About

Bold Flavors. Vibrant Energy. A New SoCo Staple.

Nestled inside the iconic White Tiger on South Congress, Tigers Den brings a fresh take on Asian-inspired bar food with bold flavors, innovative techniques, and a Texas twist. Founded in 2023, the restaurant blends Chinese, Japanese, and Korean influences into shareable plates designed for casual dining, late-night bites, and pairing with classic drinks.


At the heart of Tigers Den is Chef Al Wilhelm, whose culinary journey spans acclaimed kitchens like Uchi and Sweet Chive. Drawing from his Taiwanese upbringing and global experience, he reimagines classic flavors with a creative edge—whether it’s a smoky Texas flair, unexpected ingredient pairings, or playful industry-inspired creations. With a laid-back, energetic vibe, Tigers Den is a place to gather, indulge, and savor something new.

Milestones

2023

Founded inside White Tiger on South Congress, bringing bold Asian flavors to a vibrant Austin landmark.

2024

Chef Al introduces industry-favorite Crab Rangoon, dumplings, and inventive bar-friendly bites.

2024

Tigers Den expands accessibility with pickup and delivery options for food lovers on the go.

2025

New, limited-time dishes inspired by Chef Al’s creativity and customer favorites debut.

Meet the chef

“Every dish tells a story—sometimes it’s tradition, sometimes it’s a wild idea from a late-night conversation.”

Al Wilhelm

Co-owner & Executive Chef

The creative force behind Tigers Den, Al Wilhelm blends classical training, global inspiration, and brings an inventive spirit to craft dishes that surprise and delight. His passion for Asian cuisine began early, influenced by his Taiwanese grandparents, frequent trips to Asian markets, and a lifelong curiosity for bold flavors.


Before launching Tigers Den, Al honed his skills as a Sushi Chef at Uchi and Sous Chef at Sweet Chive, mastering both precision and innovation in the kitchen. His cooking balances tradition and creativity, whether it’s a Texas-inspired smoky dumpling or a dish born from industry requests, like his fan-favorite Crab Rangoon. Always experimenting, always pushing boundaries—Chef Al brings an energy to Tigers Den that’s as dynamic as the food itself.

Our Values

Rooted in Tradition. Elevated with Creativity.

  • Chef-Driven & Industry-Inspired

    Every dish is crafted with intention—whether it’s a reimagined classic or a late-night industry favorite.

  • Inside an Iconic South Congress Landmark

    Located within White Tiger, Tigers Den blends into the historic, community-driven spirit of SoCo.

  • Designed for Sharing, Sipping & Savoring

    A menu built for gathering, indulging, and discovering new flavors, paired perfectly with drinks and good company.

AUSTIN, TX

EST 2023