On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

India House

3 star rating
based on 23 reviews

Categories: Indian, Pakistani  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Northwest, Lodo
1514 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 595-0680
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar

23 reviews for India House

Review Highlights   

user photo
"very tasty Chicken Tikka Masala and Rogan Josh(spelling." (in 4 reviews)
user photo
"The Tikka Nawab was awesome, but I'm a nut for Murhkhani." (in 4 reviews)
user photo
"Upbeat decor, and that subtle Indian music in the background makes the vibe…" (in 5 reviews)
loading  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of liz b.

 

2

29

liz b.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
10/4/2009

I recently came here for a joyous reunion dinner with a close friend who shares my affinity for Indian food- a certain restaurant in particular, whose name also happens to be India House, located some 2100 miles east-Northeast. She chose this India House for our dinner strictly by the name, hoping to recreate the tasty meals we've had in the past.

I'm not much of an Indian food snob. I have eaten a great deal of it in my life, and I'm always simply grateful for any chance I get to enjoy some spicy, tasty food.

We got the vegetarian platter as a appetizer, which was not quite as flavorful as I'm used to, which was a disappointment but not a deterrent. I got my usual standby, Vegetable Korma, which was quite bland although I asked for 'hot.' My friend had the Chana Masala, and I would venture to say it was some of the best Chana I've ever had. It was rich without being sickening, and spicy without being too hot. The naan was not stellar, but what are you gonna do?

The ambiance is nice; we went fairly close to closing time so it was not too crowded, although it was a weekend night, so maybe this is an indicator of something.

I don't know if I'll ever go back. Probably not, because the entrees were $13-18. Yikes.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of ilene M.

 

0

1

ilene M.

Chappaqua, NY

2 star rating
10/18/2009

Ate there last night.  The food might have been good (maybe not) but the kitchen could not get its act together.  Food arrived cold, was sent back for reheating, but when the apologetic waitress brought it back it was still tepid at best. The sampling menu is overpriced and disappointing. The lamb saomosas were awful, with Lamb that was dried out into little pebbles that was probably cooked many days ago or re-frozen.
Wait staff was gracious, but this did not make up for poor food quality and being overpriced.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Chip W.

 

4

5

Chip W.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
11/6/2009

Craving for Indian food, and this was walkable from the loft, so...very tasty Chicken Tikka Masala and Rogan Josh(spelling?), but the prices are too expensive for me. I'm from the SF Bay Area, where there are tons of Indian restaurants, so maybe India House is so expensive due to lack of competition? These entrees were pricier than Bay Area Indian restaurants...will most likely be searching for a less expensive place in LoDo/Downtown...

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Susana B.

 

0

8

Susana B.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
7/10/2009

SLooooowwwww service.  IT took them 20 minutes to take our order and then about 30 to bring it out and then 30 minutes to bring our tab.

I've had better Indian food for way cheaper.  Nothing excited- surprised to see so many Indian/Pakistanis didning her but I guess there's not many options in Denver.

Waitress kept dropping things and took forever!  I'll pass.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jason M.

Elite '09

23

38

Jason M.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
2/13/2009

Like most people, I've only been here for the lunch buffet. It's a good deal for the downtown work set when you consider it's clean, comfortable, sits many and you could do much worse for $10 when you work around there. The food is pleasant enough, though I was a bit surprised by how small the buffet options where Didn't the sign say 20 items? Each salad item counts as an item! Really! I was hoping for somosas  (a lot) and there weren't any.  Everything else though was fairly authentic (someone is going to argue with me, but I denote authentic Indian food when most of the food is more or less bland until you use your chutney, yogurt and other sauces).

The tandoori chicken is the exception to that rule and was really exceptional. Ittypically gets me back for a guilt-ridden second trip. Well that and the still failed search for the little lamb meatball thingys. I keep seeing them on peoples plates and then I can't find them at the buffet. What gives!

