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Big Bowl - Chicago, Chicago, IL
Big Bowl - Chicago, Chicago, IL
Big Bowl - Chicago, Chicago, IL
Big Bowl - Chicago, Chicago, IL
Big Bowl - Chicago, Chicago, IL

Big Bowl - Chicago

4.6
4.6
1139 Reviews
$30 and under
Chinese
Using the freshest and highest quality ingredients and starting from scratch are the only ways to authentically prepare Asian cuisine. At Big Bowl, we make our own curries and roast our own chilies and spices, which are ground daily to prepare a variety of our signature dishes. Our menu features Chinese favorites like Kung Pao Chicken, Prime Beef & Broccoli, Sweet & Sour Pineapple Shrimp and Slow Roasted Barbecue Pork Fried Rice, along with Thai specialties like Panang Curry Chicken, Vegetable & Tofu Pad Thai and Red Hot Pepper Chicken Noodles. Whether its sweet or spicy, rice or noodles, Chinese or Thai that you are craving, our menu has it all. Located in the heart of River North.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Chinese, Thai
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 951-1888
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We offer our Group Catering Menu and Party Platters for carry-out and delivery! Please ask for a manager and they will be happy to assist!
  • Private party facilities
    Big Bowl is the perfect venue to host a social or business event. For more information or to check availability, please call Laura or Grace at 312-589-7001 or via email at bigbowlparties@leye.com.
  • Private party contact
    Laura Nessel & Grace Terzakis: (888) 309-8408
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    Ohio & Rush
  • Parking details
    There is a public parking garage directly above Big Bowl on Ohio Street. There are two entrances, one off Ohio St just past the corner of Wabash and Rush on the North side of the street The other entrance is on Rush St just north of Ohio St on the west side. Both are denoted by a green sign with a white "P" on it.
  • Public transit
    The red line stops at Grand and State which is only a few minute walk to Big Bowl.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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What 1,139 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Chinese

1,139 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    They have a very good staff and their food was great

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  2. BillyC

    Chicago

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. My server Brittany was extremely nice and attentive. Brittany is is hard working and has a great attitude.

    Is this helpful?

  3. forsa

    Fort Lauderdale

    45 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Nice thai/chinese restaurant. Reasonable priced. Good hot peppar shrimp fried rice.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Janine

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Big Bowl has so many delicious choices on their menu. Service is fast. Ambiance is casual and fun. It's always my go to when I have friends or family in town, or when I just want some really good Chinese or Thai food

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  5. Adam

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The food was average for the price. However, the portion was very good. I would say genuine customer service is very important and I did see that from our waitress. She seemed talking a lot with her coworkers especially with the manager and was paying less attention to us. The place needs better cooling system especially in summer. I would go again as my overall experience was okay and the fact that they have good vegan options.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Big Bowl has been our goto restaurant for special occasions for nearly 20 years! We have dinner at Big Bowl every time we spend a weekend in Chicago, and sometimes we even drive from Grand Rapids Michigan just to have dinner here! Fresh, delicious, and one of a kind!

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  7. Mobyville

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seated right away at a very nice table. Service attentive and right on top of beverage refills. Food excellent: the spices didn't seem, to one of us, to be as intense in the Szechuan green beans, but the crispy eggplant and short rib potstickers sure made up for that: we needed the Crab Rangoon to put out the fire. Wonderful meal: all stars all around!

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  8. Howard

    Chicago

    145 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    145 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The reason for the unenthusiastic review is that there was no acknowledgement by our server that we were celebrating a birthday, even though I specified that when I made the Open Table reservation.

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  9. RachelB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Thai and Chinese food ever. We eat here every time we come to Chicago. It's become a tradition.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Susan

    Chicago

    184 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    184 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Yummy food lots of choices Outstanding service But sadly The prices keep getting higher

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  11. Jeff

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were excellent, as usual. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was outstanding. Very nice selection of vegetarian and vegan menu options. The drink menu was great.

    Is this helpful?

  13. RobertN

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Just another Chinese restaurant. No atmosphere. No interest in anything but getting us in and out. So disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  14. pja666

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Great food and variety. Have a great gluten free menu

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  15. PasqualeR

    Des Moines

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy a meal at Big Bowl. King Pao chicken, crab rangoons, pad Thai and stir fry…can’t go wrong here.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Tucson

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We made a reservation and were seated quickly. The food was tasty, but not exceptional. Service was rather slow. The mai tai I ordered was delicious, though.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and the server was very friendly. Will definitely head back next time I’m in Chicago

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  18. Mobyville

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seated right away at an excellent table. Service prompt (right on top of those beverage refills), food quick and hot and excellent(though the kung pao was not as spicy as it has been in the past.) Had a wonderful time: all stars all around!

