Lao Sze Chuan

Welcome to Lao Sze Chuan, a Chinese restaurant located at 304 SE Oak St in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Situated near the University of Minnesota, Lao Sze Chuan aims to provide local residents and visitors with an authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine, renowned for its bold and spicy flavors. As a Chinese restaurant, Lao Sze Chuan offers a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques.

Based on customer reviews, the dining area at Lao Sze Chuan is described as "clean and modern," creating a "welcoming ambiance." This suggests a comfortable and contemporary setting suitable for various occasions, from casual meals to small gatherings. The location on SE Oak Street indicates accessibility for those in the University area and surrounding neighborhoods.

The service at Lao Sze Chuan is generally regarded as "efficient and friendly," contributing to an overall positive dining experience for many customers. One reviewer specifically mentioned a pleasant first visit where the dishes arrived "super fast," indicating prompt and attentive service. This efficiency can be a significant draw for those looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Lao Sze Chuan's menu appears to showcase authentic and flavorful dishes, with several items receiving positive feedback. One standout dish mentioned is the "crispy fried chicken seasoned perfectly with spices and garnished with fresh scallions." This suggests a well-executed classic with a focus on flavor and presentation. Another highlight is the "spicy fish hotpot," featuring "tender fish immersed in a rich, fiery broth," which is particularly recommended for spice enthusiasts. The mention of "authentic and delicious" food and "decent" and "fresh" fish further emphasizes the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional flavors.

One particularly memorable dish for a reviewer was the "deep-fried eggplant tossed in salted egg yolk (金沙茄子)." This dish was praised for its unique texture, with a "slightly crunchy" exterior and a "chewy" interior, perfectly coated in a "flavorful salted egg yolk." The reviewer enjoyed this dish so much during their initial dine-in experience that they ordered it again for takeout. However, this second experience highlighted a significant inconsistency in food preparation. The takeout version of the salted egg yolk eggplant was described as "slimy, overly oily, and barely had any salted egg yolk," lacking the expected crispy texture and flavor. This inconsistency led to considerable disappointment and even a stomachache for the customer, raising concerns about quality control, particularly for takeout orders.

The stark contrast between the positive dine-in experience and the negative takeout experience with the same dish underscores the importance of maintaining consistent quality across all orders. While the first experience suggests the potential for excellent food, the second serves as a cautionary note regarding potential variability. Despite this inconsistency, the initial positive review, along with the praise for other dishes like the crispy fried chicken and spicy fish hotpot, indicates that Lao Sze Chuan has the capacity to deliver authentic and delicious Sichuan cuisine.

Currently, specific promotional information for Lao Sze Chuan is not available in the provided text. However, it is common for restaurants to offer various promotions to attract and retain customers. To learn about any ongoing specials, discounts, or new additions to the menu, it is recommended to contact Lao Sze Chuan directly at (612) 886-3906 or +1 612-886-3906. You may also find updated information on online food delivery platforms or social media channels if the restaurant actively uses them.

In conclusion, Lao Sze Chuan in Minneapolis offers a promising experience with its clean and modern environment, friendly service, and authentic Sichuan dishes like the crispy fried chicken and spicy fish hotpot. However, potential customers should be aware of the reported inconsistency in the preparation of certain dishes, particularly for takeout orders. For those seeking bold and genuine Sichuan flavors in the Minneapolis area, Lao Sze Chuan is worth considering, perhaps with a preference for dine-in experiences to ensure the best possible quality. Contacting the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information on their menu and any current promotions is always a good practice.