Crying Tiger

Crying Tiger is a distinctive Southeast Asian restaurant located in Chicago's River North neighborhood at 51 West Hubbard Street. This culinary venture is a collaboration between acclaimed Chef Thai Dang, known for his innovative work at HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a leading hospitality group based in Chicago.

The restaurant showcases a rich fusion of flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and other regions in Southeast Asia. Crying Tiger offers signature dishes such as a grilled, marinated rib-eye steak paired with sticky rice and a special chili tamarind sauce, alongside crispy pork belly accompanied by nước chấm and grilled sticky rice. Complementing the food is an inventive beverage program led by Kevin Beary, featuring unique cocktails like coconut fat-washed sbagliato, salted plum tequila soda, and spiced Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed coconut milk.

When Was Crying Tiger Established?

Founded: 2025
Founders: Chef Thai Dang and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Industry: Hospitality / Restaurant / Southeast Asian Cuisine
Location: 51 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL
Employee Count: Part of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ extensive team

Crying Tiger’s Mission Statement

"To celebrate the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia through innovative dishes and exceptional hospitality that reflects the culture and flavor of the region."

What Is Crying Tiger Known For?

Crying Tiger stands out as a leader in Southeast Asian cuisine in Chicago, offering an authentic yet inventive dining experience that highlights regional dishes rarely seen in the city’s restaurant scene.

Regional Southeast Asian Fusion Cuisine

The restaurant’s menu skillfully blends culinary influences from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and beyond, delivering bold, balanced flavors that respect tradition while embracing modern creativity.

Signature Dishes

Popular offerings like the grilled, marinated rib-eye steak with sticky rice and chili tamarind sauce, as well as the crispy pork belly served with nước chấm and grilled sticky rice, showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality.

Innovative Beverage Program

Created by mixologist Kevin Beary, the beverage menu features inventive cocktails such as the coconut fat-washed sbagliato and salted plum tequila soda, alongside a unique take on Vietnamese iced coffee, integrating local and regional flavors in creative ways.

Where Is Crying Tiger Located?

Crying Tiger is centrally located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood at 51 West Hubbard Street, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors seeking exceptional Southeast Asian dining.

Though primarily Chicago-based, Crying Tiger’s affiliation with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises links it to a broader network of restaurants and hospitality venues across the United States.

Presence in Major Cities

While Crying Tiger itself is located in Chicago, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises operates numerous establishments nationwide, including hubs in cities such as Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and New York, reflecting a broad industry influence.

Who Owns Crying Tiger?

Crying Tiger is owned and operated by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc., an established hospitality group headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. This parent company is well known for managing a diverse portfolio of restaurants and dining concepts throughout the United States.

Is Crying Tiger Currently Hiring?

You can check out the open positions that Crying Tiger has right here on OysterLink.