Lao Sze Chuan Highland park — Restaurant in Highland Park

Our family gave this place a try in hopes of finding a local Chinese place in comparison to traveling all the way to Chinatown. It goes without saying that this place is a delight.

The food is delicious. I love fast Chinese food from all those late nights in university. Crispy shrimp in lemon sauce hit the spot. There were dishes that seem unique to this brand too, like the garlic sauce eggplant and lamb with cumin. Biting into the lamb with cumin reminded me that we may have been to the Chicago downtown location several years ago and had the same dish! I’ll have to come back and try the honey garlic beef/pork tenderloin, as that was my favorite from back then. I believe most spicy items on the menu can be ordered non-spicy or mild. There are some dishes that are known for being spicy, so some spice may be best to try.

The environment feels like a mix between fine dining, intimate, and casual. I could come here with the family or bring a friend, and dressing moderately presentable would probably fit. The location has free parking along the street and paid parking in the back. There appears to me much to check out in the area too.

The service was very attentive and considerate. We were recommended a selection of chef’s specialties and popular dishes. The menu has a lot of unique items compared to most Chinese places, so the service helped explain our dishes.

I would definitely come back here soon. There are so many special...

Google Review

Our family’s favorite Chinese restaurant. We come every 2-3 weeks if not more often. Our favorites are the Dry Chili Chicken, Tony’s Three Chili Shrimp, Dan Dan Noodles, Fu Xi Fei Pian (Sliced Beef & Maw Szechuan Style - Cold Appetizer), Salt & Pepper Scallop, Chengdu Kung Pao Chicken, and Hot & Sour soup.

All these dishes are mildly to fairly spicy except for the Salt & Pepper (not really spicy, but crispy and delicious). If you like spicy 🌶️ this place is for you. If you like their signature Dry Chilli Chicken, they can make it in almost any other meat choice (beef, pork, lamb, shrimp, squid, etc). Also love the complimentary spicy cabbage appetizer. 😋 Free street parking and lot on the weekends is a plus. Taste is always on point and reminds me of the original Lao Sze Chuan in Chinatown square but without the traffic/parking struggles. Service...

Lao Sze Chuan is a Chicago classic. If you like Chinese food and especially Sichuan cuisine the this is an amazing spot. This is the best authentic Chinese in the area, otherwise you will go to Chinatown. Also very generous portion size.

I recommend:

Shrimp dumplings Chefs dry chili chicken Fish fillet in chili bean sauce Boiled sole fish in spicy Szechuan sauce

I’ll be...