Seemor
Big Bear Sushi & ThaiA-Worth Trying
3334 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
· Sushi restaurant, Asian restaurant, Delivery Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (234 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative sushi with solid Thai staples in a friendly BYOB neighborhood spot; great presentation and value with occasional inconsistency on Thai curries and small service hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Big Bear Sushi & Thai delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness, though occasional consistency dips in Thai curries and modest ambiance appeal prevent higher placement. The restaurant excels as a neighborhood favorite with creative sushi presentation, warm hospitality, and strong value—competitive with the area's better local establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and welcoming, with friendly servers who keep the night humming without fuss. Plates arrive like little mosaics, and one diner gushed that the roll was "as pretty as it was tasty." It is a true neighborhood hang, BYOB and relaxed, where conversation flows as easily as the service. The cooking blends vibrant Thai comfort with creative sushi and eye-catching sauce art. Expect reliable hits like pad see ew and fried rice alongside specialty rolls that double as table-side theater. This is contemporary, produce-driven fusion rather than high-wire gastronomy, tuned for flavor and fun over formality. For families, it works well. There is no specific kids menu, but options like chicken teriyaki, fried rice, mild pad thai, and simple maki keep younger diners happy. Portions are friendly, prices are reasonable for the area, and the casual vibe makes it easy with kids.
At a Glance
- Eye-catching sushi presentation with creative sauce art
- Warm, attentive service and neighborhood-friendly vibe
- Good value with lunch specials and generous portions
- Thai curries occasionally reported as thin or bland
- Minor operational hiccups (soy sauce counts, online ordering failures)
What Sets It Apart
- BYOB with nearby liquor store
- Artistic sushi plating with sauce art
- Dual Japanese-Thai menu
What People Love
- Plates that look like art but taste comforting
- Friendly servers who remember details
- Reliable pad see ew and fried rice
- BYOB ease with offered wine chillers
Points of Concern
- Occasional watery or mild curries reported by a minority of diners
- Rare packaging mistake warmed sushi during transport; management addressed it
- Online ordering failures via Toast noted by a few guests
- One-off complaints of fishiness on a roll; not a repeated theme
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a meal: Edamame ($5.50) + Pad See Ew ($12.95) + one specialty roll (market price) for balance and value
- For lighter fare, share Seaweed Salad ($5.90) and a curry with rice ($12.95-13.95)
Perfect For
- Casual date night with BYOB wine
- Weeknight sushi cravings
- Mixed groups wanting Thai and sushi
- Neighborhood family dinner
Location Insights
Area: Residential-leaning stretch with growing dining options; casual neighborhood traffic and BYOB-friendly crowd.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic along Milwaukee Ave; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Kilbourn Park/Old Irving; mixed small businesses, liquor store nearby helpful for BYOB.
Irving ParkIrving Park is a primarily residential neighborhood with a mix of older homes and newer developments. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring a variety of ethnic eateries, casual dining spots, and local favorites reflecting the area's diverse population. The atmosphere is community-oriented and accessible, with a focus on affordable and authentic cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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