When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
MISTER TIGER
Why MISTER TIGER is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mister Tiger is a welcoming homestyle Korean restaurant located in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, known for its authentic flavors and family-inspired atmosphere. Founded by siblings Charlie Park and Min Lee along with Lee's husband Brian Lee, the restaurant draws deeply on the rich culinary traditions of their grandmother and mother, who raised them with a passion for Korean cooking. The menu offers homestyle Korean dishes crafted with intuitive techniques passed down through generations, providing a genuine taste of Korean culture wrapped in a modern, inviting setting. With a focus on family and community, Mister Tiger not only serves traditional dishes but also plans to feature Korean liquors and innovative cocktails, creating a complete dining experience. The casual yet spacious environment makes it an excellent gathering spot for friends and coworkers, especially in an area that historically lacked many Korean dining options. Their dosirak (Korean bento box) is a popular choice for lunch crowds, combining rice, protein, salad, and a variety of banchan. With heartfelt hospitality and a unique blend of heritage and contemporary style, Mister Tiger emerges as a great place to connect over comforting food in West Town.
Here's what people think of MISTER TIGER
As of recent, MISTER TIGER holds a 4.8-star rating based on 283 reviews.
Reviewers widely praise Mister Tiger for its authentic and lovingly prepared Korean cuisine, with many highlighting the homestyle recipes that remind them of family meals and traditional flavors. Positive reviews often mention the warm, friendly service provided by the passionate owners and staff, who create an inviting atmosphere that welcomes both Korean food enthusiasts and newcomers. Guests appreciate the contemporary presentation of traditional dishes and commend the variety and quality of flavors, especially noting favorites like the dosirak lunch boxes and the potential for future cocktail offerings featuring Korean spirits. The ambiance, including a spacious interior and a bar area, enhances the dining experience, making it conducive for casual meetups and group dinners. On the other hand, some reviews point out that during the soft opening phase, Mister Tiger was operating as BYOB while awaiting its liquor license, which some found limiting. A few patrons noted that the menu is currently moderate in size as the restaurant continues to refine its offerings. However, these issues are generally viewed as minor and expected growing pains for a new establishment. Overall, the consensus is highly favorable, with guests eager to return once the full beverage program launches. Mister Tiger has quickly gained a loyal local following and is seen as a valuable addition to Chicago’s dining scene, effectively introducing and elevating Korean culinary culture in West Town.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
sue shin
Had such a wonderful evening at Mister Tiger with friends visiting from Korea! We tried quite a few dishes, and every single one was so fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented!!!! And the staff were incredibly warm and even tried speaking a bit of Korean, which made us all smile and feel so welcome. Our friends loved it just as much as we did and kept saying how amazing the food was. If you’re looking for an authentic Korean spot with great vibes, this place is a must!! Definitely coming back to try more next time! 😋
Michelle C.
We had dinner at Mr. Tiger last Monday, and oh my goodness, it was amazing! Best Korean food I’ve had in a long time. I’m from NJ where there are many Korean restaurants, but nothing quite like this place! The food, the plating and presentation, the ambiance.. it’s perfect. We tried the korean friend chicken (kids’ favorite!), glazed baby back ribs (sweet, tangy, tender meat), and uni rice (my favorite). Uni rice is the colorful dish in my picture— this was almost too pretty to eat! For the main dish, we ordered woodae galbi (amazing, especially together with their special dipping sauce), galbi jjim (perfectly seasoned), sweet and spicy fried tofu (great vegetarian dish, not too spicy), and the branzino (soft inside, crispy outside, ugh so good). We also tried all of their dessert.. because we couldn’t pick one, they all sounded delicious! And they were! Yuja tiramisu (cool that they spelled it the Korean way and not ‘yuzu’) was creamy and full of yuja flavor. I also loved their take on the bingsoo— using milk ice cream instead of shaved ice, adding dried strawberries for a nice crunch, really well done. Also, don’t skip out on their unique cocktails! I don’t prefer strong liquor taste, so More Rice Please (nutty, sweet, touch of cinnamon) and Simple Gesture (sweet and refreshing) were perfect for me. All of the dishes were fresh and without any artificial flavoring or MSG. It’s something I pay close attention to, especially when I’m eating out with my kids. This is how a real home-cooked meal should be—fresh, healthy, and packed with natural flavors. Okay, one last comment. My kids loved the neon Tiger sign on the wall! They said this is the Kpop Demon Hunter’s tiger and wanted a picture with it :-)
Ernest Chang
As a person living in NJ/NY area where top rated Korean restaurants are abundant, Chicago is lucky to have finally have a down-to-earth Korean restaurant that can reliably serve flavorful dishes that taste just like mom’s homemade food. From start to finish, we were pleasantly surprised by presentation, innovative flavors ranging from rice wine, traditional Galbi with Yuzu-wasabi sauce, and Bingsu style ice cream. Ambience is perfect for couples, family and friends. Service was excellent from start to finish. I wish there was a restaurant with Mr. Tiger’s caliber in NY/NJ.