*I have looked at the late-night menu and it looks good on paper and yes it also looks pricey. Still it's comparable to my preferred taste of India spots so its hard to make a big deal out of that.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kalina P.

 

2

2

Kalina P.

Denver, CO

1 star rating
5/25/2009

I thank my lucky stars that I did not have to pay for this meal because I had a certificate! I have been wanting to try this place for a long time and now that I have, I think I will not return, EVER!!! I realize that some restaurants are not really meant for kids but considering that me and my family and friends were one of three tables they were serving, I would say it was allowed this day! I took my two children, and a friend and her two children to eat tonight and it was sad on how poorly everything was.

First, we sat down and they never even bothered to count the correct amount of table settings and bring us additional silverware and/or napkins. The waiters acted as if we were a bother more than anything. We ordered, which took forever, got our food and then we were not checked on for at least 10-15 minutes after. We asked for a second beverage which was just a coke and all 3 things we requested were out of order.

Another table next to us received some sort of hot towel before their meal and we were not even asked if we wanted this. I only say that because all paying customers should be treated the same way!

When I asked to order something to go, I received it but short of the sides of rice they came with, when I asked the waiter why the dishes I ordered to go did not have the same rice we were served at dinner, he said OH! I thought you did not want the rice, just the entree itself. Really? Why would someone pay $18 and not want the complete meal.

Food was average, and a bit pricy for what you get. I never mind paying the price for an awesome meal but when  you feel like they dont like you because of your children and then you get bad service it kind of puts a kink in your neck, right!!!

Never going back.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Andreas H.

Elite '09

77

342

Andreas H.

New York, NY

3 star rating
1/31/2009

My only experience at this restaurant was for a recent lunch.  The place was dead, but I was surprised by the design and atmosphere inside.  Tucked in the back was a small buffet that had your traditional Indian items.

The Great:  The daal was superb, as were the fried vegetable balls and the chicken in curry.  Nice table setting and the interior of the restaurant was spotless and comfortable.

The Fair:  Some of the items were very greasy and that flavor dominated what would have been something more tasty.  The price (about $15 with a tip and a drink) is a bit much for a "quick lunch".

The Horrid:  The only person at the front end of the house had his ear glued to his cell phone the entire time.  Seemed to care very little about anyone in the restaurant.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Raj R.

 

4

25

Raj R.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
1/17/2009

First off - my review is for the lunch buffet.
I have been to most of the Indian restaurants in Denver, and I must  say that the India House buffet was the best of the lot. The food was tasty and not greasy or creamy. It was almost like having food at a restaurant in India.
I was impressed that they had a real tandoori oven in the restaurant. Which means that the tandoori chicken that you are getting - is as authentic as it gets. If you get a chance - try and peer through the kitchen's window - and you might see whole chickens skewered on great big iron rods, freshly cooked and out of the oven. Seeing it made me remember the road-side restaurants of New Delhi.

Having said that, the India House buffet probably has the smallest selection of all the other Indian restaurants. They dont have any Indian starters (like pakoras or samosas) and they dont have the standard Indian dessert - kheer. (I dont care much for the gulab jamuns - which my friend has christened doughnut balls and the carrot sweet wasnt great either).

The selection of entrees was good. And the naans were great. And like I said before the tandoori chicken was wonderful and had a real smokey flavour to them.

At $9.95 - the price is great and the food is good. I would go here again.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jenn S.

 

55

156

Jenn S.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
9/17/2008

Okay the main reason why I gave India house four stars is because they send out a birthday coupon for $25 off of bills that are $60 or over. Completely ridiculous, but completely awesome at the same time! On any other occasion, I'm way too broke as a joke to dine here.

I read some of the other reviews, but I thought the food was flavorful and delicious! The have this combo entree called "Veg Thali" that came with a nicely sized sample of three vegetarian dishes (Saag Paneer, Channa Masala and Navrattan Korma), dal, rice, Samosa, raita and roti. I love love love variety and ordering that entree was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Plus I had enough for leftovers.

