I have very mixed feelings about Gaylord - but I suppose it was worth a try. The Good: Gobhi Manchurian was excellent, although I suppose it's not hard to mess it up the dish really was delicious. We went on a sunday night and they were had live piano music playing along with a very attentive wait staff so overall the dining experience was very pleasant. They offer a free 'salad bar' with a variety of vegetables, chips, sauces and chutneys which overall was kind of sad in taste and presentation - but free is free. The bad: We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala despite my better judgement, and even though there are many reviews saying it's delicious on yelp I really have to wonder. The chicken itself was overcooked into oblivion - borderline inedible. The sauce was merely decent. Prices were also more than I would like to pay, especially when you can get better tasting food for less than half the price on Devon. But I suppose you're paying for service & location here. Overall it's worth a try, I may go again, but willing to bet this is just an inconsistent restaurant.
(2)
Michele B.
Stopped in her with my daughter after doing our after Christmas shopping on Michigan Ave. Very comfortable place with great service (we had three different servers?). The garlic naan was so warm and soft and just what our bodies needed when we got out of the cold. Tandoori chicken was steamy and seasoned beautifully. My daughter had chicken vindaloo and really enjoyed it as well. They have a little buffet with veggies and different sauces to munch on while you are waiting for your food. It was a little pricey, but the food was good.
(3)
Jenny D.
Gaylord is always a sure thing when it comes to Indian food. You are always guaranteed hot, fresh food and easy take out ordering. Their chicken biryani and saag paneer are AMAZING. Even though the saag paneer usually doesn't have enough paneer, the saag (spinach) is always really fresh tasting and has a great creamy taste. My only issue with Gaylord is the extremely high prices. The food is good, no doubt about that, but it's a little too pricey for what you are getting. But all in all, great food, good atmosphere, and easy take out.
(4)
Malav D.
It was over the weekend that my couple of friends and I decided to checkout gaylord restaurant as we were in the area and craving for some delicious food. We sat down and had complimentary fruits and papad with chutneys before ordering our appetizers. We placed two orders of papaddums along with our appetizers and main course. For some reason, the papaddum we had ordered never came until our appetizers were over with...we informed the waiter about this and he was very courteous and provided us free papaddum along with any 1 dessert of our liking free of charge. Overall, the food was delicious especially tadka dal (yellow lentils) was by far the best as it was perfectly cooked. I'll definitely visit this restaurant when I'm in the area again!
(5)
Whitney G.
We had: chicken tikka masala, bangan bharta, siekh kabob, garlic naan, samosas and rice pudding. Everything tasted fresh and was super hot! Really really good though. I would definitely come again. The chicken tikka masala is a must-have.
(5)
Moksha M.
Great food, nice ambience. It misses the 5 stars because one of the entrees I ordered had too much oil in it. This doesn't mean it wasn't yummy, it was just lesser oil would have been better. Nice ambience, great food and good prices. I like the place, would definitely go back.
(4)
Hubert L.
Came here for dinner after work. I'm not usually one to put too much merit on decor and service, but this place is definately a change of pace for the area that it is in. The space is pretty big and has great potential. It was wallpaper with a generic moutain range, the potted tree stumps, the sappy piano music that makes you feel like you are in a foreign soap opera that did me in.. Aside from the decor, the wait staff was bizzare. had 3 different servers, all pressuring me to eat at their complimentary salad bar which comprised of celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, radishes with sauce. Looked like leftovers from veggie tray at their Bears game get-together last weekend. But oh well, they didn't want food to go to waste.. Finally the food! Took a little longer than I would expect being that there were only 1 other table of patrons there. The samosas were among the best i've had. Flakey, moist in, hotness. Pardon me for not remember than dish names, but we ordered a veggiatrian dish with veggies and peas with butter, garlic naan, and mixed grilled meats. Delishious! The grilled meats were cooked perfectly, moist, good. Naan was as good as it gets and the cheese pea dish was heaven. I guess they took their time to make the food taste good, which we can appreciate! All-in-all, good food if you're willing to overlook serving time and strange ambiance. I wouldn't take a first date here.
(3)
Wayne B.
The Indian restaurant standard... I have only been here a few times for lunch and usually opt for the buffet. I feel like I should rate this place higher, but I just don't like the taste of the food as much as a few other places...it's a bit on the bland side and not what I expect when I am craving the unique and flavorful tastes of Indian cuisines...otherwise good service and good place right off Michigan Ave.
(3)
Sumit R.
It's a fantastic restaurant. The lunch buffet is worth every cent you spend and more. The food is delicious and and very indian, unlike the bland indian food which you get at some of the indian places in the west. The staff is also very courteous. All in all a great place to have your meal. I highly recommend it. Sam
(5)
Sherry N.
Nan was good. Chicken Tikka was ok. Paneer makhani was not prepared the way it should be....yuck! Adding gratutity for party of four by default for a very mediocore service is not ok.
(3)
Nicola U.
Good food and good value. Nice interior and excellent service. Highly recommended.
(5)
Christina B.
I have only carried out because I live in the building next door...however the carryout option always has a special deal going on (20% off i think?) The food is great--the garlic naan is huge! They always give out samples in the warm weather months outside the restaurant and it's a nice way to try the different things they have to offer. Its all kind of expensive though...and only being a block off Lake Shore Drive and 10 minutes up to Devon...I feel like I would rather get 4x as much food for that price.
(4)
Misty O.
I am a huge fan of Indian food and this place is one of my favorites. The food and the staff, just great. They have a 'salad bar' of yummy starters to munch on while you wait for your food. The food is fantastic. I've never done the buffet - I stick to ordering from the menu. Never had something I don't like there. The staff is really great. Very attentive and very pleasant. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Stephen H.
This place was amazing. Food was wonderful, staff attentive. Get the garlic naan. Also their ice tea was homemade, not like the cheap stuff I've gotten all across Chicago.
(5)
Lindsee R.
On the buffet: I really like that there is so much variety and most everything was tasty, if not very traditional. I'm not sure coated fried fish is a big hit in India... But, noting was hot, and I do mean nothing. Not to mention they lured me in with a sample of a dish not on the buffet and to which nothing compared in quality and I tried every buffet item. The decor is bland and a dark. I went during the middle of the day and it was too dark in there to read my book. Also, service was really slow and it was 15 min before anyone offered me a beverage. I probably won't be back for the buffet since India house is only $2 more and so much better quality. Maybe I'll give dinner a shot
(3)
Alysha P.
Went to a work X-mas party here.....big party......20+ peeps.....all veggie.....food was pre-ordered so we didn't have a choice but I was happy with what we got! Food Samosas: Of course! What's Indian without these little delicious deep-fried dumplings?? Good....spicy but not crazy so....and not too oily...yay! Subzi Tikki: Little pan fried cutlets made with mashed veg mix of potatoes, peas, carrots and turnips.....I really really liked these....almost more than the samosas :) Saag Paneer: Paneer with spinach cooked with a dash of cream/butter, spices and a hint of tomato......good flavor on the curry front....perfect amount of cream involved.....I would have liked it spicier... Dal Makhani: Lentils simmered in a butter/cream sauce.....one of my personal favs......was rich and yummy without being too heavy. Gobhi Manchurian: Hands down best dish of the night!! Cauliflower breaded and fried and then cooked in a spicy manchurian sauce....crunchy + spicy + saucy = amazing!!! Navarattan Korma: Blend of veggies in a curry sauce.....this was good....better than most Indian places....veggies were chunky and fresh....curry was good.... Bengan Bhartha: Eggplant cooked in a tomato based sauce with peas, onions and potatoes.....very good and saucy.....would get again. Naan & Garlic Naan: Warm & chewy....I was a fan! Service I have to say that everyone from the manager & host, to all of the servers who worked our table and to the bus people......were fantastic!! Super nice and accommodating even when we had to add extra tables and chairs to our already large party. Food came out hot......and there was always someone there to remove dishes and refill waters. Def happy about that! The only thing is that after dinner when everyone was kind of mingling around etc.....they started kind of moving our party out by trying to set up these huge tables in our area......It was 10:30 or 11pm.....so I don't think they were setting up for another large party that night.....but probably for the next day.......I kind of felt like they could have waited another 30min until everyone left to do that instead of making us feel slightly awkward and in the way. Ambiance Below street level on Walton......so no windows in the dining room.....but I kind of liked that it reminded me of those all you can eat Sunday Brunch Buffet Chinese restaurants that my parents used to take me to as a kid. :) Room is done in rich woods and yellows so feels warm......the back wall of the dining room has a curtain all across the back of it that can be pulled back in a couple of different areas to reveal full wall-sized photos....the 2 that were open that night were of mountains and an Indian wedding couple.....loved it!! Overall Considering that they also serve South Indian dishes.....dosa....idly....uthappam......this could be my new neighborhood Indian spot! Ohhhhh.....and that Gobhi Manchurian.....f-ing deeeee-lish! I will def be back......yay!
(4)
Paul M.
Best Indian food in the city. I can live on their garlic naan and chicken tikka masala. Rogan Josh is also quite tasty as is their 'Chef's Special' appetizer. Pricey for dinner but worth it. Best lunch buffet deal in town.
(5)
Julie T.
With my fiances family visiting from out of town we needed to find a spot that was "exotic", nice, and reasonably priced. Their lunch buffet was perfect! Everyone was satisfied with their large variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. The place itself looks really nice, and the service was great. My new favorite place for Indian!
(5)
LARRY k.
We have been fans of Gaylord's for decades, both this one and the one in Schaumburg. We are always treated well, the food is wonderful and the Schaumburg locale manager Daron is a class act. We always look forward to dining at Gaylord's.
(4)
Shelly M.
Service is outstanding. Buffet is kept stocked. Very large selection and lots of deserts too. I would have probably given them 4 or 5 stars if I was new to spice. Food on the buffet is all very mild so it is great for beginners or people who like it mild.
(3)
Chris P.
Cute location, well-appointed. I found the service to be very good - filling my water and attending to our needs countless times, without being intrusive. Food was pretty good, my two friends and I went family style and really took a gamble on an ochre dish the waiter recommended. We asked for the recommendation, and I am happy when someone working at a restaurant is confident enough to make a suggestion. Sadly, the ochre came tasty but just way too salty. Murgh tikka masala and lamb vindaloo were tasy as were the naans we ordered. Overall a pretty good experience, but I thought the $66 bill for three dishes a little high.
(3)
zubin l.
I am an Indian and I can tell a good indian restaurant from a bad one. Gaylord falls right in the center. Not very indian tasting but not too far from the east as well. I dont like when resturants change the core makeup of the dishes just in order to be different. Thats what Gaylord has done in order to fall in the fancy indian restaurant category. Their gravy dishes is garnished by things (Cut wedges of fruits, lemon) that really alloys the taste of the authentic food. I had to walk a lot to reach their new location. They saved losing an extra star by having a good ambience. I have been to their suburb restaurant for buffet and if their bufeet is equally good, I would give them 4 stars. BTW, whats the story behind the name Gaylord. Doesnt gel well with an indian restaurant.
(3)
Peter C.
i've been to gaylord twice, and both times have been pretty good. the food is very expensive, in my opinion, so i'd suggest getting one of the meals rather than several dishes to share. the service is good, though a bit grumpy at times. all in all, a good place to have in the neighborhood, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Edward P.
Strong Indian restaurant. I love a good curry and this place does a good job. Extremely well priced for location and food quality, backed up with friendly and punctual service. Would highly recommend.
(5)
Amy L.
"A rose for you miss?" That's what i heard from our waiter as i was looking at our menu. Granted, it was Valentine's day and my boyfriend did forget to get me flowers. Therefore, i was more than surprised to get a rose from this establishment. I've been wanting to come here for awhile and finally on Valentine's Day, i got my wish. Let's start off with the good and the bad shall we: Good: 1. Very nice decor and environment of the place, fancy without being too pretentious. The place was decked out with Valentine's Day balloons at each table. 2. All the women who came here on Valentine's Day got a rose, compliments from Gaylords. Very sweet indeed. 3. I think 3-4 people came over just to ask how everything was.(not counting the waiter). 4. Presentation of everything looked beautiful. Everything was in ceramics and not traditional metal bowls. 5. Food came out pretty dang fast. The bad: 1. Food was average, nothing too special. The meat in the curries did not capture the flavor of the sauces. 2. Parking was horrendous, especially on V-day... Not sure about regular days 3. Price wise, everything seemed to be a little overpriced for what they served and the caliber of what we ate. 4. The place was located downstairs and it was hard to find. Conclusion: Will i come here again? Maybe, but then again, there are more restaurants to try and more places to Y.E.L.P about.
(3)
Mike G.
Being from the SF bay area I've been spoiled with a plethora of awesome Indian food restaurants. With that being said, perhaps my standards are a little high. This is the first Indian food restaurant I've tried in Chicago and it's average at best. I ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter chicken, Samosa, Naan and rice. I ordered it for delivery. When homeboy shows up at my door he asks for 55$. I'm like "Really?". For 55 bucks this had better be top notch Indian food. So what I got was mediocre. The Chicken Tikka Masala had an ok flavor but wasn't the best I tried. Wasn't feeling the butter chicken however. The Samosa was decent and came with my favorite sweet and mint sauce. I hardly got any rice with my order also which sucked because I didn't have enough for the left overs. If it were cheaper I may have considered coming back but this is way over priced for ok Indian food.
(3)
Mick C.
Staying at a nearby hotel, we ordered take-out late on a Friday night. The food was ready within 20 minutes and was delicious. My wife had the chicken tikka masala, the standard version of which was a little too spicy, but full of flavor. I had the chicken vindaloo, which was excellent - large chunks of chicken and potato surrounded by a creamy sauce. The garlic naans were huge! Overall - very happy with our order.
(4)
Kate F.
I love Indian food. I love Indian food SOOOO much! I spent the last 8 years living in a city that only had one Indian restaurant. And while everyone there thought it was the cats meow...I thought the place sucked. I had had good indian, and lawrence kansas did not bring it. Memphis however..did. Then there is Gaylord. My boyfriend talked about it all the time. It's his and his parents favorite place though he had not been to the new location. The first thing I said when we walked in was 'wow, this place is kinda fancy'. I'm used to buffet cheezy style decor at my indian places. Instead, Gaylord has a basement location now with wood paneling and great lighting. It's decor is very simple and tasteful. Speaking of tasteful...the FOOD! We ordered so much and I don't remember the names of everything, so I'll try to describe. 1. For an appetizer we had some stuffed peppers that were breaded and fried. This was the only thing I was not impressed with. 2. I wanted lamb, so we got the vindaloo. Wonderful red spicy sauce and melt in your mouth lamb. My favorite! 3. Mixed grill...fish, chicken, lamb, etc....excellent! 4. our vegetarian option was kind of a curry dish with peas and some kind of cheese. Again...wonderful! 5. Our nan, rice, and other breads and wine were spectacular. 6. Dessert...rice pudding with strawberries. Delicious! Our server was spectacular. she was very kind and helpful. even the owner came over to greet us as were were one of the last tables to leave that night. I cannot say enough good things about Gaylord. It's not cheap, but it's worth it!
(5)
Ruchi S.
They are truly a pleather of Indian cuisine. From North Indian food to the South. Every flavor through your journey of India. Located at the neck entrance of the Magnificent Mile. It is a little pricey, but worth it. It has a banquet hall feel, which isn't exactly how I would want to picture eating this delectable food, but it is clean and friendly. Order the pepper lamb, aloo gobi, dosa, idli etc.. The only disappointment is the dessert section. But, you can go out and get that anywhere or Mich. Ave. they have a fully stocked bar and great free salad bar. Either order ahead for carry out, or make reservations. Know that their spice is definitely on the very spicy side, so make sure to ask for very mild if you like the flavor more than the spice. I like the level they are at to begin with and I do go a notch higher at times, but, I also like my spicy food. It is a hidden restaurant, so know you have to walk down stairs into a ground level restaurant..
(4)
anneliese s.
I have been going to this place since childhood, when it was in it's Clark street location. It is the best Indian food in the city. I have been to so many Indian restaurants ranging from Devon, Edgewater, Highwood, etc, and this place is still the best! I suggest the Chicken Makhani and Samosa! Happy Eating!
(5)
Anisha A.
Except for the randomly placed plants, the new location is a noticeable upgrade to the old. The food remains stellar as well. Went for the lunch buffet which is higher quality then India House. And cheaper. It has all the staples, plus a range of other goodies including loads of vegetarian options, fish and quality lamb. Gaylord is the best no-frills Indian food you'll find South of Devon. I'm Indian, so you have to believe me. If you disagree, I'll fight you. And win.
(4)
Green T.
Walking around downtown, trying to find someplace fairly late one night, we thought Gaylord was closed until one of the many managers came out and told us that they were open and to come in. It's not that it was empty, but the dining room is in the back and the windows were tinted so it looked dark and empty. We ordered the Rogan Josh (Tender chunks of lamb, delicately cooked in a tomato-onion seasoned gravy), Bindi Tadka (Okra sauted with fresh herbs & spices), Bengan Bhartha (Tender mashed eggplant blended with sauteed onions, tomatoes and green peas) and Rajasthani Roti (Whole wheat bread, stuffed with spiced mustard greens). As Indian food aficionados and former residents of the "Tandoor-loin" in San Francisco, we love Indian food. Specifically, good Indian food. Which this was not. The Rogan Josh was too salty and not very tasty or well-spiced; the texture was good and the lamb was well-cooked, however. The Bengan Bhartha was some of the worst I've ever had - it was super tomato-y and tasted pretty much like not-good spaghetti sauce. Not at all what Bengan should be. We had really high hopes for the Roti, but it was greasy and bland. The Bindi was by far the best, crusted with coconut and well-cooked (not slimey or anything); the funny thing about that is that our waiter INSISTED repeatedly that we should get the fried okra instead, to the point where my husband literally had to tell him, "No, I want the sauteed okra" THREE times. I don't like fried okra. I've lived in the South; fried okra goes with like fried chicken and mac and cheese, not Indian food. We did not want that and literally had to fight the waiter to get him to take our order how we wanted it. The meal was preceded with pappadam which was actually not bad and less salty than I've had elsewhere as well as some crudities (carrots, cucumbers) which were super dried out. The crudities and pappadam were served with chutneys and mixed pickles, which for some reason the server wanted to take them away when they brought our food. They did offer to bring us Raita but not until we were like halfway through our meal. I also got a Chai which was not very good and I think they charged me for a refill but didn't make it clear that it wasn't actually a refill. We were checked on by the wide array of managers many, many times to the point of almost being annoying, although our waiter service (as I mentioned) was poor. We usually clear our plates and I think we left half the food behind here. Definitely would not go back. Ick.
(2)
Emily M.
Went to the lunch buffet. Big mistake. I got food poisoning, and was very sick that night and all the next day. I even had a fever. Miserable. The mediocre mutter paneer, samosa, sauces, and gulab jamun were NOT worth the illness.
(1)
Ashley C.
Dinner was great and the portions are HUGE! Pricing is very reasonable with great, classic Indian food. Service was a little slow, but overall worth going back to. The atmosphere is perfect if you have had a long day and are looking for a quite dinner. The restaurant also has great specials and offers options that allow you to try many items on the menu for a reasonable price. Gaylord is definitely my pick for Indian food in the area!
(4)
Charlotte Y.
Being a virgin sucks; the lack of experience leaves one... always feeling out of context and questioning one's performance. Okay - this makes sense in many more ways than what you were originally thinking. This is how I feel about Indian food. If you read my review on Veerasway, you know I'm an Indian food virgin (for context, Veerasway was my first foray into the Indian food realm). My visit to Veerasway was months behind, so I decided to give Gaylord a try, now that it had reopened. Again, I have very little understanding of indian food, of its preparation, of what goes with what, of how to order, of what I "like" (as I've only had a few dishes), etc. That being said, I was very very pleased with Gaylord. The staff was nothing short of helpful, kind, pleasant and downright friendly. After perusing the menu and still feeling lost, I noticed that at the top of the front of the menu, there were several "fixed" meals itemized. For instance, for $18.00 to $20.00, one could try several entrees in a tasting format; total deal! I elected to go with the vegetarian selection in this regard. Although the tomato soup really tasted like Campbell's, the other 5 items, including nan and rice were amazing! Although I can't name what I ate, I recall a spicy spinach curry item with tofu, a brownish curry, fried cauliflower with potatoes, a samosa, yogurt and saffron rice. I was much too stuffed after devouring half of each item, so I had the rest packed to go. I would love to try the buffet some time (the set up is the center of the dining room)... but, will definitely be back sooner for /to obtain dinner as it is not too far from my place, as they are offering a 20% discount on a la carte to go orders and as I really loved the experience. I hope more people go (a little slow during midweek, which always leaves me concerned and worried, especially in this economy)... so, people... GO TRY GAYLORD!
(4)
Keerthi A.
This restaurant gets 4 stars for food taste and quality, and 0 points for carryout or delivery. DINE-IN: This is probably one of the better Indian restaurants in the Chicago area. I love their buffet on weekends, good selection and tastes really yum too. I especially love their Saag paneer and their lamb kebabs. Their vegetarian entrees are all really good too, especially the Okra. Their ambiance is good too. Would definitely go back for my Indian fix! This is for dining in. DELIVERY OR CARRYOUT: There is some bozo answering the phones here who consistently fudges up orders (and I mean not just my order, but different people''s orders at different times of the year to different locations). Week A: Ordered 2 orders lamb kebabs, got 2 orders veg kebabs instead. Week B: Ordered 2 order lamb kebab, got charged for 2 orders and did not receive any. I called them and threw a tantrum, they redelivered only 1 order. Week C: Ordered 1 order lamb saag, got chicken instead. You get the drift.... They charge a delivery fee, but if you carryout, they give you a 20% discount. I would much rather hop in a cab and just carryout, but always check the contents because the last time, I got over there and checked the order and guess what, they fudged it up! So I literally sat there and waited while they cooked up the right order. I think I am going to stop ordering from there, I would just dine in.
(3)
Eddie C.
First of all, note that Gaylord has moved from its location on Clark! The new location is pretty cool, I like the decor and the feel inside. They did a great job of accommodating our large party of 17. They hooked us up with complimentary dessert for everybody since we were there for someone's birthday! And the owner was really nice and friendly, coming up to us at the end and asking us how we liked it, thanking us for having our birthday celebration there, and making sure we were satisfied. The food was great too. The tandoori dishes are so damn good...something about that clay oven, man. Malai kabab (cream cheese and spices on chicken) and haryali kabab (spices and mint on chicken) were money. Saag Paneer was also great. Naan was alright. But you gotta get the tandoori stuff.
(5)
Christopher P.
Flavorful dishes and large portions. I think you'll like it.
(4)
Gautham N.
Great authentic South Indian food, our favorite place on Devon for 20 years. The dosas really hit the spot, the owner is a very friendly guy as well.
(4)
F W.
Being English means Indian food is something you grow up eating and loving. We went to Gaylords last night. The chicken tikka masala was very good. There were complimentary pappadums and chutneys. The service was excellent.
(4)
Carol K.
Oh delicious, I had an awesome dinner at Gaylord. So my lovely manfriend and I decided to have a nice dinner Indian style we happen to be downtown and thought we'd try Gaylord as this is also my manfriend's last name. We ordered as many Gaylord coined martinis and entrees as we could comfortably stuff into our mouths. The service was very attentive, sincere, helpful and relaxed. Manfriend got the king's feast- this entree(s) lived up to its name it was comprised of dry rubbed lamb sausage, tandoori chicken drum stick (which came out on a hot plate with grilled onions and lemons), a lamb meatball (?) curry, vegetable curry, naan, and special rice...I think that was it. I ordered butter chicken in a spiced tomato puree, so so so good. For those of you worried about this particular Indian restaurants spice, salt and oil level, they were all seasoned appropriately. Everything was fresh and prepared in house (including lamb sausage!). Oil, salt, and chili peppers were used in moderation. Nice alcohol lists as well, I had a Malbec, manfriend had a strong but very good vodka martini (the gaylord classic- naturally). Go and try it as soon as you can, for our dinner and drinks the bill plus tax and tip didn't exceed $100 bucks. Booyah.
(4)
Denise R.
As previous reviewers mentioned, this place has very flavorful, spicy dishes. Also the portions were very large and I had plenty of yummy leftovers. I ordered the samosas and 2 chicken dishes and all of it was delicious. We were greeted and seated immediately and what seemed to be the owner was very accomodating and even took our order, however the rest of the service was a bit spotty. It took a while to get my water refilled but once the owner noticed, I believe he spoke to the servers and we were taken care of. Also, the live piano music was a nice touch. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Phillip M.
Uh-mazing for the price. I'm not an Indian connoisseur but I know what good food is. Staff was guilt-inducingly courteous. Everything I tried was delicious. Great location. Free beverages (delicious tea). All for $12.95. Nuff said.
(5)
Sonal G.
I had a horrendous experience at this place. Coming from someone that has grown up eating/cooking indian food-- I can honestly say this place is nothing but a disappointment. For some reason they have a great reputation, which is why I thought I'd try their buffet. I've had carry-out before and thought it was just okay. Every single thing they had in the buffet was cold. Their tandoor chicken was a part of the buffet, never in the last 26 years of my life have I been to a sit down indian restaurant where they don't bring tandoori chicken on a hot sizzling skillet.. i guess there's a first time for everything! The waiter service was speedy-- which was the only good thing about the place. The manager/owner (whoever he was) walked around the restaurant and asked EVERY table how their food is and if everything is okay.. but for some reason he walked right past us, without even acknowledging us. Is that maybe because we didn't have any non-indians on our table unlike all the other tables? Something like that is, unfortunately, a common occurrence at Indian restaurants. Do other ethnic restaurants do that too? Do mexican, middle eastern, italian restaurants not treat mexican, middle eastern, italian customers as well as the rest? I have a feeling that's not the case. Anyone that wants good indian food-- go to India garden (not too far from gaylord) or go to devon street! To conclude this venting session-- 1. The food was cold 2. I wasn't a fan of the way it tasted-- if you don't have much experience w/indian food, you might like it by default. But, I'd say go someplace else. 3. Inconsiderate management 4. Wait staff was speedy/polite 5. Dessert was straight out of a box--- VERY poor quality -- strawberry ice cream as a part of the dessert? since when is that even remotely indian????? it was just plain TACKY.
(1)
Jason H.
A great choice for Indian food right off of the Mag Mile. I've been twice for the lunch buffet and had an excellent experience both times. The buffet was extensive and had a little of everything that I was craving. The iced tea was also fantastic, which was unexpected but very welcome. An underrated lunch option. I'll need to come back for dinner one of these days.
(5)
David M.
I am new to Indian Cuisine, but my girlfriend loves it, so we decided to try Gaylord for my first time. We had the lunch buffet and it was a little price but I think it was worth it. The waiters were friendly and very good at making sure of clearing dirty plates. The chicken curry was delicious! Could have had more main dish options, but otherwise a great date spot.
(4)
Paridhi N.
We have been here twice for Sunday buffet and the food is OK. Nothing special, really.
(2)
Audrey S.
After newly moving to the Gold Coast neighborhood back in October my husband and I were on the hunt for our go to indian restaurant. One night, with a tikka masala crave (yes, we are the stereotypical american indian restaurant goers), we decided give Gaylord a try. To our disappointment the tikka didn't do it for us - it was dry and lacked flavor. That said, my husband ordered the lamb which was out of this world - tender, juicy, flavorful deliciousness! Also, the naan was perfect! As I am finally writing this I am just now realizing that Gaylord is closed:( That said, excuse my brevity.
(3)
Kyle D.
Gaylord is consistently excellent. Fantastic service, excellent food, and nice ambiance. My only (tongue-in-cheek) critique is that the mural on the back wall is a bit tacky and out of sync with everything else. Love the 20% discount on carryout.
(5)
Boon K.
This is one of my favorite Indian places to eat for lunch. It's not the largest selection but honestly the best tasting. I love all everything they make here. There is such a great balance of spicy, sweet, salty, sours, etc. They have so much favor in all their dishes. Plus, I like that it's not floating in oil or super greasy compare to the indian places around.
(4)
Pamela C.
The best Indian restaurant outside of Devon Street. Vegetarians skip the Sag Paneer and try the Mattar Paneer. The service is a little spotty, it always seems they could use an extra hand, but the food makes up for it. And your glass is never empty. Try the Indian beer and favored naan basket.
(4)
Robin H.
There are few exceptions to my "no buffet" rule - this would be one. We got here on a Sunday right as they opened for the day. The food was excellent AND hot - something that is difficult to find for Indian buffets! The drink is included in the $12 lunch buffet price. Normally, my friend and I head to Devon to get our Indian food fix, but this trip didn't allow us to venture that far out. This was definitely a great alternative. The only thing that was lacking here was the service. I'm not one to need to be waited hand and foot, but no smile or "you're welcome" was offered throughout the entire meal. I will say that they did keep our drinks filled though. All in all, the food was worth it and I will keep the 5 star rating.
(5)
Roshni P.
Nice staff, quick service, good food. The only downside was that it was a little pricey. Probably because it was located close to Michigan Avenue.
(4)
Kammie G.
I tried Indian food for the first time here on Sunday. It has been nothing short of perfect. They have a free "appetizer-snack" buffet with a variety of sauces (the sweet fruity one was my favorite, couldn't get enough!) with these Indian chips, veggies, or fruit. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and definitely hooked us up with 20% and free dessert at the end of our meal. I'd name the dishes we tried but I honestly have no idea, the names are not exactly easy to remember for a first timer like me. Everything was delicious however, including the garlic naan and the very aromatic rice. The dessert was the best thing I might have ever tasted. It was a type of a sherbet (tasted like pistachio) in an orange peel and this warm fluffy donut thing, along with fresh orange and strawberries and some pistachio shavings. It was truly delightful and I am sure to be back here!
(5)
Daniel A.
Best Place for Indian on Downtown Chicago. And they have a buffet too! Serve Beer and Liquor. Great service!
(5)
Vickie L.
Lunch buffet is great. A TON of selection, both veggie and with meat. They had 2 fish dishes, I have never ever seen fish at an indian buffet before! Everything was sooo good. A huge selection for dessert too with a nice selection of freshly cut fruit. Wow. Pretty good location downtown too, but it's hidden, keep your eyes open because it's on a lower level.
(4)
Deep P.
I am Food lover and know what indian taste is. This place is serving best indian food.i have seen some junk indian restaurants like Himalyan or ebony getting 4 or 5 star from non Indian community coz they dont know the taste of indian food. My advice to every1 is to try this restaurant once to know real indian food taste
(5)
Mel K.
Terribly overpriced mediocre Indian food. I tried many of the dishes here, including one with chickpeas and various naans. You know how Indian food is supposed to be really saucy with lots of seasonings? Everything was really dry and mealy in my mouth. Not a lot of flavor. The manager tried wooing us over by giving us free deserts and a bottle of wine, which was nice, but something we wouldn't have ordered otherwise. When the bill came, they charged us tax on all of those "free" items and our bill amounted to $42 a person. What a rip off.
(2)
Dean D.
Went for the buffet during the weekend. Stepped in and was seated by the host but there wasn't a waiter or waitress to be found. We heard some yelling come from the kitchen and then after about 20-25 minutes someone came out and took our drink orders. The food is tasty and my favorite was the fish curry.
(3)
Nari H.
Have had carry out here with my sister and it's good everytime. The food is always ready on time and for awhile they had a 20% off carry out orders. So we really dug that. :) would go back and order again!
(4)
Monica Y.
I come here with a friend of mine who is an Ayurvedic practitioner here in the city named Karen Klutznick. We've met here quite often over the last year. I think the food is really ok. It is inconsistent too: sometimes really good, sometimes just ok. The naan often comes cold and stale tasting. The palak paneer is really bland without very much paneer. The dahl is often bland too. The service is really good though, and they are kind and attentive. Over all, it is the only Indian restaurant in that part of the city so I go there for convenience and I would go again...however, there are so many better India restaurants in the city: Essnce of India, Tiffin, Mysore just to name a few.
(3)
Lauren B.
Ah, Gaylord. What a fab place. Before you even have a bite of their delicious food, you notice the intriguing ambience -- walnut-paneled with recess lighting, tablecloths and cut flowers on the tables, contrasted with colorful murals and brightly lit bar area. You notice the friendly, attentive service. And then, the food. Excellent lunch buffet - filled with a dazzling array of scrumptious offerings at a very reasonable $11.95. And for a la carte, the chicken tikka masala is exquisitely tender and delicious, the bengan bhartha silky and fiery, the mutter panner filled with goodness. Pair it with an ice-cold King Fisher and it's floor-to-ceiling fantastic.
(5)
Al I.
You see that review from Avery about his/her experience on 9/13? My wife and I just had a very similar experience there last night. We read the reviews, saw that they were mostly good, and decided to give it a try. The food is fantastic -- but the service really is a problem. I'm not sure if we actually had a dedicated waiter or it the service is shared; it took forever to get our check, and when we did, we found that we were double charged for a bottle of wine. (That's a concern right there, but let's set that aside.) No problem, they said, they'll fix the check. And then we waited. I finally hunted down the gentleman who took the check to ask him to bring it back so we could pay. He did so, and then I reviewed it and put out a card, and nobody came back to get it. I made eye contact to no avail, and had to pull a manager or host away from chatting with another table to take our payment. Then we waited. Again. I eventually saw him take and return somebody else's check while we were still waiting, so I had to get loud and say hi, can we have ours back. too? At that point we were about 20 minutes from when they originally dropped off the (incorrect) check. At that point, we tipped zero, which we have never done before. The food is fabulous, the room is OK, and the place is right next to my office. But the service is FLAT OUT BROKEN. I can't imagine that we'll be back.
(1)
Joscelyn M.
I haven't been to their new locale, and by the reviews, I need to. But, the food here is absolutely incredible - best outside Devon. The service is really nice and polite. Good place for groups, too.
(4)
Lauren U.
We love this place! Friendly people and good food. Lots of vegetarian options. We usually go for dinner, and it is not very full at all, so there is no long wait!
(4)
Jennifer B.
This was the delicious Indian restaurant I have been searching for! I eat a decent amount of Indian food, and Gaylord is the real deal. Their food is authentic, tasty and spicy. I went with a big group and we got a bunch of orders of food and naan to split- two chicken dishes, one lamb, and two vegetarian. There was plenty of everything to go around and it was all great. The new location is BYOB for now, but I don't know if it will be that way permanently or just for now. We definitely took advantage of the current situation, though, and brought in several bottles of wine and some beer. Our service was also wonderful, and the owner stopped by at the end of our meal to ensure our experience was positive. Overall a fantastic meal, and I will return soon, maybe to try the lunch buffet.
(5)
Monica K.
Went here for a birthday dinner with some friends. They have this cute chaat center table with mango cutney which was amazing. The appetizer samosa was extremely small and not that great but I don't recommend ordering appetizers due to the main course size. The alu dosai was amazinggggg and so was the butter chicken. The lassi wasn't as sweet as I'd like it to be, but all in all, I'll go again. The names weird tho.
(4)
nith v.
Went there last with my co-workers and simply loved this place. I would say this place is the best in downtown if you want to have Indian food (coming from a person born and brought up in India) Like India house and India garden, this place is pricey as well but their buffet price is lesser compared to other two. Quality of food is very good an you have loads of options to choose from. Like my colleague commented... He had never seen such a big menu. I was not happy with paneer(cottage cheese) though as it was not fresh. All other veggie dishes were very good. Those who ordered non veg loved the food too. For dessert their gulab jamun is must try. If you know the difference between north and south indian food then try ordering more of south Indian food. Guess thats why they couldnt do a good job with paneer Service is great. the staff is very friendly and have always accommodated large groups(that we go in)
(4)
Anooj T.
Okay, so we've been going to Gaylord's for 9 years. We were very loyal fans for the Clark St. location until it closed late last year. My wife and I visted the new location on Walton for the first time recently. The food has only gotten better! We ordered the usuals - whole Tandoori Chicken, Keem Samosas, Pakoras, Chicken Tika Masala, Saag Paneer, butter Nan and basmati rice. Everything was seasoned to perfection. As always, poritons were large and filling and we had enough leftovers for dinner the next night. One thing though - the Indian food here is pricey. Almost too pricey, which is why we don't go more often. The best bet is it hit the lunch buffet during the week or on the weekends. We'll be going back.
(3)
Linda N.
came here for dinner with some friends. nice and simple decor. service was good. the wait-staff was a bit awkward though and towards the end of our dinner it just seemed like our waitress was in a hurry to get us out. however, the guy that was refilling the water was on point. i swear you would take a sip and he'd be right there ready to refill your glass. a bunch of us ordered the dinner specials which are totally worth it. $20 for a little bit of everything and then some. i ended up having so much left over. i had the queen's feast which was great except for the lamb sausage kabob thing, it had an interesting taste to it. def, not my favorite. in any case, i would come back.
(4)
Ashley H.
Wow. I didn't realize how much I've missed Indian food until I ate at this place. I went here for dinner with my friend who was visiting from out of town. We went really early on a Tuesday, so we were the first patrons there when we arrived (hence a bunch of waiters and support staff standing around idle--kind of weird). I wish we had had more time to sit back and really enjoy the food, but we had a concert to catch and had to eat rather quickly. The food was excellent: we ordered the appetizer platter (samosas plus deep-fried vegetables), a lamb and spinach dish that came with white rice, and an order of naan. The naan was some of the best I've had: really light and fluffy. The appetizers were pretty good and the main dish was delicious. All the food came out really hot, which probably had a lot to do with the restaurant being nearly empty, but it was appreciated, nonetheless. It's a bit pricey to go here for dinner for a casual occasion, but it seems like a great lunch spot (I believe they have lunch specials) or a place to go for a nice night out.
(5)
Christy S.
I just had dinner here tonight and it was phenomenal. Fantastic food. Great prices. Very good service. I had the queen's special which was a combo platter and it was all delicious and left plenty for lunch tomorrow.
(5)
C B.
We stayed at the Ambassador East, so this place was a godsend! 6 or so blocks and we're here. Not just a touristy BS restaurant like many just south of here, Gaylord really did it right. We arrived approximately 8 PM on a Saturday night, they were about 2/3 full - lucky for us. We were immediately seated and as stated by others, the service was spectacular. Everyone was extremely polite and everything moved very quickly. I had the Malai Kabob and my wife had the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Both did not disappoint. I had never had any type of Malai dish, but on the recommendation of a buddy I tried it. It was very unique - the chicken was really really tender, and the cheese baked on the outside was absolutely delicious. The veggie samosas were a lot spicier than I've had in the past, I liked, the wife did not. Her masala was on par with others that I've had. I would definitely go here again and I'm dying to try the buffet that everyone talks about. Prices are about average, to maybe just a shade above average - but it's very nice and in an expensive neighborhood. Also there were 4 or 5 tables of people from India in the restaurant - usually a good sign at an Indian place!
(5)
christine c.
this place is good, but it is just SO EXPENSIVE. i mean i undestand given its crappy location and the fact tha tthey have t oget as much money out of as many people that walk through their doors as possible, but i think it's a little over the top
(3)
Summer F.
I was misguided by a friend of mine who told me to go to Gaylord. One fine evening i went to Gaylord and was greeted by a gentleman who looked like Kojac in a polyester suit. I felt that he must be on some potent medications because his eyes looked glassy. I was escorted to my table and there was a silence. After about 1/2 hour, a dark skinned south indian (who may be Mexican) came to my table to take orders. When I looked at the menu, the prices were very inflated, which took my appetite away. They suggested an Indian drink called lassi which was nothing but diluted buttermilk. The appetizers were not appetizing. There was nothing special about the chef's special. When the main course came, the quantity was so limited that before you could taste it the plate was finished. Gaylord should not bring down the Indian heritage of hospitality. If you have too much money and want to give it to Gaylord for getting nothing in return, be my guest.
(1)
Puja C.
I have never experienced such horrible service. I placed a carry-out order and when I got home, I had recieved another customer's order. When I placed a call to the restaurent, the hostess did not even apoligize for the mistake. She indicated that the food would be delivered within 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, the condo front desk called and said the delivery is on its way up. I waited 20 minutes for the guy to take the elevator up. I called the front desk to find out about the delivery guy - they said he walkted out with the food. Why would you go to delivery food and not deliver it! So, now it is almost an 1 1/2 hours from when I should have been eating my food. We called the restuarent to find out what happened - we were told that he is on his way back to deliver the food. The service was horrible - I will never eat there again. I dont have any explanation for why the food was not delivered the first time - the the delivery guy get tired waiting for the elevator...?
(1)
Rui B.
I have been a patron of what I once considered, arguably, THE best Indian restaurant in Chicago, for more than 25 years. Either dining in or carrying out, I was always extremely satisfied with the handful of dishes I consistently ordered (i.e. Sag Paneer, Lamb Biryani, Shrimp Masala, Lamb Vindaloo, etc.). But things have drastically changed over the last few years. I believe 3 to 4 years ago, Gaylord's replaced their longtime head chef; the new one radically changed the recipes for some of my favorite items. Specifically, the Sag Paneer lost a majority of its distinct flavor and become inedible; the Lamb Vindaloo (one of the "hottest" dishes they offer) become so bland, it was more like the Rogan Josh, a very mild lamb curry. I stopped ordering them. The quality of the Biryani and the Shrimp Masala was still excellent. That changed last year. Earlier, in 2012, I ordered the aforementioned 2 items for carry out. Shrimp Masala is a dish with a heavy sauce but is not hot; Biryani, a rice dish, is usually hot. But, traditionally, hot Indian dishes are made so with spices like black pepper or red chili powder. To my horror, when I uncovered the containers, I discovered that the chef was using Mexican Jalapeno peppers to make the Biryani hot!. And they were even in the Shrimp Masala, again, a mild dish. Subsequently, on other orders, I specifically requested no Jalapenos but, despite the visible absence, I could tell by taste that the chef was still using them, instead of traditional Indian spices, to make the dishes hot. I tried to tolerate the fact that my Indian food tasted like Mexican dishes but I just can't stand it anymore. Needless to say, I am going to start looking for a new favorite Indian restaurant. After a quarter of a century, I can no longer count on the quality of what was once my first choice in cuisine of any variety in Chicago. The disappointment I feel will take a while to go away.
(2)
Lu C.
Now, I typically don't like Indian food, especially at Indian buffets, but this place made me definitely change my mind! Still don't know what the dishes were called, but when we ate here for a friend's bday and someone else knew what to order, each dish was spicyyyy and super super tasty. I think we had some curries and some chicken dishes. The waiters were also super friendly, gave us all free dessert for our friend's bday, and even some free balloons- "play with those balls," the waiter kept saying :). I'm definitely learning my Indian dishes, and I'm definitely going back.
(4)
Brady H.
My wife and I enjoyed a lovely rainy sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch earlier today. The interior space and our non-Indian waiter was very nice and friendly. Reasonably wide food selection with plenty of veg and meat options. Naan is brought to the table but tandori chicken is in a steamer tray. Several stations including a salad one - I noticed people making an Indian style salad. There were also multiple dessert choices - often a buffet only offers one dessert choice. An added surprise was that soda was included in the lunch price. I think the India House buffet is better spiced, but tihs is a big upgrade for the Gaylord franchise.
(4)
Nikki M.
I have to agree with the previous review that it is one of the best Indian restaurants outside of Devon. The service was was just as good, very friendly as well as helpful and the prices are more than resonable for the quality of food. I will definalty be going back.
(5)
Sneha R.
Not that great, really. Being an Indian, I may find it in my heart to make exceptions for reduced spice which, if added in true Indian style, may make a lot of people reach for a gallon of water after each bite. However, irrespective of cuisine, uncooked food is unacceptable. That with little or no seasoning, is like adding insult to injury. Attempting to include South Indian and North Indian food in a menu, is pretty commendable. Unfortunately, their south indian dishes fell flat. It's not that the taste was bad, it just wasn't cooked at all. A dish called the 'Vada' which is a donut shaped fried snack. It's supposed to be crispy on top and nice and fluffy on the inside. The flour is fermented and what they served us was the same raw fermented mix fried only enough to get a crispy exterior. The vegetable pakoras were tasteless. They were just pieces of veggies dipped in flavorless batter and fried. Pakoras are incredibly tasty and i was mad as hell that they spoiled this dish. The service wasn't that great either. There were 2-3 different people who kept asking what we wanted to order next, even after we had already ordered. There are other better Indian restaurants which do serve flavorful Indian food. This is best avoided.
(2)
Rebecca H.
I went to a wedding that was catered by this place so that was my motivation to return to their brick & mortar eatery. I was not disappointed, nor did I think I would be! I'm a sucker for crowded buffets and know to steer clear of desolate buffets where the food must sit untouched for hours. What I like about indian buffets is that whatever the food is labeled as means nothing to me because its in an entirely foreign language. So its a surprise. If it looks good and smells good, it goes in my mouth. I will not eat at a dirty buffet, and this place is as clean as a whistle. Its refreshing to find an indian buffet that has a nice mix of meats and veggies, as well as a mix of goopy and dry foods. The bread (forget the name of it) was simple and great too.
(5)
Diana T.
I've been here three times already for the lunch buffet and each and every time, I'm stuffed to the brim. Compared to other Indian buffets, the selection is pretty large. Almost everything I had was delicious and wasn't so strong that you couldn't handle the taste. I loved the eggplant, cauliflower, and this spicy chicken dish in sauce, and the tandoori chicken is so moist and tender. Sorry can't remember the names. The desserts are awesome too, especially the mango ice cream. I found that if you ate a few bites of the ice cream with the fried spongey donut in the warm syrup turns into a wonderful combination. The service is great as well. Your buffet includes a drink and unlimited naan, which turns out to be around 13 bucks with taxes. The only downer is going back to work and finding out that you just can't function for the rest of the day.
(5)
Daliah F.
Another deliciously fabulous meal at Gaylord last weekend! The Sag Paneer is always wonderful...rich and delicious. What are those homemade cheese balls for desert in the honey rose water? A little rice pudding on top of those....I almost died and went to heaven. This time the place was packed with an amazingly diverse crowd - entire families (one with what looked like FOUR generations!) couples, a group of college-aged-looking guys and about five different races.
(5)
Javier B.
I am so happy that Gaylord has finally reopened! It was the best Indian lunch buffet when it was on Clark and it is even better now at it's new location on Walton. I have eaten dinner here a couple of times too and the food is top notch, but their buffet is one of a kind. Their saag paneer is incredible. I've only had a spinach dish close to it at Hema's. They rotate a lot of the dishes during the week so it is always interesting and fresh. For those who are not familiar with Indian food, this is the best way to introduce yourself. I take out of town visitors here all the time and it has never disappointed. Their staff is also very friendly. Highly recommended for their lunch buffet!!!
(5)
lindsay a.
I ordered takeout from here through grubhub. When it was delivered, the bottom of the paper bag was soaked. Mutter mess had leaked out, and it spilled all over my floor. The Plastic top to dish was cracked open. next time try to make sure everything is sealed before handing it over to the delivery guy. i had to reheat the samosas because it took longer than the ETA to get to my apartment. Not a good experience.
(2)
Warren T.
One of the best lunch buffets we've ever experienced. We came in there on a Saturday for lunch and were impressed with the variety of dishes offered. The food was so fresh and tasty. We could almost have just gone vegetarian with their sumptuous veggie dishes. The rice pudding dessert was also fantastic. Highly recommended for anybody looking for a quick buffet meal!
(5)
Max P.
Their chicken makhani with naan is to die for. The Rohan Josh is also super good.
(5)
John G.
I'd like to say that Gaylord gets 5 stars, but I honestly don't know what the best Indian restaurant would be. I will say that I thoroughly enjoy their lunch buffet ... at least once/month. Everything that I've tried there is so wonderful. The Tandoori chicken is fantastic. The veggie samosas are also pretty good. I just had some of their spicy potato mix that they have at the front of the buffet line & I couldn't get enough (3 trips up there today). Chicken meatballs, lentils of all varieties are to be had on any given day at Gaylord. I'm certainly not an authority on Indian food, but I am an authority on what food I like & I like Gaylord's. Go there & get your fill. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Margaret C.
I've been going to Gaylord for their lunch buffet for years. It's amazing, delicious and reasonably priced with great service. I've only been there once or twice for dinner. The dinner prices are a little steep but still not the highest I have seen.
(5)
Alaina T.
I'm new to the neighborhood and had a hankering for some Indian food, so I figured I'd give this place a shot - well worth it! I ordered the vegetable pakora, chicken tikka masala, and some plain naan and was happy with the portion size (definitely enough for 2 people and came with an extra side of rice included). I ordered takeout and received a discount for picking up too! Would definitely order again.
(4)
Sarms J.
The food is great thought not the best, but again, really good what really makes this place special is their staff. Super super super friendly and nice. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)
Amy S.
One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Fantastic Indian food: go for the buffet, which is the largest I've ever been to. By far the best Indian in Chicago, even compared to Devon (especially compared to many of them!). Great for ever palate: even my husband who hates spicy food loves this place. We hit it every time we go back to Chicago. Fabulous service and great mano lassis, too. Dinner is good, too: beautiful art on the walls helps create a romantic and exotic atmosphere. Try the saag paneer.
(5)
David M.
This was our first time at Gaylord, but we have dined at the sister restaurant in Schaumburg. Dinner was wonderful and the restaurant was packed. Really every dish we had was very good and we were comparing them to food at some of Delhi's best restaurants, where we had dined recently. If you are looking for good authentic Indian cuisine, just off Michigan Ave in a nice white table-cloth setting, Gaylord India is a great chooice, which is evidenced by the large number of Indians that frequent the establishment. If you are looking for a good dish, try the tandoori shrimp... delicious!
(4)
Apara W.
A little expensive- went for their lunch buffet. Great variety, excellent customer service. Clean place. I'll definitely be back when I am in the neighborhood.
(4)
strawberrymoon p.
I have been to their old location numerous times and was very happy with food and service. Now the new place. We have been there two times, I do not recognize any of the old staff. What is sad because they were really great. Service is bad. You always never know who your waiter is, we had 5 different waiters that got into discussions who should wait the table. Both times this happened. The food is different and and not so good. The Tandoori Grill items were always great and fresh. The red color was amazing. Not anymore. The meat was dry and the great red color was missing. The presentation of the food is different too, but not better. Overall, we miss the old Gaylord. I have not been to the lunch buffer again. This was always great and unbeatable.
(3)
Brooke F.
My parents have been going here for over 30 years. Separately, before their great romance began, and nearly once a week since (and they live in the suburbs). Imagine their agony when Gaylords was forced to relocate and was closed for more than a year. And that's why I'm writing this. It seems, since moving to Walton, where there is little parking and they are tucked in a basement, the restaurant hasn't been as full. This is no good. The place used to be full every time we went in there, and now it seems sparse. Listen to me: Gaylord is the best. The. BEST. I didn't like it as a kid (and they were totally cool with my parents smuggling in McDonalds for us while they feasted), but I gave it another try about eight years ago and I wanted to punch my stupid self in the head for taking so long to come around. I live in San Francisco now. The Tenderloin, in fact. And yeah, there are some good places, but not a single one has lived up to Gaylord. The food is awesome and the staff is really, really nice and attentive. Go gaylord!
(5)
Daniel O.
service was great. the bar tender from Moldova was very friendly. free appetizers were good, one was grasshopper wings, the other one lamb tail.
(4)
Erin S.
In from out of town. Walked to this restaurant from my hotel (Hilton Suites). Lunch buffet was better than excellent! EAT HERE. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Big B.
Went here recently for a dosa craving and seeing there are very few southern Indian accommodations outside of Devon (I live in the Gold Coast) I had to give it a whirl. Dosa was OK, def not the southern Indian experience if you know good south Indian food ...however, for northern Indian dishes they seem to be right on. Atmosphere is nice for the area and service was good. I'll go back for certain, just not for the dosa.
(4)
Missy R.
Ate here over the weekend and it was wonderful. The decor is pretty dated, but I didn't even care because the service was great, the food was spot-on and the bill was reasonable. The lamb kufta so spicy and flavorful, and the chicken soup was so fresh and lovely. I will definitely be back to try more. I recommend trying one of the tastings, they give you a good amount of food and let you try a bit of everything.
(5)
Misty J.
Murg Bhuna, Saffron rice, and Raita.... The best!
(5)
Tom A.
We're talking about two distinct experiences here. Lunch buffet -- if you are a buffet kind of person, able to 'get your money's worth' and enjoy the diverse selection -- is quite good. It could use some more vegetarian options, but it's solid Dine-in dinner was a big disappointment. Slow service on a quiet night. Kofta balls were dry --either overcooked, or leftover from days before and dried out. Either way not acceptable. Also you've got to pay for rice. Assistant manager kept bringing us water, and he reeked of cigarettes. Drink selection is a joke. Beer selection is nincompoopery. For some reason there is a huge Scotch selection. Scotch and Indian? hmmm. Syrupy sounding mixed drinks. Randomly selected wines, largely inappropriate for the cuisine. All expensive. We eat a lot of Indian, and hold a high standard. Food here was so-so, while prices were high-high. $50 for a no-drink dinner is double what we'd pay at a BYOB (including the B) on Devon. Definitely a big location premium, and I could live with that -- I'd happily pay to eat some good hearty spicy food in the area filled with Italian, steak and fish places. But the food's gotta be spot-on to make the location-premium make sense.
(2)
Jims L.
Niiiice -- great lunch buffet for cheap!
(4)
T T.
I was starved after leaving the MCA around 2PM on a weekday and was happy to discover an Indian restaurant nearby. I wasn't happy to learn that lunch service is buffet only. Also, they were closing the buffet, so I had to pick out all my dishes at once. I started with a corn chowder soup, which was dismal. I continued with a green salad, which was just OK. I ate an entree with a variety of dal, samosas, vegetables stews, and rice. They were tasty but also a bit cold. I finished off with a dessert of fresh fruit and a sickly sweet bun. I had a glass of red wine that had sediment. UGH. The staff service was pleasant and accommodating. I suppose that if were ever to return, it would be for dinner. Maybe.
(2)
Mark L.
My first ever Indian dining experience, I was very satisfied. I;ve had many cuisines that come close, but I'm very happy that we chose to go here for my first real taste. I had the queen's platter (1 of 3 chef specialties offered) for dinner. It was a delectable sampling of 4 or 5 dishes, it started with some mulligatawny soup and came with delicious naan bread. I felt like this place was sort of a fine dining type place, at least it seemed that way. It was so clean I would have licked my dinner off of the floor or the bathroom counter (not kidding). I was the only indian rookie at the table, but everyone else said that this place was better than a few other chicago spot that they had been to. I dont have much to base my rating on, but I had a good time and enjoyed the food, not my favorite type of cuisine but I like trying new things. The service was above average but not stellar. I will be headed back sometime. Solid 4+
(4)
Aisha N.
Delicious food and friendly staff. Even the buffet is killer.
(4)
Just A.
Was in Chicago recently and ended up by chance at this restaurant and am compelled to write something for Yelp as it was one of the best Indian dining experiences of my life. I have traveled in India have been eating Indian food for 40 years and this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Normally I am leery of more upscale Indian restaurants but Gaylord's had a very relaxed family ambiance with excellent friendly service. The food was simply first rate. Everyone in my party agreed it was some of the best Indian food they'd ever had. Very highly recommended.
(5)
Tom D.
Not very good Indian. Poor texture, limited spices, dry chicken. Not impressed.
(1)
K B.
Comfortable, convenient to my location, we found this spot to have excellent service and tasty food. Not inexpensive but i have never found an Indian restaurant that is.
(4)
Jeff C.
In Chicago on business, I was directed to try Gaylord India by the bellman at the Drake. When I used Yelp to see the reviews, I was greeted by a free appetizer offer. Not being one to turn down Indian food, I walked down the stairs and into the restaurant. I was seated immediately and greeted with a smile. Very nice piano music was being played across the room and the table section was clean, lighting was good, and the decor passable. I ended up getting 2 appetizers (1 free) and went with the samosas and chicken/lamb sampler. Samosas were large, hot and the potatoes and peas tasted great. Served with both mint and tamarind sauces. The mullagatawny was the perfect solution for an icy/rainy night in Chicago and was just a tad spicy, just the way I like it. For an entree, I ordered chiken tikki masala and Sundeep, the mgr, graciously and instantly accomodated a special request for the addition of chickpeas to the dish. Impressive. I got involved in a conversation regarding the different spices and types of dishes in northern versus southern India and apprecaited the fact that the manager as well as his staff contributed knowledge to my meal as it came up but did so according to my schedule and interest, not forcing anything on me. Dessert consisted of punjabi kheer (the right consistency - not too liquidy or too thick) and a scoop of pistachio ice cream inside a hollowed out orange peel. Good presentation. Overall, I highly enjoyed my meal here and will most definitely be back - probably several times during my weeklong stay here.The service was spot-on and done with speed and a smile. The mgmt took great care to ask how everyone's meal was and to spend time conversing if the guest cared to. The meals were served hot with good presentation and were delivered as described in the menu. The piano music was a nice touch and made for a pleasant stay. To top it off, Yelpers are treated to constant promotions in exchange for checking in. Do yourself a favor and go to Gaylord India for an excellent meal and shake the hand of Sundeep, the manager.
(4)
Afthab B.
Bad service. Not so bad lunch buffet. I have not tried their menu. India Garden / House is a little better considering you are paying the same price.
(3)
Priya M.
We came as a party of 10 and the host greeted us at the door with a warm smile. Since I was the hostess and am a bit picky about where I sit, I took a look at where they set our table up and I wasn't very happy. I asked the manager if we could change the table to somewhere where there was more light, perhaps a cozy corner. He was so helpful and obliging, he gave us a great table in the back. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, quick, and professional. I would go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Melissa M.
I ordered take out from here last week -- I ordered my standard -- Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan. NOT good. At all. I was HIGHLY disappointed. The CTM tasted like spicy tomato sauce -- it was really sub-par compared to some of the Indian restaurants I have been to around the city and on Devon. I don't recommend this place at all. I was really shocked it was as bad as it was -- I had thought it would have been fantastic for what they charge and how "upscale" the place is supposed to be. Hrmmm. :(
(1)
Erica I.
I went here for lunch with some work peeps, and it made the rest of my day! I don't eat Indian food very often, but when I do I am reminded how awesome the it tastes and how much I want to travel (weird I know). The buffet allowed me to try a little bit of everything, and my mouth was tingling from all the flavors and spices! It was a little pricey, but most buffets are pricey cause you can eat as much as you want! I will come back here for sure!
(5)
Alison E.
Definitely a hit! I had the mutter paneer, and Mister had the navrattan korma. Both were yummy, and the naan was good, and rice was included! The rice was tasty, but there wasn't quite enough for two (hungry) people. The samosas weren't the best ever, but were quite good, though the pakora weren't too stellar. I think we'll definitely try this place again.
(4)
Sarah F.
This review is for the lunch buffet, which is amazing & a good deal if you work in the Mich Ave/Gold Coast area! Everything is hot, fresh and o-so-tasty! The samosa are awesome, the corn soup is great, the cilantro sauce and chutneys are THE BEST! They serve a variety of Paneer, chicken, lamb - all on the buffet! The Naan also might be the very best in town (but then again, I never met a Naan I didn't adore). The service is attentive as well, and the management always walks around to see how everything is! I also happen to love their house-made mango ice cream for dessert. Fruity, and not too sweet!
(5)
Vibhor D.
Went on lunch buffet. Samosa had no salt. Menu had rotating items one instant you have shrimp next instant it gets over and becomes some fish pakoda. Number of items is pretty low. Main course was not tasty at all. I wanted to give 1 star but I have had worse. Sweet dish was good so giving an extra star for that. In short avoidable.
(2)
Shradha A.
I used to be a big Gaylord fan for years, however, on my most recent visit, I was disappointed in the food. Service has always been really slow here and not much help is offered when asked for suggestions, but this time even the food was below par. It was oily, felt like it had been sitting there and reheated.
