Is this your business?
Claim this profile to update your info and track analytics.
Lao Peng You — reliable chinese in West Town. Order the Dumplings. A holdout in the best possible way. "The dumplings were amazing, honestly the best thing I had during my visit" — Dani Delonge
Jess BoYd
167 reviews
“Bold flavors, thoughtful seasoning, and that comforting, no-frills kind of cooking that food lovers appreciate”
2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
“Takeout dumplings were great.”
Takeout dumplings were great! What a vibe inside of the restaurant when I went in too!
Cristal Lazarević
Jan 2026
“There was a bit of a wait, even after the lunch rush on a Sunday, but the food was so good.”
There was a bit of a wait, even after the lunch rush on a Sunday, but the food was so good! Overall, very cozy vibe and very cozy dishes. We especially enjoyed the Dan Dan Noodles and appreciated that we could get the chili oil on the side to adjust the spiciness to our liking. Also recommend the House Noodle Soup!
Chelsie Tamms
Dec 2025
“I went to Lao Peng You a while ago and somehow forgot to post a review.”
I went to Lao Peng You a while ago and somehow forgot to post a review. I recently came across these photos on my phone, and they instantly reminded me how much I loved this meal. Everything we ordered hit the spot Dan Dan Noodles packed with savory depth and chili oil, a comforting bowl of beef noodle soup with clean, rich flavor, and plump, juicy dumplings that tasted clearly handmade. The cold dishes were a perfect balance, adding brightness and freshness alongside the warm bowls. Bold flavors, thoughtful seasoning, and that comforting, no-frills kind of cooking that food lovers appreciate. Combined with the lively, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that stays in your memory long after the meal. Lao Peng You is absolutely worth revisiting and clearly worth finally reviewing.
Jess BoYd
Dec 2025
“Featured in pics: *Dan Dan Noodles, Mushroom Noodle Soup, *Pork and Chive Dumplings, Beef and Green...”
Featured in pics: *Dan Dan Noodles, Mushroom Noodle Soup, *Pork and Chive Dumplings, Beef and Green Onion Dumplings, *Cold Chicken (also got xi’an bing, not featured) * = standouts/would highly recommend All of it was great! So many dumplings in one order; they don’t skimp! We waited about ~35-40 minutes to be seated on a Thursday night around 6:20.
Sarah Chang
Dec 2025
“Must try and definitely worth the hype.”
Must try and definitely worth the hype! I came here on a Saturday around 4pm - it was definitely busy, but got lucky and only had to wait 25 minutes. The pork and chive dumplings were phenomenal. The sauce that comes with it is sooo delicious. I will definitely be back.
CP
Nov 2025
“We tried cold noodles during one of festivals in the summer and then had several attempts to get a...”
We tried cold noodles during one of festivals in the summer and then had several attempts to get a table, be aware that they only have 10 tables inside and there will be be a wait even on weeknights but it is worth it. Their soup were spicy but very tasty, dumplings are yummy but a bit too big in shape. Overall very homey spot and bowl of soup warms up the soul on a cold day
Sasha Y
Nov 2025
“The beef noodle broth is thoroughly addictive.”
The beef noodle broth is thoroughly addictive. Love the use of the dark vinegar and the noodles are nice and chewy! Well worth the wait. The plum tea was also tasty and not too sweet.
Anna
Oct 2025
“Finally getting around to try this place out and it did now disappoint.”
Finally getting around to try this place out and it did now disappoint. Was everything I was expecting from the reviews online on social media. Had a comfort food feeling with the dumplings. Broth was spicy and delicious. Only thing that made this trip a little bit off was the service. All the employees were nice and friendly. But I don’t get the practice of having to get up from your table after being seated to ordering your food up front and still having to self serve your own waters/utensils. And still having to pay up front for a tip right away. When I’m out at restaurants I tip normally the 20% when the service is great but I expecting that to be the same coming here. If I have to get up to order and still set up my table I don’t believe of tipping right away. That was just the only complaint about this place. Other than that food is delicious. But hoping the next time I come back around that can be change. Enjoy!
Francisco Lopez
Sep 2025
“The food was amazing.”
The food was amazing. I’m not an expert in Chinese cuisine, but I can definitely speak for what I felt in that moment. We started with the cucumber salad, which was fresh, crisp, and full of flavor. Then we shared the pork and chive dumplings and the dan dan noodles, both absolutely delicious. We waited about 40 minutes for a table, but it was worth it. Such a great experience, and I’ll definitely be coming back to explore more of their menu.
Diana Beze
Aug 2025
“The noodle dishes are worth the wait.”
The noodle dishes are worth the wait. Be prepared to put your name in and wait ~hour during busy times. We got both the dan dan noodles and beef sauce noodles, and they were excellent. They were dense, filling, flavorful, and the perfect amount of spicy. The pork and dill dumplings were delicious as well.
Brandon Zinda
Jul 2025
“Loved this place so much had to go back TWICE in two weeks (in this economy?!).”
Loved this place so much had to go back TWICE in two weeks (in this economy?!). Already planning a third trip. Anthony Bourdain would've loved this place. Be ready for SPICE! Sichuan lovers unite! Short/medium sized menu with small-plate Chinese eats. Everything was delicious. In my two trips, I tried most of the food menu, none of which disappoints. All the handmade dumplings arrive floating in a perfectly tangy, brown, saucy soup topped generously with sesame seeds and fresh cut herbs. Outstanding flavor. The noodle dishes are plentiful on spice and savoriness while remaining well-balanced. The soups are rich with healthy REAL bone broth and excellent quality meats. Their stuffed savory breads are of the same caliber. Relaxed atmosphere with simple decor. A nice place to take your closest friend or your best lover! Recommend not wearing white!!!!
dinell thomas
Jul 2025
“Was excited to try this place especially after seeing so many people rave about it.”
Was excited to try this place especially after seeing so many people rave about it. We got lucky and were seated right away at 6pm on a Saturday which was awesome. Service was nice but kind of limited and short. Food came out super quick and portions are generous! We ordered the cucumber salad, pork and chive dumplings, beef noodle soup, and dan dan noodles. The cucumber salad was definitely my favorite. Super refreshing and flavorful. The dumplings were also really good. The dan dan noodles were a little salty for me and I usually love salt but I still thought they were tasty. The noodles had a great chew and the spice wasn’t too intense. The beef noodle soup wasn’t my favorite though. It felt kind of bland and the numbing spice was there but not super flavorful. We also got the milk tea with grass jelly and it wasn’t too sweet which I liked. Overall I’d probably come back for the cucumber salad and to try more dishes.
chainida phuthaphan
Jul 2025
Our monthly Chicago food newsletter — new openings, hidden gems & trending spots.
Top-rated spots serving the same cuisine.
Similar style & budget — Chinese, mid-range.
Try something new without leaving the neighborhood.