Along with the price, the service was pretty sub-par and don't go there expecting to drink well alcohol. This ain't your college watering hole. It's pretty classy and they have this great great patio where you can dine and watch all the people walking by (which almost makes you feel like you're in NY's Soho district).

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Ellen N.

 

0

3

Ellen N.

Denver, CO

1 star rating
7/31/2009

Just had the lunch buffet with a friend; we both thought it was terrible.  We both said later that when we first walked up to the buffet, we both thought about turning around and leaving.  The presentation was poor and the food was bad.  The sag paneer had no cheese and tasted like cream spinach.  And they were out of naan.  At least it was cheap.  Go to Marrakesh a few doors down for good, inexpensive lunch buffet.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Holly W.

 

27

12

Holly W.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
2/19/2008

India House was the first of a series of surprises my man set up. Surprise, we're dining with good friends. Surprise, we're eating Indian food. Surprise, we have early dinner reservations, because after we're going to a show at the Buell.

Though I'm always open for a well planned surprise, I relaxed into it when he let me know he'd called ahead to ask about a gluten-free menu, and was assured India House not only understood gluten free, but had plenty of dishes for me, the Not-A-Gluten-Eater.

Oh. Good. What a wonderful surprise! I ignored the price, $19.00 for dinner, and ordered the Lamb Saag. Though I expected a bigger portion for the price, there was no way I could finish what I'd been given, which was a terrible shame. This saag was filled with more spices and lamb than expected. Its color was thick and dark, perhaps it had less dairy, and left me wondering if all the other saag I'd eaten in my life was of a lower class.

We weren't celebrating anything in particular, maybe a late Valentine's, or a chance to enjoy the company of friends. As we left my man turned to me and whispered, "Happy Anniversary" and though I flipped through the calendar in my head, I couldn't fit this day to any date in our past. Whether this night marks historical importance, or starts a new anniversary, I'm glad my series of surprises started with intense flavor, good service, wonderful company, and him sitting by the drafty window seat.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of john W.

 

12

41

john W.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
9/6/2008

The Tikka Nawab was awesome, but I'm a nut for Murhkhani. The Shrimp Vindaloo had just the right amount  of kick, though not much in the flavor department.

The Samosa were incredible.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Dave H.

 

3

42

Dave H.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
8/6/2007

It's not fast or cheap. I've never been for lunch so maybe things operate faster during daylight.

All the Indian staples are here: the vindaloos, tandorri everything and mango lassis. Upbeat decor, and that subtle Indian music in the background makes the vibe relaxing and fun.

Bathrooms are spotless and bright. Hygiene is a big deal when you ride a bus downtown, and you can't scrub RTD cooties off fast enough.

The upstairs bar is chronically deserted which is a shame; maneuvering those stairs after a few liters of gin could be exciting.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Lori M.

Elite '09

130

389

Lori M.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
2/26/2007

This LoDo temple of Indian heat, smoke, and spice achieves remarkable new depths thanks to a romantic, streamlined decor and spirited menu that gratifies beyond the ubiquitous chicken tikka masala.

True, it's on the menu to appease stubborn loyalists, but other dishes, such as dal tarka (black, urad lentils laced with cream), bhindi masala (okra cooked with dried mango and caramelized onions), and sultan-a-gosht (tandoori-roasted leg of lamb), are fit for royalty.

A great wine list, too.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jessica H.

Elite '09

404

369

Jessica H.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
10/22/2007

I went by for the buffet lunch and was happy to see a clean and airy, bright restaurant, as opposed to my usual Little India, which is a little darker and dated in decor. The manager was very very helpful in showing me the very few gluten filled items to avoid, which is why I love Indian so much. IT's great if you are avoiding gluten. However, I have to say it lacked the spices and flavors that I am used to getting from Little India, so I took away a couple of stars. Perhaps I need to order off the menu rather than the Buffet. Buffets are never hot enough (temp wise) for me anyways. I do, however, truly love Indian Food.
Update: I went back , earlier, and the food was hot, flavorful and yummy. I want to marry Indian food.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jessica E.

