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TAO Chicago Restaurant

3.6 (836 reviews)
PriceyPan Asian
Closed • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 1 week ago

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TAO CHICAGO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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Trendy
Intimate
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Upscale

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Yosef M.

During the winter time, I finally got a chance to experience the oh so popular Tao brunch. I came with my girlfriend and her family and we had an amazing time. The food was excellent, and I would have to say my favorite item was the bao buns. The beef bao was both soft and tender while packing an endless amount of flavor in those tiny little bites. I also helped myself to the desert section at the end, and those chocolate covered strawberries were to die for lol.

Spicy Tuna Roll
Srinanda G.

We got the fried chicken gyoza as an appetizer, and it was easily the best dish of the night. For our entrees, we ordered the shrimp tempura roll and the spicy tuna roll, and we enjoyed both. We definitely felt full by the end of the meal, which was surprising because it is usually hard to feel full off sushi. I have been to the NYC location before, and I will say I enjoyed my meal at the Chicago location significantly more. In terms of drinks, the cocktails were well made. However, the shots were pretty watered down, which was disappointing. It's definitely an aesthetic spot. However, the biggest downside is the service. We were a relatively large party but were on time for our reservation, and we still had to wait over a half hour before we were even seated. Service throughout the night took an extremely long time, and we were starving before we even saw any signs of food.

Lobster Wontons
Kimberly T.

Had an incredible night at TAO Chicago Restaurant. The atmosphere is stunning, with an upscale, energetic vibe that makes the entire experience feel like a special occasion. The massive décor and lively ambiance definitely live up to the hype. We started with a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned, both expertly crafted and the perfect way to kick off the evening. The Lobster Wontons were rich, crispy, and packed with flavor. The Crispy Lobster Roll was another standout, offering a great balance of texture and freshness. For the entrée, the Filet Mignon Stir Fry was cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful with just the right amount of seasoning. 5/5. I would absolutely return for the Lobster Wontons, Filet Mignon Stir Fry, and another round of cocktails

Lobster Pad Thai
Cathy H.

Second stop for restaurant week, TAO!!! I've been waiting to try the infamous Tao. Known for their Las Vegas/LA restaurant/club, I was super excited when they opened in Chicago. Upon entry, you are blown away by the decor with the grand staircase leading down into the main dining area overseen by the giant Buddhist goddess. It's so dope. Their chill bar area is a MUST for happy hour! Upon arrival, our table was not ready just yet, so my daughter and I chilled by the bar and ordered charred edamame and their martini flight. I ordered the edamame because of the seasonings HOWEVER WHYYY did I order this appetizer knowing I don't like anything char broiled!!???!?? My daughter and I opted for the restaurant week menu, starting with the spicy tuna on crispy rice and she got the chicken satay. Both were MID! My crispy rice was super chewy like stale and I prefer my peanut sauce with my satay a bit spicy ( just my personal preference). For our entrees, I got the lobster pad Thai and my daughter got the wagyu beef. I didn't enjoy the pad Thai initially . It tastes like the flavors didn't blend so I waited until the next day to try. It was a bit better but still a no unfortunately. My daughter's wagyu beef was tender, perfectly cooked. The flavor was ok. By the time dessert came around, we were full. Dessert to go is better anyway. I opted for the matcha crème brûlée but our waiter said it doesn't travel well so I got the banana pudding and my daughter ordered something chocolatey. Would I return to Tao? For happy hour, yes. And I'll try another appetizer but for dinner service, no thank you.

Cashew Chicken
Puneet S.