(3)
Dax R.
We order here a couple times a year because they have indo Chinese dishes. However, our Aloo Papdi had a fly in the container)...we did not open it yet. Called the restaurant and they said it was the delivery company's issue. Good thing I video taped it! Terrible!
(1)
Michelle F.
This place is fantastic!!! The food is so fresh and tasty and reminds me of the great curries you get in the UK. I've been searching in the USA for a proper curry and now I have found it, I would come to Chicago just for this food. I am so happy :)
(5)
Paula H.
The food is decent. I'm upset though because I had a lot of leftovers but they use super tiny box and most of my food wasn't even packed!
(3)
Jeff C.
Decent food, generous portions, good prices, and excellent service. Also, you can usually walk right in on any night of the week and be seated immediately. A good value in a pricey part of the city.
(4)
Aayush T.
Placed an online order for delivery at 8:15pm (it's now 9:15pm) When I called the manager he said what's the big deal it's only 1 hr late. You should expect upto 1.5 hrs and said that's normal.
(1)
Chris N.
Outstanding service and excellent food provided for our large group (10 people). Never an issue keeping the drinks flowing and the nan coming. Staff was also very helpful with suggestions without pushing too hard.
(4)
Arthur K.
Went there for lunch buffet on Thursday. Manager smile at us when we walk in, then waiter put down chicken and naam on our table within 5 minutes. Buffet selection is not too much, but everyone should find something they will like. Make sure you try their ice cream and dessert..
(4)
Yui N.
Very good Indian food, highly recommend the samosa chat for an app. So yummy! The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating. Great date night and cool vibes.
(4)
Nikki B.
By far the best service I have had in a long time... Besides the food being absolutely amazing, the service here is top notch. Our server Saba, was by far the most helpful, accommodating and kind person that this industry has to offer. Thank you for a great dinner, will definitely be back!!!
(5)
Cohen C.
I went there for lunch buffet which was pretty decent. The price was ok. It was a lot of vegetables! But I guess it is in the Indian's food culture.
(3)
Dan H.
Went here again on a Sunday evening for their South Indian buffet. A somewhat limited selection, but for the price, entire worth it. I am glad to see the place was filling up by the time I left. I hope they stick around, the neighborhood needs good Indian food.
(4)
Annie M.
Took out takeouts. Chicken chilly - very spicy but I liked it. I also ate the bread they call nan or something with fillings inside, they were good too. Also another dish I don't recall it was chicken something orange in color - not spicy but GOOD. Haven't tried a lot of dishes but I like their chicken chilly and the orang colored chicken.
(5)
Ashwin A.
It's a decent place. I went there with my friends on weekend and there was a buffet. The food wasn't very close to authentic Indian cuisine and it was a bit overpriced for the selection of items they had. Still the mutton kheema was good also the paneer masala was well cooked with nice spices. But any day I would prefer going to tandoor char house over this.
(3)
NYC r.
Great food. Nice staff. My water glass was always full which I really appreciated since I guzzle water.
(5)
Neha M.
I have gone for dinner previously and really liked it. This was the first time I went in for lunch buffet with my team. The selection and variety of food was good. They served us Idli, rasam and pakoras as appetizers. The salad bar was open with salad and bhel ingredients. In the entrees, there was sambhar(lentils) , aloo masala(Potato), baigan(eggplant), paneer makhani, mix vegetables, fish entree and chicken makhani. The food was good but I have had better buffet in terms of variety and taste.
(3)
Pra P.
High end and Expensive. Very elegant restaurant. Something you will find in Taj Hotels or Viceroy Hotel in India. Ambience was great. Ordered King's meal. Was too much for me. My wife ordered Cheese Dosa. I am always concerned ordering not fast moving food like Dosa or Idli in Fine dining Restaurants. But the coconut chutney and tomato chutney were great and fresh. Sambar did not taste authentic, but everything else was great. I would go again.
(4)
Chris C.
I just saw the manager pick through the Buffet line and grab food without washing his hands or using tongs. Never coming here again unless the fix this.
(1)
Raquelle Z.
Excellent food and service with a great selection. There was also a buffet available. My dining partner and I each ordered a dish and we had so much food we could dinner again on the leftovers.
(4)
Shilpa U.
Very good food , so far the best indian food in usa. We ordered samosa , paneer chilli, bhindi tadka and dal makhni. Food was hot n piping. Tasty and we asked for extra spicy and it was done perfectly. Ambience is nice and cosy
(4)
Raju L.
Now I have a serious taste for Indian food and an even more fancy taste for great service. Gaylord just won my business over the likes in downtown or devon. And the thanks goes to a long time server Jaffer. Absolutely free willed and really took great care of us and our guests. Usually, at most Indian restaurants, you end up going for the food knowing the service will be mediocre. Jaffer surprised me. His mannerism very professional yet very personable. I'm going back again as long as he is there. Ask for him. You won't regret it. Food was actually not too bad. Samosas were alright but the saag paneer and malai kofta were out of the world.
(5)
Roger E.
Noontime buffet is excellent. Very good food. Nice location and atmosphere just a half block off Michigan ace and Walton. Very professionally managed. Hot and fresh food.
(5)
Nia A.
Super slow service is why I would give 3 stars other than that food is tasty. Must try bhuna murg.
(3)
Chris T.
I'm writing this review with a full, satisfied belly after another great meal from this place. This might be the best Indian food I've ever had, and everyone I bring here always enjoys it too. Everyone is always surprised with how upscale this place is too - though u can dress like a bum, no problem. Favorite Dishes: Saag Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Kabab Sampler They also got great service, a full bar, and deliver! Hooray!
(4)
Ashley R.
it was good experience i will recommend to my friends....
(4)
Naren B.
Nice ambience.., good vegetarian North Indian food. Fast service, and Friendly staff..!
(4)
DavidJosie F.
The food is nothing special, that will catch your attention. Nothing I would recommend to anyone. It's not horrible but it just appears to be pre-cooked and microwaved, apart from the naan bread with black pepper, which was good! The worst part were the huge clumps of chicken, which were definitely not prepared to order. They forgot about us even though we asked for the check about three times, we had to pay at the bar. No one would have noticed if we had just walked away without paying. The atmosphere is alright, but not fine dining. It is also overpriced for what it is.
(2)
Amber W.
My boyfriend and I came here right after we had arrived in Chicago on the recommendation of his dad, who told us to try to catch the lunch buffet if we could. We almost didn't make it, but as we walked in, we were told that the lunch buffet would be open for maybe 5 more minutes. My boyfriend and I hurried through to get food and stacked our table with tons of plates. I could tell the waiters were wanting to clean up the buffet, but they were very nice and waited until they were absolutely sure we had gotten all of the food we wanted to take back to the table with us. We had various foods before us, and it was great. The curries were spicy and flavorful, and I loved the chickpeas. The only thing that wasn't really my favorite was the shrimp curry. It was good, but the taste was a little too fishy for me, I think. They also brought out tandoori chicken for us, which I supposed was part of the lunch buffet deal. So yummy. The best part of the meal was probably the naan. It tasted great alone, and even better when dipped in the sauces from all of the foods. The staff was also super friendly. Other than waiting on us to get our food, they also laughed and told us jokes. When I went to go to the restroom, one of the waiters looked at me very seriously and said, "Our bathroom is out of order." I was almost shocked, but then he started laughing and showed me where the restroom was. My only complaint is actually about the restroom. It was pretty gross in there, and with as nice as the rest of the restaurant was, I was surprised at how dirty they allowed the restroom to be.
(4)
Suzanne V.
I have never had such a terrible dining experience in my life. We were seated at a table with no water, and were not greeted. For 15 minutes we sat until someone finally came to give us water. It took a while for our waiter to come and take our order. No one filled up our water glasses again while we waited for our food. When we saw our food come out of the kitchen, it sat on a cart for the longest time before someone wheeled it over to us. Finally a water refill, but out appetizer plates sat on the table for too long after we finished. Eventually we got our main dishes and from there it took way too long to get our check and pay. I'm not sure what the problem was--many waiters walked around but no one came to check on us or give us water. Very strange--I will not be back.
(1)
Christina M.
I think this is one of the best places for Indian food in the city. I particularly like the buffet which includes a plethora of vegetarian/vegan options. All of the food is cooked perfectly and the flavoring is fantastic. Highly recommend the buffet.
(5)
Naveed A.
Place was looking good but the food was cold and service was bad we had to ask 3 time for the water to refill . It's over price for the food quality
(3)
Swati I.
Awesome Food!!!!
(4)
Jeff H.
Had Sunday night South Indian buffet. it was meh. The variety of dishes was lacking. Their lunch buffet is much better.
(3)
Sandi L.
As a former Chicago resident who is back visiting after 4 years, I am sitting here in Gaylord feeling ashamed of myself. Ashamed for letting myself forget what Indian food should taste like. And mad at the places I've gone to lately for serving the oily, overcooked, mediocre swill they do. Vegetarians can delight in Gaylord's lunch buffet. Oodles of fresh, diverse and complex tasting options, each bite of which had me rolling my eyes in ecstasy. The naan is hot from the tandoor and free of the ghee coating that lesser quality restaurants serve. No need for it! And the chutneys...I could eat whole bowls. My only regret is there's no Gaylord in Oregon, and I'm now ruined for ever returning to anything else. I guess I'll just have to come back here. And the food is fabulous enough to bait me.
(5)
Leah D.
Wow! I'm a picky person when it comes to Indian food, and it's rare to find a place that does it well. I went to Gaylord on the suggestion of a good friend (who happens to be Indian and is a real picky eater too) who said it was better than the best he's had in the US and he's been here awhile. I went and had the lamb vindaloo and bhindi tadka (okra). The okra was like no okra I've had at other indian places - both tender and crisp. The vindaloo was rich and buttery and delicious. The service was great, especially as I was dining by myself. Definitely can't wait to get back there!
(5)
Sasha S.
The naan bread was outstanding as were the chicken and mixed vegetables. I was at the lunch buffet and the price was very reasonable for what you get.
(4)
GM D.
Amazing Indian food! Gaylords is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Their food is consistently good. Portion sizes are generous and we always have left overs.
(5)
Sal K.
The food was fine but our service was slow. We ordered off the menu instead of going for the buffet. If you drive there, park only at the garage adjacent to the restaurant entrance. They only validate parking for that garage.
(3)
Philip D.
Really great place. Lamb vindaloo was spicy and excellent. Samosa was a tasty way to start. Great service and atmosphere. I will return again next time I'm in Chicago!
(5)
Tejas B.
I have been going to the Gaylord in Schaumburg and have had very good experience. I catered my wedding from that location and it was excellent. I catered from the downtown location for an event and i was not impressed. The manager was not friendly and they food was not well prepared. I will not take my business to that location anymore.
(2)
Janice R.
O! M! G! I had a dinner date here last night - first time for Indian food and first time at Gaylord - and all I can say is the food was P H E N O M E N A L!!! I LOVE Indian food - and I will be going back to Gaylord and recommending it to everyone I know! I can't remember everything I ate, but every morsel I (or my date :-) put in my mouth was fantastic - and seasoned just right! The leftovers are so good I'm eating them cold today! Thanks, Mike ;-)
(5)
Christy L.
I continue on my quest to find great Indian food in Chicago. Gaylord, while fine, wasn't great. We had the Sunday lunch buffet, which relative to other buffets I've tried, was not very diverse. The vast majority of selections were vegetarian (which I actually prefer with Indian) with just a couple of chicken options. They all tasted fairly similar. Service was a definite step-up from other buffets. They quickly refilled our Naan, whereas a lot of other places are slow with this. It's not a bad deal - you can eat a lot for cheap, but my search for better Indian continues.
(3)
George L.
My girlfriend and I have been searching for a good Indian Buffet for a long time -- and we found it here. The entrees were all delicious (especially liked the shrimp), the wait staff was very pleasant, and the mango ice cream was a great dessert. Also, best veggie sticks this side of Guatamala ,,(^ . ^),,
(5)
Neil R.
Hmmm...did I go on the wrong day? The "clay oven chicken" was not good or even close to decent tandoor style. Rice was not good, naan was decent, saag/palak was average and some of the vegetables I had were very average. The Bhel was probably the best part but that is not terribly difficult to master. The customer service and people in general were great so that justifies potentially three stars. Its a shame- has potential given the service is good - just need to work on the food :) My expectations may be higher than others I'm not sure. But I've had several Indian buffets across the country, in addition to Chicago- notably NYC and SF. Compared to the ones I've had before at at this price point this place ranks low.
(2)
Lori G.
Really good! Second time I tried Indian food and it was great! Try the the Chicken Tikka Massala, Naan bread, basmati rice, and also the tandoori murg chicken. This is a feat for 3 people and sooooo good! Best naan I have had and I wish I could come here all the time!
(4)
Will F.
Great food, great service and best of all, great prices! We came in (party of 2) on a Wednesday night and immediately got a table. Our waitress was really friendly and engaging. While I eat Indian food often, it is always nice to try new things, and she was incredibly helpful with suggestions while also asking lots of relevant questions to find out what I liked. That alone is a rarity at most restaurants but unheard of for ethnic places. The food was prepared quickly, and the service was always present but not overbearing or hovering. The space was pleasant and comfortable, and for two entrees, some bread and a beer the bill was just over $45. Loved the food and will for sure go back on my next Chicago visit.
(5)
Lucas W.
This is by far my favorite Indian restaurant. I've been eating Indian since I could first start eating and my dad has been eating at Gaylords since the 1970s. He even prefers Gaylords to some of the food he's eaten in India. I would only recommend going to the buffet. as with any Indian restaurant, the buffet offers a breat breadth of options with some sort of food for everyone. Gaylords rotates their buffet, but they just about always have the following dishes available: saag paneer, rogan josh, mattar paneer, butter chicken, vegetable samosa. While I certainly have my favorites (their mattar paneer and rogan josh is unparalleled), everything is good. I have never been disappointed. Every friend I have brought to Gaylords has left satisfied and vowing to return. The food is simply fantastic. They have another location in Schaumburg which is the same owners. The individual dishes vary slightly in quality (some better some worse) but it is also a great restaurant
(5)
Faye G.
Delicious! Ordered the shrimp Vandalia and it was cooked perfectly. I also has the garlic back. So happy to find an Indian restaurant in the hood that delivers. Will definitely order again and again. My only recommendation is to provide more rice with the order.
(5)
Ajay S.
Good restaurant, but hard to see from the street. I found the food to be very good and my order was made spicy, which they can kick it up a notch.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Went here for a GLO (girls' lunch out) for the Sunday lunch buffet. Maybe I was expecting more, but this was just A-OK for me. Apparently this place used to be on Dearborn, but now it is in the basement of a building on Walton. It's very non-descript from the street. The buffet had a fair amount to choose from, but I didn't think there was a ton of variety. There were a few chicken dishes, a rice, a soup (cream of broccoli of all things), potato/cauliflower, a few lentil dishes, and some veggies. There was a nice selection of sauces (the mint chutney and the yogurt with cucumber was really good) and that was about it. Some of the food was just really bland. There was a basket of naan on the table that was refilled. The wait staff was helpful, but there were a few times that I had to tell them I wasn't done because they seemed in such a hurry to take my plates or silverware. For $15 all you can eat this buffet is fine, but I think there is better Indian food elsewhere in the city for a similar price.
(3)
Ray D.
Good Indian Buffet for lunch. I like the options they have there. Decent location but a very touristy area. Not amazing but good chicken.
(4)
Kevin C.
I think the idea of an Indian buffet is hilarious - you're basically paying 12 bucks to feel like shit for the rest of the day and then shit like shit for the next 24 hours. God I love America. Not enough curry, but everything was pretty good, and the service was excellent.
(3)
Shwetha K.
Its very near to Willis Tower. If u happen to be to Chicago on ur sight seeing trip. U can definitely make it up to Gay lord. They have wonderful salads & very nice buffet. We had Biryani & raita was tasting superb with it. This restaurant stands for its quality, so i would not mind for those extra bucks.
(5)
Dr. B A.
The food is ok but the service was terrible! The staff was not friendly I spoke to the manager and expressed my concerns. The staff did not want to give me enough containers to pack my food to go.
(2)
Grace C.
yeay...i shouldn't go back to this place...but i was craving for an nice Indian food... we tried again for Sunday lunch buffet....um...nothing was too wrong...but nothing was yummy. my problems were 1. sauce was too plain...even brocooli cream soup.... 2. all food was warm. not hot. 3. service is so so. 4. not sure how clean the place were... problem it was the last time i tried this place.....hope to find a better Indian place near by soon....
(2)
Jessica D.
We've been to the location in Schaumburg, so we were curious how this Chicago location compared. The menu is great, and provides a little for everyone--including southern Indian cuisine fans, by offering idly and uttapam. I had the pepper lamb, which was a little too fatty/not well trimmed for me, and extremely spicy. He had the lamb vindaloo, which also had small pieces of potato and which was very tasty. Entrees come with saffron rice, but you can also order a garlic naan like we did to add another layer of flavor and help pick up the meaty pieces in your curry. I enjoyed their essential punch, a mixture of citrus juices and gin, as well as a mango lassi to help temper the incredibly spicy lamb pepper dish I ordered. All around, the space is comfortable, if a little sparse. There is a little self-serve appetizer table in the center of the rectangular dining room, where you can get some warm papad chips and various chutneys to dip. I missed out on the beets when I stepped up, but they looked really good. The staff is very helpful and the service is at a good clip. The bar at the entrance has two flat screen TVs and some interesting Bollywood stars' photos framed and up on the wall. Great little stop for Indian if you're in the neighborhood shopping.
(4)
Soy L.
Attentive service and a vintage restaurant look made this dining experience a nice one for me. The food is delicious but the dinner prices are up there.
(4)
David M.
Fantastic selection and exceptional service. One of the best Indian restaurants in town.
(5)
Megan F.
A delicious dining experience! The food here is fantastic and can only be riveled by the great waitstaff/service. I have dined at the bar as well as in the main dining room and had exceptional food every time. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Earlie C.
This place is alright if you expect to get what you are going to get. An upper class Indian restaurant Near North where you're going to pay up the ass for almost anything. I'm young and so is my girlfriend. We're both around 25 and look as though we're 18. As soon as we walk in it's as though I can feel the waiters "you take this one, they're going to tip shit." Have this mindset and treat us accordingly... you're going to get SHIT (and I still tipped %18). We order a bottle of Schmitt Sohne for ~$30... Now the waiter seems somewhat interested... but not really. We don't see him again until he's back for the check. Our food was decent. The vindaloo was actually pretty good. And so was whatever else my girlfriend had. We leave nearly $100 less in our pockets for a mediocre experience. Hilarious that I step into Dominick's that night and see a bottle of Scmhitt Sohne for $8 for twice the amount we were served. It's laughable at best. There are so many BETTER places in the city. Too afraid to venture to Devon/Roger's Park? Good. The flavour up North should be reserved for those who know (and want to taste) authentic Indian/Pakistani food.
(3)
Lance W.
I've only been in for dinner, the food is fairly good but the service seems slow and distracted. I've traveled throughout India on business and the service here attempts to recreate the service of a fine-dining establishment in India but they don't have enough people working the dining room to pull it off. The head waiter works the dining room and takes orders. The assistant waiter delivers the food. Unless you work hard to flag down a waiter, these are the only 2 visits to your table. For their approach to work, they need someone dedicated to filling drinks, someone dedicated to keeping fresh naan on the table, etc... Ok, I'm off the soapbox for now. I really liked the tandoori chicken, chili chicken and daal makhani. I probably should try to come in over lunch for the buffet so I'm not dependent on the wait staff. My other complaint is the cold naan that is consistently delivered to the table. What's up with serving cold naan! If you have the time and transportation, there are much, much better options for Indian in Chicago...
(3)
Abe R.
Look, I dig the Indian Buffet, I really do. From the price point they set, something like $11.00/person, to the exceptional quality and diversity of the dishes, this place has you covered. Do I know if it's authentic? Um...No. No I don't... Do I know that it's normally stacked and has great food? Um...Yes.. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)
Padma A.
Went during the week with guests from India for lunch buffet, hardly anybody in the restaurant. I have had better food at Gaylord, was not happy with the quality. They validate lunch parking for $8/ which is a good thing on mag mile.
(3)
Norm J.
This place was OK, but definitely not a place I feel I need to return to. The buffet was good for the price, but the wait staff wasn't very attentive or friendly. Waiting almost 10 minutes for the waiter to come and bring us our drinks left a negative impression.
(3)
B H.
Very good food and my waiter could not have been more friendly. I have gone back twice this week because of the very good service excellent food. They decor is a little quirky maybe even dated but the food and the service more than make up for it. If you're looking for very good Indian food without having to dress up this is your spot
(4)
Cecil S.
This place is honestly such a joke, I don't understand how it's still successful. They're empty most of the time except for the prime lunch/dinner hours, and their wait staff just sits around all day without really bothering to offer good service unless you're considered 'worth it'. I'm the type of person that doesn't even ask for much when it comes to service. The first two times I've gone here was with my family and it was a fine experience, but the food is plain and really not authentic, as well as SEVERELY overpriced (probably due to the expensive costs of the location); don't really think too much of their bar either. The third (and last time) I've gone here, it was completely empty and the waiter was pulling plates early; even though there were literally no other patrons in the restaurant. Ridic!! The wait staff could definitely improve. If you're looking for decent Indian food that actually tastes good with a better ambiance/dining experience, and fairer pricing - check out Tandoor in Lincoln Park and don't waste your time going here. If you're with your family and walking around the area, take a gamble and try them out. If you're close and just want Indian food, order take-out and don't bother trying to suffer through their agonizing dine-in experience.
(2)
Sarah M.
Fantastic! I will forever crave this place!
(5)
Katie T.
Gaylord is our go-to for Indian takeout in our neighborhood. We always get chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and then a different veggie dish, like saag paneer or aloo gobi. We have tried the samosa, but they weren't quite good enough to make it onto our standard order. Really enjoy their rice. We have eaten here, too. The dining room is a little odd because it's sunken so there's not much natural lighting, but the food was even better and the service was really excellent. Maybe better to takeout, though.
(4)
Pete B.
Food was okay, service was poor. For example, the waiter wasn't able to give us recommendations, and when we showed the the yelp special for a free appetizer, the waiter said "you know you have to order food too right?". I found that to be slightly insulting because of course we would know better. Maybe this is one of those cultural differences, but I was not too impressed. Okay food, sub-par ambiance, good location. Probably not gonna go back there again.
(2)
Isabel C.
Great food, large portions and the complimentary salad bar is a huge plus! The only down side is we split the check, only can be done 3 ways. And we each paid a certain amount. Those of us who paid in cash did not get change back... It was only a couple dollars and change but still... Not the best service on that part but our waitress was helpful when it came to picking the dishes we wanted.
(4)
Will L.
Found this place on Yelp after discovering there would be a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig at 8pm. I must say that in hindsight, I'm extremely glad that there was a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig. There was no wait at all at Gaylord, and I was able to eat the most delicious Indian food I had ever tried. We ordered the Eggplant and Potato Curry (Aloo Bengan), Chicken Naan, and the Indian Hor D'oeuvres. The curry was well flavored and had a very slight kick to it. It went very well with the included basmati rice and the chicken naan. The Chicken Naan was very fresh and fluffy, and was not burnt at all. Easily the best/freshest naan I've ever had. The Indian Hor D'oeuvres were okay, with the absolute exception of the Pakoras. The Pakoras were savory and delicious - I had no idea what it was initially but could care less. They were lightly fried too, so you can indulge on these without worrying about tearing up the insides of your mouth. Customer service was excellent here as well. Our waiter was very polite, and was very helpful and patient in describing certain items to us. I also really liked how the menu was very descriptive and well translated. I also never had to ask for water because there was someone (possibly a ninja) walking around the entire night filling our cups.
(4)
Nisha A.
I've noticed some Indian businesses treat Indian patrons like cr@p and Gaylord seems to be one such. At least my experience this past weekend. I didn't even get to eat; I tried to ask the "host" questions about the menu before I took a seat, and he was so grumpy, rude, monosyllablic it was like pulling teeth to get any information from him. I just walked away. Again, I am not sure if he treats everyone like that, but if he is the "face" of the restaurant, they really need a new face.
(1)
Sam T.
Nice service, delicious food, complimentary salad bar and reasonable prices. Live in the neighborhood and will definitely be back!
(4)
Mie L.
#NAME?
(4)
Marcel M.
Phenominal! Try the dinner special- good mix of everything. PS the chicken soup great as well.
(5)
MJ D.
This was an excellent Indian restaurant in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and I would definitely return as the food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the service was spectacular. I'm always impressed when the owner or chef makes their rounds around all of the tables and thanks his guests. At Gaylord, the owner was never far away and always checking with us to make sure that everything was meeting our expectations. They far exceeded those high expectations. For appetizers, I was especially fond of the BHEL POORI (rice puffs, chick-pea flour vermicelli, diced potatoes & onions mixed with tangy sauces) and the BHINDI AMCHUR (deep-fried wafer thin slices of okra sprinkled with tangy spices), both of which were very tasty and unique. The Bhel Poori was so good that our large group of 8 had to order a second plate of it and both were quickly polished clean. For main entrees, we tried quite a bit, including the idly, chicken tikka masala, karahi chicken, lamb vindaloo, and chicken biriyani, but the one dish that I couldn't get enough of was the YELLOW DAL (thick lentil soup made of moong chana dal sauteed with spices), which was so incredibly flavourful that I kept going back for more. After reading in the menu that the KEEMA NAN (bread, stuffed with seasoned minced lamb meat) was their best seller, I definitely had to try it and was slightly disappointed. Though it was certainly delicious, I was expecting something far more spectacular. But the fact that I'm not the biggest lamb eater could also have contributed. So with regards to the various bread options, of which they had so many good ones, I was most impressed with the BLACK PEPPER & CILANTRO NAN (nan sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper & cilantro). This nan was unlike any other nan I've ever had before and was very satisfying. My only regret after seeing how much pride they put into their various breads, was that I did not try their garlic nan, but for that, a return trip is definitely in order. If you like great Indian food in a quiet, clean, and relaxed setting with great service and reasonable prices, I would definitely give this one a try! P.S. Mention FACEBOOK and they'll even give you 20% off the entire bill!
(5)
Vishal B.
The location is a bit tricky to find, its off of Walton and Michigan and you have to go down the stairs. We had the buffet here, they had a good mix of both vegetarian and meat items clearly marked. Food tasted great! The service was also nice and quick. I wished they validated parking for the garage however. I actually cannot think of a negative thing to say about this restaurant. I might be going soft!
(4)
Tulika S.
Nice place n ambience...good food and value for money...went for a bday party there...service was excellent n patient too as our group was late to reach n order
(4)
Samantha E.
I've had this catered at a few events I have been to and Gaylord never fails to deliver. Everything I have ever had from here has been on point. Now all I need to do is stop in and sit down for a meal.
(4)
Tony G.
gaylord has waiters that have been there 20 years. the food is perfect.
(4)
Cassie S.
Tucked away in the garden level of a large building across the street from 900 N. Michigan is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants that the City of Chicago has to offer. For quality, taste and service, definitely the best Indian restaurant in the city. (as for authenticity, I can't speak to it personally, but my sister-in-law's family all seemed to enjoy it). I've been here twice and sampled quite a large selection of the menu. My brother and sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner was held here in July 2011 and before that, of course we had to go taste testing! There is nothing that I've tried that I didn't love (well, except for things that I knew I wouldn't like just because of the ingredients or preparation, but that's going to happen anywhere). Even my brother and dad, picky eaters and vegetable-haters enjoyed the vegetarian options, of which there are many. Chicken, lamb and seafood dishes were all great too. The staff here could not be nicer or more accommodating. Offering to make dishes spicier or mild based on personal preference. From the matre'd to the bartender, the servers and the owner, everyone was so friendly and anxious to be of help. Yes, it's expensive. Certainly out of my price range for an everyday dinner. But for a special occasion - totally worth it.
(5)
Nick H.
Superb, superb. I was working in Chicago for a few days and I came back two nights in a row because it was so good.
(5)
Sabrina F.
This is what an Indian restaurant should be! Fantastic selection of authentic courses, not greasy, and so flavorful. Staff is very hospitable and welcoming. Atmosphere is a little outdated and tacky, but you kind of expect that with most Indian restaurants. If you're new to Indian food, I highly recommend going with the King's or Queen's tasting menu which feature 5-8 smaller portions of select appetizers and main courses. Perfect for discovering your favorite dishes.
(4)
Ishan P.
Good food, Service is ok. My server made a mistake in the order which i had to send back. But he took care of it without a lot of arguments.
(3)
David F.
We tried Gaylord right as they were closing, and there was a certain air of being rushed. I don't blame them, except they were closing at 9p and it's Chicago! We had a good selection a dishes to try and they were all pretty tasty. Some were way too spicy for me, and I like it spicy. My friend definitely couldn't handle the heat and dealt with his burning stomach for a while. Be warned if you are cautious around heat. The service was good and I enjoyed the overall experience. I bet the buffet rules.
(3)
Vivian H.
Tried the buffet and while it wasn't what I'm used to, it was tasty! What I'm used to is lots of curry and meat -- chicken, lamb, goat, you know. But the veggies here are good, and so is the spicy chicken tikka masala and that fluffy naan! Great service, waters were refilled and plates cleared constantly.
(3)
Kiarash Z.
I've admonished people for being upset that a restaurant took too long with the food. If you want food fast, I've declared, go for fast food. That being said, Gaylord simply takes too long, especially when you're paying for street parking or plan to get anything done with you afternoon. Still, I'm glad the restaurant offers something different from the bland, corporate eateries on Michigan Avenue. And our server honored the Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer.
(2)
Kelly T.
I wouldn't say it's the best that I've had. I felt a little strange but our waiter kept on pressing for us to order more and more and OMG, it's only me and a friend. DON"T EVER get the appetizer " INDIAN HOR D'OEUVRES", it was honestly pretty tasteless as it was all greasy fried vegetables. I have to admit paying $12 for that was kind of a scam. Otherwise, the CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA was decent, had a nice kick to it.
(3)
Jennie C.
Was in the neighborhood with my colleague and decided to eat here after seeing the 4 stars on Yelp. What a pleasant surprise! We decided to get the King's feast, which included 3 Tandoori items, naan, soup, rice, lamb and veggies (see my pics). Other than the Tandoori chicken & mahi mahi being a tad dry, everything else was delicious. They were kind enough to give us two separate portions of everything and even packed them separately for our doggie bags. The meal ended up with complimentary desserts (mango ice cream was nice and flavorful, didn't like the fried cheese ball too much), and we got the 20% off web discount. Service was very friendly but not over-attentive. A hidden gem. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Sangeetha I.
Yummy in my tummy. I came here two nights in a row! I weathered the freezing Chicago winds to get myself a fix of Gaylord! Elegant, great service. fair prices and some TASTY food. We partook in the following over our 2 meals: 1. Dal Palak -Yellow lentils simmered with spinach. Hot, tasty, cumin-infused and wholesome. A heaping spoon of some of this and crisp basmati rice has me drooling 2. Vegetarian Kofta -Kofta (Indian dumpling) cooked in a tomato gravy. A nice and richer complement to the Dal above 3. Paneer Makhani -Generous (maybe a little too) servings of Paneer cubes sauteed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. Mop this up with some Garlic Naan 4. Bindi Masala -My fav! And cooked the way I love it. Well-cooked okra with tomato and onion chunks sprinkled with a dose of amazing masalas. 5. Rajasthani Roti -Wheat rotis stuffed with spiced mustard greens. My hubs went gaga for this 6. Garlic Naan -The perfect amount of garlic (not tasteless and not pungent), softly risen bread All dishes are served with saffron basmati rice. The appetizers are also great (especially the potato patty). There's a Yelp offer on this place if you check in! Free appetizer up to $10. The salad bar (free) is great...chutneys, cucumbers, carrots, radish and beets all cut up conveniently to dip, some papadums and a killer homemade pickle! They have a full bar, all the veggie dishes were between $10-$16 and it was all fantastic!
(5)
Jess G.
Went with a larger group on a saturday night. The food was really tasty (some dishes were slightly oily however) and service was fast and accommodating. Overall really enjoyed the experience!
(4)
Kaitlin M.
The location is hidden underground but still cute. The menu was expansive, but I went with my sister who worked in an Indian restaurant once. I let her handle the ordering. We got a chicken curry and an eggplant dish. Both were as expected but my favorite was the mustard greens stuffed bread. You have to try it! They also have a salad bar with different veggies, bread and Indian salads. The staff was kind and patient as we were torn over what to order. The last good thing was the cost. On the other hand, our too main dishes were too oily for my liking but full of all the traditional Indian spices. I was not overly impressed with the place but would go back it someone else wanted to try it.
(3)
Tisha K.
It's really hard to find a good biryanni, and they have an amazing chicken biryanni- with just the right amount of spice! The service is good and always very quick!
(5)
Vina O.
The food was very good, but portions are smaller and prices are slightly higher than others in the River North/Gold Goast/Streeterville area. Maybe it's best to stick to the lunch buffet rather than go here for dinner.
(3)
Vineet S.
Got to visit Gaylord on the occasion on Diwali(Festival of Lights). My manager took everybody out for lunch to this place. Ohh man this place was packed. Lunch buffet was great. Quite a number of options for veggies. I liked chiili paneer(indian cheese), bhindi(Okra) znd dal(lentils). Desserts were good too specially the mango ice cream.They should try improving on gulab jamuns, I didn't quite liked the texture. According to me they probably have the best Indian Lunch Buffet in downtown.
(4)
Anne H.
$12 Buffet. Great variety. Didn't skimp on spice. Very flavorful. The customer service was very good. All the staff was very polite and professional.
(4)
M G.
I LOVE Indian food and I LOVE the all you can eat buffet they offer during the week. It's around $12 I believe and it has a decent selection of dishes to pick from. The staff is also very attentive and helpful in picking out a dish to try. Definitely recommend trying the buffet during your lunch hour if you can. The food here is awesome.
(5)
Dan S.
I ate here the other night when in Chicago on business. I eat Indian food a lot so I am used to mediocre Indian places. This place is the exception. The food was terrific. Fresh, tasty, hot. The service from the eastern European waitress was also top notch. She deserves a raise. She was polite and very attentive to my likes. I can't wait to come back.
(5)
Neelay L.
I came to Gaylord with my family to celebrate Diwali, and for those who know what Kali Chaudash is for the Indian calendar, our experience here fit the meaning of the day and what can potentially happen to us (I am only half-joking, as you will see with this review. For those who don't know what Kali Chaudash is, it's a day where bad things are supposed to happen, to summarize it the best I can). The first event that caused me to feel the experience was subpar was when we saw a manager scold our waitress in the dining area in front of everyone. This is very unprofessional, and in my view, even if the waitress made a mistake, a reprimand should be done in private rather than within eyesight of patrons. The restaurant offered a complimentary salad/appetizer bar with papadam, vegetables, and a few chutneys including a mango chutney which was made very well. Unfortunately, this and the dessert, which I will discuss later, were the best parts of the meal. Once the food arrived, it didn't take long for me to realize everyone, including myself, was disappointed at the quality of their food. Most of us ordered chicken dishes, and the sauces were good overall, but the chicken was dry and stringy, and in one family member's words, "tasted like cardboard." I didn't quite believe my dish (Chicken Tikka Masala) was this bad, but the chicken was not consistent in texture. Some pieces were juicy and full of moisture, while others were dry. I have been to enough Indian restaurants to know how the chicken should be, and this was not good. The restaurant goes with a spice scale of mild, medium, or hot, and I would have preferred a number scale as this allows one to pinpoint the level they prefer. The mild dishes ordered at the table were not mild at all. For dessert, we ordered orange kulfi, and instead we were given pistachio kulfi, but we decided to eat it anyways and were pleased with the taste. The kulfi came with excellent fruit (oranges and strawberries cut into slices) With the lack of quality of the meals ordered, the managers were kind enough to offer a 10% discount, but we walked in with the intention of showing them a Facebook "like," which would have netted us the same discount. Overall, the experience was below average with prices slightly higher than average, so I do not recommend coming back to this restaurant. I can safely say 85-90% of the Indian restaurants I have eaten at are better than this one, and it's worth noting that the Gaylord location in Schaumburg has a friendlier management staff, better service, and better food as well.
(2)
Winston G.
Great place for Indian food in the River North area, right off Michigan Ave and in a central location. The prices might seem a bit high, but make sure you mention Yelp so you can get a discount! The waiters and the owners of the place were extremely friendly, and more than willing to accommodate our party of 9. This is a good restaurant for groups. Dishes were ordered: Samosas - not the best I've had, but definitely passable. Could have a crispier crust to them, but they were decent. Chicken tikka masala - very good - creamy, tender chicken, and a large enough portion to share between 4-5 people. Rogan josh - tender pieces of lamb - good flavor Chicken vindaloo - my favorite dish here - very nice spice to it and the dark meat was tender The naan was good and fresh. This place doesn't charge absurd amounts for white rice, like the India House does. I will be back here again, hopefully to try the lunch buffet people keep discussing.
(5)
Jennie T.
I didn't know there was an Indian restaurant within walking distance from my office! I found this out several weeks ago as I was taking a walk to my friend's birthday dinner in Old Town (it was 35 minute walk). There was a guy outside that was giving out samples of tandoori chicken. I thought it was tasty so I told myself that I'd try to come for their lunch buffet one day. Enter today. Again, there was someone handing out free sample of food. I didn't know what it was because I had already made up my mind to get the lunch buffet so it didn't make sense to stick around for a sample. I went inside and was greeted by several of the staff. I don't know how many people waited on me but it was more than a few. You'd think I was queen or something, but their service was only so-so. I was just a tad bit annoyed that every single one of them asked me if I wanted soda since it "comes with the buffet." Um, no thank you, I've said this at least 5 times already. The buffet selection was pretty good--everything was decent, but some of the items were not heated properly. There was a shrimp dish today that I thought was good (mostly because the shrimps tasted fresh), but the only problem was that my shrimp tasted a little cold. It didn't particularly upset me but I would rather have my food hot and spicy like how I imagine Indian food should be. Everything was kind of lukewarm, except for my basket of freshly made nan, which of course, happened to be the warmest food item I had today. I was surprised by the fruit salad though -- the orange pieces of fruit that I thought would be cantaloupes turned out to be mangoes! What a pleasant surprise! I love mangoes. The only reason why I'd come here again is because they're close to my office and sometimes I just want Indian food. But India House is a lot better... If only, India House was within walking distance of my work (well, it is... but not during my lunch hour). Oh and the third star is strictly because Chicago Curry House in the South Loop is actually more like a "meh"-2-star kind of place. The food at Gaylord at least had some spice...It still wasn't spicy and that was disappointing, but it was an attempt? Maybe I should order off the menu next time.
(3)
TJ Y.
So I was really looking forward to this place because I have yet to find an Indian restaurant here in Chicago that I absolutely love. My friend suggested this restaurant because they apparently make their food spicy... and I loooove spicy! However... it was a disappointment :( Food - I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. I asked for spicy.... and it was only a bit spicy (in my opinion). The spiciness/peppers (even though it didn't taste too spicy) overpowered the dish though.... and I didn't get the other flavors of the dish. The garlic naan was cooked perfectly, but it was a bit light on the garlic. Service - Our service wasn't great... we had to ask for a few things a couple of times before our server actually brought them. They weren't busy, so he just wasn't really paying attention. Ambiance - there was live music there, so that was nice. Comparing three Indian restaurants that people have suggested from just the food standpoint... Gaylord's spices overpower the flavorfulness of the dish. India House's chicken tikka is yummy.... although a bit on the tomato-y side.... And Jaipur's is on the creamy side... out of those three Indian restaurants... India house is still the best one.
(3)
Avani P.
Tasty aloo vindaloo. Quick delivery service. We order delivery/take out once a month. Never been disappointed.
(4)
Shane H.
Lovely. I came here for dinner. This place was typically empytish with other a few other table other than ours. We ordered the chicken masala and the lamb vindooloo. Both were not as spicy as indian food can get, but still tastefully presented and delicious.
(5)
S G.
This is a good Indian restaurant. The food is fresh and tasty. I can't believe this city. People will deliver food like this to your home! Chicken tikka, eggplant bharta, sikh kabob, samosas and rice pudding. Just like mom's home cooking. It's not fine dining, but it's comforting!
(4)
Bhaskar K.
Folks, you will never ever regret visiting this place. Probably the best food I ever ate (including places in India) at a restaurant. I went there on three consecutive nights and thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Do not miss the OKRA appetizer. Lamb dishes are so good that you will definitely overeat, so be prepared and dress appropriately to accommodate the extra space :) Excellent taste, service, presentation and value for the money !
(5)
O K.
Delicious!! You get 20% off if you carry out! But then you don't get their free salad bar thing.
(4)
moon k.
The restaurant was nothing fancy. It was clean and the set up was nice also. We tried the lunch buffet (Sunday) today. I started with the appetizer stuff with some Papad and chaat..the papad was kinda salty. Then some naan came in which I liked..I tried it with the eggplant curry which was good also. Then I took some rice which was STALE...the rice grains were chewy and hard. I have never tasted such BAD rice before. There was no gulab jamun for desert. The food overall was not tasty..I expected it to be better. The manager who gave the bill did not talk at all for some reason...did not ask how the food was or whatever...I do not recommend people going to eat their buffet for sure.
(2)
Matt S.
The waitstaff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious. I had the Gaylord Chicken. Succulent chicken breast pieces in a spicy red sauce. The price was reasonable and the portions were generous.
(4)
Xiaoxi L.
Not the usual spicy, strong $10 buffets I eat, this one, which was $13-15/person, had a different variety. They had tandoori chicken in a thin-ish sauce, and other options were not as drenched/flavorful as other buffets I've eaten at. I've heard this is more like authentic South Indian food, and it was good, just not as strong as I expected. There was fried fish, which is a pleasant surprise.They had eggplant, which was deLICIOUS. Instead of mango kulfi, hey had strawberry ice cream, which had little nubs of some kind of grain in it. It was interesting and very good, but I missed my mango kulfi. Those pancake balls were very good too, and kept warm. The service was very good. They kept clearing the plates as soon as we were finished. If you like Indian flavor that's a bit muted, this is the place for you. I like to get a slap to the face with curry, so I prefer the $10 buffet at Cuisine of India, where they have several dishes smothered in the thickest curry in the land.
(4)
Yang B.
Saw little fruit flies around the buffet. Smoke in the dining section. Food was salty and spicy. My Indian colleague seemed to have enjoyed his dinner. I will not go back on my own.
(1)
Saira K.
The lunch buffet was pretty good. The restaurant is in a basement and not very bright, but the food was good. I think the buffet also includes a drink (soda), and that was nice.
(3)
Sarah C.
Very disappointing after all the good reviews. Food was greasy and lukewarm and there were flies all over the buffet. Our waiters rushed us out an hour before closing time because the other diners had left.
(2)
Lucia Z.
We came here a couple months ago and had a really great experience. The service was good and the food was better! Really high qualify Indian food. A little more expensive than most Indian places, but still reasonable, especially for the area.
(4)
Rich W.
Good food, strong drinks. Nice atmosphere and some curry that'll blow your hair back.
(5)
Dhrisha P.
Great food if you love Indian of course.. Gaylords is open late so when I'm finished with work they can still feed me. Valet parking is available. the food is great. spicy, and was quick, but Its a quite, relaxing atmosphere. I remember a few Jamaican songs, (kind of sexy). You do have to order a few servings to feel full. I usually eat once a day and rice and chicken sauce was good but I think I will need desert next time. I don't know how I didn't think to order a Indian desert.
(4)
Avery H.
I experienced a complete failure of service at dinner from which I have just returned. I dined alone, this being my last night in Chicago. I've been in town on business and was hoping to enjoy a wonderful last meal and experience at Gaylord India Restaurant. I was rather hungry as well and eager to taste some wonderful Indian cuisine. I was seated in a timely manner, and my order was taken relatively quickly, but the experience went downhill from there. My server was rather aloof and seemed not to care very much about my being there. He wrote nothing down as he took my order. Needless to say I didn't feel very welcomed. I ordered a glass of the Malbec, the pakoras appetizer, the lamb saag for dinner, and some nan. The pakoras were brought and dropped at the side of my table. Presentation was lackluster and a bit sloppy, but the sauces were tasty. My entree was brought and the gentleman who did so left so quickly that even after I repeatedly called out to him, he never turned around. I was calling to him because it looked like he had brought me the wrong entree. I later found out what I had been served was lamb kadai. I was so hungry I decided to eat it anyway. It was quite delicious and the nan was amazingly good; the best nan I've had. Then, the server that took my order never returned. He never checked on me to see if I was happy with what I was served. I probably would have ordered another glass of wine, but by the time I was finished with my meal I had waited so long for someone to return that I was ready to leave. It took a very long time for the check to be brought to me. What a shame. The food was good, but the poor service ruined the experience. I'm glad I ate alone there, because if I had brought my clients there to eat, it would have been an embarrassment.
(2)
JJ L.
3.5 stars. $13 for a weekend lunch buffet in downtown Chicago - wow, very nice price. The buffet had an excellent shrimp, butter chicken, and butter paneer. The saag (spinach) was only OK, the tandoori chicken was a bit dry, and naan was not great. Overall, an excellent lunch choice that you won't great. Very close to 4 stars but didn't quite make it for me.
(3)
Nat M.
so far, this is my fav Indian food in Chicago, which isnt saying much. I eat takeout, so cant comment on the restaurant experience. The kerala fish curry is really good. So is their naan. They do a good job with the other mainstream indian dishes as well
(4)
Annie E.
Terrible!!! I was born in Malaysia and knows my curry very well. I chose there because it was close to my hotel and I wanted some Indian curry. When I arrive, the restaurant was packed with Indian patron, so I thought that was a good sign. I guess unfortunately, the waitress never even asked if we want our food mild, medium, or spicy. Of course, it came out so spicy that it completely destroy the flavor, and my son is resort to only eating the garlic naan bread. I asked for yogurt to neutralize the spice, but they were too busy and it took them 15 mins before they brought it over. Over price, service is terrible, and food is way too spicy
(1)
Praveen S.
Good indian food, great location of the restaurant, clean and fast service, complimentary salad bar with lots of papad. little pricey because of its location but totally worth it.
(4)
Kathy S.
I had no idea that they gave 20% off a la carte prices for carry out! Since Indian can get pricey, this is a great benefit of going to Gaylord's compared to other places. I was extremely impressed with the hospitality of this restaurant. The manager offered us some food to munch on while we waited for our order that included chutneys with chips and cucumber/carrots. He was just very welcoming and chatted with us while we were waiting so even before tasting the food, I already loved the place. We ordered the lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala and they were both very tasty. Vindaloo is one of my favorite Indian dishes and this did not disappoint. Garlic naan was also good although I wish it was a little more garlicy. Highly recommended if you're craving Indian. The 20% off for carry out will definitely have me picking up from here more frequently and I'm looking forward to trying their lunch buffet sometime.
(5)
ettennam M.
I have eaten at the restaurant as well as ordered carry out. I am so pleased with the service I receive every time I go. I especially love the quality, taste and appearance of the food. I have told my friends and will continue to call upon this business for the best India Food. Thank you.
(5)
Lori K.
Lunch buffet was good. Rajma was a pleasant surprise. Typical North Indian food so not much spice, but certainly worth every penny.
(4)
Ruchi G.
I tried their lunch buffet recently on a weekday and I was quite disappointed. The food was not spicy(which I assume was because of where the place is located) which was okay with me but it was not flavorful either. The spread was quite uninteresting. They had chicken makhani, dry fried fish, tandoori chicken and a few vegetable dishes that did not taste very different from each other. Its probably one of the most bland and tasteless Indian food I have eaten at a restaurant. I don't think I am basing that on hotness or spicyness, its just lack of any balanced flavors. After I was done, I felt like I had had a meal full of cream and butter without really experiencing any taste. They had a random potato dish sitting in the beginning of the buffet between the salads and the condiments and the bread (naan) served on the table was cold and dry. It was evident that it had been sitting out a while and they just served it without even heating it. Overall, it just felt like they don't put much thought into what they make or how they serve it. The waiters were pleasant and friendly and checked regularly if we needed anything. I have eaten at India House a few times now and feel that their buffet is so much better-the food is fresh, they take care of the temperature and the food actually tastes good. I would recommend them over this place anyday!
(1)
Quality C.
THE GOOD: great Indian food. Good service THE BAD: Difficult to decide if you are not Indian and haven't had much exposure to Indian food. THE UGLY: The high price. The do give you a discount for take out that you pick up.
(4)
Thomas B.
Was staying down the street at the Drake and Yelp led me here. I was not disappointed. Great service, and very good food.
(4)
Suzy D.
We came here for dinner on a Sunday night. My husband got the lamb biryani and I had the mutter paneer. Our friend had the paneer makhani. We also had some garlic naan. Everything was good, but I still prefer India House. However, I think Gaylord's may be slightly more affordable. My husband said the lamb biryani at Gaylord's is top notch so I guess we will be back for more biryani. We have also come here for buffet before. It is only $12 and it is pretty decent. I still like the buffet at India House better but the buffet at India House is about $17 so I guess for the price Gaylord's isn't bad.
(3)
Cerella F.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at gaylord's. The atmosphere was great and everything was very clean. The food was incredible, some of the best Indian food I have ever had. As a strict vegetarian, finding food that I can eat and enjoy can be a challenge. Gaylord's offered a wide variety of vegetarian options to choose from. The service at the restaurant was amazing. The employees were very nice and helpful. They also were timely and efficient. The bill for our food was very reasonable, considering the generous portions that we received. Gaylord's was a wonderful restaurant and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable, flavorful meal.
(5)
El B.
Went back when the doors were unlocked (success!) because I do do do love indian food and this place is as convenient as they come for me. The place was PACKED, but our servers were attentive and polite. We ordered the vegetarian appetizer platter which we did NOT need because the entree portions are big and they have a mini "salad" and poppadom bar. Mr. Bee and I both took most of our entrees home. My eggplant entree was...weird. The eggplant had a somewhat unpleasant texture, but the sauce was to die for. I wouldn't get it again, but I did soak up with the sauce with naan. I will definitely go back. They lose a star because of my original experience where a bunch of slack-jawed workers wouldn't take two seconds to get up and explain that they close for an hour or two between lunch and dinner (not advertised on the door if my memory serves me). Instead, they looked at me, looked away, and I left mad and starving. I forgive you, Gaylord.
(4)
Alex C.
Great indian food. I haven't had much indian food so maybe i'm not the best person to judge but my experience and overall quality of the food was good. We arrived pretty late and the wait staff as well as the owner came up to us and let us know to take our time. We ended up leaving at 9:45PM because we eat fast but i was still appreciative of the service. We ordered the King and queen meal which are very reasonably priced for the amount of food served. The dining area is very fancy and more classy than expected. Had a great experience! Will recommend and be back very soon!
(5)
Agnes O.
We just had a group lunch buffet for 8 people. The service was slow and the variety of food available was average. Dishes were slightly overcooked and not warm enough. To our surprise a 20% service charge was added to our meal. For an almost non-existing service 20% seems pretty unreasonable and undeserved - it seems a bit of a shady practice.
(2)
Iris T.
Indian food is something I must have once a month. It's also usually safe for me to eat when I need to (or want to) eat out. I pretty much follow a Jain-like diet and most Indian restaurants understand this diet so it tends to be easier to dine at Indian restaurants. We got breakfast down the road from this place and passed by it. To my surprise, Hubby mentioned it when it was time for lunch so we returned. I guess he wanted something salty and heavier than the usual sandwiches that we had mostly been limited to on our trip. Indian food was pretty safe - the question was what could they offer us. They had some tables already seated. At least half of them were Indian. That's a good sign! They had what looked like a pretty extensive buffet going on which I was tempted to view, but decided not to. I hate it when I can't eat something and I don't quite enjoy torturing myself if I have the choice, because I was about 110% sure we wouldn't be able to take advantage of the buffet, other than probably the breads and dessert. The decor was definitely geared towards "fine dining" with cloth-covered tables and wine glasses for your water. They also had a bar near the entrance. We were seated and our glasses filled. I then told the man that we ate Jain and that we would need the menu. He looked amazed. (East) Asian people? Jain? He questioned us and I told him that we pretty much followed their diet (easier that way). I'm not sure if he quite understood it. In fact, I'm pretty sure he thought I was telling him we were actually Jain, but either way, as long as he understood what we could and could not eat, I didn't care too much. We were told we could only have three items on their menu. Not too shabby, but not all that great of a selection, either. Especially when you see how many items there are on their menu (and buffet). Couldn't complain too much though! It was still food and it wasn't a sandwich or a salad. In fact, I'm pretty sure it wasn't all that healthy either. We got the Bombay Aloo (spiced potatoes) and the Paneer Makhani (Indian cheese in a butter-tomato-cream curry sauce) with some naan. Carbs and fat. Awesome. I felt like I needed it, though. Yelp had some sort of deal where you can get a free appetizer. I mentioned Yelp and before I could finish, the man told me that yes, I would get an extra 10% off my bill. O_o Well, why not? It's likely what I could have on the appetizer menu would have been underwhelming so having a discount of sorts would have been better. I took it. It took a little bit of time but the food did come out. I could hear the man-waiter talk to another person about us being Jain. I stifled a giggle. We were going to order a lassi to share and even considered something else like an appetizer, but it's a good thing we didn't. The dishes themselves weren't huge, but the portions coupled with the actual content and rice - not to mention the naan - was going to be crazy. With us traveling and not likely to return to the hotel until night, we really didn't want to have leftovers to take out. We did it! We finished every bit of the potato and paneer as well as the sauce and sides. Both were good and mildly spiced. The potato was tender but not falling apart and mashed potato-esque. It was well spiced and flavorful. The makhani had a decent amount of paneer in it and the sauce itself was rich. It frankly reminded me of Tomato Bisque. O_o In fact, were there any spices in there? By the time we were done, I was completely stuffed and more than satisfied. Service: amusing and helpful, but felt somewhat awkward at times. Food: good; could do with more choices, but can't really blame them (much) Facilities: not too loud and pretty clean... bathrooms could do with a little bit of work, though. It's 'fine dining' but a number of the customers were dressed pretty casually and that bathroom definitely wasn't upscale. Verdict: a pretty popular place (buffet seems to be very popular... boo on how I couldn't experience it) and the food I could eat was good. Struggled at around 3.4 stars, but decided to round up, just because it was the only hot, savory, and filling meal we had in Chicago other than sandwiches, but that doesn't count.
(4)
Shuang Z.
I feel this place is actually better than Indian Garden. So if you decided to have lunch in streeterville area, I recommend this one over Indian Garden. They have a wider variety of dishes for their lunch buffet, I love the shrimp curry, which is not offered at Indian Garden. They have typical saga paneer, vege curry, lentile curry etc. My favorite thing at Gaylord is their ICECREAM!!! The flavors differ from day to day, so far I've had pistahcio and Mango. They are heavenly tasty:D It's really quite inside, so nice dining environment if you wanna talk with friends during lunch. At least you can hear each other easily without yelling. They offer 10% for NU students.
(4)
Mackayla G.
DELICIOUS!! I ordered the Queen's Feast and made a hot dog out of the naan, some tandoori sausage, onion, and sauces. Best hot dog in Chicago.
(5)
Gretchen D.
We had waited a long time to try this place. Went late on a Weds. night. We were surprised how good it was. Garlic naan and cilantro/pepper naan both good. It was nice and quiet. Reasonably priced wine list (for downtown Chicago that is). We had the chicken tikki masala, samosa chat, chicken pepper (especially good), and We enjoyed them all. Free Yelp appetizer if you check in which the waiter spotted before I even said anything. The service was terrific!
(4)
Michael B.
I'm a fan of Gaylord's as i've experienced them at their best. Went for their Sunday buffet and the theme was southern Indian. We found most of the dishes were either mediocre rice, breads or other "fillers" and were a little light on meat and/or vegetable options. I get the southern Indian cuisine style but the value was just not there for the buffet options we were given. What really put us off was the "Bum's Rush" we were given by the waitstaff, like they couldn't wait to get rid of us, even though the restaurant was not full, not closing and people were still being seated for dinner. We found it strange and rude. They kept taking our silverware, napkins and asking us if we were done. What's up with that? I'm a fan Gaylords but this was atypical for you. Make me proud next time I come in.
(2)
Rachael N.
I would really like to give this place 4.5 stars. I can't believe we almost didn't come here because of the subpar rating. Do not be dissuaded!! We've tried quite a few Indian places in Chicago (Rangoli, India House, a few along Devon) and Gaylord was definitively the best. The saag paneer, Kerala fish curry, and onion kulcha were seriously amazing. The fish was perfectly cooked and the saag was creamy with tons of paneer. I highly recommend both of those dishes. With our Yelp coupon we also got a samosa chat for an appetizer, which was like a samosa curry with tamarind sauce, mint chutney, and chickpeas. Really yummy and spicy. And it's right near Sprinkles which is great for dessert, though we'd love to try Gaylord's desserts sometime soon. This place is not hip like India House, but the atmosphere and wait staff are warm and cozy. The owner is kinda intimidating but he's doing a great job, so no complaints here! On top of all, Gaylord is excellently priced. Highly recommended!
(4)
Lois K.
My favorite Indian restaurant in the Gold Coast / Streeterville area. They deliver, which is convenient. Despite large portions, I think they are a little overpriced. However, that doesn't stop me from ordering when I have a craving for Indian food. They haven't always been consistent with levels of spiciness from order to order. Favorite dishes include chicken vindaloo, murg makhani, mutter paneer, navrratan korma, and garlic naan.
(4)
Paul W.
Disappointed again by Gaylord. Slow service, mediocre food quality, and our order was mixed up. We tried standards like chicken tikka masala and they rate below average. I'll move on to another Indian restaurant and not come back.
(2)
Claudia F.
Simple: the food was really really good. The service was the worst I have had in a very long time. We sat down and were given three water fill-ups before the waiter bothered to come take our order-- and the place wasn't even busy! My friend had to go ask up front for a waiter to serve us! And then this large bulky fellow came and was extremely rude, banging dishes down on the table. Ugh. The other staff were all right, but I guess that big guy was related to the owner or something-- they should have him washing dishes if they have to keep him employed there... Certainly nowhere near customers! Otherwise it was such a yummy meal! Also they finally had a sweet guy who was supposed to be bar tending finish serving us and he was very nice and helpful. So-- I guess you can try this place if you don't mind being pushy to get service. I hope they fire the waiter and get nicer folks in and I will see better reviews in the future that can reflect the quality of the delicious food!
(3)
Jeffie J.
The lunch buffet here is scrumptious, well seasoned and spiced just right. It tends more to the vegetarian than most, but they will bring you tandoori chicken if you ask. There was a wide assortment of appetizers, mains and desserts (including mango ice cream which is kind of interesting on a buffet, since you'd think it would melt but it doesn't). Everything was neat and well organized. Every dish was labeled (in English) and each chafing dish had its own serving utensils. The price is quite reasonable for this part of town, and also in comparison to some other Indian buffets. I didn't think I would like the basement ("ground floor," "lower level") space but actually it's well decorated with murals and flowers on every table. It reads more like "rec room" than basement. There are comfortable booths along one wall and small and large tables in the center. It's not claustrophobic either, because the space is large and there is some light coming in from the front windows. Store-front Indian this is not. Service (which really isn't much of an issue at a buffet) was friendly and fine. Final note: it seemed to me that at least half the patrons were from the Indian subcontinent or thereabouts, always a good sign. I'll definitely be back and will probably ease up on dinner on the days I have lunch here.
(5)
Elle D.
