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Indian Grill
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Pakistani Indian, Pakistani [Edit]
2258 N Clark StChicago, IL 60686
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
(773) 477-8000
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
Thu-Sun 11:30 am - 3 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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145 reviews for Indian Grill
Review Highlights
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145 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren T.
Chicago, IL
Please note this is a review for take out.
I ordered food for a few friends on a Friday night and we were all really happy with our food and the service. It was really quick, and the food was warm when we got it. (which is not always the case with delivery) We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutter Paneer, some Naan and a few veggie dishes and they all were really good.
Overall I was happy with Indian Grill for take out. I will for sure go back for dine in and see how that is. -
Review from Rishabh A.
Chicago, IL
I would not suggest this place to anyone.
I was there for my Saturday lunch buffet, and everything was crappy about the restaurant. First of all, the service was really bad. The server did not ask us for more naan or anything. She just served us once and that's it.
Also, they did not had any good vegetarian options (Paneer), usually offered in every single Indian restaurant in town.
Their dal makhani tasted like it was from ready to eat packets. Same taste and texture. I am not there for eating a food that's been cooked a long time ago.
Food was cooked in too much oil. I could scoop the oil out of the chicken dish with my spoon.
Their rice was hard to eat, probably cooked a 2-3 days back and they have been using it till it finishes. Highly disappointed at this time. Usually I don't waste the food; but the rice was so bad that I had to leave it.
Also, only 1 appetizer, 1 dessert; usually more in Indian buffets at other places.
I would suggest going to other places near by, on Belmont (Standard India Restaurant). I am not going to this place ever again. -
Review from Daniel C.
Chicago, IL
this is a review of delivery only.
I really enjoy indian grill.
i haven't been inside as i only order delivery via grubhub.
they are incredibly quick
i've tried a few things and they're all good.
it's one of my go-tos when i'm hungry and don't feel like leaving the house because I know it's going to arrive quickly .
the serving size is about medium. -
Review from Michela B.
Chicago, IL
Indian food can be very hit or miss, and this place was GREAT! My friends and I tried a few different dishes and no complaints about anything on the menu, our bill came out to be $11 each...definitely worth a visit.
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Review from Valerie B.
Chicago, IL
Convenient neighborhood spot that has a good weekend buffet. True, it is not as extensive as some but then it is cheaper than most places outside of Devon Avenue.
They always have samosas, rice, a chicken and a lamb curry. There are also two vegi curries, two dals and a dessert that change from buffet to buffet. Tandoori chicken and nan are brought out from the kitchen to the table. You can always request more of either if you wish.
The restaurant is attractively done with indian music playing in the background.
I have had delivery once and it came promptly and was hot. Actually it was lamb saag and was very good. -
Review from Brian F.
Last time I ate here I was not impressed. This time the food was incredible! I loved the Lamb Vindaloo. The meat was incredible tender and the spiciness was perfect. We had samosas and roti and just loved it. I don't know if they changed chefs or if I was just unlucky on my last visit but I will definitely be back!
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Review from Alex F.
Chicago, IL
Extremely disappointing weekend buffet.
From all the reviews here on Yelp, we went in expecting to be blown away and all we left with was one giant meh. For $10.95, they don't really offer much of a selection (six or seven dish choices and then only one for dessert). The atmosphere was limp and we felt almost as if we were part of an assembly line. Meat to curry ratio was totally unacceptable. My first plate had no meat because they had no chicken left in what I wanted. The chicken refill came later, but by then we were most of the way through our lunch. Bummer.
Bottom line: We probably won't be going back. -
Review from Arsalan A.
Chicago, IL
I liked the ambiance and slow indian music playing in the background. I am from pakistan and it gave me the feel that i was looking for in an indian place.
The food was alright, not as spicy as I would like but was tasty. I loved the Samosa Chat, good flavor and had a kick to it. I had shrimp biryani and Daal Makhni, liked both the dishes and would recommend.
