Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: Tandoor Char House
Address: 2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60614
Telephone: (773) 327-2652
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.12

Tandoor Char House

2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60614

(773) 327-2652
Store is closed

Tandoor Char House Menu

Starters

Appetizer Sampler Platter

Chaat Fries

Vegetarian Samosa

Beef Samosa

Chicken Spring Roll

Chicken Pakora

Vegetarian Pakora

Paneer Pakora

Papadum

Aloo Masala
Salads

Kachumber Salad

Tandoori Chicken Salad

Tandoori Shrimp Salad

Seekh Kabob Salad
Chutneys

Achar

Raita

Cilantro Chutney

Tamarind Chutney
Breads

Assorted Naan Basket

Naan

Garlic Naan

Keema Naan

Paneer Cheese Naan

Onion Kulcha

Chili Naan

Paratha

Chapathi

Tandoori Roti

Aloo Paratha
Tandoor Entrees

Tandoor Mix Grill Platter

Assorted Mix Grill Platter

Tandoori Chicken Boti

Tandoori Chicken

Shrimp Tandoori

Tandoori Lamb Boti Kabob

Seekh Kabob

Chicken Kabob

Paneer Tandoori

Murg Malai

Tandoori Fish
Fusion Specialties

Tandoori Chicken Tikka Pizza

Penne Tikka Masala

T-Bone Steak

Rib Eye Steak

NY Strip Sirloin

Lemon Chicken Fillet

Chicken Fajitas

Beef Steak Fajitas

Kafta Kabob

Cajun Tandoori Chicken Boti
Karhai Signature Sensations

Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala

Beef Nehari

Lamb Karhai

Shrimp Tikka Masala

Frontier Chicken

Fish Tikka Masala

Lamb Tikka Masala

Boneless Chicken Karhai
Vegetarian Treasures

Palak Paneer

Chana Masala

Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala

Baigan Masala

Daal

Mixed Vegetables

Okra
Biryanis

Tandoor Combo Biryani

Boneless Chicken Biryani

Shrimp Biryani

Boneless Lamb Biryani

Chili Chicken Biryani

Vegetarian Biryani
Tandoor Wraps

Tandoori Chicken Wraps

Frontier Chicken Wrap

Seekh Kabab Wraps

Chicken Kabob Wraps

Kafta Kabob Wrap

Mixed Vegetable Wrap

Aloo Masala Wrap
Desserts

Mango Cheesecake

Pistachio Kulfi

Mango Kulfi

Gulab Jamun

Kheer

Chocolate Fudge Cake
Drinks

Blueberry Lassi

Strawberry Lassi

Mango Lassi

Sweet Lassi

Salt Lassi

Blueberry Shake

Strawberry Shake

Mango Shake

Cans of Coke Diet Coke Sprite

Pakola

Masala Chai

Healthy Meal suggestions for Tandoor Char House

Starters

Appetizer Sampler Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chaat Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetarian Samosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Samosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Spring Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetarian Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Papadum [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aloo Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Kachumber Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Shrimp Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seekh Kabob Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chutneys

Achar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cilantro Chutney [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamarind Chutney [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Breads

Assorted Naan Basket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Keema Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Cheese Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Kulcha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paratha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chapathi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Roti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aloo Paratha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tandoor Entrees

Tandoor Mix Grill Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assorted Mix Grill Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Chicken Boti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Tandoori [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Lamb Boti Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seekh Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Tandoori [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Murg Malai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fusion Specialties

Tandoori Chicken Tikka Pizza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

T-Bone Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rib Eye Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

NY Strip Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemon Chicken Fillet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Fajitas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Steak Fajitas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kafta Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cajun Tandoori Chicken Boti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Karhai Signature Sensations

Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Nehari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Karhai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frontier Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Chicken Karhai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetarian Treasures

Palak Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chana Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baigan Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Okra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Biryanis

Tandoor Combo Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Chicken Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Lamb Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Chicken Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetarian Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tandoor Wraps

Tandoori Chicken Wraps [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frontier Chicken Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seekh Kabab Wraps [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Kabob Wraps [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kafta Kabob Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Vegetable Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aloo Masala Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Mango Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pistachio Kulfi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango Kulfi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gulab Jamun [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kheer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Fudge Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Drinks

Blueberry Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strawberry Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salt Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blueberry Shake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strawberry Shake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango Shake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cans of Coke Diet Coke Sprite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pakola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Masala Chai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Sarah G.

I ordered the tandoori chicken tikka masala and it was out of this world. All of the prices are beyond reasonable and you still get a lot of food. Those looking for spicy dishes might have to make a special request to the server, though, because I ordered my dish medium spicy and it was pretty mild (though still delicious so that was okay by me!). Our table ordered vegetarian dishes, lamb, beef fajitas, naan, samosas and pakoras, and everyone either liked or loved everything. No one was unhappy! I also think that the service was excellent. The manager (and maybe the owner, too?) gave our table extra attention, was very friendly, and all of our questions about the menu were answered. I would absolutely come back.
(5)
Patrick H.

This is theeee best Indian/Pakistani food I have ever had. With each bite I took, I became a better man. I became stronger, smarter, and healthier.. I felt true freedom from the busy and stressful world around us. This feeling of self confidence and pure happiness was made stronger by the service. I felt like Alexander The Great in his early 30's, when he had one of the largest empires in the world, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Himalayas. When I put that last piece of succulent Tikka Masala chicken in my mouth a tear formed and ran down my cheek. I was in disbelief. The feeling brought back memories of one of the greatest times of my life, watching Rugrats while eating fruit loops before I left for school. In all seriousness this place is amazing, and you need to try it! I'm going again tonight and maybe tomorrow night.
(5)
MG J.

Faraz and his team went above and beyond for my recent Tandoor experience! I had the chaat fries, which were spiced just right! I also had the vegetarian samosas, garlic naan and the Tandoori Chicken Boti. Oh my goodness - the Chicken Boti was done to ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! The chicken was perfectly succulent with just enough char and with just the right amount of flavor! I would definitely order this again during my next visit to Tandoor! My friend ordered the Tandoori Chicken Tikkah Masala and she said it was delicious! We then ended our dinner with Gulab Jamun. Wow!!! I can't believe how wonderful it was! Again, dessert was done just right! The service was 5 stars and so was all of the food! I will definitely be back with my family and of course friends! Thank you so much, Faraz! You have definitely made my dining experience for Indian food my number one place in Chicago now!!!
(5)
Michael E.

I'm not sure how this place has so many good reviews?!? The channa masala was way underspiced, bland and sweet. The waiter recommended a beef dish that my dining companions couldn't eat. The paneer tandoori was adequate. The rice that was served had peas in it that we're actually cold. Hm. The breads were good and the okra masala was our favorite, a strong B+. The wait staff were very attentive, perhaps too much so. We were asked maybe 10 times if we liked the food. I guess we should have been more honest, or maybe they could tell we weren't super-jazzed about it. But there's no need to ask so many times. Maybe this just isn't traditional Indian food? They has steak on the menu, and curly fries. Maybe I was expecting something different.
(2)
Cecelia G.

I used to not like Indian food (after trying maybe 2 other places) but I agreed to go along with one of my girlfriends to Tandoor. She loves Indian food so I figured she could help me make better food choices. We ordered the Chicken tikka masala and the palak paneer along with veggie samoas and garlic naan. I now like Indian food (well, Tandoor's anyways). Their tikka masala sauce is very buttery which may be why i like it so much. The palak paneer was ok. We go back at least once a month - the staff is great and very attentive. We ordered the same thing now everytime we go after the first few trips where we experimented with some of the dishes. Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka Masala, Veggie Samoas and Garlic Naan. Yum! Oh, and try the mango cheesecake!
(5)
Elli T.

I wish I could give this place 6 stars. I've been here twice, and both times were absolutely fantastic experiences. Where to start...the food is delicious. I love Indian food, and this is right up there with the best I've had. I've gotten the chicken biriyani and the chana masala at Tandoor, but I've also heard great things about the tandoor chicken, tandoor shrimp and tandoor lamb. So delicious and huge portions. I also recommend the beef & veggie samosas and their assorted naan for appetizers. The second time I went with a group of 10, and they brought out a salad in between courses to cool our palates, which was a nice touch. It's also BYOB, which of course makes everything better. :) The hands-down best part about Tandoor, however, is the service. Absolutely unmatched in the city. The second time I went, we had a group of 10. They accommodated us and never made us feel like a burden (even though we probably overstayed our welcome). The owners could not be nicer and more passionate about customer service, and the servers I've had have been incredibly genuine and friendly. The atmosphere is nice as well. Plenty of seating while still feeling intimate. Just go here. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the city, if not my absolute favorite. YAY TANDOOR CHAR HOUSE!
(5)
Robert C.

My wife and I took some friends to dinner on Saturday night and, without opening the menu, asked Faraz (the owner) to make us dinner. His words were "as if you came to my house." We brought our own wine and Sean (our server) served an incredible meal. Salad, samosas, chicken, lamb, spinach and cheese and fresh naan. We thought we we done, until Faraz recommended dessert. The Indian doughnuts and the delicious mango cheesecake. It is a MUST HAVE. Our friends are now Tandoor Char House converts. I can't wait to go back and see how Faraz can top this meal.
(5)
Juliett U.

This restaurant is one of the great places to eat in Chicago, and hands down the best Indian food in the city. The two brothers that own the joint are incredibly accommodating and use recipes from their own family. The food is consistently awesome. I would give five stars, but my only complaint is the music there is always blaring. We have had to ask for them to turn it down a little before. Other than that detail, everything is perfect.
(4)
David C.

It's highly rated because its amazing. Great service. Family run. Mango cheesecake. Get it.
(5)
Nicole R.

Delicious food.
(5)
Robert F.

This is one of my go-to restaurants in Lincoln Park. The reason I do not give 5-stars is because I think they could use to have a larger space and faster service. They are really busy, all the time - which is great for the owners and I am thrilled for them! Just takes a long time sometimes for take out and even longer for delivery. Just make sure you manage your expectations when placing to-go or delivery orders. Also, make sure to make a reservation. Last year you could easily walk into Tandoor however they have been discovered and it is often very crowded. Everything I have had is excellent and not greasy/oily like some Indian. It is a bit more expensive than most Indian restaurants in the area, but the quality is far superior and worth it.
(4)
Matt C.

At one point in the meal the owner came by our table, throws on an Italian accent and loudly exclaims: "Hey youz two guyz, youz want any more a dis gaahrlic naan!?". We all broke out laughing (including the owner). Awesome service, hilarious owner. The food at Tandoor is the best Indian I've had in Chicago, the owner told us that most of the dishes are handed-down family recipes, the others are experiments by the kitchen staff. Right on. One bite of the flaky, perfectly cooked Samosa (a lot of places get this one wrong and either under-cook or fry the hell out of it) and you'll be sold on the place. The spicy carrot achar will blow your mind. The owner told us it's an old family recipe and after we told him how much we liked it, he gave us some for free to take home. We had a beef dish and eggplant, both were "starred" on the menu, both were mindbogglingly good. Even the basmati rice that the owner kept bringing bowl after bowl because "hey guys, it's free" was notably awesome. Also it's BYOB, though they have a beer list with some really good Indian beers. Easy 5 stars.
(5)
Remy T.

This is the best Indian delivery that I have found in Chicago. My first experience was excellent. My second delivery had some issues, but the restaurant owner was incredibly apologetic and did everything possible to correct the situation. My third experience was on par with my first experience, and was redeeming. The team at Tandoor Char House clearly cares about their customers. This and the quality of their food will make me a repeat customer. I would recommend delivery to anyone, and I look forward to an eventual dine-in experience in the future. I have had the Lamb Karhai, Chicken Tikka Masala, Veg Samosa, Garlic Naan and Gulab Jamun. I would reorder each of these dishes.
(4)
Jason K.

Best Indian food in the city! I've been a frequent customer here since they opened and its excellent. Beef nehari is a very authentic Pakistani dish that is made very very well! Also the frontier chicken wrap is awesome for lunch or a quick bite!
(5)
Randy R.

I love me some Indian food! Even though this place has been open just a short time, I think it's the best Indian that Lincoln Park has to offer. My close second, former first, Indian Grill is good. I think this place has it beat. The food is great! The service even better! What we had: App - beef samosa, sauce was great! Entrees- Chicken tikka marsala Chicken tikka Came with salad, served with rice, riata and a spicy side(big extra) Added- Naan
(5)
Matt A.

From the moment I existed and entered my residence during my journey to Tandoor I was in lets say a "euphoric state of mind." I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the staff---the waiter would even often apologize for not being at our table every five minutes. The host would also come down to us every once in a while and double check to make sure we were always satisfied. The food was outstanding! We started off with the Chatt fries and they came with two different spices to dip the fries into. I never will a hash tag on Yelp again, but THIS place deserves a #WOAHHHHH! I also tried the Tanoori Chicken Tikkah Masala and that was quite incredible. It was very filling and had such great flavors. It went perfect with the rice and the chicken was cooked just to perfection. This place is also a BYOB so we brought in a six pack and just bantered during this entire adventure. This was a historically euphoric experience for myself. The music in the background during the meal was also great. This place would be PERFECT for a date. I won't forget my original experience here and I will definitely come back again!
(5)
Ashley H.

Food was so flavorful - apps included chicken springroll, beef samosa, and __. Springroll was great. The meal also came with a salad - nothing special, but you're not there for the salad. Would recommend: Mixed Vegetables in mild spice, Tandoori Chicken Boti, Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala (soooo good), and Keema Naan. The chef brought out a spicy side "slaw" that his is mother's recipe from Pakistan. Staff was friendly and professional. Lighting was a little too low for my preference. Make reservations! There are only about a dozen tables and waits can get long. Is BYOB!
(5)
Julia S.

The food looks pretty and the service is great, however the taste of the food was sort of blah. Not sure why it gets 4-5 star reviews.
(3)
Amit V.