I did not have high expectations because the first time I came I don't remember the food being good. We came a restaurant week and the portion sizes were great. We ordered the veggie eggroll and spicy tuna tartare for appetizer. That girl was thick and crispy and had a good taste with the good texture on the outside. The spicy tuna tartare had an amazing spicy crispy rice and the tuna of high-quality on top and it paired well with the eel sauce. Next, we ordered Pat Thai and cashew chicken. The pad thigh was not too sweet and came with a lot of vegetables inside such as tofu and mushroom and a lot of veggies and tasted really great and not too saucy. The cashew chicken was phenomenal with a nice coating on the outside and a little bit of stickiness in the sauce with cashews and pepper sprinkled throughout. We also ordered the cauliflower side dish, which was great, but just a little bit too saucy. If it was a little bit more crisp, it would happen more enjoyed. For dessert, we tried the banana pudding, mousse cake, and Matcha crème brûlée. The crème brûlée stood out the most with the most unique taste, and Matcha flavored blending, which worked really well. If you are not a much a lover, after trying this, you will be. The service was phenomenal and our drinks were constantly refilled, and the manager even came by to check on us. The ambience is outstanding and this is way better than I thought it would be.

Shay R.

I've been wanting to visit Tao and finally stopped by. I came for a night club performance but stopped by the restaurant area for a bite to eat. I ended up sitting at the bar area which had ample seats. The bartender I interacted with was friendly enough. He was patient with my party but seemed very distracted. Unfortunately Tao is what you would expect it to be. It's about who you know in order to get optimal service. The group next to me seemed to know a few employees which stopped by multiple times throughout the night to do shots with them. It was very awkward because the person gave so much attention to the group that my party only had one drink and opted to not get another drink. The bartender finally asked if we wanted a second drink by the time we were ready to close out the tab. The prices for the drinks and food are what you expect for the area. I got a basic salmon and avocado roll for 22+ dollars. Any other sushi spot I'd laugh at them but when in Rome you order the over priced rolls. The roll was extremely fresh and delicious but not worth making this a regular spot. Tao is a place you need to pull out your finest of clothes. It's beautiful inside and massive. It's definitely a place you need to make a reservation unless you luck out and score a seat at the bar. I'm happy I got to visit once but this past experience soured my desire to want to visit again.

Hot Bar
Jacqueline O.

We tried the AYCE brunch at Tao on a Sunday morning. I guess we had booked the first reservation slot of the day because doors did not open until a little after our reservation time and we (plus a few other parties) had to wait outside on the sidewalk. Staff were great when they came around but it would've been nice if they were more attentive on drink refills. They were very nice, though! Especially the staff on the brunch bar. The setup was a little tight and hard to navigate, especially combined with the low lighting. Add in a plate full of food and some tables/stations separated by the grand staircase, it was a little precarious. The food was really good but I would've liked more prime entree options - there were two options on the carving station. It's dim sum so it's a given, but all other options were very carb-heavy and you're served by a staff member so they control the ratios, say if you were getting a noodle fish with meat in it. We also had it noted that we were visiting for our anniversary. We got a brief congratulations when we were seated but nothing additional. I know that's not required but I probably would choose another restaurant (for multiple factors) if you were visiting for a special occasion. All in all, there WAS a nice variety but I think there are much better elevated brunch buffets in the neighborhood and at similar pricepoints

Lana T.

Came here for the AYCE Brunch and it was good such a variety of Asian food and sushi. Really loved the sushi which is tucked away in the corner. There was such a variety of food from pork belly to bao and dim sum. Also some Vietnamese food. I would say their canh chua or hot and sour soup was alright. Needed more flavor but really liked how the bean sprouts were on the side. The Banh mi was a little too hard and some of the food like sushi were sitting out for a little long. I would say having oyster unlimited which a great. We got about 5 oysters and it had such a variety of topping. The star of the show was the dessert table in the back. It was so good! So many options to choose from so save your stomach for a platter of desserts. The ambiance inside was great! Similar music to the club which I have been to and it's separate from the restaurant. The waiters were attentive in filling up our waters and clearing away our plates. Definitely would come back here soon.

Crystal Z.

Ambiance - modern, upscale, great for dates & large groups Service - love that they have complimentary coat check, staff was also attentive Food - came here for the Sunday brunch & the selection was amazing, loveeeee that they have roasted pork belly, wide variety of sushi & they even had a raw oyster section

Kari O.

