Austin

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Discover LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in top destinations, plus tips and inspiration on where to go

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Pride in Austin may not be until August, technically, but it’s always a good time to show up for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Chicago

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Las Vegas

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New York

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Nestled between East Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Mary’s Bar is a recent addition to Brookyn’s growing string of queer spaces.

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San Diego

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Home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, the San Diego neighborhood of Hillcrest is where much of the city’s queer community has been traditionally centered, but in recent years, gayborhoods have also emerged in North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights and beyond, creating welcoming havens for locals and visitors in search of queer-friendly bars and clubs, as well as restaurants, theatres, retail shops, and other businesses.

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Boston

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When it comes to queer nightlife in New England, Provincetown might be the first to come to mind when thinking of big events and celebrations—but sprinkled throughout Boston, you’ll also find a thriving scene of LGBTQ+ friendly parties, sports bars, theme nights, karaoke, brunches, cabaret, and more.

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Atlanta

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Washington DC

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Denver

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Houston

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D Cuisine

United States

These are the best dumplings you can get in Chicago, from steamed potstickers to soup dumplings, with fillings such as juicy pork and lamb with coriander.

Lao Peng You

Whether you’re looking to take it home, have it delivered, or devour it in person, fewer dishes are more satisfying than a piping hot tower of chewy Asian-style dumplings, crammed full of molten fillings and served alongside zesty dipping sauces. Siu Mai, Xiao Long Bao, pan-fried potstickers, or straightforward steamed creations—no matter how you spell it, they’re an essential addition to any dim sum spread, Himalayan lunchtime feast, or family-style Chinese banquet. And that goes double here in Chicago, where nothing quells the Windy City’s wintery bite like nipping into that first palate-scorching soup dumpling and breathing in all its pork-stuffed, heavenly spiced essence. 
 
From brothy newcomer Lao Peng You to age-old Chinatown standbys and irresistible Nepalese street food stands, these are the top dumpling shops for Lunar New Year and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to take it home, have it delivered, or devour it in person, fewer dishes are more satisfying than a piping hot tower of chewy Asian-style dumplings, crammed full of molten fillings and served alongside zesty dipping sauces. Siu Mai, Xiao Long Bao, pan-fried potstickers, or straightforward steamed creations—no matter how you spell it, they’re an essential addition to any dim sum spread, Himalayan lunchtime feast, or family-style Chinese banquet. And that goes double here in Chicago, where nothing quells the Windy City’s wintery bite like nipping into that first palate-scorching soup dumpling and breathing in all its pork-stuffed, heavenly spiced essence.

From brothy newcomer Lao Peng You to age-old Chinatown standbys and irresistible Nepalese street food stands, these are the top dumpling shops for Lunar New Year and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to take it home, have it delivered, or devour it in person, fewer dishes are more satisfying than a piping hot tower of chewy Asian-style dumplings, crammed full of molten fillings and served alongside zesty dipping sauces. Siu Mai, Xiao Long Bao, pan-fried potstickers, or straightforward steamed creations—no matter how you spell it, they’re an essential addition to any dim sum spread, Himalayan lunchtime feast, or family-style Chinese banquet. And that goes double here in Chicago, where nothing quells the Windy City’s wintery bite like nipping into that first palate-scorching soup dumpling and breathing in all its pork-stuffed, heavenly spiced essence.From brothy newcomer Lao Peng You to age-old Chinatown standbys and irresistible Nepalese street food stands, these are the top dumpling shops for Lunar New Year and beyond.

Information listed here may be subject to change depending on the developing situation with COVID-19's Omicron variant. Please check for the latest updates available or contact each establishment directly for more info.