Tandoor has the best Indian food in Chicago. It even beats the Indian and Pakistani restaurants on Devon Avenue. We tried chicken tikka, paneer kabobs and chicken biryani. Everything was amazing. The prices are good. Just one drawback...It is a BYOB place. But you can take your own wine and save some $.
(5)
Bina D.

I am always getting great Indian food from my moms so I don't eat Indian out much...but when i do, I am going to Tandoor. The first time I went was when literally the day before my daughter was born and we plan to keep bringing her there as she grow up. A lot of Indian restaurants do not pay attention to the decor so the modern/indian ambiance and fusion music is refreshing. BYOB. Most importantly, the food is great. They really pay attention to the details and it isn't the over-seasoned and oily Indian food you often find when you eat out. My fave is the Achar and the Paneer Tikka Masala with the Garlic Naan. You MUST finish off with the mango cheesecake. Need I say more?
(5)
Corie F.

I'll keep this short and sweet: Tandoor should teach a class on how a restaurant should be run. This place has amazing food and a friendly staff who go above and beyond to make you feel at home.
(5)
Mike S.

Typically good food and service however I recently had a bad experience. We have been many times and my girlfriend even requested Tandoor for her birthday. On this occasion, the water and ice all had a strong ash/smokey flavor. It was unpalatable to say the least. We waited to be seated for a solid 5 minutes despite the nearly empty dining room. The waiter forgot our naan order until the entrees were served. I'm hoping that this isn't indicative of the direction the restaurant is headed. Tandoor had my unquestioning patronage until now. Maybe it's time to explore all of my options for Indian.
(3)
Bella H.

When my husband and i first came here summer of 2013, we were very happy with the food and the service. We came here several times between then and now and the portions of the food seem like they get smaller and smaller every time.
(3)
Super L.

This place was delicious. We had the butter chicken and OMG so much food and so amazing. The naan is fluffy and yummy. The atmosphere is decent for a cheap Indian joint. And the service was beyond amazing, Sean was our server and I even tried to steal him away to work with me at my restaurant. Sean... call us maybe? My boyfriend really enjoyed everything too, he is the ultimate test of an Indian place because he isn't a fan of the cuisine like I am. But he agreed with me on all points for Tandoor regarding food, atmosphere, and service. He had some Indian beer from the place next door (Tandoor is BYOB FYI) that is hard to find elsewhere and said it was one of the best beers he's ever had... coming from a beer snob too yall! Of course I myself cannot remember the name of it. I order delivery from here too and that is never a disappointment. 5 stars easy for Tandoor.
(5)
Amanda C.

This place is AWESOME. They give you more food than any human could ever eat, but that's OK, because leftovers are great. The prices are really reasonable for a non-Devon Indian restaurant, given the portion size and the fact that rice (and a nice, if unexciting, salad) are included. Service was super friendly and quick. It's comfortable and quiet inside. Some people seem to dislike the palak paneer, but I will tell you right now that they are definitely wrong. It didn't necessarily taste like every other palak paneer I've ever had - I don't need it to - and the spinach was actually in spinach form rather than a puree, so it had a great texture. Seriously. It's really good. I don't know what those people are talking about. For real, I never leave my neighborhood for dinner anymore because I am the laziest person, but Tandoor might actually motivate me to venture south of Montrose again. And that has to be a good thing, right?
(5)
Stu K.

They got my order and disregard it because it came in too late. Then didn't tell me about it and when I called they blamed it on grub hub. I have never had a problem with grub hub before. I am putting the blame on this restaurant for not caring. --- To follow up on the above. I reached out to GrubHub who confirmed that Tandoor claimed to have gotten the order minutes after I placed it and still took my money without ever bringing me my food. The GrubHub rep was kind enough to contact Tandoor to clear up the matter. Again, they lied and said they delivered the food and reimbursed me for my order. When called out that they did neither, they then back peddled and said I still needed to be reimbursed. Having never tried it, I have no idea if the food is good - but they practice BAD BUSINESS. DON'T ORDER FROM HERE.
(1)
Megan S.

Great service and ambiance. The garlic naan was the best I have ever had and we have been to Indian places all over the world. We enjoyed the tandoori chicken too the palak paneer had delicious flavor. Overall delicious meal and will now be our top Indian food destination in chicago
(4)
Fred S.

Really solid Indian food with a friendly and enthusiastic owner that loves his business and cherishes his customers. Chicken Tikka Masala and Tandoori dishes are some of the best I've ever tasted. Try it all; you wont be disappointed!
(5)
Mare C.

Less than thrilled about this place, more like disappointed. Went to Tandoor over the weekend and ordered a simple chicken wrap. Should be fairly easy to make, right? But unfortunately for them it wasn't! Specifically asked for garlic naan, since there were so many raves about it. Okay, I got the garlic naan like I asked for, EXCEPT it was burnt all over..... either it was cooked too close to the fire, or was in the the tandoor oven way too long. The chicken was also a mixed bag, part of it was charred and the other part was mushy. Not only that, but the chicken in general tasted dry. So what I got was a combo of dry and mush. Yuk! Not to belabor the point, but how do you get mushy chicken? My mind started going into overdrive trying to figure this one out, was it because they used leftover chicken from the night before, or did they spill water on it, or was it something else? I've cooked chicken a million times and not once did it come out like this! About the only good thing was the chaat fries that came with it, they were crunchy and topped with spices that were just right, not too overwhelming. Fries could've been hotter though. Would order those again, but nothing else.
(1)
Darren L.

As a Yelper of quality businesses, food places naturally come up in my conversations. As I was at work one day, my co-worker and I were talking about delicious foods we've eaten at various restaurants. She tells me that I have to try this place in Lincoln Park called Tandoor Char House. I've had this place bookmarked for months now. The reviews are nice and the pictures beautifully captured the entrees. I had more of a reason to go as well since my big bro is always down for halal anything. We came in a little past noon time so we were the only ones there. Everybody else was probably at school or at work. No problem for us because that means we get our food faster. For appetizers, we ordered the chaat fries and the tamarind chicken wings (free sample with yelp check-in!!!!). The chaat fries were heavenly. They may look like your regular curly fries, but they were much more than that. The seasonings and spices sprinkled on them were on point. So delicious. We each got one wing, but it was enough to get the full effect - flavorful and full of savory punch. For entree, we ordered the chicken tikka masala since it was praised so much by other yelpers. Hands down, the best chicken tikka masala I've ever had. The consistency of the sauce was so fluffy and smooth. I can't describe it; you've got to try it for yourself! The rice and salad were complimentary which were also nice. In addition to the entrees, the chutneys were the best I've had. That tamarind was so yummy! Throughout the entire time, we were being served by Austin. He did a phenomenal job. He was very friendly and checked up on us numerous of times. We were appreciative of his kindness and how he made it a very enjoyable experience. One disclaimer, the place smelled like someone destroyed the bathroom. I don't know if that's what happened when we walked in or if they're close to a sewer but something was horrendous in there. So we moved to the back corner to avoid it. Aside from this, the food and service was awesome.
(4)
Neha S.

Really yummy indo-pakistani food! service is great and attentive. It's a nice fusion as well with "american" food. must haves: the mango cheesecake: light and dreamy strawberry lassi (yummy take on the traditional mango) beef samosa was really savory (got it in the appetizer sampler) biryani all good bhangan bharta was ok the carrot pickle is really yummy and unique THIS IS HALAL too. Would definitely come again. Upstairs and downstairs seating- and RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST for evening dining!
(4)
Amanda M.

Came back for dinner and experience was even greater than the last! Got the chicken boti and the chicken was super moist and perfectly seasoned and cooked. Service was spectacular as our waiter was very friendly and helpful, mentioning that we could have more rice to go. Then the owner came by and said the same thing, basically wanting us to indulge more of their food. He further explained to us about their version of kimchi (complimentary), which was a family recipe. We paired it with the rice as recommended, and it was delicious, although spicy with a rolling kick, as warned. Already ridiculously full at this point, after consuming our entrees, naan, salad, rice, and chaat fries, I ordered the mango cheesecake as recommended by a friend. My accompanying sister and cousin said they would only try a bite as they couldn't possibly eat anymore. Well, we all devoured it because it was ridiculously good. Great mango flavor, super fluffy creamy cheesecake, and liberal dusting of toasted pistachio! WOW. It is honestly the best dessert I've ever had. MUST TRY, unless you don't like mango. *Note: you get to choose your spice level for each dish
(5)
Raju S.

Ok. I wrote a review 2 years ago and gave this place 5 stars and that was well deserved. I came here last Sunday and the food was 2 stars at best. The service on the other hand was excellent. I have been telling anyone willing to listen, "Tandoor Charhouse had the moxy to open up next to Raj Darbar which is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant means they have something to prove." That statement held true until this past Sunday. It's time to break it down. The Tandoori Chicken was atrocious. The chicken legs were burnt, dry and miniscule. At this point I had a sinking feeling that we were in trouble. The Paneer Pakora was good but nowhere near as good as I remember. The Vegetable Pakora was decent. The Chana Masala looked delicious and my excitement quickly turned to despair upon my first bite. It was light on flavor and the garbanzo beans weren't cooked all the way through. They were hard and barely edible. The Mattar Paneer reminded me of the old Wendy's Where's the Beef ad except in this case it was "Where's the Mattar (peas)" This dish was basically a creamy tomato soup with an occasional pea and a few lonely chunks of paneer.. Next up, the Lamb Karhai which was good but nothing to write home about. The Aloo Paratha was boring so skip it. To round out this review on a high note, the naan and garlic naan were spot on. The naan is some of the best that I have had. In conclusion, this review was difficult for me to write. I will go back to see if this was just a case of the Mondays on Sunday.
(3)
Ovi H.

This was my first, though certainly not my last visit to Tandoor Char House. The Chaat fries are really 'all of that', though they'll stuff you. The entrees aren't small - so save space for the delicious Tandoori Chicken Boti or the savory Shrimp Tikka Masala. The staff was very attentive and compliant with any request, and even invited us to their newly opened bar a couple of doors down (Four Star Lounge). Biggest need-to-know: it's BYOB!!
(5)
Shelby R.

My favorite Indian restaurant, hands down! Their mango cheesecake melts in your mouth and their seek kabobs are amazing. I took one star off because I wish they had bigger tables, I often find myself struggling to make room for our food plates. But the food is amazing and the owner is very nice and always involved!
(4)
Nikhil P.

The best Chicken Kabab I ever had in USA. It's served on sizzling platter, soft and melts in mouth. Served with tikka masala chutney. The whole combo is simply amazing.
(5)
Elizabeth E.

I've been a couple of times, but most recently we went for my boyfriend's birthday. What started out as a 6-person dinner ballooned into a party of 18, and they were nothing but accommodating the entire time (and after my many phone calls adjusting the number). Service was spot-on and the food was (as always) awesome, but the way they handled this large party with ease for such a big group was so amazing. They were extremely helpful about splitting the bill (we ended up just paying in cash but they said they would take as many credit cards as needed) and let us bring in a cake for dessert. Just a great experience and SO good with large groups.
(5)
P. C.

This review is for take-out. I order palak paneer, veggie samosa, garlic and regular naan, and the mango lassi. First, the naan is out of this world. Seriously. It's moist, huge, fresh, and the garlic naan had actual pieces of garlic. The veggie samosas are HUGE and filled with deliciousness; the mango lassi wasn't the best I've had but it was still delicious. The palak paneer was a bit of a disappointment; it was runny, the spinach was just chopped and thrown in, not actually ground up into the sauce. All-in-all, it was ok but I've certainly had better. The delivery was within the hour, which I was super happy about. It also arrived hot and fresh, which is always a nice surprise. I'll definitely order from here again.
(4)
Vanida C.

Yummy and delicious Indian food that hits the spot. We normally order the chicken tikka masala and the chicken biriyani as well as the samosas... Great portions and always good quality! We love it. Kind of pricey but reasonable. We traditionally order take out but it comes in the best wrapped packages. Appreciate there attention to details.
(4)
Chinky D.

Great food and great service!! We reached there at late hours but the owner was generous enough to let us dine in. Nothing can make u feel more satiated like a good indian food accompanied by a warm n welcoming host! It felt like home away from home. Salad, raita, the famous achaar n of course our main course were delicious! It's definitely my go to plAce for indian food whenever I m In Chicago
(5)
Sarah S.

Love this place immensely. Service is always great. Especially when your whole party is late. Tandoor is always so accomodating. Halal steaks always taste so yummy and basically everything on their menu is to die for! I can't rave about this place enough. Not a huge cheese cake fan but tried a bite of their mango cheese cake last night and it definitely was something worth ordering. Highly recommend this place to everyone!
(5)
Shelley A.

Food delivery was cold and chicken hard, like day old chicken, not fresh. Restaurant refused to refund me the order. There are a lot of Indian places in the city and this is by far the worst, should have listened to previous reviews. Eat somewhere else!
(1)
Fernando B.

We ordered this for lunch through Grubhub. Initially the delivery time was set at 1hr then changed to 1.5hr and finally came in after 2hrs. The delivery person refused to come to my 3rd floor apartment and I had to go down and pick it up. Needless to say I won't be using their delivery again. We ordered 2 plates of chicken tikka masala and nam, no surprise it was cold after a 2hr delivery so we reheated only to find out one of our plates had only 4 small pieces of chicken swimming in A LOT of sauce. Flavor was ok, not great not bad. Just very little chicken. Seriously doubt we will be eating here again.
(1)
Lindsey M.

Tandoor is a small, family owned Indian restaurant with amazing dishes. I love the tikka masala dish and BYOB. Can't ask for much more than that!
(5)
Drew L.

Delicious. Delicious. Delicious. Got the lamb masala and the beef nahri. Both were very good. Mango cheesecake stole the shown though.
(5)
Pavel Z.

The authenticity of the cuisine is unbelievable. Outstanding atmosphere and hospitality. Service was quick and the food was cooked to perfection. Sparks of flavor and spices used just right!!
(5)
Mustafa H.

