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Lao Sze Chuan
ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Lao Sze Chuan
7.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
This Michigan Avenue branch of Chef Tony Hu’s Lao Sze Chuan group brings a long Szechuan menu and Peking duck service into a mall-adjacent dining room above the Mag Mile. High volume and a deep list of classics make it a convenient option for groups seeking spicy dishes steps from shopping and hotels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry Chili Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Peking Duck
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A central Mag Mile Szechuan stop with a huge menu and duck service.
Who should go: Shoppers and spice-lovers wanting sit-down Chinese off Michigan.
When to visit: Late lunches or early dinners for calmer, quicker service.
What to order: Dry chili chicken, mapo tofu, Peking duck.
Insider tip: Order spice levels conservatively; house Szechuan dishes lean quite hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Attached mall/retail garage parking available for a fee; street parking along Michigan Ave is limited — rideshare or garage parking is usually easiest.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — tourists, shoppers, and business-casual diners all feel comfortable.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible at smaller tables but it’s not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: Often 20–40 minutes without a reservation; large groups should book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially outside peak convention or tourist windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tofu, vegetable, and noodle dishes; ask about broth or sauce bases if you avoid meat stock.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some vegetable dishes can be prepared without egg or dairy on request.
Gluten-free options: Selective options — certain stir-fries and rice dishes may be gluten-free, but many sauces use soy sauce; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-based dates than intimate ones — the menu is great for sharing and conversation over food, but the room can be busy and energetic rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at off-peak hours — but during weekends and tourist rushes, a reservation or calling ahead is strongly recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids — large tables and shareable plates work well, though spice levels can be high and the room can feel loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, business lunches near the Mag Mile, and visitors wanting a broad Szechuan menu with classics and signature spicy dishes in a central location.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, hyper-regional Szechuan specialty cooking, or seamless street-level access — consider smaller neighborhood spots instead.