Wicker Park's Modern Pan-Asian
Mott Street on Ashland Avenue is Edward Kim's Wicker Park pan-Asian — a careful integration of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese influences into a single coherent kitchen voice. The room has been one of the neighbourhood's most-loved spots for over a decade.
The cooking is contemporary Asian fusion done at restaurant standards: Korean-influenced bao, Japanese-leaning sushi-style preparations, considered noodle dishes, and the broader Asian small-plate tradition handled with discipline.
What to Order
Crab fried rice — Mott Street's signature, served in a hot stone bowl. Bao in their seasonal preparations; noodle bowls. The cocktail programme is Asian-spirit-forward and rewards a confident order.
The Format
The dining room is comfortable and busy. The bar handles walk-ins; the dining room takes reservations. Wicker Park's residential context handles a post-dinner walk.
Best Occasion: First Date
Mott Street is a quiet Wicker Park first-date win. The cuisine provides natural conversation; the room is intimate without being intimidating; the price point allows a return visit.