Amazing food and ambiance. We got the tandoori lamb and the penne chicken pasta. Both were delicious. The owner personally came over to talk to us about our experience so that added a nice touch. Overall I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Michael D.

The Bad Place was warm. Walked in and they asked if we had reservation and there was one seat that was open, waited for 10mins and they gave us the open table. 1st order beef samosa was very salty. The good Complimentary side salad The chicken tikka masala was excellent, jalapeno naan was good. The owner of the place was very friendly and kind to all his customers. If you like Chicken tikka masala this is the place to go. It was rich and creamy. The portions are of good amount good for two people. I will definitely come back for the masala. Enjoy it and give this place a chance.
(3)
Leah H.

Unfortunately, I have to give a negative update re: Grubhub delivery. Twice now they have forgotten to send raita and chutney, and if you're ordering naan to go with your delicious Indian food, that's a giant bummer. To their credit, they have sent the chutney when I called, but who can wait another half hour to eat naan? We love, LOVE the food here, but I think we're going to have to find another Indian restaurant for delivery.
(3)
Nidhi K.

The food was delicious, authentic and reminded me of home! Not too oily and I did not leave having that greasy feeling that I tend to at most indian restaurants in Chicago! Will go back!
(5)
Andy W.

I have never been a huge fan of Indian cuisine, but I am now. The food here was amazing. We started with the appetizer sampler and I loved it. My favorite part was the samosas - a must try, we did the beef samosas. The fries with the cilantro sauce were spectacular as well. For dinner, I had the assorted mixed grill platter. Best choice ever. It was so delicious and filling. It is a huge plate, I took half of it home (and just ate it for breakfast)! I really enjoyed the meal. The service was spectacular as well. They were considerate enough to explain the different foods and sauces to us, a nice touch for a cuisine I was unfamiliar with. They took good care of us. We did wait for a while past our reservation time for our table and the restaurant wad a bit on the hot side, but these are way minor things compared to the food and service. A great experience and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Amber S.

This place is great if you're not looking for authentic indo/pak food. The good: staff was friendly and overall ambience is nice. The not as good: The Frontier chicken had no taste---and had too much oil. We ordered the tandoori chicken masala thinking it was what a traditional tandoori chicken should be---something roasted in an oven aka tandoor. We got butter chicken instead---which was not very good. The naan was good! Overall I think you can get better and more cost-effective food in Devon.
(2)
Niyaz A.

Worst Service!! I went to this place. Service was horrible. I ordered 2 breads and a curry dish. They took forever to bring. It took more than a hour to bring one bread and the dish. we cancelled the other bread. They never bothered to ask us or update the status of the order. I would never go there again.
(1)
Naveen V.

We ordered bagara bhaigan, it has little more oil, but is good. Aloo paratha is good, garlic naan is okay. I heard meat is good here, I will come back for chicken.Not very expensive.
(4)
Rachel C.

Love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for the first time in February and have been twice since. Each time, the food and service were wonderful. The last time we went we got the mixed grill which comes with a side of tikka masala for dipping your garlic naan. So delicious! They also give you a salad, rice, and side sauces for free. The mango cheesecake changed my life. It will change yours too. The owners go above and beyond the norm of hospitality. I'm so excited that they have plans for expansion so more people can dine in and have the true experience. An absolute must try if you live or are in the area.
(5)
Rits M.

I came here to specifically try out the fusion food. While we only got one dish of that, i have to say the food was pretty spectacular. We had the chaat fries, the kebab, dal, the biryani and the penne tikka masala. With 6 people, the bill came below 20$ each with tip and tax and there was mass amounts of food left over. Each entree is enough food for 3 people, so keep that in mind when you place your order. For dessert we had the gulab jamun, which was exceptionally well made. I found the lassi a little thinner than I am used to, but the mango flavor was delicious. The place has undergone a revamp and it now looks like a cute date place, or lunch with the ladies place. Good service and attentive people, willing to accomodate requests within the menu.
(5)
Dipin S.

Food is not bad, although very slow service cost them a star. Good ambience, music is a tad louder than one would like it to be at a restaurant. We spent about 35 minutes waiting for my appetizers only to realize they'd forgotten to key in her order. Waited another 35 minutes for her order to come through (will give it to them for consistency! ). If service were faster, i would definitely make a stronger recommendation.
(3)
Linda V.

We were visiting Chicago for the Blues Fest. My husband being from England is always searching for great Indian food. This restaurant was amazing. Service impeccable. Food was authentic and delicious. Chicken Tika Masala, Garlic Naan Bread, And you must try the Cheese cake. I am getting hungry just thinking about our great dinner. I wish we lived closer, would be one of our top choices.
(5)
James C.

The murg malai is delicious and I love the achar. It reminds me of kimchee, which was a very fun surprise in an Indian-Pakistani restaurant. Service, atmosphere, and naan were excellent too.
(4)
Jatin G.

I loved the boneless lamb biryani. The mango shake wasn't nice, so don't go for that.
(4)
Krystle P.

Our favorite Indian place in the city hands down. Beef samosa and chicken tikka Marsala are my go to menu items. Delicious! Owner is so nice. Need to make a reservation on the weekends!
(5)
Jason E.

I do not understand some of the bad reviews on this place, although the positive reviews far outweigh them. Tandoor is excellent and I am speaking of the food specifically. The dishes have very robust flavors coming at you from every angle. The first time I ate here I loved it and have been coming back frequently ever since. I've yet to have anything here I did not enjoy. I recommend the Chicken Boti, Tandoor Mix Grill Platter, Garlic Naan, Chaat Fries and any of their chutneys are fantastic compliments to any dish you order here.
(5)
Shawn N.

Came here on a whim. We ordered the mutter paneer tikka masala, chaat fries, garlic and chili naan, and kulfi. The food was very flavorful and perfect level of spice. The waitstaff was very helpful and attentive. Even though we were stuffed, we did order the pistachio kulfi and we were not disappointed. Overall a very positive experience and left with a very satisfied belly.
(5)
John H.

Mediocre, average, blah, ho-hum. Am I repeating myself? My entree was average, my app was gross. Vegetable pakora. More like, soggy tempura. I think you can find better Indian food in the area, probably for less $.
(3)
Andy P.

This place is awesome. The first time my wife and I went, we dined in. Waitstaff was nice, owner (who is very involved, and speaks with each patron) came to our table to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and the food was good. Overall great experience! It was funny, because we got the vegetarian samosas, which were amazing. Upon finishing, our waiter asked what we thought of the two sauces, which we didn't receive, so I asked, "what sauces?" He was overly apologetic and got us a new order of samosas, which were equally as amazing, this time with the sauces. If you've seen their samosas, you know that eating two will probably fill anyone up. But alas, they were awesome and the sauces were great. He also comped us a free dessert, which was completely unnecessary but much appreciated. They also have this crazy super spicy carrot relish stuff... not sure how to describe it other than unreal. I've never had anything like it and it's amazing. SUPER spicy, but very fresh tasting too. I wish I could just get a huge tub of that stuff. After looking at the menu, I think this stuff is called Achar. Usually we get takeout, which is just as good as dining in (something that can't be said of most restaurants). The Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala is ridiculous and very flavorful. Usually my wife and I will get an order of veggie samosas and split the paneer tikka misala and we're both sufficiently full and satisfied. Big portions and awesome food.
(5)
Chad S.

A great first experience! The space is cozy, accommodating and tastefully decorated. Their menu is expansive, but I stayed with an Indian staple, Tikka masala. It is excellent. Naan bread is fresh and cooked just right. This place is a gem for Indian food lovers who don't want to break the bank.
(5)
Uzair S.

Not authentic enough! This also comes off the menu when you look at them offering Lebanese dishes next to a Pakistani dish. Need to make up your mind and stick to it. Got take out from them and the chicken was dry and hard as a hockey puck. The gravy was definitely mass made and did not have the 'touch' to make us want to return.
(2)
Cat G.

Food was pretty good, but I'm not running off to recommend it to any friends just yet. I came in with a couple of friends last week for dinner - one of my friends is a vegetarian, so I figured Indian food would be the perfect compromise since it offers plenty of veggie options in addition to chicken and lamb dishes. I had the chicken tikka masala, and asked for medium spice (they give you a choice of mild, medium, or spicy). The spice level was about right, and the chicken was really tender and not dry. They served the basmati rice family-style, and as far as I can tell, refills on the rice were free... they brought us more after we finished and it didn't appear as an extra charge on our bill. The garlic naan was also delicious. Between the three of us, we ordered three entrees, had the basmati rice that came with it, and ordered one serving of naan, which I felt was about the right amount of food. I personally thought the prices were a bit steep at $15 for my chicken tikka masala - I'd actually really wanted to try one of the fusion options they had on the menu, but those were even more expensive. So, everything was solid - I just didn't think the food was rave-worthy. I'd probably check out some other Indian places in the area before coming back here.
(3)
Kaela W.

Terrible. Will never eat here again. Ordered delivery and arrived in 30 minutes. Happy it was quick but now I see why... I ordered Mutter Paneer and it was ok. But there was a noodle, obviously from someone elses order, swimming in my food. Strike one. I paid $2.00 for extra rice. No extra rice. Strike Two. Got Naan and it was burnt to a crisp. Strike three. You're done.... Very very disappointed. I will be letting my friends know not to dine here.
(1)
Stephanie R.

I signed up for Yelp solely to write this review. This past weekend, my partner and I were in the area and needed food. We had actually been here once before and remembered that the food was pretty good. It was late on a Saturday, about 10:15, so I checked online to make sure they were open. It states that they are open til 11:00. Perfect. We got in the door at 10:20, (walking past a neon "OPEN" sign). The restaurant was about half full. The host informed us that the dining room was closed. I was surprised, since I knew they were actually open til 11:00. So I said we came there because it says online that they are open til 11:00. He told me "well the kitchen staff gets annoyed if we seat people too late". Are you kidding me? I worked in the restaurant industry for 8 years. I know that the time you say you close is the time you SEAT until. And it's not like we were the only people there, as I mentioned before. Also, how extremely unprofessional to speak ill of your kitchen staff to a customer. And to act like there is nothing you can do. I told them they should change the time on their site and we left. We won't be back. Turn down my business once and you won't get it again,
(1)
Amna A.

Far too pricy and the flavors unfortunately lack authenticity. Was excited to try it out but wasn't impressed. I ordered the chicken tikka boneless skillet that just wasn't spicy enough. The chicken was soft and tender which was nice I'm not sure about the curry based pasta though - doesn't work too well for 'fusion' theme... Italian and Indian fusion doesn't work in my opinion ...and one of my friends ordered a shrimp curry dish that had only like 5 pieces of shrimps !!! I guess the curly masala fries and the achar are their only saving grace? Lower your prices and work on your spices
(2)
Linda L.

The staff here are so friendly! We started off with the curly fries (yum...free as a yelp deal!) and then were brought delicious salads (which came with our entrees). I had this beef dish in a sauce which turned out to be way to spicy for me. Am really wished that I got BBQ instead. I highly recommend the blueberry lassi. I don't have much of a sweet tooth and this was only a touch too sweet for me, which means that it would be perfect for most others. :) In all, I would give the food 3 stars, but I think it was because I ordered an entree that was way too spicy.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Excellent authentic Indian food!!! Chicken tikka masala with garlic naan is the best dish!!! Definitely get some samosas (the veggie ones) as an appetizer. You will get all different types of chutney and it all tastes incredible!! When you order the chicken tikka, they will ask how spicy you want it--there are 3 different levels. I did the spiciest and I do not have the highest tolerance when it comes to spicy foods. I was able to handle it, but I was sweating a little and I will for sure go with the medium level when I return. For a drink/dessert, have the mango lassi! Oh and most importantly, THIS PLACE IS BYOB!!!! No bottle limit! My boyfriend and I brought 2 bottles of wine and had an amazing meal!!!
(5)
Teresa K.

We LOVED it here. The food is a really refreshing blend of the traditional and new. The ambience was great and service was incredible! We got to talk to the owner, who was extremely friendly and went above and beyond to make our experience awesome. Definitely coming back here!
(5)
Umber A.

The food is average and seating space is small. Have eaten here a couple of times because it is close by. The last two times I had take-out I was extremely disappointed. The first time they had messed up my order and brought the wrong items. The second time, the food never arrived. I immediately contacted the restaurant in regards to this, they kept on telling me they would contact the driver and call me back, but never called back. I was told it would take 45 minutes. I ended up waiting a little more than 2 and half hours before deciding to just cancel the order. I tried to speak with the manager both times, however each time was told he was not available. The food is just okay and is not worth the bad service. With so many great indian/paksitani restaurants in the Chicago land area, I would not recommend this place and I know I wont be going back.
(1)
C M.

Very friendly owner, great service and excellent quality food! I love the wraps/rolls they prepare and their tandoori spiced fries are to die for! I don't really eat curries so often but when I am craving next and I am in the vicinity I will definitely check out other items on the menu!
(5)
Robert S.

This is my second visit in two weeks and I'm more impressed than my first visit. For starters we had the Chicken Spring Rolls and Paneer Pakora both of which were amazing and the Garlic Naan was some of the best I've ever had. I had the Lamb Saag as an entree and the meat was very tender and tasty (decent portion as well), my date being a consummate vegetarian ordered the Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala based on my and she was quite pleased. The Mango Lassi is a must especially if like spicy foods as it cool you down nicely. Do yourself a favor and try the Mango Cheesecake OMG.
(4)
Samantha R.