The service was very good, i enjoyed the dinner, overall I would go back again. -
Review from Misty L.
Chicago, IL
I ordered the butter chicken here, and I'm pretty sure it was butter pork. Or maybe even butter cat (!!!). The meat consistency was not good and mostly inedible. I did not mess around with it too much.
The garlic naan was phenomenal.
But beware. -
Review from Dick L.
Chicago, IL
If you're craving Indian food, you can't go wrong with Indian Grill. I got the Chicken Tikka Masala and it was done just right, great consistency without being overwhelmingly tomatoey, as lesser Indian joints are prone to do. Get the garlic naan, you won't be disappointed!
But like others said, this place is a bit on the pricey side. -
Review from Olivia P.
Chicago, IL
I had the lunch buffet which I believe is offered only on Saturday and Sunday, and it was delicious and only $10.50. Samosas, vegetable curry, rice, etc. were all great. They brought pieces of chicken tandoori and a basket of naan directly to our table - I liked that some food was brought fresh out of the kitchen even though we ordered a buffet. Our waitress was nice and my water glass never went empty. And my stomach handled the spicy food surprisingly well. I'll be coming back...
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Review from Amanda R.
So yummy! This could become my go to Indian place in Chicago (current go to is Mt. Everest in Evanston, but at this point I really need a good excuse to get up there). The food was great and the menu featured my favorite dishes, which often don't appear together: lamb korma AND chicken or paneer makhani. (Admittedly, while I love Indian food, I'm not the most adventurous :)
I've only been to Indian Grill once for take away, so my comments are limited, but I was very impressed. The paneer comes in huge chunks and is very, very fresh and flavorful. The saag and makhani are also both delicious, with just a hint of spice but a well developed and deep flavor. My favorite part though, was that you could still taste the spinach and tomato in each respective dish, which I find rare even in some of my favorite saags and makhani sauces.
And then there is the naan. I might vote this my new favorite naan! It's not too thick, isn't too charred and has a lot of flavor in it.
Yes, the prices are a tad on the high side. But here's the thing: even with 2 paneer dishes (ie. no filling meat) my husband and I had enough left over for a second meal for each of us. If I compare this to having gone to a buffet (my standard Indian food consumption method), where I would have had a few more dishes but no more overall food in a single meal, it really is a bargain. And, I really can't stress enough how fresh our food was, which made the extra dollar or two totally worth. -
Review from Christina R.
Chicago, IL
This is by far my go-to for Indian food in my 'hood. Flavorful dishes, large portions (I almost always have leftovers for a second, sometimes third meal) and lots of options. Once I try a few dishes at a restaurant and find one I really, really like - I become a creature of habit. The dal makhani is to die for and I order it almost every time I eat here or order delivery. It is so rich, tomatoey and full of flavor... I find it hard to stop myself from dipping and sopping up what's left on the plate with my naan. But that IS the point of naan isn't it?
Sure, it's on the pricey side - but when I figure every time I eat or order from here I get two meals out of one dish, that makes the price not so bad in my eyes. If you're trying to pinch pennies, go with a vegetarian option because they're always much lower in price and they're not skimping on taste by taking away the meat.
Pro tip: order the samosa chat appetizer. I'm a huge fan of anything fried and this app provides the best of all my favorite worlds. Crunchy fried goodness topped with super spicy chutney and a creamy cooling yogurt. Makes those tastebuds very happy. :) -
Review from Victor M.
A bit on the pricey side, but I just can't get enough of their spiced crackers they serve initially.
As always, I tend to over approximate what I am capable of eating. The dishes seem small, but I was wrong... again!
Their buffet on Saturday is one of the best I've been to. -
Review from Jason H.
Chicago, IL
Ok. Of the two Indian places in the immediate vicinity this is the faster, but less-delicious one. And by less-delicious, I mean that the chicken tikka masala was the worst I've ever had.
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Review from Michael C.
