Address: 2211 W North
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Cuisine: Chinese
Price Range: $$
Website: https://www.chengdubistro.com/
Hours:
Monday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Our take: Chengdu Bistro: where Sichuan peppercorns wage a delicious war on your nervous system. This isn’t your takeout joint’s gloopy General Tso’s – it’s a temple to the numbing-spicy ma la experience that’ll recalibrate your understanding of ‘hot’. Bring something cold to drink, kid. You’re gonna need it.
Wine Pairing: For Sichuan's signature ma la (numbing spice), bring a slightly sweet Riesling or a fruit-forward Gewürztraminer. The sweetness tames the heat while aromatics complement complex spices. For red lovers, a juicy Beaujolais or Zinfandel can stand up to bold flavors.
Beer Pairing: Beer is a natural partner for Sichuan heat. A crisp German Pilsner like Rothaus cuts through the oil, while a hoppy IPA can amplify the tongue-tingling spice in the best way. For a comfort pick, bring Tsingtao – sometimes classics are classics for a reason.
Spirits Pairing: Bring a bottle of baijiu like Kweichow Moutai if you're feeling authentically ambitious. For a Western pick, a smooth vodka like Belvedere helps tame the spice while letting the Sichuan peppercorns sing.