For some reason, this gem of a restaurant often gets forgotten... likely because Chicago is a relatively tiki-rich city. Chef Shangri-La deserves a visit, as its drinks are spot-on, and the food is predictably and somehow appropriately mediocre. The place has a sort of almost neglected, run-down feel, but the bones are there, and there are tikis everywhere. The bar in particular has recently undergone a rare remodel that has improved the feel of the place.

Chef Shangri-La himself, owner Paul Fong, could often be found there before his passing in 2012. Before opening his own Polynesian restaurant, Fong was the chef at the now-defunct Shangri-La

history

Shangri-La

Chicago, IL

Bar & Restaurant

restaurant in Chicago.

The restaurant has a few Witco pieces, including a very large Ku that greets you immediately upon entry. These pieces are some of the last Witco items produced; Witco went out of business one year after Chef Shangri-La opened.

The bar and restaurant also includes a small gift shop.

Comments

Ccline

May 15, 2022, 6:44 AM

Decor same for many years, needs fresh updating badly. Seems dated and stale. I don't like atmosphere. Food not bad, huge menu, I've had terrible and not so bad meals here. Menu could use refresh as well.

Bdassell

Bdassell has visited Chef Shangri-La.

January 6, 2019, 3:58 PM

Some great potential, but the establishment seems to walk right past it. Felt more like a sports bar with football on TV, no music, and no tiki mugs at all. You are welcome to buy a plastic tiki mug (extremely cheap), or a glass tiki-esque fishbowl. The drinks are decent, but dont expect much more.

Kahiki Guy

Kahiki Guy has visited Chef Shangri-La.

April 26, 2017, 12:06 PM

Classic Chinese restaurant with a strong retro tiki vibe. Drinks were fair for what you'd expect. Food was good, but the kitschy decor is what makes this place worth the visit

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