Lao Sze Chuan Chinatown, Chicago

Situated amid—and very much a part of—Uptown's unique confluence of Asian cultures, Lao Sze Chuan strikes a delicate balance between modern and traditional. A sea of red and pink illuminates the romantic dining room, and it's enough to impress, but not nearly enough to draw attention away from what truly matters: the food of celebrity chef Tony Hu. Szechuan-style sauces are the highlight here, covering chef's specials such as the boiled beef and twice-cooked pork. While it's nearly impossible to go wrong on the expansive menu, take it from the locals and don't miss the Szechuan smoked tea duck, an enduring favorite that's about as popular as the restaurant's famed hot pot. Lao Sze Chuan is also a part of the Tony Gourmet Group, a leading restaurant chain that dedicated to gourmet authentic Chinese cuisine run by celebrity chef Tony Hu, a graduate of China's first culinary institution with over 20 years experience in the Chinese food industry.