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Crying Tiger
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Crying Tiger
8.8
Led by James Beard finalist Thai Dang, Crying Tiger brings a high-design River North room and a menu of khao soi, lobster pad Thai, and charcoal-grilled meats that lean into bold Southeast Asian flavors. It’s already one of the toughest reservations in the neighborhood, used for date nights and small-group dinners where guests want serious cocktails and layered heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Pad Thai in Clay Pot, Khao Soi with Roti, Prawn Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A 2025-opened, design-forward Southeast Asian spot from chef Thai Dang with lobster pad Thai and khao soi leading the menu.
Who should go: Date-night couples and small groups chasing buzzy Southeast Asian flavors.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings; weekdays for reservations, weekends for full energy.
What to order: Lobster Pad Thai in clay pot, khao soi with roti, prawn toast.
Insider tip: Set calendar reminders for when reservations release about a month out; bar seats sometimes open up day-of for flexible diners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; closest option is nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking — expect difficulty during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; polished denim is fine, but most guests trend fashionable.
Noise level: Lively and energetic; conversation is possible at smaller tables but bar area can run loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar and counter seats may open up closer to 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused restaurant; early weekday evenings typically have the shortest waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward curries, noodles, and small plates can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be adapted, but sauces and pastes may contain fish products; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-leaning options; modifications are possible, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the design-forward space, strong cocktails, and shareable plates make it a high-impact first-date setting, especially for guests who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — bar and late-evening tables sometimes release day-of, but prime weekend times are usually booked; flexibility and smaller parties have better odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it skews adult, cocktail-driven, and busy during peak hours; older teens may be fine, but it’s not ideal for young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Design-driven ambience, layered spice profiles, and statement dishes like khao soi and lobster pad Thai that feel celebratory and occasion-worthy.
Skip if: You prefer very quiet dining rooms, mild flavors, or last-minute walk-ins — a more casual Thai spot will be easier and better suited.
Crying Tiger
8.0
Crying Tiger turns the former Hub 51 space into a dark-green, high-design room for modern Southeast Asian cooking and a cocktail program built for nights out. The menu runs from sugarcane beef and crab fried rice to big-format curries, with a dramatic signature dessert that shows up all over social feeds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clay Pot Lobster Pad Thai, Wagyu Short Rib Khao Soi, Crying Tiger dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A new-school Southeast Asian spot where striking design, shareable plates, and one over-the-top dessert make it feel tucked away from the typical River North bar run.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting a buzzy, design-driven Thai-leaning dinner.
When to visit: Prime weekend seatings for full energy or late slots for a looser vibe.
What to order: Clay Pot Lobster Pad Thai, Wagyu Short Rib Khao Soi, Crying Tiger dessert.
Insider tip: Book bar seats if table reservations are scarce—the full menu is available and the room’s lighting/energy often feel better from the bar rail.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking; expect congestion on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; jeans are fine if paired with dressier tops or shoes.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy — conversation is possible at smaller tables, tougher during peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on group size and time of night.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait; some sections may be closed outside dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several small plates and noodle/rice dishes can be made or are available vegetarian — ask your server for guidance.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes may be modifiable, but sauces often contain fish sauce or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some options available and staff can flag safer picks, though there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the moody design, cocktails, and shared-plates format create a fun, slightly dramatic first-date setting, especially at the bar or a two-top.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are more feasible at the bar or later in the evening, but prime weekend times book up quickly. Join the waitlist early if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the room skews loud, late, and cocktail-forward; better suited to adults or teens comfortable with adventurous flavors.
Best For
Better for: Design-driven nights out, cocktails, and shareable Southeast Asian plates with a social, buzzy atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, strictly traditional Thai flavors, or extensive vegan/gluten-free flexibility.