Chicago, IL
I'll start by saying that the food here is really good, up and down the menu. It's a pretty typical Indian restaurant inside, including the typical decor, along with the typical level of classiness--white table clothes, nice glasses for water, clean, etc.
But typical is why I wish I could give this 3.5 stars instead of 4. Everything we had was extremely good--I had chicken korma and with was delicious. Nice-sized portions, good rice, good naan, etc. However, in a city with so many options and so many restaurants that strive to stand out, this one seems to want to just be really good at standards. Nothing wrong with that, and if I loved closer, I could see going there often, just for some quick carry out. But with so many other Indian restaurants in town to try, I'm not sure I'll go back soon.
Still, you won't be disappointed if you're seeking traditional Indian fare, not by a long shot. -
Review from Kelz M.
Chicago, IL
First things first - this place has my favourite Indian dish in the world. Chicken Tikka Saag. I think they call it something else but it's spicy chicken and spinach in a sauce over rice and I.LOVE.IT.
Service was fast, food was delicious, and the dining room, though small, wasn't crowded. My only complaint is that there aren't free refills on their soft drinks. What's up with that?? Get with the times, Indian Grill, so I can give you five stars! -
Review from Jelena Z.
After coming off the worst migraine of my life, I was finally ready to eat. I was beat down. Spent. And hungry as hell after eating my last meal 24 hours prior. I turned to GrubHub and started a search that would span almost an hour (hey, when I'm really hungry, I get picky). Finally, I decided on Indian Grill and placed an order for Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan.
Though I was quoted a wait of almost an hour, I received my food less than 45 minutes later. HUGE for the busiest delivery night of the week (you got it, Sunday!). I fixed myself a plate, sunk into my sofa, and began a journey that would encompass 20 minutes of fork to mouth. Was I satiated? Yes. Was I impressed? Definitely. Did I sop up every last bit pf masala sauce with my garlic naan? You betcha!
For about $20 plus tip, this was a lifesaving meal. And now I have a new go-to guy for Indian delivery. -
Review from marco o.
Chicago, IL
Went in with a group of 8. We ordered 7 entrées and some naan and we were set (BYOB, of course). None of our dishes were bad, some were medium, but the rest were really tasty. The price was incredibly reasonable and the wait staff (while a bit quiet) was nice enough.
Parking wasn't too bad, if I lived closer I would certainly eat here more often. -
Review from Francesca R.
Chicago, IL
COUNT YOUR CHANGE!!! I've dined there three times and each time I was short changed. The worst thing about all three times was just a shrug and no apology from the waiter/cashier. The food is so-so, the naan is quite good, all in all 've had better, but it is close to my office, and the weekend lunch buffet is convenient. The second time it happened, I thought it was a coincidence. The third time makes me believe it is intentional. Love to know if anyone else has experienced this.
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Review from Jennifer J.
Chicago, IL
Very good Indian cuisine. I've eaten here a few times with my girlfriends and then most recently with my bf. He really enjoyed it and referred to the vindaloo dish as "the yummy orange colored chicken."
I consistently love the garlic naan here because it has really good flavor. I usually go with my tried-and-true favorites of lamb biryani and the chicken vindaloo. Both are great I just only wish the biryani had come a little spicier last time. I'm a big fan of hot and I'm not talking "American" hot. Next time I will make sure to specify this.
Service is great and our water glasses were always full. I've had the same young man as my waiter a few times and I think he's really friendly and helpful. BYOB is nice too and there's not corkage fee which always makes my day. -
Review from Michael N.
San Antonio, TX
Can you say Tikka Masala?! I was delicious!!!!!!
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Review from Lorie M.
Chicago, IL
I have gone to this restaurant off and on since they opened. The food is delicious. Samosas are great. The Lamb Saag is my favorite. Unfortunately, my friends and I have decided to not go there any longer. It is just too expensive for the little meat that you get in the dishes. There were 6 chunks of lamb in the lamb saag which cost $13.99. Add tax and tip and that is almost $18. The same is true for the other dishes. Just too much for so little.
