Lao 18

Go there for the ambience ONLY

Average Rating

40

I ordered 2 appetizers (Lao\u2019s Shrimp Dumplings, Shanghai Jelly Fish) and 2 main dishes (Fei Teng Black Cod, Stir Fried Pea Sprout), none of which were any special, even with the "Lao" name and tradition. Save your money, go there for drinks, and head down to Chinatown to any of the other Laos to get the real deal!

Posted by OpenTable Diner Since 2012 on November 09, 2013. Brought to you by opentable.

just Chinese restaurant

Average Rating

40

don't see differences Chinese restaurant.... go to China Town much better

Posted by amifj on November 09, 2013. Brought to you by opentable.

Fix a few oddities and it's there

Average Rating

80

Lao 18 has a lot going for it. The atmosphere is impressive and comfortable. They have the makings of a great wine list - if they can just keep the wine in stock. And their food is interesting. Some oddities were that on a slow Tuesday evening, they did not have a few of the wines we were interested in ordering by the bottle in stock. They also chose not to brew any coffee unless a few of us...

Posted by Ember on November 09, 2013. Brought to you by opentable.

Meh

Average Rating

60

Food was fine, but the service wasn't great. They were out of many of the beers and wines listed on the menu when I visited, and we had to remind our server to bring our wine over after waiting 15 mins. Our server wasn't too attentive, but the rest of the staff were very nice.

Posted by intown4work on November 09, 2013. Brought to you by opentable.

First Lao Disappointment

Average Rating

60

Based on my experience with other Lao restaurants I had high hopes for this new downtown location. However, the food was indifferent and the menu seemed heavily Americanized. I may as well have dined at P.F. Changs nearby..

Posted by bilsw on November 09, 2013. Brought to you by opentable.

Our bureau in Chicago is working on a review for Lao 18 - feel free to submit your own comments.

admin, 7-15-2016

Posted on January 17, 2016. Brought to you by planet99.

Combining the finest elements in dining and nightlife, Lao 18 creates an unimaginable experience sure to revolutionize the Chicago market.

Posted on November 26, 2013. Brought to you by facebook.

Set in an eight thousand sq.-ft. space in River North, this latest addition from Tony Hu offers midpriced Chinese cooking and dim sum in a dining room, bar, lounge and patio; the chic setting is decorated with cream-hued booths, bare wood tables, ornate metalwork and a volcanic mural behind the bar, which shakes up exotic cocktails, some involving ancient Chinese spirits.

Posted on September 01, 2013. Brought to you by zagat.