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  19. JoyfulDiner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Food was delicious! Excellent service with a smile.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    excelente servicio y la comida invreible felicidades

    Is this helpful?

  21. SamS

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great location for business lunch. Food is amazing--

    Is this helpful?

  22. Churchill

    Chicago

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good place and good food and nice decor. THanks to my server. There is much choice for Chinese Food in Chicago and Big Bowl matches the many, but does not stand out for the food. Service, as I said, decor, location are all great. I would go back.

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  23. sbailey

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food is delicious. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  24. DavidG

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great meal. Our server was very attentive. Food came out timely and was delicious. Their appetizers were yummy and their kung Pao is one of the best

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  25. KyleV

    Fort Lauderdale

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter George was awesome. Really appreciate his recommendations.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    Very Disappointing.. Nothing like other Chinese restaurants. Menu just ok. Bowls are low and mainly too much sauce. Even the green tea was not good.

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  27. Aender

    Chicago

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently good. Go to items hots and sour soup and sesame chicken.

    Is this helpful?

  28. AlexiaM

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great service Everything great Big bowl does not disappoint

    Is this helpful?

  29. GrouponPro

    Chicago

    54 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The food is not as flavorful as it was a couple years ago. It is very generic and what you would expect from a frozen Chinese dinner. With the high prices, I expect a larger portions also. 

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  30. DwightC

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely the best Chinese anywhere (including China!) They use fresh ingredients and don't overcook anything....

    Is this helpful?

  31. Mobyville

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    seated right away in an excellent spot: service prompt, friendly, and attentive, food excellent. Tried something new on the menu (very good, but will probably go back to our old favorite next time) and found the whole meal a joy (well, I ate tpoo much, but that's hardly THEIR fault.) All stars all around!

    Is this helpful?

  32. KSL2

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Big Bowl never disappoints!! Been coming here for many years and always have a good experience!!!

    Is this helpful?

  33. Grandee

    Chicago

    86 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    86 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanks for the gluten free menu! My Pad Thai was excellent!

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  34. NicolaasR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had dinner with the family. Friendly personel, good food and nice cocktails. We had a very good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  35. LauraS

    Houston

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic!!! Even 10 years later! We went back to eat there and found everything to be just like it was when we lived there. Great service, great food, and easy location to get to. So happy we returned!!

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  36. RodW

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Thank goodness Lettuce Entertain You co. had faith in the downtown Chicago location of Big Bowl. So glad Big Bowl survived Covid times and now seems to be coming back. Mostly newer wait staff, but the tradition of good, pleasant service continues. My only complaint is with parent company Lettuce Entertain You. They continue to add a 3% surcharge to every bill (although they plainly state the charge will be removed if requested.) The surcharge was initially added during Covid times to offset the downturn in business. As a restaurant regular, I was happy to pay this at the time. But, the language on the bill states that the surcharge is being added "in lieu of increased menu prices." This rings false, as prices at this restaurant have risen 25 - 30% across the board. Plainly spoken, I now feel like I'm being taken advantage of, paying the higher prices AND being asked to pay this surcharge. FYI, I requested the charge be removed, and it was (and I left a good tip.)

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  37. WalterS

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Greatest for family dining. The service was fantastic.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and the sangria pitcher was so good that we ordered two! The decor was very nice and the service was fast. Everyone was friendly and helpful. We loved everything!

    Is this helpful?

  39. Oneyatta

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food was good and plentiful. Enjoyed the atmosphere

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  40. KristieR

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Big Bowl - Chicago using the Order Online button. Big Bowl - Chicago also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 951-1888.

Big Bowl - Chicago is rated 4.6 stars by 1139 OpenTable diners.

Big Bowl - Chicago does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Big Bowl - Chicago

60 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Ohio & Rush
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Chinese, Thai
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There is a public parking garage directly above Big Bowl on Ohio Street. There are two entrances, one off Ohio St just past the corner of Wabash and Rush on the North side of the street The other entrance is on Rush St just north of Ohio St on the west side. Both are denoted by a green sign with a white "P" on it.
  • Public transit
    The red line stops at Grand and State which is only a few minute walk to Big Bowl.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 951-1888
  • Catering
    We offer our Group Catering Menu and Party Platters for carry-out and delivery! Please ask for a manager and they will be happy to assist!
  • Private party facilities
    Big Bowl is the perfect venue to host a social or business event. For more information or to check availability, please call Laura or Grace at 312-589-7001 or via email at bigbowlparties@leye.com.
  • Private party contact
    Laura Nessel & Grace Terzakis: (888) 309-8408
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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