Red Light
Chicago, IL 60607-2308
Phone: (312) 733-8880
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Halsted Street
- Directions:
- Bus: 8 to Randolph
- Best of Citysearch:
- Pan Asian Food 2007, Pan Asian Food 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-12am, Sat 5:30pm-12am, Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Red Light – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
Like a surreal Asian circus: Glowing red stalactites hang from the ceiling, giant ferns loom over tables, and there's wrought iron everywhere--on railings, chairs, even the curvy windows. A trendy crowd piles up at the bar waiting for a table in the bi-level space, where a bright open kitchen buzzes and a funky staff delivers smart service.
The Food
Spice freaks will love the adventurous pan-Asian menu, which boasts plenty of plates that turn up the heat in a delicious way. Seared ahi tuna gets things started with potent wasabi sauce; noodle salad kissed with spicy peanut sauce is ringed with cool fresh cucumber slices. More delicate palates can opt for pad thai or black tie sesame shrimp with pineapple relish. The most impressive plate is the huge (two pounds-plus), crisp Shanghai-style whole catfish, filleted at table by your server and enough for two people. For dessert, look into Chef Jackie Shen's specialty, a chocolate bag filled with white chocolate mousse.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitAsk for a table in the dark, funky back lounge, where gothic accents and an oversized Seussian lamp make for a surreal, sexy atmosphere.
The ExtrasGuests dining Sunday through Thursday from June 1 to September 30 receive a $50 gift certificate to sister restaurant Marche.
User Reviews for Red Light
04/27/2008 Posted by daffodilps
This place serves the best pan-Asian food in Chicago.They have a good number of vegetarian options (I love the eggplant dumplings.)The atmosphere is great,our waitress was very warm and friendly .Its quite relaxed,no need to dress up.Though everything was marvelous once we sat down,things weren't quite nice until that point. The Valet service is 'Atrocious' .It was pathetic and the guys were pompous,if you dont drive a BMW ,they dont look at you.We waited for ever and ever and had to scream to get noticed. The guy asked us if we are ok to him parking in front and giving us the keys (for $10),parked our car came in and threw the keys on our table.It kind of spoilt the start for us,that and being seated next to the front door on a chillly night.I know someone has to sit there,but still... So...'d def go back (will take a cab this time) without expecting anything until iam at my table.
02/21/2008 Posted by Machiave11i
I've never been to a Pan-Asian restaurant before but I placed an 8:30pm reservation at Red Light (on a Tuesday) after glossing over the reviews. My date and I were instantly seated at a small, intimate table near the door. If you're looking for ambiance this place is a must-- all the chairs, lighting fixtures, etc. have a curved serpentine bend to them and as the name implies, there are red lights EVERYWHERE which coexist along with huge potted plants (fake? I'm not sure...) and large busts of Buddha (I think...). If you need to freshen up or use the restrooms, the individual "water closets" are kind of interesting as well. Our waitress (and the other server guy) were very attentive, constantly checking up and refilling our water glasses (or dusting crumbs off the table) but not often enough that I would consider it an annoyance. Everything was spot-on, the food was great, I had hanger steak with wasabi butter and polished it off with a jaded dragon green tea martini and a chocolate mousse cake for dessert. I have two marginal complaints. The vegetarian spring rolls (an appetizer) I had a hard time consuming (although my date enjoyed them)--I thought they were very bland (however in Red Light's defense, I never eat vegetarian food...) Secondly, sitting near the door we were constantly freezing (I'm not sure if this is because the front door is revolving or not...) but it does get a little drafty...dress warm. Overall I would consider this a triumph. We even stayed a half hour after closing and the staff was incredibly chatty and informative--they didn't seem intent on booting us out the door. Two thumbs up!
Pros: Ambience, service, food, etc.
Cons: None.
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