Came here for an early dinner and started with a Casa De Clase. It was a double tequila drink in a cool mezcal blue cup with fresh flowers. Delicious and not too sweet! Then we moved onto the tuna tartare crispy rice, the lamb Toriyaki skewers and the checking gyoza. All were cooked to perfection and were actually hot! At every place I go to I order 3 sake sashimi, which these came out in a beautiful presentation over ice and a light. We rounded at our entrées with pepper filet mignon and sweet Thai shrimp With a side of the Hing King Noodles. All the dishes had a generous portion of meat and well seasoned veggies. As someone who's an Asian food connoisseur, they nailed it. It was definitely pricey, but the ambience was worth it! Would go back! .

Pilar G.

I'm absolutely obsessed with the happy hour at TAO!!! It's kind of an unexpected place for happy hour, but I think it is one of the best selections, atmospheres, and price points in the city for hh. Also, the happy hour runs from 5-8pm so much more generous hours than other places. The signature cocktails are $10. Definitely get the lychee martini!! Also, they have a tiny tini flight of three mini martinis for $15. Such a fun idea. The food here is also so good. Some of my favorite things are the tuna crispy rice, the tuna sashimi pizza with caviar, and the chili guacamole. Many of the items are only $7 and substantial portions. Service and atmosphere are always a 10/10 here.

Inside
Peter D.

I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner experience at Tao Chicago. From the vibes to the food to the great service, I have no complaints. I went to their dinner service for my sister's birthday. Everything felt very special - the quality of food was 10/10, and the servers made sure everyone was having a good time. I cannot pick one single dish that stood out from the rest. Furthermore, I thought this was a great venue for friends to come together and enjoy each other's presence. Shout out to Clarissa for making this visit extra special! She does a wonderful job every time I come by here :) *will add a separate review for the club level

Postickers
Rhea T.

I can't talk about Tao without bringing up the ambiance. There is plenty of room for seating & the setting is very intimate. This is the perfect spot for a date or happy hour. I was able to try a mini martini flight and the potstickers which were super good. I plan to go to the nightclub at some point.

Outside

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Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the stunning ambiance and decor, flavorful and varied food, and creative cocktails.

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Vibes and decor so good. drinks sucked. food was cold. service was absolutely terrible. worst service i have literally ever received

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Page 1 of 21

TAO Chicago Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - TAO Chicago Restaurant

Is eating at the bar permitted?

Yes

Hello, what are the best dishes on the menu?

My team and I tried a few different dishes and honestly they were all great

Valet parking or street/garage parking?

Street parking is steep here - $9 for 2 hours but still cheaper than valet which is $25 for 3 hours.

Can I bring my 16 year old here?

To the restaurant you can. But not the club part of Tao

Is there valet parking?

Yes!

Do they separate the checks for large parties?

I think it depends on how large the party is. For normal size parties yes.

Any gluten free options?

Yes! They have gluten free noodles, pad thai, vegetable fried rice, edamame, and miso soup!

How old you have to be to dine in there?

I don't believe there is a minimum age requirement for dining but I also don't believe it is family friendly from having been there. If children is not the concern, I believe it is appropriate for anyone over 18. Definitely a pricy menu.

How old do you have to be to get into the night club?

21 years old

Guys how did anyone get a reservation. Just searched online for as far out as they would let me and they didn't have anything within 2 hrs of 5:00 or 9:00 - on a MONDAY?

I know someone who works there that helped me with this! They open the books 30 days in advance to the day. You can call their reservation line 30 days from the day you want and they will book for you: 224-888-0388… 

Do you need to make a reservation for the nightclub or can you just walk in?

You can walk in, but may have to wait in line first.

Is there a cover charge for the nightclub?

No for woman regular night $25 for guy. Special event $50

Fitted dark jeans and button down with closed shoes acceptable?

Yes. I saw people with t shirts on. You'll be fine

If you make a reservation for dinner does that get you into the nightclub as well? Or do you have to make 2 separate reservations?

Yes. You have to make both.

What is the cover charge?

