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312 Eats
Back of the Yards · Chinese · $$

Yao's Cafe

4.5164 reviews ·Opens at 11AM tomorrow
The restaurant is tucked into a residential neighborhood, almost as if it doesn’t quite belong there, but the food was absolutely delicious and the prices were very affordable
JT ReedJT Reed · 181 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Yao's Cafe — among the best chinese in Back of the Yards. Easy on the wallet, vegetarian-friendly. "The taro pudding is the best I’ve ever had so yummy" — Sharon Seleb [$$]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.

What 164 diners keep saying

Great valueFast serviceCozyQuick biteTakeout strong
Plan your visit
601 W 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60609
Back of the Yards
Today11AM-9PM
SunClosed
Mon–Sat11AM-9PM
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What 164 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Ch Geor.
Oct 2025

I've ordered a few times using UberEats. So glad they are near enough because I have enjoyed every meal I've gotten so far! I sometimes want vegetarian (tofu) food, & theirs is delicious! I love the smoothies (especially when it's BOGO). They make their steamed edemame just the way I like. Honestly, I hope to keep having great meals from them because other Chinese restaurants near me have become more disappointing as the years go by. ❤️

Ch Geor.

Ch Geor.

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Raul Valdez
Jul 2025

Great smoothies, delicious food hope they keep growing.

Raul Valdez

Raul Valdez

27 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ricardo Pleasant
Dec 2025

Food was really good this time. This is my 3rd here and only the 2nd time it wasn't

Ricardo Pleasant

Ricardo Pleasant

181 reviews on Google

Review photo by Joanne Liao
Apr 2025

Veggies Not too tasty, and orange chicken and sour soup portion also not too less, good for 2-3 ppl.

Joanne Liao

Joanne Liao

180 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kinichiwa
Feb 2026

I’ve ordered from here many times — it’s usually my go-to Chinese food spot, especially for the jumbo shrimp fried rice. I don’t use soy sauce, so I always request sweet and sour sauce and make sure to include that detail when I order ahead. Lately, I’ve noticed less attention to special instructions on advance orders. Today when I picked up my food, I asked if the sweet and sour sauce was in the bag and was told yes, but when I checked, there was only 1 soy packet. I had to go back inside to request it, and there was no acknowledgment or customer service interaction when it was handed to me. When I finally got home to eat, the rice was overcooked and lacked flavor — honestly something I could have made better at home. I also ordered a brown sugar boba that was made fresh in front of me, but it tasted more like sweet milk tea with very little brown sugar. Overall, today’s order was disappointing. I spend about $16 each visit and order the same meal regularly, so I expected more consistency and care. I was also charged .50 for the sauce I asked for and didn’t even get all 5 packs. Didn’t see that until I finally had the chance to check my receipt order.

Kinichiwa

Kinichiwa

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by T.J
Jun 2025

The food was burnt and tasted off. I have been violently vomiting since I ate. Something is really off with the food.

T.J

T.J

11 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

I dont eat out unless its worth it. I think this place is pretty worth it. Good prices and fast service. I had the Mongolian beef and a drink and it was pretty nice.

ETPK

ETPK

2 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

I’m surprised this place doesn’t have 5 stars. The food is phenomenal, fast, authentic, and well priced. The restaurant was clean, cute, and inviting. Definitely a little hidden gem! I wish I lived here because I would be a regular, but sadly I’m visiting from Florida where the Chinese food does not compare to this experience. So glad I stopped in!

Aja Moody

Aja Moody

3 reviews on Google

May 2026

I went there for my first time. I highly recommend the grape fruit green tea easy on sugar. So refreshing. The curry shrimp was scrumptious. I will go back to try their other drinks and dishes. I am glad there is a decent Asian joint within walking distance from my house. It is nice to have some variety in Canaryville.

Ray C

Ray C

614 reviews on Google

Feb 2026

LOVE the rice here. But the staff bearly speak english and mix Up the order

Paula M Galarza

Paula M Galarza

23 reviews on Google

Nov 2025

Fresh and tasty. The Oolong milk tea was great!!!

Valerie Robinson

Valerie Robinson

33 reviews on Google

Nov 2025

Nice clean, friendly place. Good food.

Marie

Marie

10 reviews on Google

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