Peter Lo's in Chicago...Still There?

[Cristina]

I used to eat at Peter Lo's (on Division? Diversey?) in my misspent chow-youth...is it still there? What a wonderful Chinese eating experience.

[Rene G]

I had been wondering about Peter Lo’s also. Reportedly it was one of the first Mandarin restaurants in Chicago (I think it opened in the early 1960s). The Peter Lo’s I remember was on Lincoln, maybe in the 6000’s. I thought it was pretty good at the time but haven’t eaten there for ages. I think it might be out of business now but I believe it was listed in the phone book as recently as five years ago. I’m not familiar with the location on Division or Diversey. Was that maybe its original location? Do you remember anything more about it or what years it was there? I could be wrong but I think Peter Lo’s was at the Lincoln location at least from the mid-1970s to mid-1990s.

[Cristina]

You're probably right, it's been nearly 20 years since I was there. But oh how I loved Peter Lo's~and Peter himself, and his wife! I remember taking a large party of friends to the restaurant for a private evening; we ate an enormous banquet, 3 tables of us with identical 12-course dinners served at each table...this would have been 1978 or 1979...no one save a few former New Yorkers in the group had ever eaten such glorious food. *Sigh* I ate there hundreds of times, until I moved away from Chicago in 1980.

[Madd]

The Peter Lo's on Lincoln Near Kimball/McCormick is now called Little Hunan - an (I don't know the word) effuviently friendly hostess/owner who greets you as if a long lost relative and really good food. No glam decor but really good food.

[Henry Browne]

This is an old posting, but there is a reason for my getting involved: after over 30 years, I've lost Peter Lo. Here's the info for the past 33 years:
The first restaurant I knew of was on Paulina north of Howard (called the Jungle).
He moved to Lincoln near McCormack across from the shopping center.
He then sold the restaurant and his name, and, I guess, had a no compete provision, so he disappeared for quite a while.
He reopened in Highland Park under the name Panda, Panda (great as always).
My problem is that he's now closed and I don't know what happened. He's up in years and his health has been marginal for years.
If anyone knows what happened, please let me know.

[Cathy2]

Hi,

The daughter - I believe her name is Rose - is running this operation. Often her Father is present but it is obvious his health is marginal.

This is a small place with a few courtesy tables because emphasis is on take out.

You are not alone tracking this family and their restaurant business. While I was waiting for my meal a customer came in, recognized them and started listing all their former locations.

Glad I could so easily help you with your quest.

Regards,
Cathy2

Yu's Szechwan
822 Central Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-432-8888

[Jim Walker]

so where can i find the peter lo family tradition now?

i too was a lover of his food, from peter lo's on the north side

to panda panda in highland park

but i have lost track

i can honestly say that

i have never

even in asia

had better

god how i miss so many things when i think of that experience

from the dumplings

to the kung pao chicken

to the whole fish

can anyone help?

[wmk]

I am standing in the former Panda Panda space in Highland Park and I am very pleased to say that Rose and papa Peter are all happy, healthy and in fine spirits. We all miss Peter's food and I can tell you that Rose still cater events with his food more than in mind.

We have used them for events and you can reach her at 847-471-7330. The food will take you back to the old days and frankly there still is nothing better outside of China!