Will write a review as soon as try the food..
(1)
Chloe T.
I love this place because the food is always excellent and you get great service. Also, the prices are great especially where it is located. I would deem it the best in the city! No matter the size of your party, they are always ready and prepared. I wish they were open for lunch.
(5)
Mel K.
Terribly overpriced mediocre Indian food. I tried many of the dishes here, including one with chickpeas and various naans. You know how Indian food is supposed to be really saucy with lots of seasonings? Everything was really dry and mealy in my mouth. Not a lot of flavor. The manager tried wooing us over by giving us free deserts and a bottle of wine, which was nice, but something we wouldn't have ordered otherwise. When the bill came, they charged us tax on all of those "free" items and our bill amounted to $42 a person. What a rip off.
(2)
Dean D.
Went for the buffet during the weekend. Stepped in and was seated by the host but there wasn't a waiter or waitress to be found. We heard some yelling come from the kitchen and then after about 20-25 minutes someone came out and took our drink orders. The food is tasty and my favorite was the fish curry.
(3)
Nari H.
Have had carry out here with my sister and it's good everytime. The food is always ready on time and for awhile they had a 20% off carry out orders. So we really dug that. :) would go back and order again!
(4)
Monica Y.
I come here with a friend of mine who is an Ayurvedic practitioner here in the city named Karen Klutznick. We've met here quite often over the last year. I think the food is really ok. It is inconsistent too: sometimes really good, sometimes just ok. The naan often comes cold and stale tasting. The palak paneer is really bland without very much paneer. The dahl is often bland too. The service is really good though, and they are kind and attentive. Over all, it is the only Indian restaurant in that part of the city so I go there for convenience and I would go again...however, there are so many better India restaurants in the city: Essnce of India, Tiffin, Mysore just to name a few.
(3)
Lauren B.
Ah, Gaylord. What a fab place. Before you even have a bite of their delicious food, you notice the intriguing ambience -- walnut-paneled with recess lighting, tablecloths and cut flowers on the tables, contrasted with colorful murals and brightly lit bar area. You notice the friendly, attentive service. And then, the food. Excellent lunch buffet - filled with a dazzling array of scrumptious offerings at a very reasonable $11.95. And for a la carte, the chicken tikka masala is exquisitely tender and delicious, the bengan bhartha silky and fiery, the mutter panner filled with goodness. Pair it with an ice-cold King Fisher and it's floor-to-ceiling fantastic.
(5)
Al I.
You see that review from Avery about his/her experience on 9/13? My wife and I just had a very similar experience there last night. We read the reviews, saw that they were mostly good, and decided to give it a try. The food is fantastic -- but the service really is a problem. I'm not sure if we actually had a dedicated waiter or it the service is shared; it took forever to get our check, and when we did, we found that we were double charged for a bottle of wine. (That's a concern right there, but let's set that aside.) No problem, they said, they'll fix the check. And then we waited. I finally hunted down the gentleman who took the check to ask him to bring it back so we could pay. He did so, and then I reviewed it and put out a card, and nobody came back to get it. I made eye contact to no avail, and had to pull a manager or host away from chatting with another table to take our payment. Then we waited. Again. I eventually saw him take and return somebody else's check while we were still waiting, so I had to get loud and say hi, can we have ours back. too? At that point we were about 20 minutes from when they originally dropped off the (incorrect) check. At that point, we tipped zero, which we have never done before. The food is fabulous, the room is OK, and the place is right next to my office. But the service is FLAT OUT BROKEN. I can't imagine that we'll be back.
(1)
Joscelyn M.
I haven't been to their new locale, and by the reviews, I need to. But, the food here is absolutely incredible - best outside Devon. The service is really nice and polite. Good place for groups, too.
(4)
Jennifer B.
This was the delicious Indian restaurant I have been searching for! I eat a decent amount of Indian food, and Gaylord is the real deal. Their food is authentic, tasty and spicy. I went with a big group and we got a bunch of orders of food and naan to split- two chicken dishes, one lamb, and two vegetarian. There was plenty of everything to go around and it was all great. The new location is BYOB for now, but I don't know if it will be that way permanently or just for now. We definitely took advantage of the current situation, though, and brought in several bottles of wine and some beer. Our service was also wonderful, and the owner stopped by at the end of our meal to ensure our experience was positive. Overall a fantastic meal, and I will return soon, maybe to try the lunch buffet.
(5)
Monica K.
Went here for a birthday dinner with some friends. They have this cute chaat center table with mango cutney which was amazing. The appetizer samosa was extremely small and not that great but I don't recommend ordering appetizers due to the main course size. The alu dosai was amazinggggg and so was the butter chicken. The lassi wasn't as sweet as I'd like it to be, but all in all, I'll go again. The names weird tho.
(4)
nith v.
Went there last with my co-workers and simply loved this place. I would say this place is the best in downtown if you want to have Indian food (coming from a person born and brought up in India) Like India house and India garden, this place is pricey as well but their buffet price is lesser compared to other two. Quality of food is very good an you have loads of options to choose from. Like my colleague commented... He had never seen such a big menu. I was not happy with paneer(cottage cheese) though as it was not fresh. All other veggie dishes were very good. Those who ordered non veg loved the food too. For dessert their gulab jamun is must try. If you know the difference between north and south indian food then try ordering more of south Indian food. Guess thats why they couldnt do a good job with paneer Service is great. the staff is very friendly and have always accommodated large groups(that we go in)
(4)
Anooj T.
Okay, so we've been going to Gaylord's for 9 years. We were very loyal fans for the Clark St. location until it closed late last year. My wife and I visted the new location on Walton for the first time recently. The food has only gotten better! We ordered the usuals - whole Tandoori Chicken, Keem Samosas, Pakoras, Chicken Tika Masala, Saag Paneer, butter Nan and basmati rice. Everything was seasoned to perfection. As always, poritons were large and filling and we had enough leftovers for dinner the next night. One thing though - the Indian food here is pricey. Almost too pricey, which is why we don't go more often. The best bet is it hit the lunch buffet during the week or on the weekends. We'll be going back.
(3)
Linda N.
came here for dinner with some friends. nice and simple decor. service was good. the wait-staff was a bit awkward though and towards the end of our dinner it just seemed like our waitress was in a hurry to get us out. however, the guy that was refilling the water was on point. i swear you would take a sip and he'd be right there ready to refill your glass. a bunch of us ordered the dinner specials which are totally worth it. $20 for a little bit of everything and then some. i ended up having so much left over. i had the queen's feast which was great except for the lamb sausage kabob thing, it had an interesting taste to it. def, not my favorite. in any case, i would come back.
(4)
Ashley H.
Wow. I didn't realize how much I've missed Indian food until I ate at this place. I went here for dinner with my friend who was visiting from out of town. We went really early on a Tuesday, so we were the first patrons there when we arrived (hence a bunch of waiters and support staff standing around idle--kind of weird). I wish we had had more time to sit back and really enjoy the food, but we had a concert to catch and had to eat rather quickly. The food was excellent: we ordered the appetizer platter (samosas plus deep-fried vegetables), a lamb and spinach dish that came with white rice, and an order of naan. The naan was some of the best I've had: really light and fluffy. The appetizers were pretty good and the main dish was delicious. All the food came out really hot, which probably had a lot to do with the restaurant being nearly empty, but it was appreciated, nonetheless. It's a bit pricey to go here for dinner for a casual occasion, but it seems like a great lunch spot (I believe they have lunch specials) or a place to go for a nice night out.
(5)
Christy S.
I just had dinner here tonight and it was phenomenal. Fantastic food. Great prices. Very good service. I had the queen's special which was a combo platter and it was all delicious and left plenty for lunch tomorrow.
(5)
C B.
We stayed at the Ambassador East, so this place was a godsend! 6 or so blocks and we're here. Not just a touristy BS restaurant like many just south of here, Gaylord really did it right. We arrived approximately 8 PM on a Saturday night, they were about 2/3 full - lucky for us. We were immediately seated and as stated by others, the service was spectacular. Everyone was extremely polite and everything moved very quickly. I had the Malai Kabob and my wife had the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Both did not disappoint. I had never had any type of Malai dish, but on the recommendation of a buddy I tried it. It was very unique - the chicken was really really tender, and the cheese baked on the outside was absolutely delicious. The veggie samosas were a lot spicier than I've had in the past, I liked, the wife did not. Her masala was on par with others that I've had. I would definitely go here again and I'm dying to try the buffet that everyone talks about. Prices are about average, to maybe just a shade above average - but it's very nice and in an expensive neighborhood. Also there were 4 or 5 tables of people from India in the restaurant - usually a good sign at an Indian place!
(5)
christine c.
this place is good, but it is just SO EXPENSIVE. i mean i undestand given its crappy location and the fact tha tthey have t oget as much money out of as many people that walk through their doors as possible, but i think it's a little over the top
(3)
Summer F.
I was misguided by a friend of mine who told me to go to Gaylord. One fine evening i went to Gaylord and was greeted by a gentleman who looked like Kojac in a polyester suit. I felt that he must be on some potent medications because his eyes looked glassy. I was escorted to my table and there was a silence. After about 1/2 hour, a dark skinned south indian (who may be Mexican) came to my table to take orders. When I looked at the menu, the prices were very inflated, which took my appetite away. They suggested an Indian drink called lassi which was nothing but diluted buttermilk. The appetizers were not appetizing. There was nothing special about the chef's special. When the main course came, the quantity was so limited that before you could taste it the plate was finished. Gaylord should not bring down the Indian heritage of hospitality. If you have too much money and want to give it to Gaylord for getting nothing in return, be my guest.
(1)
Puja C.
I have never experienced such horrible service. I placed a carry-out order and when I got home, I had recieved another customer's order. When I placed a call to the restaurent, the hostess did not even apoligize for the mistake. She indicated that the food would be delivered within 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, the condo front desk called and said the delivery is on its way up. I waited 20 minutes for the guy to take the elevator up. I called the front desk to find out about the delivery guy - they said he walkted out with the food. Why would you go to delivery food and not deliver it! So, now it is almost an 1 1/2 hours from when I should have been eating my food. We called the restuarent to find out what happened - we were told that he is on his way back to deliver the food. The service was horrible - I will never eat there again. I dont have any explanation for why the food was not delivered the first time - the the delivery guy get tired waiting for the elevator...?
(1)
Carol K.
Oh delicious, I had an awesome dinner at Gaylord. So my lovely manfriend and I decided to have a nice dinner Indian style we happen to be downtown and thought we'd try Gaylord as this is also my manfriend's last name. We ordered as many Gaylord coined martinis and entrees as we could comfortably stuff into our mouths. The service was very attentive, sincere, helpful and relaxed. Manfriend got the king's feast- this entree(s) lived up to its name it was comprised of dry rubbed lamb sausage, tandoori chicken drum stick (which came out on a hot plate with grilled onions and lemons), a lamb meatball (?) curry, vegetable curry, naan, and special rice...I think that was it. I ordered butter chicken in a spiced tomato puree, so so so good. For those of you worried about this particular Indian restaurants spice, salt and oil level, they were all seasoned appropriately. Everything was fresh and prepared in house (including lamb sausage!). Oil, salt, and chili peppers were used in moderation. Nice alcohol lists as well, I had a Malbec, manfriend had a strong but very good vodka martini (the gaylord classic- naturally). Go and try it as soon as you can, for our dinner and drinks the bill plus tax and tip didn't exceed $100 bucks. Booyah.
(4)
Denise R.
As previous reviewers mentioned, this place has very flavorful, spicy dishes. Also the portions were very large and I had plenty of yummy leftovers. I ordered the samosas and 2 chicken dishes and all of it was delicious. We were greeted and seated immediately and what seemed to be the owner was very accomodating and even took our order, however the rest of the service was a bit spotty. It took a while to get my water refilled but once the owner noticed, I believe he spoke to the servers and we were taken care of. Also, the live piano music was a nice touch. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Phillip M.
Uh-mazing for the price. I'm not an Indian connoisseur but I know what good food is. Staff was guilt-inducingly courteous. Everything I tried was delicious. Great location. Free beverages (delicious tea). All for $12.95. Nuff said.
(5)
Vince V.
I have very mixed feelings about Gaylord - but I suppose it was worth a try. The Good: Gobhi Manchurian was excellent, although I suppose it's not hard to mess it up the dish really was delicious. We went on a sunday night and they were had live piano music playing along with a very attentive wait staff so overall the dining experience was very pleasant. They offer a free 'salad bar' with a variety of vegetables, chips, sauces and chutneys which overall was kind of sad in taste and presentation - but free is free. The bad: We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala despite my better judgement, and even though there are many reviews saying it's delicious on yelp I really have to wonder. The chicken itself was overcooked into oblivion - borderline inedible. The sauce was merely decent. Prices were also more than I would like to pay, especially when you can get better tasting food for less than half the price on Devon. But I suppose you're paying for service & location here. Overall it's worth a try, I may go again, but willing to bet this is just an inconsistent restaurant.
(2)
Michele B.
Stopped in her with my daughter after doing our after Christmas shopping on Michigan Ave. Very comfortable place with great service (we had three different servers?). The garlic naan was so warm and soft and just what our bodies needed when we got out of the cold. Tandoori chicken was steamy and seasoned beautifully. My daughter had chicken vindaloo and really enjoyed it as well. They have a little buffet with veggies and different sauces to munch on while you are waiting for your food. It was a little pricey, but the food was good.
(3)
Jenny D.
Gaylord is always a sure thing when it comes to Indian food. You are always guaranteed hot, fresh food and easy take out ordering. Their chicken biryani and saag paneer are AMAZING. Even though the saag paneer usually doesn't have enough paneer, the saag (spinach) is always really fresh tasting and has a great creamy taste. My only issue with Gaylord is the extremely high prices. The food is good, no doubt about that, but it's a little too pricey for what you are getting. But all in all, great food, good atmosphere, and easy take out.
(4)
Malav D.
It was over the weekend that my couple of friends and I decided to checkout gaylord restaurant as we were in the area and craving for some delicious food. We sat down and had complimentary fruits and papad with chutneys before ordering our appetizers. We placed two orders of papaddums along with our appetizers and main course. For some reason, the papaddum we had ordered never came until our appetizers were over with...we informed the waiter about this and he was very courteous and provided us free papaddum along with any 1 dessert of our liking free of charge. Overall, the food was delicious especially tadka dal (yellow lentils) was by far the best as it was perfectly cooked. I'll definitely visit this restaurant when I'm in the area again!
(5)
Whitney G.
We had: chicken tikka masala, bangan bharta, siekh kabob, garlic naan, samosas and rice pudding. Everything tasted fresh and was super hot! Really really good though. I would definitely come again. The chicken tikka masala is a must-have.
(5)
Moksha M.
Great food, nice ambience. It misses the 5 stars because one of the entrees I ordered had too much oil in it. This doesn't mean it wasn't yummy, it was just lesser oil would have been better. Nice ambience, great food and good prices. I like the place, would definitely go back.
(4)
Hubert L.
Came here for dinner after work. I'm not usually one to put too much merit on decor and service, but this place is definately a change of pace for the area that it is in. The space is pretty big and has great potential. It was wallpaper with a generic moutain range, the potted tree stumps, the sappy piano music that makes you feel like you are in a foreign soap opera that did me in.. Aside from the decor, the wait staff was bizzare. had 3 different servers, all pressuring me to eat at their complimentary salad bar which comprised of celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, radishes with sauce. Looked like leftovers from veggie tray at their Bears game get-together last weekend. But oh well, they didn't want food to go to waste.. Finally the food! Took a little longer than I would expect being that there were only 1 other table of patrons there. The samosas were among the best i've had. Flakey, moist in, hotness. Pardon me for not remember than dish names, but we ordered a veggiatrian dish with veggies and peas with butter, garlic naan, and mixed grilled meats. Delishious! The grilled meats were cooked perfectly, moist, good. Naan was as good as it gets and the cheese pea dish was heaven. I guess they took their time to make the food taste good, which we can appreciate! All-in-all, good food if you're willing to overlook serving time and strange ambiance. I wouldn't take a first date here.
(3)
Wayne B.
The Indian restaurant standard... I have only been here a few times for lunch and usually opt for the buffet. I feel like I should rate this place higher, but I just don't like the taste of the food as much as a few other places...it's a bit on the bland side and not what I expect when I am craving the unique and flavorful tastes of Indian cuisines...otherwise good service and good place right off Michigan Ave.
(3)
Sumit R.
It's a fantastic restaurant. The lunch buffet is worth every cent you spend and more. The food is delicious and and very indian, unlike the bland indian food which you get at some of the indian places in the west. The staff is also very courteous. All in all a great place to have your meal. I highly recommend it. Sam
(5)
Sherry N.
Nan was good. Chicken Tikka was ok. Paneer makhani was not prepared the way it should be....yuck! Adding gratutity for party of four by default for a very mediocore service is not ok.
(3)
Nicola U.
Good food and good value. Nice interior and excellent service. Highly recommended.
(5)
Christina B.
I have only carried out because I live in the building next door...however the carryout option always has a special deal going on (20% off i think?) The food is great--the garlic naan is huge! They always give out samples in the warm weather months outside the restaurant and it's a nice way to try the different things they have to offer. Its all kind of expensive though...and only being a block off Lake Shore Drive and 10 minutes up to Devon...I feel like I would rather get 4x as much food for that price.
(4)
Misty O.
I am a huge fan of Indian food and this place is one of my favorites. The food and the staff, just great. They have a 'salad bar' of yummy starters to munch on while you wait for your food. The food is fantastic. I've never done the buffet - I stick to ordering from the menu. Never had something I don't like there. The staff is really great. Very attentive and very pleasant. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Stephen H.
This place was amazing. Food was wonderful, staff attentive. Get the garlic naan. Also their ice tea was homemade, not like the cheap stuff I've gotten all across Chicago.
(5)
Lindsee R.
On the buffet: I really like that there is so much variety and most everything was tasty, if not very traditional. I'm not sure coated fried fish is a big hit in India... But, noting was hot, and I do mean nothing. Not to mention they lured me in with a sample of a dish not on the buffet and to which nothing compared in quality and I tried every buffet item. The decor is bland and a dark. I went during the middle of the day and it was too dark in there to read my book. Also, service was really slow and it was 15 min before anyone offered me a beverage. I probably won't be back for the buffet since India house is only $2 more and so much better quality. Maybe I'll give dinner a shot
(3)
Alysha P.
Went to a work X-mas party here.....big party......20+ peeps.....all veggie.....food was pre-ordered so we didn't have a choice but I was happy with what we got! Food Samosas: Of course! What's Indian without these little delicious deep-fried dumplings?? Good....spicy but not crazy so....and not too oily...yay! Subzi Tikki: Little pan fried cutlets made with mashed veg mix of potatoes, peas, carrots and turnips.....I really really liked these....almost more than the samosas :) Saag Paneer: Paneer with spinach cooked with a dash of cream/butter, spices and a hint of tomato......good flavor on the curry front....perfect amount of cream involved.....I would have liked it spicier... Dal Makhani: Lentils simmered in a butter/cream sauce.....one of my personal favs......was rich and yummy without being too heavy. Gobhi Manchurian: Hands down best dish of the night!! Cauliflower breaded and fried and then cooked in a spicy manchurian sauce....crunchy + spicy + saucy = amazing!!! Navarattan Korma: Blend of veggies in a curry sauce.....this was good....better than most Indian places....veggies were chunky and fresh....curry was good.... Bengan Bhartha: Eggplant cooked in a tomato based sauce with peas, onions and potatoes.....very good and saucy.....would get again. Naan & Garlic Naan: Warm & chewy....I was a fan! Service I have to say that everyone from the manager & host, to all of the servers who worked our table and to the bus people......were fantastic!! Super nice and accommodating even when we had to add extra tables and chairs to our already large party. Food came out hot......and there was always someone there to remove dishes and refill waters. Def happy about that! The only thing is that after dinner when everyone was kind of mingling around etc.....they started kind of moving our party out by trying to set up these huge tables in our area......It was 10:30 or 11pm.....so I don't think they were setting up for another large party that night.....but probably for the next day.......I kind of felt like they could have waited another 30min until everyone left to do that instead of making us feel slightly awkward and in the way. Ambiance Below street level on Walton......so no windows in the dining room.....but I kind of liked that it reminded me of those all you can eat Sunday Brunch Buffet Chinese restaurants that my parents used to take me to as a kid. :) Room is done in rich woods and yellows so feels warm......the back wall of the dining room has a curtain all across the back of it that can be pulled back in a couple of different areas to reveal full wall-sized photos....the 2 that were open that night were of mountains and an Indian wedding couple.....loved it!! Overall Considering that they also serve South Indian dishes.....dosa....idly....uthappam......this could be my new neighborhood Indian spot! Ohhhhh.....and that Gobhi Manchurian.....f-ing deeeee-lish! I will def be back......yay!
(4)
Paul M.
Best Indian food in the city. I can live on their garlic naan and chicken tikka masala. Rogan Josh is also quite tasty as is their 'Chef's Special' appetizer. Pricey for dinner but worth it. Best lunch buffet deal in town.
(5)
Julie T.
With my fiances family visiting from out of town we needed to find a spot that was "exotic", nice, and reasonably priced. Their lunch buffet was perfect! Everyone was satisfied with their large variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. The place itself looks really nice, and the service was great. My new favorite place for Indian!
(5)
LARRY k.
We have been fans of Gaylord's for decades, both this one and the one in Schaumburg. We are always treated well, the food is wonderful and the Schaumburg locale manager Daron is a class act. We always look forward to dining at Gaylord's.
(4)
Shelly M.
Service is outstanding. Buffet is kept stocked. Very large selection and lots of deserts too. I would have probably given them 4 or 5 stars if I was new to spice. Food on the buffet is all very mild so it is great for beginners or people who like it mild.
(3)
Chris P.
Cute location, well-appointed. I found the service to be very good - filling my water and attending to our needs countless times, without being intrusive. Food was pretty good, my two friends and I went family style and really took a gamble on an ochre dish the waiter recommended. We asked for the recommendation, and I am happy when someone working at a restaurant is confident enough to make a suggestion. Sadly, the ochre came tasty but just way too salty. Murgh tikka masala and lamb vindaloo were tasy as were the naans we ordered. Overall a pretty good experience, but I thought the $66 bill for three dishes a little high.
(3)
zubin l.
I am an Indian and I can tell a good indian restaurant from a bad one. Gaylord falls right in the center. Not very indian tasting but not too far from the east as well. I dont like when resturants change the core makeup of the dishes just in order to be different. Thats what Gaylord has done in order to fall in the fancy indian restaurant category. Their gravy dishes is garnished by things (Cut wedges of fruits, lemon) that really alloys the taste of the authentic food. I had to walk a lot to reach their new location. They saved losing an extra star by having a good ambience. I have been to their suburb restaurant for buffet and if their bufeet is equally good, I would give them 4 stars. BTW, whats the story behind the name Gaylord. Doesnt gel well with an indian restaurant.
(3)
Peter C.
i've been to gaylord twice, and both times have been pretty good. the food is very expensive, in my opinion, so i'd suggest getting one of the meals rather than several dishes to share. the service is good, though a bit grumpy at times. all in all, a good place to have in the neighborhood, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Edward P.
Strong Indian restaurant. I love a good curry and this place does a good job. Extremely well priced for location and food quality, backed up with friendly and punctual service. Would highly recommend.
(5)
Amy L.
"A rose for you miss?" That's what i heard from our waiter as i was looking at our menu. Granted, it was Valentine's day and my boyfriend did forget to get me flowers. Therefore, i was more than surprised to get a rose from this establishment. I've been wanting to come here for awhile and finally on Valentine's Day, i got my wish. Let's start off with the good and the bad shall we: Good: 1. Very nice decor and environment of the place, fancy without being too pretentious. The place was decked out with Valentine's Day balloons at each table. 2. All the women who came here on Valentine's Day got a rose, compliments from Gaylords. Very sweet indeed. 3. I think 3-4 people came over just to ask how everything was.(not counting the waiter). 4. Presentation of everything looked beautiful. Everything was in ceramics and not traditional metal bowls. 5. Food came out pretty dang fast. The bad: 1. Food was average, nothing too special. The meat in the curries did not capture the flavor of the sauces. 2. Parking was horrendous, especially on V-day... Not sure about regular days 3. Price wise, everything seemed to be a little overpriced for what they served and the caliber of what we ate. 4. The place was located downstairs and it was hard to find. Conclusion: Will i come here again? Maybe, but then again, there are more restaurants to try and more places to Y.E.L.P about.
(3)
Mike G.
Being from the SF bay area I've been spoiled with a plethora of awesome Indian food restaurants. With that being said, perhaps my standards are a little high. This is the first Indian food restaurant I've tried in Chicago and it's average at best. I ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter chicken, Samosa, Naan and rice. I ordered it for delivery. When homeboy shows up at my door he asks for 55$. I'm like "Really?". For 55 bucks this had better be top notch Indian food. So what I got was mediocre. The Chicken Tikka Masala had an ok flavor but wasn't the best I tried. Wasn't feeling the butter chicken however. The Samosa was decent and came with my favorite sweet and mint sauce. I hardly got any rice with my order also which sucked because I didn't have enough for the left overs. If it were cheaper I may have considered coming back but this is way over priced for ok Indian food.
(3)
Ashley C.
Dinner was great and the portions are HUGE! Pricing is very reasonable with great, classic Indian food. Service was a little slow, but overall worth going back to. The atmosphere is perfect if you have had a long day and are looking for a quite dinner. The restaurant also has great specials and offers options that allow you to try many items on the menu for a reasonable price. Gaylord is definitely my pick for Indian food in the area!
(4)
Mick C.
Staying at a nearby hotel, we ordered take-out late on a Friday night. The food was ready within 20 minutes and was delicious. My wife had the chicken tikka masala, the standard version of which was a little too spicy, but full of flavor. I had the chicken vindaloo, which was excellent - large chunks of chicken and potato surrounded by a creamy sauce. The garlic naans were huge! Overall - very happy with our order.
(4)
Kate F.
I love Indian food. I love Indian food SOOOO much! I spent the last 8 years living in a city that only had one Indian restaurant. And while everyone there thought it was the cats meow...I thought the place sucked. I had had good indian, and lawrence kansas did not bring it. Memphis however..did. Then there is Gaylord. My boyfriend talked about it all the time. It's his and his parents favorite place though he had not been to the new location. The first thing I said when we walked in was 'wow, this place is kinda fancy'. I'm used to buffet cheezy style decor at my indian places. Instead, Gaylord has a basement location now with wood paneling and great lighting. It's decor is very simple and tasteful. Speaking of tasteful...the FOOD! We ordered so much and I don't remember the names of everything, so I'll try to describe. 1. For an appetizer we had some stuffed peppers that were breaded and fried. This was the only thing I was not impressed with. 2. I wanted lamb, so we got the vindaloo. Wonderful red spicy sauce and melt in your mouth lamb. My favorite! 3. Mixed grill...fish, chicken, lamb, etc....excellent! 4. our vegetarian option was kind of a curry dish with peas and some kind of cheese. Again...wonderful! 5. Our nan, rice, and other breads and wine were spectacular. 6. Dessert...rice pudding with strawberries. Delicious! Our server was spectacular. she was very kind and helpful. even the owner came over to greet us as were were one of the last tables to leave that night. I cannot say enough good things about Gaylord. It's not cheap, but it's worth it!
(5)
Ruchi S.
They are truly a pleather of Indian cuisine. From North Indian food to the South. Every flavor through your journey of India. Located at the neck entrance of the Magnificent Mile. It is a little pricey, but worth it. It has a banquet hall feel, which isn't exactly how I would want to picture eating this delectable food, but it is clean and friendly. Order the pepper lamb, aloo gobi, dosa, idli etc.. The only disappointment is the dessert section. But, you can go out and get that anywhere or Mich. Ave. they have a fully stocked bar and great free salad bar. Either order ahead for carry out, or make reservations. Know that their spice is definitely on the very spicy side, so make sure to ask for very mild if you like the flavor more than the spice. I like the level they are at to begin with and I do go a notch higher at times, but, I also like my spicy food. It is a hidden restaurant, so know you have to walk down stairs into a ground level restaurant..
(4)
anneliese s.
I have been going to this place since childhood, when it was in it's Clark street location. It is the best Indian food in the city. I have been to so many Indian restaurants ranging from Devon, Edgewater, Highwood, etc, and this place is still the best! I suggest the Chicken Makhani and Samosa! Happy Eating!
(5)
Anisha A.
Except for the randomly placed plants, the new location is a noticeable upgrade to the old. The food remains stellar as well. Went for the lunch buffet which is higher quality then India House. And cheaper. It has all the staples, plus a range of other goodies including loads of vegetarian options, fish and quality lamb. Gaylord is the best no-frills Indian food you'll find South of Devon. I'm Indian, so you have to believe me. If you disagree, I'll fight you. And win.
(4)
Green T.
Walking around downtown, trying to find someplace fairly late one night, we thought Gaylord was closed until one of the many managers came out and told us that they were open and to come in. It's not that it was empty, but the dining room is in the back and the windows were tinted so it looked dark and empty. We ordered the Rogan Josh (Tender chunks of lamb, delicately cooked in a tomato-onion seasoned gravy), Bindi Tadka (Okra sauted with fresh herbs & spices), Bengan Bhartha (Tender mashed eggplant blended with sauteed onions, tomatoes and green peas) and Rajasthani Roti (Whole wheat bread, stuffed with spiced mustard greens). As Indian food aficionados and former residents of the "Tandoor-loin" in San Francisco, we love Indian food. Specifically, good Indian food. Which this was not. The Rogan Josh was too salty and not very tasty or well-spiced; the texture was good and the lamb was well-cooked, however. The Bengan Bhartha was some of the worst I've ever had - it was super tomato-y and tasted pretty much like not-good spaghetti sauce. Not at all what Bengan should be. We had really high hopes for the Roti, but it was greasy and bland. The Bindi was by far the best, crusted with coconut and well-cooked (not slimey or anything); the funny thing about that is that our waiter INSISTED repeatedly that we should get the fried okra instead, to the point where my husband literally had to tell him, "No, I want the sauteed okra" THREE times. I don't like fried okra. I've lived in the South; fried okra goes with like fried chicken and mac and cheese, not Indian food. We did not want that and literally had to fight the waiter to get him to take our order how we wanted it. The meal was preceded with pappadam which was actually not bad and less salty than I've had elsewhere as well as some crudities (carrots, cucumbers) which were super dried out. The crudities and pappadam were served with chutneys and mixed pickles, which for some reason the server wanted to take them away when they brought our food. They did offer to bring us Raita but not until we were like halfway through our meal. I also got a Chai which was not very good and I think they charged me for a refill but didn't make it clear that it wasn't actually a refill. We were checked on by the wide array of managers many, many times to the point of almost being annoying, although our waiter service (as I mentioned) was poor. We usually clear our plates and I think we left half the food behind here. Definitely would not go back. Ick.
(2)
Emily M.
Went to the lunch buffet. Big mistake. I got food poisoning, and was very sick that night and all the next day. I even had a fever. Miserable. The mediocre mutter paneer, samosa, sauces, and gulab jamun were NOT worth the illness.
(1)
Charlotte Y.
Being a virgin sucks; the lack of experience leaves one... always feeling out of context and questioning one's performance. Okay - this makes sense in many more ways than what you were originally thinking. This is how I feel about Indian food. If you read my review on Veerasway, you know I'm an Indian food virgin (for context, Veerasway was my first foray into the Indian food realm). My visit to Veerasway was months behind, so I decided to give Gaylord a try, now that it had reopened. Again, I have very little understanding of indian food, of its preparation, of what goes with what, of how to order, of what I "like" (as I've only had a few dishes), etc. That being said, I was very very pleased with Gaylord. The staff was nothing short of helpful, kind, pleasant and downright friendly. After perusing the menu and still feeling lost, I noticed that at the top of the front of the menu, there were several "fixed" meals itemized. For instance, for $18.00 to $20.00, one could try several entrees in a tasting format; total deal! I elected to go with the vegetarian selection in this regard. Although the tomato soup really tasted like Campbell's, the other 5 items, including nan and rice were amazing! Although I can't name what I ate, I recall a spicy spinach curry item with tofu, a brownish curry, fried cauliflower with potatoes, a samosa, yogurt and saffron rice. I was much too stuffed after devouring half of each item, so I had the rest packed to go. I would love to try the buffet some time (the set up is the center of the dining room)... but, will definitely be back sooner for /to obtain dinner as it is not too far from my place, as they are offering a 20% discount on a la carte to go orders and as I really loved the experience. I hope more people go (a little slow during midweek, which always leaves me concerned and worried, especially in this economy)... so, people... GO TRY GAYLORD!
(4)
Keerthi A.
This restaurant gets 4 stars for food taste and quality, and 0 points for carryout or delivery. DINE-IN: This is probably one of the better Indian restaurants in the Chicago area. I love their buffet on weekends, good selection and tastes really yum too. I especially love their Saag paneer and their lamb kebabs. Their vegetarian entrees are all really good too, especially the Okra. Their ambiance is good too. Would definitely go back for my Indian fix! This is for dining in. DELIVERY OR CARRYOUT: There is some bozo answering the phones here who consistently fudges up orders (and I mean not just my order, but different people''s orders at different times of the year to different locations). Week A: Ordered 2 orders lamb kebabs, got 2 orders veg kebabs instead. Week B: Ordered 2 order lamb kebab, got charged for 2 orders and did not receive any. I called them and threw a tantrum, they redelivered only 1 order. Week C: Ordered 1 order lamb saag, got chicken instead. You get the drift.... They charge a delivery fee, but if you carryout, they give you a 20% discount. I would much rather hop in a cab and just carryout, but always check the contents because the last time, I got over there and checked the order and guess what, they fudged it up! So I literally sat there and waited while they cooked up the right order. I think I am going to stop ordering from there, I would just dine in.
(3)
Eddie C.
First of all, note that Gaylord has moved from its location on Clark! The new location is pretty cool, I like the decor and the feel inside. They did a great job of accommodating our large party of 17. They hooked us up with complimentary dessert for everybody since we were there for someone's birthday! And the owner was really nice and friendly, coming up to us at the end and asking us how we liked it, thanking us for having our birthday celebration there, and making sure we were satisfied. The food was great too. The tandoori dishes are so damn good...something about that clay oven, man. Malai kabab (cream cheese and spices on chicken) and haryali kabab (spices and mint on chicken) were money. Saag Paneer was also great. Naan was alright. But you gotta get the tandoori stuff.
(5)
Christopher P.
Flavorful dishes and large portions. I think you'll like it.
(4)
Gautham N.
Great authentic South Indian food, our favorite place on Devon for 20 years. The dosas really hit the spot, the owner is a very friendly guy as well.
(4)
F W.
Being English means Indian food is something you grow up eating and loving. We went to Gaylords last night. The chicken tikka masala was very good. There were complimentary pappadums and chutneys. The service was excellent.
(4)
John G.
I'd like to say that Gaylord gets 5 stars, but I honestly don't know what the best Indian restaurant would be. I will say that I thoroughly enjoy their lunch buffet ... at least once/month. Everything that I've tried there is so wonderful. The Tandoori chicken is fantastic. The veggie samosas are also pretty good. I just had some of their spicy potato mix that they have at the front of the buffet line & I couldn't get enough (3 trips up there today). Chicken meatballs, lentils of all varieties are to be had on any given day at Gaylord. I'm certainly not an authority on Indian food, but I am an authority on what food I like & I like Gaylord's. Go there & get your fill. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Margaret C.
I've been going to Gaylord for their lunch buffet for years. It's amazing, delicious and reasonably priced with great service. I've only been there once or twice for dinner. The dinner prices are a little steep but still not the highest I have seen.
(5)
Alaina T.
I'm new to the neighborhood and had a hankering for some Indian food, so I figured I'd give this place a shot - well worth it! I ordered the vegetable pakora, chicken tikka masala, and some plain naan and was happy with the portion size (definitely enough for 2 people and came with an extra side of rice included). I ordered takeout and received a discount for picking up too! Would definitely order again.
(4)
Sarms J.
The food is great thought not the best, but again, really good what really makes this place special is their staff. Super super super friendly and nice. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)
Rebecca H.
I went to a wedding that was catered by this place so that was my motivation to return to their brick & mortar eatery. I was not disappointed, nor did I think I would be! I'm a sucker for crowded buffets and know to steer clear of desolate buffets where the food must sit untouched for hours. What I like about indian buffets is that whatever the food is labeled as means nothing to me because its in an entirely foreign language. So its a surprise. If it looks good and smells good, it goes in my mouth. I will not eat at a dirty buffet, and this place is as clean as a whistle. Its refreshing to find an indian buffet that has a nice mix of meats and veggies, as well as a mix of goopy and dry foods. The bread (forget the name of it) was simple and great too.
(5)
Diana T.
I've been here three times already for the lunch buffet and each and every time, I'm stuffed to the brim. Compared to other Indian buffets, the selection is pretty large. Almost everything I had was delicious and wasn't so strong that you couldn't handle the taste. I loved the eggplant, cauliflower, and this spicy chicken dish in sauce, and the tandoori chicken is so moist and tender. Sorry can't remember the names. The desserts are awesome too, especially the mango ice cream. I found that if you ate a few bites of the ice cream with the fried spongey donut in the warm syrup turns into a wonderful combination. The service is great as well. Your buffet includes a drink and unlimited naan, which turns out to be around 13 bucks with taxes. The only downer is going back to work and finding out that you just can't function for the rest of the day.
(5)
Daliah F.
Another deliciously fabulous meal at Gaylord last weekend! The Sag Paneer is always wonderful...rich and delicious. What are those homemade cheese balls for desert in the honey rose water? A little rice pudding on top of those....I almost died and went to heaven. This time the place was packed with an amazingly diverse crowd - entire families (one with what looked like FOUR generations!) couples, a group of college-aged-looking guys and about five different races.
(5)
Iris T.
Indian food is something I must have once a month. It's also usually safe for me to eat when I need to (or want to) eat out. I pretty much follow a Jain-like diet and most Indian restaurants understand this diet so it tends to be easier to dine at Indian restaurants. We got breakfast down the road from this place and passed by it. To my surprise, Hubby mentioned it when it was time for lunch so we returned. I guess he wanted something salty and heavier than the usual sandwiches that we had mostly been limited to on our trip. Indian food was pretty safe - the question was what could they offer us. They had some tables already seated. At least half of them were Indian. That's a good sign! They had what looked like a pretty extensive buffet going on which I was tempted to view, but decided not to. I hate it when I can't eat something and I don't quite enjoy torturing myself if I have the choice, because I was about 110% sure we wouldn't be able to take advantage of the buffet, other than probably the breads and dessert. The decor was definitely geared towards "fine dining" with cloth-covered tables and wine glasses for your water. They also had a bar near the entrance. We were seated and our glasses filled. I then told the man that we ate Jain and that we would need the menu. He looked amazed. (East) Asian people? Jain? He questioned us and I told him that we pretty much followed their diet (easier that way). I'm not sure if he quite understood it. In fact, I'm pretty sure he thought I was telling him we were actually Jain, but either way, as long as he understood what we could and could not eat, I didn't care too much. We were told we could only have three items on their menu. Not too shabby, but not all that great of a selection, either. Especially when you see how many items there are on their menu (and buffet). Couldn't complain too much though! It was still food and it wasn't a sandwich or a salad. In fact, I'm pretty sure it wasn't all that healthy either. We got the Bombay Aloo (spiced potatoes) and the Paneer Makhani (Indian cheese in a butter-tomato-cream curry sauce) with some naan. Carbs and fat. Awesome. I felt like I needed it, though. Yelp had some sort of deal where you can get a free appetizer. I mentioned Yelp and before I could finish, the man told me that yes, I would get an extra 10% off my bill. O_o Well, why not? It's likely what I could have on the appetizer menu would have been underwhelming so having a discount of sorts would have been better. I took it. It took a little bit of time but the food did come out. I could hear the man-waiter talk to another person about us being Jain. I stifled a giggle. We were going to order a lassi to share and even considered something else like an appetizer, but it's a good thing we didn't. The dishes themselves weren't huge, but the portions coupled with the actual content and rice - not to mention the naan - was going to be crazy. With us traveling and not likely to return to the hotel until night, we really didn't want to have leftovers to take out. We did it! We finished every bit of the potato and paneer as well as the sauce and sides. Both were good and mildly spiced. The potato was tender but not falling apart and mashed potato-esque. It was well spiced and flavorful. The makhani had a decent amount of paneer in it and the sauce itself was rich. It frankly reminded me of Tomato Bisque. O_o In fact, were there any spices in there? By the time we were done, I was completely stuffed and more than satisfied. Service: amusing and helpful, but felt somewhat awkward at times. Food: good; could do with more choices, but can't really blame them (much) Facilities: not too loud and pretty clean... bathrooms could do with a little bit of work, though. It's 'fine dining' but a number of the customers were dressed pretty casually and that bathroom definitely wasn't upscale. Verdict: a pretty popular place (buffet seems to be very popular... boo on how I couldn't experience it) and the food I could eat was good. Struggled at around 3.4 stars, but decided to round up, just because it was the only hot, savory, and filling meal we had in Chicago other than sandwiches, but that doesn't count.
(4)
Shuang Z.
I feel this place is actually better than Indian Garden. So if you decided to have lunch in streeterville area, I recommend this one over Indian Garden. They have a wider variety of dishes for their lunch buffet, I love the shrimp curry, which is not offered at Indian Garden. They have typical saga paneer, vege curry, lentile curry etc. My favorite thing at Gaylord is their ICECREAM!!! The flavors differ from day to day, so far I've had pistahcio and Mango. They are heavenly tasty:D It's really quite inside, so nice dining environment if you wanna talk with friends during lunch. At least you can hear each other easily without yelling. They offer 10% for NU students.
(4)
Mackayla G.
DELICIOUS!! I ordered the Queen's Feast and made a hot dog out of the naan, some tandoori sausage, onion, and sauces. Best hot dog in Chicago.
(5)
Gretchen D.
We had waited a long time to try this place. Went late on a Weds. night. We were surprised how good it was. Garlic naan and cilantro/pepper naan both good. It was nice and quiet. Reasonably priced wine list (for downtown Chicago that is). We had the chicken tikki masala, samosa chat, chicken pepper (especially good), and We enjoyed them all. Free Yelp appetizer if you check in which the waiter spotted before I even said anything. The service was terrific!
(4)
Michael B.
I'm a fan of Gaylord's as i've experienced them at their best. Went for their Sunday buffet and the theme was southern Indian. We found most of the dishes were either mediocre rice, breads or other "fillers" and were a little light on meat and/or vegetable options. I get the southern Indian cuisine style but the value was just not there for the buffet options we were given. What really put us off was the "Bum's Rush" we were given by the waitstaff, like they couldn't wait to get rid of us, even though the restaurant was not full, not closing and people were still being seated for dinner. We found it strange and rude. They kept taking our silverware, napkins and asking us if we were done. What's up with that? I'm a fan Gaylords but this was atypical for you. Make me proud next time I come in.
(2)
Rachael N.
I would really like to give this place 4.5 stars. I can't believe we almost didn't come here because of the subpar rating. Do not be dissuaded!! We've tried quite a few Indian places in Chicago (Rangoli, India House, a few along Devon) and Gaylord was definitively the best. The saag paneer, Kerala fish curry, and onion kulcha were seriously amazing. The fish was perfectly cooked and the saag was creamy with tons of paneer. I highly recommend both of those dishes. With our Yelp coupon we also got a samosa chat for an appetizer, which was like a samosa curry with tamarind sauce, mint chutney, and chickpeas. Really yummy and spicy. And it's right near Sprinkles which is great for dessert, though we'd love to try Gaylord's desserts sometime soon. This place is not hip like India House, but the atmosphere and wait staff are warm and cozy. The owner is kinda intimidating but he's doing a great job, so no complaints here! On top of all, Gaylord is excellently priced. Highly recommended!
(4)
Agnes O.
We just had a group lunch buffet for 8 people. The service was slow and the variety of food available was average. Dishes were slightly overcooked and not warm enough. To our surprise a 20% service charge was added to our meal. For an almost non-existing service 20% seems pretty unreasonable and undeserved - it seems a bit of a shady practice.
(2)
Lois K.
My favorite Indian restaurant in the Gold Coast / Streeterville area. They deliver, which is convenient. Despite large portions, I think they are a little overpriced. However, that doesn't stop me from ordering when I have a craving for Indian food. They haven't always been consistent with levels of spiciness from order to order. Favorite dishes include chicken vindaloo, murg makhani, mutter paneer, navrratan korma, and garlic naan.
(4)
Paul W.
Disappointed again by Gaylord. Slow service, mediocre food quality, and our order was mixed up. We tried standards like chicken tikka masala and they rate below average. I'll move on to another Indian restaurant and not come back.
(2)
Claudia F.
Simple: the food was really really good. The service was the worst I have had in a very long time. We sat down and were given three water fill-ups before the waiter bothered to come take our order-- and the place wasn't even busy! My friend had to go ask up front for a waiter to serve us! And then this large bulky fellow came and was extremely rude, banging dishes down on the table. Ugh. The other staff were all right, but I guess that big guy was related to the owner or something-- they should have him washing dishes if they have to keep him employed there... Certainly nowhere near customers! Otherwise it was such a yummy meal! Also they finally had a sweet guy who was supposed to be bar tending finish serving us and he was very nice and helpful. So-- I guess you can try this place if you don't mind being pushy to get service. I hope they fire the waiter and get nicer folks in and I will see better reviews in the future that can reflect the quality of the delicious food!
(3)
Paula H.
The food is decent. I'm upset though because I had a lot of leftovers but they use super tiny box and most of my food wasn't even packed!
(3)
Jeff C.
Decent food, generous portions, good prices, and excellent service. Also, you can usually walk right in on any night of the week and be seated immediately. A good value in a pricey part of the city.
(4)
Aayush T.
Placed an online order for delivery at 8:15pm (it's now 9:15pm) When I called the manager he said what's the big deal it's only 1 hr late. You should expect upto 1.5 hrs and said that's normal.
(1)
Chris N.
Outstanding service and excellent food provided for our large group (10 people). Never an issue keeping the drinks flowing and the nan coming. Staff was also very helpful with suggestions without pushing too hard.
(4)
Jeffie J.
The lunch buffet here is scrumptious, well seasoned and spiced just right. It tends more to the vegetarian than most, but they will bring you tandoori chicken if you ask. There was a wide assortment of appetizers, mains and desserts (including mango ice cream which is kind of interesting on a buffet, since you'd think it would melt but it doesn't). Everything was neat and well organized. Every dish was labeled (in English) and each chafing dish had its own serving utensils. The price is quite reasonable for this part of town, and also in comparison to some other Indian buffets. I didn't think I would like the basement ("ground floor," "lower level") space but actually it's well decorated with murals and flowers on every table. It reads more like "rec room" than basement. There are comfortable booths along one wall and small and large tables in the center. It's not claustrophobic either, because the space is large and there is some light coming in from the front windows. Store-front Indian this is not. Service (which really isn't much of an issue at a buffet) was friendly and fine. Final note: it seemed to me that at least half the patrons were from the Indian subcontinent or thereabouts, always a good sign. I'll definitely be back and will probably ease up on dinner on the days I have lunch here.
(5)
Elle D.
Will write a review as soon as try the food..
(1)
Chloe T.
I love this place because the food is always excellent and you get great service. Also, the prices are great especially where it is located. I would deem it the best in the city! No matter the size of your party, they are always ready and prepared. I wish they were open for lunch.
(5)
Vibhor D.
Went on lunch buffet. Samosa had no salt. Menu had rotating items one instant you have shrimp next instant it gets over and becomes some fish pakoda. Number of items is pretty low. Main course was not tasty at all. I wanted to give 1 star but I have had worse. Sweet dish was good so giving an extra star for that. In short avoidable.
(2)
Shradha A.
I used to be a big Gaylord fan for years, however, on my most recent visit, I was disappointed in the food. Service has always been really slow here and not much help is offered when asked for suggestions, but this time even the food was below par. It was oily, felt like it had been sitting there and reheated.
(3)
Dax R.
We order here a couple times a year because they have indo Chinese dishes. However, our Aloo Papdi had a fly in the container)...we did not open it yet. Called the restaurant and they said it was the delivery company's issue. Good thing I video taped it! Terrible!
(1)
Michelle F.
This place is fantastic!!! The food is so fresh and tasty and reminds me of the great curries you get in the UK. I've been searching in the USA for a proper curry and now I have found it, I would come to Chicago just for this food. I am so happy :)
(5)
Arthur K.
Went there for lunch buffet on Thursday. Manager smile at us when we walk in, then waiter put down chicken and naam on our table within 5 minutes. Buffet selection is not too much, but everyone should find something they will like. Make sure you try their ice cream and dessert..
(4)
Yui N.
Very good Indian food, highly recommend the samosa chat for an app. So yummy! The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating. Great date night and cool vibes.
(4)
Nikki B.
By far the best service I have had in a long time... Besides the food being absolutely amazing, the service here is top notch. Our server Saba, was by far the most helpful, accommodating and kind person that this industry has to offer. Thank you for a great dinner, will definitely be back!!!
(5)
Cohen C.
I went there for lunch buffet which was pretty decent. The price was ok. It was a lot of vegetables! But I guess it is in the Indian's food culture.
(3)
Dan H.
Went here again on a Sunday evening for their South Indian buffet. A somewhat limited selection, but for the price, entire worth it. I am glad to see the place was filling up by the time I left. I hope they stick around, the neighborhood needs good Indian food.
(4)
Annie M.
Took out takeouts. Chicken chilly - very spicy but I liked it. I also ate the bread they call nan or something with fillings inside, they were good too. Also another dish I don't recall it was chicken something orange in color - not spicy but GOOD. Haven't tried a lot of dishes but I like their chicken chilly and the orang colored chicken.
(5)
Ashwin A.
It's a decent place. I went there with my friends on weekend and there was a buffet. The food wasn't very close to authentic Indian cuisine and it was a bit overpriced for the selection of items they had. Still the mutton kheema was good also the paneer masala was well cooked with nice spices. But any day I would prefer going to tandoor char house over this.
(3)
NYC r.
Great food. Nice staff. My water glass was always full which I really appreciated since I guzzle water.
(5)
Neha M.
I have gone for dinner previously and really liked it. This was the first time I went in for lunch buffet with my team. The selection and variety of food was good. They served us Idli, rasam and pakoras as appetizers. The salad bar was open with salad and bhel ingredients. In the entrees, there was sambhar(lentils) , aloo masala(Potato), baigan(eggplant), paneer makhani, mix vegetables, fish entree and chicken makhani. The food was good but I have had better buffet in terms of variety and taste.
(3)
Pra P.
High end and Expensive. Very elegant restaurant. Something you will find in Taj Hotels or Viceroy Hotel in India. Ambience was great. Ordered King's meal. Was too much for me. My wife ordered Cheese Dosa. I am always concerned ordering not fast moving food like Dosa or Idli in Fine dining Restaurants. But the coconut chutney and tomato chutney were great and fresh. Sambar did not taste authentic, but everything else was great. I would go again.
(4)
Chris C.
I just saw the manager pick through the Buffet line and grab food without washing his hands or using tongs. Never coming here again unless the fix this.
(1)
Raquelle Z.
Excellent food and service with a great selection. There was also a buffet available. My dining partner and I each ordered a dish and we had so much food we could dinner again on the leftovers.
(4)
Shilpa U.
Very good food , so far the best indian food in usa. We ordered samosa , paneer chilli, bhindi tadka and dal makhni. Food was hot n piping. Tasty and we asked for extra spicy and it was done perfectly. Ambience is nice and cosy
(4)
Raju L.
Now I have a serious taste for Indian food and an even more fancy taste for great service. Gaylord just won my business over the likes in downtown or devon. And the thanks goes to a long time server Jaffer. Absolutely free willed and really took great care of us and our guests. Usually, at most Indian restaurants, you end up going for the food knowing the service will be mediocre. Jaffer surprised me. His mannerism very professional yet very personable. I'm going back again as long as he is there. Ask for him. You won't regret it. Food was actually not too bad. Samosas were alright but the saag paneer and malai kofta were out of the world.
(5)
Roger E.
Noontime buffet is excellent. Very good food. Nice location and atmosphere just a half block off Michigan ace and Walton. Very professionally managed. Hot and fresh food.
(5)
Nia A.
Super slow service is why I would give 3 stars other than that food is tasty. Must try bhuna murg.
(3)
Chris T.
I'm writing this review with a full, satisfied belly after another great meal from this place. This might be the best Indian food I've ever had, and everyone I bring here always enjoys it too. Everyone is always surprised with how upscale this place is too - though u can dress like a bum, no problem. Favorite Dishes: Saag Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Kabab Sampler They also got great service, a full bar, and deliver! Hooray!
(4)
Ashley R.
it was good experience i will recommend to my friends....
(4)
Naren B.
Nice ambience.., good vegetarian North Indian food. Fast service, and Friendly staff..!
(4)
DavidJosie F.
The food is nothing special, that will catch your attention. Nothing I would recommend to anyone. It's not horrible but it just appears to be pre-cooked and microwaved, apart from the naan bread with black pepper, which was good! The worst part were the huge clumps of chicken, which were definitely not prepared to order. They forgot about us even though we asked for the check about three times, we had to pay at the bar. No one would have noticed if we had just walked away without paying. The atmosphere is alright, but not fine dining. It is also overpriced for what it is.
(2)
Amber W.
My boyfriend and I came here right after we had arrived in Chicago on the recommendation of his dad, who told us to try to catch the lunch buffet if we could. We almost didn't make it, but as we walked in, we were told that the lunch buffet would be open for maybe 5 more minutes. My boyfriend and I hurried through to get food and stacked our table with tons of plates. I could tell the waiters were wanting to clean up the buffet, but they were very nice and waited until they were absolutely sure we had gotten all of the food we wanted to take back to the table with us. We had various foods before us, and it was great. The curries were spicy and flavorful, and I loved the chickpeas. The only thing that wasn't really my favorite was the shrimp curry. It was good, but the taste was a little too fishy for me, I think. They also brought out tandoori chicken for us, which I supposed was part of the lunch buffet deal. So yummy. The best part of the meal was probably the naan. It tasted great alone, and even better when dipped in the sauces from all of the foods. The staff was also super friendly. Other than waiting on us to get our food, they also laughed and told us jokes. When I went to go to the restroom, one of the waiters looked at me very seriously and said, "Our bathroom is out of order." I was almost shocked, but then he started laughing and showed me where the restroom was. My only complaint is actually about the restroom. It was pretty gross in there, and with as nice as the rest of the restaurant was, I was surprised at how dirty they allowed the restroom to be.
(4)
Suzanne V.
I have never had such a terrible dining experience in my life. We were seated at a table with no water, and were not greeted. For 15 minutes we sat until someone finally came to give us water. It took a while for our waiter to come and take our order. No one filled up our water glasses again while we waited for our food. When we saw our food come out of the kitchen, it sat on a cart for the longest time before someone wheeled it over to us. Finally a water refill, but out appetizer plates sat on the table for too long after we finished. Eventually we got our main dishes and from there it took way too long to get our check and pay. I'm not sure what the problem was--many waiters walked around but no one came to check on us or give us water. Very strange--I will not be back.
(1)
Christina M.
I think this is one of the best places for Indian food in the city. I particularly like the buffet which includes a plethora of vegetarian/vegan options. All of the food is cooked perfectly and the flavoring is fantastic. Highly recommend the buffet.
(5)
Naveed A.
Place was looking good but the food was cold and service was bad we had to ask 3 time for the water to refill . It's over price for the food quality
(3)
Swati I.
Awesome Food!!!!
(4)
Jeff H.
Had Sunday night South Indian buffet. it was meh. The variety of dishes was lacking. Their lunch buffet is much better.
(3)
Sandi L.
As a former Chicago resident who is back visiting after 4 years, I am sitting here in Gaylord feeling ashamed of myself. Ashamed for letting myself forget what Indian food should taste like. And mad at the places I've gone to lately for serving the oily, overcooked, mediocre swill they do. Vegetarians can delight in Gaylord's lunch buffet. Oodles of fresh, diverse and complex tasting options, each bite of which had me rolling my eyes in ecstasy. The naan is hot from the tandoor and free of the ghee coating that lesser quality restaurants serve. No need for it! And the chutneys...I could eat whole bowls. My only regret is there's no Gaylord in Oregon, and I'm now ruined for ever returning to anything else. I guess I'll just have to come back here. And the food is fabulous enough to bait me.
(5)
Leah D.
Wow! I'm a picky person when it comes to Indian food, and it's rare to find a place that does it well. I went to Gaylord on the suggestion of a good friend (who happens to be Indian and is a real picky eater too) who said it was better than the best he's had in the US and he's been here awhile. I went and had the lamb vindaloo and bhindi tadka (okra). The okra was like no okra I've had at other indian places - both tender and crisp. The vindaloo was rich and buttery and delicious. The service was great, especially as I was dining by myself. Definitely can't wait to get back there!
(5)
Sasha S.
The naan bread was outstanding as were the chicken and mixed vegetables. I was at the lunch buffet and the price was very reasonable for what you get.
(4)
GM D.
Amazing Indian food! Gaylords is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Their food is consistently good. Portion sizes are generous and we always have left overs.
(5)
Sal K.
The food was fine but our service was slow. We ordered off the menu instead of going for the buffet. If you drive there, park only at the garage adjacent to the restaurant entrance. They only validate parking for that garage.
(3)
Philip D.
Really great place. Lamb vindaloo was spicy and excellent. Samosa was a tasty way to start. Great service and atmosphere. I will return again next time I'm in Chicago!
(5)
Tejas B.
I have been going to the Gaylord in Schaumburg and have had very good experience. I catered my wedding from that location and it was excellent. I catered from the downtown location for an event and i was not impressed. The manager was not friendly and they food was not well prepared. I will not take my business to that location anymore.
(2)
Janice R.
O! M! G! I had a dinner date here last night - first time for Indian food and first time at Gaylord - and all I can say is the food was P H E N O M E N A L!!! I LOVE Indian food - and I will be going back to Gaylord and recommending it to everyone I know! I can't remember everything I ate, but every morsel I (or my date :-) put in my mouth was fantastic - and seasoned just right! The leftovers are so good I'm eating them cold today! Thanks, Mike ;-)
(5)
Christy L.
I continue on my quest to find great Indian food in Chicago. Gaylord, while fine, wasn't great. We had the Sunday lunch buffet, which relative to other buffets I've tried, was not very diverse. The vast majority of selections were vegetarian (which I actually prefer with Indian) with just a couple of chicken options. They all tasted fairly similar. Service was a definite step-up from other buffets. They quickly refilled our Naan, whereas a lot of other places are slow with this. It's not a bad deal - you can eat a lot for cheap, but my search for better Indian continues.
(3)
George L.
My girlfriend and I have been searching for a good Indian Buffet for a long time -- and we found it here. The entrees were all delicious (especially liked the shrimp), the wait staff was very pleasant, and the mango ice cream was a great dessert. Also, best veggie sticks this side of Guatamala ,,(^ . ^),,
(5)
Neil R.
Hmmm...did I go on the wrong day? The "clay oven chicken" was not good or even close to decent tandoor style. Rice was not good, naan was decent, saag/palak was average and some of the vegetables I had were very average. The Bhel was probably the best part but that is not terribly difficult to master. The customer service and people in general were great so that justifies potentially three stars. Its a shame- has potential given the service is good - just need to work on the food :) My expectations may be higher than others I'm not sure. But I've had several Indian buffets across the country, in addition to Chicago- notably NYC and SF. Compared to the ones I've had before at at this price point this place ranks low.
(2)
Lori G.
Really good! Second time I tried Indian food and it was great! Try the the Chicken Tikka Massala, Naan bread, basmati rice, and also the tandoori murg chicken. This is a feat for 3 people and sooooo good! Best naan I have had and I wish I could come here all the time!
(4)
Will F.
Great food, great service and best of all, great prices! We came in (party of 2) on a Wednesday night and immediately got a table. Our waitress was really friendly and engaging. While I eat Indian food often, it is always nice to try new things, and she was incredibly helpful with suggestions while also asking lots of relevant questions to find out what I liked. That alone is a rarity at most restaurants but unheard of for ethnic places. The food was prepared quickly, and the service was always present but not overbearing or hovering. The space was pleasant and comfortable, and for two entrees, some bread and a beer the bill was just over $45. Loved the food and will for sure go back on my next Chicago visit.
(5)
Lucas W.
This is by far my favorite Indian restaurant. I've been eating Indian since I could first start eating and my dad has been eating at Gaylords since the 1970s. He even prefers Gaylords to some of the food he's eaten in India. I would only recommend going to the buffet. as with any Indian restaurant, the buffet offers a breat breadth of options with some sort of food for everyone. Gaylords rotates their buffet, but they just about always have the following dishes available: saag paneer, rogan josh, mattar paneer, butter chicken, vegetable samosa. While I certainly have my favorites (their mattar paneer and rogan josh is unparalleled), everything is good. I have never been disappointed. Every friend I have brought to Gaylords has left satisfied and vowing to return. The food is simply fantastic. They have another location in Schaumburg which is the same owners. The individual dishes vary slightly in quality (some better some worse) but it is also a great restaurant
(5)
Faye G.
Delicious! Ordered the shrimp Vandalia and it was cooked perfectly. I also has the garlic back. So happy to find an Indian restaurant in the hood that delivers. Will definitely order again and again. My only recommendation is to provide more rice with the order.
(5)
Ajay S.
Good restaurant, but hard to see from the street. I found the food to be very good and my order was made spicy, which they can kick it up a notch.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Went here for a GLO (girls' lunch out) for the Sunday lunch buffet. Maybe I was expecting more, but this was just A-OK for me. Apparently this place used to be on Dearborn, but now it is in the basement of a building on Walton. It's very non-descript from the street. The buffet had a fair amount to choose from, but I didn't think there was a ton of variety. There were a few chicken dishes, a rice, a soup (cream of broccoli of all things), potato/cauliflower, a few lentil dishes, and some veggies. There was a nice selection of sauces (the mint chutney and the yogurt with cucumber was really good) and that was about it. Some of the food was just really bland. There was a basket of naan on the table that was refilled. The wait staff was helpful, but there were a few times that I had to tell them I wasn't done because they seemed in such a hurry to take my plates or silverware. For $15 all you can eat this buffet is fine, but I think there is better Indian food elsewhere in the city for a similar price.
(3)
Ray D.
Good Indian Buffet for lunch. I like the options they have there. Decent location but a very touristy area. Not amazing but good chicken.
(4)
Kevin C.
I think the idea of an Indian buffet is hilarious - you're basically paying 12 bucks to feel like shit for the rest of the day and then shit like shit for the next 24 hours. God I love America. Not enough curry, but everything was pretty good, and the service was excellent.
(3)
Shwetha K.
Its very near to Willis Tower. If u happen to be to Chicago on ur sight seeing trip. U can definitely make it up to Gay lord. They have wonderful salads & very nice buffet. We had Biryani & raita was tasting superb with it. This restaurant stands for its quality, so i would not mind for those extra bucks.
(5)
Dr. B A.
The food is ok but the service was terrible! The staff was not friendly I spoke to the manager and expressed my concerns. The staff did not want to give me enough containers to pack my food to go.
(2)
Grace C.
yeay...i shouldn't go back to this place...but i was craving for an nice Indian food... we tried again for Sunday lunch buffet....um...nothing was too wrong...but nothing was yummy. my problems were 1. sauce was too plain...even brocooli cream soup.... 2. all food was warm. not hot. 3. service is so so. 4. not sure how clean the place were... problem it was the last time i tried this place.....hope to find a better Indian place near by soon....
(2)
Jessica D.
We've been to the location in Schaumburg, so we were curious how this Chicago location compared. The menu is great, and provides a little for everyone--including southern Indian cuisine fans, by offering idly and uttapam. I had the pepper lamb, which was a little too fatty/not well trimmed for me, and extremely spicy. He had the lamb vindaloo, which also had small pieces of potato and which was very tasty. Entrees come with saffron rice, but you can also order a garlic naan like we did to add another layer of flavor and help pick up the meaty pieces in your curry. I enjoyed their essential punch, a mixture of citrus juices and gin, as well as a mango lassi to help temper the incredibly spicy lamb pepper dish I ordered. All around, the space is comfortable, if a little sparse. There is a little self-serve appetizer table in the center of the rectangular dining room, where you can get some warm papad chips and various chutneys to dip. I missed out on the beets when I stepped up, but they looked really good. The staff is very helpful and the service is at a good clip. The bar at the entrance has two flat screen TVs and some interesting Bollywood stars' photos framed and up on the wall. Great little stop for Indian if you're in the neighborhood shopping.
(4)
Soy L.
Attentive service and a vintage restaurant look made this dining experience a nice one for me. The food is delicious but the dinner prices are up there.
(4)
David M.
Fantastic selection and exceptional service. One of the best Indian restaurants in town.
(5)
Megan F.
A delicious dining experience! The food here is fantastic and can only be riveled by the great waitstaff/service. I have dined at the bar as well as in the main dining room and had exceptional food every time. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Earlie C.
This place is alright if you expect to get what you are going to get. An upper class Indian restaurant Near North where you're going to pay up the ass for almost anything. I'm young and so is my girlfriend. We're both around 25 and look as though we're 18. As soon as we walk in it's as though I can feel the waiters "you take this one, they're going to tip shit." Have this mindset and treat us accordingly... you're going to get SHIT (and I still tipped %18). We order a bottle of Schmitt Sohne for ~$30... Now the waiter seems somewhat interested... but not really. We don't see him again until he's back for the check. Our food was decent. The vindaloo was actually pretty good. And so was whatever else my girlfriend had. We leave nearly $100 less in our pockets for a mediocre experience. Hilarious that I step into Dominick's that night and see a bottle of Scmhitt Sohne for $8 for twice the amount we were served. It's laughable at best. There are so many BETTER places in the city. Too afraid to venture to Devon/Roger's Park? Good. The flavour up North should be reserved for those who know (and want to taste) authentic Indian/Pakistani food.
(3)
Lance W.
I've only been in for dinner, the food is fairly good but the service seems slow and distracted. I've traveled throughout India on business and the service here attempts to recreate the service of a fine-dining establishment in India but they don't have enough people working the dining room to pull it off. The head waiter works the dining room and takes orders. The assistant waiter delivers the food. Unless you work hard to flag down a waiter, these are the only 2 visits to your table. For their approach to work, they need someone dedicated to filling drinks, someone dedicated to keeping fresh naan on the table, etc... Ok, I'm off the soapbox for now. I really liked the tandoori chicken, chili chicken and daal makhani. I probably should try to come in over lunch for the buffet so I'm not dependent on the wait staff. My other complaint is the cold naan that is consistently delivered to the table. What's up with serving cold naan! If you have the time and transportation, there are much, much better options for Indian in Chicago...
(3)
Abe R.
Look, I dig the Indian Buffet, I really do. From the price point they set, something like $11.00/person, to the exceptional quality and diversity of the dishes, this place has you covered. Do I know if it's authentic? Um...No. No I don't... Do I know that it's normally stacked and has great food? Um...Yes.. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)
Padma A.
Went during the week with guests from India for lunch buffet, hardly anybody in the restaurant. I have had better food at Gaylord, was not happy with the quality. They validate lunch parking for $8/ which is a good thing on mag mile.
(3)
Norm J.
This place was OK, but definitely not a place I feel I need to return to. The buffet was good for the price, but the wait staff wasn't very attentive or friendly. Waiting almost 10 minutes for the waiter to come and bring us our drinks left a negative impression.
(3)
B H.
Very good food and my waiter could not have been more friendly. I have gone back twice this week because of the very good service excellent food. They decor is a little quirky maybe even dated but the food and the service more than make up for it. If you're looking for very good Indian food without having to dress up this is your spot
(4)
Cecil S.
This place is honestly such a joke, I don't understand how it's still successful. They're empty most of the time except for the prime lunch/dinner hours, and their wait staff just sits around all day without really bothering to offer good service unless you're considered 'worth it'. I'm the type of person that doesn't even ask for much when it comes to service. The first two times I've gone here was with my family and it was a fine experience, but the food is plain and really not authentic, as well as SEVERELY overpriced (probably due to the expensive costs of the location); don't really think too much of their bar either. The third (and last time) I've gone here, it was completely empty and the waiter was pulling plates early; even though there were literally no other patrons in the restaurant. Ridic!! The wait staff could definitely improve. If you're looking for decent Indian food that actually tastes good with a better ambiance/dining experience, and fairer pricing - check out Tandoor in Lincoln Park and don't waste your time going here. If you're with your family and walking around the area, take a gamble and try them out. If you're close and just want Indian food, order take-out and don't bother trying to suffer through their agonizing dine-in experience.
(2)
Sarah M.
Fantastic! I will forever crave this place!
(5)
Katie T.
Gaylord is our go-to for Indian takeout in our neighborhood. We always get chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and then a different veggie dish, like saag paneer or aloo gobi. We have tried the samosa, but they weren't quite good enough to make it onto our standard order. Really enjoy their rice. We have eaten here, too. The dining room is a little odd because it's sunken so there's not much natural lighting, but the food was even better and the service was really excellent. Maybe better to takeout, though.
(4)
Pete B.
Food was okay, service was poor. For example, the waiter wasn't able to give us recommendations, and when we showed the the yelp special for a free appetizer, the waiter said "you know you have to order food too right?". I found that to be slightly insulting because of course we would know better. Maybe this is one of those cultural differences, but I was not too impressed. Okay food, sub-par ambiance, good location. Probably not gonna go back there again.
(2)
Isabel C.
Great food, large portions and the complimentary salad bar is a huge plus! The only down side is we split the check, only can be done 3 ways. And we each paid a certain amount. Those of us who paid in cash did not get change back... It was only a couple dollars and change but still... Not the best service on that part but our waitress was helpful when it came to picking the dishes we wanted.
(4)
Will L.
Found this place on Yelp after discovering there would be a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig at 8pm. I must say that in hindsight, I'm extremely glad that there was a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig. There was no wait at all at Gaylord, and I was able to eat the most delicious Indian food I had ever tried. We ordered the Eggplant and Potato Curry (Aloo Bengan), Chicken Naan, and the Indian Hor D'oeuvres. The curry was well flavored and had a very slight kick to it. It went very well with the included basmati rice and the chicken naan. The Chicken Naan was very fresh and fluffy, and was not burnt at all. Easily the best/freshest naan I've ever had. The Indian Hor D'oeuvres were okay, with the absolute exception of the Pakoras. The Pakoras were savory and delicious - I had no idea what it was initially but could care less. They were lightly fried too, so you can indulge on these without worrying about tearing up the insides of your mouth. Customer service was excellent here as well. Our waiter was very polite, and was very helpful and patient in describing certain items to us. I also really liked how the menu was very descriptive and well translated. I also never had to ask for water because there was someone (possibly a ninja) walking around the entire night filling our cups.
(4)
Nisha A.
I've noticed some Indian businesses treat Indian patrons like cr@p and Gaylord seems to be one such. At least my experience this past weekend. I didn't even get to eat; I tried to ask the "host" questions about the menu before I took a seat, and he was so grumpy, rude, monosyllablic it was like pulling teeth to get any information from him. I just walked away. Again, I am not sure if he treats everyone like that, but if he is the "face" of the restaurant, they really need a new face.
(1)
Sam T.
Nice service, delicious food, complimentary salad bar and reasonable prices. Live in the neighborhood and will definitely be back!
(4)
Mie L.
#NAME?
(4)
Marcel M.
Phenominal! Try the dinner special- good mix of everything. PS the chicken soup great as well.
(5)
Javier B.
I am so happy that Gaylord has finally reopened! It was the best Indian lunch buffet when it was on Clark and it is even better now at it's new location on Walton. I have eaten dinner here a couple of times too and the food is top notch, but their buffet is one of a kind. Their saag paneer is incredible. I've only had a spinach dish close to it at Hema's. They rotate a lot of the dishes during the week so it is always interesting and fresh. For those who are not familiar with Indian food, this is the best way to introduce yourself. I take out of town visitors here all the time and it has never disappointed. Their staff is also very friendly. Highly recommended for their lunch buffet!!!
(5)
lindsay a.
I ordered takeout from here through grubhub. When it was delivered, the bottom of the paper bag was soaked. Mutter mess had leaked out, and it spilled all over my floor. The Plastic top to dish was cracked open. next time try to make sure everything is sealed before handing it over to the delivery guy. i had to reheat the samosas because it took longer than the ETA to get to my apartment. Not a good experience.
(2)
Warren T.
One of the best lunch buffets we've ever experienced. We came in there on a Saturday for lunch and were impressed with the variety of dishes offered. The food was so fresh and tasty. We could almost have just gone vegetarian with their sumptuous veggie dishes. The rice pudding dessert was also fantastic. Highly recommended for anybody looking for a quick buffet meal!
(5)
Max P.
Their chicken makhani with naan is to die for. The Rohan Josh is also super good.
(5)
Misty J.
Murg Bhuna, Saffron rice, and Raita.... The best!
(5)
Lauren U.
We love this place! Friendly people and good food. Lots of vegetarian options. We usually go for dinner, and it is not very full at all, so there is no long wait!
(4)
Vickie L.
Lunch buffet is great. A TON of selection, both veggie and with meat. They had 2 fish dishes, I have never ever seen fish at an indian buffet before! Everything was sooo good. A huge selection for dessert too with a nice selection of freshly cut fruit. Wow. Pretty good location downtown too, but it's hidden, keep your eyes open because it's on a lower level.
(4)
Deep P.
I am Food lover and know what indian taste is. This place is serving best indian food.i have seen some junk indian restaurants like Himalyan or ebony getting 4 or 5 star from non Indian community coz they dont know the taste of indian food. My advice to every1 is to try this restaurant once to know real indian food taste
(5)
MJ D.
This was an excellent Indian restaurant in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and I would definitely return as the food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the service was spectacular. I'm always impressed when the owner or chef makes their rounds around all of the tables and thanks his guests. At Gaylord, the owner was never far away and always checking with us to make sure that everything was meeting our expectations. They far exceeded those high expectations. For appetizers, I was especially fond of the BHEL POORI (rice puffs, chick-pea flour vermicelli, diced potatoes & onions mixed with tangy sauces) and the BHINDI AMCHUR (deep-fried wafer thin slices of okra sprinkled with tangy spices), both of which were very tasty and unique. The Bhel Poori was so good that our large group of 8 had to order a second plate of it and both were quickly polished clean. For main entrees, we tried quite a bit, including the idly, chicken tikka masala, karahi chicken, lamb vindaloo, and chicken biriyani, but the one dish that I couldn't get enough of was the YELLOW DAL (thick lentil soup made of moong chana dal sauteed with spices), which was so incredibly flavourful that I kept going back for more. After reading in the menu that the KEEMA NAN (bread, stuffed with seasoned minced lamb meat) was their best seller, I definitely had to try it and was slightly disappointed. Though it was certainly delicious, I was expecting something far more spectacular. But the fact that I'm not the biggest lamb eater could also have contributed. So with regards to the various bread options, of which they had so many good ones, I was most impressed with the BLACK PEPPER & CILANTRO NAN (nan sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper & cilantro). This nan was unlike any other nan I've ever had before and was very satisfying. My only regret after seeing how much pride they put into their various breads, was that I did not try their garlic nan, but for that, a return trip is definitely in order. If you like great Indian food in a quiet, clean, and relaxed setting with great service and reasonable prices, I would definitely give this one a try! P.S. Mention FACEBOOK and they'll even give you 20% off the entire bill!
(5)
Vishal B.
The location is a bit tricky to find, its off of Walton and Michigan and you have to go down the stairs. We had the buffet here, they had a good mix of both vegetarian and meat items clearly marked. Food tasted great! The service was also nice and quick. I wished they validated parking for the garage however. I actually cannot think of a negative thing to say about this restaurant. I might be going soft!
(4)
Tulika S.
Nice place n ambience...good food and value for money...went for a bday party there...service was excellent n patient too as our group was late to reach n order
(4)
Samantha E.
I've had this catered at a few events I have been to and Gaylord never fails to deliver. Everything I have ever had from here has been on point. Now all I need to do is stop in and sit down for a meal.
(4)
Tony G.
gaylord has waiters that have been there 20 years. the food is perfect.
(4)
Cassie S.
Tucked away in the garden level of a large building across the street from 900 N. Michigan is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants that the City of Chicago has to offer. For quality, taste and service, definitely the best Indian restaurant in the city. (as for authenticity, I can't speak to it personally, but my sister-in-law's family all seemed to enjoy it). I've been here twice and sampled quite a large selection of the menu. My brother and sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner was held here in July 2011 and before that, of course we had to go taste testing! There is nothing that I've tried that I didn't love (well, except for things that I knew I wouldn't like just because of the ingredients or preparation, but that's going to happen anywhere). Even my brother and dad, picky eaters and vegetable-haters enjoyed the vegetarian options, of which there are many. Chicken, lamb and seafood dishes were all great too. The staff here could not be nicer or more accommodating. Offering to make dishes spicier or mild based on personal preference. From the matre'd to the bartender, the servers and the owner, everyone was so friendly and anxious to be of help. Yes, it's expensive. Certainly out of my price range for an everyday dinner. But for a special occasion - totally worth it.
(5)
Nick H.
Superb, superb. I was working in Chicago for a few days and I came back two nights in a row because it was so good.
(5)
Sabrina F.
This is what an Indian restaurant should be! Fantastic selection of authentic courses, not greasy, and so flavorful. Staff is very hospitable and welcoming. Atmosphere is a little outdated and tacky, but you kind of expect that with most Indian restaurants. If you're new to Indian food, I highly recommend going with the King's or Queen's tasting menu which feature 5-8 smaller portions of select appetizers and main courses. Perfect for discovering your favorite dishes.
(4)
Ishan P.
Good food, Service is ok. My server made a mistake in the order which i had to send back. But he took care of it without a lot of arguments.
(3)
David F.
We tried Gaylord right as they were closing, and there was a certain air of being rushed. I don't blame them, except they were closing at 9p and it's Chicago! We had a good selection a dishes to try and they were all pretty tasty. Some were way too spicy for me, and I like it spicy. My friend definitely couldn't handle the heat and dealt with his burning stomach for a while. Be warned if you are cautious around heat. The service was good and I enjoyed the overall experience. I bet the buffet rules.
(3)
Vivian H.
Tried the buffet and while it wasn't what I'm used to, it was tasty! What I'm used to is lots of curry and meat -- chicken, lamb, goat, you know. But the veggies here are good, and so is the spicy chicken tikka masala and that fluffy naan! Great service, waters were refilled and plates cleared constantly.
(3)
Kiarash Z.
I've admonished people for being upset that a restaurant took too long with the food. If you want food fast, I've declared, go for fast food. That being said, Gaylord simply takes too long, especially when you're paying for street parking or plan to get anything done with you afternoon. Still, I'm glad the restaurant offers something different from the bland, corporate eateries on Michigan Avenue. And our server honored the Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer.
(2)
Kelly T.
I wouldn't say it's the best that I've had. I felt a little strange but our waiter kept on pressing for us to order more and more and OMG, it's only me and a friend. DON"T EVER get the appetizer " INDIAN HOR D'OEUVRES", it was honestly pretty tasteless as it was all greasy fried vegetables. I have to admit paying $12 for that was kind of a scam. Otherwise, the CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA was decent, had a nice kick to it.
(3)
Jennie C.
Was in the neighborhood with my colleague and decided to eat here after seeing the 4 stars on Yelp. What a pleasant surprise! We decided to get the King's feast, which included 3 Tandoori items, naan, soup, rice, lamb and veggies (see my pics). Other than the Tandoori chicken & mahi mahi being a tad dry, everything else was delicious. They were kind enough to give us two separate portions of everything and even packed them separately for our doggie bags. The meal ended up with complimentary desserts (mango ice cream was nice and flavorful, didn't like the fried cheese ball too much), and we got the 20% off web discount. Service was very friendly but not over-attentive. A hidden gem. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Sangeetha I.
Yummy in my tummy. I came here two nights in a row! I weathered the freezing Chicago winds to get myself a fix of Gaylord! Elegant, great service. fair prices and some TASTY food. We partook in the following over our 2 meals: 1. Dal Palak -Yellow lentils simmered with spinach. Hot, tasty, cumin-infused and wholesome. A heaping spoon of some of this and crisp basmati rice has me drooling 2. Vegetarian Kofta -Kofta (Indian dumpling) cooked in a tomato gravy. A nice and richer complement to the Dal above 3. Paneer Makhani -Generous (maybe a little too) servings of Paneer cubes sauteed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. Mop this up with some Garlic Naan 4. Bindi Masala -My fav! And cooked the way I love it. Well-cooked okra with tomato and onion chunks sprinkled with a dose of amazing masalas. 5. Rajasthani Roti -Wheat rotis stuffed with spiced mustard greens. My hubs went gaga for this 6. Garlic Naan -The perfect amount of garlic (not tasteless and not pungent), softly risen bread All dishes are served with saffron basmati rice. The appetizers are also great (especially the potato patty). There's a Yelp offer on this place if you check in! Free appetizer up to $10. The salad bar (free) is great...chutneys, cucumbers, carrots, radish and beets all cut up conveniently to dip, some papadums and a killer homemade pickle! They have a full bar, all the veggie dishes were between $10-$16 and it was all fantastic!
(5)
Jess G.
Went with a larger group on a saturday night. The food was really tasty (some dishes were slightly oily however) and service was fast and accommodating. Overall really enjoyed the experience!
(4)
Kaitlin M.
The location is hidden underground but still cute. The menu was expansive, but I went with my sister who worked in an Indian restaurant once. I let her handle the ordering. We got a chicken curry and an eggplant dish. Both were as expected but my favorite was the mustard greens stuffed bread. You have to try it! They also have a salad bar with different veggies, bread and Indian salads. The staff was kind and patient as we were torn over what to order. The last good thing was the cost. On the other hand, our too main dishes were too oily for my liking but full of all the traditional Indian spices. I was not overly impressed with the place but would go back it someone else wanted to try it.
(3)
Tisha K.
It's really hard to find a good biryanni, and they have an amazing chicken biryanni- with just the right amount of spice! The service is good and always very quick!
(5)
Vina O.
The food was very good, but portions are smaller and prices are slightly higher than others in the River North/Gold Goast/Streeterville area. Maybe it's best to stick to the lunch buffet rather than go here for dinner.
(3)
Vineet S.
Got to visit Gaylord on the occasion on Diwali(Festival of Lights). My manager took everybody out for lunch to this place. Ohh man this place was packed. Lunch buffet was great. Quite a number of options for veggies. I liked chiili paneer(indian cheese), bhindi(Okra) znd dal(lentils). Desserts were good too specially the mango ice cream.They should try improving on gulab jamuns, I didn't quite liked the texture. According to me they probably have the best Indian Lunch Buffet in downtown.
(4)
Anne H.
$12 Buffet. Great variety. Didn't skimp on spice. Very flavorful. The customer service was very good. All the staff was very polite and professional.
(4)
M G.
I LOVE Indian food and I LOVE the all you can eat buffet they offer during the week. It's around $12 I believe and it has a decent selection of dishes to pick from. The staff is also very attentive and helpful in picking out a dish to try. Definitely recommend trying the buffet during your lunch hour if you can. The food here is awesome.
(5)
Dan S.
I ate here the other night when in Chicago on business. I eat Indian food a lot so I am used to mediocre Indian places. This place is the exception. The food was terrific. Fresh, tasty, hot. The service from the eastern European waitress was also top notch. She deserves a raise. She was polite and very attentive to my likes. I can't wait to come back.
(5)
Neelay L.
I came to Gaylord with my family to celebrate Diwali, and for those who know what Kali Chaudash is for the Indian calendar, our experience here fit the meaning of the day and what can potentially happen to us (I am only half-joking, as you will see with this review. For those who don't know what Kali Chaudash is, it's a day where bad things are supposed to happen, to summarize it the best I can). The first event that caused me to feel the experience was subpar was when we saw a manager scold our waitress in the dining area in front of everyone. This is very unprofessional, and in my view, even if the waitress made a mistake, a reprimand should be done in private rather than within eyesight of patrons. The restaurant offered a complimentary salad/appetizer bar with papadam, vegetables, and a few chutneys including a mango chutney which was made very well. Unfortunately, this and the dessert, which I will discuss later, were the best parts of the meal. Once the food arrived, it didn't take long for me to realize everyone, including myself, was disappointed at the quality of their food. Most of us ordered chicken dishes, and the sauces were good overall, but the chicken was dry and stringy, and in one family member's words, "tasted like cardboard." I didn't quite believe my dish (Chicken Tikka Masala) was this bad, but the chicken was not consistent in texture. Some pieces were juicy and full of moisture, while others were dry. I have been to enough Indian restaurants to know how the chicken should be, and this was not good. The restaurant goes with a spice scale of mild, medium, or hot, and I would have preferred a number scale as this allows one to pinpoint the level they prefer. The mild dishes ordered at the table were not mild at all. For dessert, we ordered orange kulfi, and instead we were given pistachio kulfi, but we decided to eat it anyways and were pleased with the taste. The kulfi came with excellent fruit (oranges and strawberries cut into slices) With the lack of quality of the meals ordered, the managers were kind enough to offer a 10% discount, but we walked in with the intention of showing them a Facebook "like," which would have netted us the same discount. Overall, the experience was below average with prices slightly higher than average, so I do not recommend coming back to this restaurant. I can safely say 85-90% of the Indian restaurants I have eaten at are better than this one, and it's worth noting that the Gaylord location in Schaumburg has a friendlier management staff, better service, and better food as well.
(2)
Winston G.
Great place for Indian food in the River North area, right off Michigan Ave and in a central location. The prices might seem a bit high, but make sure you mention Yelp so you can get a discount! The waiters and the owners of the place were extremely friendly, and more than willing to accommodate our party of 9. This is a good restaurant for groups. Dishes were ordered: Samosas - not the best I've had, but definitely passable. Could have a crispier crust to them, but they were decent. Chicken tikka masala - very good - creamy, tender chicken, and a large enough portion to share between 4-5 people. Rogan josh - tender pieces of lamb - good flavor Chicken vindaloo - my favorite dish here - very nice spice to it and the dark meat was tender The naan was good and fresh. This place doesn't charge absurd amounts for white rice, like the India House does. I will be back here again, hopefully to try the lunch buffet people keep discussing.
(5)
Jennie T.
I didn't know there was an Indian restaurant within walking distance from my office! I found this out several weeks ago as I was taking a walk to my friend's birthday dinner in Old Town (it was 35 minute walk). There was a guy outside that was giving out samples of tandoori chicken. I thought it was tasty so I told myself that I'd try to come for their lunch buffet one day. Enter today. Again, there was someone handing out free sample of food. I didn't know what it was because I had already made up my mind to get the lunch buffet so it didn't make sense to stick around for a sample. I went inside and was greeted by several of the staff. I don't know how many people waited on me but it was more than a few. You'd think I was queen or something, but their service was only so-so. I was just a tad bit annoyed that every single one of them asked me if I wanted soda since it "comes with the buffet." Um, no thank you, I've said this at least 5 times already. The buffet selection was pretty good--everything was decent, but some of the items were not heated properly. There was a shrimp dish today that I thought was good (mostly because the shrimps tasted fresh), but the only problem was that my shrimp tasted a little cold. It didn't particularly upset me but I would rather have my food hot and spicy like how I imagine Indian food should be. Everything was kind of lukewarm, except for my basket of freshly made nan, which of course, happened to be the warmest food item I had today. I was surprised by the fruit salad though -- the orange pieces of fruit that I thought would be cantaloupes turned out to be mangoes! What a pleasant surprise! I love mangoes. The only reason why I'd come here again is because they're close to my office and sometimes I just want Indian food. But India House is a lot better... If only, India House was within walking distance of my work (well, it is... but not during my lunch hour). Oh and the third star is strictly because Chicago Curry House in the South Loop is actually more like a "meh"-2-star kind of place. The food at Gaylord at least had some spice...It still wasn't spicy and that was disappointing, but it was an attempt? Maybe I should order off the menu next time.
(3)
TJ Y.
So I was really looking forward to this place because I have yet to find an Indian restaurant here in Chicago that I absolutely love. My friend suggested this restaurant because they apparently make their food spicy... and I loooove spicy! However... it was a disappointment :( Food - I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. I asked for spicy.... and it was only a bit spicy (in my opinion). The spiciness/peppers (even though it didn't taste too spicy) overpowered the dish though.... and I didn't get the other flavors of the dish. The garlic naan was cooked perfectly, but it was a bit light on the garlic. Service - Our service wasn't great... we had to ask for a few things a couple of times before our server actually brought them. They weren't busy, so he just wasn't really paying attention. Ambiance - there was live music there, so that was nice. Comparing three Indian restaurants that people have suggested from just the food standpoint... Gaylord's spices overpower the flavorfulness of the dish. India House's chicken tikka is yummy.... although a bit on the tomato-y side.... And Jaipur's is on the creamy side... out of those three Indian restaurants... India house is still the best one.
(3)
Avani P.
Tasty aloo vindaloo. Quick delivery service. We order delivery/take out once a month. Never been disappointed.
(4)
Shane H.
Lovely. I came here for dinner. This place was typically empytish with other a few other table other than ours. We ordered the chicken masala and the lamb vindooloo. Both were not as spicy as indian food can get, but still tastefully presented and delicious.
(5)
S G.
This is a good Indian restaurant. The food is fresh and tasty. I can't believe this city. People will deliver food like this to your home! Chicken tikka, eggplant bharta, sikh kabob, samosas and rice pudding. Just like mom's home cooking. It's not fine dining, but it's comforting!
(4)
Bhaskar K.
Folks, you will never ever regret visiting this place. Probably the best food I ever ate (including places in India) at a restaurant. I went there on three consecutive nights and thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Do not miss the OKRA appetizer. Lamb dishes are so good that you will definitely overeat, so be prepared and dress appropriately to accommodate the extra space :) Excellent taste, service, presentation and value for the money !
(5)
O K.
Delicious!! You get 20% off if you carry out! But then you don't get their free salad bar thing.
(4)
moon k.
The restaurant was nothing fancy. It was clean and the set up was nice also. We tried the lunch buffet (Sunday) today. I started with the appetizer stuff with some Papad and chaat..the papad was kinda salty. Then some naan came in which I liked..I tried it with the eggplant curry which was good also. Then I took some rice which was STALE...the rice grains were chewy and hard. I have never tasted such BAD rice before. There was no gulab jamun for desert. The food overall was not tasty..I expected it to be better. The manager who gave the bill did not talk at all for some reason...did not ask how the food was or whatever...I do not recommend people going to eat their buffet for sure.
(2)
Matt S.
The waitstaff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious. I had the Gaylord Chicken. Succulent chicken breast pieces in a spicy red sauce. The price was reasonable and the portions were generous.
(4)
Xiaoxi L.
Not the usual spicy, strong $10 buffets I eat, this one, which was $13-15/person, had a different variety. They had tandoori chicken in a thin-ish sauce, and other options were not as drenched/flavorful as other buffets I've eaten at. I've heard this is more like authentic South Indian food, and it was good, just not as strong as I expected. There was fried fish, which is a pleasant surprise.They had eggplant, which was deLICIOUS. Instead of mango kulfi, hey had strawberry ice cream, which had little nubs of some kind of grain in it. It was interesting and very good, but I missed my mango kulfi. Those pancake balls were very good too, and kept warm. The service was very good. They kept clearing the plates as soon as we were finished. If you like Indian flavor that's a bit muted, this is the place for you. I like to get a slap to the face with curry, so I prefer the $10 buffet at Cuisine of India, where they have several dishes smothered in the thickest curry in the land.
(4)
Yang B.
Saw little fruit flies around the buffet. Smoke in the dining section. Food was salty and spicy. My Indian colleague seemed to have enjoyed his dinner. I will not go back on my own.
(1)
Saira K.
The lunch buffet was pretty good. The restaurant is in a basement and not very bright, but the food was good. I think the buffet also includes a drink (soda), and that was nice.
(3)
Sarah C.
Very disappointing after all the good reviews. Food was greasy and lukewarm and there were flies all over the buffet. Our waiters rushed us out an hour before closing time because the other diners had left.
(2)
Lucia Z.
We came here a couple months ago and had a really great experience. The service was good and the food was better! Really high qualify Indian food. A little more expensive than most Indian places, but still reasonable, especially for the area.
(4)
Rich W.
Good food, strong drinks. Nice atmosphere and some curry that'll blow your hair back.
(5)
Dhrisha P.
Great food if you love Indian of course.. Gaylords is open late so when I'm finished with work they can still feed me. Valet parking is available. the food is great. spicy, and was quick, but Its a quite, relaxing atmosphere. I remember a few Jamaican songs, (kind of sexy). You do have to order a few servings to feel full. I usually eat once a day and rice and chicken sauce was good but I think I will need desert next time. I don't know how I didn't think to order a Indian desert.
(4)
Avery H.
I experienced a complete failure of service at dinner from which I have just returned. I dined alone, this being my last night in Chicago. I've been in town on business and was hoping to enjoy a wonderful last meal and experience at Gaylord India Restaurant. I was rather hungry as well and eager to taste some wonderful Indian cuisine. I was seated in a timely manner, and my order was taken relatively quickly, but the experience went downhill from there. My server was rather aloof and seemed not to care very much about my being there. He wrote nothing down as he took my order. Needless to say I didn't feel very welcomed. I ordered a glass of the Malbec, the pakoras appetizer, the lamb saag for dinner, and some nan. The pakoras were brought and dropped at the side of my table. Presentation was lackluster and a bit sloppy, but the sauces were tasty. My entree was brought and the gentleman who did so left so quickly that even after I repeatedly called out to him, he never turned around. I was calling to him because it looked like he had brought me the wrong entree. I later found out what I had been served was lamb kadai. I was so hungry I decided to eat it anyway. It was quite delicious and the nan was amazingly good; the best nan I've had. Then, the server that took my order never returned. He never checked on me to see if I was happy with what I was served. I probably would have ordered another glass of wine, but by the time I was finished with my meal I had waited so long for someone to return that I was ready to leave. It took a very long time for the check to be brought to me. What a shame. The food was good, but the poor service ruined the experience. I'm glad I ate alone there, because if I had brought my clients there to eat, it would have been an embarrassment.
(2)
JJ L.
3.5 stars. $13 for a weekend lunch buffet in downtown Chicago - wow, very nice price. The buffet had an excellent shrimp, butter chicken, and butter paneer. The saag (spinach) was only OK, the tandoori chicken was a bit dry, and naan was not great. Overall, an excellent lunch choice that you won't great. Very close to 4 stars but didn't quite make it for me.
(3)
Nat M.
so far, this is my fav Indian food in Chicago, which isnt saying much. I eat takeout, so cant comment on the restaurant experience. The kerala fish curry is really good. So is their naan. They do a good job with the other mainstream indian dishes as well
(4)
Annie E.
Terrible!!! I was born in Malaysia and knows my curry very well. I chose there because it was close to my hotel and I wanted some Indian curry. When I arrive, the restaurant was packed with Indian patron, so I thought that was a good sign. I guess unfortunately, the waitress never even asked if we want our food mild, medium, or spicy. Of course, it came out so spicy that it completely destroy the flavor, and my son is resort to only eating the garlic naan bread. I asked for yogurt to neutralize the spice, but they were too busy and it took them 15 mins before they brought it over. Over price, service is terrible, and food is way too spicy
(1)
Praveen S.
Good indian food, great location of the restaurant, clean and fast service, complimentary salad bar with lots of papad. little pricey because of its location but totally worth it.
(4)
Kathy S.
I had no idea that they gave 20% off a la carte prices for carry out! Since Indian can get pricey, this is a great benefit of going to Gaylord's compared to other places. I was extremely impressed with the hospitality of this restaurant. The manager offered us some food to munch on while we waited for our order that included chutneys with chips and cucumber/carrots. He was just very welcoming and chatted with us while we were waiting so even before tasting the food, I already loved the place. We ordered the lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala and they were both very tasty. Vindaloo is one of my favorite Indian dishes and this did not disappoint. Garlic naan was also good although I wish it was a little more garlicy. Highly recommended if you're craving Indian. The 20% off for carry out will definitely have me picking up from here more frequently and I'm looking forward to trying their lunch buffet sometime.
(5)
ettennam M.
I have eaten at the restaurant as well as ordered carry out. I am so pleased with the service I receive every time I go. I especially love the quality, taste and appearance of the food. I have told my friends and will continue to call upon this business for the best India Food. Thank you.
(5)
Lori K.
Lunch buffet was good. Rajma was a pleasant surprise. Typical North Indian food so not much spice, but certainly worth every penny.
(4)
Ruchi G.
I tried their lunch buffet recently on a weekday and I was quite disappointed. The food was not spicy(which I assume was because of where the place is located) which was okay with me but it was not flavorful either. The spread was quite uninteresting. They had chicken makhani, dry fried fish, tandoori chicken and a few vegetable dishes that did not taste very different from each other. Its probably one of the most bland and tasteless Indian food I have eaten at a restaurant. I don't think I am basing that on hotness or spicyness, its just lack of any balanced flavors. After I was done, I felt like I had had a meal full of cream and butter without really experiencing any taste. They had a random potato dish sitting in the beginning of the buffet between the salads and the condiments and the bread (naan) served on the table was cold and dry. It was evident that it had been sitting out a while and they just served it without even heating it. Overall, it just felt like they don't put much thought into what they make or how they serve it. The waiters were pleasant and friendly and checked regularly if we needed anything. I have eaten at India House a few times now and feel that their buffet is so much better-the food is fresh, they take care of the temperature and the food actually tastes good. I would recommend them over this place anyday!
(1)
Quality C.
THE GOOD: great Indian food. Good service THE BAD: Difficult to decide if you are not Indian and haven't had much exposure to Indian food. THE UGLY: The high price. The do give you a discount for take out that you pick up.
(4)
Thomas B.
Was staying down the street at the Drake and Yelp led me here. I was not disappointed. Great service, and very good food.
(4)
Suzy D.
We came here for dinner on a Sunday night. My husband got the lamb biryani and I had the mutter paneer. Our friend had the paneer makhani. We also had some garlic naan. Everything was good, but I still prefer India House. However, I think Gaylord's may be slightly more affordable. My husband said the lamb biryani at Gaylord's is top notch so I guess we will be back for more biryani. We have also come here for buffet before. It is only $12 and it is pretty decent. I still like the buffet at India House better but the buffet at India House is about $17 so I guess for the price Gaylord's isn't bad.
(3)
Cerella F.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at gaylord's. The atmosphere was great and everything was very clean. The food was incredible, some of the best Indian food I have ever had. As a strict vegetarian, finding food that I can eat and enjoy can be a challenge. Gaylord's offered a wide variety of vegetarian options to choose from. The service at the restaurant was amazing. The employees were very nice and helpful. They also were timely and efficient. The bill for our food was very reasonable, considering the generous portions that we received. Gaylord's was a wonderful restaurant and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable, flavorful meal.
(5)
El B.
Went back when the doors were unlocked (success!) because I do do do love indian food and this place is as convenient as they come for me. The place was PACKED, but our servers were attentive and polite. We ordered the vegetarian appetizer platter which we did NOT need because the entree portions are big and they have a mini "salad" and poppadom bar. Mr. Bee and I both took most of our entrees home. My eggplant entree was...weird. The eggplant had a somewhat unpleasant texture, but the sauce was to die for. I wouldn't get it again, but I did soak up with the sauce with naan. I will definitely go back. They lose a star because of my original experience where a bunch of slack-jawed workers wouldn't take two seconds to get up and explain that they close for an hour or two between lunch and dinner (not advertised on the door if my memory serves me). Instead, they looked at me, looked away, and I left mad and starving. I forgive you, Gaylord.
(4)
Alex C.
Great indian food. I haven't had much indian food so maybe i'm not the best person to judge but my experience and overall quality of the food was good. We arrived pretty late and the wait staff as well as the owner came up to us and let us know to take our time. We ended up leaving at 9:45PM because we eat fast but i was still appreciative of the service. We ordered the King and queen meal which are very reasonably priced for the amount of food served. The dining area is very fancy and more classy than expected. Had a great experience! Will recommend and be back very soon!
(5)
Sonal G.
I had a horrendous experience at this place. Coming from someone that has grown up eating/cooking indian food-- I can honestly say this place is nothing but a disappointment. For some reason they have a great reputation, which is why I thought I'd try their buffet. I've had carry-out before and thought it was just okay. Every single thing they had in the buffet was cold. Their tandoor chicken was a part of the buffet, never in the last 26 years of my life have I been to a sit down indian restaurant where they don't bring tandoori chicken on a hot sizzling skillet.. i guess there's a first time for everything! The waiter service was speedy-- which was the only good thing about the place. The manager/owner (whoever he was) walked around the restaurant and asked EVERY table how their food is and if everything is okay.. but for some reason he walked right past us, without even acknowledging us. Is that maybe because we didn't have any non-indians on our table unlike all the other tables? Something like that is, unfortunately, a common occurrence at Indian restaurants. Do other ethnic restaurants do that too? Do mexican, middle eastern, italian restaurants not treat mexican, middle eastern, italian customers as well as the rest? I have a feeling that's not the case. Anyone that wants good indian food-- go to India garden (not too far from gaylord) or go to devon street! To conclude this venting session-- 1. The food was cold 2. I wasn't a fan of the way it tasted-- if you don't have much experience w/indian food, you might like it by default. But, I'd say go someplace else. 3. Inconsiderate management 4. Wait staff was speedy/polite 5. Dessert was straight out of a box--- VERY poor quality -- strawberry ice cream as a part of the dessert? since when is that even remotely indian????? it was just plain TACKY.
(1)
Jason H.
A great choice for Indian food right off of the Mag Mile. I've been twice for the lunch buffet and had an excellent experience both times. The buffet was extensive and had a little of everything that I was craving. The iced tea was also fantastic, which was unexpected but very welcome. An underrated lunch option. I'll need to come back for dinner one of these days.
(5)
David M.
I am new to Indian Cuisine, but my girlfriend loves it, so we decided to try Gaylord for my first time. We had the lunch buffet and it was a little price but I think it was worth it. The waiters were friendly and very good at making sure of clearing dirty plates. The chicken curry was delicious! Could have had more main dish options, but otherwise a great date spot.
(4)
Paridhi N.
We have been here twice for Sunday buffet and the food is OK. Nothing special, really.
(2)
Audrey S.
After newly moving to the Gold Coast neighborhood back in October my husband and I were on the hunt for our go to indian restaurant. One night, with a tikka masala crave (yes, we are the stereotypical american indian restaurant goers), we decided give Gaylord a try. To our disappointment the tikka didn't do it for us - it was dry and lacked flavor. That said, my husband ordered the lamb which was out of this world - tender, juicy, flavorful deliciousness! Also, the naan was perfect! As I am finally writing this I am just now realizing that Gaylord is closed:( That said, excuse my brevity.
(3)
Kyle D.
Gaylord is consistently excellent. Fantastic service, excellent food, and nice ambiance. My only (tongue-in-cheek) critique is that the mural on the back wall is a bit tacky and out of sync with everything else. Love the 20% discount on carryout.
(5)
Boon K.
This is one of my favorite Indian places to eat for lunch. It's not the largest selection but honestly the best tasting. I love all everything they make here. There is such a great balance of spicy, sweet, salty, sours, etc. They have so much favor in all their dishes. Plus, I like that it's not floating in oil or super greasy compare to the indian places around.
(4)
Pamela C.
The best Indian restaurant outside of Devon Street. Vegetarians skip the Sag Paneer and try the Mattar Paneer. The service is a little spotty, it always seems they could use an extra hand, but the food makes up for it. And your glass is never empty. Try the Indian beer and favored naan basket.
(4)
Robin H.
There are few exceptions to my "no buffet" rule - this would be one. We got here on a Sunday right as they opened for the day. The food was excellent AND hot - something that is difficult to find for Indian buffets! The drink is included in the $12 lunch buffet price. Normally, my friend and I head to Devon to get our Indian food fix, but this trip didn't allow us to venture that far out. This was definitely a great alternative. The only thing that was lacking here was the service. I'm not one to need to be waited hand and foot, but no smile or "you're welcome" was offered throughout the entire meal. I will say that they did keep our drinks filled though. All in all, the food was worth it and I will keep the 5 star rating.
(5)
Roshni P.
Nice staff, quick service, good food. The only downside was that it was a little pricey. Probably because it was located close to Michigan Avenue.
(4)
Kammie G.
I tried Indian food for the first time here on Sunday. It has been nothing short of perfect. They have a free "appetizer-snack" buffet with a variety of sauces (the sweet fruity one was my favorite, couldn't get enough!) with these Indian chips, veggies, or fruit. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and definitely hooked us up with 20% and free dessert at the end of our meal. I'd name the dishes we tried but I honestly have no idea, the names are not exactly easy to remember for a first timer like me. Everything was delicious however, including the garlic naan and the very aromatic rice. The dessert was the best thing I might have ever tasted. It was a type of a sherbet (tasted like pistachio) in an orange peel and this warm fluffy donut thing, along with fresh orange and strawberries and some pistachio shavings. It was truly delightful and I am sure to be back here!
(5)
Daniel A.
Best Place for Indian on Downtown Chicago. And they have a buffet too! Serve Beer and Liquor. Great service!
(5)
Amy S.
One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Fantastic Indian food: go for the buffet, which is the largest I've ever been to. By far the best Indian in Chicago, even compared to Devon (especially compared to many of them!). Great for ever palate: even my husband who hates spicy food loves this place. We hit it every time we go back to Chicago. Fabulous service and great mano lassis, too. Dinner is good, too: beautiful art on the walls helps create a romantic and exotic atmosphere. Try the saag paneer.
(5)
David M.
This was our first time at Gaylord, but we have dined at the sister restaurant in Schaumburg. Dinner was wonderful and the restaurant was packed. Really every dish we had was very good and we were comparing them to food at some of Delhi's best restaurants, where we had dined recently. If you are looking for good authentic Indian cuisine, just off Michigan Ave in a nice white table-cloth setting, Gaylord India is a great chooice, which is evidenced by the large number of Indians that frequent the establishment. If you are looking for a good dish, try the tandoori shrimp... delicious!
(4)
Apara W.
A little expensive- went for their lunch buffet. Great variety, excellent customer service. Clean place. I'll definitely be back when I am in the neighborhood.
(4)
strawberrymoon p.
I have been to their old location numerous times and was very happy with food and service. Now the new place. We have been there two times, I do not recognize any of the old staff. What is sad because they were really great. Service is bad. You always never know who your waiter is, we had 5 different waiters that got into discussions who should wait the table. Both times this happened. The food is different and and not so good. The Tandoori Grill items were always great and fresh. The red color was amazing. Not anymore. The meat was dry and the great red color was missing. The presentation of the food is different too, but not better. Overall, we miss the old Gaylord. I have not been to the lunch buffer again. This was always great and unbeatable.
(3)
Brooke F.
My parents have been going here for over 30 years. Separately, before their great romance began, and nearly once a week since (and they live in the suburbs). Imagine their agony when Gaylords was forced to relocate and was closed for more than a year. And that's why I'm writing this. It seems, since moving to Walton, where there is little parking and they are tucked in a basement, the restaurant hasn't been as full. This is no good. The place used to be full every time we went in there, and now it seems sparse. Listen to me: Gaylord is the best. The. BEST. I didn't like it as a kid (and they were totally cool with my parents smuggling in McDonalds for us while they feasted), but I gave it another try about eight years ago and I wanted to punch my stupid self in the head for taking so long to come around. I live in San Francisco now. The Tenderloin, in fact. And yeah, there are some good places, but not a single one has lived up to Gaylord. The food is awesome and the staff is really, really nice and attentive. Go gaylord!
(5)
Daniel O.
service was great. the bar tender from Moldova was very friendly. free appetizers were good, one was grasshopper wings, the other one lamb tail.
(4)
Erin S.
In from out of town. Walked to this restaurant from my hotel (Hilton Suites). Lunch buffet was better than excellent! EAT HERE. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Big B.
Went here recently for a dosa craving and seeing there are very few southern Indian accommodations outside of Devon (I live in the Gold Coast) I had to give it a whirl. Dosa was OK, def not the southern Indian experience if you know good south Indian food ...however, for northern Indian dishes they seem to be right on. Atmosphere is nice for the area and service was good. I'll go back for certain, just not for the dosa.
(4)
Missy R.
Ate here over the weekend and it was wonderful. The decor is pretty dated, but I didn't even care because the service was great, the food was spot-on and the bill was reasonable. The lamb kufta so spicy and flavorful, and the chicken soup was so fresh and lovely. I will definitely be back to try more. I recommend trying one of the tastings, they give you a good amount of food and let you try a bit of everything.
(5)
Tom A.
We're talking about two distinct experiences here. Lunch buffet -- if you are a buffet kind of person, able to 'get your money's worth' and enjoy the diverse selection -- is quite good. It could use some more vegetarian options, but it's solid Dine-in dinner was a big disappointment. Slow service on a quiet night. Kofta balls were dry --either overcooked, or leftover from days before and dried out. Either way not acceptable. Also you've got to pay for rice. Assistant manager kept bringing us water, and he reeked of cigarettes. Drink selection is a joke. Beer selection is nincompoopery. For some reason there is a huge Scotch selection. Scotch and Indian? hmmm. Syrupy sounding mixed drinks. Randomly selected wines, largely inappropriate for the cuisine. All expensive. We eat a lot of Indian, and hold a high standard. Food here was so-so, while prices were high-high. $50 for a no-drink dinner is double what we'd pay at a BYOB (including the B) on Devon. Definitely a big location premium, and I could live with that -- I'd happily pay to eat some good hearty spicy food in the area filled with Italian, steak and fish places. But the food's gotta be spot-on to make the location-premium make sense.
(2)
Jims L.
Niiiice -- great lunch buffet for cheap!
(4)
T T.
I was starved after leaving the MCA around 2PM on a weekday and was happy to discover an Indian restaurant nearby. I wasn't happy to learn that lunch service is buffet only. Also, they were closing the buffet, so I had to pick out all my dishes at once. I started with a corn chowder soup, which was dismal. I continued with a green salad, which was just OK. I ate an entree with a variety of dal, samosas, vegetables stews, and rice. They were tasty but also a bit cold. I finished off with a dessert of fresh fruit and a sickly sweet bun. I had a glass of red wine that had sediment. UGH. The staff service was pleasant and accommodating. I suppose that if were ever to return, it would be for dinner. Maybe.
(2)
Mark L.
My first ever Indian dining experience, I was very satisfied. I;ve had many cuisines that come close, but I'm very happy that we chose to go here for my first real taste. I had the queen's platter (1 of 3 chef specialties offered) for dinner. It was a delectable sampling of 4 or 5 dishes, it started with some mulligatawny soup and came with delicious naan bread. I felt like this place was sort of a fine dining type place, at least it seemed that way. It was so clean I would have licked my dinner off of the floor or the bathroom counter (not kidding). I was the only indian rookie at the table, but everyone else said that this place was better than a few other chicago spot that they had been to. I dont have much to base my rating on, but I had a good time and enjoyed the food, not my favorite type of cuisine but I like trying new things. The service was above average but not stellar. I will be headed back sometime. Solid 4+
(4)
Aisha N.
Delicious food and friendly staff. Even the buffet is killer.
(4)
Just A.
Was in Chicago recently and ended up by chance at this restaurant and am compelled to write something for Yelp as it was one of the best Indian dining experiences of my life. I have traveled in India have been eating Indian food for 40 years and this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Normally I am leery of more upscale Indian restaurants but Gaylord's had a very relaxed family ambiance with excellent friendly service. The food was simply first rate. Everyone in my party agreed it was some of the best Indian food they'd ever had. Very highly recommended.
(5)
Tom D.
Not very good Indian. Poor texture, limited spices, dry chicken. Not impressed.
(1)
K B.
Comfortable, convenient to my location, we found this spot to have excellent service and tasty food. Not inexpensive but i have never found an Indian restaurant that is.
(4)
Jeff C.
In Chicago on business, I was directed to try Gaylord India by the bellman at the Drake. When I used Yelp to see the reviews, I was greeted by a free appetizer offer. Not being one to turn down Indian food, I walked down the stairs and into the restaurant. I was seated immediately and greeted with a smile. Very nice piano music was being played across the room and the table section was clean, lighting was good, and the decor passable. I ended up getting 2 appetizers (1 free) and went with the samosas and chicken/lamb sampler. Samosas were large, hot and the potatoes and peas tasted great. Served with both mint and tamarind sauces. The mullagatawny was the perfect solution for an icy/rainy night in Chicago and was just a tad spicy, just the way I like it. For an entree, I ordered chiken tikki masala and Sundeep, the mgr, graciously and instantly accomodated a special request for the addition of chickpeas to the dish. Impressive. I got involved in a conversation regarding the different spices and types of dishes in northern versus southern India and apprecaited the fact that the manager as well as his staff contributed knowledge to my meal as it came up but did so according to my schedule and interest, not forcing anything on me. Dessert consisted of punjabi kheer (the right consistency - not too liquidy or too thick) and a scoop of pistachio ice cream inside a hollowed out orange peel. Good presentation. Overall, I highly enjoyed my meal here and will most definitely be back - probably several times during my weeklong stay here.The service was spot-on and done with speed and a smile. The mgmt took great care to ask how everyone's meal was and to spend time conversing if the guest cared to. The meals were served hot with good presentation and were delivered as described in the menu. The piano music was a nice touch and made for a pleasant stay. To top it off, Yelpers are treated to constant promotions in exchange for checking in. Do yourself a favor and go to Gaylord India for an excellent meal and shake the hand of Sundeep, the manager.
(4)
Afthab B.
Bad service. Not so bad lunch buffet. I have not tried their menu. India Garden / House is a little better considering you are paying the same price.
(3)
Priya M.
We came as a party of 10 and the host greeted us at the door with a warm smile. Since I was the hostess and am a bit picky about where I sit, I took a look at where they set our table up and I wasn't very happy. I asked the manager if we could change the table to somewhere where there was more light, perhaps a cozy corner. He was so helpful and obliging, he gave us a great table in the back. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, quick, and professional. I would go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Melissa M.
I ordered take out from here last week -- I ordered my standard -- Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan. NOT good. At all. I was HIGHLY disappointed. The CTM tasted like spicy tomato sauce -- it was really sub-par compared to some of the Indian restaurants I have been to around the city and on Devon. I don't recommend this place at all. I was really shocked it was as bad as it was -- I had thought it would have been fantastic for what they charge and how "upscale" the place is supposed to be. Hrmmm. :(
(1)
Erica I.
I went here for lunch with some work peeps, and it made the rest of my day! I don't eat Indian food very often, but when I do I am reminded how awesome the it tastes and how much I want to travel (weird I know). The buffet allowed me to try a little bit of everything, and my mouth was tingling from all the flavors and spices! It was a little pricey, but most buffets are pricey cause you can eat as much as you want! I will come back here for sure!
(5)
Alison E.
Definitely a hit! I had the mutter paneer, and Mister had the navrattan korma. Both were yummy, and the naan was good, and rice was included! The rice was tasty, but there wasn't quite enough for two (hungry) people. The samosas weren't the best ever, but were quite good, though the pakora weren't too stellar. I think we'll definitely try this place again.
(4)
Sarah F.
This review is for the lunch buffet, which is amazing & a good deal if you work in the Mich Ave/Gold Coast area! Everything is hot, fresh and o-so-tasty! The samosa are awesome, the corn soup is great, the cilantro sauce and chutneys are THE BEST! They serve a variety of Paneer, chicken, lamb - all on the buffet! The Naan also might be the very best in town (but then again, I never met a Naan I didn't adore). The service is attentive as well, and the management always walks around to see how everything is! I also happen to love their house-made mango ice cream for dessert. Fruity, and not too sweet!
(5)
Rui B.
I have been a patron of what I once considered, arguably, THE best Indian restaurant in Chicago, for more than 25 years. Either dining in or carrying out, I was always extremely satisfied with the handful of dishes I consistently ordered (i.e. Sag Paneer, Lamb Biryani, Shrimp Masala, Lamb Vindaloo, etc.). But things have drastically changed over the last few years. I believe 3 to 4 years ago, Gaylord's replaced their longtime head chef; the new one radically changed the recipes for some of my favorite items. Specifically, the Sag Paneer lost a majority of its distinct flavor and become inedible; the Lamb Vindaloo (one of the "hottest" dishes they offer) become so bland, it was more like the Rogan Josh, a very mild lamb curry. I stopped ordering them. The quality of the Biryani and the Shrimp Masala was still excellent. That changed last year. Earlier, in 2012, I ordered the aforementioned 2 items for carry out. Shrimp Masala is a dish with a heavy sauce but is not hot; Biryani, a rice dish, is usually hot. But, traditionally, hot Indian dishes are made so with spices like black pepper or red chili powder. To my horror, when I uncovered the containers, I discovered that the chef was using Mexican Jalapeno peppers to make the Biryani hot!. And they were even in the Shrimp Masala, again, a mild dish. Subsequently, on other orders, I specifically requested no Jalapenos but, despite the visible absence, I could tell by taste that the chef was still using them, instead of traditional Indian spices, to make the dishes hot. I tried to tolerate the fact that my Indian food tasted like Mexican dishes but I just can't stand it anymore. Needless to say, I am going to start looking for a new favorite Indian restaurant. After a quarter of a century, I can no longer count on the quality of what was once my first choice in cuisine of any variety in Chicago. The disappointment I feel will take a while to go away.
(2)
Lu C.
Now, I typically don't like Indian food, especially at Indian buffets, but this place made me definitely change my mind! Still don't know what the dishes were called, but when we ate here for a friend's bday and someone else knew what to order, each dish was spicyyyy and super super tasty. I think we had some curries and some chicken dishes. The waiters were also super friendly, gave us all free dessert for our friend's bday, and even some free balloons- "play with those balls," the waiter kept saying :). I'm definitely learning my Indian dishes, and I'm definitely going back.
(4)
Brady H.
My wife and I enjoyed a lovely rainy sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch earlier today. The interior space and our non-Indian waiter was very nice and friendly. Reasonably wide food selection with plenty of veg and meat options. Naan is brought to the table but tandori chicken is in a steamer tray. Several stations including a salad one - I noticed people making an Indian style salad. There were also multiple dessert choices - often a buffet only offers one dessert choice. An added surprise was that soda was included in the lunch price. I think the India House buffet is better spiced, but tihs is a big upgrade for the Gaylord franchise.
(4)
Nikki M.
I have to agree with the previous review that it is one of the best Indian restaurants outside of Devon. The service was was just as good, very friendly as well as helpful and the prices are more than resonable for the quality of food. I will definalty be going back.
(5)
Sneha R.
Not that great, really. Being an Indian, I may find it in my heart to make exceptions for reduced spice which, if added in true Indian style, may make a lot of people reach for a gallon of water after each bite. However, irrespective of cuisine, uncooked food is unacceptable. That with little or no seasoning, is like adding insult to injury. Attempting to include South Indian and North Indian food in a menu, is pretty commendable. Unfortunately, their south indian dishes fell flat. It's not that the taste was bad, it just wasn't cooked at all. A dish called the 'Vada' which is a donut shaped fried snack. It's supposed to be crispy on top and nice and fluffy on the inside. The flour is fermented and what they served us was the same raw fermented mix fried only enough to get a crispy exterior. The vegetable pakoras were tasteless. They were just pieces of veggies dipped in flavorless batter and fried. Pakoras are incredibly tasty and i was mad as hell that they spoiled this dish. The service wasn't that great either. There were 2-3 different people who kept asking what we wanted to order next, even after we had already ordered. There are other better Indian restaurants which do serve flavorful Indian food. This is best avoided.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street, Validated Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Vince V.
I have very mixed feelings about Gaylord - but I suppose it was worth a try. The Good: Gobhi Manchurian was excellent, although I suppose it's not hard to mess it up the dish really was delicious. We went on a sunday night and they were had live piano music playing along with a very attentive wait staff so overall the dining experience was very pleasant. They offer a free 'salad bar' with a variety of vegetables, chips, sauces and chutneys which overall was kind of sad in taste and presentation - but free is free. The bad: We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala despite my better judgement, and even though there are many reviews saying it's delicious on yelp I really have to wonder. The chicken itself was overcooked into oblivion - borderline inedible. The sauce was merely decent. Prices were also more than I would like to pay, especially when you can get better tasting food for less than half the price on Devon. But I suppose you're paying for service & location here. Overall it's worth a try, I may go again, but willing to bet this is just an inconsistent restaurant.
(2)Michele B.
Stopped in her with my daughter after doing our after Christmas shopping on Michigan Ave. Very comfortable place with great service (we had three different servers?). The garlic naan was so warm and soft and just what our bodies needed when we got out of the cold. Tandoori chicken was steamy and seasoned beautifully. My daughter had chicken vindaloo and really enjoyed it as well. They have a little buffet with veggies and different sauces to munch on while you are waiting for your food. It was a little pricey, but the food was good.
(3)Jenny D.
Gaylord is always a sure thing when it comes to Indian food. You are always guaranteed hot, fresh food and easy take out ordering. Their chicken biryani and saag paneer are AMAZING. Even though the saag paneer usually doesn't have enough paneer, the saag (spinach) is always really fresh tasting and has a great creamy taste. My only issue with Gaylord is the extremely high prices. The food is good, no doubt about that, but it's a little too pricey for what you are getting. But all in all, great food, good atmosphere, and easy take out.
(4)Malav D.
It was over the weekend that my couple of friends and I decided to checkout gaylord restaurant as we were in the area and craving for some delicious food. We sat down and had complimentary fruits and papad with chutneys before ordering our appetizers. We placed two orders of papaddums along with our appetizers and main course. For some reason, the papaddum we had ordered never came until our appetizers were over with...we informed the waiter about this and he was very courteous and provided us free papaddum along with any 1 dessert of our liking free of charge. Overall, the food was delicious especially tadka dal (yellow lentils) was by far the best as it was perfectly cooked. I'll definitely visit this restaurant when I'm in the area again!
(5)Whitney G.
We had: chicken tikka masala, bangan bharta, siekh kabob, garlic naan, samosas and rice pudding. Everything tasted fresh and was super hot! Really really good though. I would definitely come again. The chicken tikka masala is a must-have.
(5)Moksha M.
Great food, nice ambience. It misses the 5 stars because one of the entrees I ordered had too much oil in it. This doesn't mean it wasn't yummy, it was just lesser oil would have been better. Nice ambience, great food and good prices. I like the place, would definitely go back.
(4)Hubert L.
Came here for dinner after work. I'm not usually one to put too much merit on decor and service, but this place is definately a change of pace for the area that it is in. The space is pretty big and has great potential. It was wallpaper with a generic moutain range, the potted tree stumps, the sappy piano music that makes you feel like you are in a foreign soap opera that did me in.. Aside from the decor, the wait staff was bizzare. had 3 different servers, all pressuring me to eat at their complimentary salad bar which comprised of celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, radishes with sauce. Looked like leftovers from veggie tray at their Bears game get-together last weekend. But oh well, they didn't want food to go to waste.. Finally the food! Took a little longer than I would expect being that there were only 1 other table of patrons there. The samosas were among the best i've had. Flakey, moist in, hotness. Pardon me for not remember than dish names, but we ordered a veggiatrian dish with veggies and peas with butter, garlic naan, and mixed grilled meats. Delishious! The grilled meats were cooked perfectly, moist, good. Naan was as good as it gets and the cheese pea dish was heaven. I guess they took their time to make the food taste good, which we can appreciate! All-in-all, good food if you're willing to overlook serving time and strange ambiance. I wouldn't take a first date here.
(3)Wayne B.
The Indian restaurant standard... I have only been here a few times for lunch and usually opt for the buffet. I feel like I should rate this place higher, but I just don't like the taste of the food as much as a few other places...it's a bit on the bland side and not what I expect when I am craving the unique and flavorful tastes of Indian cuisines...otherwise good service and good place right off Michigan Ave.
(3)Sumit R.
It's a fantastic restaurant. The lunch buffet is worth every cent you spend and more. The food is delicious and and very indian, unlike the bland indian food which you get at some of the indian places in the west. The staff is also very courteous. All in all a great place to have your meal. I highly recommend it. Sam
(5)Sherry N.
Nan was good. Chicken Tikka was ok. Paneer makhani was not prepared the way it should be....yuck! Adding gratutity for party of four by default for a very mediocore service is not ok.
(3)Nicola U.
Good food and good value. Nice interior and excellent service. Highly recommended.
(5)Christina B.
I have only carried out because I live in the building next door...however the carryout option always has a special deal going on (20% off i think?) The food is great--the garlic naan is huge! They always give out samples in the warm weather months outside the restaurant and it's a nice way to try the different things they have to offer. Its all kind of expensive though...and only being a block off Lake Shore Drive and 10 minutes up to Devon...I feel like I would rather get 4x as much food for that price.
(4)Misty O.
I am a huge fan of Indian food and this place is one of my favorites. The food and the staff, just great. They have a 'salad bar' of yummy starters to munch on while you wait for your food. The food is fantastic. I've never done the buffet - I stick to ordering from the menu. Never had something I don't like there. The staff is really great. Very attentive and very pleasant. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)Stephen H.
This place was amazing. Food was wonderful, staff attentive. Get the garlic naan. Also their ice tea was homemade, not like the cheap stuff I've gotten all across Chicago.
(5)Lindsee R.
On the buffet: I really like that there is so much variety and most everything was tasty, if not very traditional. I'm not sure coated fried fish is a big hit in India... But, noting was hot, and I do mean nothing. Not to mention they lured me in with a sample of a dish not on the buffet and to which nothing compared in quality and I tried every buffet item. The decor is bland and a dark. I went during the middle of the day and it was too dark in there to read my book. Also, service was really slow and it was 15 min before anyone offered me a beverage. I probably won't be back for the buffet since India house is only $2 more and so much better quality. Maybe I'll give dinner a shot
(3)Alysha P.
Went to a work X-mas party here.....big party......20+ peeps.....all veggie.....food was pre-ordered so we didn't have a choice but I was happy with what we got! Food Samosas: Of course! What's Indian without these little delicious deep-fried dumplings?? Good....spicy but not crazy so....and not too oily...yay! Subzi Tikki: Little pan fried cutlets made with mashed veg mix of potatoes, peas, carrots and turnips.....I really really liked these....almost more than the samosas :) Saag Paneer: Paneer with spinach cooked with a dash of cream/butter, spices and a hint of tomato......good flavor on the curry front....perfect amount of cream involved.....I would have liked it spicier... Dal Makhani: Lentils simmered in a butter/cream sauce.....one of my personal favs......was rich and yummy without being too heavy. Gobhi Manchurian: Hands down best dish of the night!! Cauliflower breaded and fried and then cooked in a spicy manchurian sauce....crunchy + spicy + saucy = amazing!!! Navarattan Korma: Blend of veggies in a curry sauce.....this was good....better than most Indian places....veggies were chunky and fresh....curry was good.... Bengan Bhartha: Eggplant cooked in a tomato based sauce with peas, onions and potatoes.....very good and saucy.....would get again. Naan & Garlic Naan: Warm & chewy....I was a fan! Service I have to say that everyone from the manager & host, to all of the servers who worked our table and to the bus people......were fantastic!! Super nice and accommodating even when we had to add extra tables and chairs to our already large party. Food came out hot......and there was always someone there to remove dishes and refill waters. Def happy about that! The only thing is that after dinner when everyone was kind of mingling around etc.....they started kind of moving our party out by trying to set up these huge tables in our area......It was 10:30 or 11pm.....so I don't think they were setting up for another large party that night.....but probably for the next day.......I kind of felt like they could have waited another 30min until everyone left to do that instead of making us feel slightly awkward and in the way. Ambiance Below street level on Walton......so no windows in the dining room.....but I kind of liked that it reminded me of those all you can eat Sunday Brunch Buffet Chinese restaurants that my parents used to take me to as a kid. :) Room is done in rich woods and yellows so feels warm......the back wall of the dining room has a curtain all across the back of it that can be pulled back in a couple of different areas to reveal full wall-sized photos....the 2 that were open that night were of mountains and an Indian wedding couple.....loved it!! Overall Considering that they also serve South Indian dishes.....dosa....idly....uthappam......this could be my new neighborhood Indian spot! Ohhhhh.....and that Gobhi Manchurian.....f-ing deeeee-lish! I will def be back......yay!
(4)Paul M.
Best Indian food in the city. I can live on their garlic naan and chicken tikka masala. Rogan Josh is also quite tasty as is their 'Chef's Special' appetizer. Pricey for dinner but worth it. Best lunch buffet deal in town.
(5)Julie T.
With my fiances family visiting from out of town we needed to find a spot that was "exotic", nice, and reasonably priced. Their lunch buffet was perfect! Everyone was satisfied with their large variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. The place itself looks really nice, and the service was great. My new favorite place for Indian!
(5)LARRY k.
We have been fans of Gaylord's for decades, both this one and the one in Schaumburg. We are always treated well, the food is wonderful and the Schaumburg locale manager Daron is a class act. We always look forward to dining at Gaylord's.
(4)Shelly M.
Service is outstanding. Buffet is kept stocked. Very large selection and lots of deserts too. I would have probably given them 4 or 5 stars if I was new to spice. Food on the buffet is all very mild so it is great for beginners or people who like it mild.
(3)Chris P.
Cute location, well-appointed. I found the service to be very good - filling my water and attending to our needs countless times, without being intrusive. Food was pretty good, my two friends and I went family style and really took a gamble on an ochre dish the waiter recommended. We asked for the recommendation, and I am happy when someone working at a restaurant is confident enough to make a suggestion. Sadly, the ochre came tasty but just way too salty. Murgh tikka masala and lamb vindaloo were tasy as were the naans we ordered. Overall a pretty good experience, but I thought the $66 bill for three dishes a little high.
(3)zubin l.
I am an Indian and I can tell a good indian restaurant from a bad one. Gaylord falls right in the center. Not very indian tasting but not too far from the east as well. I dont like when resturants change the core makeup of the dishes just in order to be different. Thats what Gaylord has done in order to fall in the fancy indian restaurant category. Their gravy dishes is garnished by things (Cut wedges of fruits, lemon) that really alloys the taste of the authentic food. I had to walk a lot to reach their new location. They saved losing an extra star by having a good ambience. I have been to their suburb restaurant for buffet and if their bufeet is equally good, I would give them 4 stars. BTW, whats the story behind the name Gaylord. Doesnt gel well with an indian restaurant.
(3)Peter C.
i've been to gaylord twice, and both times have been pretty good. the food is very expensive, in my opinion, so i'd suggest getting one of the meals rather than several dishes to share. the service is good, though a bit grumpy at times. all in all, a good place to have in the neighborhood, but nothing to write home about.
(3)Edward P.
Strong Indian restaurant. I love a good curry and this place does a good job. Extremely well priced for location and food quality, backed up with friendly and punctual service. Would highly recommend.
(5)Amy L.
"A rose for you miss?" That's what i heard from our waiter as i was looking at our menu. Granted, it was Valentine's day and my boyfriend did forget to get me flowers. Therefore, i was more than surprised to get a rose from this establishment. I've been wanting to come here for awhile and finally on Valentine's Day, i got my wish. Let's start off with the good and the bad shall we: Good: 1. Very nice decor and environment of the place, fancy without being too pretentious. The place was decked out with Valentine's Day balloons at each table. 2. All the women who came here on Valentine's Day got a rose, compliments from Gaylords. Very sweet indeed. 3. I think 3-4 people came over just to ask how everything was.(not counting the waiter). 4. Presentation of everything looked beautiful. Everything was in ceramics and not traditional metal bowls. 5. Food came out pretty dang fast. The bad: 1. Food was average, nothing too special. The meat in the curries did not capture the flavor of the sauces. 2. Parking was horrendous, especially on V-day... Not sure about regular days 3. Price wise, everything seemed to be a little overpriced for what they served and the caliber of what we ate. 4. The place was located downstairs and it was hard to find. Conclusion: Will i come here again? Maybe, but then again, there are more restaurants to try and more places to Y.E.L.P about.
(3)Mike G.
Being from the SF bay area I've been spoiled with a plethora of awesome Indian food restaurants. With that being said, perhaps my standards are a little high. This is the first Indian food restaurant I've tried in Chicago and it's average at best. I ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter chicken, Samosa, Naan and rice. I ordered it for delivery. When homeboy shows up at my door he asks for 55$. I'm like "Really?". For 55 bucks this had better be top notch Indian food. So what I got was mediocre. The Chicken Tikka Masala had an ok flavor but wasn't the best I tried. Wasn't feeling the butter chicken however. The Samosa was decent and came with my favorite sweet and mint sauce. I hardly got any rice with my order also which sucked because I didn't have enough for the left overs. If it were cheaper I may have considered coming back but this is way over priced for ok Indian food.
(3)Mick C.
Staying at a nearby hotel, we ordered take-out late on a Friday night. The food was ready within 20 minutes and was delicious. My wife had the chicken tikka masala, the standard version of which was a little too spicy, but full of flavor. I had the chicken vindaloo, which was excellent - large chunks of chicken and potato surrounded by a creamy sauce. The garlic naans were huge! Overall - very happy with our order.
(4)Kate F.
I love Indian food. I love Indian food SOOOO much! I spent the last 8 years living in a city that only had one Indian restaurant. And while everyone there thought it was the cats meow...I thought the place sucked. I had had good indian, and lawrence kansas did not bring it. Memphis however..did. Then there is Gaylord. My boyfriend talked about it all the time. It's his and his parents favorite place though he had not been to the new location. The first thing I said when we walked in was 'wow, this place is kinda fancy'. I'm used to buffet cheezy style decor at my indian places. Instead, Gaylord has a basement location now with wood paneling and great lighting. It's decor is very simple and tasteful. Speaking of tasteful...the FOOD! We ordered so much and I don't remember the names of everything, so I'll try to describe. 1. For an appetizer we had some stuffed peppers that were breaded and fried. This was the only thing I was not impressed with. 2. I wanted lamb, so we got the vindaloo. Wonderful red spicy sauce and melt in your mouth lamb. My favorite! 3. Mixed grill...fish, chicken, lamb, etc....excellent! 4. our vegetarian option was kind of a curry dish with peas and some kind of cheese. Again...wonderful! 5. Our nan, rice, and other breads and wine were spectacular. 6. Dessert...rice pudding with strawberries. Delicious! Our server was spectacular. she was very kind and helpful. even the owner came over to greet us as were were one of the last tables to leave that night. I cannot say enough good things about Gaylord. It's not cheap, but it's worth it!
(5)Ruchi S.
They are truly a pleather of Indian cuisine. From North Indian food to the South. Every flavor through your journey of India. Located at the neck entrance of the Magnificent Mile. It is a little pricey, but worth it. It has a banquet hall feel, which isn't exactly how I would want to picture eating this delectable food, but it is clean and friendly. Order the pepper lamb, aloo gobi, dosa, idli etc.. The only disappointment is the dessert section. But, you can go out and get that anywhere or Mich. Ave. they have a fully stocked bar and great free salad bar. Either order ahead for carry out, or make reservations. Know that their spice is definitely on the very spicy side, so make sure to ask for very mild if you like the flavor more than the spice. I like the level they are at to begin with and I do go a notch higher at times, but, I also like my spicy food. It is a hidden restaurant, so know you have to walk down stairs into a ground level restaurant..
(4)anneliese s.
I have been going to this place since childhood, when it was in it's Clark street location. It is the best Indian food in the city. I have been to so many Indian restaurants ranging from Devon, Edgewater, Highwood, etc, and this place is still the best! I suggest the Chicken Makhani and Samosa! Happy Eating!
(5)Anisha A.
Except for the randomly placed plants, the new location is a noticeable upgrade to the old. The food remains stellar as well. Went for the lunch buffet which is higher quality then India House. And cheaper. It has all the staples, plus a range of other goodies including loads of vegetarian options, fish and quality lamb. Gaylord is the best no-frills Indian food you'll find South of Devon. I'm Indian, so you have to believe me. If you disagree, I'll fight you. And win.
(4)Green T.
Walking around downtown, trying to find someplace fairly late one night, we thought Gaylord was closed until one of the many managers came out and told us that they were open and to come in. It's not that it was empty, but the dining room is in the back and the windows were tinted so it looked dark and empty. We ordered the Rogan Josh (Tender chunks of lamb, delicately cooked in a tomato-onion seasoned gravy), Bindi Tadka (Okra sauted with fresh herbs & spices), Bengan Bhartha (Tender mashed eggplant blended with sauteed onions, tomatoes and green peas) and Rajasthani Roti (Whole wheat bread, stuffed with spiced mustard greens). As Indian food aficionados and former residents of the "Tandoor-loin" in San Francisco, we love Indian food. Specifically, good Indian food. Which this was not. The Rogan Josh was too salty and not very tasty or well-spiced; the texture was good and the lamb was well-cooked, however. The Bengan Bhartha was some of the worst I've ever had - it was super tomato-y and tasted pretty much like not-good spaghetti sauce. Not at all what Bengan should be. We had really high hopes for the Roti, but it was greasy and bland. The Bindi was by far the best, crusted with coconut and well-cooked (not slimey or anything); the funny thing about that is that our waiter INSISTED repeatedly that we should get the fried okra instead, to the point where my husband literally had to tell him, "No, I want the sauteed okra" THREE times. I don't like fried okra. I've lived in the South; fried okra goes with like fried chicken and mac and cheese, not Indian food. We did not want that and literally had to fight the waiter to get him to take our order how we wanted it. The meal was preceded with pappadam which was actually not bad and less salty than I've had elsewhere as well as some crudities (carrots, cucumbers) which were super dried out. The crudities and pappadam were served with chutneys and mixed pickles, which for some reason the server wanted to take them away when they brought our food. They did offer to bring us Raita but not until we were like halfway through our meal. I also got a Chai which was not very good and I think they charged me for a refill but didn't make it clear that it wasn't actually a refill. We were checked on by the wide array of managers many, many times to the point of almost being annoying, although our waiter service (as I mentioned) was poor. We usually clear our plates and I think we left half the food behind here. Definitely would not go back. Ick.
(2)Emily M.
Went to the lunch buffet. Big mistake. I got food poisoning, and was very sick that night and all the next day. I even had a fever. Miserable. The mediocre mutter paneer, samosa, sauces, and gulab jamun were NOT worth the illness.
(1)Ashley C.
Dinner was great and the portions are HUGE! Pricing is very reasonable with great, classic Indian food. Service was a little slow, but overall worth going back to. The atmosphere is perfect if you have had a long day and are looking for a quite dinner. The restaurant also has great specials and offers options that allow you to try many items on the menu for a reasonable price. Gaylord is definitely my pick for Indian food in the area!
(4)Charlotte Y.
Being a virgin sucks; the lack of experience leaves one... always feeling out of context and questioning one's performance. Okay - this makes sense in many more ways than what you were originally thinking. This is how I feel about Indian food. If you read my review on Veerasway, you know I'm an Indian food virgin (for context, Veerasway was my first foray into the Indian food realm). My visit to Veerasway was months behind, so I decided to give Gaylord a try, now that it had reopened. Again, I have very little understanding of indian food, of its preparation, of what goes with what, of how to order, of what I "like" (as I've only had a few dishes), etc. That being said, I was very very pleased with Gaylord. The staff was nothing short of helpful, kind, pleasant and downright friendly. After perusing the menu and still feeling lost, I noticed that at the top of the front of the menu, there were several "fixed" meals itemized. For instance, for $18.00 to $20.00, one could try several entrees in a tasting format; total deal! I elected to go with the vegetarian selection in this regard. Although the tomato soup really tasted like Campbell's, the other 5 items, including nan and rice were amazing! Although I can't name what I ate, I recall a spicy spinach curry item with tofu, a brownish curry, fried cauliflower with potatoes, a samosa, yogurt and saffron rice. I was much too stuffed after devouring half of each item, so I had the rest packed to go. I would love to try the buffet some time (the set up is the center of the dining room)... but, will definitely be back sooner for /to obtain dinner as it is not too far from my place, as they are offering a 20% discount on a la carte to go orders and as I really loved the experience. I hope more people go (a little slow during midweek, which always leaves me concerned and worried, especially in this economy)... so, people... GO TRY GAYLORD!
(4)Keerthi A.
This restaurant gets 4 stars for food taste and quality, and 0 points for carryout or delivery. DINE-IN: This is probably one of the better Indian restaurants in the Chicago area. I love their buffet on weekends, good selection and tastes really yum too. I especially love their Saag paneer and their lamb kebabs. Their vegetarian entrees are all really good too, especially the Okra. Their ambiance is good too. Would definitely go back for my Indian fix! This is for dining in. DELIVERY OR CARRYOUT: There is some bozo answering the phones here who consistently fudges up orders (and I mean not just my order, but different people''s orders at different times of the year to different locations). Week A: Ordered 2 orders lamb kebabs, got 2 orders veg kebabs instead. Week B: Ordered 2 order lamb kebab, got charged for 2 orders and did not receive any. I called them and threw a tantrum, they redelivered only 1 order. Week C: Ordered 1 order lamb saag, got chicken instead. You get the drift.... They charge a delivery fee, but if you carryout, they give you a 20% discount. I would much rather hop in a cab and just carryout, but always check the contents because the last time, I got over there and checked the order and guess what, they fudged it up! So I literally sat there and waited while they cooked up the right order. I think I am going to stop ordering from there, I would just dine in.
(3)Eddie C.
First of all, note that Gaylord has moved from its location on Clark! The new location is pretty cool, I like the decor and the feel inside. They did a great job of accommodating our large party of 17. They hooked us up with complimentary dessert for everybody since we were there for someone's birthday! And the owner was really nice and friendly, coming up to us at the end and asking us how we liked it, thanking us for having our birthday celebration there, and making sure we were satisfied. The food was great too. The tandoori dishes are so damn good...something about that clay oven, man. Malai kabab (cream cheese and spices on chicken) and haryali kabab (spices and mint on chicken) were money. Saag Paneer was also great. Naan was alright. But you gotta get the tandoori stuff.
(5)Christopher P.
Flavorful dishes and large portions. I think you'll like it.
(4)Gautham N.
Great authentic South Indian food, our favorite place on Devon for 20 years. The dosas really hit the spot, the owner is a very friendly guy as well.
(4)F W.
Being English means Indian food is something you grow up eating and loving. We went to Gaylords last night. The chicken tikka masala was very good. There were complimentary pappadums and chutneys. The service was excellent.
(4)Carol K.
Oh delicious, I had an awesome dinner at Gaylord. So my lovely manfriend and I decided to have a nice dinner Indian style we happen to be downtown and thought we'd try Gaylord as this is also my manfriend's last name. We ordered as many Gaylord coined martinis and entrees as we could comfortably stuff into our mouths. The service was very attentive, sincere, helpful and relaxed. Manfriend got the king's feast- this entree(s) lived up to its name it was comprised of dry rubbed lamb sausage, tandoori chicken drum stick (which came out on a hot plate with grilled onions and lemons), a lamb meatball (?) curry, vegetable curry, naan, and special rice...I think that was it. I ordered butter chicken in a spiced tomato puree, so so so good. For those of you worried about this particular Indian restaurants spice, salt and oil level, they were all seasoned appropriately. Everything was fresh and prepared in house (including lamb sausage!). Oil, salt, and chili peppers were used in moderation. Nice alcohol lists as well, I had a Malbec, manfriend had a strong but very good vodka martini (the gaylord classic- naturally). Go and try it as soon as you can, for our dinner and drinks the bill plus tax and tip didn't exceed $100 bucks. Booyah.
(4)Denise R.
As previous reviewers mentioned, this place has very flavorful, spicy dishes. Also the portions were very large and I had plenty of yummy leftovers. I ordered the samosas and 2 chicken dishes and all of it was delicious. We were greeted and seated immediately and what seemed to be the owner was very accomodating and even took our order, however the rest of the service was a bit spotty. It took a while to get my water refilled but once the owner noticed, I believe he spoke to the servers and we were taken care of. Also, the live piano music was a nice touch. I will definitely be back.
(4)Phillip M.
Uh-mazing for the price. I'm not an Indian connoisseur but I know what good food is. Staff was guilt-inducingly courteous. Everything I tried was delicious. Great location. Free beverages (delicious tea). All for $12.95. Nuff said.
(5)Sonal G.
I had a horrendous experience at this place. Coming from someone that has grown up eating/cooking indian food-- I can honestly say this place is nothing but a disappointment. For some reason they have a great reputation, which is why I thought I'd try their buffet. I've had carry-out before and thought it was just okay. Every single thing they had in the buffet was cold. Their tandoor chicken was a part of the buffet, never in the last 26 years of my life have I been to a sit down indian restaurant where they don't bring tandoori chicken on a hot sizzling skillet.. i guess there's a first time for everything! The waiter service was speedy-- which was the only good thing about the place. The manager/owner (whoever he was) walked around the restaurant and asked EVERY table how their food is and if everything is okay.. but for some reason he walked right past us, without even acknowledging us. Is that maybe because we didn't have any non-indians on our table unlike all the other tables? Something like that is, unfortunately, a common occurrence at Indian restaurants. Do other ethnic restaurants do that too? Do mexican, middle eastern, italian restaurants not treat mexican, middle eastern, italian customers as well as the rest? I have a feeling that's not the case. Anyone that wants good indian food-- go to India garden (not too far from gaylord) or go to devon street! To conclude this venting session-- 1. The food was cold 2. I wasn't a fan of the way it tasted-- if you don't have much experience w/indian food, you might like it by default. But, I'd say go someplace else. 3. Inconsiderate management 4. Wait staff was speedy/polite 5. Dessert was straight out of a box--- VERY poor quality -- strawberry ice cream as a part of the dessert? since when is that even remotely indian????? it was just plain TACKY.
(1)Jason H.
A great choice for Indian food right off of the Mag Mile. I've been twice for the lunch buffet and had an excellent experience both times. The buffet was extensive and had a little of everything that I was craving. The iced tea was also fantastic, which was unexpected but very welcome. An underrated lunch option. I'll need to come back for dinner one of these days.
(5)David M.
I am new to Indian Cuisine, but my girlfriend loves it, so we decided to try Gaylord for my first time. We had the lunch buffet and it was a little price but I think it was worth it. The waiters were friendly and very good at making sure of clearing dirty plates. The chicken curry was delicious! Could have had more main dish options, but otherwise a great date spot.
(4)Paridhi N.
We have been here twice for Sunday buffet and the food is OK. Nothing special, really.
(2)Audrey S.
After newly moving to the Gold Coast neighborhood back in October my husband and I were on the hunt for our go to indian restaurant. One night, with a tikka masala crave (yes, we are the stereotypical american indian restaurant goers), we decided give Gaylord a try. To our disappointment the tikka didn't do it for us - it was dry and lacked flavor. That said, my husband ordered the lamb which was out of this world - tender, juicy, flavorful deliciousness! Also, the naan was perfect! As I am finally writing this I am just now realizing that Gaylord is closed:( That said, excuse my brevity.
(3)Kyle D.
Gaylord is consistently excellent. Fantastic service, excellent food, and nice ambiance. My only (tongue-in-cheek) critique is that the mural on the back wall is a bit tacky and out of sync with everything else. Love the 20% discount on carryout.
(5)Boon K.
This is one of my favorite Indian places to eat for lunch. It's not the largest selection but honestly the best tasting. I love all everything they make here. There is such a great balance of spicy, sweet, salty, sours, etc. They have so much favor in all their dishes. Plus, I like that it's not floating in oil or super greasy compare to the indian places around.
(4)Pamela C.
The best Indian restaurant outside of Devon Street. Vegetarians skip the Sag Paneer and try the Mattar Paneer. The service is a little spotty, it always seems they could use an extra hand, but the food makes up for it. And your glass is never empty. Try the Indian beer and favored naan basket.
(4)Robin H.
There are few exceptions to my "no buffet" rule - this would be one. We got here on a Sunday right as they opened for the day. The food was excellent AND hot - something that is difficult to find for Indian buffets! The drink is included in the $12 lunch buffet price. Normally, my friend and I head to Devon to get our Indian food fix, but this trip didn't allow us to venture that far out. This was definitely a great alternative. The only thing that was lacking here was the service. I'm not one to need to be waited hand and foot, but no smile or "you're welcome" was offered throughout the entire meal. I will say that they did keep our drinks filled though. All in all, the food was worth it and I will keep the 5 star rating.
(5)Roshni P.
Nice staff, quick service, good food. The only downside was that it was a little pricey. Probably because it was located close to Michigan Avenue.
(4)Kammie G.
I tried Indian food for the first time here on Sunday. It has been nothing short of perfect. They have a free "appetizer-snack" buffet with a variety of sauces (the sweet fruity one was my favorite, couldn't get enough!) with these Indian chips, veggies, or fruit. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and definitely hooked us up with 20% and free dessert at the end of our meal. I'd name the dishes we tried but I honestly have no idea, the names are not exactly easy to remember for a first timer like me. Everything was delicious however, including the garlic naan and the very aromatic rice. The dessert was the best thing I might have ever tasted. It was a type of a sherbet (tasted like pistachio) in an orange peel and this warm fluffy donut thing, along with fresh orange and strawberries and some pistachio shavings. It was truly delightful and I am sure to be back here!
(5)Daniel A.
Best Place for Indian on Downtown Chicago. And they have a buffet too! Serve Beer and Liquor. Great service!
(5)Vickie L.
Lunch buffet is great. A TON of selection, both veggie and with meat. They had 2 fish dishes, I have never ever seen fish at an indian buffet before! Everything was sooo good. A huge selection for dessert too with a nice selection of freshly cut fruit. Wow. Pretty good location downtown too, but it's hidden, keep your eyes open because it's on a lower level.
(4)Deep P.
I am Food lover and know what indian taste is. This place is serving best indian food.i have seen some junk indian restaurants like Himalyan or ebony getting 4 or 5 star from non Indian community coz they dont know the taste of indian food. My advice to every1 is to try this restaurant once to know real indian food taste
(5)Mel K.
Terribly overpriced mediocre Indian food. I tried many of the dishes here, including one with chickpeas and various naans. You know how Indian food is supposed to be really saucy with lots of seasonings? Everything was really dry and mealy in my mouth. Not a lot of flavor. The manager tried wooing us over by giving us free deserts and a bottle of wine, which was nice, but something we wouldn't have ordered otherwise. When the bill came, they charged us tax on all of those "free" items and our bill amounted to $42 a person. What a rip off.
(2)Dean D.
Went for the buffet during the weekend. Stepped in and was seated by the host but there wasn't a waiter or waitress to be found. We heard some yelling come from the kitchen and then after about 20-25 minutes someone came out and took our drink orders. The food is tasty and my favorite was the fish curry.
(3)Nari H.
Have had carry out here with my sister and it's good everytime. The food is always ready on time and for awhile they had a 20% off carry out orders. So we really dug that. :) would go back and order again!
(4)Monica Y.
I come here with a friend of mine who is an Ayurvedic practitioner here in the city named Karen Klutznick. We've met here quite often over the last year. I think the food is really ok. It is inconsistent too: sometimes really good, sometimes just ok. The naan often comes cold and stale tasting. The palak paneer is really bland without very much paneer. The dahl is often bland too. The service is really good though, and they are kind and attentive. Over all, it is the only Indian restaurant in that part of the city so I go there for convenience and I would go again...however, there are so many better India restaurants in the city: Essnce of India, Tiffin, Mysore just to name a few.
(3)Lauren B.
Ah, Gaylord. What a fab place. Before you even have a bite of their delicious food, you notice the intriguing ambience -- walnut-paneled with recess lighting, tablecloths and cut flowers on the tables, contrasted with colorful murals and brightly lit bar area. You notice the friendly, attentive service. And then, the food. Excellent lunch buffet - filled with a dazzling array of scrumptious offerings at a very reasonable $11.95. And for a la carte, the chicken tikka masala is exquisitely tender and delicious, the bengan bhartha silky and fiery, the mutter panner filled with goodness. Pair it with an ice-cold King Fisher and it's floor-to-ceiling fantastic.
(5)Al I.
You see that review from Avery about his/her experience on 9/13? My wife and I just had a very similar experience there last night. We read the reviews, saw that they were mostly good, and decided to give it a try. The food is fantastic -- but the service really is a problem. I'm not sure if we actually had a dedicated waiter or it the service is shared; it took forever to get our check, and when we did, we found that we were double charged for a bottle of wine. (That's a concern right there, but let's set that aside.) No problem, they said, they'll fix the check. And then we waited. I finally hunted down the gentleman who took the check to ask him to bring it back so we could pay. He did so, and then I reviewed it and put out a card, and nobody came back to get it. I made eye contact to no avail, and had to pull a manager or host away from chatting with another table to take our payment. Then we waited. Again. I eventually saw him take and return somebody else's check while we were still waiting, so I had to get loud and say hi, can we have ours back. too? At that point we were about 20 minutes from when they originally dropped off the (incorrect) check. At that point, we tipped zero, which we have never done before. The food is fabulous, the room is OK, and the place is right next to my office. But the service is FLAT OUT BROKEN. I can't imagine that we'll be back.
(1)Joscelyn M.
I haven't been to their new locale, and by the reviews, I need to. But, the food here is absolutely incredible - best outside Devon. The service is really nice and polite. Good place for groups, too.
(4)Lauren U.
We love this place! Friendly people and good food. Lots of vegetarian options. We usually go for dinner, and it is not very full at all, so there is no long wait!
(4)Jennifer B.
This was the delicious Indian restaurant I have been searching for! I eat a decent amount of Indian food, and Gaylord is the real deal. Their food is authentic, tasty and spicy. I went with a big group and we got a bunch of orders of food and naan to split- two chicken dishes, one lamb, and two vegetarian. There was plenty of everything to go around and it was all great. The new location is BYOB for now, but I don't know if it will be that way permanently or just for now. We definitely took advantage of the current situation, though, and brought in several bottles of wine and some beer. Our service was also wonderful, and the owner stopped by at the end of our meal to ensure our experience was positive. Overall a fantastic meal, and I will return soon, maybe to try the lunch buffet.
(5)Monica K.
Went here for a birthday dinner with some friends. They have this cute chaat center table with mango cutney which was amazing. The appetizer samosa was extremely small and not that great but I don't recommend ordering appetizers due to the main course size. The alu dosai was amazinggggg and so was the butter chicken. The lassi wasn't as sweet as I'd like it to be, but all in all, I'll go again. The names weird tho.
(4)nith v.
Went there last with my co-workers and simply loved this place. I would say this place is the best in downtown if you want to have Indian food (coming from a person born and brought up in India) Like India house and India garden, this place is pricey as well but their buffet price is lesser compared to other two. Quality of food is very good an you have loads of options to choose from. Like my colleague commented... He had never seen such a big menu. I was not happy with paneer(cottage cheese) though as it was not fresh. All other veggie dishes were very good. Those who ordered non veg loved the food too. For dessert their gulab jamun is must try. If you know the difference between north and south indian food then try ordering more of south Indian food. Guess thats why they couldnt do a good job with paneer Service is great. the staff is very friendly and have always accommodated large groups(that we go in)
(4)Anooj T.
Okay, so we've been going to Gaylord's for 9 years. We were very loyal fans for the Clark St. location until it closed late last year. My wife and I visted the new location on Walton for the first time recently. The food has only gotten better! We ordered the usuals - whole Tandoori Chicken, Keem Samosas, Pakoras, Chicken Tika Masala, Saag Paneer, butter Nan and basmati rice. Everything was seasoned to perfection. As always, poritons were large and filling and we had enough leftovers for dinner the next night. One thing though - the Indian food here is pricey. Almost too pricey, which is why we don't go more often. The best bet is it hit the lunch buffet during the week or on the weekends. We'll be going back.
(3)Linda N.
came here for dinner with some friends. nice and simple decor. service was good. the wait-staff was a bit awkward though and towards the end of our dinner it just seemed like our waitress was in a hurry to get us out. however, the guy that was refilling the water was on point. i swear you would take a sip and he'd be right there ready to refill your glass. a bunch of us ordered the dinner specials which are totally worth it. $20 for a little bit of everything and then some. i ended up having so much left over. i had the queen's feast which was great except for the lamb sausage kabob thing, it had an interesting taste to it. def, not my favorite. in any case, i would come back.
(4)Ashley H.
Wow. I didn't realize how much I've missed Indian food until I ate at this place. I went here for dinner with my friend who was visiting from out of town. We went really early on a Tuesday, so we were the first patrons there when we arrived (hence a bunch of waiters and support staff standing around idle--kind of weird). I wish we had had more time to sit back and really enjoy the food, but we had a concert to catch and had to eat rather quickly. The food was excellent: we ordered the appetizer platter (samosas plus deep-fried vegetables), a lamb and spinach dish that came with white rice, and an order of naan. The naan was some of the best I've had: really light and fluffy. The appetizers were pretty good and the main dish was delicious. All the food came out really hot, which probably had a lot to do with the restaurant being nearly empty, but it was appreciated, nonetheless. It's a bit pricey to go here for dinner for a casual occasion, but it seems like a great lunch spot (I believe they have lunch specials) or a place to go for a nice night out.
(5)Christy S.
I just had dinner here tonight and it was phenomenal. Fantastic food. Great prices. Very good service. I had the queen's special which was a combo platter and it was all delicious and left plenty for lunch tomorrow.
(5)C B.
We stayed at the Ambassador East, so this place was a godsend! 6 or so blocks and we're here. Not just a touristy BS restaurant like many just south of here, Gaylord really did it right. We arrived approximately 8 PM on a Saturday night, they were about 2/3 full - lucky for us. We were immediately seated and as stated by others, the service was spectacular. Everyone was extremely polite and everything moved very quickly. I had the Malai Kabob and my wife had the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Both did not disappoint. I had never had any type of Malai dish, but on the recommendation of a buddy I tried it. It was very unique - the chicken was really really tender, and the cheese baked on the outside was absolutely delicious. The veggie samosas were a lot spicier than I've had in the past, I liked, the wife did not. Her masala was on par with others that I've had. I would definitely go here again and I'm dying to try the buffet that everyone talks about. Prices are about average, to maybe just a shade above average - but it's very nice and in an expensive neighborhood. Also there were 4 or 5 tables of people from India in the restaurant - usually a good sign at an Indian place!
(5)christine c.
this place is good, but it is just SO EXPENSIVE. i mean i undestand given its crappy location and the fact tha tthey have t oget as much money out of as many people that walk through their doors as possible, but i think it's a little over the top
(3)Summer F.
I was misguided by a friend of mine who told me to go to Gaylord. One fine evening i went to Gaylord and was greeted by a gentleman who looked like Kojac in a polyester suit. I felt that he must be on some potent medications because his eyes looked glassy. I was escorted to my table and there was a silence. After about 1/2 hour, a dark skinned south indian (who may be Mexican) came to my table to take orders. When I looked at the menu, the prices were very inflated, which took my appetite away. They suggested an Indian drink called lassi which was nothing but diluted buttermilk. The appetizers were not appetizing. There was nothing special about the chef's special. When the main course came, the quantity was so limited that before you could taste it the plate was finished. Gaylord should not bring down the Indian heritage of hospitality. If you have too much money and want to give it to Gaylord for getting nothing in return, be my guest.
(1)Puja C.
I have never experienced such horrible service. I placed a carry-out order and when I got home, I had recieved another customer's order. When I placed a call to the restaurent, the hostess did not even apoligize for the mistake. She indicated that the food would be delivered within 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, the condo front desk called and said the delivery is on its way up. I waited 20 minutes for the guy to take the elevator up. I called the front desk to find out about the delivery guy - they said he walkted out with the food. Why would you go to delivery food and not deliver it! So, now it is almost an 1 1/2 hours from when I should have been eating my food. We called the restuarent to find out what happened - we were told that he is on his way back to deliver the food. The service was horrible - I will never eat there again. I dont have any explanation for why the food was not delivered the first time - the the delivery guy get tired waiting for the elevator...?
(1)Rui B.
I have been a patron of what I once considered, arguably, THE best Indian restaurant in Chicago, for more than 25 years. Either dining in or carrying out, I was always extremely satisfied with the handful of dishes I consistently ordered (i.e. Sag Paneer, Lamb Biryani, Shrimp Masala, Lamb Vindaloo, etc.). But things have drastically changed over the last few years. I believe 3 to 4 years ago, Gaylord's replaced their longtime head chef; the new one radically changed the recipes for some of my favorite items. Specifically, the Sag Paneer lost a majority of its distinct flavor and become inedible; the Lamb Vindaloo (one of the "hottest" dishes they offer) become so bland, it was more like the Rogan Josh, a very mild lamb curry. I stopped ordering them. The quality of the Biryani and the Shrimp Masala was still excellent. That changed last year. Earlier, in 2012, I ordered the aforementioned 2 items for carry out. Shrimp Masala is a dish with a heavy sauce but is not hot; Biryani, a rice dish, is usually hot. But, traditionally, hot Indian dishes are made so with spices like black pepper or red chili powder. To my horror, when I uncovered the containers, I discovered that the chef was using Mexican Jalapeno peppers to make the Biryani hot!. And they were even in the Shrimp Masala, again, a mild dish. Subsequently, on other orders, I specifically requested no Jalapenos but, despite the visible absence, I could tell by taste that the chef was still using them, instead of traditional Indian spices, to make the dishes hot. I tried to tolerate the fact that my Indian food tasted like Mexican dishes but I just can't stand it anymore. Needless to say, I am going to start looking for a new favorite Indian restaurant. After a quarter of a century, I can no longer count on the quality of what was once my first choice in cuisine of any variety in Chicago. The disappointment I feel will take a while to go away.
(2)Lu C.
Now, I typically don't like Indian food, especially at Indian buffets, but this place made me definitely change my mind! Still don't know what the dishes were called, but when we ate here for a friend's bday and someone else knew what to order, each dish was spicyyyy and super super tasty. I think we had some curries and some chicken dishes. The waiters were also super friendly, gave us all free dessert for our friend's bday, and even some free balloons- "play with those balls," the waiter kept saying :). I'm definitely learning my Indian dishes, and I'm definitely going back.
(4)Brady H.
My wife and I enjoyed a lovely rainy sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch earlier today. The interior space and our non-Indian waiter was very nice and friendly. Reasonably wide food selection with plenty of veg and meat options. Naan is brought to the table but tandori chicken is in a steamer tray. Several stations including a salad one - I noticed people making an Indian style salad. There were also multiple dessert choices - often a buffet only offers one dessert choice. An added surprise was that soda was included in the lunch price. I think the India House buffet is better spiced, but tihs is a big upgrade for the Gaylord franchise.
(4)Nikki M.
I have to agree with the previous review that it is one of the best Indian restaurants outside of Devon. The service was was just as good, very friendly as well as helpful and the prices are more than resonable for the quality of food. I will definalty be going back.
(5)Sneha R.
Not that great, really. Being an Indian, I may find it in my heart to make exceptions for reduced spice which, if added in true Indian style, may make a lot of people reach for a gallon of water after each bite. However, irrespective of cuisine, uncooked food is unacceptable. That with little or no seasoning, is like adding insult to injury. Attempting to include South Indian and North Indian food in a menu, is pretty commendable. Unfortunately, their south indian dishes fell flat. It's not that the taste was bad, it just wasn't cooked at all. A dish called the 'Vada' which is a donut shaped fried snack. It's supposed to be crispy on top and nice and fluffy on the inside. The flour is fermented and what they served us was the same raw fermented mix fried only enough to get a crispy exterior. The vegetable pakoras were tasteless. They were just pieces of veggies dipped in flavorless batter and fried. Pakoras are incredibly tasty and i was mad as hell that they spoiled this dish. The service wasn't that great either. There were 2-3 different people who kept asking what we wanted to order next, even after we had already ordered. There are other better Indian restaurants which do serve flavorful Indian food. This is best avoided.
(2)Rebecca H.
I went to a wedding that was catered by this place so that was my motivation to return to their brick & mortar eatery. I was not disappointed, nor did I think I would be! I'm a sucker for crowded buffets and know to steer clear of desolate buffets where the food must sit untouched for hours. What I like about indian buffets is that whatever the food is labeled as means nothing to me because its in an entirely foreign language. So its a surprise. If it looks good and smells good, it goes in my mouth. I will not eat at a dirty buffet, and this place is as clean as a whistle. Its refreshing to find an indian buffet that has a nice mix of meats and veggies, as well as a mix of goopy and dry foods. The bread (forget the name of it) was simple and great too.
(5)Diana T.
I've been here three times already for the lunch buffet and each and every time, I'm stuffed to the brim. Compared to other Indian buffets, the selection is pretty large. Almost everything I had was delicious and wasn't so strong that you couldn't handle the taste. I loved the eggplant, cauliflower, and this spicy chicken dish in sauce, and the tandoori chicken is so moist and tender. Sorry can't remember the names. The desserts are awesome too, especially the mango ice cream. I found that if you ate a few bites of the ice cream with the fried spongey donut in the warm syrup turns into a wonderful combination. The service is great as well. Your buffet includes a drink and unlimited naan, which turns out to be around 13 bucks with taxes. The only downer is going back to work and finding out that you just can't function for the rest of the day.
(5)Daliah F.
Another deliciously fabulous meal at Gaylord last weekend! The Sag Paneer is always wonderful...rich and delicious. What are those homemade cheese balls for desert in the honey rose water? A little rice pudding on top of those....I almost died and went to heaven. This time the place was packed with an amazingly diverse crowd - entire families (one with what looked like FOUR generations!) couples, a group of college-aged-looking guys and about five different races.
(5)Javier B.
I am so happy that Gaylord has finally reopened! It was the best Indian lunch buffet when it was on Clark and it is even better now at it's new location on Walton. I have eaten dinner here a couple of times too and the food is top notch, but their buffet is one of a kind. Their saag paneer is incredible. I've only had a spinach dish close to it at Hema's. They rotate a lot of the dishes during the week so it is always interesting and fresh. For those who are not familiar with Indian food, this is the best way to introduce yourself. I take out of town visitors here all the time and it has never disappointed. Their staff is also very friendly. Highly recommended for their lunch buffet!!!
(5)lindsay a.
I ordered takeout from here through grubhub. When it was delivered, the bottom of the paper bag was soaked. Mutter mess had leaked out, and it spilled all over my floor. The Plastic top to dish was cracked open. next time try to make sure everything is sealed before handing it over to the delivery guy. i had to reheat the samosas because it took longer than the ETA to get to my apartment. Not a good experience.
(2)Warren T.
One of the best lunch buffets we've ever experienced. We came in there on a Saturday for lunch and were impressed with the variety of dishes offered. The food was so fresh and tasty. We could almost have just gone vegetarian with their sumptuous veggie dishes. The rice pudding dessert was also fantastic. Highly recommended for anybody looking for a quick buffet meal!
(5)Max P.
Their chicken makhani with naan is to die for. The Rohan Josh is also super good.
(5)John G.
I'd like to say that Gaylord gets 5 stars, but I honestly don't know what the best Indian restaurant would be. I will say that I thoroughly enjoy their lunch buffet ... at least once/month. Everything that I've tried there is so wonderful. The Tandoori chicken is fantastic. The veggie samosas are also pretty good. I just had some of their spicy potato mix that they have at the front of the buffet line & I couldn't get enough (3 trips up there today). Chicken meatballs, lentils of all varieties are to be had on any given day at Gaylord. I'm certainly not an authority on Indian food, but I am an authority on what food I like & I like Gaylord's. Go there & get your fill. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Margaret C.
I've been going to Gaylord for their lunch buffet for years. It's amazing, delicious and reasonably priced with great service. I've only been there once or twice for dinner. The dinner prices are a little steep but still not the highest I have seen.
(5)Alaina T.
I'm new to the neighborhood and had a hankering for some Indian food, so I figured I'd give this place a shot - well worth it! I ordered the vegetable pakora, chicken tikka masala, and some plain naan and was happy with the portion size (definitely enough for 2 people and came with an extra side of rice included). I ordered takeout and received a discount for picking up too! Would definitely order again.
(4)Sarms J.
The food is great thought not the best, but again, really good what really makes this place special is their staff. Super super super friendly and nice. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)Amy S.
One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Fantastic Indian food: go for the buffet, which is the largest I've ever been to. By far the best Indian in Chicago, even compared to Devon (especially compared to many of them!). Great for ever palate: even my husband who hates spicy food loves this place. We hit it every time we go back to Chicago. Fabulous service and great mano lassis, too. Dinner is good, too: beautiful art on the walls helps create a romantic and exotic atmosphere. Try the saag paneer.
(5)David M.
This was our first time at Gaylord, but we have dined at the sister restaurant in Schaumburg. Dinner was wonderful and the restaurant was packed. Really every dish we had was very good and we were comparing them to food at some of Delhi's best restaurants, where we had dined recently. If you are looking for good authentic Indian cuisine, just off Michigan Ave in a nice white table-cloth setting, Gaylord India is a great chooice, which is evidenced by the large number of Indians that frequent the establishment. If you are looking for a good dish, try the tandoori shrimp... delicious!
(4)Apara W.
A little expensive- went for their lunch buffet. Great variety, excellent customer service. Clean place. I'll definitely be back when I am in the neighborhood.
(4)strawberrymoon p.
I have been to their old location numerous times and was very happy with food and service. Now the new place. We have been there two times, I do not recognize any of the old staff. What is sad because they were really great. Service is bad. You always never know who your waiter is, we had 5 different waiters that got into discussions who should wait the table. Both times this happened. The food is different and and not so good. The Tandoori Grill items were always great and fresh. The red color was amazing. Not anymore. The meat was dry and the great red color was missing. The presentation of the food is different too, but not better. Overall, we miss the old Gaylord. I have not been to the lunch buffer again. This was always great and unbeatable.
(3)Brooke F.
My parents have been going here for over 30 years. Separately, before their great romance began, and nearly once a week since (and they live in the suburbs). Imagine their agony when Gaylords was forced to relocate and was closed for more than a year. And that's why I'm writing this. It seems, since moving to Walton, where there is little parking and they are tucked in a basement, the restaurant hasn't been as full. This is no good. The place used to be full every time we went in there, and now it seems sparse. Listen to me: Gaylord is the best. The. BEST. I didn't like it as a kid (and they were totally cool with my parents smuggling in McDonalds for us while they feasted), but I gave it another try about eight years ago and I wanted to punch my stupid self in the head for taking so long to come around. I live in San Francisco now. The Tenderloin, in fact. And yeah, there are some good places, but not a single one has lived up to Gaylord. The food is awesome and the staff is really, really nice and attentive. Go gaylord!
(5)Daniel O.
service was great. the bar tender from Moldova was very friendly. free appetizers were good, one was grasshopper wings, the other one lamb tail.
(4)Erin S.
In from out of town. Walked to this restaurant from my hotel (Hilton Suites). Lunch buffet was better than excellent! EAT HERE. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Big B.
Went here recently for a dosa craving and seeing there are very few southern Indian accommodations outside of Devon (I live in the Gold Coast) I had to give it a whirl. Dosa was OK, def not the southern Indian experience if you know good south Indian food ...however, for northern Indian dishes they seem to be right on. Atmosphere is nice for the area and service was good. I'll go back for certain, just not for the dosa.
(4)Missy R.
Ate here over the weekend and it was wonderful. The decor is pretty dated, but I didn't even care because the service was great, the food was spot-on and the bill was reasonable. The lamb kufta so spicy and flavorful, and the chicken soup was so fresh and lovely. I will definitely be back to try more. I recommend trying one of the tastings, they give you a good amount of food and let you try a bit of everything.
(5)Misty J.
Murg Bhuna, Saffron rice, and Raita.... The best!
(5)Tom A.
We're talking about two distinct experiences here. Lunch buffet -- if you are a buffet kind of person, able to 'get your money's worth' and enjoy the diverse selection -- is quite good. It could use some more vegetarian options, but it's solid Dine-in dinner was a big disappointment. Slow service on a quiet night. Kofta balls were dry --either overcooked, or leftover from days before and dried out. Either way not acceptable. Also you've got to pay for rice. Assistant manager kept bringing us water, and he reeked of cigarettes. Drink selection is a joke. Beer selection is nincompoopery. For some reason there is a huge Scotch selection. Scotch and Indian? hmmm. Syrupy sounding mixed drinks. Randomly selected wines, largely inappropriate for the cuisine. All expensive. We eat a lot of Indian, and hold a high standard. Food here was so-so, while prices were high-high. $50 for a no-drink dinner is double what we'd pay at a BYOB (including the B) on Devon. Definitely a big location premium, and I could live with that -- I'd happily pay to eat some good hearty spicy food in the area filled with Italian, steak and fish places. But the food's gotta be spot-on to make the location-premium make sense.
(2)Jims L.
Niiiice -- great lunch buffet for cheap!
(4)T T.
I was starved after leaving the MCA around 2PM on a weekday and was happy to discover an Indian restaurant nearby. I wasn't happy to learn that lunch service is buffet only. Also, they were closing the buffet, so I had to pick out all my dishes at once. I started with a corn chowder soup, which was dismal. I continued with a green salad, which was just OK. I ate an entree with a variety of dal, samosas, vegetables stews, and rice. They were tasty but also a bit cold. I finished off with a dessert of fresh fruit and a sickly sweet bun. I had a glass of red wine that had sediment. UGH. The staff service was pleasant and accommodating. I suppose that if were ever to return, it would be for dinner. Maybe.
(2)Mark L.
My first ever Indian dining experience, I was very satisfied. I;ve had many cuisines that come close, but I'm very happy that we chose to go here for my first real taste. I had the queen's platter (1 of 3 chef specialties offered) for dinner. It was a delectable sampling of 4 or 5 dishes, it started with some mulligatawny soup and came with delicious naan bread. I felt like this place was sort of a fine dining type place, at least it seemed that way. It was so clean I would have licked my dinner off of the floor or the bathroom counter (not kidding). I was the only indian rookie at the table, but everyone else said that this place was better than a few other chicago spot that they had been to. I dont have much to base my rating on, but I had a good time and enjoyed the food, not my favorite type of cuisine but I like trying new things. The service was above average but not stellar. I will be headed back sometime. Solid 4+
(4)Aisha N.
Delicious food and friendly staff. Even the buffet is killer.
(4)Just A.
Was in Chicago recently and ended up by chance at this restaurant and am compelled to write something for Yelp as it was one of the best Indian dining experiences of my life. I have traveled in India have been eating Indian food for 40 years and this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Normally I am leery of more upscale Indian restaurants but Gaylord's had a very relaxed family ambiance with excellent friendly service. The food was simply first rate. Everyone in my party agreed it was some of the best Indian food they'd ever had. Very highly recommended.
(5)Tom D.
Not very good Indian. Poor texture, limited spices, dry chicken. Not impressed.
(1)K B.
Comfortable, convenient to my location, we found this spot to have excellent service and tasty food. Not inexpensive but i have never found an Indian restaurant that is.
(4)Jeff C.
In Chicago on business, I was directed to try Gaylord India by the bellman at the Drake. When I used Yelp to see the reviews, I was greeted by a free appetizer offer. Not being one to turn down Indian food, I walked down the stairs and into the restaurant. I was seated immediately and greeted with a smile. Very nice piano music was being played across the room and the table section was clean, lighting was good, and the decor passable. I ended up getting 2 appetizers (1 free) and went with the samosas and chicken/lamb sampler. Samosas were large, hot and the potatoes and peas tasted great. Served with both mint and tamarind sauces. The mullagatawny was the perfect solution for an icy/rainy night in Chicago and was just a tad spicy, just the way I like it. For an entree, I ordered chiken tikki masala and Sundeep, the mgr, graciously and instantly accomodated a special request for the addition of chickpeas to the dish. Impressive. I got involved in a conversation regarding the different spices and types of dishes in northern versus southern India and apprecaited the fact that the manager as well as his staff contributed knowledge to my meal as it came up but did so according to my schedule and interest, not forcing anything on me. Dessert consisted of punjabi kheer (the right consistency - not too liquidy or too thick) and a scoop of pistachio ice cream inside a hollowed out orange peel. Good presentation. Overall, I highly enjoyed my meal here and will most definitely be back - probably several times during my weeklong stay here.The service was spot-on and done with speed and a smile. The mgmt took great care to ask how everyone's meal was and to spend time conversing if the guest cared to. The meals were served hot with good presentation and were delivered as described in the menu. The piano music was a nice touch and made for a pleasant stay. To top it off, Yelpers are treated to constant promotions in exchange for checking in. Do yourself a favor and go to Gaylord India for an excellent meal and shake the hand of Sundeep, the manager.
(4)Afthab B.
Bad service. Not so bad lunch buffet. I have not tried their menu. India Garden / House is a little better considering you are paying the same price.
(3)Priya M.
We came as a party of 10 and the host greeted us at the door with a warm smile. Since I was the hostess and am a bit picky about where I sit, I took a look at where they set our table up and I wasn't very happy. I asked the manager if we could change the table to somewhere where there was more light, perhaps a cozy corner. He was so helpful and obliging, he gave us a great table in the back. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, quick, and professional. I would go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)Melissa M.
I ordered take out from here last week -- I ordered my standard -- Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan. NOT good. At all. I was HIGHLY disappointed. The CTM tasted like spicy tomato sauce -- it was really sub-par compared to some of the Indian restaurants I have been to around the city and on Devon. I don't recommend this place at all. I was really shocked it was as bad as it was -- I had thought it would have been fantastic for what they charge and how "upscale" the place is supposed to be. Hrmmm. :(
(1)Erica I.
I went here for lunch with some work peeps, and it made the rest of my day! I don't eat Indian food very often, but when I do I am reminded how awesome the it tastes and how much I want to travel (weird I know). The buffet allowed me to try a little bit of everything, and my mouth was tingling from all the flavors and spices! It was a little pricey, but most buffets are pricey cause you can eat as much as you want! I will come back here for sure!
(5)Alison E.
Definitely a hit! I had the mutter paneer, and Mister had the navrattan korma. Both were yummy, and the naan was good, and rice was included! The rice was tasty, but there wasn't quite enough for two (hungry) people. The samosas weren't the best ever, but were quite good, though the pakora weren't too stellar. I think we'll definitely try this place again.
(4)Sarah F.
This review is for the lunch buffet, which is amazing & a good deal if you work in the Mich Ave/Gold Coast area! Everything is hot, fresh and o-so-tasty! The samosa are awesome, the corn soup is great, the cilantro sauce and chutneys are THE BEST! They serve a variety of Paneer, chicken, lamb - all on the buffet! The Naan also might be the very best in town (but then again, I never met a Naan I didn't adore). The service is attentive as well, and the management always walks around to see how everything is! I also happen to love their house-made mango ice cream for dessert. Fruity, and not too sweet!
(5)Vibhor D.
Went on lunch buffet. Samosa had no salt. Menu had rotating items one instant you have shrimp next instant it gets over and becomes some fish pakoda. Number of items is pretty low. Main course was not tasty at all. I wanted to give 1 star but I have had worse. Sweet dish was good so giving an extra star for that. In short avoidable.
(2)Shradha A.
I used to be a big Gaylord fan for years, however, on my most recent visit, I was disappointed in the food. Service has always been really slow here and not much help is offered when asked for suggestions, but this time even the food was below par. It was oily, felt like it had been sitting there and reheated.
(3)Dax R.
We order here a couple times a year because they have indo Chinese dishes. However, our Aloo Papdi had a fly in the container)...we did not open it yet. Called the restaurant and they said it was the delivery company's issue. Good thing I video taped it! Terrible!
(1)Michelle F.
This place is fantastic!!! The food is so fresh and tasty and reminds me of the great curries you get in the UK. I've been searching in the USA for a proper curry and now I have found it, I would come to Chicago just for this food. I am so happy :)
(5)Paula H.
The food is decent. I'm upset though because I had a lot of leftovers but they use super tiny box and most of my food wasn't even packed!
(3)Jeff C.
Decent food, generous portions, good prices, and excellent service. Also, you can usually walk right in on any night of the week and be seated immediately. A good value in a pricey part of the city.
(4)Aayush T.
Placed an online order for delivery at 8:15pm (it's now 9:15pm) When I called the manager he said what's the big deal it's only 1 hr late. You should expect upto 1.5 hrs and said that's normal.
(1)Chris N.
Outstanding service and excellent food provided for our large group (10 people). Never an issue keeping the drinks flowing and the nan coming. Staff was also very helpful with suggestions without pushing too hard.
(4)Arthur K.
Went there for lunch buffet on Thursday. Manager smile at us when we walk in, then waiter put down chicken and naam on our table within 5 minutes. Buffet selection is not too much, but everyone should find something they will like. Make sure you try their ice cream and dessert..
(4)Yui N.
Very good Indian food, highly recommend the samosa chat for an app. So yummy! The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating. Great date night and cool vibes.
(4)Nikki B.
By far the best service I have had in a long time... Besides the food being absolutely amazing, the service here is top notch. Our server Saba, was by far the most helpful, accommodating and kind person that this industry has to offer. Thank you for a great dinner, will definitely be back!!!
(5)Cohen C.
I went there for lunch buffet which was pretty decent. The price was ok. It was a lot of vegetables! But I guess it is in the Indian's food culture.
(3)Dan H.
Went here again on a Sunday evening for their South Indian buffet. A somewhat limited selection, but for the price, entire worth it. I am glad to see the place was filling up by the time I left. I hope they stick around, the neighborhood needs good Indian food.
(4)Annie M.
Took out takeouts. Chicken chilly - very spicy but I liked it. I also ate the bread they call nan or something with fillings inside, they were good too. Also another dish I don't recall it was chicken something orange in color - not spicy but GOOD. Haven't tried a lot of dishes but I like their chicken chilly and the orang colored chicken.
(5)Ashwin A.
It's a decent place. I went there with my friends on weekend and there was a buffet. The food wasn't very close to authentic Indian cuisine and it was a bit overpriced for the selection of items they had. Still the mutton kheema was good also the paneer masala was well cooked with nice spices. But any day I would prefer going to tandoor char house over this.
(3)NYC r.
Great food. Nice staff. My water glass was always full which I really appreciated since I guzzle water.
(5)Neha M.
I have gone for dinner previously and really liked it. This was the first time I went in for lunch buffet with my team. The selection and variety of food was good. They served us Idli, rasam and pakoras as appetizers. The salad bar was open with salad and bhel ingredients. In the entrees, there was sambhar(lentils) , aloo masala(Potato), baigan(eggplant), paneer makhani, mix vegetables, fish entree and chicken makhani. The food was good but I have had better buffet in terms of variety and taste.
(3)Pra P.
High end and Expensive. Very elegant restaurant. Something you will find in Taj Hotels or Viceroy Hotel in India. Ambience was great. Ordered King's meal. Was too much for me. My wife ordered Cheese Dosa. I am always concerned ordering not fast moving food like Dosa or Idli in Fine dining Restaurants. But the coconut chutney and tomato chutney were great and fresh. Sambar did not taste authentic, but everything else was great. I would go again.
(4)Chris C.
I just saw the manager pick through the Buffet line and grab food without washing his hands or using tongs. Never coming here again unless the fix this.
(1)Raquelle Z.
Excellent food and service with a great selection. There was also a buffet available. My dining partner and I each ordered a dish and we had so much food we could dinner again on the leftovers.
(4)Shilpa U.
Very good food , so far the best indian food in usa. We ordered samosa , paneer chilli, bhindi tadka and dal makhni. Food was hot n piping. Tasty and we asked for extra spicy and it was done perfectly. Ambience is nice and cosy
(4)Raju L.
Now I have a serious taste for Indian food and an even more fancy taste for great service. Gaylord just won my business over the likes in downtown or devon. And the thanks goes to a long time server Jaffer. Absolutely free willed and really took great care of us and our guests. Usually, at most Indian restaurants, you end up going for the food knowing the service will be mediocre. Jaffer surprised me. His mannerism very professional yet very personable. I'm going back again as long as he is there. Ask for him. You won't regret it. Food was actually not too bad. Samosas were alright but the saag paneer and malai kofta were out of the world.
(5)Roger E.
Noontime buffet is excellent. Very good food. Nice location and atmosphere just a half block off Michigan ace and Walton. Very professionally managed. Hot and fresh food.
(5)Nia A.
Super slow service is why I would give 3 stars other than that food is tasty. Must try bhuna murg.
(3)Chris T.
I'm writing this review with a full, satisfied belly after another great meal from this place. This might be the best Indian food I've ever had, and everyone I bring here always enjoys it too. Everyone is always surprised with how upscale this place is too - though u can dress like a bum, no problem. Favorite Dishes: Saag Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Kabab Sampler They also got great service, a full bar, and deliver! Hooray!
(4)Ashley R.
it was good experience i will recommend to my friends....
(4)Naren B.
Nice ambience.., good vegetarian North Indian food. Fast service, and Friendly staff..!
(4)DavidJosie F.
The food is nothing special, that will catch your attention. Nothing I would recommend to anyone. It's not horrible but it just appears to be pre-cooked and microwaved, apart from the naan bread with black pepper, which was good! The worst part were the huge clumps of chicken, which were definitely not prepared to order. They forgot about us even though we asked for the check about three times, we had to pay at the bar. No one would have noticed if we had just walked away without paying. The atmosphere is alright, but not fine dining. It is also overpriced for what it is.
(2)Amber W.
My boyfriend and I came here right after we had arrived in Chicago on the recommendation of his dad, who told us to try to catch the lunch buffet if we could. We almost didn't make it, but as we walked in, we were told that the lunch buffet would be open for maybe 5 more minutes. My boyfriend and I hurried through to get food and stacked our table with tons of plates. I could tell the waiters were wanting to clean up the buffet, but they were very nice and waited until they were absolutely sure we had gotten all of the food we wanted to take back to the table with us. We had various foods before us, and it was great. The curries were spicy and flavorful, and I loved the chickpeas. The only thing that wasn't really my favorite was the shrimp curry. It was good, but the taste was a little too fishy for me, I think. They also brought out tandoori chicken for us, which I supposed was part of the lunch buffet deal. So yummy. The best part of the meal was probably the naan. It tasted great alone, and even better when dipped in the sauces from all of the foods. The staff was also super friendly. Other than waiting on us to get our food, they also laughed and told us jokes. When I went to go to the restroom, one of the waiters looked at me very seriously and said, "Our bathroom is out of order." I was almost shocked, but then he started laughing and showed me where the restroom was. My only complaint is actually about the restroom. It was pretty gross in there, and with as nice as the rest of the restaurant was, I was surprised at how dirty they allowed the restroom to be.
(4)Suzanne V.
I have never had such a terrible dining experience in my life. We were seated at a table with no water, and were not greeted. For 15 minutes we sat until someone finally came to give us water. It took a while for our waiter to come and take our order. No one filled up our water glasses again while we waited for our food. When we saw our food come out of the kitchen, it sat on a cart for the longest time before someone wheeled it over to us. Finally a water refill, but out appetizer plates sat on the table for too long after we finished. Eventually we got our main dishes and from there it took way too long to get our check and pay. I'm not sure what the problem was--many waiters walked around but no one came to check on us or give us water. Very strange--I will not be back.
(1)Christina M.
I think this is one of the best places for Indian food in the city. I particularly like the buffet which includes a plethora of vegetarian/vegan options. All of the food is cooked perfectly and the flavoring is fantastic. Highly recommend the buffet.
(5)Naveed A.
Place was looking good but the food was cold and service was bad we had to ask 3 time for the water to refill . It's over price for the food quality
(3)Swati I.
Awesome Food!!!!
(4)Jeff H.
Had Sunday night South Indian buffet. it was meh. The variety of dishes was lacking. Their lunch buffet is much better.
(3)Sandi L.
As a former Chicago resident who is back visiting after 4 years, I am sitting here in Gaylord feeling ashamed of myself. Ashamed for letting myself forget what Indian food should taste like. And mad at the places I've gone to lately for serving the oily, overcooked, mediocre swill they do. Vegetarians can delight in Gaylord's lunch buffet. Oodles of fresh, diverse and complex tasting options, each bite of which had me rolling my eyes in ecstasy. The naan is hot from the tandoor and free of the ghee coating that lesser quality restaurants serve. No need for it! And the chutneys...I could eat whole bowls. My only regret is there's no Gaylord in Oregon, and I'm now ruined for ever returning to anything else. I guess I'll just have to come back here. And the food is fabulous enough to bait me.
(5)Leah D.
Wow! I'm a picky person when it comes to Indian food, and it's rare to find a place that does it well. I went to Gaylord on the suggestion of a good friend (who happens to be Indian and is a real picky eater too) who said it was better than the best he's had in the US and he's been here awhile. I went and had the lamb vindaloo and bhindi tadka (okra). The okra was like no okra I've had at other indian places - both tender and crisp. The vindaloo was rich and buttery and delicious. The service was great, especially as I was dining by myself. Definitely can't wait to get back there!
(5)Sasha S.
The naan bread was outstanding as were the chicken and mixed vegetables. I was at the lunch buffet and the price was very reasonable for what you get.
(4)GM D.
Amazing Indian food! Gaylords is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Their food is consistently good. Portion sizes are generous and we always have left overs.
(5)Sal K.
The food was fine but our service was slow. We ordered off the menu instead of going for the buffet. If you drive there, park only at the garage adjacent to the restaurant entrance. They only validate parking for that garage.
(3)Philip D.
Really great place. Lamb vindaloo was spicy and excellent. Samosa was a tasty way to start. Great service and atmosphere. I will return again next time I'm in Chicago!
(5)Tejas B.
I have been going to the Gaylord in Schaumburg and have had very good experience. I catered my wedding from that location and it was excellent. I catered from the downtown location for an event and i was not impressed. The manager was not friendly and they food was not well prepared. I will not take my business to that location anymore.
(2)Janice R.
O! M! G! I had a dinner date here last night - first time for Indian food and first time at Gaylord - and all I can say is the food was P H E N O M E N A L!!! I LOVE Indian food - and I will be going back to Gaylord and recommending it to everyone I know! I can't remember everything I ate, but every morsel I (or my date :-) put in my mouth was fantastic - and seasoned just right! The leftovers are so good I'm eating them cold today! Thanks, Mike ;-)
(5)Christy L.
I continue on my quest to find great Indian food in Chicago. Gaylord, while fine, wasn't great. We had the Sunday lunch buffet, which relative to other buffets I've tried, was not very diverse. The vast majority of selections were vegetarian (which I actually prefer with Indian) with just a couple of chicken options. They all tasted fairly similar. Service was a definite step-up from other buffets. They quickly refilled our Naan, whereas a lot of other places are slow with this. It's not a bad deal - you can eat a lot for cheap, but my search for better Indian continues.
(3)George L.
My girlfriend and I have been searching for a good Indian Buffet for a long time -- and we found it here. The entrees were all delicious (especially liked the shrimp), the wait staff was very pleasant, and the mango ice cream was a great dessert. Also, best veggie sticks this side of Guatamala ,,(^ . ^),,
(5)Neil R.
Hmmm...did I go on the wrong day? The "clay oven chicken" was not good or even close to decent tandoor style. Rice was not good, naan was decent, saag/palak was average and some of the vegetables I had were very average. The Bhel was probably the best part but that is not terribly difficult to master. The customer service and people in general were great so that justifies potentially three stars. Its a shame- has potential given the service is good - just need to work on the food :) My expectations may be higher than others I'm not sure. But I've had several Indian buffets across the country, in addition to Chicago- notably NYC and SF. Compared to the ones I've had before at at this price point this place ranks low.
(2)Lori G.
Really good! Second time I tried Indian food and it was great! Try the the Chicken Tikka Massala, Naan bread, basmati rice, and also the tandoori murg chicken. This is a feat for 3 people and sooooo good! Best naan I have had and I wish I could come here all the time!
(4)Will F.
Great food, great service and best of all, great prices! We came in (party of 2) on a Wednesday night and immediately got a table. Our waitress was really friendly and engaging. While I eat Indian food often, it is always nice to try new things, and she was incredibly helpful with suggestions while also asking lots of relevant questions to find out what I liked. That alone is a rarity at most restaurants but unheard of for ethnic places. The food was prepared quickly, and the service was always present but not overbearing or hovering. The space was pleasant and comfortable, and for two entrees, some bread and a beer the bill was just over $45. Loved the food and will for sure go back on my next Chicago visit.
(5)Lucas W.
This is by far my favorite Indian restaurant. I've been eating Indian since I could first start eating and my dad has been eating at Gaylords since the 1970s. He even prefers Gaylords to some of the food he's eaten in India. I would only recommend going to the buffet. as with any Indian restaurant, the buffet offers a breat breadth of options with some sort of food for everyone. Gaylords rotates their buffet, but they just about always have the following dishes available: saag paneer, rogan josh, mattar paneer, butter chicken, vegetable samosa. While I certainly have my favorites (their mattar paneer and rogan josh is unparalleled), everything is good. I have never been disappointed. Every friend I have brought to Gaylords has left satisfied and vowing to return. The food is simply fantastic. They have another location in Schaumburg which is the same owners. The individual dishes vary slightly in quality (some better some worse) but it is also a great restaurant
(5)Faye G.
Delicious! Ordered the shrimp Vandalia and it was cooked perfectly. I also has the garlic back. So happy to find an Indian restaurant in the hood that delivers. Will definitely order again and again. My only recommendation is to provide more rice with the order.
(5)Ajay S.
Good restaurant, but hard to see from the street. I found the food to be very good and my order was made spicy, which they can kick it up a notch.
(4)Stephanie H.
Went here for a GLO (girls' lunch out) for the Sunday lunch buffet. Maybe I was expecting more, but this was just A-OK for me. Apparently this place used to be on Dearborn, but now it is in the basement of a building on Walton. It's very non-descript from the street. The buffet had a fair amount to choose from, but I didn't think there was a ton of variety. There were a few chicken dishes, a rice, a soup (cream of broccoli of all things), potato/cauliflower, a few lentil dishes, and some veggies. There was a nice selection of sauces (the mint chutney and the yogurt with cucumber was really good) and that was about it. Some of the food was just really bland. There was a basket of naan on the table that was refilled. The wait staff was helpful, but there were a few times that I had to tell them I wasn't done because they seemed in such a hurry to take my plates or silverware. For $15 all you can eat this buffet is fine, but I think there is better Indian food elsewhere in the city for a similar price.
(3)Ray D.
Good Indian Buffet for lunch. I like the options they have there. Decent location but a very touristy area. Not amazing but good chicken.
(4)Kevin C.
I think the idea of an Indian buffet is hilarious - you're basically paying 12 bucks to feel like shit for the rest of the day and then shit like shit for the next 24 hours. God I love America. Not enough curry, but everything was pretty good, and the service was excellent.
(3)Shwetha K.
Its very near to Willis Tower. If u happen to be to Chicago on ur sight seeing trip. U can definitely make it up to Gay lord. They have wonderful salads & very nice buffet. We had Biryani & raita was tasting superb with it. This restaurant stands for its quality, so i would not mind for those extra bucks.
(5)Dr. B A.
The food is ok but the service was terrible! The staff was not friendly I spoke to the manager and expressed my concerns. The staff did not want to give me enough containers to pack my food to go.
(2)Grace C.
yeay...i shouldn't go back to this place...but i was craving for an nice Indian food... we tried again for Sunday lunch buffet....um...nothing was too wrong...but nothing was yummy. my problems were 1. sauce was too plain...even brocooli cream soup.... 2. all food was warm. not hot. 3. service is so so. 4. not sure how clean the place were... problem it was the last time i tried this place.....hope to find a better Indian place near by soon....
(2)Jessica D.
We've been to the location in Schaumburg, so we were curious how this Chicago location compared. The menu is great, and provides a little for everyone--including southern Indian cuisine fans, by offering idly and uttapam. I had the pepper lamb, which was a little too fatty/not well trimmed for me, and extremely spicy. He had the lamb vindaloo, which also had small pieces of potato and which was very tasty. Entrees come with saffron rice, but you can also order a garlic naan like we did to add another layer of flavor and help pick up the meaty pieces in your curry. I enjoyed their essential punch, a mixture of citrus juices and gin, as well as a mango lassi to help temper the incredibly spicy lamb pepper dish I ordered. All around, the space is comfortable, if a little sparse. There is a little self-serve appetizer table in the center of the rectangular dining room, where you can get some warm papad chips and various chutneys to dip. I missed out on the beets when I stepped up, but they looked really good. The staff is very helpful and the service is at a good clip. The bar at the entrance has two flat screen TVs and some interesting Bollywood stars' photos framed and up on the wall. Great little stop for Indian if you're in the neighborhood shopping.
(4)Soy L.
Attentive service and a vintage restaurant look made this dining experience a nice one for me. The food is delicious but the dinner prices are up there.
(4)David M.
Fantastic selection and exceptional service. One of the best Indian restaurants in town.
(5)Megan F.
A delicious dining experience! The food here is fantastic and can only be riveled by the great waitstaff/service. I have dined at the bar as well as in the main dining room and had exceptional food every time. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Earlie C.
This place is alright if you expect to get what you are going to get. An upper class Indian restaurant Near North where you're going to pay up the ass for almost anything. I'm young and so is my girlfriend. We're both around 25 and look as though we're 18. As soon as we walk in it's as though I can feel the waiters "you take this one, they're going to tip shit." Have this mindset and treat us accordingly... you're going to get SHIT (and I still tipped %18). We order a bottle of Schmitt Sohne for ~$30... Now the waiter seems somewhat interested... but not really. We don't see him again until he's back for the check. Our food was decent. The vindaloo was actually pretty good. And so was whatever else my girlfriend had. We leave nearly $100 less in our pockets for a mediocre experience. Hilarious that I step into Dominick's that night and see a bottle of Scmhitt Sohne for $8 for twice the amount we were served. It's laughable at best. There are so many BETTER places in the city. Too afraid to venture to Devon/Roger's Park? Good. The flavour up North should be reserved for those who know (and want to taste) authentic Indian/Pakistani food.
(3)Lance W.
I've only been in for dinner, the food is fairly good but the service seems slow and distracted. I've traveled throughout India on business and the service here attempts to recreate the service of a fine-dining establishment in India but they don't have enough people working the dining room to pull it off. The head waiter works the dining room and takes orders. The assistant waiter delivers the food. Unless you work hard to flag down a waiter, these are the only 2 visits to your table. For their approach to work, they need someone dedicated to filling drinks, someone dedicated to keeping fresh naan on the table, etc... Ok, I'm off the soapbox for now. I really liked the tandoori chicken, chili chicken and daal makhani. I probably should try to come in over lunch for the buffet so I'm not dependent on the wait staff. My other complaint is the cold naan that is consistently delivered to the table. What's up with serving cold naan! If you have the time and transportation, there are much, much better options for Indian in Chicago...
(3)Abe R.
Look, I dig the Indian Buffet, I really do. From the price point they set, something like $11.00/person, to the exceptional quality and diversity of the dishes, this place has you covered. Do I know if it's authentic? Um...No. No I don't... Do I know that it's normally stacked and has great food? Um...Yes.. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)Padma A.
Went during the week with guests from India for lunch buffet, hardly anybody in the restaurant. I have had better food at Gaylord, was not happy with the quality. They validate lunch parking for $8/ which is a good thing on mag mile.
(3)Norm J.
This place was OK, but definitely not a place I feel I need to return to. The buffet was good for the price, but the wait staff wasn't very attentive or friendly. Waiting almost 10 minutes for the waiter to come and bring us our drinks left a negative impression.
(3)B H.
Very good food and my waiter could not have been more friendly. I have gone back twice this week because of the very good service excellent food. They decor is a little quirky maybe even dated but the food and the service more than make up for it. If you're looking for very good Indian food without having to dress up this is your spot
(4)Cecil S.
This place is honestly such a joke, I don't understand how it's still successful. They're empty most of the time except for the prime lunch/dinner hours, and their wait staff just sits around all day without really bothering to offer good service unless you're considered 'worth it'. I'm the type of person that doesn't even ask for much when it comes to service. The first two times I've gone here was with my family and it was a fine experience, but the food is plain and really not authentic, as well as SEVERELY overpriced (probably due to the expensive costs of the location); don't really think too much of their bar either. The third (and last time) I've gone here, it was completely empty and the waiter was pulling plates early; even though there were literally no other patrons in the restaurant. Ridic!! The wait staff could definitely improve. If you're looking for decent Indian food that actually tastes good with a better ambiance/dining experience, and fairer pricing - check out Tandoor in Lincoln Park and don't waste your time going here. If you're with your family and walking around the area, take a gamble and try them out. If you're close and just want Indian food, order take-out and don't bother trying to suffer through their agonizing dine-in experience.
(2)Sarah M.
Fantastic! I will forever crave this place!
(5)Katie T.
Gaylord is our go-to for Indian takeout in our neighborhood. We always get chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and then a different veggie dish, like saag paneer or aloo gobi. We have tried the samosa, but they weren't quite good enough to make it onto our standard order. Really enjoy their rice. We have eaten here, too. The dining room is a little odd because it's sunken so there's not much natural lighting, but the food was even better and the service was really excellent. Maybe better to takeout, though.
(4)Pete B.
Food was okay, service was poor. For example, the waiter wasn't able to give us recommendations, and when we showed the the yelp special for a free appetizer, the waiter said "you know you have to order food too right?". I found that to be slightly insulting because of course we would know better. Maybe this is one of those cultural differences, but I was not too impressed. Okay food, sub-par ambiance, good location. Probably not gonna go back there again.
(2)Isabel C.
Great food, large portions and the complimentary salad bar is a huge plus! The only down side is we split the check, only can be done 3 ways. And we each paid a certain amount. Those of us who paid in cash did not get change back... It was only a couple dollars and change but still... Not the best service on that part but our waitress was helpful when it came to picking the dishes we wanted.
(4)Will L.
Found this place on Yelp after discovering there would be a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig at 8pm. I must say that in hindsight, I'm extremely glad that there was a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig. There was no wait at all at Gaylord, and I was able to eat the most delicious Indian food I had ever tried. We ordered the Eggplant and Potato Curry (Aloo Bengan), Chicken Naan, and the Indian Hor D'oeuvres. The curry was well flavored and had a very slight kick to it. It went very well with the included basmati rice and the chicken naan. The Chicken Naan was very fresh and fluffy, and was not burnt at all. Easily the best/freshest naan I've ever had. The Indian Hor D'oeuvres were okay, with the absolute exception of the Pakoras. The Pakoras were savory and delicious - I had no idea what it was initially but could care less. They were lightly fried too, so you can indulge on these without worrying about tearing up the insides of your mouth. Customer service was excellent here as well. Our waiter was very polite, and was very helpful and patient in describing certain items to us. I also really liked how the menu was very descriptive and well translated. I also never had to ask for water because there was someone (possibly a ninja) walking around the entire night filling our cups.
(4)Nisha A.
I've noticed some Indian businesses treat Indian patrons like cr@p and Gaylord seems to be one such. At least my experience this past weekend. I didn't even get to eat; I tried to ask the "host" questions about the menu before I took a seat, and he was so grumpy, rude, monosyllablic it was like pulling teeth to get any information from him. I just walked away. Again, I am not sure if he treats everyone like that, but if he is the "face" of the restaurant, they really need a new face.
(1)Sam T.
Nice service, delicious food, complimentary salad bar and reasonable prices. Live in the neighborhood and will definitely be back!
(4)Mie L.
#NAME?
(4)Marcel M.
Phenominal! Try the dinner special- good mix of everything. PS the chicken soup great as well.
(5)MJ D.
This was an excellent Indian restaurant in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and I would definitely return as the food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the service was spectacular. I'm always impressed when the owner or chef makes their rounds around all of the tables and thanks his guests. At Gaylord, the owner was never far away and always checking with us to make sure that everything was meeting our expectations. They far exceeded those high expectations. For appetizers, I was especially fond of the BHEL POORI (rice puffs, chick-pea flour vermicelli, diced potatoes & onions mixed with tangy sauces) and the BHINDI AMCHUR (deep-fried wafer thin slices of okra sprinkled with tangy spices), both of which were very tasty and unique. The Bhel Poori was so good that our large group of 8 had to order a second plate of it and both were quickly polished clean. For main entrees, we tried quite a bit, including the idly, chicken tikka masala, karahi chicken, lamb vindaloo, and chicken biriyani, but the one dish that I couldn't get enough of was the YELLOW DAL (thick lentil soup made of moong chana dal sauteed with spices), which was so incredibly flavourful that I kept going back for more. After reading in the menu that the KEEMA NAN (bread, stuffed with seasoned minced lamb meat) was their best seller, I definitely had to try it and was slightly disappointed. Though it was certainly delicious, I was expecting something far more spectacular. But the fact that I'm not the biggest lamb eater could also have contributed. So with regards to the various bread options, of which they had so many good ones, I was most impressed with the BLACK PEPPER & CILANTRO NAN (nan sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper & cilantro). This nan was unlike any other nan I've ever had before and was very satisfying. My only regret after seeing how much pride they put into their various breads, was that I did not try their garlic nan, but for that, a return trip is definitely in order. If you like great Indian food in a quiet, clean, and relaxed setting with great service and reasonable prices, I would definitely give this one a try! P.S. Mention FACEBOOK and they'll even give you 20% off the entire bill!
(5)Vishal B.
The location is a bit tricky to find, its off of Walton and Michigan and you have to go down the stairs. We had the buffet here, they had a good mix of both vegetarian and meat items clearly marked. Food tasted great! The service was also nice and quick. I wished they validated parking for the garage however. I actually cannot think of a negative thing to say about this restaurant. I might be going soft!
(4)Tulika S.
Nice place n ambience...good food and value for money...went for a bday party there...service was excellent n patient too as our group was late to reach n order
(4)Samantha E.
I've had this catered at a few events I have been to and Gaylord never fails to deliver. Everything I have ever had from here has been on point. Now all I need to do is stop in and sit down for a meal.
(4)Tony G.
gaylord has waiters that have been there 20 years. the food is perfect.
(4)Cassie S.
Tucked away in the garden level of a large building across the street from 900 N. Michigan is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants that the City of Chicago has to offer. For quality, taste and service, definitely the best Indian restaurant in the city. (as for authenticity, I can't speak to it personally, but my sister-in-law's family all seemed to enjoy it). I've been here twice and sampled quite a large selection of the menu. My brother and sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner was held here in July 2011 and before that, of course we had to go taste testing! There is nothing that I've tried that I didn't love (well, except for things that I knew I wouldn't like just because of the ingredients or preparation, but that's going to happen anywhere). Even my brother and dad, picky eaters and vegetable-haters enjoyed the vegetarian options, of which there are many. Chicken, lamb and seafood dishes were all great too. The staff here could not be nicer or more accommodating. Offering to make dishes spicier or mild based on personal preference. From the matre'd to the bartender, the servers and the owner, everyone was so friendly and anxious to be of help. Yes, it's expensive. Certainly out of my price range for an everyday dinner. But for a special occasion - totally worth it.
(5)Nick H.
Superb, superb. I was working in Chicago for a few days and I came back two nights in a row because it was so good.
(5)Sabrina F.
This is what an Indian restaurant should be! Fantastic selection of authentic courses, not greasy, and so flavorful. Staff is very hospitable and welcoming. Atmosphere is a little outdated and tacky, but you kind of expect that with most Indian restaurants. If you're new to Indian food, I highly recommend going with the King's or Queen's tasting menu which feature 5-8 smaller portions of select appetizers and main courses. Perfect for discovering your favorite dishes.
(4)Ishan P.
Good food, Service is ok. My server made a mistake in the order which i had to send back. But he took care of it without a lot of arguments.
(3)David F.
We tried Gaylord right as they were closing, and there was a certain air of being rushed. I don't blame them, except they were closing at 9p and it's Chicago! We had a good selection a dishes to try and they were all pretty tasty. Some were way too spicy for me, and I like it spicy. My friend definitely couldn't handle the heat and dealt with his burning stomach for a while. Be warned if you are cautious around heat. The service was good and I enjoyed the overall experience. I bet the buffet rules.
(3)Vivian H.
Tried the buffet and while it wasn't what I'm used to, it was tasty! What I'm used to is lots of curry and meat -- chicken, lamb, goat, you know. But the veggies here are good, and so is the spicy chicken tikka masala and that fluffy naan! Great service, waters were refilled and plates cleared constantly.
(3)Kiarash Z.
I've admonished people for being upset that a restaurant took too long with the food. If you want food fast, I've declared, go for fast food. That being said, Gaylord simply takes too long, especially when you're paying for street parking or plan to get anything done with you afternoon. Still, I'm glad the restaurant offers something different from the bland, corporate eateries on Michigan Avenue. And our server honored the Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer.
(2)Kelly T.
I wouldn't say it's the best that I've had. I felt a little strange but our waiter kept on pressing for us to order more and more and OMG, it's only me and a friend. DON"T EVER get the appetizer " INDIAN HOR D'OEUVRES", it was honestly pretty tasteless as it was all greasy fried vegetables. I have to admit paying $12 for that was kind of a scam. Otherwise, the CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA was decent, had a nice kick to it.
(3)Jennie C.
Was in the neighborhood with my colleague and decided to eat here after seeing the 4 stars on Yelp. What a pleasant surprise! We decided to get the King's feast, which included 3 Tandoori items, naan, soup, rice, lamb and veggies (see my pics). Other than the Tandoori chicken & mahi mahi being a tad dry, everything else was delicious. They were kind enough to give us two separate portions of everything and even packed them separately for our doggie bags. The meal ended up with complimentary desserts (mango ice cream was nice and flavorful, didn't like the fried cheese ball too much), and we got the 20% off web discount. Service was very friendly but not over-attentive. A hidden gem. Can't wait to return!
(4)Sangeetha I.
Yummy in my tummy. I came here two nights in a row! I weathered the freezing Chicago winds to get myself a fix of Gaylord! Elegant, great service. fair prices and some TASTY food. We partook in the following over our 2 meals: 1. Dal Palak -Yellow lentils simmered with spinach. Hot, tasty, cumin-infused and wholesome. A heaping spoon of some of this and crisp basmati rice has me drooling 2. Vegetarian Kofta -Kofta (Indian dumpling) cooked in a tomato gravy. A nice and richer complement to the Dal above 3. Paneer Makhani -Generous (maybe a little too) servings of Paneer cubes sauteed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. Mop this up with some Garlic Naan 4. Bindi Masala -My fav! And cooked the way I love it. Well-cooked okra with tomato and onion chunks sprinkled with a dose of amazing masalas. 5. Rajasthani Roti -Wheat rotis stuffed with spiced mustard greens. My hubs went gaga for this 6. Garlic Naan -The perfect amount of garlic (not tasteless and not pungent), softly risen bread All dishes are served with saffron basmati rice. The appetizers are also great (especially the potato patty). There's a Yelp offer on this place if you check in! Free appetizer up to $10. The salad bar (free) is great...chutneys, cucumbers, carrots, radish and beets all cut up conveniently to dip, some papadums and a killer homemade pickle! They have a full bar, all the veggie dishes were between $10-$16 and it was all fantastic!
(5)Jess G.
Went with a larger group on a saturday night. The food was really tasty (some dishes were slightly oily however) and service was fast and accommodating. Overall really enjoyed the experience!
(4)Kaitlin M.
The location is hidden underground but still cute. The menu was expansive, but I went with my sister who worked in an Indian restaurant once. I let her handle the ordering. We got a chicken curry and an eggplant dish. Both were as expected but my favorite was the mustard greens stuffed bread. You have to try it! They also have a salad bar with different veggies, bread and Indian salads. The staff was kind and patient as we were torn over what to order. The last good thing was the cost. On the other hand, our too main dishes were too oily for my liking but full of all the traditional Indian spices. I was not overly impressed with the place but would go back it someone else wanted to try it.
(3)Tisha K.
It's really hard to find a good biryanni, and they have an amazing chicken biryanni- with just the right amount of spice! The service is good and always very quick!
(5)Vina O.
The food was very good, but portions are smaller and prices are slightly higher than others in the River North/Gold Goast/Streeterville area. Maybe it's best to stick to the lunch buffet rather than go here for dinner.
(3)Vineet S.
Got to visit Gaylord on the occasion on Diwali(Festival of Lights). My manager took everybody out for lunch to this place. Ohh man this place was packed. Lunch buffet was great. Quite a number of options for veggies. I liked chiili paneer(indian cheese), bhindi(Okra) znd dal(lentils). Desserts were good too specially the mango ice cream.They should try improving on gulab jamuns, I didn't quite liked the texture. According to me they probably have the best Indian Lunch Buffet in downtown.
(4)Anne H.
$12 Buffet. Great variety. Didn't skimp on spice. Very flavorful. The customer service was very good. All the staff was very polite and professional.
(4)M G.
I LOVE Indian food and I LOVE the all you can eat buffet they offer during the week. It's around $12 I believe and it has a decent selection of dishes to pick from. The staff is also very attentive and helpful in picking out a dish to try. Definitely recommend trying the buffet during your lunch hour if you can. The food here is awesome.
(5)Dan S.
I ate here the other night when in Chicago on business. I eat Indian food a lot so I am used to mediocre Indian places. This place is the exception. The food was terrific. Fresh, tasty, hot. The service from the eastern European waitress was also top notch. She deserves a raise. She was polite and very attentive to my likes. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Neelay L.
I came to Gaylord with my family to celebrate Diwali, and for those who know what Kali Chaudash is for the Indian calendar, our experience here fit the meaning of the day and what can potentially happen to us (I am only half-joking, as you will see with this review. For those who don't know what Kali Chaudash is, it's a day where bad things are supposed to happen, to summarize it the best I can). The first event that caused me to feel the experience was subpar was when we saw a manager scold our waitress in the dining area in front of everyone. This is very unprofessional, and in my view, even if the waitress made a mistake, a reprimand should be done in private rather than within eyesight of patrons. The restaurant offered a complimentary salad/appetizer bar with papadam, vegetables, and a few chutneys including a mango chutney which was made very well. Unfortunately, this and the dessert, which I will discuss later, were the best parts of the meal. Once the food arrived, it didn't take long for me to realize everyone, including myself, was disappointed at the quality of their food. Most of us ordered chicken dishes, and the sauces were good overall, but the chicken was dry and stringy, and in one family member's words, "tasted like cardboard." I didn't quite believe my dish (Chicken Tikka Masala) was this bad, but the chicken was not consistent in texture. Some pieces were juicy and full of moisture, while others were dry. I have been to enough Indian restaurants to know how the chicken should be, and this was not good. The restaurant goes with a spice scale of mild, medium, or hot, and I would have preferred a number scale as this allows one to pinpoint the level they prefer. The mild dishes ordered at the table were not mild at all. For dessert, we ordered orange kulfi, and instead we were given pistachio kulfi, but we decided to eat it anyways and were pleased with the taste. The kulfi came with excellent fruit (oranges and strawberries cut into slices) With the lack of quality of the meals ordered, the managers were kind enough to offer a 10% discount, but we walked in with the intention of showing them a Facebook "like," which would have netted us the same discount. Overall, the experience was below average with prices slightly higher than average, so I do not recommend coming back to this restaurant. I can safely say 85-90% of the Indian restaurants I have eaten at are better than this one, and it's worth noting that the Gaylord location in Schaumburg has a friendlier management staff, better service, and better food as well.
(2)Winston G.
Great place for Indian food in the River North area, right off Michigan Ave and in a central location. The prices might seem a bit high, but make sure you mention Yelp so you can get a discount! The waiters and the owners of the place were extremely friendly, and more than willing to accommodate our party of 9. This is a good restaurant for groups. Dishes were ordered: Samosas - not the best I've had, but definitely passable. Could have a crispier crust to them, but they were decent. Chicken tikka masala - very good - creamy, tender chicken, and a large enough portion to share between 4-5 people. Rogan josh - tender pieces of lamb - good flavor Chicken vindaloo - my favorite dish here - very nice spice to it and the dark meat was tender The naan was good and fresh. This place doesn't charge absurd amounts for white rice, like the India House does. I will be back here again, hopefully to try the lunch buffet people keep discussing.
(5)Jennie T.
I didn't know there was an Indian restaurant within walking distance from my office! I found this out several weeks ago as I was taking a walk to my friend's birthday dinner in Old Town (it was 35 minute walk). There was a guy outside that was giving out samples of tandoori chicken. I thought it was tasty so I told myself that I'd try to come for their lunch buffet one day. Enter today. Again, there was someone handing out free sample of food. I didn't know what it was because I had already made up my mind to get the lunch buffet so it didn't make sense to stick around for a sample. I went inside and was greeted by several of the staff. I don't know how many people waited on me but it was more than a few. You'd think I was queen or something, but their service was only so-so. I was just a tad bit annoyed that every single one of them asked me if I wanted soda since it "comes with the buffet." Um, no thank you, I've said this at least 5 times already. The buffet selection was pretty good--everything was decent, but some of the items were not heated properly. There was a shrimp dish today that I thought was good (mostly because the shrimps tasted fresh), but the only problem was that my shrimp tasted a little cold. It didn't particularly upset me but I would rather have my food hot and spicy like how I imagine Indian food should be. Everything was kind of lukewarm, except for my basket of freshly made nan, which of course, happened to be the warmest food item I had today. I was surprised by the fruit salad though -- the orange pieces of fruit that I thought would be cantaloupes turned out to be mangoes! What a pleasant surprise! I love mangoes. The only reason why I'd come here again is because they're close to my office and sometimes I just want Indian food. But India House is a lot better... If only, India House was within walking distance of my work (well, it is... but not during my lunch hour). Oh and the third star is strictly because Chicago Curry House in the South Loop is actually more like a "meh"-2-star kind of place. The food at Gaylord at least had some spice...It still wasn't spicy and that was disappointing, but it was an attempt? Maybe I should order off the menu next time.
(3)TJ Y.
So I was really looking forward to this place because I have yet to find an Indian restaurant here in Chicago that I absolutely love. My friend suggested this restaurant because they apparently make their food spicy... and I loooove spicy! However... it was a disappointment :( Food - I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. I asked for spicy.... and it was only a bit spicy (in my opinion). The spiciness/peppers (even though it didn't taste too spicy) overpowered the dish though.... and I didn't get the other flavors of the dish. The garlic naan was cooked perfectly, but it was a bit light on the garlic. Service - Our service wasn't great... we had to ask for a few things a couple of times before our server actually brought them. They weren't busy, so he just wasn't really paying attention. Ambiance - there was live music there, so that was nice. Comparing three Indian restaurants that people have suggested from just the food standpoint... Gaylord's spices overpower the flavorfulness of the dish. India House's chicken tikka is yummy.... although a bit on the tomato-y side.... And Jaipur's is on the creamy side... out of those three Indian restaurants... India house is still the best one.
(3)Avani P.
Tasty aloo vindaloo. Quick delivery service. We order delivery/take out once a month. Never been disappointed.
(4)Shane H.
Lovely. I came here for dinner. This place was typically empytish with other a few other table other than ours. We ordered the chicken masala and the lamb vindooloo. Both were not as spicy as indian food can get, but still tastefully presented and delicious.
(5)S G.
This is a good Indian restaurant. The food is fresh and tasty. I can't believe this city. People will deliver food like this to your home! Chicken tikka, eggplant bharta, sikh kabob, samosas and rice pudding. Just like mom's home cooking. It's not fine dining, but it's comforting!
(4)Bhaskar K.
Folks, you will never ever regret visiting this place. Probably the best food I ever ate (including places in India) at a restaurant. I went there on three consecutive nights and thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Do not miss the OKRA appetizer. Lamb dishes are so good that you will definitely overeat, so be prepared and dress appropriately to accommodate the extra space :) Excellent taste, service, presentation and value for the money !
(5)O K.
Delicious!! You get 20% off if you carry out! But then you don't get their free salad bar thing.
(4)moon k.
The restaurant was nothing fancy. It was clean and the set up was nice also. We tried the lunch buffet (Sunday) today. I started with the appetizer stuff with some Papad and chaat..the papad was kinda salty. Then some naan came in which I liked..I tried it with the eggplant curry which was good also. Then I took some rice which was STALE...the rice grains were chewy and hard. I have never tasted such BAD rice before. There was no gulab jamun for desert. The food overall was not tasty..I expected it to be better. The manager who gave the bill did not talk at all for some reason...did not ask how the food was or whatever...I do not recommend people going to eat their buffet for sure.
(2)Matt S.
The waitstaff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious. I had the Gaylord Chicken. Succulent chicken breast pieces in a spicy red sauce. The price was reasonable and the portions were generous.
(4)Xiaoxi L.
Not the usual spicy, strong $10 buffets I eat, this one, which was $13-15/person, had a different variety. They had tandoori chicken in a thin-ish sauce, and other options were not as drenched/flavorful as other buffets I've eaten at. I've heard this is more like authentic South Indian food, and it was good, just not as strong as I expected. There was fried fish, which is a pleasant surprise.They had eggplant, which was deLICIOUS. Instead of mango kulfi, hey had strawberry ice cream, which had little nubs of some kind of grain in it. It was interesting and very good, but I missed my mango kulfi. Those pancake balls were very good too, and kept warm. The service was very good. They kept clearing the plates as soon as we were finished. If you like Indian flavor that's a bit muted, this is the place for you. I like to get a slap to the face with curry, so I prefer the $10 buffet at Cuisine of India, where they have several dishes smothered in the thickest curry in the land.
(4)Yang B.
Saw little fruit flies around the buffet. Smoke in the dining section. Food was salty and spicy. My Indian colleague seemed to have enjoyed his dinner. I will not go back on my own.
(1)Saira K.
The lunch buffet was pretty good. The restaurant is in a basement and not very bright, but the food was good. I think the buffet also includes a drink (soda), and that was nice.
(3)Sarah C.
Very disappointing after all the good reviews. Food was greasy and lukewarm and there were flies all over the buffet. Our waiters rushed us out an hour before closing time because the other diners had left.
(2)Lucia Z.
We came here a couple months ago and had a really great experience. The service was good and the food was better! Really high qualify Indian food. A little more expensive than most Indian places, but still reasonable, especially for the area.
(4)Rich W.
Good food, strong drinks. Nice atmosphere and some curry that'll blow your hair back.
(5)Dhrisha P.
Great food if you love Indian of course.. Gaylords is open late so when I'm finished with work they can still feed me. Valet parking is available. the food is great. spicy, and was quick, but Its a quite, relaxing atmosphere. I remember a few Jamaican songs, (kind of sexy). You do have to order a few servings to feel full. I usually eat once a day and rice and chicken sauce was good but I think I will need desert next time. I don't know how I didn't think to order a Indian desert.
(4)Avery H.
I experienced a complete failure of service at dinner from which I have just returned. I dined alone, this being my last night in Chicago. I've been in town on business and was hoping to enjoy a wonderful last meal and experience at Gaylord India Restaurant. I was rather hungry as well and eager to taste some wonderful Indian cuisine. I was seated in a timely manner, and my order was taken relatively quickly, but the experience went downhill from there. My server was rather aloof and seemed not to care very much about my being there. He wrote nothing down as he took my order. Needless to say I didn't feel very welcomed. I ordered a glass of the Malbec, the pakoras appetizer, the lamb saag for dinner, and some nan. The pakoras were brought and dropped at the side of my table. Presentation was lackluster and a bit sloppy, but the sauces were tasty. My entree was brought and the gentleman who did so left so quickly that even after I repeatedly called out to him, he never turned around. I was calling to him because it looked like he had brought me the wrong entree. I later found out what I had been served was lamb kadai. I was so hungry I decided to eat it anyway. It was quite delicious and the nan was amazingly good; the best nan I've had. Then, the server that took my order never returned. He never checked on me to see if I was happy with what I was served. I probably would have ordered another glass of wine, but by the time I was finished with my meal I had waited so long for someone to return that I was ready to leave. It took a very long time for the check to be brought to me. What a shame. The food was good, but the poor service ruined the experience. I'm glad I ate alone there, because if I had brought my clients there to eat, it would have been an embarrassment.
(2)JJ L.
3.5 stars. $13 for a weekend lunch buffet in downtown Chicago - wow, very nice price. The buffet had an excellent shrimp, butter chicken, and butter paneer. The saag (spinach) was only OK, the tandoori chicken was a bit dry, and naan was not great. Overall, an excellent lunch choice that you won't great. Very close to 4 stars but didn't quite make it for me.
(3)Nat M.
so far, this is my fav Indian food in Chicago, which isnt saying much. I eat takeout, so cant comment on the restaurant experience. The kerala fish curry is really good. So is their naan. They do a good job with the other mainstream indian dishes as well
(4)Annie E.
Terrible!!! I was born in Malaysia and knows my curry very well. I chose there because it was close to my hotel and I wanted some Indian curry. When I arrive, the restaurant was packed with Indian patron, so I thought that was a good sign. I guess unfortunately, the waitress never even asked if we want our food mild, medium, or spicy. Of course, it came out so spicy that it completely destroy the flavor, and my son is resort to only eating the garlic naan bread. I asked for yogurt to neutralize the spice, but they were too busy and it took them 15 mins before they brought it over. Over price, service is terrible, and food is way too spicy
(1)Praveen S.
Good indian food, great location of the restaurant, clean and fast service, complimentary salad bar with lots of papad. little pricey because of its location but totally worth it.
(4)Kathy S.
I had no idea that they gave 20% off a la carte prices for carry out! Since Indian can get pricey, this is a great benefit of going to Gaylord's compared to other places. I was extremely impressed with the hospitality of this restaurant. The manager offered us some food to munch on while we waited for our order that included chutneys with chips and cucumber/carrots. He was just very welcoming and chatted with us while we were waiting so even before tasting the food, I already loved the place. We ordered the lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala and they were both very tasty. Vindaloo is one of my favorite Indian dishes and this did not disappoint. Garlic naan was also good although I wish it was a little more garlicy. Highly recommended if you're craving Indian. The 20% off for carry out will definitely have me picking up from here more frequently and I'm looking forward to trying their lunch buffet sometime.
(5)ettennam M.
I have eaten at the restaurant as well as ordered carry out. I am so pleased with the service I receive every time I go. I especially love the quality, taste and appearance of the food. I have told my friends and will continue to call upon this business for the best India Food. Thank you.
(5)Lori K.
Lunch buffet was good. Rajma was a pleasant surprise. Typical North Indian food so not much spice, but certainly worth every penny.
(4)Ruchi G.
I tried their lunch buffet recently on a weekday and I was quite disappointed. The food was not spicy(which I assume was because of where the place is located) which was okay with me but it was not flavorful either. The spread was quite uninteresting. They had chicken makhani, dry fried fish, tandoori chicken and a few vegetable dishes that did not taste very different from each other. Its probably one of the most bland and tasteless Indian food I have eaten at a restaurant. I don't think I am basing that on hotness or spicyness, its just lack of any balanced flavors. After I was done, I felt like I had had a meal full of cream and butter without really experiencing any taste. They had a random potato dish sitting in the beginning of the buffet between the salads and the condiments and the bread (naan) served on the table was cold and dry. It was evident that it had been sitting out a while and they just served it without even heating it. Overall, it just felt like they don't put much thought into what they make or how they serve it. The waiters were pleasant and friendly and checked regularly if we needed anything. I have eaten at India House a few times now and feel that their buffet is so much better-the food is fresh, they take care of the temperature and the food actually tastes good. I would recommend them over this place anyday!
(1)Quality C.
THE GOOD: great Indian food. Good service THE BAD: Difficult to decide if you are not Indian and haven't had much exposure to Indian food. THE UGLY: The high price. The do give you a discount for take out that you pick up.
(4)Thomas B.
Was staying down the street at the Drake and Yelp led me here. I was not disappointed. Great service, and very good food.
(4)Suzy D.
We came here for dinner on a Sunday night. My husband got the lamb biryani and I had the mutter paneer. Our friend had the paneer makhani. We also had some garlic naan. Everything was good, but I still prefer India House. However, I think Gaylord's may be slightly more affordable. My husband said the lamb biryani at Gaylord's is top notch so I guess we will be back for more biryani. We have also come here for buffet before. It is only $12 and it is pretty decent. I still like the buffet at India House better but the buffet at India House is about $17 so I guess for the price Gaylord's isn't bad.
(3)Cerella F.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at gaylord's. The atmosphere was great and everything was very clean. The food was incredible, some of the best Indian food I have ever had. As a strict vegetarian, finding food that I can eat and enjoy can be a challenge. Gaylord's offered a wide variety of vegetarian options to choose from. The service at the restaurant was amazing. The employees were very nice and helpful. They also were timely and efficient. The bill for our food was very reasonable, considering the generous portions that we received. Gaylord's was a wonderful restaurant and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable, flavorful meal.
(5)El B.
Went back when the doors were unlocked (success!) because I do do do love indian food and this place is as convenient as they come for me. The place was PACKED, but our servers were attentive and polite. We ordered the vegetarian appetizer platter which we did NOT need because the entree portions are big and they have a mini "salad" and poppadom bar. Mr. Bee and I both took most of our entrees home. My eggplant entree was...weird. The eggplant had a somewhat unpleasant texture, but the sauce was to die for. I wouldn't get it again, but I did soak up with the sauce with naan. I will definitely go back. They lose a star because of my original experience where a bunch of slack-jawed workers wouldn't take two seconds to get up and explain that they close for an hour or two between lunch and dinner (not advertised on the door if my memory serves me). Instead, they looked at me, looked away, and I left mad and starving. I forgive you, Gaylord.
(4)Alex C.
Great indian food. I haven't had much indian food so maybe i'm not the best person to judge but my experience and overall quality of the food was good. We arrived pretty late and the wait staff as well as the owner came up to us and let us know to take our time. We ended up leaving at 9:45PM because we eat fast but i was still appreciative of the service. We ordered the King and queen meal which are very reasonably priced for the amount of food served. The dining area is very fancy and more classy than expected. Had a great experience! Will recommend and be back very soon!
(5)Agnes O.
We just had a group lunch buffet for 8 people. The service was slow and the variety of food available was average. Dishes were slightly overcooked and not warm enough. To our surprise a 20% service charge was added to our meal. For an almost non-existing service 20% seems pretty unreasonable and undeserved - it seems a bit of a shady practice.
(2)Iris T.
Indian food is something I must have once a month. It's also usually safe for me to eat when I need to (or want to) eat out. I pretty much follow a Jain-like diet and most Indian restaurants understand this diet so it tends to be easier to dine at Indian restaurants. We got breakfast down the road from this place and passed by it. To my surprise, Hubby mentioned it when it was time for lunch so we returned. I guess he wanted something salty and heavier than the usual sandwiches that we had mostly been limited to on our trip. Indian food was pretty safe - the question was what could they offer us. They had some tables already seated. At least half of them were Indian. That's a good sign! They had what looked like a pretty extensive buffet going on which I was tempted to view, but decided not to. I hate it when I can't eat something and I don't quite enjoy torturing myself if I have the choice, because I was about 110% sure we wouldn't be able to take advantage of the buffet, other than probably the breads and dessert. The decor was definitely geared towards "fine dining" with cloth-covered tables and wine glasses for your water. They also had a bar near the entrance. We were seated and our glasses filled. I then told the man that we ate Jain and that we would need the menu. He looked amazed. (East) Asian people? Jain? He questioned us and I told him that we pretty much followed their diet (easier that way). I'm not sure if he quite understood it. In fact, I'm pretty sure he thought I was telling him we were actually Jain, but either way, as long as he understood what we could and could not eat, I didn't care too much. We were told we could only have three items on their menu. Not too shabby, but not all that great of a selection, either. Especially when you see how many items there are on their menu (and buffet). Couldn't complain too much though! It was still food and it wasn't a sandwich or a salad. In fact, I'm pretty sure it wasn't all that healthy either. We got the Bombay Aloo (spiced potatoes) and the Paneer Makhani (Indian cheese in a butter-tomato-cream curry sauce) with some naan. Carbs and fat. Awesome. I felt like I needed it, though. Yelp had some sort of deal where you can get a free appetizer. I mentioned Yelp and before I could finish, the man told me that yes, I would get an extra 10% off my bill. O_o Well, why not? It's likely what I could have on the appetizer menu would have been underwhelming so having a discount of sorts would have been better. I took it. It took a little bit of time but the food did come out. I could hear the man-waiter talk to another person about us being Jain. I stifled a giggle. We were going to order a lassi to share and even considered something else like an appetizer, but it's a good thing we didn't. The dishes themselves weren't huge, but the portions coupled with the actual content and rice - not to mention the naan - was going to be crazy. With us traveling and not likely to return to the hotel until night, we really didn't want to have leftovers to take out. We did it! We finished every bit of the potato and paneer as well as the sauce and sides. Both were good and mildly spiced. The potato was tender but not falling apart and mashed potato-esque. It was well spiced and flavorful. The makhani had a decent amount of paneer in it and the sauce itself was rich. It frankly reminded me of Tomato Bisque. O_o In fact, were there any spices in there? By the time we were done, I was completely stuffed and more than satisfied. Service: amusing and helpful, but felt somewhat awkward at times. Food: good; could do with more choices, but can't really blame them (much) Facilities: not too loud and pretty clean... bathrooms could do with a little bit of work, though. It's 'fine dining' but a number of the customers were dressed pretty casually and that bathroom definitely wasn't upscale. Verdict: a pretty popular place (buffet seems to be very popular... boo on how I couldn't experience it) and the food I could eat was good. Struggled at around 3.4 stars, but decided to round up, just because it was the only hot, savory, and filling meal we had in Chicago other than sandwiches, but that doesn't count.
(4)Shuang Z.
I feel this place is actually better than Indian Garden. So if you decided to have lunch in streeterville area, I recommend this one over Indian Garden. They have a wider variety of dishes for their lunch buffet, I love the shrimp curry, which is not offered at Indian Garden. They have typical saga paneer, vege curry, lentile curry etc. My favorite thing at Gaylord is their ICECREAM!!! The flavors differ from day to day, so far I've had pistahcio and Mango. They are heavenly tasty:D It's really quite inside, so nice dining environment if you wanna talk with friends during lunch. At least you can hear each other easily without yelling. They offer 10% for NU students.
(4)Mackayla G.
DELICIOUS!! I ordered the Queen's Feast and made a hot dog out of the naan, some tandoori sausage, onion, and sauces. Best hot dog in Chicago.
(5)Gretchen D.
We had waited a long time to try this place. Went late on a Weds. night. We were surprised how good it was. Garlic naan and cilantro/pepper naan both good. It was nice and quiet. Reasonably priced wine list (for downtown Chicago that is). We had the chicken tikki masala, samosa chat, chicken pepper (especially good), and We enjoyed them all. Free Yelp appetizer if you check in which the waiter spotted before I even said anything. The service was terrific!
(4)Michael B.
I'm a fan of Gaylord's as i've experienced them at their best. Went for their Sunday buffet and the theme was southern Indian. We found most of the dishes were either mediocre rice, breads or other "fillers" and were a little light on meat and/or vegetable options. I get the southern Indian cuisine style but the value was just not there for the buffet options we were given. What really put us off was the "Bum's Rush" we were given by the waitstaff, like they couldn't wait to get rid of us, even though the restaurant was not full, not closing and people were still being seated for dinner. We found it strange and rude. They kept taking our silverware, napkins and asking us if we were done. What's up with that? I'm a fan Gaylords but this was atypical for you. Make me proud next time I come in.
(2)Rachael N.
I would really like to give this place 4.5 stars. I can't believe we almost didn't come here because of the subpar rating. Do not be dissuaded!! We've tried quite a few Indian places in Chicago (Rangoli, India House, a few along Devon) and Gaylord was definitively the best. The saag paneer, Kerala fish curry, and onion kulcha were seriously amazing. The fish was perfectly cooked and the saag was creamy with tons of paneer. I highly recommend both of those dishes. With our Yelp coupon we also got a samosa chat for an appetizer, which was like a samosa curry with tamarind sauce, mint chutney, and chickpeas. Really yummy and spicy. And it's right near Sprinkles which is great for dessert, though we'd love to try Gaylord's desserts sometime soon. This place is not hip like India House, but the atmosphere and wait staff are warm and cozy. The owner is kinda intimidating but he's doing a great job, so no complaints here! On top of all, Gaylord is excellently priced. Highly recommended!
(4)Lois K.
My favorite Indian restaurant in the Gold Coast / Streeterville area. They deliver, which is convenient. Despite large portions, I think they are a little overpriced. However, that doesn't stop me from ordering when I have a craving for Indian food. They haven't always been consistent with levels of spiciness from order to order. Favorite dishes include chicken vindaloo, murg makhani, mutter paneer, navrratan korma, and garlic naan.
(4)Paul W.
Disappointed again by Gaylord. Slow service, mediocre food quality, and our order was mixed up. We tried standards like chicken tikka masala and they rate below average. I'll move on to another Indian restaurant and not come back.
(2)Claudia F.
Simple: the food was really really good. The service was the worst I have had in a very long time. We sat down and were given three water fill-ups before the waiter bothered to come take our order-- and the place wasn't even busy! My friend had to go ask up front for a waiter to serve us! And then this large bulky fellow came and was extremely rude, banging dishes down on the table. Ugh. The other staff were all right, but I guess that big guy was related to the owner or something-- they should have him washing dishes if they have to keep him employed there... Certainly nowhere near customers! Otherwise it was such a yummy meal! Also they finally had a sweet guy who was supposed to be bar tending finish serving us and he was very nice and helpful. So-- I guess you can try this place if you don't mind being pushy to get service. I hope they fire the waiter and get nicer folks in and I will see better reviews in the future that can reflect the quality of the delicious food!
(3)Jeffie J.
The lunch buffet here is scrumptious, well seasoned and spiced just right. It tends more to the vegetarian than most, but they will bring you tandoori chicken if you ask. There was a wide assortment of appetizers, mains and desserts (including mango ice cream which is kind of interesting on a buffet, since you'd think it would melt but it doesn't). Everything was neat and well organized. Every dish was labeled (in English) and each chafing dish had its own serving utensils. The price is quite reasonable for this part of town, and also in comparison to some other Indian buffets. I didn't think I would like the basement ("ground floor," "lower level") space but actually it's well decorated with murals and flowers on every table. It reads more like "rec room" than basement. There are comfortable booths along one wall and small and large tables in the center. It's not claustrophobic either, because the space is large and there is some light coming in from the front windows. Store-front Indian this is not. Service (which really isn't much of an issue at a buffet) was friendly and fine. Final note: it seemed to me that at least half the patrons were from the Indian subcontinent or thereabouts, always a good sign. I'll definitely be back and will probably ease up on dinner on the days I have lunch here.
(5)Elle D.
Will write a review as soon as try the food..
(1)Chloe T.
I love this place because the food is always excellent and you get great service. Also, the prices are great especially where it is located. I would deem it the best in the city! No matter the size of your party, they are always ready and prepared. I wish they were open for lunch.
(5)Mel K.
Terribly overpriced mediocre Indian food. I tried many of the dishes here, including one with chickpeas and various naans. You know how Indian food is supposed to be really saucy with lots of seasonings? Everything was really dry and mealy in my mouth. Not a lot of flavor. The manager tried wooing us over by giving us free deserts and a bottle of wine, which was nice, but something we wouldn't have ordered otherwise. When the bill came, they charged us tax on all of those "free" items and our bill amounted to $42 a person. What a rip off.
(2)Dean D.
Went for the buffet during the weekend. Stepped in and was seated by the host but there wasn't a waiter or waitress to be found. We heard some yelling come from the kitchen and then after about 20-25 minutes someone came out and took our drink orders. The food is tasty and my favorite was the fish curry.
(3)Nari H.
Have had carry out here with my sister and it's good everytime. The food is always ready on time and for awhile they had a 20% off carry out orders. So we really dug that. :) would go back and order again!
(4)Monica Y.
I come here with a friend of mine who is an Ayurvedic practitioner here in the city named Karen Klutznick. We've met here quite often over the last year. I think the food is really ok. It is inconsistent too: sometimes really good, sometimes just ok. The naan often comes cold and stale tasting. The palak paneer is really bland without very much paneer. The dahl is often bland too. The service is really good though, and they are kind and attentive. Over all, it is the only Indian restaurant in that part of the city so I go there for convenience and I would go again...however, there are so many better India restaurants in the city: Essnce of India, Tiffin, Mysore just to name a few.
(3)Lauren B.
Ah, Gaylord. What a fab place. Before you even have a bite of their delicious food, you notice the intriguing ambience -- walnut-paneled with recess lighting, tablecloths and cut flowers on the tables, contrasted with colorful murals and brightly lit bar area. You notice the friendly, attentive service. And then, the food. Excellent lunch buffet - filled with a dazzling array of scrumptious offerings at a very reasonable $11.95. And for a la carte, the chicken tikka masala is exquisitely tender and delicious, the bengan bhartha silky and fiery, the mutter panner filled with goodness. Pair it with an ice-cold King Fisher and it's floor-to-ceiling fantastic.
(5)Al I.
You see that review from Avery about his/her experience on 9/13? My wife and I just had a very similar experience there last night. We read the reviews, saw that they were mostly good, and decided to give it a try. The food is fantastic -- but the service really is a problem. I'm not sure if we actually had a dedicated waiter or it the service is shared; it took forever to get our check, and when we did, we found that we were double charged for a bottle of wine. (That's a concern right there, but let's set that aside.) No problem, they said, they'll fix the check. And then we waited. I finally hunted down the gentleman who took the check to ask him to bring it back so we could pay. He did so, and then I reviewed it and put out a card, and nobody came back to get it. I made eye contact to no avail, and had to pull a manager or host away from chatting with another table to take our payment. Then we waited. Again. I eventually saw him take and return somebody else's check while we were still waiting, so I had to get loud and say hi, can we have ours back. too? At that point we were about 20 minutes from when they originally dropped off the (incorrect) check. At that point, we tipped zero, which we have never done before. The food is fabulous, the room is OK, and the place is right next to my office. But the service is FLAT OUT BROKEN. I can't imagine that we'll be back.
(1)Joscelyn M.
I haven't been to their new locale, and by the reviews, I need to. But, the food here is absolutely incredible - best outside Devon. The service is really nice and polite. Good place for groups, too.
(4)Jennifer B.
This was the delicious Indian restaurant I have been searching for! I eat a decent amount of Indian food, and Gaylord is the real deal. Their food is authentic, tasty and spicy. I went with a big group and we got a bunch of orders of food and naan to split- two chicken dishes, one lamb, and two vegetarian. There was plenty of everything to go around and it was all great. The new location is BYOB for now, but I don't know if it will be that way permanently or just for now. We definitely took advantage of the current situation, though, and brought in several bottles of wine and some beer. Our service was also wonderful, and the owner stopped by at the end of our meal to ensure our experience was positive. Overall a fantastic meal, and I will return soon, maybe to try the lunch buffet.
(5)Monica K.
Went here for a birthday dinner with some friends. They have this cute chaat center table with mango cutney which was amazing. The appetizer samosa was extremely small and not that great but I don't recommend ordering appetizers due to the main course size. The alu dosai was amazinggggg and so was the butter chicken. The lassi wasn't as sweet as I'd like it to be, but all in all, I'll go again. The names weird tho.
(4)nith v.
Went there last with my co-workers and simply loved this place. I would say this place is the best in downtown if you want to have Indian food (coming from a person born and brought up in India) Like India house and India garden, this place is pricey as well but their buffet price is lesser compared to other two. Quality of food is very good an you have loads of options to choose from. Like my colleague commented... He had never seen such a big menu. I was not happy with paneer(cottage cheese) though as it was not fresh. All other veggie dishes were very good. Those who ordered non veg loved the food too. For dessert their gulab jamun is must try. If you know the difference between north and south indian food then try ordering more of south Indian food. Guess thats why they couldnt do a good job with paneer Service is great. the staff is very friendly and have always accommodated large groups(that we go in)
(4)Anooj T.
Okay, so we've been going to Gaylord's for 9 years. We were very loyal fans for the Clark St. location until it closed late last year. My wife and I visted the new location on Walton for the first time recently. The food has only gotten better! We ordered the usuals - whole Tandoori Chicken, Keem Samosas, Pakoras, Chicken Tika Masala, Saag Paneer, butter Nan and basmati rice. Everything was seasoned to perfection. As always, poritons were large and filling and we had enough leftovers for dinner the next night. One thing though - the Indian food here is pricey. Almost too pricey, which is why we don't go more often. The best bet is it hit the lunch buffet during the week or on the weekends. We'll be going back.
(3)Linda N.
came here for dinner with some friends. nice and simple decor. service was good. the wait-staff was a bit awkward though and towards the end of our dinner it just seemed like our waitress was in a hurry to get us out. however, the guy that was refilling the water was on point. i swear you would take a sip and he'd be right there ready to refill your glass. a bunch of us ordered the dinner specials which are totally worth it. $20 for a little bit of everything and then some. i ended up having so much left over. i had the queen's feast which was great except for the lamb sausage kabob thing, it had an interesting taste to it. def, not my favorite. in any case, i would come back.
(4)Ashley H.
Wow. I didn't realize how much I've missed Indian food until I ate at this place. I went here for dinner with my friend who was visiting from out of town. We went really early on a Tuesday, so we were the first patrons there when we arrived (hence a bunch of waiters and support staff standing around idle--kind of weird). I wish we had had more time to sit back and really enjoy the food, but we had a concert to catch and had to eat rather quickly. The food was excellent: we ordered the appetizer platter (samosas plus deep-fried vegetables), a lamb and spinach dish that came with white rice, and an order of naan. The naan was some of the best I've had: really light and fluffy. The appetizers were pretty good and the main dish was delicious. All the food came out really hot, which probably had a lot to do with the restaurant being nearly empty, but it was appreciated, nonetheless. It's a bit pricey to go here for dinner for a casual occasion, but it seems like a great lunch spot (I believe they have lunch specials) or a place to go for a nice night out.
(5)Christy S.
I just had dinner here tonight and it was phenomenal. Fantastic food. Great prices. Very good service. I had the queen's special which was a combo platter and it was all delicious and left plenty for lunch tomorrow.
(5)C B.
We stayed at the Ambassador East, so this place was a godsend! 6 or so blocks and we're here. Not just a touristy BS restaurant like many just south of here, Gaylord really did it right. We arrived approximately 8 PM on a Saturday night, they were about 2/3 full - lucky for us. We were immediately seated and as stated by others, the service was spectacular. Everyone was extremely polite and everything moved very quickly. I had the Malai Kabob and my wife had the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Both did not disappoint. I had never had any type of Malai dish, but on the recommendation of a buddy I tried it. It was very unique - the chicken was really really tender, and the cheese baked on the outside was absolutely delicious. The veggie samosas were a lot spicier than I've had in the past, I liked, the wife did not. Her masala was on par with others that I've had. I would definitely go here again and I'm dying to try the buffet that everyone talks about. Prices are about average, to maybe just a shade above average - but it's very nice and in an expensive neighborhood. Also there were 4 or 5 tables of people from India in the restaurant - usually a good sign at an Indian place!
(5)christine c.
this place is good, but it is just SO EXPENSIVE. i mean i undestand given its crappy location and the fact tha tthey have t oget as much money out of as many people that walk through their doors as possible, but i think it's a little over the top
(3)Summer F.
I was misguided by a friend of mine who told me to go to Gaylord. One fine evening i went to Gaylord and was greeted by a gentleman who looked like Kojac in a polyester suit. I felt that he must be on some potent medications because his eyes looked glassy. I was escorted to my table and there was a silence. After about 1/2 hour, a dark skinned south indian (who may be Mexican) came to my table to take orders. When I looked at the menu, the prices were very inflated, which took my appetite away. They suggested an Indian drink called lassi which was nothing but diluted buttermilk. The appetizers were not appetizing. There was nothing special about the chef's special. When the main course came, the quantity was so limited that before you could taste it the plate was finished. Gaylord should not bring down the Indian heritage of hospitality. If you have too much money and want to give it to Gaylord for getting nothing in return, be my guest.
(1)Puja C.
I have never experienced such horrible service. I placed a carry-out order and when I got home, I had recieved another customer's order. When I placed a call to the restaurent, the hostess did not even apoligize for the mistake. She indicated that the food would be delivered within 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, the condo front desk called and said the delivery is on its way up. I waited 20 minutes for the guy to take the elevator up. I called the front desk to find out about the delivery guy - they said he walkted out with the food. Why would you go to delivery food and not deliver it! So, now it is almost an 1 1/2 hours from when I should have been eating my food. We called the restuarent to find out what happened - we were told that he is on his way back to deliver the food. The service was horrible - I will never eat there again. I dont have any explanation for why the food was not delivered the first time - the the delivery guy get tired waiting for the elevator...?
(1)Carol K.
Oh delicious, I had an awesome dinner at Gaylord. So my lovely manfriend and I decided to have a nice dinner Indian style we happen to be downtown and thought we'd try Gaylord as this is also my manfriend's last name. We ordered as many Gaylord coined martinis and entrees as we could comfortably stuff into our mouths. The service was very attentive, sincere, helpful and relaxed. Manfriend got the king's feast- this entree(s) lived up to its name it was comprised of dry rubbed lamb sausage, tandoori chicken drum stick (which came out on a hot plate with grilled onions and lemons), a lamb meatball (?) curry, vegetable curry, naan, and special rice...I think that was it. I ordered butter chicken in a spiced tomato puree, so so so good. For those of you worried about this particular Indian restaurants spice, salt and oil level, they were all seasoned appropriately. Everything was fresh and prepared in house (including lamb sausage!). Oil, salt, and chili peppers were used in moderation. Nice alcohol lists as well, I had a Malbec, manfriend had a strong but very good vodka martini (the gaylord classic- naturally). Go and try it as soon as you can, for our dinner and drinks the bill plus tax and tip didn't exceed $100 bucks. Booyah.
(4)Denise R.
As previous reviewers mentioned, this place has very flavorful, spicy dishes. Also the portions were very large and I had plenty of yummy leftovers. I ordered the samosas and 2 chicken dishes and all of it was delicious. We were greeted and seated immediately and what seemed to be the owner was very accomodating and even took our order, however the rest of the service was a bit spotty. It took a while to get my water refilled but once the owner noticed, I believe he spoke to the servers and we were taken care of. Also, the live piano music was a nice touch. I will definitely be back.
(4)Phillip M.
Uh-mazing for the price. I'm not an Indian connoisseur but I know what good food is. Staff was guilt-inducingly courteous. Everything I tried was delicious. Great location. Free beverages (delicious tea). All for $12.95. Nuff said.
(5)Vince V.
I have very mixed feelings about Gaylord - but I suppose it was worth a try. The Good: Gobhi Manchurian was excellent, although I suppose it's not hard to mess it up the dish really was delicious. We went on a sunday night and they were had live piano music playing along with a very attentive wait staff so overall the dining experience was very pleasant. They offer a free 'salad bar' with a variety of vegetables, chips, sauces and chutneys which overall was kind of sad in taste and presentation - but free is free. The bad: We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala despite my better judgement, and even though there are many reviews saying it's delicious on yelp I really have to wonder. The chicken itself was overcooked into oblivion - borderline inedible. The sauce was merely decent. Prices were also more than I would like to pay, especially when you can get better tasting food for less than half the price on Devon. But I suppose you're paying for service & location here. Overall it's worth a try, I may go again, but willing to bet this is just an inconsistent restaurant.
(2)Michele B.
Stopped in her with my daughter after doing our after Christmas shopping on Michigan Ave. Very comfortable place with great service (we had three different servers?). The garlic naan was so warm and soft and just what our bodies needed when we got out of the cold. Tandoori chicken was steamy and seasoned beautifully. My daughter had chicken vindaloo and really enjoyed it as well. They have a little buffet with veggies and different sauces to munch on while you are waiting for your food. It was a little pricey, but the food was good.
(3)Jenny D.
Gaylord is always a sure thing when it comes to Indian food. You are always guaranteed hot, fresh food and easy take out ordering. Their chicken biryani and saag paneer are AMAZING. Even though the saag paneer usually doesn't have enough paneer, the saag (spinach) is always really fresh tasting and has a great creamy taste. My only issue with Gaylord is the extremely high prices. The food is good, no doubt about that, but it's a little too pricey for what you are getting. But all in all, great food, good atmosphere, and easy take out.
(4)Malav D.
It was over the weekend that my couple of friends and I decided to checkout gaylord restaurant as we were in the area and craving for some delicious food. We sat down and had complimentary fruits and papad with chutneys before ordering our appetizers. We placed two orders of papaddums along with our appetizers and main course. For some reason, the papaddum we had ordered never came until our appetizers were over with...we informed the waiter about this and he was very courteous and provided us free papaddum along with any 1 dessert of our liking free of charge. Overall, the food was delicious especially tadka dal (yellow lentils) was by far the best as it was perfectly cooked. I'll definitely visit this restaurant when I'm in the area again!
(5)Whitney G.
We had: chicken tikka masala, bangan bharta, siekh kabob, garlic naan, samosas and rice pudding. Everything tasted fresh and was super hot! Really really good though. I would definitely come again. The chicken tikka masala is a must-have.
(5)Moksha M.
Great food, nice ambience. It misses the 5 stars because one of the entrees I ordered had too much oil in it. This doesn't mean it wasn't yummy, it was just lesser oil would have been better. Nice ambience, great food and good prices. I like the place, would definitely go back.
(4)Hubert L.
Came here for dinner after work. I'm not usually one to put too much merit on decor and service, but this place is definately a change of pace for the area that it is in. The space is pretty big and has great potential. It was wallpaper with a generic moutain range, the potted tree stumps, the sappy piano music that makes you feel like you are in a foreign soap opera that did me in.. Aside from the decor, the wait staff was bizzare. had 3 different servers, all pressuring me to eat at their complimentary salad bar which comprised of celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, radishes with sauce. Looked like leftovers from veggie tray at their Bears game get-together last weekend. But oh well, they didn't want food to go to waste.. Finally the food! Took a little longer than I would expect being that there were only 1 other table of patrons there. The samosas were among the best i've had. Flakey, moist in, hotness. Pardon me for not remember than dish names, but we ordered a veggiatrian dish with veggies and peas with butter, garlic naan, and mixed grilled meats. Delishious! The grilled meats were cooked perfectly, moist, good. Naan was as good as it gets and the cheese pea dish was heaven. I guess they took their time to make the food taste good, which we can appreciate! All-in-all, good food if you're willing to overlook serving time and strange ambiance. I wouldn't take a first date here.
(3)Wayne B.
The Indian restaurant standard... I have only been here a few times for lunch and usually opt for the buffet. I feel like I should rate this place higher, but I just don't like the taste of the food as much as a few other places...it's a bit on the bland side and not what I expect when I am craving the unique and flavorful tastes of Indian cuisines...otherwise good service and good place right off Michigan Ave.
(3)Sumit R.
It's a fantastic restaurant. The lunch buffet is worth every cent you spend and more. The food is delicious and and very indian, unlike the bland indian food which you get at some of the indian places in the west. The staff is also very courteous. All in all a great place to have your meal. I highly recommend it. Sam
(5)Sherry N.
Nan was good. Chicken Tikka was ok. Paneer makhani was not prepared the way it should be....yuck! Adding gratutity for party of four by default for a very mediocore service is not ok.
(3)Nicola U.
Good food and good value. Nice interior and excellent service. Highly recommended.
(5)Christina B.
I have only carried out because I live in the building next door...however the carryout option always has a special deal going on (20% off i think?) The food is great--the garlic naan is huge! They always give out samples in the warm weather months outside the restaurant and it's a nice way to try the different things they have to offer. Its all kind of expensive though...and only being a block off Lake Shore Drive and 10 minutes up to Devon...I feel like I would rather get 4x as much food for that price.
(4)Misty O.
I am a huge fan of Indian food and this place is one of my favorites. The food and the staff, just great. They have a 'salad bar' of yummy starters to munch on while you wait for your food. The food is fantastic. I've never done the buffet - I stick to ordering from the menu. Never had something I don't like there. The staff is really great. Very attentive and very pleasant. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)Stephen H.
This place was amazing. Food was wonderful, staff attentive. Get the garlic naan. Also their ice tea was homemade, not like the cheap stuff I've gotten all across Chicago.
(5)Lindsee R.
On the buffet: I really like that there is so much variety and most everything was tasty, if not very traditional. I'm not sure coated fried fish is a big hit in India... But, noting was hot, and I do mean nothing. Not to mention they lured me in with a sample of a dish not on the buffet and to which nothing compared in quality and I tried every buffet item. The decor is bland and a dark. I went during the middle of the day and it was too dark in there to read my book. Also, service was really slow and it was 15 min before anyone offered me a beverage. I probably won't be back for the buffet since India house is only $2 more and so much better quality. Maybe I'll give dinner a shot
(3)Alysha P.
Went to a work X-mas party here.....big party......20+ peeps.....all veggie.....food was pre-ordered so we didn't have a choice but I was happy with what we got! Food Samosas: Of course! What's Indian without these little delicious deep-fried dumplings?? Good....spicy but not crazy so....and not too oily...yay! Subzi Tikki: Little pan fried cutlets made with mashed veg mix of potatoes, peas, carrots and turnips.....I really really liked these....almost more than the samosas :) Saag Paneer: Paneer with spinach cooked with a dash of cream/butter, spices and a hint of tomato......good flavor on the curry front....perfect amount of cream involved.....I would have liked it spicier... Dal Makhani: Lentils simmered in a butter/cream sauce.....one of my personal favs......was rich and yummy without being too heavy. Gobhi Manchurian: Hands down best dish of the night!! Cauliflower breaded and fried and then cooked in a spicy manchurian sauce....crunchy + spicy + saucy = amazing!!! Navarattan Korma: Blend of veggies in a curry sauce.....this was good....better than most Indian places....veggies were chunky and fresh....curry was good.... Bengan Bhartha: Eggplant cooked in a tomato based sauce with peas, onions and potatoes.....very good and saucy.....would get again. Naan & Garlic Naan: Warm & chewy....I was a fan! Service I have to say that everyone from the manager & host, to all of the servers who worked our table and to the bus people......were fantastic!! Super nice and accommodating even when we had to add extra tables and chairs to our already large party. Food came out hot......and there was always someone there to remove dishes and refill waters. Def happy about that! The only thing is that after dinner when everyone was kind of mingling around etc.....they started kind of moving our party out by trying to set up these huge tables in our area......It was 10:30 or 11pm.....so I don't think they were setting up for another large party that night.....but probably for the next day.......I kind of felt like they could have waited another 30min until everyone left to do that instead of making us feel slightly awkward and in the way. Ambiance Below street level on Walton......so no windows in the dining room.....but I kind of liked that it reminded me of those all you can eat Sunday Brunch Buffet Chinese restaurants that my parents used to take me to as a kid. :) Room is done in rich woods and yellows so feels warm......the back wall of the dining room has a curtain all across the back of it that can be pulled back in a couple of different areas to reveal full wall-sized photos....the 2 that were open that night were of mountains and an Indian wedding couple.....loved it!! Overall Considering that they also serve South Indian dishes.....dosa....idly....uthappam......this could be my new neighborhood Indian spot! Ohhhhh.....and that Gobhi Manchurian.....f-ing deeeee-lish! I will def be back......yay!
(4)Paul M.
Best Indian food in the city. I can live on their garlic naan and chicken tikka masala. Rogan Josh is also quite tasty as is their 'Chef's Special' appetizer. Pricey for dinner but worth it. Best lunch buffet deal in town.
(5)Julie T.
With my fiances family visiting from out of town we needed to find a spot that was "exotic", nice, and reasonably priced. Their lunch buffet was perfect! Everyone was satisfied with their large variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. The place itself looks really nice, and the service was great. My new favorite place for Indian!
(5)LARRY k.
We have been fans of Gaylord's for decades, both this one and the one in Schaumburg. We are always treated well, the food is wonderful and the Schaumburg locale manager Daron is a class act. We always look forward to dining at Gaylord's.
(4)Shelly M.
Service is outstanding. Buffet is kept stocked. Very large selection and lots of deserts too. I would have probably given them 4 or 5 stars if I was new to spice. Food on the buffet is all very mild so it is great for beginners or people who like it mild.
(3)Chris P.
Cute location, well-appointed. I found the service to be very good - filling my water and attending to our needs countless times, without being intrusive. Food was pretty good, my two friends and I went family style and really took a gamble on an ochre dish the waiter recommended. We asked for the recommendation, and I am happy when someone working at a restaurant is confident enough to make a suggestion. Sadly, the ochre came tasty but just way too salty. Murgh tikka masala and lamb vindaloo were tasy as were the naans we ordered. Overall a pretty good experience, but I thought the $66 bill for three dishes a little high.
(3)zubin l.
I am an Indian and I can tell a good indian restaurant from a bad one. Gaylord falls right in the center. Not very indian tasting but not too far from the east as well. I dont like when resturants change the core makeup of the dishes just in order to be different. Thats what Gaylord has done in order to fall in the fancy indian restaurant category. Their gravy dishes is garnished by things (Cut wedges of fruits, lemon) that really alloys the taste of the authentic food. I had to walk a lot to reach their new location. They saved losing an extra star by having a good ambience. I have been to their suburb restaurant for buffet and if their bufeet is equally good, I would give them 4 stars. BTW, whats the story behind the name Gaylord. Doesnt gel well with an indian restaurant.
(3)Peter C.
i've been to gaylord twice, and both times have been pretty good. the food is very expensive, in my opinion, so i'd suggest getting one of the meals rather than several dishes to share. the service is good, though a bit grumpy at times. all in all, a good place to have in the neighborhood, but nothing to write home about.
(3)Edward P.
Strong Indian restaurant. I love a good curry and this place does a good job. Extremely well priced for location and food quality, backed up with friendly and punctual service. Would highly recommend.
(5)Amy L.
"A rose for you miss?" That's what i heard from our waiter as i was looking at our menu. Granted, it was Valentine's day and my boyfriend did forget to get me flowers. Therefore, i was more than surprised to get a rose from this establishment. I've been wanting to come here for awhile and finally on Valentine's Day, i got my wish. Let's start off with the good and the bad shall we: Good: 1. Very nice decor and environment of the place, fancy without being too pretentious. The place was decked out with Valentine's Day balloons at each table. 2. All the women who came here on Valentine's Day got a rose, compliments from Gaylords. Very sweet indeed. 3. I think 3-4 people came over just to ask how everything was.(not counting the waiter). 4. Presentation of everything looked beautiful. Everything was in ceramics and not traditional metal bowls. 5. Food came out pretty dang fast. The bad: 1. Food was average, nothing too special. The meat in the curries did not capture the flavor of the sauces. 2. Parking was horrendous, especially on V-day... Not sure about regular days 3. Price wise, everything seemed to be a little overpriced for what they served and the caliber of what we ate. 4. The place was located downstairs and it was hard to find. Conclusion: Will i come here again? Maybe, but then again, there are more restaurants to try and more places to Y.E.L.P about.
(3)Mike G.
Being from the SF bay area I've been spoiled with a plethora of awesome Indian food restaurants. With that being said, perhaps my standards are a little high. This is the first Indian food restaurant I've tried in Chicago and it's average at best. I ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter chicken, Samosa, Naan and rice. I ordered it for delivery. When homeboy shows up at my door he asks for 55$. I'm like "Really?". For 55 bucks this had better be top notch Indian food. So what I got was mediocre. The Chicken Tikka Masala had an ok flavor but wasn't the best I tried. Wasn't feeling the butter chicken however. The Samosa was decent and came with my favorite sweet and mint sauce. I hardly got any rice with my order also which sucked because I didn't have enough for the left overs. If it were cheaper I may have considered coming back but this is way over priced for ok Indian food.
(3)Ashley C.
Dinner was great and the portions are HUGE! Pricing is very reasonable with great, classic Indian food. Service was a little slow, but overall worth going back to. The atmosphere is perfect if you have had a long day and are looking for a quite dinner. The restaurant also has great specials and offers options that allow you to try many items on the menu for a reasonable price. Gaylord is definitely my pick for Indian food in the area!
(4)Mick C.
Staying at a nearby hotel, we ordered take-out late on a Friday night. The food was ready within 20 minutes and was delicious. My wife had the chicken tikka masala, the standard version of which was a little too spicy, but full of flavor. I had the chicken vindaloo, which was excellent - large chunks of chicken and potato surrounded by a creamy sauce. The garlic naans were huge! Overall - very happy with our order.
(4)Kate F.
I love Indian food. I love Indian food SOOOO much! I spent the last 8 years living in a city that only had one Indian restaurant. And while everyone there thought it was the cats meow...I thought the place sucked. I had had good indian, and lawrence kansas did not bring it. Memphis however..did. Then there is Gaylord. My boyfriend talked about it all the time. It's his and his parents favorite place though he had not been to the new location. The first thing I said when we walked in was 'wow, this place is kinda fancy'. I'm used to buffet cheezy style decor at my indian places. Instead, Gaylord has a basement location now with wood paneling and great lighting. It's decor is very simple and tasteful. Speaking of tasteful...the FOOD! We ordered so much and I don't remember the names of everything, so I'll try to describe. 1. For an appetizer we had some stuffed peppers that were breaded and fried. This was the only thing I was not impressed with. 2. I wanted lamb, so we got the vindaloo. Wonderful red spicy sauce and melt in your mouth lamb. My favorite! 3. Mixed grill...fish, chicken, lamb, etc....excellent! 4. our vegetarian option was kind of a curry dish with peas and some kind of cheese. Again...wonderful! 5. Our nan, rice, and other breads and wine were spectacular. 6. Dessert...rice pudding with strawberries. Delicious! Our server was spectacular. she was very kind and helpful. even the owner came over to greet us as were were one of the last tables to leave that night. I cannot say enough good things about Gaylord. It's not cheap, but it's worth it!
(5)Ruchi S.
They are truly a pleather of Indian cuisine. From North Indian food to the South. Every flavor through your journey of India. Located at the neck entrance of the Magnificent Mile. It is a little pricey, but worth it. It has a banquet hall feel, which isn't exactly how I would want to picture eating this delectable food, but it is clean and friendly. Order the pepper lamb, aloo gobi, dosa, idli etc.. The only disappointment is the dessert section. But, you can go out and get that anywhere or Mich. Ave. they have a fully stocked bar and great free salad bar. Either order ahead for carry out, or make reservations. Know that their spice is definitely on the very spicy side, so make sure to ask for very mild if you like the flavor more than the spice. I like the level they are at to begin with and I do go a notch higher at times, but, I also like my spicy food. It is a hidden restaurant, so know you have to walk down stairs into a ground level restaurant..
(4)anneliese s.
I have been going to this place since childhood, when it was in it's Clark street location. It is the best Indian food in the city. I have been to so many Indian restaurants ranging from Devon, Edgewater, Highwood, etc, and this place is still the best! I suggest the Chicken Makhani and Samosa! Happy Eating!
(5)Anisha A.
Except for the randomly placed plants, the new location is a noticeable upgrade to the old. The food remains stellar as well. Went for the lunch buffet which is higher quality then India House. And cheaper. It has all the staples, plus a range of other goodies including loads of vegetarian options, fish and quality lamb. Gaylord is the best no-frills Indian food you'll find South of Devon. I'm Indian, so you have to believe me. If you disagree, I'll fight you. And win.
(4)Green T.
Walking around downtown, trying to find someplace fairly late one night, we thought Gaylord was closed until one of the many managers came out and told us that they were open and to come in. It's not that it was empty, but the dining room is in the back and the windows were tinted so it looked dark and empty. We ordered the Rogan Josh (Tender chunks of lamb, delicately cooked in a tomato-onion seasoned gravy), Bindi Tadka (Okra sauted with fresh herbs & spices), Bengan Bhartha (Tender mashed eggplant blended with sauteed onions, tomatoes and green peas) and Rajasthani Roti (Whole wheat bread, stuffed with spiced mustard greens). As Indian food aficionados and former residents of the "Tandoor-loin" in San Francisco, we love Indian food. Specifically, good Indian food. Which this was not. The Rogan Josh was too salty and not very tasty or well-spiced; the texture was good and the lamb was well-cooked, however. The Bengan Bhartha was some of the worst I've ever had - it was super tomato-y and tasted pretty much like not-good spaghetti sauce. Not at all what Bengan should be. We had really high hopes for the Roti, but it was greasy and bland. The Bindi was by far the best, crusted with coconut and well-cooked (not slimey or anything); the funny thing about that is that our waiter INSISTED repeatedly that we should get the fried okra instead, to the point where my husband literally had to tell him, "No, I want the sauteed okra" THREE times. I don't like fried okra. I've lived in the South; fried okra goes with like fried chicken and mac and cheese, not Indian food. We did not want that and literally had to fight the waiter to get him to take our order how we wanted it. The meal was preceded with pappadam which was actually not bad and less salty than I've had elsewhere as well as some crudities (carrots, cucumbers) which were super dried out. The crudities and pappadam were served with chutneys and mixed pickles, which for some reason the server wanted to take them away when they brought our food. They did offer to bring us Raita but not until we were like halfway through our meal. I also got a Chai which was not very good and I think they charged me for a refill but didn't make it clear that it wasn't actually a refill. We were checked on by the wide array of managers many, many times to the point of almost being annoying, although our waiter service (as I mentioned) was poor. We usually clear our plates and I think we left half the food behind here. Definitely would not go back. Ick.
(2)Emily M.
Went to the lunch buffet. Big mistake. I got food poisoning, and was very sick that night and all the next day. I even had a fever. Miserable. The mediocre mutter paneer, samosa, sauces, and gulab jamun were NOT worth the illness.
(1)Charlotte Y.
Being a virgin sucks; the lack of experience leaves one... always feeling out of context and questioning one's performance. Okay - this makes sense in many more ways than what you were originally thinking. This is how I feel about Indian food. If you read my review on Veerasway, you know I'm an Indian food virgin (for context, Veerasway was my first foray into the Indian food realm). My visit to Veerasway was months behind, so I decided to give Gaylord a try, now that it had reopened. Again, I have very little understanding of indian food, of its preparation, of what goes with what, of how to order, of what I "like" (as I've only had a few dishes), etc. That being said, I was very very pleased with Gaylord. The staff was nothing short of helpful, kind, pleasant and downright friendly. After perusing the menu and still feeling lost, I noticed that at the top of the front of the menu, there were several "fixed" meals itemized. For instance, for $18.00 to $20.00, one could try several entrees in a tasting format; total deal! I elected to go with the vegetarian selection in this regard. Although the tomato soup really tasted like Campbell's, the other 5 items, including nan and rice were amazing! Although I can't name what I ate, I recall a spicy spinach curry item with tofu, a brownish curry, fried cauliflower with potatoes, a samosa, yogurt and saffron rice. I was much too stuffed after devouring half of each item, so I had the rest packed to go. I would love to try the buffet some time (the set up is the center of the dining room)... but, will definitely be back sooner for /to obtain dinner as it is not too far from my place, as they are offering a 20% discount on a la carte to go orders and as I really loved the experience. I hope more people go (a little slow during midweek, which always leaves me concerned and worried, especially in this economy)... so, people... GO TRY GAYLORD!
(4)Keerthi A.
This restaurant gets 4 stars for food taste and quality, and 0 points for carryout or delivery. DINE-IN: This is probably one of the better Indian restaurants in the Chicago area. I love their buffet on weekends, good selection and tastes really yum too. I especially love their Saag paneer and their lamb kebabs. Their vegetarian entrees are all really good too, especially the Okra. Their ambiance is good too. Would definitely go back for my Indian fix! This is for dining in. DELIVERY OR CARRYOUT: There is some bozo answering the phones here who consistently fudges up orders (and I mean not just my order, but different people''s orders at different times of the year to different locations). Week A: Ordered 2 orders lamb kebabs, got 2 orders veg kebabs instead. Week B: Ordered 2 order lamb kebab, got charged for 2 orders and did not receive any. I called them and threw a tantrum, they redelivered only 1 order. Week C: Ordered 1 order lamb saag, got chicken instead. You get the drift.... They charge a delivery fee, but if you carryout, they give you a 20% discount. I would much rather hop in a cab and just carryout, but always check the contents because the last time, I got over there and checked the order and guess what, they fudged it up! So I literally sat there and waited while they cooked up the right order. I think I am going to stop ordering from there, I would just dine in.
(3)Eddie C.
First of all, note that Gaylord has moved from its location on Clark! The new location is pretty cool, I like the decor and the feel inside. They did a great job of accommodating our large party of 17. They hooked us up with complimentary dessert for everybody since we were there for someone's birthday! And the owner was really nice and friendly, coming up to us at the end and asking us how we liked it, thanking us for having our birthday celebration there, and making sure we were satisfied. The food was great too. The tandoori dishes are so damn good...something about that clay oven, man. Malai kabab (cream cheese and spices on chicken) and haryali kabab (spices and mint on chicken) were money. Saag Paneer was also great. Naan was alright. But you gotta get the tandoori stuff.
(5)Christopher P.
Flavorful dishes and large portions. I think you'll like it.
(4)Gautham N.
Great authentic South Indian food, our favorite place on Devon for 20 years. The dosas really hit the spot, the owner is a very friendly guy as well.
(4)F W.
Being English means Indian food is something you grow up eating and loving. We went to Gaylords last night. The chicken tikka masala was very good. There were complimentary pappadums and chutneys. The service was excellent.
(4)John G.
I'd like to say that Gaylord gets 5 stars, but I honestly don't know what the best Indian restaurant would be. I will say that I thoroughly enjoy their lunch buffet ... at least once/month. Everything that I've tried there is so wonderful. The Tandoori chicken is fantastic. The veggie samosas are also pretty good. I just had some of their spicy potato mix that they have at the front of the buffet line & I couldn't get enough (3 trips up there today). Chicken meatballs, lentils of all varieties are to be had on any given day at Gaylord. I'm certainly not an authority on Indian food, but I am an authority on what food I like & I like Gaylord's. Go there & get your fill. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Margaret C.
I've been going to Gaylord for their lunch buffet for years. It's amazing, delicious and reasonably priced with great service. I've only been there once or twice for dinner. The dinner prices are a little steep but still not the highest I have seen.
(5)Alaina T.
I'm new to the neighborhood and had a hankering for some Indian food, so I figured I'd give this place a shot - well worth it! I ordered the vegetable pakora, chicken tikka masala, and some plain naan and was happy with the portion size (definitely enough for 2 people and came with an extra side of rice included). I ordered takeout and received a discount for picking up too! Would definitely order again.
(4)Sarms J.
The food is great thought not the best, but again, really good what really makes this place special is their staff. Super super super friendly and nice. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)Rebecca H.
I went to a wedding that was catered by this place so that was my motivation to return to their brick & mortar eatery. I was not disappointed, nor did I think I would be! I'm a sucker for crowded buffets and know to steer clear of desolate buffets where the food must sit untouched for hours. What I like about indian buffets is that whatever the food is labeled as means nothing to me because its in an entirely foreign language. So its a surprise. If it looks good and smells good, it goes in my mouth. I will not eat at a dirty buffet, and this place is as clean as a whistle. Its refreshing to find an indian buffet that has a nice mix of meats and veggies, as well as a mix of goopy and dry foods. The bread (forget the name of it) was simple and great too.
(5)Diana T.
I've been here three times already for the lunch buffet and each and every time, I'm stuffed to the brim. Compared to other Indian buffets, the selection is pretty large. Almost everything I had was delicious and wasn't so strong that you couldn't handle the taste. I loved the eggplant, cauliflower, and this spicy chicken dish in sauce, and the tandoori chicken is so moist and tender. Sorry can't remember the names. The desserts are awesome too, especially the mango ice cream. I found that if you ate a few bites of the ice cream with the fried spongey donut in the warm syrup turns into a wonderful combination. The service is great as well. Your buffet includes a drink and unlimited naan, which turns out to be around 13 bucks with taxes. The only downer is going back to work and finding out that you just can't function for the rest of the day.
(5)Daliah F.
Another deliciously fabulous meal at Gaylord last weekend! The Sag Paneer is always wonderful...rich and delicious. What are those homemade cheese balls for desert in the honey rose water? A little rice pudding on top of those....I almost died and went to heaven. This time the place was packed with an amazingly diverse crowd - entire families (one with what looked like FOUR generations!) couples, a group of college-aged-looking guys and about five different races.
(5)Iris T.
Indian food is something I must have once a month. It's also usually safe for me to eat when I need to (or want to) eat out. I pretty much follow a Jain-like diet and most Indian restaurants understand this diet so it tends to be easier to dine at Indian restaurants. We got breakfast down the road from this place and passed by it. To my surprise, Hubby mentioned it when it was time for lunch so we returned. I guess he wanted something salty and heavier than the usual sandwiches that we had mostly been limited to on our trip. Indian food was pretty safe - the question was what could they offer us. They had some tables already seated. At least half of them were Indian. That's a good sign! They had what looked like a pretty extensive buffet going on which I was tempted to view, but decided not to. I hate it when I can't eat something and I don't quite enjoy torturing myself if I have the choice, because I was about 110% sure we wouldn't be able to take advantage of the buffet, other than probably the breads and dessert. The decor was definitely geared towards "fine dining" with cloth-covered tables and wine glasses for your water. They also had a bar near the entrance. We were seated and our glasses filled. I then told the man that we ate Jain and that we would need the menu. He looked amazed. (East) Asian people? Jain? He questioned us and I told him that we pretty much followed their diet (easier that way). I'm not sure if he quite understood it. In fact, I'm pretty sure he thought I was telling him we were actually Jain, but either way, as long as he understood what we could and could not eat, I didn't care too much. We were told we could only have three items on their menu. Not too shabby, but not all that great of a selection, either. Especially when you see how many items there are on their menu (and buffet). Couldn't complain too much though! It was still food and it wasn't a sandwich or a salad. In fact, I'm pretty sure it wasn't all that healthy either. We got the Bombay Aloo (spiced potatoes) and the Paneer Makhani (Indian cheese in a butter-tomato-cream curry sauce) with some naan. Carbs and fat. Awesome. I felt like I needed it, though. Yelp had some sort of deal where you can get a free appetizer. I mentioned Yelp and before I could finish, the man told me that yes, I would get an extra 10% off my bill. O_o Well, why not? It's likely what I could have on the appetizer menu would have been underwhelming so having a discount of sorts would have been better. I took it. It took a little bit of time but the food did come out. I could hear the man-waiter talk to another person about us being Jain. I stifled a giggle. We were going to order a lassi to share and even considered something else like an appetizer, but it's a good thing we didn't. The dishes themselves weren't huge, but the portions coupled with the actual content and rice - not to mention the naan - was going to be crazy. With us traveling and not likely to return to the hotel until night, we really didn't want to have leftovers to take out. We did it! We finished every bit of the potato and paneer as well as the sauce and sides. Both were good and mildly spiced. The potato was tender but not falling apart and mashed potato-esque. It was well spiced and flavorful. The makhani had a decent amount of paneer in it and the sauce itself was rich. It frankly reminded me of Tomato Bisque. O_o In fact, were there any spices in there? By the time we were done, I was completely stuffed and more than satisfied. Service: amusing and helpful, but felt somewhat awkward at times. Food: good; could do with more choices, but can't really blame them (much) Facilities: not too loud and pretty clean... bathrooms could do with a little bit of work, though. It's 'fine dining' but a number of the customers were dressed pretty casually and that bathroom definitely wasn't upscale. Verdict: a pretty popular place (buffet seems to be very popular... boo on how I couldn't experience it) and the food I could eat was good. Struggled at around 3.4 stars, but decided to round up, just because it was the only hot, savory, and filling meal we had in Chicago other than sandwiches, but that doesn't count.
(4)Shuang Z.
I feel this place is actually better than Indian Garden. So if you decided to have lunch in streeterville area, I recommend this one over Indian Garden. They have a wider variety of dishes for their lunch buffet, I love the shrimp curry, which is not offered at Indian Garden. They have typical saga paneer, vege curry, lentile curry etc. My favorite thing at Gaylord is their ICECREAM!!! The flavors differ from day to day, so far I've had pistahcio and Mango. They are heavenly tasty:D It's really quite inside, so nice dining environment if you wanna talk with friends during lunch. At least you can hear each other easily without yelling. They offer 10% for NU students.
(4)Mackayla G.
DELICIOUS!! I ordered the Queen's Feast and made a hot dog out of the naan, some tandoori sausage, onion, and sauces. Best hot dog in Chicago.
(5)Gretchen D.
We had waited a long time to try this place. Went late on a Weds. night. We were surprised how good it was. Garlic naan and cilantro/pepper naan both good. It was nice and quiet. Reasonably priced wine list (for downtown Chicago that is). We had the chicken tikki masala, samosa chat, chicken pepper (especially good), and We enjoyed them all. Free Yelp appetizer if you check in which the waiter spotted before I even said anything. The service was terrific!
(4)Michael B.
I'm a fan of Gaylord's as i've experienced them at their best. Went for their Sunday buffet and the theme was southern Indian. We found most of the dishes were either mediocre rice, breads or other "fillers" and were a little light on meat and/or vegetable options. I get the southern Indian cuisine style but the value was just not there for the buffet options we were given. What really put us off was the "Bum's Rush" we were given by the waitstaff, like they couldn't wait to get rid of us, even though the restaurant was not full, not closing and people were still being seated for dinner. We found it strange and rude. They kept taking our silverware, napkins and asking us if we were done. What's up with that? I'm a fan Gaylords but this was atypical for you. Make me proud next time I come in.
(2)Rachael N.
I would really like to give this place 4.5 stars. I can't believe we almost didn't come here because of the subpar rating. Do not be dissuaded!! We've tried quite a few Indian places in Chicago (Rangoli, India House, a few along Devon) and Gaylord was definitively the best. The saag paneer, Kerala fish curry, and onion kulcha were seriously amazing. The fish was perfectly cooked and the saag was creamy with tons of paneer. I highly recommend both of those dishes. With our Yelp coupon we also got a samosa chat for an appetizer, which was like a samosa curry with tamarind sauce, mint chutney, and chickpeas. Really yummy and spicy. And it's right near Sprinkles which is great for dessert, though we'd love to try Gaylord's desserts sometime soon. This place is not hip like India House, but the atmosphere and wait staff are warm and cozy. The owner is kinda intimidating but he's doing a great job, so no complaints here! On top of all, Gaylord is excellently priced. Highly recommended!
(4)Agnes O.
We just had a group lunch buffet for 8 people. The service was slow and the variety of food available was average. Dishes were slightly overcooked and not warm enough. To our surprise a 20% service charge was added to our meal. For an almost non-existing service 20% seems pretty unreasonable and undeserved - it seems a bit of a shady practice.
(2)Lois K.
My favorite Indian restaurant in the Gold Coast / Streeterville area. They deliver, which is convenient. Despite large portions, I think they are a little overpriced. However, that doesn't stop me from ordering when I have a craving for Indian food. They haven't always been consistent with levels of spiciness from order to order. Favorite dishes include chicken vindaloo, murg makhani, mutter paneer, navrratan korma, and garlic naan.
(4)Paul W.
Disappointed again by Gaylord. Slow service, mediocre food quality, and our order was mixed up. We tried standards like chicken tikka masala and they rate below average. I'll move on to another Indian restaurant and not come back.
(2)Claudia F.
Simple: the food was really really good. The service was the worst I have had in a very long time. We sat down and were given three water fill-ups before the waiter bothered to come take our order-- and the place wasn't even busy! My friend had to go ask up front for a waiter to serve us! And then this large bulky fellow came and was extremely rude, banging dishes down on the table. Ugh. The other staff were all right, but I guess that big guy was related to the owner or something-- they should have him washing dishes if they have to keep him employed there... Certainly nowhere near customers! Otherwise it was such a yummy meal! Also they finally had a sweet guy who was supposed to be bar tending finish serving us and he was very nice and helpful. So-- I guess you can try this place if you don't mind being pushy to get service. I hope they fire the waiter and get nicer folks in and I will see better reviews in the future that can reflect the quality of the delicious food!
(3)Paula H.
The food is decent. I'm upset though because I had a lot of leftovers but they use super tiny box and most of my food wasn't even packed!
(3)Jeff C.
Decent food, generous portions, good prices, and excellent service. Also, you can usually walk right in on any night of the week and be seated immediately. A good value in a pricey part of the city.
(4)Aayush T.
Placed an online order for delivery at 8:15pm (it's now 9:15pm) When I called the manager he said what's the big deal it's only 1 hr late. You should expect upto 1.5 hrs and said that's normal.
(1)Chris N.
Outstanding service and excellent food provided for our large group (10 people). Never an issue keeping the drinks flowing and the nan coming. Staff was also very helpful with suggestions without pushing too hard.
(4)Jeffie J.
The lunch buffet here is scrumptious, well seasoned and spiced just right. It tends more to the vegetarian than most, but they will bring you tandoori chicken if you ask. There was a wide assortment of appetizers, mains and desserts (including mango ice cream which is kind of interesting on a buffet, since you'd think it would melt but it doesn't). Everything was neat and well organized. Every dish was labeled (in English) and each chafing dish had its own serving utensils. The price is quite reasonable for this part of town, and also in comparison to some other Indian buffets. I didn't think I would like the basement ("ground floor," "lower level") space but actually it's well decorated with murals and flowers on every table. It reads more like "rec room" than basement. There are comfortable booths along one wall and small and large tables in the center. It's not claustrophobic either, because the space is large and there is some light coming in from the front windows. Store-front Indian this is not. Service (which really isn't much of an issue at a buffet) was friendly and fine. Final note: it seemed to me that at least half the patrons were from the Indian subcontinent or thereabouts, always a good sign. I'll definitely be back and will probably ease up on dinner on the days I have lunch here.
(5)Elle D.
Will write a review as soon as try the food..
(1)Chloe T.
I love this place because the food is always excellent and you get great service. Also, the prices are great especially where it is located. I would deem it the best in the city! No matter the size of your party, they are always ready and prepared. I wish they were open for lunch.
(5)Vibhor D.
Went on lunch buffet. Samosa had no salt. Menu had rotating items one instant you have shrimp next instant it gets over and becomes some fish pakoda. Number of items is pretty low. Main course was not tasty at all. I wanted to give 1 star but I have had worse. Sweet dish was good so giving an extra star for that. In short avoidable.
(2)Shradha A.
I used to be a big Gaylord fan for years, however, on my most recent visit, I was disappointed in the food. Service has always been really slow here and not much help is offered when asked for suggestions, but this time even the food was below par. It was oily, felt like it had been sitting there and reheated.
(3)Dax R.
We order here a couple times a year because they have indo Chinese dishes. However, our Aloo Papdi had a fly in the container)...we did not open it yet. Called the restaurant and they said it was the delivery company's issue. Good thing I video taped it! Terrible!
(1)Michelle F.
This place is fantastic!!! The food is so fresh and tasty and reminds me of the great curries you get in the UK. I've been searching in the USA for a proper curry and now I have found it, I would come to Chicago just for this food. I am so happy :)
(5)Arthur K.
Went there for lunch buffet on Thursday. Manager smile at us when we walk in, then waiter put down chicken and naam on our table within 5 minutes. Buffet selection is not too much, but everyone should find something they will like. Make sure you try their ice cream and dessert..
(4)Yui N.
Very good Indian food, highly recommend the samosa chat for an app. So yummy! The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating. Great date night and cool vibes.
(4)Nikki B.
By far the best service I have had in a long time... Besides the food being absolutely amazing, the service here is top notch. Our server Saba, was by far the most helpful, accommodating and kind person that this industry has to offer. Thank you for a great dinner, will definitely be back!!!
(5)Cohen C.
I went there for lunch buffet which was pretty decent. The price was ok. It was a lot of vegetables! But I guess it is in the Indian's food culture.
(3)Dan H.
Went here again on a Sunday evening for their South Indian buffet. A somewhat limited selection, but for the price, entire worth it. I am glad to see the place was filling up by the time I left. I hope they stick around, the neighborhood needs good Indian food.
(4)Annie M.
Took out takeouts. Chicken chilly - very spicy but I liked it. I also ate the bread they call nan or something with fillings inside, they were good too. Also another dish I don't recall it was chicken something orange in color - not spicy but GOOD. Haven't tried a lot of dishes but I like their chicken chilly and the orang colored chicken.
(5)Ashwin A.
It's a decent place. I went there with my friends on weekend and there was a buffet. The food wasn't very close to authentic Indian cuisine and it was a bit overpriced for the selection of items they had. Still the mutton kheema was good also the paneer masala was well cooked with nice spices. But any day I would prefer going to tandoor char house over this.
(3)NYC r.
Great food. Nice staff. My water glass was always full which I really appreciated since I guzzle water.
(5)Neha M.
I have gone for dinner previously and really liked it. This was the first time I went in for lunch buffet with my team. The selection and variety of food was good. They served us Idli, rasam and pakoras as appetizers. The salad bar was open with salad and bhel ingredients. In the entrees, there was sambhar(lentils) , aloo masala(Potato), baigan(eggplant), paneer makhani, mix vegetables, fish entree and chicken makhani. The food was good but I have had better buffet in terms of variety and taste.
(3)Pra P.
High end and Expensive. Very elegant restaurant. Something you will find in Taj Hotels or Viceroy Hotel in India. Ambience was great. Ordered King's meal. Was too much for me. My wife ordered Cheese Dosa. I am always concerned ordering not fast moving food like Dosa or Idli in Fine dining Restaurants. But the coconut chutney and tomato chutney were great and fresh. Sambar did not taste authentic, but everything else was great. I would go again.
(4)Chris C.
I just saw the manager pick through the Buffet line and grab food without washing his hands or using tongs. Never coming here again unless the fix this.
(1)Raquelle Z.
Excellent food and service with a great selection. There was also a buffet available. My dining partner and I each ordered a dish and we had so much food we could dinner again on the leftovers.
(4)Shilpa U.
Very good food , so far the best indian food in usa. We ordered samosa , paneer chilli, bhindi tadka and dal makhni. Food was hot n piping. Tasty and we asked for extra spicy and it was done perfectly. Ambience is nice and cosy
(4)Raju L.
Now I have a serious taste for Indian food and an even more fancy taste for great service. Gaylord just won my business over the likes in downtown or devon. And the thanks goes to a long time server Jaffer. Absolutely free willed and really took great care of us and our guests. Usually, at most Indian restaurants, you end up going for the food knowing the service will be mediocre. Jaffer surprised me. His mannerism very professional yet very personable. I'm going back again as long as he is there. Ask for him. You won't regret it. Food was actually not too bad. Samosas were alright but the saag paneer and malai kofta were out of the world.
(5)Roger E.
Noontime buffet is excellent. Very good food. Nice location and atmosphere just a half block off Michigan ace and Walton. Very professionally managed. Hot and fresh food.
(5)Nia A.
Super slow service is why I would give 3 stars other than that food is tasty. Must try bhuna murg.
(3)Chris T.
I'm writing this review with a full, satisfied belly after another great meal from this place. This might be the best Indian food I've ever had, and everyone I bring here always enjoys it too. Everyone is always surprised with how upscale this place is too - though u can dress like a bum, no problem. Favorite Dishes: Saag Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Kabab Sampler They also got great service, a full bar, and deliver! Hooray!
(4)Ashley R.
it was good experience i will recommend to my friends....
(4)Naren B.
Nice ambience.., good vegetarian North Indian food. Fast service, and Friendly staff..!
(4)DavidJosie F.
The food is nothing special, that will catch your attention. Nothing I would recommend to anyone. It's not horrible but it just appears to be pre-cooked and microwaved, apart from the naan bread with black pepper, which was good! The worst part were the huge clumps of chicken, which were definitely not prepared to order. They forgot about us even though we asked for the check about three times, we had to pay at the bar. No one would have noticed if we had just walked away without paying. The atmosphere is alright, but not fine dining. It is also overpriced for what it is.
(2)Amber W.
My boyfriend and I came here right after we had arrived in Chicago on the recommendation of his dad, who told us to try to catch the lunch buffet if we could. We almost didn't make it, but as we walked in, we were told that the lunch buffet would be open for maybe 5 more minutes. My boyfriend and I hurried through to get food and stacked our table with tons of plates. I could tell the waiters were wanting to clean up the buffet, but they were very nice and waited until they were absolutely sure we had gotten all of the food we wanted to take back to the table with us. We had various foods before us, and it was great. The curries were spicy and flavorful, and I loved the chickpeas. The only thing that wasn't really my favorite was the shrimp curry. It was good, but the taste was a little too fishy for me, I think. They also brought out tandoori chicken for us, which I supposed was part of the lunch buffet deal. So yummy. The best part of the meal was probably the naan. It tasted great alone, and even better when dipped in the sauces from all of the foods. The staff was also super friendly. Other than waiting on us to get our food, they also laughed and told us jokes. When I went to go to the restroom, one of the waiters looked at me very seriously and said, "Our bathroom is out of order." I was almost shocked, but then he started laughing and showed me where the restroom was. My only complaint is actually about the restroom. It was pretty gross in there, and with as nice as the rest of the restaurant was, I was surprised at how dirty they allowed the restroom to be.
(4)Suzanne V.
I have never had such a terrible dining experience in my life. We were seated at a table with no water, and were not greeted. For 15 minutes we sat until someone finally came to give us water. It took a while for our waiter to come and take our order. No one filled up our water glasses again while we waited for our food. When we saw our food come out of the kitchen, it sat on a cart for the longest time before someone wheeled it over to us. Finally a water refill, but out appetizer plates sat on the table for too long after we finished. Eventually we got our main dishes and from there it took way too long to get our check and pay. I'm not sure what the problem was--many waiters walked around but no one came to check on us or give us water. Very strange--I will not be back.
(1)Christina M.
I think this is one of the best places for Indian food in the city. I particularly like the buffet which includes a plethora of vegetarian/vegan options. All of the food is cooked perfectly and the flavoring is fantastic. Highly recommend the buffet.
(5)Naveed A.
Place was looking good but the food was cold and service was bad we had to ask 3 time for the water to refill . It's over price for the food quality
(3)Swati I.
Awesome Food!!!!
(4)Jeff H.
Had Sunday night South Indian buffet. it was meh. The variety of dishes was lacking. Their lunch buffet is much better.
(3)Sandi L.
As a former Chicago resident who is back visiting after 4 years, I am sitting here in Gaylord feeling ashamed of myself. Ashamed for letting myself forget what Indian food should taste like. And mad at the places I've gone to lately for serving the oily, overcooked, mediocre swill they do. Vegetarians can delight in Gaylord's lunch buffet. Oodles of fresh, diverse and complex tasting options, each bite of which had me rolling my eyes in ecstasy. The naan is hot from the tandoor and free of the ghee coating that lesser quality restaurants serve. No need for it! And the chutneys...I could eat whole bowls. My only regret is there's no Gaylord in Oregon, and I'm now ruined for ever returning to anything else. I guess I'll just have to come back here. And the food is fabulous enough to bait me.
(5)Leah D.
Wow! I'm a picky person when it comes to Indian food, and it's rare to find a place that does it well. I went to Gaylord on the suggestion of a good friend (who happens to be Indian and is a real picky eater too) who said it was better than the best he's had in the US and he's been here awhile. I went and had the lamb vindaloo and bhindi tadka (okra). The okra was like no okra I've had at other indian places - both tender and crisp. The vindaloo was rich and buttery and delicious. The service was great, especially as I was dining by myself. Definitely can't wait to get back there!
(5)Sasha S.
The naan bread was outstanding as were the chicken and mixed vegetables. I was at the lunch buffet and the price was very reasonable for what you get.
(4)GM D.
Amazing Indian food! Gaylords is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Their food is consistently good. Portion sizes are generous and we always have left overs.
(5)Sal K.
The food was fine but our service was slow. We ordered off the menu instead of going for the buffet. If you drive there, park only at the garage adjacent to the restaurant entrance. They only validate parking for that garage.
(3)Philip D.
Really great place. Lamb vindaloo was spicy and excellent. Samosa was a tasty way to start. Great service and atmosphere. I will return again next time I'm in Chicago!
(5)Tejas B.
I have been going to the Gaylord in Schaumburg and have had very good experience. I catered my wedding from that location and it was excellent. I catered from the downtown location for an event and i was not impressed. The manager was not friendly and they food was not well prepared. I will not take my business to that location anymore.
(2)Janice R.
O! M! G! I had a dinner date here last night - first time for Indian food and first time at Gaylord - and all I can say is the food was P H E N O M E N A L!!! I LOVE Indian food - and I will be going back to Gaylord and recommending it to everyone I know! I can't remember everything I ate, but every morsel I (or my date :-) put in my mouth was fantastic - and seasoned just right! The leftovers are so good I'm eating them cold today! Thanks, Mike ;-)
(5)Christy L.
I continue on my quest to find great Indian food in Chicago. Gaylord, while fine, wasn't great. We had the Sunday lunch buffet, which relative to other buffets I've tried, was not very diverse. The vast majority of selections were vegetarian (which I actually prefer with Indian) with just a couple of chicken options. They all tasted fairly similar. Service was a definite step-up from other buffets. They quickly refilled our Naan, whereas a lot of other places are slow with this. It's not a bad deal - you can eat a lot for cheap, but my search for better Indian continues.
(3)George L.
My girlfriend and I have been searching for a good Indian Buffet for a long time -- and we found it here. The entrees were all delicious (especially liked the shrimp), the wait staff was very pleasant, and the mango ice cream was a great dessert. Also, best veggie sticks this side of Guatamala ,,(^ . ^),,
(5)Neil R.
Hmmm...did I go on the wrong day? The "clay oven chicken" was not good or even close to decent tandoor style. Rice was not good, naan was decent, saag/palak was average and some of the vegetables I had were very average. The Bhel was probably the best part but that is not terribly difficult to master. The customer service and people in general were great so that justifies potentially three stars. Its a shame- has potential given the service is good - just need to work on the food :) My expectations may be higher than others I'm not sure. But I've had several Indian buffets across the country, in addition to Chicago- notably NYC and SF. Compared to the ones I've had before at at this price point this place ranks low.
(2)Lori G.
Really good! Second time I tried Indian food and it was great! Try the the Chicken Tikka Massala, Naan bread, basmati rice, and also the tandoori murg chicken. This is a feat for 3 people and sooooo good! Best naan I have had and I wish I could come here all the time!
(4)Will F.
Great food, great service and best of all, great prices! We came in (party of 2) on a Wednesday night and immediately got a table. Our waitress was really friendly and engaging. While I eat Indian food often, it is always nice to try new things, and she was incredibly helpful with suggestions while also asking lots of relevant questions to find out what I liked. That alone is a rarity at most restaurants but unheard of for ethnic places. The food was prepared quickly, and the service was always present but not overbearing or hovering. The space was pleasant and comfortable, and for two entrees, some bread and a beer the bill was just over $45. Loved the food and will for sure go back on my next Chicago visit.
(5)Lucas W.
This is by far my favorite Indian restaurant. I've been eating Indian since I could first start eating and my dad has been eating at Gaylords since the 1970s. He even prefers Gaylords to some of the food he's eaten in India. I would only recommend going to the buffet. as with any Indian restaurant, the buffet offers a breat breadth of options with some sort of food for everyone. Gaylords rotates their buffet, but they just about always have the following dishes available: saag paneer, rogan josh, mattar paneer, butter chicken, vegetable samosa. While I certainly have my favorites (their mattar paneer and rogan josh is unparalleled), everything is good. I have never been disappointed. Every friend I have brought to Gaylords has left satisfied and vowing to return. The food is simply fantastic. They have another location in Schaumburg which is the same owners. The individual dishes vary slightly in quality (some better some worse) but it is also a great restaurant
(5)Faye G.
Delicious! Ordered the shrimp Vandalia and it was cooked perfectly. I also has the garlic back. So happy to find an Indian restaurant in the hood that delivers. Will definitely order again and again. My only recommendation is to provide more rice with the order.
(5)Ajay S.
Good restaurant, but hard to see from the street. I found the food to be very good and my order was made spicy, which they can kick it up a notch.
(4)Stephanie H.
Went here for a GLO (girls' lunch out) for the Sunday lunch buffet. Maybe I was expecting more, but this was just A-OK for me. Apparently this place used to be on Dearborn, but now it is in the basement of a building on Walton. It's very non-descript from the street. The buffet had a fair amount to choose from, but I didn't think there was a ton of variety. There were a few chicken dishes, a rice, a soup (cream of broccoli of all things), potato/cauliflower, a few lentil dishes, and some veggies. There was a nice selection of sauces (the mint chutney and the yogurt with cucumber was really good) and that was about it. Some of the food was just really bland. There was a basket of naan on the table that was refilled. The wait staff was helpful, but there were a few times that I had to tell them I wasn't done because they seemed in such a hurry to take my plates or silverware. For $15 all you can eat this buffet is fine, but I think there is better Indian food elsewhere in the city for a similar price.
(3)Ray D.
Good Indian Buffet for lunch. I like the options they have there. Decent location but a very touristy area. Not amazing but good chicken.
(4)Kevin C.
I think the idea of an Indian buffet is hilarious - you're basically paying 12 bucks to feel like shit for the rest of the day and then shit like shit for the next 24 hours. God I love America. Not enough curry, but everything was pretty good, and the service was excellent.
(3)Shwetha K.
Its very near to Willis Tower. If u happen to be to Chicago on ur sight seeing trip. U can definitely make it up to Gay lord. They have wonderful salads & very nice buffet. We had Biryani & raita was tasting superb with it. This restaurant stands for its quality, so i would not mind for those extra bucks.
(5)Dr. B A.
The food is ok but the service was terrible! The staff was not friendly I spoke to the manager and expressed my concerns. The staff did not want to give me enough containers to pack my food to go.
(2)Grace C.
yeay...i shouldn't go back to this place...but i was craving for an nice Indian food... we tried again for Sunday lunch buffet....um...nothing was too wrong...but nothing was yummy. my problems were 1. sauce was too plain...even brocooli cream soup.... 2. all food was warm. not hot. 3. service is so so. 4. not sure how clean the place were... problem it was the last time i tried this place.....hope to find a better Indian place near by soon....
(2)Jessica D.
We've been to the location in Schaumburg, so we were curious how this Chicago location compared. The menu is great, and provides a little for everyone--including southern Indian cuisine fans, by offering idly and uttapam. I had the pepper lamb, which was a little too fatty/not well trimmed for me, and extremely spicy. He had the lamb vindaloo, which also had small pieces of potato and which was very tasty. Entrees come with saffron rice, but you can also order a garlic naan like we did to add another layer of flavor and help pick up the meaty pieces in your curry. I enjoyed their essential punch, a mixture of citrus juices and gin, as well as a mango lassi to help temper the incredibly spicy lamb pepper dish I ordered. All around, the space is comfortable, if a little sparse. There is a little self-serve appetizer table in the center of the rectangular dining room, where you can get some warm papad chips and various chutneys to dip. I missed out on the beets when I stepped up, but they looked really good. The staff is very helpful and the service is at a good clip. The bar at the entrance has two flat screen TVs and some interesting Bollywood stars' photos framed and up on the wall. Great little stop for Indian if you're in the neighborhood shopping.
(4)Soy L.
Attentive service and a vintage restaurant look made this dining experience a nice one for me. The food is delicious but the dinner prices are up there.
(4)David M.
Fantastic selection and exceptional service. One of the best Indian restaurants in town.
(5)Megan F.
A delicious dining experience! The food here is fantastic and can only be riveled by the great waitstaff/service. I have dined at the bar as well as in the main dining room and had exceptional food every time. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Earlie C.
This place is alright if you expect to get what you are going to get. An upper class Indian restaurant Near North where you're going to pay up the ass for almost anything. I'm young and so is my girlfriend. We're both around 25 and look as though we're 18. As soon as we walk in it's as though I can feel the waiters "you take this one, they're going to tip shit." Have this mindset and treat us accordingly... you're going to get SHIT (and I still tipped %18). We order a bottle of Schmitt Sohne for ~$30... Now the waiter seems somewhat interested... but not really. We don't see him again until he's back for the check. Our food was decent. The vindaloo was actually pretty good. And so was whatever else my girlfriend had. We leave nearly $100 less in our pockets for a mediocre experience. Hilarious that I step into Dominick's that night and see a bottle of Scmhitt Sohne for $8 for twice the amount we were served. It's laughable at best. There are so many BETTER places in the city. Too afraid to venture to Devon/Roger's Park? Good. The flavour up North should be reserved for those who know (and want to taste) authentic Indian/Pakistani food.
(3)Lance W.
I've only been in for dinner, the food is fairly good but the service seems slow and distracted. I've traveled throughout India on business and the service here attempts to recreate the service of a fine-dining establishment in India but they don't have enough people working the dining room to pull it off. The head waiter works the dining room and takes orders. The assistant waiter delivers the food. Unless you work hard to flag down a waiter, these are the only 2 visits to your table. For their approach to work, they need someone dedicated to filling drinks, someone dedicated to keeping fresh naan on the table, etc... Ok, I'm off the soapbox for now. I really liked the tandoori chicken, chili chicken and daal makhani. I probably should try to come in over lunch for the buffet so I'm not dependent on the wait staff. My other complaint is the cold naan that is consistently delivered to the table. What's up with serving cold naan! If you have the time and transportation, there are much, much better options for Indian in Chicago...
(3)Abe R.
Look, I dig the Indian Buffet, I really do. From the price point they set, something like $11.00/person, to the exceptional quality and diversity of the dishes, this place has you covered. Do I know if it's authentic? Um...No. No I don't... Do I know that it's normally stacked and has great food? Um...Yes.. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)Padma A.
Went during the week with guests from India for lunch buffet, hardly anybody in the restaurant. I have had better food at Gaylord, was not happy with the quality. They validate lunch parking for $8/ which is a good thing on mag mile.
(3)Norm J.
This place was OK, but definitely not a place I feel I need to return to. The buffet was good for the price, but the wait staff wasn't very attentive or friendly. Waiting almost 10 minutes for the waiter to come and bring us our drinks left a negative impression.
(3)B H.
Very good food and my waiter could not have been more friendly. I have gone back twice this week because of the very good service excellent food. They decor is a little quirky maybe even dated but the food and the service more than make up for it. If you're looking for very good Indian food without having to dress up this is your spot
(4)Cecil S.
This place is honestly such a joke, I don't understand how it's still successful. They're empty most of the time except for the prime lunch/dinner hours, and their wait staff just sits around all day without really bothering to offer good service unless you're considered 'worth it'. I'm the type of person that doesn't even ask for much when it comes to service. The first two times I've gone here was with my family and it was a fine experience, but the food is plain and really not authentic, as well as SEVERELY overpriced (probably due to the expensive costs of the location); don't really think too much of their bar either. The third (and last time) I've gone here, it was completely empty and the waiter was pulling plates early; even though there were literally no other patrons in the restaurant. Ridic!! The wait staff could definitely improve. If you're looking for decent Indian food that actually tastes good with a better ambiance/dining experience, and fairer pricing - check out Tandoor in Lincoln Park and don't waste your time going here. If you're with your family and walking around the area, take a gamble and try them out. If you're close and just want Indian food, order take-out and don't bother trying to suffer through their agonizing dine-in experience.
(2)Sarah M.
Fantastic! I will forever crave this place!
(5)Katie T.
Gaylord is our go-to for Indian takeout in our neighborhood. We always get chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and then a different veggie dish, like saag paneer or aloo gobi. We have tried the samosa, but they weren't quite good enough to make it onto our standard order. Really enjoy their rice. We have eaten here, too. The dining room is a little odd because it's sunken so there's not much natural lighting, but the food was even better and the service was really excellent. Maybe better to takeout, though.
(4)Pete B.
Food was okay, service was poor. For example, the waiter wasn't able to give us recommendations, and when we showed the the yelp special for a free appetizer, the waiter said "you know you have to order food too right?". I found that to be slightly insulting because of course we would know better. Maybe this is one of those cultural differences, but I was not too impressed. Okay food, sub-par ambiance, good location. Probably not gonna go back there again.
(2)Isabel C.
Great food, large portions and the complimentary salad bar is a huge plus! The only down side is we split the check, only can be done 3 ways. And we each paid a certain amount. Those of us who paid in cash did not get change back... It was only a couple dollars and change but still... Not the best service on that part but our waitress was helpful when it came to picking the dishes we wanted.
(4)Will L.
Found this place on Yelp after discovering there would be a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig at 8pm. I must say that in hindsight, I'm extremely glad that there was a 2 hour wait at Purple Pig. There was no wait at all at Gaylord, and I was able to eat the most delicious Indian food I had ever tried. We ordered the Eggplant and Potato Curry (Aloo Bengan), Chicken Naan, and the Indian Hor D'oeuvres. The curry was well flavored and had a very slight kick to it. It went very well with the included basmati rice and the chicken naan. The Chicken Naan was very fresh and fluffy, and was not burnt at all. Easily the best/freshest naan I've ever had. The Indian Hor D'oeuvres were okay, with the absolute exception of the Pakoras. The Pakoras were savory and delicious - I had no idea what it was initially but could care less. They were lightly fried too, so you can indulge on these without worrying about tearing up the insides of your mouth. Customer service was excellent here as well. Our waiter was very polite, and was very helpful and patient in describing certain items to us. I also really liked how the menu was very descriptive and well translated. I also never had to ask for water because there was someone (possibly a ninja) walking around the entire night filling our cups.
(4)Nisha A.
I've noticed some Indian businesses treat Indian patrons like cr@p and Gaylord seems to be one such. At least my experience this past weekend. I didn't even get to eat; I tried to ask the "host" questions about the menu before I took a seat, and he was so grumpy, rude, monosyllablic it was like pulling teeth to get any information from him. I just walked away. Again, I am not sure if he treats everyone like that, but if he is the "face" of the restaurant, they really need a new face.
(1)Sam T.
Nice service, delicious food, complimentary salad bar and reasonable prices. Live in the neighborhood and will definitely be back!
(4)Mie L.
#NAME?
(4)Marcel M.
Phenominal! Try the dinner special- good mix of everything. PS the chicken soup great as well.
(5)Javier B.
I am so happy that Gaylord has finally reopened! It was the best Indian lunch buffet when it was on Clark and it is even better now at it's new location on Walton. I have eaten dinner here a couple of times too and the food is top notch, but their buffet is one of a kind. Their saag paneer is incredible. I've only had a spinach dish close to it at Hema's. They rotate a lot of the dishes during the week so it is always interesting and fresh. For those who are not familiar with Indian food, this is the best way to introduce yourself. I take out of town visitors here all the time and it has never disappointed. Their staff is also very friendly. Highly recommended for their lunch buffet!!!
(5)lindsay a.
I ordered takeout from here through grubhub. When it was delivered, the bottom of the paper bag was soaked. Mutter mess had leaked out, and it spilled all over my floor. The Plastic top to dish was cracked open. next time try to make sure everything is sealed before handing it over to the delivery guy. i had to reheat the samosas because it took longer than the ETA to get to my apartment. Not a good experience.
(2)Warren T.
One of the best lunch buffets we've ever experienced. We came in there on a Saturday for lunch and were impressed with the variety of dishes offered. The food was so fresh and tasty. We could almost have just gone vegetarian with their sumptuous veggie dishes. The rice pudding dessert was also fantastic. Highly recommended for anybody looking for a quick buffet meal!
(5)Max P.
Their chicken makhani with naan is to die for. The Rohan Josh is also super good.
(5)Misty J.
Murg Bhuna, Saffron rice, and Raita.... The best!
(5)Lauren U.
We love this place! Friendly people and good food. Lots of vegetarian options. We usually go for dinner, and it is not very full at all, so there is no long wait!
(4)Vickie L.
Lunch buffet is great. A TON of selection, both veggie and with meat. They had 2 fish dishes, I have never ever seen fish at an indian buffet before! Everything was sooo good. A huge selection for dessert too with a nice selection of freshly cut fruit. Wow. Pretty good location downtown too, but it's hidden, keep your eyes open because it's on a lower level.
(4)Deep P.
I am Food lover and know what indian taste is. This place is serving best indian food.i have seen some junk indian restaurants like Himalyan or ebony getting 4 or 5 star from non Indian community coz they dont know the taste of indian food. My advice to every1 is to try this restaurant once to know real indian food taste
(5)MJ D.
This was an excellent Indian restaurant in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and I would definitely return as the food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the service was spectacular. I'm always impressed when the owner or chef makes their rounds around all of the tables and thanks his guests. At Gaylord, the owner was never far away and always checking with us to make sure that everything was meeting our expectations. They far exceeded those high expectations. For appetizers, I was especially fond of the BHEL POORI (rice puffs, chick-pea flour vermicelli, diced potatoes & onions mixed with tangy sauces) and the BHINDI AMCHUR (deep-fried wafer thin slices of okra sprinkled with tangy spices), both of which were very tasty and unique. The Bhel Poori was so good that our large group of 8 had to order a second plate of it and both were quickly polished clean. For main entrees, we tried quite a bit, including the idly, chicken tikka masala, karahi chicken, lamb vindaloo, and chicken biriyani, but the one dish that I couldn't get enough of was the YELLOW DAL (thick lentil soup made of moong chana dal sauteed with spices), which was so incredibly flavourful that I kept going back for more. After reading in the menu that the KEEMA NAN (bread, stuffed with seasoned minced lamb meat) was their best seller, I definitely had to try it and was slightly disappointed. Though it was certainly delicious, I was expecting something far more spectacular. But the fact that I'm not the biggest lamb eater could also have contributed. So with regards to the various bread options, of which they had so many good ones, I was most impressed with the BLACK PEPPER & CILANTRO NAN (nan sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper & cilantro). This nan was unlike any other nan I've ever had before and was very satisfying. My only regret after seeing how much pride they put into their various breads, was that I did not try their garlic nan, but for that, a return trip is definitely in order. If you like great Indian food in a quiet, clean, and relaxed setting with great service and reasonable prices, I would definitely give this one a try! P.S. Mention FACEBOOK and they'll even give you 20% off the entire bill!
(5)Vishal B.
The location is a bit tricky to find, its off of Walton and Michigan and you have to go down the stairs. We had the buffet here, they had a good mix of both vegetarian and meat items clearly marked. Food tasted great! The service was also nice and quick. I wished they validated parking for the garage however. I actually cannot think of a negative thing to say about this restaurant. I might be going soft!
(4)Tulika S.
Nice place n ambience...good food and value for money...went for a bday party there...service was excellent n patient too as our group was late to reach n order
(4)Samantha E.
I've had this catered at a few events I have been to and Gaylord never fails to deliver. Everything I have ever had from here has been on point. Now all I need to do is stop in and sit down for a meal.
(4)Tony G.
gaylord has waiters that have been there 20 years. the food is perfect.
(4)Cassie S.
Tucked away in the garden level of a large building across the street from 900 N. Michigan is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants that the City of Chicago has to offer. For quality, taste and service, definitely the best Indian restaurant in the city. (as for authenticity, I can't speak to it personally, but my sister-in-law's family all seemed to enjoy it). I've been here twice and sampled quite a large selection of the menu. My brother and sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner was held here in July 2011 and before that, of course we had to go taste testing! There is nothing that I've tried that I didn't love (well, except for things that I knew I wouldn't like just because of the ingredients or preparation, but that's going to happen anywhere). Even my brother and dad, picky eaters and vegetable-haters enjoyed the vegetarian options, of which there are many. Chicken, lamb and seafood dishes were all great too. The staff here could not be nicer or more accommodating. Offering to make dishes spicier or mild based on personal preference. From the matre'd to the bartender, the servers and the owner, everyone was so friendly and anxious to be of help. Yes, it's expensive. Certainly out of my price range for an everyday dinner. But for a special occasion - totally worth it.
(5)Nick H.
Superb, superb. I was working in Chicago for a few days and I came back two nights in a row because it was so good.
(5)Sabrina F.
This is what an Indian restaurant should be! Fantastic selection of authentic courses, not greasy, and so flavorful. Staff is very hospitable and welcoming. Atmosphere is a little outdated and tacky, but you kind of expect that with most Indian restaurants. If you're new to Indian food, I highly recommend going with the King's or Queen's tasting menu which feature 5-8 smaller portions of select appetizers and main courses. Perfect for discovering your favorite dishes.
(4)Ishan P.
Good food, Service is ok. My server made a mistake in the order which i had to send back. But he took care of it without a lot of arguments.
(3)David F.
We tried Gaylord right as they were closing, and there was a certain air of being rushed. I don't blame them, except they were closing at 9p and it's Chicago! We had a good selection a dishes to try and they were all pretty tasty. Some were way too spicy for me, and I like it spicy. My friend definitely couldn't handle the heat and dealt with his burning stomach for a while. Be warned if you are cautious around heat. The service was good and I enjoyed the overall experience. I bet the buffet rules.
(3)Vivian H.
Tried the buffet and while it wasn't what I'm used to, it was tasty! What I'm used to is lots of curry and meat -- chicken, lamb, goat, you know. But the veggies here are good, and so is the spicy chicken tikka masala and that fluffy naan! Great service, waters were refilled and plates cleared constantly.
(3)Kiarash Z.
I've admonished people for being upset that a restaurant took too long with the food. If you want food fast, I've declared, go for fast food. That being said, Gaylord simply takes too long, especially when you're paying for street parking or plan to get anything done with you afternoon. Still, I'm glad the restaurant offers something different from the bland, corporate eateries on Michigan Avenue. And our server honored the Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer.
(2)Kelly T.
I wouldn't say it's the best that I've had. I felt a little strange but our waiter kept on pressing for us to order more and more and OMG, it's only me and a friend. DON"T EVER get the appetizer " INDIAN HOR D'OEUVRES", it was honestly pretty tasteless as it was all greasy fried vegetables. I have to admit paying $12 for that was kind of a scam. Otherwise, the CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA was decent, had a nice kick to it.
(3)Jennie C.
Was in the neighborhood with my colleague and decided to eat here after seeing the 4 stars on Yelp. What a pleasant surprise! We decided to get the King's feast, which included 3 Tandoori items, naan, soup, rice, lamb and veggies (see my pics). Other than the Tandoori chicken & mahi mahi being a tad dry, everything else was delicious. They were kind enough to give us two separate portions of everything and even packed them separately for our doggie bags. The meal ended up with complimentary desserts (mango ice cream was nice and flavorful, didn't like the fried cheese ball too much), and we got the 20% off web discount. Service was very friendly but not over-attentive. A hidden gem. Can't wait to return!
(4)Sangeetha I.
Yummy in my tummy. I came here two nights in a row! I weathered the freezing Chicago winds to get myself a fix of Gaylord! Elegant, great service. fair prices and some TASTY food. We partook in the following over our 2 meals: 1. Dal Palak -Yellow lentils simmered with spinach. Hot, tasty, cumin-infused and wholesome. A heaping spoon of some of this and crisp basmati rice has me drooling 2. Vegetarian Kofta -Kofta (Indian dumpling) cooked in a tomato gravy. A nice and richer complement to the Dal above 3. Paneer Makhani -Generous (maybe a little too) servings of Paneer cubes sauteed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. Mop this up with some Garlic Naan 4. Bindi Masala -My fav! And cooked the way I love it. Well-cooked okra with tomato and onion chunks sprinkled with a dose of amazing masalas. 5. Rajasthani Roti -Wheat rotis stuffed with spiced mustard greens. My hubs went gaga for this 6. Garlic Naan -The perfect amount of garlic (not tasteless and not pungent), softly risen bread All dishes are served with saffron basmati rice. The appetizers are also great (especially the potato patty). There's a Yelp offer on this place if you check in! Free appetizer up to $10. The salad bar (free) is great...chutneys, cucumbers, carrots, radish and beets all cut up conveniently to dip, some papadums and a killer homemade pickle! They have a full bar, all the veggie dishes were between $10-$16 and it was all fantastic!
(5)Jess G.
Went with a larger group on a saturday night. The food was really tasty (some dishes were slightly oily however) and service was fast and accommodating. Overall really enjoyed the experience!
(4)Kaitlin M.
The location is hidden underground but still cute. The menu was expansive, but I went with my sister who worked in an Indian restaurant once. I let her handle the ordering. We got a chicken curry and an eggplant dish. Both were as expected but my favorite was the mustard greens stuffed bread. You have to try it! They also have a salad bar with different veggies, bread and Indian salads. The staff was kind and patient as we were torn over what to order. The last good thing was the cost. On the other hand, our too main dishes were too oily for my liking but full of all the traditional Indian spices. I was not overly impressed with the place but would go back it someone else wanted to try it.
(3)Tisha K.
It's really hard to find a good biryanni, and they have an amazing chicken biryanni- with just the right amount of spice! The service is good and always very quick!
(5)Vina O.
The food was very good, but portions are smaller and prices are slightly higher than others in the River North/Gold Goast/Streeterville area. Maybe it's best to stick to the lunch buffet rather than go here for dinner.
(3)Vineet S.
Got to visit Gaylord on the occasion on Diwali(Festival of Lights). My manager took everybody out for lunch to this place. Ohh man this place was packed. Lunch buffet was great. Quite a number of options for veggies. I liked chiili paneer(indian cheese), bhindi(Okra) znd dal(lentils). Desserts were good too specially the mango ice cream.They should try improving on gulab jamuns, I didn't quite liked the texture. According to me they probably have the best Indian Lunch Buffet in downtown.
(4)Anne H.
$12 Buffet. Great variety. Didn't skimp on spice. Very flavorful. The customer service was very good. All the staff was very polite and professional.
(4)M G.
I LOVE Indian food and I LOVE the all you can eat buffet they offer during the week. It's around $12 I believe and it has a decent selection of dishes to pick from. The staff is also very attentive and helpful in picking out a dish to try. Definitely recommend trying the buffet during your lunch hour if you can. The food here is awesome.
(5)Dan S.
I ate here the other night when in Chicago on business. I eat Indian food a lot so I am used to mediocre Indian places. This place is the exception. The food was terrific. Fresh, tasty, hot. The service from the eastern European waitress was also top notch. She deserves a raise. She was polite and very attentive to my likes. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Neelay L.
I came to Gaylord with my family to celebrate Diwali, and for those who know what Kali Chaudash is for the Indian calendar, our experience here fit the meaning of the day and what can potentially happen to us (I am only half-joking, as you will see with this review. For those who don't know what Kali Chaudash is, it's a day where bad things are supposed to happen, to summarize it the best I can). The first event that caused me to feel the experience was subpar was when we saw a manager scold our waitress in the dining area in front of everyone. This is very unprofessional, and in my view, even if the waitress made a mistake, a reprimand should be done in private rather than within eyesight of patrons. The restaurant offered a complimentary salad/appetizer bar with papadam, vegetables, and a few chutneys including a mango chutney which was made very well. Unfortunately, this and the dessert, which I will discuss later, were the best parts of the meal. Once the food arrived, it didn't take long for me to realize everyone, including myself, was disappointed at the quality of their food. Most of us ordered chicken dishes, and the sauces were good overall, but the chicken was dry and stringy, and in one family member's words, "tasted like cardboard." I didn't quite believe my dish (Chicken Tikka Masala) was this bad, but the chicken was not consistent in texture. Some pieces were juicy and full of moisture, while others were dry. I have been to enough Indian restaurants to know how the chicken should be, and this was not good. The restaurant goes with a spice scale of mild, medium, or hot, and I would have preferred a number scale as this allows one to pinpoint the level they prefer. The mild dishes ordered at the table were not mild at all. For dessert, we ordered orange kulfi, and instead we were given pistachio kulfi, but we decided to eat it anyways and were pleased with the taste. The kulfi came with excellent fruit (oranges and strawberries cut into slices) With the lack of quality of the meals ordered, the managers were kind enough to offer a 10% discount, but we walked in with the intention of showing them a Facebook "like," which would have netted us the same discount. Overall, the experience was below average with prices slightly higher than average, so I do not recommend coming back to this restaurant. I can safely say 85-90% of the Indian restaurants I have eaten at are better than this one, and it's worth noting that the Gaylord location in Schaumburg has a friendlier management staff, better service, and better food as well.
(2)Winston G.
Great place for Indian food in the River North area, right off Michigan Ave and in a central location. The prices might seem a bit high, but make sure you mention Yelp so you can get a discount! The waiters and the owners of the place were extremely friendly, and more than willing to accommodate our party of 9. This is a good restaurant for groups. Dishes were ordered: Samosas - not the best I've had, but definitely passable. Could have a crispier crust to them, but they were decent. Chicken tikka masala - very good - creamy, tender chicken, and a large enough portion to share between 4-5 people. Rogan josh - tender pieces of lamb - good flavor Chicken vindaloo - my favorite dish here - very nice spice to it and the dark meat was tender The naan was good and fresh. This place doesn't charge absurd amounts for white rice, like the India House does. I will be back here again, hopefully to try the lunch buffet people keep discussing.
(5)Jennie T.
I didn't know there was an Indian restaurant within walking distance from my office! I found this out several weeks ago as I was taking a walk to my friend's birthday dinner in Old Town (it was 35 minute walk). There was a guy outside that was giving out samples of tandoori chicken. I thought it was tasty so I told myself that I'd try to come for their lunch buffet one day. Enter today. Again, there was someone handing out free sample of food. I didn't know what it was because I had already made up my mind to get the lunch buffet so it didn't make sense to stick around for a sample. I went inside and was greeted by several of the staff. I don't know how many people waited on me but it was more than a few. You'd think I was queen or something, but their service was only so-so. I was just a tad bit annoyed that every single one of them asked me if I wanted soda since it "comes with the buffet." Um, no thank you, I've said this at least 5 times already. The buffet selection was pretty good--everything was decent, but some of the items were not heated properly. There was a shrimp dish today that I thought was good (mostly because the shrimps tasted fresh), but the only problem was that my shrimp tasted a little cold. It didn't particularly upset me but I would rather have my food hot and spicy like how I imagine Indian food should be. Everything was kind of lukewarm, except for my basket of freshly made nan, which of course, happened to be the warmest food item I had today. I was surprised by the fruit salad though -- the orange pieces of fruit that I thought would be cantaloupes turned out to be mangoes! What a pleasant surprise! I love mangoes. The only reason why I'd come here again is because they're close to my office and sometimes I just want Indian food. But India House is a lot better... If only, India House was within walking distance of my work (well, it is... but not during my lunch hour). Oh and the third star is strictly because Chicago Curry House in the South Loop is actually more like a "meh"-2-star kind of place. The food at Gaylord at least had some spice...It still wasn't spicy and that was disappointing, but it was an attempt? Maybe I should order off the menu next time.
(3)TJ Y.
So I was really looking forward to this place because I have yet to find an Indian restaurant here in Chicago that I absolutely love. My friend suggested this restaurant because they apparently make their food spicy... and I loooove spicy! However... it was a disappointment :( Food - I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. I asked for spicy.... and it was only a bit spicy (in my opinion). The spiciness/peppers (even though it didn't taste too spicy) overpowered the dish though.... and I didn't get the other flavors of the dish. The garlic naan was cooked perfectly, but it was a bit light on the garlic. Service - Our service wasn't great... we had to ask for a few things a couple of times before our server actually brought them. They weren't busy, so he just wasn't really paying attention. Ambiance - there was live music there, so that was nice. Comparing three Indian restaurants that people have suggested from just the food standpoint... Gaylord's spices overpower the flavorfulness of the dish. India House's chicken tikka is yummy.... although a bit on the tomato-y side.... And Jaipur's is on the creamy side... out of those three Indian restaurants... India house is still the best one.
(3)Avani P.
Tasty aloo vindaloo. Quick delivery service. We order delivery/take out once a month. Never been disappointed.
(4)Shane H.
Lovely. I came here for dinner. This place was typically empytish with other a few other table other than ours. We ordered the chicken masala and the lamb vindooloo. Both were not as spicy as indian food can get, but still tastefully presented and delicious.
(5)S G.
This is a good Indian restaurant. The food is fresh and tasty. I can't believe this city. People will deliver food like this to your home! Chicken tikka, eggplant bharta, sikh kabob, samosas and rice pudding. Just like mom's home cooking. It's not fine dining, but it's comforting!
(4)Bhaskar K.
Folks, you will never ever regret visiting this place. Probably the best food I ever ate (including places in India) at a restaurant. I went there on three consecutive nights and thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Do not miss the OKRA appetizer. Lamb dishes are so good that you will definitely overeat, so be prepared and dress appropriately to accommodate the extra space :) Excellent taste, service, presentation and value for the money !
(5)O K.
Delicious!! You get 20% off if you carry out! But then you don't get their free salad bar thing.
(4)moon k.
The restaurant was nothing fancy. It was clean and the set up was nice also. We tried the lunch buffet (Sunday) today. I started with the appetizer stuff with some Papad and chaat..the papad was kinda salty. Then some naan came in which I liked..I tried it with the eggplant curry which was good also. Then I took some rice which was STALE...the rice grains were chewy and hard. I have never tasted such BAD rice before. There was no gulab jamun for desert. The food overall was not tasty..I expected it to be better. The manager who gave the bill did not talk at all for some reason...did not ask how the food was or whatever...I do not recommend people going to eat their buffet for sure.
(2)Matt S.
The waitstaff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious. I had the Gaylord Chicken. Succulent chicken breast pieces in a spicy red sauce. The price was reasonable and the portions were generous.
(4)Xiaoxi L.
Not the usual spicy, strong $10 buffets I eat, this one, which was $13-15/person, had a different variety. They had tandoori chicken in a thin-ish sauce, and other options were not as drenched/flavorful as other buffets I've eaten at. I've heard this is more like authentic South Indian food, and it was good, just not as strong as I expected. There was fried fish, which is a pleasant surprise.They had eggplant, which was deLICIOUS. Instead of mango kulfi, hey had strawberry ice cream, which had little nubs of some kind of grain in it. It was interesting and very good, but I missed my mango kulfi. Those pancake balls were very good too, and kept warm. The service was very good. They kept clearing the plates as soon as we were finished. If you like Indian flavor that's a bit muted, this is the place for you. I like to get a slap to the face with curry, so I prefer the $10 buffet at Cuisine of India, where they have several dishes smothered in the thickest curry in the land.
(4)Yang B.
Saw little fruit flies around the buffet. Smoke in the dining section. Food was salty and spicy. My Indian colleague seemed to have enjoyed his dinner. I will not go back on my own.
(1)Saira K.
The lunch buffet was pretty good. The restaurant is in a basement and not very bright, but the food was good. I think the buffet also includes a drink (soda), and that was nice.
(3)Sarah C.
Very disappointing after all the good reviews. Food was greasy and lukewarm and there were flies all over the buffet. Our waiters rushed us out an hour before closing time because the other diners had left.
(2)Lucia Z.
We came here a couple months ago and had a really great experience. The service was good and the food was better! Really high qualify Indian food. A little more expensive than most Indian places, but still reasonable, especially for the area.
(4)Rich W.
Good food, strong drinks. Nice atmosphere and some curry that'll blow your hair back.
(5)Dhrisha P.
Great food if you love Indian of course.. Gaylords is open late so when I'm finished with work they can still feed me. Valet parking is available. the food is great. spicy, and was quick, but Its a quite, relaxing atmosphere. I remember a few Jamaican songs, (kind of sexy). You do have to order a few servings to feel full. I usually eat once a day and rice and chicken sauce was good but I think I will need desert next time. I don't know how I didn't think to order a Indian desert.
(4)Avery H.
I experienced a complete failure of service at dinner from which I have just returned. I dined alone, this being my last night in Chicago. I've been in town on business and was hoping to enjoy a wonderful last meal and experience at Gaylord India Restaurant. I was rather hungry as well and eager to taste some wonderful Indian cuisine. I was seated in a timely manner, and my order was taken relatively quickly, but the experience went downhill from there. My server was rather aloof and seemed not to care very much about my being there. He wrote nothing down as he took my order. Needless to say I didn't feel very welcomed. I ordered a glass of the Malbec, the pakoras appetizer, the lamb saag for dinner, and some nan. The pakoras were brought and dropped at the side of my table. Presentation was lackluster and a bit sloppy, but the sauces were tasty. My entree was brought and the gentleman who did so left so quickly that even after I repeatedly called out to him, he never turned around. I was calling to him because it looked like he had brought me the wrong entree. I later found out what I had been served was lamb kadai. I was so hungry I decided to eat it anyway. It was quite delicious and the nan was amazingly good; the best nan I've had. Then, the server that took my order never returned. He never checked on me to see if I was happy with what I was served. I probably would have ordered another glass of wine, but by the time I was finished with my meal I had waited so long for someone to return that I was ready to leave. It took a very long time for the check to be brought to me. What a shame. The food was good, but the poor service ruined the experience. I'm glad I ate alone there, because if I had brought my clients there to eat, it would have been an embarrassment.
(2)JJ L.
3.5 stars. $13 for a weekend lunch buffet in downtown Chicago - wow, very nice price. The buffet had an excellent shrimp, butter chicken, and butter paneer. The saag (spinach) was only OK, the tandoori chicken was a bit dry, and naan was not great. Overall, an excellent lunch choice that you won't great. Very close to 4 stars but didn't quite make it for me.
(3)Nat M.
so far, this is my fav Indian food in Chicago, which isnt saying much. I eat takeout, so cant comment on the restaurant experience. The kerala fish curry is really good. So is their naan. They do a good job with the other mainstream indian dishes as well
(4)Annie E.
Terrible!!! I was born in Malaysia and knows my curry very well. I chose there because it was close to my hotel and I wanted some Indian curry. When I arrive, the restaurant was packed with Indian patron, so I thought that was a good sign. I guess unfortunately, the waitress never even asked if we want our food mild, medium, or spicy. Of course, it came out so spicy that it completely destroy the flavor, and my son is resort to only eating the garlic naan bread. I asked for yogurt to neutralize the spice, but they were too busy and it took them 15 mins before they brought it over. Over price, service is terrible, and food is way too spicy
(1)Praveen S.
Good indian food, great location of the restaurant, clean and fast service, complimentary salad bar with lots of papad. little pricey because of its location but totally worth it.
(4)Kathy S.
I had no idea that they gave 20% off a la carte prices for carry out! Since Indian can get pricey, this is a great benefit of going to Gaylord's compared to other places. I was extremely impressed with the hospitality of this restaurant. The manager offered us some food to munch on while we waited for our order that included chutneys with chips and cucumber/carrots. He was just very welcoming and chatted with us while we were waiting so even before tasting the food, I already loved the place. We ordered the lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala and they were both very tasty. Vindaloo is one of my favorite Indian dishes and this did not disappoint. Garlic naan was also good although I wish it was a little more garlicy. Highly recommended if you're craving Indian. The 20% off for carry out will definitely have me picking up from here more frequently and I'm looking forward to trying their lunch buffet sometime.
(5)ettennam M.
I have eaten at the restaurant as well as ordered carry out. I am so pleased with the service I receive every time I go. I especially love the quality, taste and appearance of the food. I have told my friends and will continue to call upon this business for the best India Food. Thank you.
(5)Lori K.
Lunch buffet was good. Rajma was a pleasant surprise. Typical North Indian food so not much spice, but certainly worth every penny.
(4)Ruchi G.
I tried their lunch buffet recently on a weekday and I was quite disappointed. The food was not spicy(which I assume was because of where the place is located) which was okay with me but it was not flavorful either. The spread was quite uninteresting. They had chicken makhani, dry fried fish, tandoori chicken and a few vegetable dishes that did not taste very different from each other. Its probably one of the most bland and tasteless Indian food I have eaten at a restaurant. I don't think I am basing that on hotness or spicyness, its just lack of any balanced flavors. After I was done, I felt like I had had a meal full of cream and butter without really experiencing any taste. They had a random potato dish sitting in the beginning of the buffet between the salads and the condiments and the bread (naan) served on the table was cold and dry. It was evident that it had been sitting out a while and they just served it without even heating it. Overall, it just felt like they don't put much thought into what they make or how they serve it. The waiters were pleasant and friendly and checked regularly if we needed anything. I have eaten at India House a few times now and feel that their buffet is so much better-the food is fresh, they take care of the temperature and the food actually tastes good. I would recommend them over this place anyday!
(1)Quality C.
THE GOOD: great Indian food. Good service THE BAD: Difficult to decide if you are not Indian and haven't had much exposure to Indian food. THE UGLY: The high price. The do give you a discount for take out that you pick up.
(4)Thomas B.
Was staying down the street at the Drake and Yelp led me here. I was not disappointed. Great service, and very good food.
(4)Suzy D.
We came here for dinner on a Sunday night. My husband got the lamb biryani and I had the mutter paneer. Our friend had the paneer makhani. We also had some garlic naan. Everything was good, but I still prefer India House. However, I think Gaylord's may be slightly more affordable. My husband said the lamb biryani at Gaylord's is top notch so I guess we will be back for more biryani. We have also come here for buffet before. It is only $12 and it is pretty decent. I still like the buffet at India House better but the buffet at India House is about $17 so I guess for the price Gaylord's isn't bad.
(3)Cerella F.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at gaylord's. The atmosphere was great and everything was very clean. The food was incredible, some of the best Indian food I have ever had. As a strict vegetarian, finding food that I can eat and enjoy can be a challenge. Gaylord's offered a wide variety of vegetarian options to choose from. The service at the restaurant was amazing. The employees were very nice and helpful. They also were timely and efficient. The bill for our food was very reasonable, considering the generous portions that we received. Gaylord's was a wonderful restaurant and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable, flavorful meal.
(5)El B.
Went back when the doors were unlocked (success!) because I do do do love indian food and this place is as convenient as they come for me. The place was PACKED, but our servers were attentive and polite. We ordered the vegetarian appetizer platter which we did NOT need because the entree portions are big and they have a mini "salad" and poppadom bar. Mr. Bee and I both took most of our entrees home. My eggplant entree was...weird. The eggplant had a somewhat unpleasant texture, but the sauce was to die for. I wouldn't get it again, but I did soak up with the sauce with naan. I will definitely go back. They lose a star because of my original experience where a bunch of slack-jawed workers wouldn't take two seconds to get up and explain that they close for an hour or two between lunch and dinner (not advertised on the door if my memory serves me). Instead, they looked at me, looked away, and I left mad and starving. I forgive you, Gaylord.
(4)Alex C.
Great indian food. I haven't had much indian food so maybe i'm not the best person to judge but my experience and overall quality of the food was good. We arrived pretty late and the wait staff as well as the owner came up to us and let us know to take our time. We ended up leaving at 9:45PM because we eat fast but i was still appreciative of the service. We ordered the King and queen meal which are very reasonably priced for the amount of food served. The dining area is very fancy and more classy than expected. Had a great experience! Will recommend and be back very soon!
(5)Sonal G.
I had a horrendous experience at this place. Coming from someone that has grown up eating/cooking indian food-- I can honestly say this place is nothing but a disappointment. For some reason they have a great reputation, which is why I thought I'd try their buffet. I've had carry-out before and thought it was just okay. Every single thing they had in the buffet was cold. Their tandoor chicken was a part of the buffet, never in the last 26 years of my life have I been to a sit down indian restaurant where they don't bring tandoori chicken on a hot sizzling skillet.. i guess there's a first time for everything! The waiter service was speedy-- which was the only good thing about the place. The manager/owner (whoever he was) walked around the restaurant and asked EVERY table how their food is and if everything is okay.. but for some reason he walked right past us, without even acknowledging us. Is that maybe because we didn't have any non-indians on our table unlike all the other tables? Something like that is, unfortunately, a common occurrence at Indian restaurants. Do other ethnic restaurants do that too? Do mexican, middle eastern, italian restaurants not treat mexican, middle eastern, italian customers as well as the rest? I have a feeling that's not the case. Anyone that wants good indian food-- go to India garden (not too far from gaylord) or go to devon street! To conclude this venting session-- 1. The food was cold 2. I wasn't a fan of the way it tasted-- if you don't have much experience w/indian food, you might like it by default. But, I'd say go someplace else. 3. Inconsiderate management 4. Wait staff was speedy/polite 5. Dessert was straight out of a box--- VERY poor quality -- strawberry ice cream as a part of the dessert? since when is that even remotely indian????? it was just plain TACKY.
(1)Jason H.
A great choice for Indian food right off of the Mag Mile. I've been twice for the lunch buffet and had an excellent experience both times. The buffet was extensive and had a little of everything that I was craving. The iced tea was also fantastic, which was unexpected but very welcome. An underrated lunch option. I'll need to come back for dinner one of these days.
(5)David M.
I am new to Indian Cuisine, but my girlfriend loves it, so we decided to try Gaylord for my first time. We had the lunch buffet and it was a little price but I think it was worth it. The waiters were friendly and very good at making sure of clearing dirty plates. The chicken curry was delicious! Could have had more main dish options, but otherwise a great date spot.
(4)Paridhi N.
We have been here twice for Sunday buffet and the food is OK. Nothing special, really.
(2)Audrey S.
After newly moving to the Gold Coast neighborhood back in October my husband and I were on the hunt for our go to indian restaurant. One night, with a tikka masala crave (yes, we are the stereotypical american indian restaurant goers), we decided give Gaylord a try. To our disappointment the tikka didn't do it for us - it was dry and lacked flavor. That said, my husband ordered the lamb which was out of this world - tender, juicy, flavorful deliciousness! Also, the naan was perfect! As I am finally writing this I am just now realizing that Gaylord is closed:( That said, excuse my brevity.
(3)Kyle D.
Gaylord is consistently excellent. Fantastic service, excellent food, and nice ambiance. My only (tongue-in-cheek) critique is that the mural on the back wall is a bit tacky and out of sync with everything else. Love the 20% discount on carryout.
(5)Boon K.
This is one of my favorite Indian places to eat for lunch. It's not the largest selection but honestly the best tasting. I love all everything they make here. There is such a great balance of spicy, sweet, salty, sours, etc. They have so much favor in all their dishes. Plus, I like that it's not floating in oil or super greasy compare to the indian places around.
(4)Pamela C.
The best Indian restaurant outside of Devon Street. Vegetarians skip the Sag Paneer and try the Mattar Paneer. The service is a little spotty, it always seems they could use an extra hand, but the food makes up for it. And your glass is never empty. Try the Indian beer and favored naan basket.
(4)Robin H.
There are few exceptions to my "no buffet" rule - this would be one. We got here on a Sunday right as they opened for the day. The food was excellent AND hot - something that is difficult to find for Indian buffets! The drink is included in the $12 lunch buffet price. Normally, my friend and I head to Devon to get our Indian food fix, but this trip didn't allow us to venture that far out. This was definitely a great alternative. The only thing that was lacking here was the service. I'm not one to need to be waited hand and foot, but no smile or "you're welcome" was offered throughout the entire meal. I will say that they did keep our drinks filled though. All in all, the food was worth it and I will keep the 5 star rating.
(5)Roshni P.
Nice staff, quick service, good food. The only downside was that it was a little pricey. Probably because it was located close to Michigan Avenue.
(4)Kammie G.
I tried Indian food for the first time here on Sunday. It has been nothing short of perfect. They have a free "appetizer-snack" buffet with a variety of sauces (the sweet fruity one was my favorite, couldn't get enough!) with these Indian chips, veggies, or fruit. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and definitely hooked us up with 20% and free dessert at the end of our meal. I'd name the dishes we tried but I honestly have no idea, the names are not exactly easy to remember for a first timer like me. Everything was delicious however, including the garlic naan and the very aromatic rice. The dessert was the best thing I might have ever tasted. It was a type of a sherbet (tasted like pistachio) in an orange peel and this warm fluffy donut thing, along with fresh orange and strawberries and some pistachio shavings. It was truly delightful and I am sure to be back here!
(5)Daniel A.
Best Place for Indian on Downtown Chicago. And they have a buffet too! Serve Beer and Liquor. Great service!
(5)Amy S.
One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Fantastic Indian food: go for the buffet, which is the largest I've ever been to. By far the best Indian in Chicago, even compared to Devon (especially compared to many of them!). Great for ever palate: even my husband who hates spicy food loves this place. We hit it every time we go back to Chicago. Fabulous service and great mano lassis, too. Dinner is good, too: beautiful art on the walls helps create a romantic and exotic atmosphere. Try the saag paneer.
(5)David M.
This was our first time at Gaylord, but we have dined at the sister restaurant in Schaumburg. Dinner was wonderful and the restaurant was packed. Really every dish we had was very good and we were comparing them to food at some of Delhi's best restaurants, where we had dined recently. If you are looking for good authentic Indian cuisine, just off Michigan Ave in a nice white table-cloth setting, Gaylord India is a great chooice, which is evidenced by the large number of Indians that frequent the establishment. If you are looking for a good dish, try the tandoori shrimp... delicious!
(4)Apara W.
A little expensive- went for their lunch buffet. Great variety, excellent customer service. Clean place. I'll definitely be back when I am in the neighborhood.
(4)strawberrymoon p.
I have been to their old location numerous times and was very happy with food and service. Now the new place. We have been there two times, I do not recognize any of the old staff. What is sad because they were really great. Service is bad. You always never know who your waiter is, we had 5 different waiters that got into discussions who should wait the table. Both times this happened. The food is different and and not so good. The Tandoori Grill items were always great and fresh. The red color was amazing. Not anymore. The meat was dry and the great red color was missing. The presentation of the food is different too, but not better. Overall, we miss the old Gaylord. I have not been to the lunch buffer again. This was always great and unbeatable.
(3)Brooke F.
My parents have been going here for over 30 years. Separately, before their great romance began, and nearly once a week since (and they live in the suburbs). Imagine their agony when Gaylords was forced to relocate and was closed for more than a year. And that's why I'm writing this. It seems, since moving to Walton, where there is little parking and they are tucked in a basement, the restaurant hasn't been as full. This is no good. The place used to be full every time we went in there, and now it seems sparse. Listen to me: Gaylord is the best. The. BEST. I didn't like it as a kid (and they were totally cool with my parents smuggling in McDonalds for us while they feasted), but I gave it another try about eight years ago and I wanted to punch my stupid self in the head for taking so long to come around. I live in San Francisco now. The Tenderloin, in fact. And yeah, there are some good places, but not a single one has lived up to Gaylord. The food is awesome and the staff is really, really nice and attentive. Go gaylord!
(5)Daniel O.
service was great. the bar tender from Moldova was very friendly. free appetizers were good, one was grasshopper wings, the other one lamb tail.
(4)Erin S.
In from out of town. Walked to this restaurant from my hotel (Hilton Suites). Lunch buffet was better than excellent! EAT HERE. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Big B.
Went here recently for a dosa craving and seeing there are very few southern Indian accommodations outside of Devon (I live in the Gold Coast) I had to give it a whirl. Dosa was OK, def not the southern Indian experience if you know good south Indian food ...however, for northern Indian dishes they seem to be right on. Atmosphere is nice for the area and service was good. I'll go back for certain, just not for the dosa.
(4)Missy R.
Ate here over the weekend and it was wonderful. The decor is pretty dated, but I didn't even care because the service was great, the food was spot-on and the bill was reasonable. The lamb kufta so spicy and flavorful, and the chicken soup was so fresh and lovely. I will definitely be back to try more. I recommend trying one of the tastings, they give you a good amount of food and let you try a bit of everything.
(5)Tom A.
We're talking about two distinct experiences here. Lunch buffet -- if you are a buffet kind of person, able to 'get your money's worth' and enjoy the diverse selection -- is quite good. It could use some more vegetarian options, but it's solid Dine-in dinner was a big disappointment. Slow service on a quiet night. Kofta balls were dry --either overcooked, or leftover from days before and dried out. Either way not acceptable. Also you've got to pay for rice. Assistant manager kept bringing us water, and he reeked of cigarettes. Drink selection is a joke. Beer selection is nincompoopery. For some reason there is a huge Scotch selection. Scotch and Indian? hmmm. Syrupy sounding mixed drinks. Randomly selected wines, largely inappropriate for the cuisine. All expensive. We eat a lot of Indian, and hold a high standard. Food here was so-so, while prices were high-high. $50 for a no-drink dinner is double what we'd pay at a BYOB (including the B) on Devon. Definitely a big location premium, and I could live with that -- I'd happily pay to eat some good hearty spicy food in the area filled with Italian, steak and fish places. But the food's gotta be spot-on to make the location-premium make sense.
(2)Jims L.
Niiiice -- great lunch buffet for cheap!
(4)T T.
I was starved after leaving the MCA around 2PM on a weekday and was happy to discover an Indian restaurant nearby. I wasn't happy to learn that lunch service is buffet only. Also, they were closing the buffet, so I had to pick out all my dishes at once. I started with a corn chowder soup, which was dismal. I continued with a green salad, which was just OK. I ate an entree with a variety of dal, samosas, vegetables stews, and rice. They were tasty but also a bit cold. I finished off with a dessert of fresh fruit and a sickly sweet bun. I had a glass of red wine that had sediment. UGH. The staff service was pleasant and accommodating. I suppose that if were ever to return, it would be for dinner. Maybe.
(2)Mark L.
My first ever Indian dining experience, I was very satisfied. I;ve had many cuisines that come close, but I'm very happy that we chose to go here for my first real taste. I had the queen's platter (1 of 3 chef specialties offered) for dinner. It was a delectable sampling of 4 or 5 dishes, it started with some mulligatawny soup and came with delicious naan bread. I felt like this place was sort of a fine dining type place, at least it seemed that way. It was so clean I would have licked my dinner off of the floor or the bathroom counter (not kidding). I was the only indian rookie at the table, but everyone else said that this place was better than a few other chicago spot that they had been to. I dont have much to base my rating on, but I had a good time and enjoyed the food, not my favorite type of cuisine but I like trying new things. The service was above average but not stellar. I will be headed back sometime. Solid 4+
(4)Aisha N.
Delicious food and friendly staff. Even the buffet is killer.
(4)Just A.
Was in Chicago recently and ended up by chance at this restaurant and am compelled to write something for Yelp as it was one of the best Indian dining experiences of my life. I have traveled in India have been eating Indian food for 40 years and this was one of the best meals I've ever had. Normally I am leery of more upscale Indian restaurants but Gaylord's had a very relaxed family ambiance with excellent friendly service. The food was simply first rate. Everyone in my party agreed it was some of the best Indian food they'd ever had. Very highly recommended.
(5)Tom D.
Not very good Indian. Poor texture, limited spices, dry chicken. Not impressed.
(1)K B.
Comfortable, convenient to my location, we found this spot to have excellent service and tasty food. Not inexpensive but i have never found an Indian restaurant that is.
(4)Jeff C.
In Chicago on business, I was directed to try Gaylord India by the bellman at the Drake. When I used Yelp to see the reviews, I was greeted by a free appetizer offer. Not being one to turn down Indian food, I walked down the stairs and into the restaurant. I was seated immediately and greeted with a smile. Very nice piano music was being played across the room and the table section was clean, lighting was good, and the decor passable. I ended up getting 2 appetizers (1 free) and went with the samosas and chicken/lamb sampler. Samosas were large, hot and the potatoes and peas tasted great. Served with both mint and tamarind sauces. The mullagatawny was the perfect solution for an icy/rainy night in Chicago and was just a tad spicy, just the way I like it. For an entree, I ordered chiken tikki masala and Sundeep, the mgr, graciously and instantly accomodated a special request for the addition of chickpeas to the dish. Impressive. I got involved in a conversation regarding the different spices and types of dishes in northern versus southern India and apprecaited the fact that the manager as well as his staff contributed knowledge to my meal as it came up but did so according to my schedule and interest, not forcing anything on me. Dessert consisted of punjabi kheer (the right consistency - not too liquidy or too thick) and a scoop of pistachio ice cream inside a hollowed out orange peel. Good presentation. Overall, I highly enjoyed my meal here and will most definitely be back - probably several times during my weeklong stay here.The service was spot-on and done with speed and a smile. The mgmt took great care to ask how everyone's meal was and to spend time conversing if the guest cared to. The meals were served hot with good presentation and were delivered as described in the menu. The piano music was a nice touch and made for a pleasant stay. To top it off, Yelpers are treated to constant promotions in exchange for checking in. Do yourself a favor and go to Gaylord India for an excellent meal and shake the hand of Sundeep, the manager.
(4)Afthab B.
Bad service. Not so bad lunch buffet. I have not tried their menu. India Garden / House is a little better considering you are paying the same price.
(3)Priya M.
We came as a party of 10 and the host greeted us at the door with a warm smile. Since I was the hostess and am a bit picky about where I sit, I took a look at where they set our table up and I wasn't very happy. I asked the manager if we could change the table to somewhere where there was more light, perhaps a cozy corner. He was so helpful and obliging, he gave us a great table in the back. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, quick, and professional. I would go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)Melissa M.
I ordered take out from here last week -- I ordered my standard -- Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan. NOT good. At all. I was HIGHLY disappointed. The CTM tasted like spicy tomato sauce -- it was really sub-par compared to some of the Indian restaurants I have been to around the city and on Devon. I don't recommend this place at all. I was really shocked it was as bad as it was -- I had thought it would have been fantastic for what they charge and how "upscale" the place is supposed to be. Hrmmm. :(
(1)Erica I.
I went here for lunch with some work peeps, and it made the rest of my day! I don't eat Indian food very often, but when I do I am reminded how awesome the it tastes and how much I want to travel (weird I know). The buffet allowed me to try a little bit of everything, and my mouth was tingling from all the flavors and spices! It was a little pricey, but most buffets are pricey cause you can eat as much as you want! I will come back here for sure!
(5)Alison E.
Definitely a hit! I had the mutter paneer, and Mister had the navrattan korma. Both were yummy, and the naan was good, and rice was included! The rice was tasty, but there wasn't quite enough for two (hungry) people. The samosas weren't the best ever, but were quite good, though the pakora weren't too stellar. I think we'll definitely try this place again.
(4)Sarah F.
This review is for the lunch buffet, which is amazing & a good deal if you work in the Mich Ave/Gold Coast area! Everything is hot, fresh and o-so-tasty! The samosa are awesome, the corn soup is great, the cilantro sauce and chutneys are THE BEST! They serve a variety of Paneer, chicken, lamb - all on the buffet! The Naan also might be the very best in town (but then again, I never met a Naan I didn't adore). The service is attentive as well, and the management always walks around to see how everything is! I also happen to love their house-made mango ice cream for dessert. Fruity, and not too sweet!
(5)Rui B.
I have been a patron of what I once considered, arguably, THE best Indian restaurant in Chicago, for more than 25 years. Either dining in or carrying out, I was always extremely satisfied with the handful of dishes I consistently ordered (i.e. Sag Paneer, Lamb Biryani, Shrimp Masala, Lamb Vindaloo, etc.). But things have drastically changed over the last few years. I believe 3 to 4 years ago, Gaylord's replaced their longtime head chef; the new one radically changed the recipes for some of my favorite items. Specifically, the Sag Paneer lost a majority of its distinct flavor and become inedible; the Lamb Vindaloo (one of the "hottest" dishes they offer) become so bland, it was more like the Rogan Josh, a very mild lamb curry. I stopped ordering them. The quality of the Biryani and the Shrimp Masala was still excellent. That changed last year. Earlier, in 2012, I ordered the aforementioned 2 items for carry out. Shrimp Masala is a dish with a heavy sauce but is not hot; Biryani, a rice dish, is usually hot. But, traditionally, hot Indian dishes are made so with spices like black pepper or red chili powder. To my horror, when I uncovered the containers, I discovered that the chef was using Mexican Jalapeno peppers to make the Biryani hot!. And they were even in the Shrimp Masala, again, a mild dish. Subsequently, on other orders, I specifically requested no Jalapenos but, despite the visible absence, I could tell by taste that the chef was still using them, instead of traditional Indian spices, to make the dishes hot. I tried to tolerate the fact that my Indian food tasted like Mexican dishes but I just can't stand it anymore. Needless to say, I am going to start looking for a new favorite Indian restaurant. After a quarter of a century, I can no longer count on the quality of what was once my first choice in cuisine of any variety in Chicago. The disappointment I feel will take a while to go away.
(2)Lu C.
Now, I typically don't like Indian food, especially at Indian buffets, but this place made me definitely change my mind! Still don't know what the dishes were called, but when we ate here for a friend's bday and someone else knew what to order, each dish was spicyyyy and super super tasty. I think we had some curries and some chicken dishes. The waiters were also super friendly, gave us all free dessert for our friend's bday, and even some free balloons- "play with those balls," the waiter kept saying :). I'm definitely learning my Indian dishes, and I'm definitely going back.
(4)Brady H.
My wife and I enjoyed a lovely rainy sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch earlier today. The interior space and our non-Indian waiter was very nice and friendly. Reasonably wide food selection with plenty of veg and meat options. Naan is brought to the table but tandori chicken is in a steamer tray. Several stations including a salad one - I noticed people making an Indian style salad. There were also multiple dessert choices - often a buffet only offers one dessert choice. An added surprise was that soda was included in the lunch price. I think the India House buffet is better spiced, but tihs is a big upgrade for the Gaylord franchise.
(4)Nikki M.
I have to agree with the previous review that it is one of the best Indian restaurants outside of Devon. The service was was just as good, very friendly as well as helpful and the prices are more than resonable for the quality of food. I will definalty be going back.
(5)Sneha R.
Not that great, really. Being an Indian, I may find it in my heart to make exceptions for reduced spice which, if added in true Indian style, may make a lot of people reach for a gallon of water after each bite. However, irrespective of cuisine, uncooked food is unacceptable. That with little or no seasoning, is like adding insult to injury. Attempting to include South Indian and North Indian food in a menu, is pretty commendable. Unfortunately, their south indian dishes fell flat. It's not that the taste was bad, it just wasn't cooked at all. A dish called the 'Vada' which is a donut shaped fried snack. It's supposed to be crispy on top and nice and fluffy on the inside. The flour is fermented and what they served us was the same raw fermented mix fried only enough to get a crispy exterior. The vegetable pakoras were tasteless. They were just pieces of veggies dipped in flavorless batter and fried. Pakoras are incredibly tasty and i was mad as hell that they spoiled this dish. The service wasn't that great either. There were 2-3 different people who kept asking what we wanted to order next, even after we had already ordered. There are other better Indian restaurants which do serve flavorful Indian food. This is best avoided.
(2)