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  5. River North (Chicago)

Big Bowl - Chicago

4.5
4.5
1117 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 12 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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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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Popular dishes

What 1,117 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Chinese

  • Chicago

    Kid-friendly

  1. sbailey

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food is delicious. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  2. DavidG

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    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

    Is this helpful?

  3. KyleV

    Fort Lauderdale

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

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

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. 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?

  6. AlexiaM

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

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

    Is this helpful?

  7. DwightC

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 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?

  8. Mobyville

    Chicago

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 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?

  9. 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?

  10. Grandee

    Chicago

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

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

    Is this helpful?

  11. 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?

  12. LauraS

    Houston

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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?

  16. Oneyatta

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food was good and plentiful. Enjoyed the atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  17. KristieR

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

  18. CJacks

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing menu options and service!

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and the hospitality was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  20. kellys

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Took a friend, who had never been to the restaurant (I am a regular). Both of us really enjoyed our dinner and the service was wonderful. I highly recommend the salad (Asian chicken), lettuce wraps and the main courses. Sesame noodles are delicious. Wait staff/server was really good - not intrusive but tended to us well, friendly and professional.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Our waitress was great!

    Is this helpful?

  22. Jolthammer

    Chicago

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a fantastic lunch here today.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Restaurant needs renovation

    Is this helpful?

  24. Michael

    Seattle

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience4
    We thought the food was good as were the drinks. The part we could not get past was that all our plates were dirty. It was the underside of the rim of every plate but it made us wonder how well the plates in general were cleaned.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love every LEYE restaurant! Service is always super friendly and knowledgeable. We had several different cocktails which we all thought were very refreshing. Appetizers were good too, just wish there were more options without mushrooms. The kids loved their meals, minus the mushrooms. I love there chicken salad and chicken pad Thai. We will definitely be back!!!

    Is this helpful?

  26. Jolthammer

    Chicago

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sat along the window. We were well taken care of by the staff. Food was great.

    Is this helpful?

  27. JonD

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super careful regarding allergens. Love it!

    Is this helpful?

  28. RochelleF

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 19, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Delicious food and drinks! Great ambience! The service was ver friendly!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Another restaurant adding unexplained “service charge” line items to their menu. Ok good for a chain, but can find better in Chicago.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Mobyville

    Chicago

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice and warm on a cold day. Service prompt and cheerful, no problem with special order, food absolutely topnotch. All stars all around!

    Is this helpful?

  31. LisaD

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The sesame chicken was excellent! The service was excellent. The ambience was perfect. I would highly

    Is this helpful?

  32. AntonioL

    New Orleans

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    great thai food. I will recommend it without any doubt

    Is this helpful?

  33. DouglasF

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. The service was outstanding along with the food.

    Is this helpful?

  34. WKStewart

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience right off Michigan Ave. Wish I we had this option in Southern California.

    Is this helpful?

  35. chieats

    Minneapolis

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    Food is mediocre Americanized Chinese food (plus trying to mix in other Asian cuisines). Too expensive for the food they’re serving.

    Is this helpful?

  36. NicolasG

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    This place needs a new ventilation system!! Way to much smoke from the kitchen! Kept coughing! Service was not as attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  37. VEGAS

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Jon is our favorite server.

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food and nice location. Very good!

    Is this helpful?

  39. Happytummy

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    The ramen is weird. It was a bowl of unidentifiable mush with angel hair type noodles, not ramen. Sesame noodles were good.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Abhishek

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Really great food and definitely worth the money you pay. Lovely and patient staff n the waitress helped us decide the food and it was amazing.

    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 4.5 stars by 1117 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 12 times today
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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