When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
Why Dolo Restaurant and Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dolo Restaurant and Bar offers a distinctive dining experience in Chicago's Chinatown, making it an excellent spot to meet up with friends. Unlike many other Chinese restaurants in the area, Dolo boasts the only full bar in Chinatown, featuring a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, perfect for enjoying alongside your meal or while watching sports at the bar. The restaurant is known for its fresh, made-to-order dim sum, which is crafted daily from fresh ingredients without any pre-cooking or freezing, ensuring high quality and authentic taste. Notable dim sum items include their signature pan-fried vegetable & pork buns and exclusive durian pancakes.
Additionally, Dolo specializes in live seafood, with fresh Canadian lobsters, king crabs, coral shrimp, and turbot air-shipped weekly and kept live in tanks, making seafood dishes notably fresh and flavorful. The restaurant's signature seafood combo offers an ample portion of crab legs, crawfish, clams, shrimp, sausages, corn, and potatoes in a homemade Cajun sauce, creating a shareable feast ideal for groups. Dolo also features three private dining rooms catering to groups ranging from 15 to 30 guests and a newly opened outdoor patio—uniquely the first patio in Chinatown—offering a pleasant outdoor dining option. Private parking for 25 cars adds convenience, making it accessible for gatherings. Together, these highlights make Dolo a vibrant and versatile place for friends to connect over carefully prepared Cantonese and seafood dishes in a comfortable and lively atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Dolo Restaurant and Bar
As of recent, Dolo Restaurant and Bar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1200 reviews.
Customer reviews of Dolo Restaurant and Bar are generally positive, reflected in its 4.3-star rating from about 1,200 reviewers. Many patrons praise the restaurant for its high-quality dim sum, describing it as some of the best they've had, with fresh preparation and flavorful dishes such as pan-fried buns and unique offerings like the durian pancake. The live seafood, particularly the lobster and seafood combo platter, is repeatedly highlighted as a standout experience, offering fresh and lively flavors unavailable at many other Chinatown restaurants. Visitors also appreciate the presence of a full bar and the ability to enjoy drinks with their meals, making the atmosphere more dynamic and enjoyable. Furthermore, the availability of private dining rooms and outdoor patio seating adds to the restaurant's appeal for various types of social gatherings, from casual meet-ups to special occasions.
However, some reviewers note inconsistent experiences with the service, describing it as indifferent or less attentive, which can detract from the overall dining experience. A few mention that certain dishes, such as congee or specific meat dishes like beef or chicken, did not meet expectations or lacked distinctive quality. Timing issues with food arriving all at once have also been mentioned, sometimes overwhelming the table. Despite these critiques, customers generally recommend Dolo for its food quality and unique offerings.
In summary, while service and some dishes can be hit-or-miss, Dolo Restaurant and Bar excels in delivering fresh dim sum, exceptional live seafood, and a lively atmosphere supported by a full bar and private dining options, making it a celebrated dining spot in Chicago's Chinatown.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stephanie W.
I came here between lunch and dinner time ~3pm in a weekend, and it wasn’t too busy. Food came out very fast. The steamed pork dumpling shu mai was delicious and flavorful and larger than other dim sum places. The fried minced pork dumplings were chewy and crispy, some of the best I’ve had in Chinatown. All the food was really good! My only very minor criticism would be the plates were somewhat small and felt cheap made of plastic and the seats were all torn up from excessive use.
Amy T.