Hipster-certified new(ish) West Town storefront debuted with a bang just before the pandemic swept through town, enticing dumpling fans the city over with its lineup of handmade regional Chinese wonders crafted from brothers Daniel and Eric “Chops” Wat’s family recipes. Defying local expectations, the meat- and veggie-stuffed gems are served submerged in a warm, piquant broth, with flavors spanning pork and dill, mushroom and chive, beef and green onion, and more. Bing Bread, Dan Dan Noodles, and cheffy sides round out the offerings. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order takeout via <a href="https://app.upserve.com/s/lao-peng-you-chicago" target="_blank">Upserve</a>.

It’s all about all-day dim sum inside this Lincoln Park Cantonese staple, where tender steamed dumplings arrive stuffed with shrimp, green chives, or pork alongside pan-fried pot stickers, barbecue buns, and other snackable classics. Straightforward, reliable, and always delicious, it’s a no-brainer for weeknight takeaway or friendly—not to mention BYOB—dine-in service. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating

This newly expanded Northside institution lives up to its namesake city’s reputation as UNESCO's first City of Gastronomy in Asia. Zesty Sichuan flare rises to the surface in every dish, from fiery Dry Chili Chicken to, most importantly, a handful of housemade dumplings. The spot’s signature Zhong’s Dumplings, pillowy pork wontons swimming in a sweet-and-savory red-flecked sauce, lead the way, followed by pork-stuffed Peking Dumplings, veggie-laden pan-fried dumplings, thick-skinned pork potstickers, and, finally, melt-in-your-mouth Xiao Long Bao served with a tangy ginger-vinegar sauce. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/reserve/v/dine/c/GvnmUUDRVgM" target="_blank">Google</a>

Artorn Thongtukit/Shutterstock

Chengdu Impression

Chengdu Impression 成都印象

The dumpling maestros behind this Chinatown original has been introducing Chicagoans to the belly-warming magic of soup dumplings since October, 2014. The expansive menu covers all the hits, from inventive standards like pork and cabbage and lamb and coriander to lesser-known additions like beef and celery, crab roe, and sea urchin, leek, and egg, offered both in frozen and freshly steamed form. In recent years, fast-casual outpost <a href="https://heyjiao.com/" target="_blank">JIAO</a> has joined the family, bagging up the same tasty morsels to-go from its downtown location. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumpling

This Cantonese- and Mandarin-influenced staple is dim sum HQ for hungry northsiders. Glossy steamed pork dumplings top the dozen-strong list, buttressed by a fist-sizede scallop and shrimp number and particularly alluring pan-fried dumplings patted into plump squares and bursting with shrimp and chives. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating

Furama Chicago

Furama

Top Chef champ Stephanie Izard helms this fun and festive Restaurant Row dim sum emporium from Boka Restaurant Group, so you know it’s going to be good. Dumplings come two ways here: potstickers oozing with beef short rib and bone marrow (or mushroom and leek for the vegetarian set), or Duck and Goat Xiao Long Bao brimming with a fragrant, unctuous broth. Pair either with a creative cocktail like the Water Dragon (Lunazul Tequila, Cointreau, cucumber, ginger, fresno peppers) and buckle up for a meal to remember.

Duck Duck Goat

Switch up your normal dumpling routine with an order of top-notch momos from this fast-casual Nepalese mainstay. The pockets of perfection in question arrive in several forms, from simple steamed noodle shells packed with chicken, pork, lamb, fish, paneer, or vegetables to more elaborate presentations like momos simmered in house chili sauce and littered with bell peppers and onions, melt-in-your-mouth Butter-toasted Momos, and deep fried Northeast Manchurian Momos engulfed in a tangy sauce. How to book: Stop by for counter service

Momo factory

MOMO Factory

Mo:Mo Factory

Dating to 2007, Hing Kee has made a name for itself with a bounty of deceptively simple soup dumplings, all hand-rolled with love and precision inside the Chinatown kitchen. The list is long and plentiful, ranging from velvety ground pork to steamy chicken and cabbage before landing on show-stopping Shrimp and Pork Wontons doused with Szechuan red chili oil. How to book: Call 312-808-9538 to reserve

