Restaurant

Crying Tiger

Name: Crying Tiger
Address: 51 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, 60654, US
Telephone: (312) 736-0183
Price range: moderate

Contemporary•Chicago•moderate

Crying Tiger is one of the best contemporary restaurants in Chicago for date night, especially if you want a strong option in Chicago.

Crying Tiger is doing something that most Thai-leaning contemporary spots in Chicago refuse to commit to: building a room with genuine emotional range.

Editorial review•Dec 9, 2025

Crying Tiger is doing something that most Thai-leaning contemporary spots in Chicago refuse to commit to: building a room with genuine emotional range. Not a party room, not a white-tablecloth occasion room — something more considered, apparently designed to hold low light and high heat in the same breath. Based on everything the restaurant has put forward — its pacing philosophy, its table spacing, its resistance to the kind of crowded convivial format that swallows conversation — this reads clearly as a place built for two rather than eight. The room is reportedly configured with enough air between tables that a dinner can stay private, which is rarer and more valuable than most people acknowledge when they're choosing where to go. The menu is written for people who want to feel smart about what they're eating without being lectured through it. The Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint is understood to be the kitchen's clearest argument — the combination of shaved allium and mint against the richness of wagyu is a classic nam tok tension, and Crying Tiger's version is consistently cited as the dish that sets the tone. The Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim is known as an opener with real structural intent: the youtiao format adds a fried-dough depth that standard prawn toast doesn't reach, and the herb nam jim is described as sharp and direct rather than sweet. The Clay Pot Lobster Pad Thai is widely regarded as the anchor order — the clay pot format is said to concentrate flavor in a way that a wok finish can't replicate. The Roasted Black Cod in Charred Scallion Tom Yum Broth is reportedly the quieter dish on the menu, and the namesake Crying Tiger steak reads as a statement of intent from a kitchen that knows exactly what it's referencing. Book Thursday or early Friday before the room tips loud. Based on accounts of the space, the middle of the room holds atmosphere better than the rail. Start with the Prawn Toast Youtiao, let the Clay Pot Lobster Pad Thai anchor the table, and treat the Wagyu Nam Tok as the argument the rest of the meal answers.

Sophie Laurent, Food Editor

Methodology•Chicago guides•Editorial team

New openingsdinner date night new

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Taste ID

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Rating (Google) 9.6

1,625 reviews

Chicago

At a glance

The fastest read on whether this place fits tonight.

9.6

Rating

Based on 1625 reviews

Best used for

date night and dinner

Price and pace

moderate

Neighborhood

Chicago · 51 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Price

moderate

Google rating

9.6 from 1,625 reviews

Phone

(312) 736-0183

Photos of Crying Tiger

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Crying Tiger on video

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What to order

Signature dishes at Crying Tiger

Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim

shiitake and vegetable spring roll

Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint

Coconut-Marinated Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Roasted Black Cod in Charred Scallion Tom Yum Broth

Chili Crisp Barbecue Chicken Gai Yang with Grilled Roti

Why go

What makes Crying Tiger worth the move

Crying Tiger is an easy yes when you want somewhere that feels considered rather than fussy. Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim and Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 1,625 Google reviews.

What to know fast

Public rating

9.6 from 1,625 Google reviews

Best used for

date night and dinner

Style

Contemporary in Chicago

Spend

moderate

Best for

New openings dinner date night new

Know before you go

Google rating: 9.6 from 1,625 reviews

Price point: moderate

Popular dishes: Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim, Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint, Coconut-Marinated Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Website linked on this page

TastyPals Reviews

What diners are saying

0 diner reviews · reviewed by Sophie Laurent for Crying Tiger

Google snapshot

9.6 from 1,625 reviews

TastyPals notes

Editorial review by Sophie Laurent

Boka Group has a knack for making a room feel more expensive than it is, and Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna at 531 N Wells St.

Tavern style pizzacasual nighttakeout

2127 reviews

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Website Menu Rate

Plan the visit

Quick details

Book on OpenTable Menu Directions

Address: 51 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Phone: (312) 736-0183
Price: moderate
TastyPals score: Coming soon
Google rating: 9.6 (1,625 reviews)
Cuisine: Contemporary
Neighborhood: Chicago

Frequently asked questions

What cuisine does Crying Tiger serve?

Crying Tiger is a Contemporary restaurant located in Chicago, Chicago. Crying Tiger is doing something that most Thai-leaning contemporary spots in Chicago refuse to commit to: building a room with genuine emotional range.

What is Crying Tiger best for?

Crying Tiger is best for new openings, dinner, date night, new. Crying Tiger is an easy yes when you want somewhere that feels considered rather than fussy. Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim and Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 1,625 Google reviews.

How much does it cost to eat at Crying Tiger?

Crying Tiger is in the moderate price range (moderate). Google rating: 9.6 from 1,625 reviews

What should I order at Crying Tiger?

Start with Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim, Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint, Coconut-Marinated Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Roasted Black Cod in Charred Scallion Tom Yum Broth. These dishes are shown from TastyPals notes or restaurant data on this page.

Is Crying Tiger worth visiting?

Crying Tiger holds a 9.6 Google rating from 1,625 reviews. Crying Tiger is an easy yes when you want somewhere that feels considered rather than fussy. Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim and Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 1,625 Google reviews.

Where is Crying Tiger located?

Crying Tiger is located at 51 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. Directions are available via Google Maps.

Does Crying Tiger take reservations?

Yes, Crying Tiger accepts reservations. You can book a table online through their reservations page.

Is Crying Tiger good for a date night?

Yes — Crying Tiger is tagged for date night dining. Crying Tiger is an easy yes when you want somewhere that feels considered rather than fussy. Prawn Toast Youtiao with Herb Nam Jim and Grilled Wagyu Beef Nam Tok with Shaved Red Onion & Mint also give you a decent sense of the menu. It also holds a 9.6 rating across 1,625 Google reviews.

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