Super GemChicago Exclusive Gem$$Sixteen years after that first Lettuce job, he came back to the same restaurant group as a full partner to open Crying Tiger — his first true collaboration with them — alongside Amarit Dulyapaibul, a Lettuce managing partner whose father owned Star of Siam, one of Chicago's earliest Thai restaurants. The restaurant opened October 14, 2025 in the former Hub 51 space, and the name itself comes from a classic Thai grilled beef dish, a clear signal of where the kitchen's loyalties sit even as the menu ranges across all of Southeast Asia — some dishes even nod to Pilsen's Mexican community, a reflection of Dang's own neighborhood.
The dining room matches the ambition: light fixtures inspired by Korean bojagi wrapping cloths, custom gates, handmade chandeliers, and thousands of tiles and serving bowls made by Chicago ceramicist David Kim. Reservations go fast; showing up right at opening and sitting at the bar is the reliable backup plan.
No photos yet — be the first to add one.
Have a photo from a recent visit? — customers and business owners both welcome.
Know about a deal here that's not listed? Add it below — we'll verify and publish it.
to suggest a special.
Chicago