Ben Pao
4.3
from - Neighborhood: River North
- 52 W. Illinois St.
- Chicago, IL 60610
- 312-222-1888
- Price range: $$ ($9-$15)
Ben Pao (translation: "fireworks") was Lettuce Entertain You's first foray into Asian cuisine. The menu lists Mandarin, Szechwan, Cantonese and Hunan items. Sesame crusted salmon is one of the more expensive entrees, most of which feature seafood, chicken, duck or beef. There are also vegetarian plates and traditional Chinese appetizers and side dishes. Decor-wise, the place is sleekly minimalist. Spectacle is provided by the dual "waterfalls" one sees upon entering: Water cascades down ceiling-high black slate obelisks (designed by Californian Eric Orr) into twin black marble pools.
Ben Pao also features the Hot Pot Cafe; there are four tables equipped with electric hot pots where diners cook their own meals in steaming broth with some guidance from the staff (prix fixe hot pot menu offered Thursday-Saturday nights only. Reservations are required with a four person minimum).
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Illinois St. and Dearborn St.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 22-Clark. Red Line Train: Grand stop.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Yes, including restrooms.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Dinner: 4-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday; 5-11 p.m. Saturday; 5-9 p.m. Sunday.
- Cuisine:
- Chinese
- Meals Served:
- Dinner and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$ ($9-$15)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Recommended
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Bar Style:
- Lounge
- Audience:
- Families. Children's menu.
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Atmosphere and Personality:
- Theme
- ATM:
- Yes. At Illinois St. and Clark St.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- Free Admission. No catering. No dancing. No buffet.
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. No on-site store. For up to 72 seated; 150 for cocktail reception.
- Worth Noting:
- Chicago's choice winner. Recommended.
- Specialties:
- Asian beers, Mai Tais.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
-
Yes.
Delivery through CEO at
312-733-5019
- Seating :
- For about 250
Write a review
Rate Ben Pao
"I go there very often.. LOVE IT"
By manishjainbit from loop, November 20, 2009
Very polite, friendly waiters. Also give really good sugestions. Food is good, not great Nice ambience, gives a nice cosy feel I had been the...
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"Not Worthy of a Chicago Restaurant"
By jlunt from Streeterville, July 19, 2009
From start to finish the experience with this restaurant was horrible. I was in a good mood with a smile on my face when I came to this restaurant...
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"My new favorite Chinese Food restaurant"
By ring-ring from Andersonville, October 7, 2008
I love this place. The food is excellent and the atmospher is very inviting. I definately reccomend you go for someone birthday and give the birth...
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