Asian Bistro — Restaurant in Elk Grove Township

TLDR: Food is fantastically flavored and one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in the area. I always recommend this restaurant to friends (both Asian and non-asian alike) if they want an authentic Szechuan experience.

I can't comment on the "Americanized" dishes here as I have never tried them.

I'm Chinese and have frequently visited China, and I am confident in saying that this is absolutely a hidden gem. For the past 15 years, I have frequently visited this family owned establishment and watched it grow. Don't let the aesthetics or location of the restaurant deter you (they have been improving on the tiniest details). The owners are incredibly kind and thoughtful! They are always looking for feedback and ways to grow.

Food: The authenticity of the flavors transported me straight back to my family’s kitchen. Every dish bursts with the rich, complex spices that Sichuan cuisine is known for, yet it's balanced perfectly, offering a harmony of heat and flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. You can find typical Chinese dishes here and even then, they make it in a unique way. I always recommend their specialty dishes, as long as you're not worried about the spice and let the waiters be aware of it. I have tried almost every dish on their menu, my frequent favorites are the 夫妻肺片，辣子鸡，回锅肉，and their fish dishes. My parents tend to be very selective when it comes to Chinese food, but they never say no when we come here. (Always ask for the Chinese menu and Google translate to the best you can, or come with someone who understands Chinese). I always leave here feeling satisfied (usually stuffed, haha!).

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, giving it that "hidden gem" feel. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy incredible food, and feel a sense of home. If you’re looking for genuine Sichuan cuisine that respects tradition while delivering bold, unforgettable flavors, this is the place to go. If you are new here, being proactive is key (at least that's what it's...

First impressions are everything. When I drove up to the place, I noticed that their sign had burned out lettering and was partially lit. My immediate thought was that this is irresponsible for a business that prepares food for people’s consumption. If they neglect to replace burned out bulbs in their main sign, what other things do they cut corners on? Anyway, I decided to overlook this minor detail and proceeded on into the restaurant to place my takeout order. I decided to try their sesame chicken. After I placed my order, there was no communication whatsoever. The lady just took my order and walked away. I wasn’t told how long it would take. When I asked if I needed to pay now or later, I was told to stay put because they would bring my order out right away. I found this to be rather inconsiderate because I had other plans besides waiting an unknown amount of time for my food. I needed to go to O’Reillys Auto to get some stuff for my car, so that’s what I did. I must have stepped away for 10 mins and came back. I waited in the restaurant’s foyer for an additional 5 minutes after that and was brought my meal from the kitchen. I thought it was pretty quick, but at the same time was concerned. For some reason, the quality of something that is prepared so quickly always brings about concern for me. Regardless, I paid a hefty price of $13.00 and left. When I got home to eat, I was immediately disgusted by what I tasted as I bit into the chicken. It tasted strangely “fluffy” and this is not the texture you would expect from chicken. Secondly, all I could taste was cheap/smelly cooking oil which overpowered the taste of anything. Let me just put it this way, I could not eat the meal that I paid for. I ate 1 or maybe two pieces of chicken (in complete disgust) before the rest of the to-go tray was thrown into the garbage. I will not be giving this place my business ever again. There are better Chinese places out there that use healthier...

Absolutely horrible!!! Service was terrible and the food matched the service. Started out bringing me a glass of water that was 3/4 full and no ice in a dirty cup. Then I had to ask to order because 10min had already passed. When I asked for “Mongolian Beef extra spicy no onion” I was told that I couldn’t have that. She said “it only comes one way, there’s not too many and it won’t bother you”. I should’ve walked out at that point but I thought I’d give the benefit of the doubt and also ordered beef egg rolls. I asked for tea and was given that. Tasted like scalded urine. Smelled like urine too. Gross. Now for the egg rolls, I bite into it and not a spec of meat to be had. I asked “is this the meat egg roll”. His reply was “no it’s vegetable”. Which was clearly not what I ordered. He brought out the Mongolian beef, completely covered in onions and maybe 9-10 slices of beef cut very thin. He did bring me out meat egg rolls that tasted like rotten meat was in them and were pink inside. What is this?????? I asked for the bill, and the prices went up from the menu. I asked him and he said “that’s an old menu prices went up”. I told him I would not pay more than what I had seen on the menu and he told me “pay what you want”. I told him that everything was awful and I’d rather not pay anything!! His reply was “give me $20 and make sure you don’t come back”. Yes, he told me to make sure I don’t come back. I reassured him that I would never be back. Please look at the dish after I took out the few...