Lauren Conner
Hands down, the best Korean food in Chicago. We heard good things about Mister Tiger before dining, but we were absolutely blown away by the flavors, presentation, ambiance and service. The service was professional and attentive without being overbearing(special shoutout to our server Michael). We loved the sweet & spicy Korean fried chicken the spicy pork stir fry and the bulgogi. New favorite restaurant…cannot wait to dine again!
Justine C
We started off with the uni rice which had interesting bits and textures in it. Would recommend getting it with extra uni. The branzino was perfectly done and went well with the ssam accompaniments. The spicy pork was just a little too salty and galbijim a bit too sweet. Our server was great and the overall service was excellent.
How to reach MISTER TIGER
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Website: None
Why MISTER TIGER may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mister Tiger with your friends? Mister Tiger stands out as a perfect spot for gathering with friends or family because it offers more than just a meal—it delivers an experience rooted in warmth, authenticity, and shared comfort. This Korean restaurant in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood feels like a modern home away from home, where every dish reflects recipes and flavors passed down through generations. The atmosphere encourages conviviality, with its simple, inviting décor featuring wooden tables, soft pendant lighting, and a striking neon art piece of a tiger in traditional Korean attire that sets a cozy, culturally rich vibe. Whether you’re savoring the best bibimbap, sharing juicy short ribs wrapped in crisp lettuce, or clinking spoons over a communal bowl of uni rice, Mister Tiger fosters connection and conversation. The reasonable prices and welcoming service—despite some logistical growing pains—make it accessible and appealing for groups who want to relax, explore authentic Korean cuisine, and enjoy a lively dining experience together. This is a place where friends can linger, laugh, and create memories over food that’s heartfelt and homemade in spirit.
What activities can you enjoy at Mister Tiger for group meetups? Mister Tiger is fundamentally a dining destination, but its setup and culinary offerings lend themselves well to socializing in a group setting. The main activity is sharing authentic Korean dishes that arrive family-style, encouraging everyone around the table to taste a variety of flavors from the menu. You can start off with appetizers like house-made pork mandu dumplings paired with sweet and spicy cabbage salad or Eomuk Bokkeum, a flavorful stir-fried fishcake dish. The generous portions of main dishes such as Galbijjim (braised short ribs), La Galbi (marinated beef ribs), and bibimbap provide ample shared plates to pass around and enjoy collaboratively. Pairing these dishes with the bar’s selection of multidimensional, house-crafted cocktails adds an extra layer of entertainment and relaxation, fueling convivial chatter as your party explores the drink menu together. The restaurant’s layout, featuring reasonably spaced tables over two rooms, supports intimate conversation in smaller groups or boisterous fun in larger gatherings. These factors combine to make the dining experience at Mister Tiger not only about food but about bonding over authentic tastes and aromas in a warm, inviting setting.
Why is Mister Tiger perfect for a group meetup? Mister Tiger’s unique appeal for groups lies in its authentic Korean cuisine that breaks the mold of overly commercialized, heavily spiced Korean food and instead offers homestyle cooking that feels familiar and comforting. This authenticity makes the experience accessible even to those new to Korean flavors, while still delighting avid fans with dishes crafted from family recipes. The warm hospitality from the family owners adds a personal touch, making guests feel like part of an extended family gathering rather than just customers. Although some reviewers note occasional service pacing challenges typical of first-time restaurateurs, the overall atmosphere is lively and lively, helping groups feel energized and connected. The neon tiger artwork and cozy, minimalist décor provide interesting visual cues to spark conversation. While the restaurant can be somewhat loud, which means voice volume might need adjusting, the noise contributes to an energetic, unpretentious vibe perfect for celebrations, casual reunions, or any social occasion. Taken together, these factors position Mister Tiger as an inviting venue that welcomes groups looking to share authentic food and meaningful time together.
What should you know about the menu when planning a group visit? The menu at Mister Tiger centers on traditional Korean dishes that are deeply rooted in family history, offering a curated selection of homemade comfort foods rather than trendy, hyper-spiced fare. Expect to find classics like bibimbap, galbijjim, Korean-style short ribs, and unique items such as Korean potato salad and Eomuk Bokkeum. The dumplings (mandu) are made fresh in-house and come with complementary banchan — a variety of side dishes that enhance the meal with textures and flavors, perfect for sharing and trying multiple tastes within a group. This focus on authentic, “Mom-approved” food rather than flashy presentation or extreme spice levels means everyone at the table can find something enjoyable, including those who prefer milder flavors. The menu also reflects a careful balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes, thoughtfully crafted to please a broad palate. Planning a group meal around these dishes encourages communal eating traditions where everyone partakes of multiple dishes, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. The moderately priced menu also allows for generous sampling without breaking the bank.
