It may not be a white tablecloth dining experience, but Lulu's certainly knows how to do dim sum right.

Ideal for a group of friends, a birthday party or a quick bite before a movie, the Evanston eatery boasts a simple and tasty "small plate" menu along with oversized noodle bowls, Asian-influenced entrees and a colorful, quirky drink list. Service is swift and the atmosphere casually funky.

Dim sum must-haves include shrimp and crab wontons with mustard and sweet chili sauce, salt and pepper calamari and the almost-legendary potstickers with scallions and ginger sauce. Top off your snacking with a warm chocolate chip brownie and a crispy sesame ball—also perfect for sharing. Veggie lovers, beware: Once you taste Lulu's famous ginger chicken salad, you'll want to eat the dressing with a spoon.

Fruity staples such as the Tiki Tiki Mai Tai and the passion fruit martini go down a little too easy and are joined by an extensive and exotic sake menu and a decent wine list, offering both glass and bottle service.

If the small plates still aren't small enough for you, try the Lulu's Munch a Bunch, where patrons can sample almost everything (yes, everything) on the menu. Can't make it to Davis Street but still demand dim sum? Delivery is available, along with catering.

Centerstage Reviewer: Carly Schwartz