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Mott St
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mott St
8.6
Mott St is an Asian-influenced restaurant whose cult-favorite Mott Burger has become one of Chicago’s most talked-about burgers, backed by a Bib Gourmand nod and a serious cocktail program. The burger’s double patties, hoisin depth, and sweet potato shoestrings draw burger hunters to Wicker Park as much as the rest of the ambitious menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mott Burger, Mott Burger + Egg, King Crab Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized Asian restaurant serving one of Chicago’s most influential burgers.
Who should go: Burger obsessives who also care about cocktails and small plates.
When to visit: Early evenings if you want the Mott Burger before it sells out.
What to order: Mott Burger, kimchi udon noodles, king crab rice.
Insider tip: Reserve patio seats in nice weather; add the egg to the Mott Burger for the full experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; it can be competitive during dinner hours, so plan extra time or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean stylish.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, but you can typically hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service isn’t the primary draw here, so waits are usually minimal when open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid vegetarian dishes and sides, though the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — some dishes can be modified; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: A handful of naturally gluten-free options; notify your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, cocktails, and buzz create an exciting date-night atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait at peak times. Arrive early or be flexible with bar or patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but it’s more of an adult-focused, evening dining scene than a family restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Creative, Asian-influenced flavors and a destination-worthy burger paired with a strong cocktail list.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional burger joint or prefer very casual counter-service dining.
Mott St
8.5
Mott St is a Korean-influenced restaurant where many regulars experience the kitchen through a chef’s-choice tasting that strings together its greatest hits. The food is bolder and more casual than fine dining, but the sequence of shared plates, from famous wings to rich rice dishes, creates a tasting menu energy at a lower price point. It’s loud, convivial, and still one of the area’s most reliable places for big-flavor dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything Wings, Mott Burger, Kimchi fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Korean-influenced shared plates that can be ordered as a chef’s-choice tasting.
Who should go: Groups chasing bold flavors and a high-energy dining room.
When to visit: Later evenings for full buzz; earlier for shorter waits.
What to order: Everything Wings, Mott Burger, kimchi fried rice progression.
Insider tip: If you’re overwhelmed by choices, ask for a family-style tasting built around your spice tolerance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tough on weekends so allow extra time or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans fine, but most guests lean a bit stylish for dinner.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — expect lively conversation rather than quiet chats.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Lunch not typically served; early weekday dinners usually have shorter waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, but most dishes lean meat-forward. Staff can help guide choices.
Vegan options: Limited — there may be one or two adaptable plates, but not a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free items and rice-based dishes, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like high-energy dining and sharing plates. It’s lively and fun, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early or late — but expect waits at peak hours. Joining the waitlist or arriving off-peak helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens. The space is loud and tables are tight, with few menu items tailored to kids.
Best For
Better for: Casual tasting-style dining with bold Korean-influenced flavors at a lower price than fine dining tasting menus.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth tasting menu or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday4:30pm - 10pm
Sunday4:30pm - 9pm