$20

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Bigsuda - Marshmallow brûlée sundae and bitter orange tiramisu

Bigsuda

4.3(75 reviews)
2.3 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

The porcini Gruyère soup dumplings were honestly life changing. Delicious. The indoor/outdoor…read moreseating was super refreshing and service was fast. Would def come back!

Bigsuda has really delicious Korean food with a somewhat upscale vibe inside. They're known for the…read morepan seared mandoo (pot stickers) with the crackly crust. You can't go wrong with any of them. The cabbage tofu pocket is one of our go-to items here. It's a stuffed inari and when you bite into it you get a mouthful of salad in a pleasant way. The blueberry gives it a nice sweetness. The crunch crunch shrimp was good too. It's deep fried shrimp wontons, and the inside was actually really juicy from the shrimp. I do want to make special note of their water, it tastes really refreshing and comes in a nice steel bottle. Service is good they brought the plates out in a way that doesn't overload the small table and they are quick about taking empty bowls away. One thing that could be improved was the lighting and fan situation. At the specific two-seater table we originally say there's a ceiling fan that is right below a ceiling light. This caused a quick flickering that was really distracting. We told a server and were able to be moved to a different table slightly further away where it was less noticeable. It's definitely not a good lighting experience and highly suggest the owners address this. Most tables aren't affected by this though.

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Sunda New Asian - River North - Red Dragon Sushi Roll

Sunda New Asian - River North

4.0(3.5k reviews)
0.2 mi•River North, Near North Side
•$$$

Came by for drinks after work and had an amazing time. Great hospitality from Lee definitely plan…read moreto come dine with him again.

This was my second time at Sunda New Asian in River North, and once again, it did not disappoint! I…read moredon't remember exactly what I had the first time, but I do remember leaving really impressed FOOD: We started with the crispy Brussels sprouts, and I absolutely loved the vinaigrette they used. So flavorful and delicious! We also ordered the oxtail potstickers and lemongrass beef lollipops, and both were excellent. Honestly, I could have eaten 10 more of each. For our mains, we ordered the pork belly sinigang and chap chae. The pork belly was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the chap chae tasted really fresh with all the vegetables. I also loved that the tofu was on the firmer side. We also tried the Sake to Me sushi roll. It was good, but compared to everything else we ordered, it wasn't anything particularly memorable. For dessert, we ordered the ginger carrot cake, and the restaurant was kind enough to give us a complimentary dessert, which was such a nice touch! The complimentary dessert was an ube-style dessert, and it was fantastic. Honestly, both desserts were delicious. DRINKS: I ordered the Lychee Simoy cocktail, which was really good. We also shared the espresso martini flight, which came with three flavors: traditional, ube, and chocolate chili. Surprisingly, the chocolate chili was my favorite, while the ube was my least favorite. That said, I enjoyed all three and thought the flight was a fun way to try different flavors. SERVICE: Our waiter was great! He was attentive and gave us great recommendations. It was also so kind of him to give us a complimentary dessert. Overall, I had another great experience at Sunda and will definitely be back! I really enjoy how their food feels unique and creative while still maintaining those familiar Asian flavors.

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Sunda New Asian - River North - Inside

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Sunda New Asian - River North - Signature Crispy Rice Wagyu

Signature Crispy Rice Wagyu

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Duck Duck Goat

Duck Duck Goat

4.1(2.2k reviews)
1.1 mi•Fulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
•$$$

Duck fried rice, every time…read more How have I not raved about Chef's Asian masterpiece? First off this place is super cool. The decor is interesting and brightly colored and each room has a bit of a different vibe. There's also a neat bar in the middle. For food we love the aforementioned fried rice with the runny duck egg, moo shu, bbq pork baos, chongqing chicken, Dan Dan slap noodles (natch) and those delicious green beans! We usually end up ordering a bunch since we've lived in the neighborhood for decades. Easy West Loop walk home leftovers for the win. Yes chef!