Solid dim sum spot with quick service and reasonable prices. Menu has a few unique items that aren’t on your standard dim sum menu, and for the most part they execute good versions of the classics. The shumai is a standout, but you can skip the shrimp har gow Inside doesn’t have that many tables so waits can get long on the weekend. Since they’re so busy, the service isn’t very attentive (we never got one water refill the whole time) but it is efficient and I appreciate them trying to minimize table wait times
Angela & Elliot Zhang
I normally don’t write reviews about Chinese restaurants because most restaurants are not really as authentic as they claim. I’m from Hong Kong and I can tell if it’s a real thing or an imposter from Northern region China. This is a second time I stumbled upon this dim sum place. The last time I was here in 2022. After 2 meals, I can tell you that this is a real HK style dim sum. However, you also need to know what to order because I don’t think you will have the same experience if you order all American dim sum. So, I’m going to give you my honest opinion about each dish in the picture I uploaded. Pic 1-Chrysanthemum tea, can’t go wrong with this. Please don’t drink ice water, hot tea helps bring out the flavor of each type of dim sum. Pic 2-BBQ pork bun, the meat is tasty and the bun is steamed to perfection, not mushy. Pic 3-Beef tripe, a good dish should have the flavor and the tripe should have the texture of crunchy, not too soft. Pic 4-Shrimp dumplings, the shrimp mixture is seasoned to perfect taste, but the clear wrapper is a little too soft, perhaps it is in the steamer for too long, overcooked. Pic 4-Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), it’s okay. The soup came out hot but the pork mixture is okay. But soup dumplings is not really from HK, it originated from Shanghai, so might not be Cantonese style. Pic 5-Mango pudding, it’s perfect for dessert after dim sum. Pic 6-House special spicy sauce. It’s homemade, ask for it to add to your noodles. Delicious, it’s not spicy to me but I have a very high tolerance level. Pic 7-Stir fried noodle, cooked to perfection! The noodle is crunchy and had the right amount of seasoning. Pic 8-Tofu and eggplant with shrimp, this is HK style and you may not see it in other dim sum place. Eggplant is deep fried to perfection again, soft inside and crunchy outside with the shrimp mixture in between. Other variety you will see if also with green bell peppers. Pic 9-steamed rice roll with shrimp, the rice paper is chewy and soft, shrimp is crunchy and seasoned right. Pic 10-Sticky rice, it’s so good. As you can see we dived in without hesitation. It has good portion of egg yolk and sausage. Again, the sticky rice is steamed to perfection. It’s well seasoned with flavors and it’s not overcooked. Pic 11-Steamed rice roll with BBQ pork, normally this dish used leftover BBQ pork and it sometimes doesn’t taste fresh. But this is good BBQ pork and the soy sauce that comes with it is tasty as well. Overall, not a bad dum sum lunch. The price is also reasonable. The Chicago tax though is 11.75% so be aware.
Michelle Foy
Dolo Restaurant is a great place to have dim sum. We’ve been to other places which were good but we wanted to try them. I’m so happy we gave them a try! First off it’s packed the minute it opens but they move fast in taking orders and serving you. It’s not your typical “carts coming by” dim sum but where it gets really good is everything is made to order and comes to your table fresh and piping hot!! We really enjoyed everything and liked that the waiters spoke English and could answer questions. We also liked the color photos of the items on the order sheet at the table. The seafood congee had real crab, shrimp and slivered ginger making it really unique and tasty. The shrimp egg rolls were crunchy delicious as were the shrimp chive dumplings, shrimp corn balls, sticky rice, beef meatballs and the topper to all this was the sesame balls! Served hot, outside crispy and inside very smooth with just the right amount of red bean paste! I’ve been to chinatowns all over and these were THE best I’ve ever had! The mango crepe was a nice change of pace in ending the meal. The chili oil was really good on our dumplings as it’s made in house. TIP: They have their own parking lot but be prepared to drop off your guests to get in line to dine and possibly park elsewhere. Definitely thumbs up for dim sum. I’d like to return and try the lunch specials!!
Eda
Dolo, "多乐" lit. bountiful of happiness gave me quite the joy in the recent two times I stopped by. Amid a hot summer day, trying to look for free parking in Chinatown is no easy feat. Dolo has its own parking lot! If you manage to stop by before peak hours, it's super convenient to pay them a visit. The servers here are all very hard at work as we customers keep them busy, but they're still all helpful and sweet. I recommend you trying both their dimsum and full meal service. I especially enjoyed their Beijing duck combo, xiao long bao, and pineapple lava buns.
How to reach Dolo Restaurant and Bar
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Why Dolo Restaurant and Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dolo Restaurant and Bar with your friends?
Dolo Restaurant and Bar in Chicago's Chinatown offers a compelling destination for a memorable gathering with friends or family. This recent addition to the neighborhood has quickly established itself as a place where authentic Cantonese cuisine meets a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. With a solid 4.3-star rating from around 1,200 reviews, it’s clear that diners appreciate the balance of traditional flavors and a modern twist. One of the standout reasons to rally here is the exceptional dim sum, which many consider some of the best in the city. Unlike typical dim sum spots, Dolo serves made-to-order dishes without the rolling carts, giving an elevated, fresh experience. Beyond the food, the restaurant boasts a trendy and comfortable interior, including rare outdoor seating in a garden-like space—perfect for larger groups who want to enjoy a lively but relaxed environment. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially the approachable manager who takes time to personally guide guests through the menu, adds to the inviting vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just meeting up for quality time, Dolo's combination of excellent food, atmosphere, and service creates an ideal setting to connect and share great moments.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Dolo Restaurant and Bar?