I tried to send them an email via the website to let them why I would not be returning. I was not "wanting" anything from them other than to let them know why at least one person is not returning. There are so many business/stores that are going out of business and then the storefronts sit empty for years. This is my neighborhood & I want it to thrive. Something was wrong with their website and the comment form would not submit. Tried to email and it bounced back. well... I tried.
Good food... just too expensive for what you don't get -
Review from Son D.
Chicago, IL
Service: A little bit slow considering it was a quiet Thursday night. It took more than 30 mins for our two dishes to arrive. Our waiter also didn't seem to know the items on the menu as he couldn't answer reasonable questions like "what sauce goes with this?"
Food: Just ok. I thought it wasn't Indian (flavorful) enough. I had the chicken vindaloo, which was pretty good, but had a sour/minty taste that I wasn't expecting. We also ordered the tandoori chicken, which was more chicken than tandoori. The samosas were probably the best part of the meal.
And many of the dishes come out steaming so your clothes will smell afterwards. -
Review from Nick G.
Chicago, IL
I've only taken out but every time has been great. They're always ready when they say and the food is perfectly spiced.
I recommend the Aloo Tikki Chat for an appetizer. -
Review from Ayesha S.
Umm, friggin delicious. I was craving some hearty Indian or Thai and this place happened to be near where we were heading for the night. I had the paneer tikka masala and it was tops. My BFF enjoyed the chicken tikka masala which she said was awesome, also.
I'd for sure come back to this place!
Service was a little weird, but the food was too good to really be bothered by the awkwardness. -
Review from Jonny P.
Ram is the greatest, this is one of my favourite restaurants in the old neighborhood & my #1 spot for Indian in Chicago...
Listed in: My Chicago
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Review from Raana A.
While admittedly pricey, I do have to say Indian Grill does serve up some really good food. The dishes I usually order don't seem as heavy or oily as compared to other Indian restaurants.
While I love their food, I rarely eat at the restaurant. In my opinion, although the service is my no means horrible, somehow the ambiance doesn't do much for me and I'd hate to say it, but it doesn't justify paying another 18%.
So why four stars? Because they deliver to my door (can't get that from a Devon restaurant!) for $3. And their Saag Paneer is to die for. And their Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani), Chicken Vindaloo (Spicy), Jalfrezi, Began Bhurta never fail me.
Ordered in last night and the Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer (both came with rice) and two naans set me back about $40, with tip. But I would do it all over again. -
Review from Andrea A.
Chicago, IL
Of all the wonderful places to eat in Chicago, I have to say that Indian Grill is one of my favorites. Dipping naan into their perfectly spiced and creamy chicken tikka masala, washed down with a gulp of mango lassi makes my taste buds smile. The chicken makhani is just as good. I would also recommend the samosas as an appetizer. The wait staff is always very friendly, and they deliver the food on time. This is essential when your stomach is growling, and you don't feel like bearing the Chicago cold.
If you're craving good Indian food, look no further. This place is sure to satisfy. -
Review from Ellie F.
I was so sad to finally eat here my last weekend in Chicago. :( It was such a great find!
The lamb I had was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the spicing was delightful. Everything we had was amazing.
Scratch that - the main courses were amazing. I never really liked those cracker/wafer things they serve at the beginning of the meal.
Service was very polite. -
Review from shannon w.
New York, NY
I heart Indian Grill. To be fair, I've actually only dined in once (and the service was great), but I was a regular delivery customer when I lived in LP 2 years ago, and now have transitioned to a slightly-less regular takeout customer, only because it's sort of far away, not because I love it any less.
I almost always order the same thing - chicken vindaloo, naan, and samosas. I've branched out a couple times and everything has been good, but I have favorites. The chicken vindaloo is perfect - always piping hot, full of juicy chicken and potatoes (not like some other places, where you get 1 tiny chicken nugget and 2 shriveled potato pieces), and I LOVE the spicyness. The samosas are never greasy, always overstuffed with potatoes/peas, and I cannot get enough of that green sauce they pair with it - I could drink a quart of that stuff by itself! Their naan is hands-down the best I've had from any Indian restaurant in the city - pillowy and almost slightly buttery in taste.
My second favorite part about Indian Grill (after the delicious food) is the VALUE. For about $20, I can get enough food to feed me for a week. A WEEK! -
Review from Christian W.
Chicago, IL
Had the lamb vindaloo, and my date had some veggie cheese thing that was just as yum. The naan was very, very soft and delicate. Very delicious!
Good service, not overbearing, friendly waiters. The prices weren't bad, and the left overs ALMOST tasted better the next morning! -
Review from Krsna V.
The service is superb. Food is pretty good. We went there after waiting in line for a long time at Sushi Para II. It is BYOB and I don't think we paid any corkage fee.
Good Indian food if you want a nice dinner and not go all the way to Devon.Listed in: Being "Indian" in Chicago
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Review from Elisabeth N.
Denver, CO
Now, I'm really picky when it comes to Indian food. I grew up not far from Bradford, England, and spent many evenings eating amazing home cooked food from my Pakistani, Indian, and Sri Lankan friends' houses.
I have to say, Indian Grill has been one of the better Indian cuisine experiences I've had in Chicago. While most of the menu is Northern Indian (I'm more partial to South Indian fare), it is well-prepared, and has good flavor. I ordered a vegetable jalfrezi , and asked for it extremely hot (I usually have to tell Indian restaurants to make it "so hot white people won't eat it"). It arrived very spicy. There were huge chunks of spicy peppers in it and it made my nose run (in a good way), but it didn't make me sweat. It had good flavor, plenty of cauliflower (yum!) and it wasn't overly creamy. I had plain rice with it, which was cooked perfectly.
The boyfriend ordered chicken tikka (cooked in a tandoor) and was very moist and flavorful. He had a garlic naan with it, which was fluffy and -super- garlicy (we're both huge fans of garlic, though if you're not that keen on it I'd steer clear- there were big chunks in it). There was also a cilantro chutney with the chicken that was very fresh and delicious.
Delivery was fast (less than thirty minutes) and the food arrived piping hot. The delivery lady was also very nice to boot!
All in all, one of the better North Indian places in Chicago. Now, if I could just find a South Indian or Sri Lankan place that would make me feel like I'm back at home.Listed in: Desi-licious
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Review from Joelen T.
Chicago, IL
Indian cuisine varies from region, including Northern, Southern and Western. Our lunch was primarily dishes of Northern India. North Indian cuisine is distinguished by the higher proportion-wise use of dairy products like milk, paneer (cottage cheese), ghee (clarified butter), and yogurt. Indian Grill's dishes are well cooked, which is exemplified by the non-greasiness of some dishes.
They also use a tandoor, a large and cylindrical coal-fired oven, to cook meats like Chicken Tandoori - which was part of our meal... The chicken is marinated in a yogurt seasoned with garam masala - garlic, ginger, cumin, cayenne pepper, and other spices depending on the recipe. Indian Grill's tandoori chicken is wonderful - the smokiness from being cooked in the coal fired oven comes out, bringing a nice flavor and subtle crispness to the chicken.
Another important feature on North Indian cuisine are flat breads. These come in many different forms such as naan - which was also part of our meal. Naan resembles pita bread and, like pita bread, is usually leavened with yeast. Indian Grill's naan is crusty on the outside, yet soft on the inside.
Indian Grill offers a wonderful buffet of Indian dishes that serves as a great introduction to the cuisine. This is the restaurant I took my husband to after getting him to try indian food again, despite his bad experiences in the past. The verdict? He is now a fan of Indian cuisine and I have to thank Indian Grill for helping him open up to the cuisine's exotic and flavorful dishes.
If you're new to Indian cuisine or even looking for familiar Indian dishes to warm your soul, check out Indian Grill. Their buffet is priced reasonably during lunch and the weekends. The owner is also passionate about the cuisine and is eager to provide an explanation of the dishes, as well as answer any questions you may have.
(photos of some of the dishes mentioned have been added) -
Review from Robin W.
Chicago, IL
I'd love to clear this establishment's name-- despite Katya's warning from Nov 2nd, 2007, the Indian Grill has cleaned up and passed its inspection with "Good Standing!"
Feel free to check out the Chicago Food Inspection systems at:
http://webapps.cityofc...
I ordered pickup for the first time tonight, due to the prices being far more reasonable than any other Indian restaurant around.
The Chicken Tika Masala is fantastic! Each dish comes with too much basmati rice so i'll be eating leftovers tomorrow for sure.
I also tried the Aloo Gobi (cauliflower and potatoes), which was pretty average but that might be because I was tasting it after the excellent masala.
The kheer was great too...not too sweet, tons of vanilla and coconut.
I'm pretty excited that I don't have to pay $18 for an entree. -
Review from Katya C.
Chicago, IL
You may never want to step foot in here, if it ever even opens again. According to the Friday, Nov 2, 2007 edition of RedEye:
"DIRTY DINING
Lincoln Park Indian restaurant closed
An Indian restaurant in Lincoln Park was shut down Thursday after city inspectors found evidence of rats on the premises.
Indian Grill, at 2258 N. Clark St., was cited for inadequate pest control, among other infractions, according to Matt Smith, spokesman for the Department of Streets and Sanitation.
Inspectors found 60 rat droppings in the food preparation area, including on a table where food was stored, and signs that rats had gnawed into a 15-pound bag of basmati rice, Smith said.
"Usually you find mice or bugs," Smith said. "Rats are a sign that things are out of control."
Ram Sharma, manager at Indian Grill, disputes that rat droppings were found inside the restaurant.
"There were some rat droppings outside, but not inside," he said.
Sharma blamed the rat problem on the building's other tenants throwing garbage on top of the restaurant's Dumpster.
Sharma said he hopes to pass a reinspection Friday and reopen immediately."
Sorry to undoubtedly gross you out, but in the interest of public health, I felt I had to share this. -
Review from Audrey T.
Chicago, IL
Perfectly spiced Indian food, and large fluffy naan. This is a not-so-hole-in-the-wall, in a hole-in-the-wall type of way. Table cloths and napkins, it is a fantastic choice for a date, after a day at the beach or nearby zoo. Friendly and courteous staff, and you can even make arrangements for a larger party here.
This might just be the best Indian in this neck of the woods.
Note: Kitchen is only open after 5pm! -
Review from Niki C.
Chicago, IL
Okay, so admittedly, I'm not an Indian food connoisseur. That being said, I am a huge fan of the Paneer Makhani at Indian Grill. Granted, I've only ordered take-out/delivery, but man ... some days I just crave that rice-cheese-creamy goodness.
Oh my good lord, if I could, I'd eat it twice a week. Delicious. -
Review from Shradha A.
Chicago, IL
The place was absolutely empty when I walked in but I fought every instinct possible to take that as a sign of something bad (after all, Yelp gave it 4 stars)!
And am I glad I stood by my decision to try this place out last night - I think they have the BEST samosa chaat I've ever ever eaten! I can't wait to try the other chaats!
The chana masala was really good as well - it wasn't watery like several other places (including Hema's) and the right amount of spiciness (not only hot). The naan too was really good and I could've just eaten naan with chutney!
The veg biryani was the only less than stellar item and mostly because the raita with it was too sweet. Didn't get a chance to try desserts or chai/lassi, but definitely coming back here for more!
The service was friendly and you could see that the 2 people were trying to maintain a balance between being attentive without being pushy and sometimes they didn't perfect the art, but hey, at least they were trying!
Now, by the time we were heading out, there were a couple of other tables starting to see some business, but more importantly, there were several carry-out orders being prepared while we were there!Listed in: Chicago 5-Yelpstars, Desi Khaana (Indian Food)
