Mott Street - Review - Wicker Park - Chicago - The Infatuation

"We've been to Mott Street several times, and it keeps getting better and better. The menu Korean street food at its core, but with Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and even Mexican flavors in the mix. What does that look like? Dishes like General Tso’s lamb sweetbreads and a kimchi-stuffed cabbage with pork butt and sticky rice that’s better than any Eastern European grandmother makes. Sorry, grandma. And their burger is one of the city's best. A majority of the seating in the narrow dining room is communal, and everything is meant to be shared. And it’s a lively place where the price point falls somewhere just above casual. These factors make Mott Street ideal for a date, gathering with friends, or Sunday brunch. Keep this place in mind when it’s nice outside, because the covered patio is excellent. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE CARDMEMBER BENEFITS FOR Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits. SEE EXCLUSIVE TIMESAPPLY NOW Food Rundown Crispy Tofu We only ordered this crispy tofu the first time because we felt like we needed one more dish, and everything else we had coming was really heavy. But as it turns out, this is really good. Think agedashi tofu if you’re familiar with that - which is a tofu lightly fried in a ponzu sauce. This version comes with some vegetables and a ponzu and sherry vinaigrette sauce, which makes it a nice ligther dish to have on the table. Brussels Sprouts We’re not normally quick to jump on the brussels sprouts train, but our waiter convinced us, and we’re glad he did. They’re wok fried with lamb pancetta and maple brown butter, and the little bit of sweetness makes them a standout. Boat Noodles The must-order item on the menu. It’s really a noodle soup, with beef shank broth, chicken, and pickled serrano peppers, and it’s excellent. Everything Wings But the wings are pretty damn good too. Crispy chicken wings in a soy, sesame, and chili sauce. Burger Everybody at Mott Street has it on their table, and for good reason. This burger is an excellent balance of sweet and spicy, with hoisin mayo, pickled jalapeños, and a brioche bun. Just know that it's only available at the bar after 7pm—and that yes, you should get it with the egg. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Kimchi Fried Rice Simple, but good, particularly for brunch. A good-sized bowl of fried rice with some kimchi and an egg on top. Make some yolk porn and get on with your bad self. Stuffed Cabbage The most surprising dish on the menu in the best kind of way. Kimchi is stuffed with pork butt and sticky rice and then pan seared. More of an entree size and great for sharing. Bowl of Awesome You kind of have to order anything called a Bowl of Awesome. And luckily, it lives up to its promise, and is something you should strongly consider ordering at brunch. It’s a light yogurt dish with raw honey, bee pollen, and some other plants that look pretty and taste great all mixed together. Black Bean Shrimp & Grits If you’re not trying to keep it healthy, go for the more decadent shrimp and grits. Cheese grits, shrimp, andouille, and pickled onions are covered in a bit of a black bean sauce. A quality Chinese x Southern combo." - Sam Faye