Lao Sze Chuan Highland Park — Restaurant in Highland Park

During a recent first and likely also the last visit to this Lao Sze Chuan Highland Park location, I was left feeling disappointed. As someone who is familiar with the Lao Sze Chuan and appreciates Sze Chuan cuisine in general, this particular establishment failed to meet my expectations. While the menu appeared similar to other Lao Sze Chuan locations, the taste of the dishes was noticeably different and did not live up to the standards I had come to associate with this type of cuisine. The waitress who was nice and informed us that the dishes were tailored to local tastes, which, unfortunately, did not align with my preferences. As a result, the flavors and authenticity that I typically associate with Sze Chuan cuisine were lacking.

The restaurant's outdated decor and musty environment further detracted me from the overall dining experience.

However, what truly shocked me was an incident that occurred during my visit. I happened to overhear a heated argument erupted among the kitchen staff. The exchange was loud enough that it could be heard throughout the entire restaurant, creating an uncomfortable and disruptive environment. This unprofessional behavior was off-putting and certainly did not contribute to a pleasant dining experience.

Despite the restaurant's convenient location in Highland Park, I regret to say that my experience was far from satisfactory. For those who are accustomed to the Lao Sze Chuan or appreciate authentic Sze Chuan cuisine, I would advise managing your expectations if you decide to dine at this...

I am from New Jersey, and of Indonesian heritage. However.... I have to say, this is an absolutely and stunningly authentic and truly to the roots of Szechuan cuisine. Not Americanized, at all. The name of the restaurant already proves it to be so. This particular restaurant is situated in Highland Park, IL - so original, authentic, and traditional to the roots. A must try. Highly recommend when in the area for Szechuan cuisine! The exterior of the restaurant is Chinese-style and pleasant and welcoming with a good, ample number of parking spaces. The interior is also pleasant and vibrant of ambiance and comfort. Casual dining. Not too fancy. Plenty of table and side booths to select from. A relatively larger sized restaurant. The selection of food is limitless. Their menu, both American and Chinese, is pretty large. Felt like a Chinese version of Cheesecake Factory indeed. The taste and flavor is delightful! I cannot specify which entree was better than the other. They were all pretty tasty. I can mention what we ordered.... Szechuan-styled beef skewers and lamb skewers, seasoned fish with mixed vegetables...

Lao Szechuan used to be one of only a few Sichuan restaurants in the Chicago area. There now is a lot of competition and Lao Szechuan has not kept up. Service is impeccable- friendly, efficient staff that makes sure food is served piping hot and glasses kept filled. The kitchen is hit and miss on dishes, which is particularly annoying when the dishes are Sichuan staples. One example of the miss: the spicy wontons wrappers are too thick, too much filling is packed in making the center tough and unable to absorb any sauce, and the sauce is vastly too soupy. One example of the hit: dry chili chicken is always reliable - small pieces of boneless chicken fried with a mass of red peppers and Sichuan numbing peppers. Food portions are generous and prices in line with similar restaurants. If you crave acceptable Sichuan food in the north shore suburbs, this is fine. If you are in the City, go to the original location or go to one of the dozens of competitors...