Lao Beijing

The good:
Delicious SPICY food. Truly affordable prices. Less of a wait than other popular joints like Lao Sze Chuan or Joy Yees.

The not-so-good:
The restaurant space is quite bare and cramped. Service was so-so.

RATINGS:
Kung Pao chicken: 4/5
Dry chicken red chili: 4/5
Cashew chicken: 5/5
Egg drop soup: 3/5

Ambience: 3/5
Service: 3/5

Some of the best pan-Asian food I have ever eaten. The Korean inspired housemade noodles are out of control, and the kimchi is next level. The steamed dumplings are something to write home about.

The space is nothing special, but what makes it such a wonderful place is the food- affordable, truly delicious and fresh, and impeccable service. Every time my parents are in town I immediately bring them here and they love it. Perfect for almost every palate.

Ok, so in the 2.5 years since I wrote this, we have been back to Lao Beijing several times, but always for HOT POT. They have excellent hotpot. Mounds of delicious paper-thin meats, lots of bok choy and mushrooms and vegetables I didn't recognize and just ordered by the sound of their names, which was a good way to go. Per my last review, I am still in love with the northern pancake, which you can get WITH your hotpot for free. I would suggest getting an extra one for each person at the table, bc it's just too good. I want to try more on the menu, but I just can't turn down the hot pot.
Also, you can get fish balls in your hot pot. I am OBSESSED with fish balls.