Lot of the food missed for me. The only thing I really enjoyed a lot was the goat slap noodles. The…read morechewy texture of the noodles and flavor was good, but offered barely any meat. A couple callouts on the mapo tofu, why does it not come with rice? Also the white rice we did have to buy as a side comes in a small bowl, making it difficult to scoop. The other mention is the overwhelming amount of peppercorn, taking away from the flavor and instead numbing the mouth. The green beans were not worth it and the chocolate sesame dessert was really disappointing to share. I don't recall much vanilla soft serve or chocolate shaved ice, if at all. The sesame flavor was really distracting away from the chocolate chunks and wasn't good overall. The service was weird with us not getting our rice right away with the green beans. We also had to ask about the noodles and it came out very late as we were almost done eating.

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Duck Duck Goat - Join us for Dim Sum every Saturday from 12pm to 3pm.

Join us for Dim Sum every Saturday from 12pm to 3pm.

Duck Duck Goat - Join us for Dim Sum every Saturday from 12pm to 3pm.

Join us for Dim Sum every Saturday from 12pm to 3pm.

Duck Duck Goat - Duck Duck Goat To Go - Order via Caviar or Tock.

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Duck Duck Goat To Go - Order via Caviar or Tock.

Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market - Red dragon roll

Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

4.2(119 reviews)
1.0 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

The food is spectacular and let me tell you about the service!!!! If you're lucky enough to have…read moreELO as your server you're going to be taken care of and have a great time!! -slim Charles the Irish mist

Wow! What a wonderful spot! We came here to celebrate my birthday and it did not disappoint. We…read moremade reservations a few days in advance for a Saturday night and were seated right when we arrived. We tried a little bit of everything. We started with the brussel sprouts and followed it with the lemongrass beef lollipops, Wagu crispy rice, spicy tuna crispy rice, spicy tale of two tunas roll, and the massaman scallops. Everything tasted so good but the brussel sprouts and crispy rice are definitely dishes that are a MUST! The brussel sprouts came in a pretty decent portion - enough for 4 people to split. The crisp rice comes with four pieces and we did two Wagu and two spicy tuna...the Wagu were my favorite. The meat was so tender and basically melted in my mouth. For dessert we shared the Ridiculous. Since I was celebrating a birthday, they also brought out a special coconut cake dessert. When the waitress found out it was my golden birthday she brought us shots on the house too! Food was absolutely delicious. The service was excellent - shoutout to M for making my special day even more memorable! The vibe was also great - classy but comfortable.

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Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market - Dining area

Dining area

Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market - Unagi foie

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Three Dots and A Dash - Chief Lapu Lapu

Three Dots and A Dash

4.1(4.2k reviews)
0.2 mi•Near North Side
•$$$

I've been to Three Dots multiple times so I figured I should probably leave a review…read more The place is dark and intimate and fun to hang out in. The wall of rums dominates the back of the bar, and it's super fun to watch the bartenders mix drinks. But you need to talk to them. They will give you recommendations and adjust drinks to your liking, or make you something that is not on the menu. The food is also quite good. Mostly smaller plates, appetizer style, but sometimes larger items too. The place is not cheap, but you're getting good drinks and great ambiance. If you can find the entrance in the alley, you need to check the place out. Wear a nice Hawaiian shirt!

Three Dots and a Dash is such a fun, unique spot in Chicago! The hidden entrance and underground…read moretiki bar atmosphere make the whole experience feel like an adventure. The decor, lighting, and overall vibe are what really set this place apart. It's the kind of place you go to enjoy the experience just as much as the drinks. Make sure you book a reservation! This place fills up fast, and reservations are a must if you want to guarantee a spot. It's a popular destination, and I can see why! The prices are definitely on the expensive side, so be prepared to spend a little more than you might expect for cocktails and appetizers. That said, the atmosphere makes it feel like more than just grabbing a drink at a bar. Whatever you do, get the Crab Rangoon Dip! It's 100% worth it and an absolute must-order. Seriously, don't skip it! Overall, this is a great spot for a fun night out, especially if you're visiting Chicago and want something a little different. It's not the cheapest place around, but the immersive atmosphere and memorable experience make it worth checking out. Four stars!