Dolo offers an array of dining experiences that naturally foster interaction and enjoyment among groups. Primarily, the focus is on sharing traditional Cantonese dim sum plates — small, flavorful dishes like pork buns, shumai, and crispy sesame balls that encourage communal eating and conversation. Unlike many places where portions are standardized, Dolo’s attentive service ensures that every dish arrives freshly prepared, making it a delight to sample a range of tastes together. The restaurant also features a full bar, which is uncommon among Chinatown eateries, providing a great selection of cocktails, beers, and wines to complement the meal. This makes Dolo an excellent spot for social drinking with friends, whether you prefer a classic cocktail or want to try something with an Asian twist. Beyond dining and drinks, the garden outdoor seating area offers a unique space, especially during warmer months, where groups can enjoy a lively but intimate setting away from the usual bustling city noise. This mixture of dim sum, drinks, and a charming atmosphere makes the experience not just about eating but about creating shared memories with your group.
Why is Dolo particularly suited for group meetups or celebrations?
Dolo Restaurant and Bar stands out for group gatherings because it marries food quality, atmosphere, and service in a way that few other Chinatown spots do. First, the menu’s focus on shareable dim sum plates inherently invites conviviality and bonding, ideal for friends and families looking to connect over food. The portion sizes and pricing make it easy to order a variety of dishes without overwhelming the table or wallet, which is perfect for accommodating different tastes within a group. The presence of a skilled and personable manager who engages with diners adds a personal touch, making guests feel valued and ensuring everyone finds something they will enjoy. The restaurant’s décor strikes a balance between sleek modernity and cultural charm, making it versatile for casual meetups or slightly more formal celebrations. Moreover, the outdoor seating area gives groups additional space to mingle and relax in a garden oasis, which is a rare find in Chicago’s Chinatown and a perfect way to enhance the group dynamic. All these elements work together to make Dolo a great choice for milestone events, weekend hangouts, or just a midweek escape with loved ones.
What makes the food experience at Dolo Restaurant and Bar unique for groups?
The culinary experience at Dolo is distinct because it elevates traditional Cantonese dim sum with meticulous preparation and quality ingredients. A critical part of dining here is the “made-to-order” approach to each dish rather than traditional dim sum carts circulating through the restaurant. This ensures each plate arrives steaming hot and freshly cooked, enhancing flavors and textures—an important factor for groups that want to savor every bite. Their signature dishes, like the well-spiced lobster flash-fried with garlic and chilies, provide standout moments for food enthusiasts seeking exciting flavors. Additionally, the menu balances familiar staples with thoughtful recommendations from staff, helping groups explore new dishes confidently without the risk of disappointment. The full bar supports food pairings, allowing social groups to bond as they sample cocktails that suit the varied flavors and spice levels. This dedication to quality and variety makes dining at Dolo a shared culinary adventure perfect for group enjoyment and lively conversation.
How does the ambiance at Dolo enhance the group meetup experience?
Ambiance plays a crucial role in why groups choose Dolo Restaurant and Bar for social gatherings. The interior design blends modern minimalism with subtle nods to Cantonese culture, creating an atmosphere that feels both trendy and comfortable. This style appeals to a broad range of guests—from young professionals to families—offering a setting where conversation flows easily and everyone feels at home. The availability of outdoor garden seating adds a special dimension, especially on pleasant days when groups can enjoy fresh air, natural light, and softer noise levels. This outdoor option is relatively rare in Chinatown and thus makes Dolo stand out as a venue capable of hosting larger or more informal meetups in a refreshing environment. The friendly staff further contribute to the ambiance, offering attentive but unobtrusive service, which allows groups to relax and enjoy uninterrupted time together. Altogether, the feeling at Dolo is one of conviviality and warmth, perfectly suited to casual socializing or marking special moments with friends and family.
Why should you consider Dolo Restaurant and Bar over other Chinatown restaurants for your next meetup?
Dolo differentiates itself from other Chinatown eateries in several important ways, making it an excellent choice for group outings. Most notably, it combines authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum with a comprehensive full bar—a pairing that is unusual in the area. This means guests can enjoy classic Cantonese delicacies alongside thoughtfully crafted drinks, fulfilling multiple desires under one roof. Additionally, the restaurant's focus on freshly made-to-order dishes assures a higher quality and more memorable dining experience than many of the traditional crowded dim sum spots relying on pre-prepared carts. The staff’s active engagement with patrons, including recommendations from the manager himself, enhances the personalized feel that groups appreciate when choosing a venue. The availability of outdoor garden seating also gives it an edge for those wanting a more spacious and scenic setting without leaving Chinatown. Reviews consistently praise the flavorful spice levels and generous portions, further supporting Dolo’s appeal. For groups seeking a mix of great food, comfortable atmosphere, and attentive service, Dolo stands out as a top contender for an enjoyable meetup setting.