The main reason I'm giving four stars is because we ordered out and therefore weren't there for the whole experience. It also took awhile to get our food, however, it was still worth it. With that being said, we truly enjoyed our Tandoor Char House food. We ordered the Tandoor Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Kahari, Garlic and Regular Naan. The naan was huge and very good. Probably some of the better naan I've had in a while. The Tikka Masala was equally delicious and extremely flavorful. My only complaint with this dish was that there were such huge chunks of chicken that it made it seem like there wasn't enough meat and too much sauce. The Lamb was also delicious. I would recommend getting extra rice though, we had to make more at home. Overall, it was a great experience. There was a large amount of food so it lasted us for two meals. I would highly recommend this place! I'm looking forward to visiting in person.
(4)
Chris H.

Top notch curry at a reasonable price!!! The tandoori chicken tikka masala is AMAZING!!! And I actually like the fact that it's BYOB. Great Indian !!!
(5)
Joanna T.

This place has the best Indian/ Pakistani food I have ever had. Not one item I've had has been disappointing. I especially recommend the Mutter Paneer Tikka Massala. The restaurant itself is quite small, but the ambiance is nice. Service is decent. The food, however, speaks for itself and mAkes the experience a five star one. Constantly am coming back for more!
(5)
Jenn R.

I've ordered delivery from here a couple times, they are super fast! It's crazy. Never been inside the restaurant, so this review is purely for food and delivery reference. Their chicken makhani is really good. I don't recommend the veggie makhani though because it's super rich without the meat to add flavor. Samosas are OK, I've had better. But I like that this place includes little salads with the entrees. I think I've also had the vindaloo, I've had something else here that I really like, and the naan is solid too.
(4)
Jessica G.

Tandoor is some of the best Indian food in the city. It's a small place, very intimate - but small! So be SURE to make a reservation in advance if you want any chance of eating here on the weekend. I've been several times and always been very happy with the food, portions, service, etc. I'll be back again!
(5)
Imran S.

The skinny: Friendly owner and wait staff. Very small, but very clean. Good food, though the "tandoor" part of it (i.e. the Indian/Pakistani part) can stand to be a little more authentic and not just be gimmicky to unsuspecting white folks in Lincoln Park who're thinking they're being either cultural and/or a foodie by going to a fusion place. Oh, and this place is halal, too. Bonus! The fat: Came here with my family before it got busy. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and I was in such a good mood that I even invited my in-laws to join us. We (wife and I) had our three lil kiddos, my momz, and my nephew. Oh, and my in-laws, I guess. Here's the breakdown: - Chaat Fries: everyone told me to get this. It's basically spiced-up fries. Very simple to make at home (FYI: I started my sentence with that to make my mom happy), but very nice to go out and enjoy someone making it for you. So, yeah, get them, bro. - Lassi: These are yogurt-based drinks that are so refreshing. They're not as thick as a milkshake, but obviously thicker than blood. I mean, water. What's interesting about this joint is that they offer atypical lassi flavors (usually you get sweet, mango, or regular at most Indo-Pak restaurants) including strawberry and blueberry. We went with strawberry and thought it was pretty solid. Not mind-blowing, but a good switch on a classic, so go for it, sport. - Naan: Girl you no nan! (Who gets that?) Anyway, naans here are very good. Very soft. Get a bunch, dude. - Mixed biryani: So, guys, let me level with you. I really wanted to explore their steaks here, but figured that it wouldn't be my family's cup of tea, so I kept it "desi" (a way of saying coutrymen/women from India/Pakistan) and ordered this dish as per the recommendation of my friend, who usually is a sheikh (aka a don) when it comes to food ordering. Lemme tell you I was wholly disappointed. The rice grains felt cold and undercooked. My mom and in-laws (all phenom chefs) wanted to go back and yell at the chefs, but I calmed them down. The only good part of the biryani was the meat (beef, chicken, and shrimp -- thus the "mixed" part of it) as it was tasty and well-cooked (which gives me hope for their steaks). But, yeah, dude, you can't mess up the rice part of biryani. Do a better job ... or else I'll continue to wave my fists angrily in the air! - Chicken tikka pizza: This is a mother effin' homerun! They use Edwardo's pizza, which is just a few steps away from Tandoor Char House (TCH). And, on top of that, Edwardo's is apparently owned by the TCH folks, too, which means that family must have the best and most convenient meals ever! Anyway, I ordered the pizza to go and had it the next day. So it's saying a lot that the quality of this pizza was still good the next day. I was, however, upset that I didn't order two especially since everyone else at home DESTROYED the pizza. So, yeah, just a good quality pizza with some good quality chicken tikka meat. Sometimes with these places that combine the two, you usually don't get the pizza part done very well, but this place killed it. Kudos. - Butter chicken: Actually, I wanna say it was supposed to be chicken tikka masala or something, but I could be wrong. Nonetheless, a worthy item for you to feast upon. It's solid. - Achar. Can someone please help me in describing achar? It's like a condiment, I suppose, but really flavorful with strong spices that some may not be able to handle. But apparently it was the owner's great grandmother's recipe and you could tell that out of all the IndoPak things we had, this was perhaps the most authentic thing. It was great. - Chocolate chip cookies: Okay, so we didn't order this, but the owner gave us a fat stack of these cookies for the kids. He was very nice. We did end up telling our waiter that the biryani was cold and undercooked. He genuinely apologized but didn't do much after that. Typically someone will say,"I'm really sorry. I'll talk to the manager/owner." Or perhaps, "I'm really sorry. Would you like a fresh order?" But he didn't say anything. Maybe he's new at this game, but he just should not have apologized. He did, however, save himself when he gave me the bill (why didn't my in-laws pay, btw?) by taking 25% off the cost of the biryani. I'll take 25% off of anything. So thanks for at least doing something about it at some level outside of an apology. Def will come back and will hit up their steaks. Stay tuned. Also, who read all this? I feel like the only person that will is my mom and wife and that's because I'll beg them to. Cheers.
(4)
Athar A.

What can I say... I have been here multiple times and menu continues to increase! To simply put: 5-star food with 7-star service!
(5)
Ally R.

I went in there open minded because I am new to the whole Indian type of food. I walked out in love with everything. Something seemed a little how to put this interesting. But all in all I will definitely go back for the pot stickers.
(5)
George J.

Finding good authentic Indian food is not very easy but this place nailed it! The service in this place is second to none from the owner to the servers everyone is super friendly and helpful. The chicken tikka Masala was phenomenal! The chicken tandoori was another great dish and don't forget to order the samosas (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian),WOW, the best I've ever had and I've had my share of them. Awesome place!
(5)
Hayden R.

Well done Indian food. I've been on a search for good Indian food in the city for quite some time. Sophisticated flavors and we'll done classics makes Tandoor worth a visit. The only reason I did not give five stars is due to the small dining area and extreme noise when full.
(4)
Laura C.

I cannot speak highly enough about this place. I have been here no less than 5 times for eat in and have ordered in through grub hub another 7. The food is consistently phenomenal and you can always expect, no matter what the dish, something that will keep enticing you back. Additionally, the staff is unbelievably friendly and will go our of their way to accommodate you. I once made the mistake of coming in without a reservation on the weekend and they did everything in their power to make sure that I was seated within 20 minutes. Absolutely worth every penny
(5)
Sneha R.

Our dinner last night blew all other Indian restaurant competitors out of the water. The people are Tandoor Char House are doing so much that is so right! From the excellently flavored chaat fries, to the naans, curries, kabobs, biryani... it was all brilliant. It is that gulab jamun that deserves a separate mention. As easy as a gulab jamun may seem to be to make, it is so difficult to get it right. The gulab jamuns we had last night are the best I have had in a long, long time. The service at the restaurant is great! They are friendly, polite are very professional. Mr. Faraz, your mother taught you well and your execution of her recipes is impeccable. Your passion for Indian food is so evident in the quality of food and service you put out there. We look forward to dining at your restaurant many more times. Please do not let the quality fall from the place it is now.
(5)
Nebras H.

It's my favorite food spot to get chicken tiki masala by far. You will not be disappointed and the staff there will remember you and remember your order on your second visit. I love going there for business lunches because of its relaxed professional atmosphere. I highly recommend you try once then you'll be hooked.
(5)
Lori L.

A very impressive experience! Environment: very continent location, between Fullerton and Diversy Red line/Brown line station, cozy inside, very comfy dining environment. Not many seats, so reservation recommended. Service: the owner is really nice. He's very visible in the restaurant, and talks to customers a lot :) our waiter is nice, but quite busy and sort of in a rush... Food: the dishes are freshly made so it takes a while to be served. But they are so good! Me and my friend were in Indian for a month and the food Tandoor has is very close to the "genuine" flavor. The Pakora is very good, we had fish Tikka Masala and Chane Masala (we are both Masala fans), and they taste just INCREDIBLE. I would love to try the tandori next time. The portion is quite decent for a party of two. Price: the price is very reasonable charged. My friend was concerned about the over pricing before we got our check since the quality of the food and the environment were so nice, but he was so happy to get the number on the check :)
(5)
Dan W.

I tried this restaurant with my friend last week and I think they got a pretty good selection of indian food. I like the tiki masala and korma, those two are my favorite. I definitely recommend trying this restaurant if you are in town. Plus, there prices are reasonable and not too expensive like other indian places.
(4)
Usman B.

My family and I had a great experience eating at Tandoor Char House. The food was excellent, the best subcontinental food in Lincoln Park, and the service was likewise top notch. The host went out of his way to accommodate us. Will definitely be dining there again.
(5)
Kaitlyn J.

We came here for dinner on the later side and they were very busy. The restaurant is small but they were able to get the 4 of us a table right away. The hosts were extremely accommodating and were happy to get us appetizers if we had a wait. The food was absolutely amazing. Chicken tikka masala and paneer and daal. You have to get the assorted naan. My first time getting Indian in Chicago. This will be my place for sure.
(5)
Alex G.

Three words: Chicken tika masala. Some of the best I've ever had. It's fairly large, so if you are getting appetizers, you probably can share it with two people. This is a great BYOB experience!
(4)
Sri T.

This was the worst Indiana food I've ever had. I've eaten food everywhere from India to Hyde Park, Chicago. The Naan Is excellent, but the rest is gross. The chicken tikkah masal is bland and the chicken chunks are huge and over cooked. The palak paneer is sweet, cooked with onions and something else I could not identify. I asked for both dishes to be made "extra, extra spicy." In short, this food is super unauthentic and definitely not worth the money (except the Naan, it's sooo good).
(1)
Louis F.

I was extremely pleased. I dined in during the afternoon. There were several people there but it was not too crowded. The dining area was kind of small, but comfortable. The server was extremely nice and attentive. He explained what everything was made of as he served it. I had the Chana Masala which was a vegetarian dish. I ordered it spicy and it was excellent. They serve you as much rice as you want. As they wrapped up my food to go (good size portions!) , they gave me a whole side of rice along with it! My friend ordered a lamb dish and really enjoyed it. He also got a lassi. We saw other dishes being served to customers--it all looked so good! The garlic naan and chutneys were delicious and the side salad was of amazing quality. Overall, the food was priced affordably, tasted amazing, and the service was great. I really recommend Tandoor!
(5)
Jessica N.

The food was adequate but it took 90+ minutes for delivery and I ordered at 3pm, so it's not that it was peak hours. By the time the food got here, it was cold. Not a great first experience from this place - can't say I intend to give them a second shot.
(3)
Theresa M.

I love this place! I can only speak for the take out as I have never dined in, but the order is always ready on time to pick up. I've tried a lot of Chicago's Indian restaurants but the food here has the best flavors and they give you a big portion for a decent price. I will definitely continue to be a regular customer.
(4)
Matt K.

Usually solid food, but the delivery service is horrendous. Took over 2 hours for delivery. Called to complain and the restaurant blamed it on being busy...I live 2 miles away. Wish I just picked it up.
(2)
Alexis O.

Been to this place quite a few times with the hubby! It is a sleek place, great for dates, excellent ambiance. Sometimes a bit noisy. Good is great! The Owner/manager adds a really nice personal touch to the place! Super friendly and stands behind the quality of the place. Definitely my pick for dates in the area!
(5)
RainbowSprinkles S.

Being a bit of Indian food snob I have to say this place earned 5 stars. I love Paneer Tikka Masala and it's kind of my litmus test for the place as a whole. This place passed the test with flying colors - the PTM is one of the best I've had. The Mexican fusion is a surprisingly delicious addition. They deliver as well, which is always a good thing. Before I go into constructive criticism let me just preface it by reinforcing that this place really is great. My only beef is the naan isn't as thick and fluffy as the ones I'm used to. That's not to say it isn't good (it is) but if I could make one recommendation it would be less crispy (or maybe a mix of both types) and more fluffy naan goodness. Oh, and if they added Ras Malai (favorite Indian dessert) then I would most likely let the naan infraction slide completely. Nonetheless, in a city of plentiful Indian food this place stands out.
(5)
Fatima K.

Tried their beef samosas, tandoori mix platter, nihari, mix naan platter, gulab jamun and rasmalai. They had the biggest samosas ever which I'd say were just a little above average. I've had better nihari at Sabri-Devon but their tandoor mix platter was pretty good especially because of the way they'd done the shrimps! The rasmalai had a different rich texture to it and it was tasteful; so were the gulab jamuns. Their staff is super friendly and attentive which is always a plus!
(3)
Wasif S.

This place is not your average Pakistani place. Place is really nice and clean, staff is very friendly and the food is amazing. We had masala fries ( you get them for free if you check-in at yelp), chicken pakoras, cheese naan, and salad with cucumber sauce for appetizer, sirloin steak (comes with mashed potatoes and steak sauce.. Ask for the chef special sauce) for main course and the mango cheesecake (which was on the house.... A rarity to see at such places) for dessert. Believe it or not, but the steaks were pretty good. I would put it up there with del frisco and stk. Everything was a 10/10. I would love them to open such restaurant in New York City too. Thank you for the amazing food and company.
(5)
Avani P.

