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Lao Sze Chuan
Master Critic Review
Lao Sze Chuan
7.5
Lao Sze Chuan’s original Chinatown location remains a destination for aggressively spiced Sichuan dishes served in a busy, multi-room space. Crowds come specifically for the chef’s special dry chili chicken and mapo tofu, accepting sometimes-variable service in exchange for bold flavors and late-90s-era Chicago food history.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Special Dry Chili Chicken, Ma Po Tofu, Boiled Beef in Spicy Szechuan Sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 6.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Seminal Chicago Sichuan restaurant whose dry chili chicken and fiery plates helped define the city’s spicy Chinese canon.
Who should go: Spice-seeking diners prioritizing bold flavors over polished service.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners to reduce waits while still feeling the bustle.
What to order: Chef's special dry chili chicken, mapo tofu, boiled beef in spicy sauce.
Insider tip: Order a mix of spicy showpieces and milder vegetable dishes so the table can pace the heat across the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Wentworth and surrounding side streets is limited during peak hours; several nearby paid Chinatown lots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and everyday attire are common, but groups often lean slightly dressy for dinners.
Noise level: Lively and often loud during peak periods — conversation is possible, but larger tables may need to speak up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though it can fill up during tour and office lunch rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tofu, eggplant, and vegetable dishes are naturally vegetarian, though some sauces may include chili oil with shared prep.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes can be prepared without meat upon request, but not all sauces are fully vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes use soy sauce or chili oil blends that may contain gluten; ask staff to guide safer options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for adventurous, food-centric dates than quiet conversation — the energy is bustling and the focus is on bold, shareable dishes rather than an intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially for small groups. Expect potential waits on weekends; arriving earlier in the evening helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families with older kids who enjoy spicy dishes and busy dining rooms; younger children may find the noise and heat levels intense.
Best For
Better for: Spice-forward, signature Sichuan dishes with strong flavor impact and large-format plates ideal for sharing in groups.
Skip if: You want polished service, quiet ambiance, highly customizable dietary accommodations, or very mild Chinese cuisine.