Lilac Tiger, a new South Asian-influenced bar from three experienced Chicago restaurant owners and chefs, is set to debut in Wicker Park, located at 1742 W. Division St.
Wazwan owner Zubair Mohajir will close the casual Indian restaurant soon close to make room for this new concept, which he is pursuing in collaboration between Ty Fujimura, who is responsible for local concepts such as Arami, Ani, and SmallBar, and Kimski chef Won Kim, according to Eater Chicago. Fujimura tells What Now Chicago there is no exact opening date for the concept, but it will debut sometime this summer. Mohajir says Wazwan will look for a new home as the space “wasn’t meant to be an a la carte restaurant,” according to Eater.
When the new bar opens, customers can expect a South Asian-influenced drink program paired with delicious bites that will pay homage to Wazwan, such as the restaurant’s tandoori honey fried chicken sandwich, momos, and a vada-style burger. On top of these classics from the restaurant, Lilac Tiger will also offer new food options inspired by South and Southeast Asia. While the front of the building will undergo a few changes in the next few months, the back, which operates as a fine dining and reservation-only restaurant called The Coach House by Wazwan, will continue operations.
This back-of-the-house restaurant recently obtained a new liquor license, allowing the business to offer cocktail and wine pairings. Another recent change to the restaurant includes new booze-free options, an adjustment made because of the growing sober movement in Chicago. Over in West Town, a new non-alcoholic bar, bottle shop, and community space called In Good Spirits is set to open this summer after months of successful pop-ups.