My friends and I came here after another friend recommended it. We brought our own beer since it is BYOB. But, at the end, they charged us a corkage fee. Other than that, the food was really good. We used the yelp coupon and got the ceviche for free. I got the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and it was amazing. The server brought me my naan before I actually got my chicken tikka masala and brought me a fresh, warm batch once my entree came. My friend got the frontier chicken wrap and he was not impressed. He said that it lacked flavor. At the end, we split the mango cheesecake and it was delicious. Other than the corkage fee and the bland frontier chicken wrap, food was great. Service was great as well.
(4)
Inae J.

My favorite Indian restaurant in Lincoln Park. The quality, presentation, and flavors of their food is SPOT-ON. I always come to this place with my friend (born and raised in Pakistan), and she can attest to how good their chicken tikka masala, naan, and tandoori chicken are. The tikka masala has just the right amount of spicyness and creaminess; their naan is fluffy and savory; and the chicken is flavored and grilled to perfection. The servers are quick, sharp, and pleasant - catering to your needs and requests, as well as bringing a level of class to the restaurant. Lastly, the ambience - with its mood lighting and fancy table settings - adds to the excitement of your dining experience.
(5)
Sabrina F.

I went here once to dine in and had a good experience--the space is nice, the food was good (the naan is outstanding), it's BYO, it's reasonably priced. But I got take out two nights ago (chicken tikka masala, because I like Anglo-Indian food). While it tasted good (and again the naan was great), I thought the meat portion was quite skimpy. They made up for this in sauce, but the appeal of a bunch of sauce without meat is limited to me. MUCH more importantly, I have spent the last 48 hours very very ill. (This was the only thing I ate on Monday, so it seems clear that my food poisoning was from my meal here.) Anyway, I'd like to give this place a positive review, because I theoretically like it, but I have never had a clear case of food poisoning before, and I missed a couple of very important meetings because I was... ill. As ill as I've ever been. So I'm afraid I can't.
(1)
Jawad M.

Definitely not coming back after your response!! Wow! You are the owner? As an owner you shouldn't get offended and tell me that the food your restaurant serves is not for everyone cuz you are implying its not for me. I already got attitude from the waiter. When I politely just said to him there is something off. I could've made a seen, gotten mad at ur impolite waiter or refused to pay for the nihari with rotten meat. Especially after he questioned me how is it suppose to taste like? Os salai gorai ko main pakistan lai ja ke jawaid ki nihari khilaun phir nahi pochai ga mujsai ke what does the nihari youve had tastes like? So Faraz, your saying the owners of Sabri Nihari and Usmania who are your family friends, use meat that has steroids and are not grass fed which is why you charge double the price? Im just one review it wouldn't make any difference to you or your restaurant its successful already. And you sell alcohol. So I wouldn't put it past you to sell meat with steroids or sell non Zabiha. Don't give me that bs. If its so natural why does it taste so disgusting. Your right its not for me. You keep ripping off these gorai log in LP more power to you. 1st post Went here last month, its too pricy and over rated. Paid $50 for nihari an order of Tandoori chicken and fries with 2 naans. If you want real good better tasting Indian/Pakistani food drive down near edgewater and go to Usmania or Sabri Nihari on Devon Ave you will spend half the money and get really delicious fresh tasting food. We ordered tandoor chicken which was good. Chaat masala fries are just crispy there is barely any potatoes in their. And the nihari was horrible. It was so bad they should just take it off the menu. The meat had a bitter taste. And when we told the waiter that it tastes like there is something wrong with it, instead if being sympathetic he got offended, and said "what does the nihari you guys have had taste like" white guy with hair to the side. I advise you not to spend your hard earned money there. If you like this place thn your new to indian/pakistani food. I recommend trying restaurants on devon.
(1)
Charin K.

Yummmmmmmmm...... My favorite take out/delivery spot in the city! I've never dined in at Tandoor so please note that this is a take-out/delivery-experience only review. I have reservations to dine in there soon though and will update after said venture, which I am anxiously looking forward to :) Anyway, so I've never had a problem ordering from Tandoor (I've always gone through grubhub online), they always deliver both in a timely fashion and with very friendly service. And their food... oh man those are some simply lusciously delicious Indian dishes! In particular my husband and I love the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Karhai Signature Sensation. They always have great deals on Grubhub so we rarely have to pay for naan and most of their main dishes come with a great variety of sauces and sides (which are all incredibly tasty as well), so though it isn't cheap you get a LOT of bang for your buck, both in taste as well as quantity. All in all, it's a great way to treat yourself when craving Indian cuisine; in my opinion a night in chowing down on Tandoor take-out in my PJ's can even give a night out at a swanky restaurant a run for it's money!
(5)
britt r.

Tandoor is absolutely amazing!!!! I am more blown away every time. I ate in for my first experience and was shocked at how amazing it was. I had never had Indian food and did not know what to expect. Fahim was our server he was awesome very attentive and friendly. The meat fell off the bones and the garlic nann to die for. The next time we ordered delivery the food came quickly and was warm which is important to me. I had special requests which the employee over the phone kindly helped me with. Besides that I wast even sure of what I wanted to eat and the man literally listened to what type of meal mood i was in and helped me pick. It is a very classy and beautiful place that is perfect for a date or to grab after work when youre starving. If you haven't tried this place i obviously recommend it. I have now eaten from many Indian places and tandoor is always my very first choice!!!!
(5)
Lisa A.

I've only found this kind of excellent Indian food in SF. Everything was amazing. We went to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was a large group. The service was outstanding. I had the Palak Paneer which I highly recommend. The Naan is perfectly made. We had a large appetizer platter with somosas, and fries! Overall I'd go here again with more friends. Best of all its a byob.
(5)
Mika H.

The atmosphere was great and the food was yummy! I love spice and they delivered on the spice and flavor. Very small place so I suggest making reservations.
(4)
Husain K.

Recently ordered take out from Tandoor. We ordered, Beef nihari, karahi chicken, and chicken makhni, and tandoori pizza. The beef nihari was very well made. The beef was stringy and had no fat! Karahi chicken tasted very authentic and was excellent with the naan. Chicken makhni was also solid but needed to be a bit more spicy. The pizza was the only thing we weren't impressed with. If your looking for some good nihari and don't want to drive all the way out to Devon then this is a great option. A bit pricier then Devon if you are comparing prices.
(4)
Ben K.

A great spot and a big step up from Raj Darbar, everything we had at Tandoor was more delicious and less greasy than the food at it's Halsted neighbor. We started with the samosas which were fluffy crisp fried perfection outside a delightful savory blend of potatoes and peas, served with nice complement of sauces (the spicy cilantro one is fantastic). Then we shared the garlic naan, chicken tikka masala, and lamb karhai. The Naan is light but loaded with garlic, and is fantastic for sopping up all of the tasty sauce that comes with your entrees. The tikka masala was really nice, although if I had to knock it, it felt like there was just a touch too much butter/cream in there. Nevertheless, we left the bowl completely empty. The lamb karhai was great too, in a fantastic darker sauce that had a bunch of really interesting flavor and some nice heat as well. As is typical with indian lamb dishes though, the meat was on the bone (falling off the bone, really), which makes for the experience of picking out a handful of bone pieces while eating your dish. Overall this was an excellent meal, and at $32 for our feast for two (and the option to BYOB), I am very excited to come back.
(4)
Eve D.

Just had a delivery from Tandoor and we are in love!!! The best Indian food in LP. Delivery was very fast. We placed an order around 3pm, and Grub Hub said it will be delivered around 4:20, but they delivered right before 4. I like that a lot. What we had: Chicken Tikka Masala - soooooooo good. Palak Panner - Amazing!! Both came with salads, and bunch of little sauces and sides, that I don't even know what to do with them. Also Grub Hub had a free coupon for Free Gaarlic Naan. The bread was fresh and soft, and full of flavor.
(5)
R R.

Takes reservations and is BYOB. Great Indian fare to boot! Worth a visit.
(4)
Cristina F.

This place is delicious! Great for sharing with a group.
(4)
Kristen M.

DELICIOUS!! I ordered the chicken tikka masala, veggie samosas, and palak paneer. All absolutely fantastic! This is a new fav!
(5)
Nicholas B.

Stellar place. Waitstaff was friendly and helpful with suggestions. Food was delicious and portions were healthy. Chaat fries to start? Yes, please. Had the lamb tikka masala and chicken biryani, both of which were great. You get enough biryani to feed four people, AT LEAST. Or 10 smaller ones. Spice level was nice and hot without masking the flavor. Garlic naan was tasty and garlicky without being all like WHAM in your facemouth with garlic. A man who I assume is the owner checked in on my date and me, talked a little about the food and his great-grandmother's recipes, made us feel very welcome. The only slight I can give this place is that we waited for 20 minutes after our reservation time (also this annoying group of five annoying people waited next to us, but I can hardly blame the restaurant for that I think), and the hostess offered to open our wine while we were waiting and then forgot. I'm being picky picky picky, but I can do that because Yelp gives me that power. This is the Internet Age, people, get used to it. Bottom line: Go to this restaurant and eat the food. I've lived around the corner for two years and just went for the first time. DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I MADE. Don't make any of my other mistakes either.
(4)
Dave D.

Loved the food, first time at the restaurant and not a regular at Indian cuisines. The wait staff were all wonderful. They took the time explaining each of the dishes and level of spiciness etc. They help us select our order. We were a party of seven including a couple of kids and everyone loved the food. We will definitely be going back!
(5)
Lyn C.

I'm a big fan! Their Tikka Masala sauce is sooooo yummy! Their samosas are big proportions! You can get so much food and if you split the bill it's super affordable and it's BYOB! How can you not like this place?
(5)
Mohammed F.

I had the t-bone steak. Amazing for the price. The sides were nothing special. Would have liked better out of those. Will definitely return for that steak though.
(4)
Yasmin A.

Fantastic Indian food in Lincoln Park. What we had: Chicken Tikka Masala - excellent texture and flavor, great consistency in the sauce, really enjoyed it! ($13, includes rice) Chicken Biryani - It was delicious and moist, and it was a HUGE portion. ($13) Mango Lassi - this could be better, flavor was good but consistency was off. It seemed a bit watered down Samosa - Amazing. The green chutney is fantastic, super flavorful. Things we want to try next time: Tandoori Chicken Pizza - very excited to try this! All the different wraps they offer (tandoori chicken, kebab, etc.) - these are very affordable ($8) and would make a great take-out meal as well. The meal came with a complimentary salad - nice bonus. Service was very attentive, no complaints.
(5)
Nicholas A.

I have eaten a lot of Indian food in my life, being half Indian myself, and the food at Tandoor Char House is only okay. I had the tandori chicken tikka masala and the mixed vegitables and was not overly impressed. The tikka masala was barely warm and tasted eerily like Campbell's tomato soup. The chicken wasn't particularly moist or tender and didn't have the chared flavor/texture you would expect from a chicken tikka masala designated "tandori." The garlic nan was nice - warm and fresh with strong but not overpowering flavor. Overall, though, nothing was really that mindblowing. In fact, the food at Tandoor Char House reminded me of the food at Curry in a Hurry, a fast food Indian joint in the food court of a suburban mall near where I grew up. Perhaps I should have stuck with the regular tandori chicken or that tandoor mixed grill to get a better experience of the tandoor this place boasts. Judging from the other mostly 4 and 5 star reviews, that must have been the problem. The only other qualifier I would add was that the place was extremely busy when I went there. So much so, that the owner and wait staff seemed a little overwhelmed by it all. Perhaps they just quite ready for a Friday evening rush...
(2)
Megan S.

Hands down the greatest Indian place I've ever eaten at. My mom has started to question the amount of money I spent at Tandoor. Definitely 5 stars
(5)
Elizabeth T.

The employees are so friendly here! And their food is amazing!
(5)
Mike Z.

The food was great and the service was just as good. The place is on the smaller side, but we had no trouble getting a table. The portions were large enough that we had the leftovers as a second meal the next day. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Camille H.

Stopped in this restaurant randomly, and got a table right away. I would recommend making a reservation for dinner, though. The service was excellent, our waiter was very pleasant and polite. As for the food, it was amazing! Try the chicken tiki masala and the mango cheesecake. Would definitely come again!
(5)
Maryam S.

They are called "Tandoor" for a reason, if you order anything grilled, it's going to be amazing. I ordered the Tandoor Mix Grill Platter and it was delicious. Their naan is huge and has the perfect amount of softness and crunchyness you need to scoop up your chicken tikkah with chutney! I ordered delivery and called to see if it was too late to get some -fresh- food, and the person on the other end was really funny and said "Ma'am this isn't Devon." Perfectly put.
(5)
Tam M.

didn't get to eat there, though we wanted to - walked in to an absolutely empty restaurant and were told that they only take reservations, and that there would be an hour wait, so we left.
(2)
Tab S.

A nice and classy atmosphere, good selection of dishes, and friendly staff. However, some of the food we ordered was a little bleak in comparison to its more authentic counterparts. If that is what you're looking for - this place will do just fine, and for that reason it appeals to a wider audience. However, if you're looking for some seriously spicy/genuine stuff - you probably won't get it here. The seating is a little tight for large groups, but ideal for a party of 2-4. Having said that, I would go back for more if I'm in the area and in the mood!
(4)
Imran K.

Food is really delicious, in fact the restaurant is Zabiha / Halaal and they have steak! Faraz offered great service. Will be coming back.
(5)
D O.

I was misled by the 4.5 start average rating into expecting a lot more, but it's not a bad place to check out for a weeknight dinner. They had really tasty samosas and sizzling chicken; it went really well with the grilled onions and peppers they serve it with. The food is decent. I tried 3 types of naan and they were all nice but tasted pretty much the same. It was hard to tell the garlic one from the cheese one form the plain one. I also got a sizzling mix platter. The beef and shrimp were pretty good, but I'd go for just chicken next time.
(3)
Amanda C.

