Lao Peng You
If you're ever in the mood for authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine in Chicago, Lao Peng You is the place to be. Located at 2020 W Chicago Ave, this cozy yet hip restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals. With its relaxed, casual vibe and a moderate noise level, it's the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with friends or a solo food adventure.
Lao Peng You’s menu is packed with delicious and comforting dishes that will leave you craving more. One of the most popular choices is the Beef Noodle Soup, a rich and hearty dish featuring tender beef, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. If you’re into something lighter but still bursting with flavor, try the Cold Noodle—a refreshing dish with a delicious tangy sauce that perfectly balances the spicy and sour notes.
For those who love crispy treats, Xian Bing is a must-try. These golden, crispy pan-fried buns are filled with savory meat, and the satisfying crunch on the outside with the juicy filling inside is absolutely mouthwatering. Pork & Chive dumplings are another crowd favorite, offering a combination of tender pork and aromatic chives wrapped in a soft, chewy dough.
Not to be overlooked, the Chicken Noodle Soup provides a warm, comforting meal that is both hearty and wholesome, with juicy chicken pieces nestled among delicate noodles in a flavorful broth. It's perfect for any season, but especially when you're in need of something soothing.
Lao Peng You isn’t just about the food; it's about the whole experience. The restaurant has a hip, trendy atmosphere that’s casual but still feels special. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a longer meal, the friendly staff and energetic ambiance make every visit enjoyable.
Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, Lao Peng You’s inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes will have you coming back again and again!
Reviews
Lao Peng You has completely stolen my heart. This place is the definition of a hidden gem, serving up some of the best handmade dumplings and noodles in Chicago. I've tried everything vegetarian on their menu, and I can confidently say--it's all amazing. Must-Order Dishes (aka My Go-To's Every Time! ) Mushroom & Chive Dumplings - The best dumplings. Period. Perfectly chewy, juicy, and packed with so much flavor. A must-get! Dan Dan Noodles - Spicy, nutty, and ridiculously good. The flavors are bold and comforting, making it an automatic go-to every time. I also love: Scallion Noodles - Simple yet so flavorful--the scallion oil is perfectly fragrant and coats the chewy handmade noodles beautifully. Mushroom Noodle Soup - A warm hug in a bowl. Rich, umami-packed broth with handmade noodles that soak up every bit of goodness. Cold Dishes - A Must-Try! Wood Ear Mushrooms - Earthy, crunchy, and tossed in the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Eggplant - Silky, flavorful, and melts in your mouth. Cucumber Salad - Refreshing, lightly spicy, and pairs so well with the heavier dishes. Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes) - Crispy, flaky, and so addictive. Perfect with any of the cold dishes! Iced Drinks - The Perfect Pairing! Iced Milk Tea - Classic and delicious. Iced Peach Tea - Light, fruity, and refreshing. Iced Plum Tea - A little smoky, a little sweet--so unique and refreshing. What to Know Before You Go: Small space = always a wait. If you're coming during peak hours, expect a line out the door. Go early or later to beat the rush. Don't want to stand around? Walk the area or browse Jewel-Osco across the street while you wait! Why I Keep Coming Back: Incredible handmade dumplings & noodles Cozy, no-frills, hole-in-the-wall feel that makes it even better Every single dish is made with love and attention to detail This place is my absolute favorite, and I will never get tired of it. If you haven't been yet, go ASAP--you're missing out!
Really enjoyed my visit here! I went with a friend so we could share a few things and everything we had was so good! The dumplings felt like a warm hug and id come back for them anytime! Service is quick and you can grab a table yourself for a quick and easy stop in. Feels like you stepped into someone's kitchen which I love:).
Finally tried this infamous place!! I was so worried about having to wait long but my party of 4 ate at 4pm on a Saturday and luckily got a table right away. Fyi they do not take reservations as the place is pretty small. You order at the counter and they bring the food to you. To start we got the wood ear salad which was refreshing and savory. We then shared the dan dan noodles and dumplings, both of which were delicious and comforting. The dan dan noodles were a little salty but nothing crazy. The broth for the dumplings may look spicy but it wasn't that bad. The stuffed bread are made to order so they take a little longer to make. The lamb one was super flavorful and flaky and the cumin really compliments it. I also ordered the milk tea which was soooo good! Super high quality milk tea with jelly. I highly recommend, you won't regret it
This was my second time dining at Lao Peng You and it was just as good as the first! The flavors of the dishes are always spot on and I appreciate how they don't skimp on the sesame and herbs on the dishes. I tried the chung yao bing which was made to order and perfectly crispy. The staff was nice and I loved the music they played, there was a good amount of edm/house which I appreciated!!
Local modern Chinese Szechuan food. Homey vibes. Great for a cold day. Fun for a date and the service was friendly! The food is plentiful and I was full! I would come here for high quality clean food that warms the soul.