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Three Dots and A Dash - Interior Entrance

Interior Entrance

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These Loaded Luau Cheese Fries

Three Dots and A Dash - Tiki gift shop.

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moto imōto

moto imōto

3.9(177 reviews)
35.2 mi

I recently visited moto imoto in St Charles to take advantage of their weekly deals. In the…read morebar/lounge area, they offer happy hour from 4-6pm. This includes discounts on drinks and half off small plates. It's important to note that tables only seat 2-4 people so larger groups can't be accommodated unless there are adjacent seats at the bar. Our group got all four of the HH cocktails and each brought its own delightful flavor. We also got the Tuna Tower and Shishito Peppers to share which were great portions. We later transitioned into the main dining area for half-price sushi on Tuesdays. This is a steal of a deal but a reminder that happy hour deals cannot be recognized outside the bar area. Our group got a strong mixture of sushi rolls and I don't think there was one that disappointed. Flavors were straightforward but of good quality. Most items labelled "spicy" weren't bad. Highly recommend coming out to double down on these specials!

Extremely disappointing experience, and unfortunately, one that I feel deserves to be shared…read more I came here for sushi with my cousin and our 5 kids, so there were 7 of us total. I completely understand that seating a larger group can sometimes be difficult, especially since we originally had a 4-top and our group changed. What I don't understand is being told "no" immediately when we asked if there was a way to sit together, without anyone even attempting to look at the floor plan or see what could be done. Instead, we were seated at two separate tables with a couple sitting between us. We were actually able to fit everyone together at one table, but we were then asked by the restaurant to separate. We did exactly what we were asked and tried to make the situation work. Then came the part that really changed my entire view of this restaurant. My cousin went up to the host stand to get another coloring page for one of the kids and overheard employees talking about our group and saying that we were being "disruptive." I cannot express how incredibly rude and unprofessional that was. If there was a problem with our group, the appropriate thing to do would have been to speak to us directly--not stand at the host stand and talk about paying customers where they could hear. And here's what makes the whole situation even more frustrating: **there were TWO 4-top tables that stayed completely open for the entire time we were there.** Instead of offering one of those tables to our group, the employees went to the couple sitting near us and asked them if they wanted to move. They understandably said no. So I'm left wondering why our group wasn't simply seated at one of the tables that was already open. I have worked in the restaurant industry for 13 years and am a server myself, so I understand better than most that seating large parties can be complicated, restaurants get busy, and not every situation can be perfect. I am usually extremely patient and understanding because I know what happens behind the scenes. But there is absolutely no excuse for making customers feel like a problem and then talking about them within earshot. We were there with five children. We weren't causing a scene or intentionally disrupting anyone. We were trying to have dinner together and enjoy ourselves. Instead, we were made to feel like our family was an inconvenience. What makes this experience even worse is that we spent our money to dine here and left feeling like it was completely WASTED. I don't expect special treatment just because we have children, but I do expect basic courtesy and professionalism. If I'm going to spend my hard-earned money at a restaurant, I shouldn't leave feeling embarrassed, uncomfortable, and like I was being rushed out because my group was inconvenient. The way this was handled was completely unacceptable. There are plenty of restaurants where families are treated with respect and made to feel welcome. Unfortunately, this was not one of them. I can be very understanding when restaurants are busy or things don't go according to plan. What I cannot understand is treating a paying family like a nuisance, talking about them behind their backs, and making them feel unwelcome when there were literally open tables available. Only positive thing I can say is that our waitress was so kind, attentive, and patient! Thank you for that. Needless to say, I will not be returning, and I will not recommend this restaurant to other families!!

Photos
moto imōto - Bar view

Bar view

moto imōto - Bento Lunch Box Special

Bento Lunch Box Special

moto imōto - Bar area with tv

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Bar area with tv

TAO Chicago Restaurant - panasian - Updated October 2026

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