I REALLY liked Tandoor. First of all, our server Ryan was great. He said he'd been there about a month but was so knowledgeable you'd never know. We had a group of 3 people, but the third was 45 minutes late and we were taking up a 4 person table when they had a wait. Really appreciated how they didn't mind. Food was great- I had the shrimp tikka masala which was something I'd never had before (not a big Indian food eater) but really enjoyed, and we split some samosas which are a pretty safe choice. Bonus is that it's BYOB, and I love the variety of fennel seeds when you leave.
(5)
Kimberley J.

Indian food isn't my most favorite, I probably eat Indian once every few months. However from my last visit I will make sure I eat here every time I eat Indian. This place is very nice, interior decor was cute and charming. Service was excellent. and best of all the food was just delicious!!
(5)
John V.

Got the Chicken Tiki Marsala for 2 reasons - it's my favorite Indian dish, and all the reviews said it was great. Turns out it was just OK, and not nearly as good as a place in tiny Oxford, OH. And it was $20 for the meal with garlic man. Not worth it.
(3)
Jones' D.

We had a fantastic experience here. The food was great. We started with samosas, which were light and crispy. Even better were the chutneys that came with it. I had the chicken tikka masala and an order of naan. Both were some of the best I've ever had. The portions were generous enough that I had enough for lunch the next day. It was just as good on day 2. The only thing I wish is that it was a little spicier The service was also excellent. It was attentive, but not overbearing. I will chalk part of that up to the fact that it is still relatively new, so was not very busy when we visited. I also enjoyed the ambience (music and decor), which I thought was a step up from many "authentic" indian restaurants. I will certainly be returning, as I had my eye on the tikka masala pizza (whaaat?) and the wraps on the menu. It is definitely worth a try!
(5)
Jay R.

I have been a lover of Indian food since my sister introduced me to it when I was just 14. Since then I have dined at to many Indian restaurants to count and after hundreds of samosas, popadums and dishes of chicken tiki masala I can tell you Tandoor serves my favorite Indian food of all. Tandoor Char house serves traditional indian fare but also offers a unique twist on some dishes like Tandoori Chicken Tikkah Pizza,Beef Steak Fajitas and Chaat Fries, fries with a indian twist. The paneer pakora and chicken pakora where fried to perfection with and the chicken and cheese where both moist and flavorful. Entrees come with a fresh crisp salad and the sauces and everything is made in house. The atmosphere is quaint and comfortable with a bit of a cosmopolitanism feel its a step up from the feel of most Indian restaurants. All that being said the thing that Tandoor earns 6 stars for is service the waitstaff they are all friendly knowledgeable about the food and around when you need them but they don't hover. The owner works the front of the house and is also friendly knowledgeable about all the food and does some pretty good imitations. This is a great place and what makes it better is it is BYOB. If you like Indian food GO and if you don't like Indian food GO because I bet you will still like it
(5)
Akmal Q.

Let me start out by saying this: Tandoor is phenomenol! There are many Indian/Pakistani cuisine restaurants within the city of Chicago, but the service, quality of food and attention to detail is what sets them apart. If you're into good food of this cuisine...I would highly recommend all of you Devon-lovers and make way to this great spot for authentic yet contemporary food! I will be visiting here frequently and Mr. Faraz is very polite and accomodating! :)
(5)
Marla H.

Delicious! And the owner was wicked nice. We didn't have a reservation, but he squeezed us in on a busy day anyways.
(5)
Robert W.

Fantastic Indian. The chicken botta was fantastic and spicy, samosas are good and crispy. Chaat fries are kind of commonplace and greasy. Food is very good and delivery is usually hot and good. Like the palak paneer as well. Would be five stars but it's overpriced.
(4)
Steven G.

Had such an incredible dining experience at Tandoor last night! From the service to the atmosphere to the food, it was all truly fantastic!
(5)
Glen W.

Solid, but over-rated Indian. Not one of the absolute best in Chicago.
(3)
Romy K.

A nice find while visiting Chicago - seemed like it is mostly visited by locals, which I liked. Note to first timers - Tandoor is BYOB. The same owner has a pizza place a few doors down, and you can pick up, or the waiter can run down for you, some beer or wine. But the wine selection is very limited. I ran a bit further down the street to a liquor store and bought a nice bottle of wine. We had the tandoori fish, which was moist and perfectly cooked. The palak paneer was also good. We did order spicy, which the waiter said would be 6-7 on a scale of 10. I would have preferred it to have been hotter - To me it was more like 5-6. Portion size is huge - each plate is easily enough for 4 - the 2 of us felt bad wasting so much food. We had a 9:00 reservation, but weren't seated until 9:30. For us it wasn't a big deal as we weren't starving or in a hurry. But it could be an issue for others. The hostess was super friendly and apologetic - it would have been nice to have been comped an app though. Our particular waiter was a bit slow, but no real complaint. Would I come back here the next time I'm in town - probably would try another Indian restaurant to see how it compared.
(4)
John B.

Tandoor is truly deserving of a 5 star rating. Samosas and chicken tikka masala all day! Portions are huge, naan is delicious and chutneys are a step above. The owner makes sure to visit all tables to socialize and tell stories about the food. Oh yea and BYOB.
(5)
Linda B.

4.5 stars. I had my birthday dinner here this past weekend and the food, service, and ambience were very very good. We started with beef and vegetable samosas and they were good--nothing special but good. On to the entrees: between the four of us, we had chicken nehari (capital "D" Delicious), chicken tikka masala (good), tandoor chicken (full of flavor and a lot more tender than what you get at other restaurants), and fish tikka masala (good). Tandoor was also very affordable, especially given the area. Did I mention that it's BYOB? Definitely recommended.
(5)
Leslie B.

Awesome Indian food in Lincoln Park! Not an Indian food connoisseur by ANY means, I couldn't ignore the excellent reviews, BYOB, proximity to my home, and that you could make a reservation on Open Table. Came here on a Friday night for a double date with Alex H and Claire K. I was glad we made a reservation as Tandoor was pretty packed and there isn't a ton of seating. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful in guiding us through the menu. They seem to be used to diners that aren't familiar with Indian cuisine, which made us feel more at ease. We started with some beef and vegetarian samosas which were awesome, I especially loved the dipping sauce that came on the side. For dinner, we shared a bunch of things...too many things actually. We were all stuffed and had so much left over! I would absolutely recommend getting the assorted naan basket for a bigger table. All of the varieties were really tasty. They also bring out all four of their chutneys to go with the meal, these were varied in spice and flavor, but all fantastic. They all added to the dishes in their own way. For entrees, we went with the chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, spicy tandoori chicken boti, and a beef dish. I highly recommend the chicken tikka masala, the sauce was delicious and the chicken was cooked perfectly. The palak paneer was very tasty, but definitely different if you're not used to Indian food! We should have trusted the waiter when he said the spicy tandoori chicken was "very hot." It was. So spicy. The fumes were making us cough! However, the spices could be subdued by the yogurt sauce. The beef we ordered was incredibly tender and flavorful. Overall, we had an excellent time and I'll be back!
(5)
Gaity R.

This review is long overdue! I had the pleasure of eating at Tandoor a few months ago when a few of my friends were visiting from Las Vegas. I was a little reluctant about going as most people know that the best Pakistani/Indian restaurants are located in Devon. I must say, I was beyond impressed with my experience at Tandoor. The food was incredibly fresh and savory. The service too was outstanding. The owners brought out a delectable sampling of various items on the menu and everything was just amazing. I will definitely go back and seem to be craving their mango cheesecake and gulab jamun on a daily basis amongst other things.
(5)
Christina N.

My friends and I ordered at 10 PM Sunday night after Pride. Around 11:20 PM we called to complain that we hadn't received anything from them. The guy I spoke with apologized and told us the remnants of Pride still had the streets messed up and that the driver had been en route. (Previously we had called at 11 PM and were told he was en route, but still got nothing so called again.) I told him I was annoyed with the wait time and understand that Pride messed the area up, but some notice through Grub Hub that orders would take longer would be nice. The guy on the phone offered to call the driver to see where he was, but he was actually pulling up at 11:30 PM. (Grub Hub said delivery by 11:12ish.) I thanked the guy for his help but he went further to apologize and offer me a percentage back via Grub Hub, which did go through today. Turns out Sprint (the 'wonderful' network they are) finally let my Grub Hub texts through the next morning, which would have helped since one said the driver was on his way. Jump to eating the food - It was delicious! The garlic naan was well-flavored and the food was wonderful. Everything was separated well and didn't get messed up during the drive. It even arrived still warm despite the lag time due to the fest. Overall, we will order from here again. The customer service was appropriate and without attitude and the food was great. Thanks again, Tandoor!
(5)
Evy V.

This place is amazing! The first time my boyfriiend and I went we ordered the chicken tiki masala and chilli Biryani and I couldn't get enough. I have gone a few times after that because I want to try everything on the menu. It has become one of my new favorite places in the city. Also BYOB
(5)
Kyle D.

The food was delicious! Definitely the best Indian that I've had in awhile. However, what kept this place from getting 5 stars in my book was that the service was questionable. My party and I must have been there for 2 hours. There were 6 of us, but that still is a long time. The restaurant is also small and the atmosphere is okay, nothing special. But the food is fantastic. Portions are a good size and everything came out hot and fresh. There are tons of different options that will surely please anyone who likes Indian food. Overall a good experience and if I was in the neighborhood I would definitely check it out. Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 8.5/10
(4)
Stafford M.

Great dinner here.
(4)
Junaid K.

Best Indian restaurant in Chicago (and I grew up with an Indian mom chef) - Generous portions with high quality ingredients. - Creative Indian fusion recipes - Delicious desert, the best cheesecake iv had in my life. - Genuinely friendly and great owners and staff. Made me and whoever I come with always feel welcome. Favorite dishes: The mixed briyani - it's HUGE quantity Vegetable samosa Any lamb curry dish Palak paneer! Chicken tikka masala! Naan platter ...and the rest of the menu. I'm happier man when I'm here.
(5)
Justin E.

Samosas* ~Best Samosa's I've had! Chane Masala Tandoori Chicken Boti Lamb biryani** ~Favorite dish! Assorted Basket of Na'an Mango Lassi Easily fed 3 of us and could have probably fed 5 (we'll gladly be eating left overs for at least 2 more meals). Our total came out to only $63 which surprised all of us (pleasantly). So good! Definitely will be returning. We showed up at 7:30pm on a Sunday and this place was full. We didn't have a reservation but they were able to seat us pretty quickly and the owner/his son greeted us personally. The "Char" is basically a giardiniera but it's the owners grandmother's recipe and it's amazing. If you ask your server they will give you any of the Chutney or Char that you want with the wrapped leftovers. I highly recommend this place as it is the best Indian food I've had in Chicago so far. This place looks a little more upscale than we were expecting and the food definitely is as nice as the atmosphere but the prices are surprisingly affordable.
(4)
K-m S.

Tandoor used to be one of my favorite places for Indian food in the area. Their sauces are excellent and the meat is always tender. I don't think I'll order delivery from this restaurant anymore though. After I got their call to come down to my apartment's entryway, my food was just sitting on the floor in a bag. Knowing it was mine, I picked it up and started walking back upstairs (I had already tipped when I placed the order online). Then a man who I hadn't seen in the entryway came back inside and yelled at me to sign a receipt. I realized it was the delivery person. He was just really rude about it, like I did something wrong. 5 stars for the food, but I had to knock off 2 stars due to the service.
(3)
Aggie S.

Food is Pakistani and Indian at its best. It's a BYOB too! Waiters are very helpful and have never steered me wrong with their recommendations. The Char is fantastic, nice and spicy. Try the masala shrimp ceviche, tasty appetizer.
(5)
Mee K.

Tandori Chicken Tandori Chicken Tandori Chicken!!!!!
(5)
Marisol M.

My hubby & I enjoyed the delicious cuisine & the samosas are the best I've ever had. The waiter was very professional and helpful. It's a perfect place for date night. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Eduardo S.

Wow. Excellent Indian food. Great prices. Incredibly attentive service. This place is super small though. Either make a reservation or come on an off night. The mixed grill platter is amazing and massive. The veggie samosas are excellent.
(5)
Anita M.

I have a lot of reasons for liking Tandoor Char House. The service and food are always on point, if not sometimes a little slow to serve since everything is cooked to order. But they also have a couple unique features that make it stand out from your standard Indian restaurant. 1. They have both Indian and Pakistani cuisine, so you can have vegetarian/chicken dishes as well as great beef and lamb options. I particularly love the beef samosas, which are hard to find anywhere outside of my mom's kitchen. 2. They have an interesting fusion menu which blends Indian flavors with traditional Western dishes. My husband loves the Penne Tikka Masala, which is basically butter chicken w/ pasta. The Tandoori chicken tikka pizza is also pretty delicious. 3. The chaat fries All in all, you can't go wrong if you want some good Indian food and you don't feel like trekking all the way to Devon St.
(5)
Nadia A.

Wow, I am truly impressed with Tandoor Char House. I am changing my original review from three stars to five. Today I received a message from their manager letting me know that one of their drivers had car troubles yesterday and apologizing for the long delivery wait. He also called grub hub and gave me a discount on my order from yesterday. I am so, so impressed with this. The manager was gracious and apologetic and it really shows that they value their customers very much. He has assured me that they're hiring more drivers, and their food really is delicious so I will definitely be giving them another chance in the future!
(5)
Camille C.

I almost never take the time to review a delivery joint but I feel like sharing! This is by far my favorite delivery place in Lakeview! My go-to's are the Beef Nehari, my gawd, very flavorful and spicy, the portion is big enough for hubby and I and we always have leftovers, which we'll eat the next day with the garlic naan. The chicken pakora, vegetable samosas are chaat fries are good alternative if you are looking for more carb-ey options! And you must get the Pistachio and almond homemade ice cream! It's unlike anything else I've ever had. Not quite gelato, not as heavy as regular ice cream. Just get it!
(4)
Shradha A.