Photo courtesy of Hing Kee

Hing Kee

Hing Kee Restaurant

This local chain operates six dim sum operations throughout the Chicagoland area, each stocked with a host of dumpling styles for your popping pleasure. Cabbage and Pork Potstickers set off with a hint of ginger come up big, as do crispy deep fried wontons loaded with shrimp and ground pork, traditional Siu Mai, loosely formed Country-style Dumplings, and tender, crimped Chaozhou-style buttons. How to book: Reserve <a href="https://www.minghincuisine.com/reservations" target="_blank">online</a>

Minghin Cuisine

MingHin Cuisine

No-frills, family-style dishes prepared with age-old techniques top the menu inside this Southside Dongbei specialist. Handmade options span hearty wonders like boiled lamb and cilantro, seafood, and celery dumplings, while crunchy-fried beef potstickers hold their own and Northern-style Steamed Dumplings serve as a solid stand-in for xiao long bao.

Northern City

Lao Sze Chuan has been synonymous with Chicago Chinese cuisine since opening its lauded doors back in 1998. They’ve also built up a small but mighty arsenal of quality dumplings imbued with their signature Szechuan bite, including crescent-shaped pork potstickers, aromatic Chengdu Dumplings, meaty Peking Dumplings, steamed pork dumplings, and fiery Szechuan Wontons.

Lao Sze Chuan

This Szechuan-inflected Chinatown gem applies a modern hand to every dish on its smart menu—hence the name, Modern Chinese Cook Book. Expect spicy, saucy heaps of Chengdu-style dumplings and wontons that clearly warrant the joint’s multi-year Michelin Guide designation. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating

MCCB 时尚食谱

MCCB

MCCB-时尚食谱

It’s raining momos at this Himalayan street food go-to. Nepalese dumplings run the gamut here, with hand-formed steamed options bursting with marinated fish, chicken, vegetables, pork, or creamy paneer giving way to specials like inventive Orange Chicken Momos, richly hued steamed and smoked Tandoori Momos, and Jhol Momos doused in a bold regional soup. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating

The Momo World

Dim sum made fresh is the name of the game inside this polished Cantonese fixture. Steamed pork and shrimp dumplings share menu space with specialties like Shanghai Soup Dumplings, perfectly browned shrimp and corn medallions, shrimp and leek dumplings cradled in a fried wonton crust, and a beautifully translucent Chiu Chow-style option. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.yelp.com/reservations/dolo-restaurant-and-bar-chicago-3" target="_blank">Yelp</a>

Dolo Restaurant

Dolo Restaurant & Bar

Fiery Chengdu-style cuisine takes center stage inside this clean cut Bridgeport hideaway, with snackable additions like red chili-laden handmade Zhong Dumplings and wontons swimming in “volcano” broth complementing hyper-regional mains like Spicy Rabbit Shreds and Hot and Sour Fern Root Noodles. Cheeky sweets like their Insta-famous coconut milk jelly rabbits are on hand to cool things off.

Da Mao Jia

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/meredith-heil" target="_blank">Meredith Heil</a> is a Senior Cities Editor at Thrillist.

Lunar New Year

Thrillist is ringing&nbsp;in the Lunar New Year with a collection of guides, profiles, and features all related&nbsp;to how it is celebrated in communities around the country.

Celebrating Lunar New Year: Guides, Profiles, Features & More

Guides

Where to Find the Best Dumplings in Chicago

Best Dumplings in Chicago: Top Restaurants & Cafes With Great Dumplings

From brothy newcomer Lao Peng You to age-old Chinatown standbys, these are the top dumpling shops for Lunar New Year and beyond. 

Whether you’re looking to take it home, have it delivered, or devour it in person, fewer dishes are more satisfying than a piping hot tower of chewy Asian-style dumplings, crammed full of molten fillings and served alongside zesty dipping sauces.

D Cuisine

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Where to Find the Best Dumplings in Chicago

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