Red Light

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.

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!

I did not like Opera so I wasnt expecting very much (they are owned by the same people). But the food was great!!!! They have a large array of things to choose from. Im a vegetarian and was pleased to see a vegetarian menu and the food was really greatThe staff is a little strangeour waiter seemed like he wanted to care but at the end of the day he just didnt he was just very fake and plastic. If you make reservation dont expect them to keep it, I made my RSVP for 8:30 we did not get seated until close to 9:00why bother making reservation if we had to wait anyway? If you are going for food say yes to Red Light if you are looking for good service you would get better service at McDonalds (sad but true).

I thought the restaurant was really cool inside, but I was there for a great culinary experience. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. It was very expensive and the flavors werepretty bland, and flat tasting. The scallops were cooked perfectly, but everything else was lackluster. I went here once, and wouldn't return. I go to Argyle St. for authentic Vietnamese,.

When I first got there I felt like a celebrity! My boyfriend and I were a little rattled at the menu, but the staff was amazing and walked us through everything we needed to know. Trust me, if they recommend something, it is because it is EXCELLENT!