The place had stayed in my memory for good paneer but they've changed the menu, and possibly ownership, recently. The service was nice & the chef came by to check in too. The food was just okay - paneer, naan. Eggplant was undercooked and a combination of braised-baked, which didn't work at all. The chaat fries are still fun but may be a while before I next return for just that one reason.
(3)
Wafa Z.

Best Indian Resteraunt there is, hands down!!! Service is great and food is AMAZING! I drive down to this resteraunt from Indianapolis at least twice year. It is worth it!! The owners do a great job taking care of their customers and will do everything they can to make experience as pleasant as possible. Will continue to come to this place!
(5)
Darren B.

Meh. Probably wouldn't go back. Pedestrian food, pedestrian service, above-average pricing, especially for lunch.
(3)
Bri D.

The chicken tikka masala is unreal here. She meat is so tender and good. Must try!! Have been here a couple times and the only downside is the incredibly strong candles in the bathroom that smell like something from a truck stop. Wait staff is nice, not super knowledgeable on the menu but who cares... The food is that good that I'll overlook the gas station bathroom candles. Must eat here.. Or take out.
(5)
A Z.

I felt compelled to write a review because I just can't believe this place has gotten more than 2 or 3 stars. We ordered takeout today and the food was mediocre at best. The Mixed Vegetables dish was terrible, it looked and tasted like canned vegetables dumped into a preservative-infused tomato sauce. The vegetables were soft and bland, think Indian Night at a retirement home. They were sadly out of Chana Masala and so they recommended their eggplant dish. I expected something well cooked, creamy, perhaps spicy and smoky, so was excited to try it. Well the eggplant chunks were oversized (think two or three bites worth per chunk) very undercooked, under seasoned, and tossed in a variation of the same tomato sauce but thickened. Some eggplant chunks still held their unripe firmness. Disappointing. The vegetable somosas were HUGE. They did have a nice amount of crunchy on the outside and spicy on the inside but the filling was just a gigantic slab of overly purÃ©ed mashed potatoes. I was expecting some chunks of potatoes, peas and onions, so thought these were a huge disappointment as well. The best part of the meal was the amazing assorted naan and sauces/dips that came on the side. If you're craving great naan, then this is the place for you. If you're craving the authentic, aromatic spice of well-prepared, thoughtful Indian food, spare yourself the money and order from somewhere else.
(2)
Nathan M.

I've been to Tandoor three times now, and it has not yet failed to disappoint. First, make sure you have a reservation. Or plan on going around 17;00, otherwise you're likely not to get a seat. As for the food, I highly suggest getting one of the sample platters as you get to try several types of meat with a variety of sauces. Get the veggie samosas. Definitely go for either mango lassi or cheesecake. Both are stellar. Service is decent, but the food and portions are very generous and the prices are very very fair. Slightly on the romantic side and cozy, but definitely appropriate for casual dining. Highly recommend!
(5)
Melisha S.

I ordered tonight for the first time and thought the food was delicious. Good value for the money, and the tikka masala was a nicely sized portion of chicken breast that was cooked perfectly. The tandoor chicken salad (ordered by a friend who isn't a fan of Indian food) was ok, but my friend ended up eating half of my dish. Can't wait to try more! Thanks!
(4)
Moon Beam B.

The wait staff, Faraz the owner and entire team at Tandoor Char House are professional, accommodating, welcoming & serve up a great plate of unique food! Great place for groups, date nights, girls night & moderate sized events. My favorite include: Vegetarian Samosa, Paneer Cheese Naan, Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala & All of their chutneys! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
(5)
Mark C.

Delicious food and very friendly service. Yum! Will definitely return.
(5)
Geeta S.

Tandoor may serve Indian food, but it sure doesn't have any sense of Indian hospitality and customer service. The food at tandoor char house is good but it is no Gaylord's (100 W. Walton) or Viceroy of India (located on Devon avenue), or my all time favorite Indian restaurant Shikara (Downer's Grove, Il). Regardless of the food, the service is terrible, the restaurant itself seems a bit unclean and the kitchen seems to make a lot of mistakes. I've been to the restaurant and received the wrong order several times, which can be annoying if you are really ready to eat. Do not even think of ordering delivery from tandoor. Once I ordered and waited about three hours for food and was told they are having a busy day and I let it go. The second time I ordered my food it was delivered in an hour as promised but it was someone else's order. The driver then picked up that order to deliver it to the proper owner (makes me wonder what could be happening to my food before it reaches me), and I had to wait two hours for my actual order. The third time I ordered from tandoor the driver didn't show up for three hours and the manager at tandoor kept telling me it was on it's way. Finally they figured out the food was sent to the wrong place once again. Tandoor is a great choice if you are in no rush to get your meal, and have three or more hours to kill.
(1)
Joseph K.

Tandoor has delicious food served in massive portions. The atmosphere is laid back and encourages you to sit back and enjoy your meal. The staff is friendly and are willing to accommodate large parties without a fuss. This is definitely one of my favorite Pakistani spots in the city.
(5)
Shahab S.

overall a terrible experience. the food was horrible, our food took about an hour and 15 to come out, the first waiter must have left midshift because there was another server (who was awesome and the only reason that this place gets 2 stars). since when is tandoori chicken = chicken makhani? because that's what it is over here. the garlic naan is stale and uninspired and the chaat fries were basically just curly fries with seasoning on them. i've had better at five guys. the people who have given this place great reviews clearly do not each indian food on a regular basis. if you want authentic quality, save the money and go to devon. you're options are much better there, for much cheaper. i would never go here again.
(2)
Mandy P.

My friend and I were recommended this place and it exceeded our expectations. We ordered basically a little of everything and it was all phenomenal. Note that light spice is pretty spicy. Also save room for the pistachio ice cream! Small space so make sure to make a reservation!
(5)
Jason A.

The food was great and large portions! Upper level was very crammed with tables and people. I had people bumping into me trying to get around tables and was very loud with the amount of people in one area upstairs.
(3)
Martin P.

I had a poor experience here. The samosa we were served were seriously oily and inedible. Even the waiter remarked 'greasy enough for ya'? The restaurant it self is super small and felt a little too cosy for me. The steak is also the same. If you have to eat here, stick with the butter chicken / nan, or biryani. There are much nicer indian resturants in chicago for less money.
(3)
Pat S.

The food is top-notch and receives 5 stars. In this case, I had to knock down my review since it was the owner who left a bad impression. Unfortunately, my second time at Tandoor Char House really soured my feelings towards this place and I probably won't return. I was on a date and we were having a great time. Food was great. Our server was pretty good (he kept calling my date "bro" which was really unprofessional, but whatever), and the atmosphere was intimate. We each had a sip or two of wine left when the OWNER came up to our table and asked when we were leaving because he needed the table. Excuse me?! He did the same thing to the table next to us. We totally understood that he had customers waiting for a table and we would have left with no hard feelings if he would have gone about it in a more tactful way, e.g. "Hey guys! I'm really sorry but we're packed tonight! Can I offer you a free appetizer the next time you come in?" My date and I would have refused the free app and been on our way - we both work in customer service roles so we understand. We actually had just been discussing how much we liked this place when the mood was ruined by us being shooed out the door. The owner's behavior was terribly unprofessional which is unfortunate because I really enjoy the food!
(2)
Brian M.

Another long overdue review My favorite Indian restaurant in town. Their sauces have never let me down.
(5)
Leah S.

Super delicious! I had the lamb tikka masala and sauce was to die for. I literally was eating it like soup. The lamb could have been a bit more tender but it didn't even matter because the sauce was the best I've had. My boyfriend beef nihari which was equally as good. It was not as spicy as I thought it would be but the ginger rounded it out nicely. (Mine was still better) Of course the chutneys, rice and naan was on point. But the grand finale was the mango cheesecake. O.M.G.
(4)
S M.

This place can be really good or really bad -- both food and delivery -- and it's completely unpredictable. Most recently I ordered for delivery. The meat dish arrived horribly undercooked. It was gross and I was afraid of getting sick. I called and spoke with the manager. Since it was late and my friend had already eaten her chicken dish, I didn't want him to send out another dish, so he offered to refund it. He never did. I called back and the person promised they'd take care of it. Nope. I called again and received no response. If you can't provide consistent food, that's one thing. But don't lie to me and tell me you're going to take care of it and not actually do anything. Lousy business practice.
(1)
Ali D.

Delicious Indian option in Lincoln Park ... a must savor. The owners (brothers) were super hospitable and took great care of us. Look fwd to going back.
(4)
Justine M.

My favorite indian restaurant in Chicago thus far. The Chicken Tikka Masala was perfectly flavored, enough taste of the yogurt and tomato. The assorted naan basket was plentiful and delicious. There was a dish my friend and I saw someone else order and it smelled amazing. It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it for good indian food. Rice comes with the dishes
(4)
Ritika K.

I really wanted to love this place. I went there for the first time on a Sunday night. We were seated right away. They served a complementary salad which I thought was great. Who does that? We ordered aloo masala for appetizer, chili chicken biryani and lamb curry for our main course. I have to say that the meat was so tender and flavorful and I will give them 5 stars for that. However, biryani and the curry did not live up to the mark. I expected better. The service was excellent. I am definitely going to return though to try out some of their tandoor entrÃ©e and appetizers.
(3)
Gitana J.

If you want good, home made meal Tandoor is your place. We stopped by pure accident..just happened to be in the area and were presently surprised. We shared appetizer plus lamb stew like dish with rice and different sauces. It was delicious! It was a lot of food and amazing quality. Looking forward to be back there for dinner ...yammmmm
(5)
Greg G.

I love Indian food, and I love creating my own indian food creations when I go out for indian food. Jeeze how many times can I use the word indian in 1 sentence? Looks like 3. Anyway I'm getting off topic. This place is not your typical Indian food restaurant. Although they have many of the classic indian food dishes, what they really shine in is their fusion dishes! Why get chicken makhani in a bowl when you can get it on a pizza?? This place is also BYOB, which is clutch except when your wife brings a bottle of champagne (who drinks champ with indian food??) and your friends bring an expired bottle of wine (I'm looking at you Alex..) The restaurant is pretty small, so make sure you get a reservation, preferably next to a blackhawks player because they eat here too. The portions are pretty big, so you won't leave here hungry, I guarantee it. The staff is also very nice and helpful when ordering. My only complaint was that the papadam only came with 3 wafers! Also it didn't come with the normal brown chutney that I love, it came with the green stuff though which is delish.
(5)
Farwah R.

I recently payed another visit to this restaurant with my family. We ordered veggie samosa, tamarind wings, penne pasta, chili chicken biryani, assorted naan basket, and a mixed grill platter. Some entrees were very tasty while others need a little work. I really liked the samosas, they were very crispy and filled with potatoes. I enjoyed the penne pasta, and I thought the dish has improved since the last time I was here. It was made up of the tikka masala sauce, and I thought that the sauce was delicious. The tamarind wings were pretty good. The meat was very tender and juicy. The mixed platter was not very good. I thought that the seekh kabob, grilled chicken breast, and shrimp were all very dry. They were also not spicy enough. The chilli chicken biryani was not that great, and there was not much chicken in it. The naan was was a mix of plain, paneer and garlic naan. Next time, I would just order the garlic naan it was very yummy. However, the strawberry lassi was very tasty and full of the taste of fresh strawberries. It was perfectly made. The service was good and everything arrived in a timely manner. Overall this restaurant is still a good pakistani place for the lincoln park area.
(3)
Yahya S.

The logo struck me, I knew this place was going to be classy. It was. The lighting, decor, table setting was all excellent, great for formal gatherings too. I checked in and got free side of Ceviche! Yum. It was shrimp, fresh chopped vegetables, all sitting on papar. We ordered karahi, t-bone steak, garlic naans, and a mixed grill plate. The karahi was amazing. The t-bone steak was okay, because they put tenderizer on the outside, it ruined the consistency of how steak should be cooked, charred on the outside. They brought out a salad on the house too! Overall had a good time and good food.
(4)
Gino W.

Because I wanted to try at least one more dish before writing a blog entry about it, I returned for a second sampling. Tamarind chicken wings. Tandoori shrimp. Penne tikka masala with shrimp. Pakola. The tamarind chicken wings were so good that I didn't bother being proper with a knife and fork. I used my fingers and licked them when I was done. The tandoori shrimp came with a side of tamarind rice, chutneys, a makhani sauce, and achar. As hearty as this dish was, it was still light enough that I was able to finish all of it. The penne tikka masala with shrimp was an interesting fusion between Italian (pasta penne) and Indian (tikka masala). Loved it! And I washed it all down with a Pakistani cream soda called pakola. (Pakolas and Jibarittos are now my favourite carbonated sodas.) I had a different server this time, but the service was still tops. Tandoor Char House made the cut for the blog. They're worth it.
(5)
Tim P.

best Indian restaurant in the city, hands down. I've tried restaurants in the loop, west loop, river north, devon st, and Tandoor is the best, period.
(5)
Karen M.

Amazing place! Best Indian food in town. The chicken tikka masala is delicious! The owners are very nice people and the service is excellent. It's BYOB, and perfect for any occasion.
(5)
Andrea C.

I'm surprised I haven't written a review of Tandoor Char House yet! It's a solid BYOB Indian place on the Lakeview/LP border. I've never had a bad experience and they're always accommodating of me no matter how large or small my group is. Delicious tandoor and great biryani- I like mine a little spicy as well. Whenever I have a hankering for Indian in my 'hood this is my go-to spot!
(4)
Maham K.

We opted for the Indian/Pakistani part of the menu and quite honestly, I wasn't impressed. The mixed grilled items tasted the same. There was no distinction in flavor or taste. I think I'll give it another chance but try toe fusions next time.
(3)
Riya A.

I had this place for the first time last year and 2 times after that. The environment is really nice, food was pretty good and the service was Also good. I got the steak and it was cooked pretty well and the owner personally took care of us. But this place in my opinion is more of a place you come too with your friends or your wife or something along the lines of that. Not really your kids. That being said real classy place!
(4)
Farhan K.

