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BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar
8.6
Asian fusion destination featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, known for creative Chinese-Japanese crossover dishes and tropical cocktails. The beef rib ramen and General Tso GOOD sandwich draw crowds to this Wrigleyville favorite with serious culinary ambitions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Rib Ramen, General Tso GOOD Sandwich, Spicy Crab Rangoon
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: DDD-featured fusion spot blending Chinese classics with Japanese techniques and tropical vibes
Who should go: Groups seeking Instagram-worthy Asian fusion with cocktails
When to visit: Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-6pm for special bites
What to order: Beef Rib Ramen, Paradise Sushi Cake, Crying Tiger
Insider tip: Try the CBD cocktails and don't skip the taro fries appetizer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is Wrigleyville chaos on game days - plan for paid lots ($20-30) or rideshare. Non-game days offer easier metered street parking within a few blocks.
Dress code: Trendy casual - think date-night jeans with a nice top. You'll fit in dressed up or down, but the crowd leans stylish. Leave the Cubs jersey for the stadium.
Noise level: Energetic and buzzy - conversation flows but you'll lean in during peak hours. The tropical vibe comes with a matching soundtrack.
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without reservation, especially post-DDD fame. Book ahead or arrive before 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, often seated immediately. Happy hour (4-6pm) builds quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options - tofu preparations, vegetable rolls, taro fries, and several appetizers work well. Kitchen is accommodating.
Vegan options: Moderate selection with modifications - specify no fish sauce or butter. Tofu dishes and veggie apps can be adjusted.
Gluten-free options: Possible with guidance - rice-based dishes and some proteins work. Alert server to allergy; soy sauce is prevalent but staff knows alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The tropical cocktails ease conversation, shareable plates create natural interaction, and the trendy-but-not-pretentious vibe hits the sweet spot. Instagram-worthy presentation gives you something to talk about. Book a table - walking in and waiting kills the momentum.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - the DDD exposure created lasting demand. Weekday happy hour is walk-in friendly if you arrive right at 4pm. For Friday/Saturday dinner, reserve 3-5 days out minimum or prepare for a 45+ minute wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for teens than toddlers. The menu has accessible options and staff is welcoming, but the bar-forward energy and trendy crowd make it more of a mature family outing. Great for celebrating with older kids who appreciate adventurous food.
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion that actually delivers - not just Instagram flash. The cocktail program rivals dedicated bars, and dishes like beef rib ramen show real technique. Best in ZIP for group dining where everyone wants shareable plates and drinks.
Skip if: You want authentic regional Chinese or quiet intimate dining. This is a scene - energetic, social, designed for groups. Solo diners or those seeking traditional preparations should look elsewhere.
BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar
8.3
BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar is a full-service Lakeview restaurant where Thai dishes share space with broader pan-Asian plates and a serious cocktail program. It’s a go-to for groups wanting pad Thai, shareable appetizers, and drinks in a lively, design-forward room that’s earned TV and media attention.
Must-Try Dishes:
BITES Pad Thai, Spicy crab rangoon, Crying Tiger beef
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Pan-Asian kitchen and full bar where Thai plates and cocktails headline lively nights out.
Who should go: Groups wanting Thai-friendly menus with strong cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for peak bar energy and full menu.
What to order: BITES Pad Thai, spicy crab rangoon, Crying Tiger beef.
Insider tip: Book ahead for peak hours and ask about gluten-free noodle swaps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking — a mix of metered spots and neighborhood permit zones nearby; it can be tight after 6pm on weekends, so plan a few extra minutes or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests lean a bit dressy for weekend dinners and nights out.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during peak hours — conversation is possible at tables, but the bar area can run loud.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; the bar and high-tops may seat faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open; short delays during peak happy hour cross-over times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several noodles, curries, and appetizers can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adapted if fish sauce and egg are omitted; confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — select curries and rice dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask about sauces and noodle swaps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a fun, energetic first date — the space is stylish with strong cocktails, though the volume can be high if you prefer quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during off-peak hours, but expect a wait on weekend evenings; reservations are recommended for groups or prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and early dinners; later weekend hours skew adult and bar-forward with louder music and crowds.
Best For
Better for: Lively group dinners with cocktails, shareable appetizers, and Thai-leaning favorites in a design-forward setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional Thai restaurant, budget-focused pricing, or strictly purist regional menus.
BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar
8.6
BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar is a lively Clark Street fusion spot where Thai, Japanese, and pan-Asian dishes share space with a serious cocktail list. Gluten-free diners benefit from a dedicated gluten-free menu section and clearly marked items—from fried rice and noodle dishes to small plates—making it one of the most flexible sit-down GF-friendly options near Wrigley.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veggie Fried Rice (GF) with broccoli, shiitake, corn & edamame, Singapore Noodles with fried tofu and gluten-free prep, Taro Fries (GF) with nori aioli and umami ketchup
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-energy Asian fusion restaurant with a clearly labeled gluten-free menu and many modifiable dishes.
Who should go: GF diners wanting cocktails, noodles and shared plates in one place.
When to visit: Evenings before Wrigley crowds peak or late-night pregame sessions.
What to order: Veggie Fried Rice (GF), BITES Pad Thai with GF noodles, taro fries.
Insider tip: Ask for the gluten-free menu and confirm fried items if cross-contact is a concern.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark and nearby side streets; expect difficulty during Cubs games and weekend evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat — conversation is possible but can be raised-voice at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; limited midday crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several small plates, noodle dishes, and curries can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few dishes can be modified; confirm sauces with staff.
Gluten-free options: Strong option — clearly labeled GF items and many modifiable dishes, but confirm cross-contact for fried items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, cocktail-forward setting — the vibe is fun and social rather than quiet and intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or later in the evening, but reservations are recommended for weekends and game days.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — families may be fine earlier in the evening, but the space skews adult, social, and nightlife-oriented later on.
Best For
Better for: Groups, girls’ nights, and mixed-diet parties where gluten-free diners need real menu flexibility without sacrificing cocktails or atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, strictly traditional Asian cooking, or the lowest-risk fully dedicated gluten-free kitchen.