Le Colonial
3.9
- Neighborhood: Rush & Division
- 937 N. Rush St.
- Chicago, IL 60611
- 312-255-0088
The atmosphere here will make you feel like one of the characters in "The Quiet American," Graham Greene's novel of Vietnam. Upstairs in the bar, ceiling fans churn the air, and the room is furnished with wicker chairs and potted ferns. Unlike the Vietnamese restaurants on Argyle Street, which are run by the generation that survived the Vietnam War and often have American-influenced menus, Le Colonial suggests the period of French colonialism that lasted until 1954. The photographs on the wall are all pre-Dien Bien Phu: rickshaw drivers hauling carts through the streets, peasants plowing paddies behind water buffalo. The dinner menu is all Vietnamese; French influences are evident on the wine list, which has selections from Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire valley, Alsace and Champagne.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Rush St. and Oak St.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet. Valet Parking: Dinner only.
- Public Transportation:
- L. CTA Bus: 36 Broadway, 151 Sheridan. Red Line Train: Chicago Stop.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Main floor only.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily
Dinner: 5-11 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 5-10 p.m. Sunday
- Cuisine:
- Vietnamese
- Meals Served:
- Dinner and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Highly recommended.
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar. Extensive wine list.
- Smoking:
- No
- Bar Style:
- Asian
- Audience:
- Adults / 18+
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Atmosphere and Personality:
- Theme. Asian
- ATM:
- Oak Street bank at Oak St. and Rush St.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- Catering and Free Admission. No dancing. No buffet.
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. No on-site store. Capacity: 55 seated; 125 for cocktail reception.
- Worth Noting:
- Critic's choice. Recommended.
- Specialties:
- Ca chien Saigon (crisp-seared whole red snapper), ca hap (steamed fillet of sea bass with cellophane noodles, mushrooms, scallions and ginger), mi xao don chay (crispy noodles with tofu and stir-fried mixed vegetables)
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. 15-seat patio
- Delivery:
- Yes. Limited area.
- Seating :
- For 90 people.
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Rate Le Colonial
"Much Hype, Little Delivered"
By Doctor-Brook from Riv. North, April 29, 2008
I had high hopes for La Colonial based on reviews from friends. In two meals there I was disappointed both times. The food was just average. The ...
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"Disappointing and overrated, overpriced food along with an embarrassingly gross atmosphere"
By Elliot from Gold Coast, March 19, 2008
Food was okay, but not great. We sat next to a couple who made out during the entire meal and did so in a way that was loud, obnoxious and inappro...
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"Service With a Smile"
By JAMALXXX from Lakeview, February 25, 2008
I dined with a friend at Le Colonial a couple Sundays back and had a wonderful experience. We were greeted at the door by a hottie with dark black...
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