Coach House by Zubair Mohajir
South Asian restaurant · Wicker Park
1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Highlights
South Asian tasting menu from James Beard-nominated chef
South Asian tasting menu from James Beard-nominated chef
"This new 25-seat tasting-menu spot, which, yes, is in a 100-year-old coach house, is hidden in the courtyard behind Lilac Tiger. The Coach House serves an incredible $160 seven-course meal with dishes like momos filled with crab kulambu in a spicy black garlic sauce, chewy fara dumplings swimming in clarified beet butter, and chettinad fish topped with eggplant and crispy shallots. Every dish has a story (like that the duck numidian was inspired by a cookbook titled Recipes From Medieval Islam), or that the fara is an homage to the chef’s street-food-loving uncle. And while this place is expensive, it feels relaxed. It’s casual and you’ll be eating to a chill playlist filled with South Asian pop and hip hop." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor
"You'll find this small tasting menu spot hidden in the courtyard behind Lilac Tiger. The Coach House is from the same team, and serves a wonderful $135 seven-course meal with dishes like momos filled with crab kulambu in a spicy black garlic sauce, chewy fara dumplings swimming in clarified beet butter, and chettinad fish topped with eggplant and crispy shallots. Every dish has a story (like that the duck numidian was inspired from a cookbook titled “Recipes From Medieval Islam” the chef read during quarantine), or that the fara is an homage to the chef’s street-food-loving uncle. And while this place is expensive, it still feels relaxed. It’s casual with an optional wine pairing, and has a playlist filled with South Asian pop and hip hop. It’s only open Thursdays through Saturdays (but the schedule changes regularly), so you will need to book in advance." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen
"Two courses into our meal at The Coach House and we were already scheming to book our next ticket. The Coach House (which, yes, is in a 100-year-old coach house) is a 25-seat tasting-menu spot in Wicker Park that serves an incredible $150, eight-course South Asian meal. This means dishes like momos stuffed with crab kulambu in a spicy black garlic sauce, and chewy fara dumplings swimming in clarified beet butter. Every dish has a story that the server will share along the way (the duck numidian was inspired from a cookbook titled “Recipes From Medieval Islam,” for instance). And while this place is expensive, it’s also BYOB, so the only surprise when you get the bill is that there’s no surprise. Cause you already paid." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Reboots are cliched in the restaurant world, but Lilac Tiger in Wicker Park isn’t a reboot, it represents a rebirth. The front was the casual space where Zubair Mohaijir found a home for his wandering pop-up Wazwan which specialized in sandwiches and Desi American food (South Asian burgers, fried chicken sandwiches). Mohajir bought his investors out, secured a liquor license, and partnered with a few new folks to relaunch the space as a casual restaurant with mean cocktails. The food is a melange of South Indian Muslim food, something that doesn’t get much recognition in America. You’ll find wonderful bar bites like beef nihari momos, chicken nuggets, and spicy burgers. Take special note of the Chettinad Masala, which comes with a choice of chicken, mushroom, or paneer. The mushroom version is the best rice dish in Chicago — a comforting mouthful of perfectly spiced masala, tender mushroom, and basmati rice. The back area is home to the Coach House, Mohajir’s reservation-only tasting menu restaurant where he shows off his large ambition, whether that’s ancient duck recipes or melding Mexican and Indian flavors. Mohaijir is part of the latest cohort on Top Chef. Vibe check: The Coach House’s ever-changing menus are a must for serial fine diners." - Ashok Selvam
"Founded by Chef Zubair Mohajir, this restaurant offers complex flavors from South and Southeast Asia." - Michael He
