Le Colonial Chicago

"The Chicago relocation of this upscale French-Vietnamese chain has been a success, even though the restaurant’s premise is a bit problematic. Le Colonial’s most redeeming quality is the amount of vegetarian options, something most steakhouses can’t touch. So if you have an expense account, and one of the clients doesn’t eat meat, Le Colonial is a viable option." - Eater Staff

"This Vietnamese restaurant has been around for so long that you might have forgotten all about it (since 1996, which makes it about 100 years old in restaurant years). But Le Colonial recently moved, and like your brother who refuses to leave Beverly, it’s still in the Gold Coast. Now it’s on the third floor overlooking Oak Street, but has the same sort of 1920s French-colonial atmosphere as before, with indoor palm trees and lots of wicker and bamboo. Come with your parents and get shrimp and chicken beignets, followed by the Goi Bo. It’s quiet, kind of fancy, and an acceptable alternative to a place serving six-pound pieces of cake." - adrian kane

"This French-Vietnamese spot has been doing its thing since 1996—a long time considering the way restaurants come and go. It's a white tablecloth kind of restaurant, and great if you need something a little quiet and somewhat formal in the Gold Coast. Candlelit tables with white tablecloths and wood shutters are met with palm trees and woven chairs. And you’re here for dishes like pho and barbecued pork, goi cuon, and curries like cari ga. A meal at Le Colonial won’t be inexpensive. But know that you’re paying for the great service and a nice space, it makes for a pleasant afternoon or evening. Food Rundown Cha Gio Never a bad idea to start with fried spring rolls. Your choice of shrimp, pork, or mushroom that all come with a chili lime sauce. Bun Thit Nuong Thinly sliced barbecue pork over angel-hair noodles w/ mesclun peanuts and lime garlic sauce. The pork is hit or miss with being a little plain, but when it’s good it’s good. Pho The usual stuff. Oxtail soup with rice noodles, beef tenderloin slices, and a variety of herbs. It’s just as good as when you’re eating it while wearing sweatpants on the couch. Tom Xao Sate Sautéed jumbo shrimp and asparagus with a date, chili, and garlic sauce. Sup Do Bien A boullabaisse of coconut saffron, lemongrass broth, lobster, mussels, shrimp, scallops, whitefish, and vermicelli noodles. If you’re into shellfish and coconut saffron broth you’ll be into this dish. Chao Tom Our go-to appetizer. Grilled shrimp wrapped around sugar cane with angel hair noodles, mint, cilantro, lettuce, and a peanut plum dipping sauce. Take the shrimp off the sugar cane and make lettuce wraps with it. Mein Xao We always like to have a side of these cellophane noodles with crab meat, mushrooms, and cilantro on the table for good measure." - Sam Faye

"Downtown stalwart Le Colonial has served upscale Vietnamese-inspired dishes in formal digs for more than two decades in Chicago, relocating from its original Rush Street spot in 2018. True to form, its bowls of pho are pricier than those seen in Uptown, but dedicated fans say the complex oxtail broth and rich beef tenderloin is worth the cost. Order online through the restaurant’s website." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"The Chicago outpost of this upscale Vietnamese stalwart calls happy hour 'Social Hour,' and proffers a menu of $8 dishes such as Goi Cuon, Bo Bia, and chicken dumplings. Drink selections include $8 wines and cocktails including a lychee martini and 'Southeast Sangria.' Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday." - Naomi Waxman