How is the ambiance of Mister Tiger suited for entertaining a crowd? The ambiance at Mister Tiger combines simplicity with subtle cultural flourishes, creating a relaxed yet distinctive environment ideal for group meetups. The two dining rooms are furnished with bare wooden tables and soft pendant lighting, eschewing ostentation in favor of warmth and approachability. The centerpiece neon tiger art adds a pop of color and cultural identity that visually anchors the space and provides a fun conversation starter for guests. The design supports both casual dinners and lively celebrations without feeling cramped or overly formal. Although some groups might find the acoustics challenging due to a lively but sometimes loud atmosphere, this noise level adds to the restaurant’s energetic feel and encourages friendly banter and laughter. The bar area, adorned with traditional Korean artwork in a modern setting, offers an inviting space for pre-dinner drinks or casual socializing. Collectively, these elements foster a convivial mood that complements and enhances the shared food experience, making Mister Tiger an active, memorable setting for group gatherings.
Why do guests appreciate the service and prices at Mister Tiger? Guests consistently remark on the warm, genuine hospitality of the family-run Mister Tiger, which makes each visit feel personalized and welcoming. The owners and staff bring a friendly, attentive presence that helps groups settle in comfortably and enjoy their meal regardless of size. While there have been some notes about the kitchen being occasionally overwhelmed during busy times, contributing to pacing issues, most diners appreciate the authenticity and homemade quality of the dishes, which offsets minor service hiccups. Pricing at Mister Tiger is often described as reasonable and fair given the quality of ingredients, portion sizes, and the care put into each recipe. This combination of welcoming service and good value means groups are not only satisfied with their culinary experience but also feel encouraged to relax, stay as long as they wish, and enjoy the convivial atmosphere without worrying about costs. This accessibility helps Mister Tiger maintain a loyal and diverse clientele drawn to its genuine Korean dining experience.
What makes Mister Tiger’s food stand out in Chicago’s Korean dining scene? Mister Tiger excels by delivering traditional Korean recipes that avoid the extreme saltiness, sweetness, or spiciness that some urban Korean eateries tend to overdo in pursuit of trendiness. Instead, it offers food that tastes authentically homemade, the kind of cooking that feels nostalgic and comforting, thanks to generations of family culinary knowledge. This dedication to heritage is evident in dishes such as bibimbap—delivered with bold flavor yet balanced seasoning—and the galbijjim, a tender, juicy short rib dish with a perfectly calibrated soy-based sauce. The menu’s focus on classic Korean comfort foods, many crafted from recipes brought to life by the owners’ mother and grandmother, makes it a haven for anyone seeking genuine Korean flavors rather than fusion. The restaurant’s willingness to serve lesser-known Korean delicacies alongside flagship dishes provides a well-rounded experience that stands out in Chicago’s competitive food scene. For groups, this means a chance to explore authentic, diverse Korean cuisine together, deepening the meal’s cultural and sensory appeal.
How does the location and setting of Mister Tiger facilitate group gatherings? Strategically located at 1132 W Grand Ave in Chicago’s West Town, Mister Tiger benefits from a vibrant neighborhood appeal that attracts a diverse mix of locals and visitors. Its accessibility by car and public transit makes it easy for groups coming from different parts of the city to converge. The restaurant fills the space formerly occupied by a popular neighborhood eatery, ensuring it has established visibility and a welcoming footprint. Inside, the seating arrangement over two rooms allows for flexibility in hosting groups of various sizes, with tables spaced to provide some privacy while still encouraging a communal vibe. The friendly, informal setting invites guests to linger and interact, making it ideal for birthday parties, casual reunions, or after-work meetups. The simple yet culturally infused interior design complements the culinary experience, making Mister Tiger not only a dining destination but also a social hub where groups can immerse themselves in a shared Korean dining adventure.
What are the group dining logistics and tips at Mister Tiger? For groups planning to dine at Mister Tiger, it’s advisable to consider the restaurant’s somewhat limited opening hours—Wednesday through Saturday evenings—to ensure availability. Given the restaurant’s popularity and growing reputation, making reservations is recommended, especially for larger parties, to avoid wait times. The family-style menu encourages ordering multiple dishes to be shared around the table, so planning a variety of appetizers and mains ensures everyone can partake in different flavors and textures. Because the restaurant can get lively and sometimes noisy, selecting seating in the quieter room or closer to the bar area might help groups converse more easily. Guests should also be mindful that the restaurant is staffed by relatively new restaurateurs, so patience during peak service times helps maintain a positive experience. With thoughtful planning, groups can enjoy unhurried, delicious meals that showcase the best of authentic Korean cooking in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
How can Mister Tiger enhance your social experience compared to other venues? Mister Tiger stands apart from many other dining establishments by combining authentic, heartfelt cuisine with an atmosphere steeped in cultural warmth and family pride. Unlike venues that prioritize trendy fusion or contemporary over-complexity, Mister Tiger embraces simplicity and tradition, resulting in a dining experience that feels genuine and meaningful. The emphasis on shared dishes and communal eating traditions fosters a natural social bonding rarely achieved in more formal or high-turnover restaurants. Furthermore, the combination of good value, friendly service, and a visually engaging space makes guests feel not just welcomed but genuinely valued, enriching the time spent together. The thoughtful menu and beverage offerings pair excellently with the restaurant’s inviting vibe to create a setting where friends and family can relax, celebrate, and forge memories over dishes that tell a story. For groups seeking a comfortable, culturally rich environment to rally and reconnect, Mister Tiger is an outstanding choice in Chicago’s culinary landscape.