Yu's Mandarin Restaurant

09/29/06

Great food - if you can stand the wait and gruff service

by ad572 at Citysearch

When I saw them proudly displaying their "Best Chinese" citysearch award when I picked up a carryout order today, I felt compelled to share that Yu's is now officially Way Overrated.

Now don't get me wrong, I was as enthusiastic a fan of Yu's as you could find when I first got to the area 7 years ago. The food is good, no doubt, but here's what's irritating: good luck finding a pleasant face on a staff member in that restaurant. It's really remarkable if you stop to look around while waiting for your carryout order--the entire staff just seems kinda angry.

I find myself getting increasingly steamed at how lacking the customer service is. This thought started when I brought a large group there only to have very very slow, impolite service such that I felt rather embarrassed to have suggested the restaurant. In return visits, the theme seemed to continue regardless of what server we'd have. They're always busy, so perhaps the thought is they don't need to be nice.

If you want great authentic Chinese food in the burbs, head up to Palatine to Szechuan House, aka laoszechuandotcom on Northwest Hwy at the Hicks Rd split in the Ace Hardware Plaza. There you have much nicer ambience inside, much friendlier management and staff, and far fewer crowds especially at lunch. The only thing they don't offer there that keeps me begrudgingly going to Yu's to get abused is the Noodle Platter, which sadly is to die for.

08/10/06

Good Chinese

by andrea1972 at Citysearch

I liked this place. It's not my favorite Chinese Restaurant, but I WILL definitely go back. They have great appetizers in all sizes and a huge menu. If you ask the waiter/waitress about the Chinese menu on the back of their English menu, they'll tell you the hidden entrees they have on there - I totally recommended doing that. Overall, give the place a try - it's fresh, clean and good tasting. Again, I will be coming back for sure.

• Pros: Good appettizers
• Cons: Can't think of any

08/19/05

Good Chinese Restaurant in the suburb

by JendyV at Citysearch

One of the best Chinese restaurant in the suburb. Their hot noodle soup is the best. Don't miss it.

• Pros: Good Chinese Food
• Cons: Always crowded

07/08/05

One of the best in the Chicagoland area

by tjmjjung at Citysearch

I agree with the other reviewer who said that Yu's is good, but not THAT great. When in Chicago, I always dine at Yu's and take guests there as well. I always order the Peking Noodle Platter (what Yu's is known for). It's pretty consistent. I'd say that the traditional Chinese dishes are better--but unfortunately you have to be able to read Chinese. So, ask your server to help you choose. I particularly like the 8 Treasures Tofu dish on the Chinese menu. From the regular menue, I also like the General Tso's Chicken and Sizzling Rice Soup. But to tell you the truth, I think "Tasty Cuisine Chinese Restaurant" located on the SE corner of on Elmhurst and Algonquin is better than Yu's. They have one dish that is Fried Chicken stuffed with shrimp. It's out of this world--it is something like $34, but worth the once-in-a-lifetime try.

• Pros: food, view of kitchen
• Cons: long lines

03/10/03

Not too bad for Yu

by jimmy2timz at Citysearch

This place is usually very busy so expect to wait a little. The set-up is fine and having the kitchen exposed through a window is a nice touch. It makes you feel like your watching an episode of the Iron Chef. My dish was above average and just spicy enough, not over the top. My date and I also enjoyed a stiff singapore sling on the side which was rather tasty. I would drop in again...

• Pros: Atmosphere, Food / Drinks
• Cons: Lengthy Wait