 

19

55

Jessica E.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
1/18/2009

I think all the Indian food I have had so far in Denver is quite good but why so expensive? There is no hole in the wall Indian place???

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Amanda W.

 

23

202

Amanda W.

Boulder, CO

5 star rating
3/16/2007 1 photo

I cried the last time I went to this restaurant. That's a good thing.

I've forgotten the name of my dish but it was so hot and spicy that it made me cry, and yet it was SO delicious that I couldn't help but to continue eating. They make martinis with a punch, so if you prefer one on the sweeter side, better speak up.

Oh, and my hubby, who does not at all enjoy crying over good spicy food, enoyed his dish (korma?) a lot, it was sweet and flavorful. Very yummy for you wimps.  =) half-kidding!

The decor was dark and sumptuous with a tiny patio out front for you sun lovers. It does face west though so bring a good pair of sunnies if you plan to have dinner on the patio.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Craig R.

 

0

9

Craig R.

Colorado Springs, CO

5 star rating
2/21/2009

The food is 5-star, price and service is 2-3 star.

You've always got to watch out for superlatives on yelp, but this is the best indian food we have found in the USA (and we live in Los Angeles and lived in San Francisco). The service is very uneven but never great but the food is epic. Location is great. Prices are high but worth it.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Marie G.

 

24

53

Marie G.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
2/3/2008

If you love Indian food or have never had it before, you don't want to miss out on this excellent establishment I recently discovered in the heart of LoDo. This is the perfect place to kick off your night, with great food and drinks in a wonderful setting.  In fact, I recommend you go at night as opposed for the lunch buffet, which is less than impressive.  But the dishes offered for dinner are amazing.  The decor is really classy and contemporary and the restaurant does not look like the regular Indian place with drapes, sculptures & Indian nick-nacks. The ambience is that of a contemporary & cool dining destination that happens to serve Indian food. But most importantly, the food is great and the service is friendly too

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Emily H.

 

1

16

Emily H.

Denver, CO

1 star rating
7/29/2008

India House serves entirely flavorless and overpriced slop.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Nicole W.

Elite '09

56

217

Nicole W.

Denver, CO

3 star rating
9/5/2008

Definitely fabulous food! We started with the vegetable somosa. Great flavor. For dinner we chose TIKKA NAWAB and shrimp vindaloo for the main dish. We went with the plain nan, definitely get the garlic! Hubby ended with gulab jamun. He enjoyed it quite a bit, not the sweetest he's ever had but definitely yummy! Unfortunately the service was sub par. They appeared to be understaffed and over seated. Even with the back room up stairs no used. Our waiter was moving tables, seating people, running food, and eventually checking in on us! Luckily i love spending time chatting with my husband, but it was still a pretty long dinner!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jason W.

 

6

174

Jason W.

Denver, CO

1 star rating
1/27/2009

the worst indian restaurant in denver.  bad everything.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Anon Y.

 

0

43

Anon Y.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
6/12/2008

Let me make myself very clear; this place is a piece of crap when you compare the quality of their food, taste & prices with other Indian restaurants I have eaten at across the nation. $18.00 for a chicken dish?? You've got to be kidding me......San Francisco has better Indian food for a lot less....that should surprise the most hardened of fans. Let me also say that the folks at India House are very stingy with their meat portions. Every chicken dish I have ever eaten there has more & more sauce and less and less chicken...it's tragic to be quite frank. Those of you who swear by this place, you need to venture out a bit....there are hundreds of better places out there. I promise to never go back to India House the next time I am in town

Was this review …?

 

1 to 23 of 23  
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

People Viewed This After Searching For...