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Bamboo Garden
Master Critic Review
Bamboo Garden
7.6
Late-night Lakeview standby open until 1am, perfect for post-Cubs game or after-hours cravings. The two sisters running the kitchen deliver dependable General Tso's and Hot and Sour Soup that's drawn regulars for decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot and Sour Soup, General Chow Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: BYOB late-night Chinese open til 1am near Wrigley Field
Who should go: Night owls and Cubs fans seeking post-game fuel
When to visit: Late night after bars close; BYOB saves money
What to order: Hot and Sour Soup, Garlic Shrimp with Pea Pods, Pot Stickers
Insider tip: BYOB with no corkage fee - bring your own beer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - brutal on game days, manageable late night when meters are free after 10pm. Consider rideshare for Cubs games.
Dress code: Whatever you wore to the game or bar. Hoodies, jerseys, jeans - nobody's judging at midnight.
Noise level: Rowdy after Cubs wins, otherwise conversational. Expect energy spikes when the post-bar crowd rolls in.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min on game days during 7th inning stretch exodus; otherwise minimal
Weekday lunch: No wait - you'll practically have the place to yourself
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent selection - Buddha's Delight, various tofu preparations, and vegetable lo mein cover the basics
Vegan options: Possible with modifications - request no oyster sauce and stick to steamed vegetable dishes with garlic sauce on side
Gluten-free options: Difficult - soy sauce base in most dishes. Rice and steamed proteins are your safest bets, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Unconventional but charming for the right match. BYOB lets you bring nice wine, keeping costs down while feeling intentional. Works best as a late-night 'one more stop' after drinks elsewhere. Skip if you need ambiance or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations aren't a thing here. Walk in, sit down, order. The only exception is the post-game crush - arrive before the 7th inning or wait til the crowd clears around 11pm.
Is it kid-friendly? During early dinner hours, sure - familiar dishes, quick service, no fuss. After 9pm it becomes more of an adult late-night scene. Not the place for young kids past bedtime.
Best For
Better for: 1am cravings when everything else is closed. BYOB saves serious money - bring a six-pack, feast for under $20/person. Decades of consistency from the same family means no surprises.
Skip if: You want elevated Chinese cuisine, authentic regional cooking, or a quiet dinner. This is reliable comfort food, not culinary exploration.