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Big Bowl-Ohio Reviews List
Big Bowl-Ohio
Big Bowl is a pioneering Asian restaurant, vibrant in design and cuisine that offers the latest authentic Chinese and Thai food. Using market-fresh ingredients, Big Bowl’s signatures include “dim sum-sized” appetizers that encourage sharing, Pad Thais, seafood, some truly hot & spicy food, and fresh made ginger ale. Diners from singles to family-style parties, end the meal as they began, with a sampling of “dim sum” desserts.Located in the heart of River North.
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93 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 93 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(50)
3 stars
(21)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(31)
- great for lunch(27)
- fit for foodies(22)
- kid-friendly(21)
- neighborhood gem(19)
- hot spot(13)
Big Bowl-Ohio Reviews List
Review 1 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We really like a few select dishes at Big Bowl and return from time to time to get our fix. Unfortunately, when we've tried to expand our choices, we haven't been wowed. Whenever we dine here, we order a handful of appetizers from their specialties list. You can't go wrong with their versions of Sichuan Spicy Green Beans and Cold Sesame Noodles. We also love their Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps. Two orders of the noodles plus one order each of the others is just right for the two of us. A couple of drinks added and you come away at around $40."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 2 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a good meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great dinner. Foos and service were good."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great dinner. Dumplings are great, the calamari and hot and sour soup were outstanding. They have a choose your own ingredient stir fry that is a fun concept. We are glad to have found big bowl."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good 'fry bar' that allows you your choice of vegetables,rice/noodles, and neat/fish/tofu!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 5 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great spot for a business lunch! Great Food!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great, service terrific
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was great, service terrific"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Decent experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food. Service a little sub-par. Music too loud"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2008
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great improvement in preparation
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great improvement in preparation over experience 6 months ago. Really good Crispy Chicken, nice and spicy too!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2004
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Review 9 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We've been to Big Bowl on
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've been to Big Bowl on a number of occasions,and this particular evening was a bit of a challenge. We sat near the kitchen, and my wife cold see her plate of food sitting out ready for delivery. By the time mine was ready for delivery, hers was cold. The waitress did try to get the food warmed, and eventually she received a new plate of food (and was comped). Food was tasty once the delivery was fixed, and the staff/service was good. Based on our prior 3-4 visits, this evening's experience of Big Bowl seems more of an abberation, and thus I still recommend it as a place to dine."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 10 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My friend and I had gone to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend and I had gone to Big Bowl in Schaumburg and had an awesome experience so while downtown we thought we would try it.Our server was nice but didn't seem to know much about the menu or be able to make suggestions. Listening to other servers talk to their customers with all the recommendations and options which we were offered none of, we felt a little jipped. Food still tasted good but overall experience nowhere near our previous one. Didn't even get fortune cookie at the end! LOL!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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Review 11 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always sooo good, and they
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always sooo good, and they are so flexible with requests that are not on the menu. We love that you can please almost anyone with the variety."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2006
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Review 12 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I eat here A LOT and this
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I eat here A LOT and this time I wasn't that impressed... the Sangria was GREAT aside from the bits of fruit that made it hard to drink through a straw. The Hot n sour soup (I always get) was a little too sour.. and the Mongolian Beef I had was lacking real flavor.. so if you are looking for a good, but overall bland beef dish, it's a good one. I will definitely be back, but was a bit disappointed this go round."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2011
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Review 13 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was a bit disappointed with Big Bowl. The chicken in my daughters orange chicken was mostly overcooked, nearly burned, breading. My Pad Thai was quite oily. The dumplings were okay."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 14 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and kid-friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We came for lunch with two young children. The food was outstanding and the service was great. Our server was attentive to the kids and thoughtful. It was a great dining experience. We've been to Big Bowl before and will be back again!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a winner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"LOVE the Big Bowl - everyone that we have ever ate at has been outstanding! Everything was perfect from our waiter/service,drinks,and food.... We will be back!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is our second time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is our second time at Big Bowl and they did not disappoint. Meal was wonderful!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
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Review 17 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and good service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food and good service. The dining room is rather plain, though."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 18 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great dinner & service at Big Bowl
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious dinner at Big Bowl. Really enjoyed the chicken dumpling soup and orange chicken. Jared, our server, was enthusiastic, attentive and energetic. He made our experience a wonderful one!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
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Review 19 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of my faves!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"LOVE their Hot & Sour Soup!! Great to start/share with another person! Chicken egg rolls are great app. to share also! And the Shrimp Pad Thai is WONDERFUL! :)"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Hanging on
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was an annual trip to BB - which we have always enjoyed. I am hopeful that it was just a 'bad night'; the food just wasn't 'like it used to be'... Come on Big Bowl!! Update your fresh flavors!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 21 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Looking forward for the next
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Looking forward for the next time"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 22 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious! Very accommodating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious! Very accommodating and excellent drinks"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 23 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed trying all the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed trying all the dishes, the three of us ordered something different and shared, everything was great. At this location, VIP status did not get us a good table, just an okay table. It was loud and busy at 6:30."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
delicious food and excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"delicious food and excellent service"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
GREAT place to grab a quick
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"GREAT place to grab a quick bite to eat before a movie at Lowe's AMC! Our waiter knew we were on a time crunch so he was super fast and accommodating!!! Love this place. The beef lettuce wraps and egg rolls are good for sharing and very filling for two people."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
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Review 26 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Big Bowl-Ohio
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My First Experience dining at Big Bowl-Ohio was very good and I like the ambience of the restaurant. I have and will recommend the restaurant to co-worker and friends. I really enjoy the Ginger Ale and the fact there are several varieties of Ginger Ale. The staff was very accommodating and the service was very good. Overall I will dine at Big Bowl on a regular basis. Next time I will have a cocktail.:)"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I was disapointed my last
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was disapointed my last few visits, the food taste was not the same. The Mongolian Beef which was my favorite was more chunkey then thin and not as well cooked. the soup was cool an dhad to be sent back to warm up."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
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Review 28 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was deelish. My
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was deelish. My boyfriend is a vegetarian and I am not. It was nice that there were options for the both of us. The food was great and the drinks were great as well."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 29 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love all LEY restaurants.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love all LEY restaurants. Food delish. Waiter very good. Do NOT sit in a booth here though. They are so poorly constructed that whenever anyone moves on the other side of (back of) your booth seat, you are jostled and it is a rough and uncomfortable ride. We generally love booths, but LEY needs to speak with their contractor about shoring up their booths or removing them at Big Bowl Chicago."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 30 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent dishes and cocktails
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent dishes and cocktails make it an ideal place for a fun night out with friends."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 31 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love Big Bowl. I wasn't
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love Big Bowl. I wasn't crazy about the seat we were given - directly behind the hostess stand - but I was too blissed out from my massage and hungry to object."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I had not been to Big Bowl
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had not been to Big Bowl in years. I ordered noodles and should know to stick with a Thai food restaurant for great noodles. Do not be seated near the food station. Very noisy and staff stand nearby and chat to much."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2009
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Review 33 for Big Bowl-Ohio
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth repeating again and again!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great time! We went to Big Bowl for lunch before catching a matinee at the Opera. Menu diverse and appealing. The atmosphere was perfect. loved the decor. There was a great balance of attentiveness from the server and time to enjoy our meal & conversation. Delightful presentation of food. Fresh flavors! We definitely plan on returning soon."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Big Bowl-Ohio
Based on the average of (60) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic