Chengdu Bistro Loop: Authentic Sichuan Dumplings & Noodles in Chicago’s Printers Row

We came here for dinner one night while visiting the area. They were still in their "soft open" phase. The place was packed at 8:30pm; we waited 30 mins. for a table for 2, and every seat was filled until they closed, so it's clearly a popular spot! I liked the menu -- great variety of dumplings and noodle soups, and plenty other small plates. We went with vegetable egg rolls, pork soup dumplings, steamed pork and shrimp dumplings, and a dry noodle dish with pork. The shrimp was super fresh, and the dumplings had good textures, but flavors were kind of mild on the soup dumplings. My lady said the noodles were 5/10 and also could have used some more flavor. Egg rolls were excellent. The place has a very casual vibe but it's pleasing to look at and has some thoughtful touches. Service was mediocre. I wouldn't deter anybody from giving this place a try, especially since they seem to still be new and figuring things out.

Surprised to see a new Chinese restaurant open in Printers Row. They just soft opened yesterday so it looks like they're still working out the kinks--operational with about 2/3 of their full menu and most of the seating area ready. Service was prompt and friendly, and at least some staff speak Mandarin, which is a plus. We ordered their Pork & Chive dumplings ($10 for 8) which were excellent, perfectly seasoned with a barely sweet, savory vinegar sauce with thinly sliced ginger. They didn't have their full dumpling options available today but I look forward to trying their other kinds--they can make steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. I really loved these. Their dry chili chicken was delicious with the right of sichuan peppercorn kick, reminds me of Lao Sze Chuan ($19). The braised beef noodles were so-so ($14.50), when I asked the server about it, he recommended the spicy since it's a lot more flavorful. All in all, I have a lot of hope for this restaurant. I'm guessing they'll need more time for their staffing, kitchen and rest of the restaurant to be fully up in running.

We were next door having wine, but passed this place on the way and circled back once we got hungry. What a hidden gem! We got three plates which left us perfectly full. The wontons and dumplings were thin, with a generous amount of filling and in perfectly seasoned sauces. My friend got a noodle dish and at first we were concerned they would be dry, but were delighted to find out there was a hidden serving of a very tasty sauce under the noodles once mixed. Overall would gladly come back and definitely recommend this for a date night or quick bite out!

This place is just what the South Loop needed - hands down some of the best food in the neighborhood. Loved every single thing we ordered. Come here prepared to eat some flavorful, spicy food. Lots of other things on the menu to balance the spice. All dumplings and Noodles are made in house. These are some of the best things I have ever eaten. Thank you Chengdu Bistro! Shout out to Noah who was super knowledgeable and kind.

We really enjoy this neighborhood spot, it’s food has great flavor and amazing portions. The service and hospitality here is fantastic. It’s our favorite place to go in the Printers Row area simply because each experience is always a little better than the last. I highly recommend the duck fried rice! The last time we were there it was a BYOB location- unsure if that’s changed.

OMG I think those are genuinely the best noodles I have had in Chicago. You can taste that they're fresh and homemade. Not a single dish was a disappointment. I've been here multiple times since the opening already and have managed to try a big chunk of the menu and here are my favorites: - Steamed dumplings, any kind. The pan fried were good but standard. The steamed dumplings are to die for. The dough is delicious and the dumplings are JUICY - Spicy Wonton Noodle Soup has crazy umami and is the perfect amount of spice -Suan La Fen with it's sour soup and sweet potato noodles is to die for - Cold Noodle Salad is something even a picky eater would enjoy. Simple but super flavorful - Sichuan Zajiang noodles look a bit basic but you have to stir it to reveal all the sauce and meat at the bottom. Again, a perfect amount of spice and the noodles taste amazingly fresh Also, the price to quality and quantity ratio is INSANE. The portions are enough to feed 2, so be prepared to take some to go if you're ordering multiple items. Overall, this place is really worth trying out. I'm super happy to have them in the neighborhood