Crying Tiger, Chicago — Eco-Glazed Brick Slips in Victorian Green
We are delighted to showcase one of our most striking international projects to date: the newly opened Crying Tiger in downtown Chicago. This vibrant, design-led restaurant features our Eco-Glazed Brick Slips in Victorian Green, manufactured at our UK base at H&E Smith Ltd 🇬🇧 and expertly shipped to the United States for installation.
A Collaboration With Lettuce Entertain You (LETTUCE.COM)
For this project, we had the pleasure of collaborating with the renowned hospitality group and design team at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (LETTUCE.COM). Known for their innovative restaurant concepts and meticulous eye for interior and exterior detail, Lettuce created a bold visual identity for Crying Tiger—one that seamlessly blends expressive artwork, rich colour, and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Our Victorian Green Eco-Glazed Brick Slips were selected specifically to complement the restaurant’s deep emerald palette and to provide an elegant, handcrafted backdrop to the dramatic tiger mural that defines the exterior façade.
About Crying Tiger
Crying Tiger is a dynamic new restaurant concept bringing Southeast Asian flavour and flair to the heart of Chicago. The menu centres around bold, aromatic dishes inspired by Thai street food, grilled meats, vibrant spices, and shareable plates designed for lively group dining. The name “Crying Tiger” refers to a famous Thai dish, traditionally featuring grilled beef with a fiery dipping sauce.
Inside, the restaurant continues the visual drama established by the exterior—layering textures, colours, and curated lighting to create an engaging, atmospheric dining space. Outside, the striking tiger mural set against the shimmering Victorian Green glazed surface gives Crying Tiger its unmistakable presence on the street corner.
Eco-Glazed Brick Slips for Global Design
Our Eco-Glazed Brick Slips are produced in Stoke-on-Trent using traditional craftsmanship combined with modern ceramic technology. They offer a sustainable alternative to full-body tiles, reducing material use while delivering the same timeless quality and aesthetic versatility.
For Crying Tiger, the Victorian Green glaze was chosen to reflect a sense of heritage craftsmanship while providing a modern, high-gloss finish that pairs beautifully with bold signage and artwork.
Made in the UK · Installed in Chicago 🇬🇧➡️🇺🇸
Every brick slip used for this project was manufactured at our Stoke-on-Trent factory and shipped directly from the UK to Chicago. We’re proud to supply high-quality ceramics to landmark restaurants and retail environments around the world, supporting design teams with bespoke colours, durable finishes, and consistent craftsmanship.
Project Details
Client: Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (LETTUCE.COM)
Project: Crying Tiger, Chicago
Product Supplied: Eco-Glazed Brick Slips — Victorian Green
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Sector: Hospitality / Restaurant Design
Application: Exterior façade feature wall