcs)$9.95

Famous Pan Fried Dumpling with Chives (2pcs)$9.95

Steamed Bun (6pcs)$6.95

Crispy Bun (6pcs)$6.95

Scallion Pancake$7.95

Chef Specials

Famous Empress Lobster or Crab with Dry Chili** ^

Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger & Scallion^

Sea Bass w/ Tofu in Pot^$38.95

Tony's Special Frogs Zi Gong Style** ^$30.95

Szechuan Traditional Grilled Fish** ^$30.95

Extremely Spicy Feng Teng Fish** ^$30.95

Toothpicks Lamb* ^$21.45

House Special Beggar's Chicken** ^$19.45

Lao Gan Ma Grilled Pork Rack** ^$20.45

La La La Spicy Whole Fish** ^$30.95

Szechuan Crawfish** ^$21.95

Green Peppercorn Beef** ^$21.95

Spicy Sour Pickled Fresh Fish Fillet** ^$30.95