Ben Pao
4.3
- Neighborhood: River North
- 52 W. Illinois St.
- Chicago, IL 60610
- 312-222-1888
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
"The food was decent but..."
By disappionted from chicago, IL, August 26, 2007
The food was decent but it took a very long time. A manager came over to "apologize" although she seemed very insincere and like she couldn't reall...
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"I love this place. I've..."
By Andi from hammond, in, August 17, 2007
I love this place. I've been eating here since 1997 the food, service,and atmosphere is outstanding. Everytime I'm in the city I bring friends her...
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"First of all I thought..."
By Gretchen from Chicago, IL, July 25, 2007
First of all I thought that the staff was very good. They asked us if we had ever been there and then proceeded to bring us an "amuse bouche" to s...
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