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Shang Noodle - Chicago
Master Critic Review
Shang Noodle - Chicago
8.6
Shang Noodle is a modern Streeterville spot where Taiwanese beef noodle soup, house-made hand-pulled noodles, and dim sum plates draw both hotel guests and locals. With cocktails, a long menu of stir-fries, and high-volume crowds, it functions as the neighborhood’s reliable all-purpose Chinese noodle house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taiwan Beef Noodle Soup, Cumin Lamb, Mapo Tofu
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume noodle house where Taiwanese beef bowls and dim sum anchor the menu.
Who should go: Travelers and locals craving noodles near Navy Pier.
When to visit: Weeknights or late lunch to avoid peak pre-theater rush.
What to order: Taiwan beef noodle soup, cumin lamb, mapo tofu.
Insider tip: Ask for spice-level tweaks on stir-fries; the kitchen adjusts well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking is the most reliable option in Streeterville; limited metered street parking and ride-share drop-offs are usually easiest during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversational at smaller tables, but the room gets buzzier during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; shorter if you arrive before 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though nearby office and hotel traffic can create brief rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian noodle, tofu, and vegetable dishes; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few dishes can be made vegan on request if sauces and eggs are omitted.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some rice-based plates and stir-fries can be adapted, but most noodles are wheat; confirm with the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual first date — it’s lively, comfortable, and food arrives quickly, but it’s not an intimate, candlelit setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, though expect a wait during pre-theater and weekend dinner rush; smaller parties are seated fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — noodle bowls and dumplings work well for older kids; earlier evenings and weekday lunches are the most family-friendly times.
Best For
Better for: Hand-pulled noodle dishes, quick turn-around for groups, and a broad menu that works for mixed tastes near Navy Pier and hotel corridors.
Skip if: You want a quiet fine-dining Chinese experience, highly regional specialty cooking, or strict gluten-free dining with extensive dedicated options.