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Bigsuda
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bigsuda
7.8
Bigsuda is a dimly lit Wicker Park Korean restaurant where dumplings and noodle soups take center stage in a more polished setting. Xiao long bao, kimchi mandoo, and dombe guksu anchor meals that feel suited to date nights and small-group dinners rather than quick takeout runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Xiao long bao soup dumplings, Kimchi and pork mandoo, Dombe guksu with housemade noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Korean dumpling and noodle house where xiao long bao and mandoo share the table with dombe guksu.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning dumpling-focused dinners.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the room feels buzzy but not packed.
What to order: Xiao long bao, kimchi pork mandoo, dombe guksu with fried chicken.
Insider tip: Split several dumpling baskets then share one big bowl of dombe guksu to finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Milwaukee/Ashland can be competitive during dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy in the evening
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation, but it’s lively during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime time
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options, mostly dumplings and noodle dishes without meat
Vegan options: Limited — broths and dumpling fillings usually include animal products
Gluten-free options: Limited — many noodles and dumpling wrappers contain wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting is warm and the vibe feels slightly upscale without being formal, making it easy to relax over shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or weekdays, but expect waits during peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but the dim lighting and cozy layout aren’t designed for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Dumpling-focused dinners in a polished, date-night setting rather than casual takeout vibes
Skip if: You’re looking for budget-friendly Korean food, quick counter service, or extensive vegan/gluten-free choices
Bigsuda
8.5
BIGSUDA is a Korean-leaning comfort spot in Wicker Park where soup dumplings, sizzling plates, and shareable snacks meet cocktails in a moody dining room. It’s the move when you want xiao long bao–style dumplings without going to Chinatown, wrapped in a date-night-friendly atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings, Kimchi Fried Rice, Crispy Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Korean comfort cooking with standout soup dumplings in a dark, lively room.
Who should go: Couples and groups chasing dumplings plus cocktails.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or late evenings when the room buzzes.
What to order: Pork Soup Dumplings, Kimchi Fried Rice, Crispy Fried Chicken.
Insider tip: Split an order of soup dumplings as a starter, then share a mix of larger plates family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; expect competition during peak dinner hours. Paid metered spots along Milwaukee and Damen when available.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for night visits.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud — you can hold a conversation, but it’s lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — the dinner rush is the busiest window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and rice/noodle dishes can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable-based dishes, but many sauces contain egg or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice-based plates may work, but dumplings and fried items typically contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting and shareable plates make it relaxed but still special, especially if your date enjoys cocktails and trying new dishes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits can be long on weekends. Aim for early evening or late-night dining if you’re walking in.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but it’s not designed for young children — the vibe is more date-night and cocktail-forward.
Best For
Better for: Trendy, moody evenings with craft cocktails and elevated dumplings without leaving the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want traditional dim sum carts, a quiet room, or a fully gluten-free meal.