Lan's Chicago
Mandarin restaurant · Bucktown ·
Sichuan & Mandarin meals, dim sum, BYOB, and lively parties
Sichuan & Mandarin meals, dim sum, BYOB, and lively parties
"I reported that city officials raided and shut Lan’s Old Town after issuing citations for a private party that ignored COVID-19 mitigations: inspectors said staff weren’t wearing masks, customers were mingling instead of remaining seated at socially distanced tables, and the city counted 27 people inside at the time." - Eater Staff
"City officials raided and ordered the permanent closure of a long-running Chinese‑American restaurant/club after citing it for COVID‑19 violations tied to private karaoke parties—alleging staff weren’t wearing masks and customers were mingling instead of remaining seated. Inspectors counted 27 people during the most recent incident (Chicago rules allowed either 50 people per room or 25% capacity, whichever is smaller), and this was the second raid in about a month after a video surfaced showing more than 60 people; the city cited the venue on January 14. The owner, 68-year-old Jimmy Ma, became known for hosting wild BYOB karaoke nights that began with a DVD machine and evolved into a professional sound system, and his son Jeffrey says the family staged parties out of desperation as sales plunged about 90% during the pandemic despite modest federal aid (roughly $4,000 in PPP and $11,000 in an EIDL). City inspectors also cited the business for building violations and lacking a liquor license and a “public place of amusement” license; officials say the venue could reopen if it submits a distancing plan (the family has an April court date), but the son says the citations likely spell its end. Fines for violations range from $100 to $10,000." - Ashok Selvam
"I noted that Lan’s of Old Town received heavy blowback after video captured a crowded party inside the restaurant; the owners later apologized, explaining they’d been desperate for revenue during the pandemic." - Ashok Selvam
"A long-running, 1980s-era Chinese-American late-night spot known more for boozy dance parties, karaoke, and a nocturnal crowd than for its cuisine was thrust into the spotlight after a video surfaced showing more than 60 largely unmasked patrons dancing, drinking, and partying indoors. Ownership acknowledged the gathering was a mistake, temporarily closed the restaurant, and said the private weekend parties—hosted amid desperate economic circumstances during the pandemic—were an attempt to survive; they also said they’ve reached out to the city to seek a resolution. The clip (later removed from Reddit) shows co-owner Jimmy Ma with his mask pulled down to his chin and pouring alcohol from a bottle directly into customers’ mouths. City officials are investigating for violations of COVID-19 regulations and the city’s indoor-service ban; the owners say the venue will remain closed until further notice." - Naomi Waxman
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