Yao's Cafe
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About
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
Experience Breakdown
JT Reed
181 reviews
“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”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
This was my go to place for Chinese food i stop eating here because the food was not the same so i recently gave them another try and the food was horrible they must have new staff cooking I'll never order from here again use to be one of my favorite.
The food was burnt and tasted off. I have been violently vomiting since I ate. Something is really off with the food.
Always stop here for their teas and they are so good.
Location
601 W 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60609
What 152+ diners say about Yao's Cafe
“I've ordered a few times using UberEats.”
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.
Oct 2025
“the best teas, and best pot stickers EVER.”
the best teas, and best pot stickers EVER. great price, and so delicious. pretty atmosphere and very nice employees!
Jules Delgado
Nov 2024
“Love this place always have good friendly service.”
Love this place always have good friendly service. The food was really good.
Yuhua Zhen
Oct 2023
“Super friendly service.”
Super friendly service. Very clean restaurant. Delicious food. Fresh smoothies and the citron tea was great. The walnut shrimp was amazing! My fiancé and I both gasped like we were in a commercial when we bit into the egg rolls. They were phenomenal.
Robert Stearns
Oct 2022
“I’ve been waiting for this place to open ever since I saw it in progress and I have to say it’s...”
I’ve been waiting for this place to open ever since I saw it in progress and I have to say it’s everything I’ve hoped for! The food is delicious and its a great place to get tasty takeout without having to go all the way over to Chinatown. The bubble tea is great too!
Tristan Tran
Aug 2022
“Food was really good this time.”
Food was really good this time. This is my 3rd here and only the 2nd time it wasn't
Ricardo Pleasant
Dec 2025
“Veggies Not too tasty, and orange chicken and sour soup portion also not too less, good for 2-3 ppl.”
Joanne Liao
Apr 2025
“Really wish they had non dairy milk (why I deducted a star) so that I could try the matcha, etc but...”
Really wish they had non dairy milk (why I deducted a star) so that I could try the matcha, etc but we do enjoy the fruit tea drinks.
J Gipson
Aug 2024
“The food was burnt and tasted off.”
The food was burnt and tasted off. I have been violently vomiting since I ate. Something is really off with the food.
T.J
Jun 2025
“Always stop here for their teas and they are so good.”
Always stop here for their teas and they are so good. A bit disappointed I just stopped there for some drinks and ordered crab Rangoon and some beef sticks. The crab Rangoon barely had anything inside of them. They looked like they did but I took a bit into emptiness smh. Other than that the food is always good but a bit disappointed about the quick crab Rangoons I was looking forward too.
Sarah De La Rosa
Jul 2023
“Fresh and tasty. The Oolong milk tea was great!!!”
Valerie Robinson
Nov 2025
“Nice clean, friendly place.”
Nice clean, friendly place. Good food.
Marie
Nov 2025
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