Meet us where tiki torches and Cantonese flavors unite
Affectionately called “The Chef” by the locals who have frequented this Chinese restaurant and tiki bar for more than 45 years, Chef Shangri-la is a utopia in North Riverside.
The name itself means “chef’s paradise” and that’s just what Susie and Paul Fong set out to create when they opened the restaurant in 1976.
Paul was the chef, and he anchored his menu with Cantonese classics but added island-based flavor to match the theme of the restaurant, which is practically bursting with tiki torches and beach-based decor.
Steamed dumplings, Tahitian Mango Passion Pork, and Spicy Noodle Chicken are a few of our favorites from the menu.
This dining room is one of the few tiki-themed restaurants in Chicago that serves a full menu. And that includes a full cocktail menu, too!
The Dr. Fong cocktail is the family’s namesake drink and its ingredients are a family secret, but we do know that it’s rum-based with flavors of citrus and peach. We also know that it’s delicious!
Chef Shangri-la is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am 10pm (but the bar stays open until 1am!), and Sunday from noon to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday nights are special at Chef Shangri-La! This is when free entertainment is offered at the restaurant ranging from music to impersonators. Call the restaurant to learn more about the entertainment offerings.
An entree at Chef Shangri-la ranges from $11 to $16.
Chef Shangri-la was a dream of Susie and Paul Fong, a dream that continues through the next generation with their daughter, Dr. Lisa Abrams running the restaurant alongside her husband Irv Abrams.
The restaurant is part of Lisa’s DNA. She remembers wearing her prom dress to the grand opening and even performing with her friends at the restaurant for the free entertainment events Chef Shangri-la hosts on the weekends.
In fact, more than 30 years ago, when Irv picked up Lisa for their first date, it was to Chef Shangri-la that he drove to meet his future wife!
Located at 7930 West 26th Street in North Riverside, Chef Shangri-la is just a 12-mile drive from downtown Chicago.
