Le Colonial

Top choice in Chicago


Step into the dark-wood, candlelit room, where ceiling fans swirl lazily and big-leafed palms sway in the breeze, and you'd swear you were in 1920s Saigon. Staff can arrange vegetarian and gluten-free substitutions among the curries and banana-leaf-wrapped fish dishes. If you want spicy, be specific; everything typically comes out mild.

Le Colonial is perfect for a romantic date. You'll need reservations for a table, though walk-ins can head upstairs to the bar and eat there.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chicago attractions

1. Newberry Library

0.18 MILES

The Newberry's public galleries are a treat for bibliophiles: those who swoon over original Thomas Paine pamphlets about the French Revolution, or get…

2. Washington Square

0.19 MILES

This plain-looking park across from the Newberry Library has quite a history. In the 1920s it was known as ‘Bughouse Square,’ where communists, socialists…

3. 360° Chicago

0.2 MILES

The views from the 94th-floor observatory of this iconic building (formerly known as the John Hancock Center) in many ways surpass those at the Willis…

4. Chicago Sports Museum

0.22 MILES

To understand Chicago's sports psyche, peruse the memorabilia-filled cases at this gallery attached to Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch restaurant. See…

5. Water Tower

0.25 MILES

This 154ft-tall, turreted tower is a defining city icon: it was the sole downtown survivor of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, thanks to its yellow limestone…

6. City Gallery

0.25 MILES

Set inside the historic Water Tower, this small gallery showcases Chicago-themed works by local photographers and artists.

7. Water Works Pumping Station

0.29 MILES

Built in 1869, the Pumping Station and Water Tower, its companion building across the street, were constructed in Gothic style with yellow limestone. It's…

8. Oak Street Beach

0.29 MILES

This beach at the edge of downtown packs in bodies beautiful to play volleyball or sunbathe in the shadow of skyscrapers. Swimming is permitted in summer…