Tandoor charhouse is a classy place with good service. However, the food is inconsistent. Sometimes it's too salty, the rice is too hard, the naan isn't fully cooked, etc. The grill items seem to be consistently good. Wish I could say the same about the biryani and chicken tikka masala. I personally don't feel it's overpriced if they were consistent. But when you get food your not happy with, that bill can be heavy.
(3)
Nanye E.

Went with a group of 5, small venue with good group seating on multiple floors. Apps: chicken pakora and tamarind wings. Good portions and great taste. Main course: tandoori chicken roll with naan. Chicken had great taste, naan was above average, but it was slightly to "breast". Next time I'll get it with the roti. The masala curly fries on the side are the best I've ever had, it's an absolute must try. The mango lassi was fairly standard, no complaints. Great service, great presentation, and they do a really nice job of keeping the place clean.
(3)
Habiba Z.

Went last night for the second time, had a wonderful time, starting from great service as soon as we walked in. We had an amazing server, Micheal, who really was kind, social, and not in a rush, although the whole place was full. We started with Shrimp Pakora apps with their authentic and so flavorful chutneys. Followed by ribeye steak(medium well) and t bone steak(well done). Both had a great flavor and perfect texture. Steaks can with potatoes which were a perfect pairing with the steak. Also I enjoyed the Tandoori Sauce with the steak, very unique flavors. Tandoor Char House always has superb service and high quality food, plus the ambiance is just perfect. You definitely cannot compare it to other "Devon" Indian/ Paki restaurant the food tastes more fresh and seems like alot of thought of went into the menu and food items.
(5)
Sarah S.

Pros: accessible to the western palate, friendly and attentive owner, good service Cons: small seating space, no bar, not the mosh authentic Must Have: tandoori wings I got the tandoori wings and chicken biryanj. The wings were gooey delicious and the biryanj was tasty. However,I feel like they restaurant is making a concession to their Lincoln Park neighbors by toning down the spice and populating the menu with fusion dishes. My fiancÃ© is Indian and has burned off my taste buds with lava hot spice curries, so I found the food too mild for my tastes. The space is two stories and seemed too small for a restaurant. There is not a hallway or foyer to separate the front door from the tables, so it got a bit drafty in winter. They do not have a liquor license, but it is BYOB.
(3)
Daniel A.

Hmmmm.... I'm a little on the fence whether this place deserves 2 stars or 3 stars, so I'm first going to write my review, read it and then reassess what I think it should get. It's Sunday, I'm getting that peculiar craving for nothing. You know, the one where everything sounds amazing but you can't decide on which ONE type of food you should order. (Which is dangerous cause you feel ravenously unstoppable, like you could order from more than one place and actually eat it all, when really you can't. So I choose Indian food. Tandoor Char house seems to have some pretty good reviews, and I decided to mock my hunger by ordering blindly. I ordered the: (Don't judge Me) Mutter Paneer Tikkah Masala Chaat Fries Vegetarian Samosa Assorted Nan Basket and the Mago Cheesecake. This was a lot of food and I blame my stomach for ordering it on Grub Hub. First things first, which is negative strike on this place, was that the delivery took too long. I ordered, I mean, MY stomach ordered the food at quarter to 7 and I didn't get it until quarter after 8pm. The next problem, which irritated me more than the first problem, was that my food was cold. Well not ice cold, more like lukewarm. This totally ruined the Chaat Fries, which would have been delicious if they were hot. The Mutter Paneer TIkkah Massala was decent, it was noting spectacular if I had to compare it to other places I've eaten at, but it wasn't horrible. I did feel like it was primarily sauce with very little cheese or veggies. How was the Naan? -- That's NAAN of your business.. ok bad joke, but to make up for it, I'll tell you that the Naan is absolutely delicious. It's soft, fluffy, and the assortment gave you a little bit of every flavor your tastebuds live for. (I really, really liked the Garlic Naan.) The Samosa was nothing to be remembered. It was just there. Lastly.. THE MANGO CHEESECAKE!! Oh if I had only known how good this was.. Had I known... I would have ordered a WHOLE cake. The flavor palate was soft, creamy, with a soft sweetness. The flavor of mango was natural and not artificial. It was as if I was eating Mangoes and Clouds with the angels... Until it was done and then I fell back to earth and wanted more. (I may have cried a little cause it was over too soon.) The only bad thing I can say about the Mango Cheesecake was how it was delivered to me. The deliverer did not handle with care. (Pictures attached) It didn't take away from flavor, but did have poor presentation. Sooo.. Yea.. I think I'm gonna do this place a solid and give it 3 Stars. Would I order from the Tandoor Char House again? Ehh... Maybe.. If only for that cheesecake.
(3)
Srishti K.

One word - bland. This place is probably great if you're looking for inauthentic Indian food that has been toned down. We ordered the Paneer Makhani and the Saag Paneer. The Paneer Makani had absolutely no flavor. Also, pretty sure there was cheese on it - what's up with that? The Saag Paneer was infinitely better, but still mediocre. The only thing going for this place is its naan. It's freakin' amazing - super fluffy and soft. Unfortunately, that's not enough to make me go back.
(2)
David R.

Charming place, gracious service, outstanding food. My wife sniffed this place out for Saturday night dinner after a matinee at the Landmark Century. However, as of Saturday at 3pm they had no reservations between 5:45 and 8:45. So we decided to chance a walk-in, and got very lucky--a twosome had just cancelled their reservation. A few minutes after we were seated, a couple walked in and were quoted a ninety-minute wait! It is a very small place, so make those reservations a few days in advance. We placed a pretty gringo order, but what can I say--it was what sounded good to us. The vegetarian samosas were gigantic and delicious. Because of their size, the filling-to-shell ratio was much higher than standard samosas. Paired up with the yummy green chutney, these were a killer appetizer that could be a whole meal for one. The entrees were equally delicious. My chicken tikka masala was so satisfying; that buttery, vibrant sauce nearly put me under the table. I also enjoyed a bite of my wife's tandoori chicken boti. Only the garlic naan was a mild disappointment; it tasted fine, but two of the pieces had a lot of oven grit. It looked like ash and felt like sand, but whatever it was, I found it very unpleasant to bite down on that stuff in a mouthful of food, and it did not brush off easily. However, the only true black mark on our experience came two days later: I opened the leftover container to find only two lonely, dry pieces of chicken awaiting me. The sauce was not there! All of that gorgeous, velvety, delectable masala sauce had been discarded! I had been so looking forward to a repeat performance of my dinner. So, next time we will make reservations and ask for the sauce to be included with our leftovers.
(4)
A R.

My friend was craving Indian food so we came in to check this place out. It was soooooo good!! The entrees came with a salad and they were big enough to share, but we got our own and had plenty of leftovers. The bread was so amazing. The service was great, the hostess was really nice. Great place for a date or also a casual meal. And very reasonably priced. I can't wait to go back!! Now I'm craving it!!
(5)
Lori T.

Great delivery. Delicious tandoor chicken and fresh saag. Not too heavy. I'll order again for sure.
(4)
Bisma M.

It was my second time coming to tandoor char house. The food is amazing! From appetizers all the way to desserts. Service was amazing, great staff who recommended some great food items!
(5)
Gosia C.

I've been in many Indian restaurants, but I think Tandoor is one of the best. Deliciously tasting food, great service, clean space and it's BYOB!! The best Lamb Saag I've ever had!!
(5)
Huda S.

I give this place 4 and a half stars. Located in the Lincoln Park Area right across Home Depot, Tandoor Char came up to our family's expectations. I along with my mother and sister dined in. The restaurant has two floors with dimmed lighting, a very subtle environment, with nice decor and wall. The owner welcomed us very kindheartedly. Now to the food: We ordered their Strawberry Lassi,Tandoori Chicken Boti, Steak, vegetable curry, Tikka Masala Penne Pasta. As we dined in and checked in, we were served their curly flies for free with their delicious cilantro chutney and sweet tamarind chutney. These fries are to die for, that's how good they were. Too bad I am on a diet so I had probably two of those but made some when I came home with sweet potato ( they didn't even come close:( ) Then came the Yogurt Strawberry lassi. I have made blueberry Lassi and strawberry lassi at home and I know when its fresh and when its not, This one seemed like it was made with fresh or fresh frozen strawberries and homemade dahi (Yogurt) with the right amount of sweet in it. YUM YUM! Anyone should not leave this place without trying this refreshing creamy smoothie like Lassi. Then came the steak with Mashed spiced potatoes, rice and Tikka Masala Sauce. Steak was good but as for the price I expect something a little better. I think through out my whole experience the side with this steak is a drawback. The indo/paki style potatoes were really bland and it seemed like it wasn't very fresh. I could be wrong about the freshness but it was bland and wasn't the creamy mash potatoes texture. The Tandoori Chicken Boti was very moist and juicy, not to mention it was served on a sizzler (I think that is what it is called). Tikka Masala penne pasta was not a liking to my taste buds. My sister and mother liked it but It might have been a little heavy for me since I like my penne to be with a light marinara or just plain cherry tomatoes but again it wasn't bad. I could only take few bites since it was heavy for me. I am writing an honest review and I like leaving full experiences on yelp. They did serve us stale vegetable curry but it was definitely a mistake that they made up for right away. The owner or chef made a fresh vegetable curry right away and as I am writing this review my mouth is all watery. It was the best sabzi (veg) curry I ever ate at a restaurant before. It was just too good to forget. Do try their fresh Achaar (pickles), the guy said it was his grandmaa recipe and I have a thing for Pakistani Pickles and this one fullfilled my expectations. Last came their Mango Cheese Cake. Go to Cheese cake factory and tell me if you can find something like that. God, the most amazing, yummilicious dessert ever which makes you gain a lb right away (lol). So good, that I am drooling over my laptop (sorry not a very good sight). But the taste and sight of this mango cheese cake will make you fall head over heals. Their naan was really good too ( as for myself I am staying away from carbs these days so just tasted). Definitely Recommend this place!
(5)
Faiza Q.

My dad recommended this place and we decided to have a family dinner here. We ordered a tandoori chicken salad and curly fries for the kids. The ambiance is nice. It's probably the first Pakistani restaurant not loud! We ordered a mixed grill, chicken biryani and chicken tikka masala for the mains. The seekh kebabs were delicious and authentic. The biryani was flavorful. We ordered mango cheesecake for desert and it was amazing. The service was very professional. I would go back
(4)
Terry G.

woohooo HOW! I know right? So I'm eight quarters Cherokee and I've been dying to taste the cuisine of my forefathers and earth mothers. I wasn't sure what to wear so I decided something conservative like a feather and moccasins would suffice (Plus it was my birthday won't they do like mexican restaurants with the sombrero and give you a headdress as you take a shot of jack daniels?) Anyway so I really didn't know what to expect so I asked for some recommendations the server (John?) I'm not sure his name but that ol kemosabe hooked me up with some vindaloo and garlic naan. Brilliant. I have to say that up until this visit I would have guessed our ancestors would have eaten onion soup or rhubarb (which is pink celery duh) or horses and stuff but they eat krahini and mimosas and tandoorey and dog smoothies called lassies (sad). When I told them it was my birthday I didn't get a chant thats why only four stars but other than that food was hopptitotti (Cherokee for great!)
(4)
Jacqui M.

From the authentic sauces to the naan, it felt like a lot of thought and love went into the food. Wait staff was extremely accommodating to us needing to get to a show on time. Had a great experience.
(4)
Carlo C.

Great food, clean place and great service. I really enjoyed it and will return. My server Austin was wonderful.
(5)
John O.

Food very good and it is BYOB with a reasonable $5 corkage. My favorites were the dall and garlic naan. Chana masala was too soupy. Service was a bit slow on a Sunday night although they were pretty busy. Take out looks like a good option here.
(4)
Wei H.

Tandoor is one of those restaurants that you can easily walk past and miss on Halsted. It does not have the alluring smell even when you stand right in front of the restaurant. Don't let that fool you though because the food was amazing. A group of us 6 including two Indian friends, came here for lunch on a weekend. There was no wait and the restaurant was welcoming. We ordered - {Tandoori Chicken} - Amazing flavors and the chicken thighs had the right texture. They were not overcooked and saggy but the flavors were captured very well. {lamb tikka masala} - As someone that avoids lamb as much as possible, I actually couldn't help but ate two pieces of this! It was delicious. It was not very lamb-y and the butter sauce was just right. {palak paneer} - I would eat this dip with pita bread/chips/Naan all day long. Nomnomnom. Amazing comfort food. {a veggie dish that I unfortunately forgot the name of} - it was just a very refreshing and light dish. It went well with the other dishes that we ordered. {garlic Naan} - I have had better but still very good. Smaller portions than elsewhere. The 6 of us were stuffed and we still had leftovers. We left the restaurant very happy, with our clothes inevitably drenched in wonderful lovely spices. It was a good kind of satisfaction as it was not overly greasy. Highly recommended.
(4)
Furqan H.

I've been to Tandoor once before and I really enjoyed it, but this time I ordered delivery. My roommate and I ordered the Murg Malai for delivery with a few sides of naan bread. We made a mistake and ordered the wrong dish and realized that once we opened the container. I was hoping for more of creamy sauce with chicken, but this happened to be a very delicious marinated chicken dish on a bed of rice. I called Tandoor and spoke with Faraz (manager/owner). He was very nice and polite and filled me in on my mistake and I was fine with that. He went to another level and offered to send me the Chicken Tikka Masala on the house. Within 15min we had the dish we originally wanted and a side of naan. The fantastic food and huge portions along with impeccable customer service is why I would recommend trying Tandoor.
(5)
Peter B.

I have now had a dinner and lunch here and both were awesome. Today's review is about the lunch. Came with a friend and we split 2 different wraps. Both were excellent. Still love the spiced fries. The wraps come with a salad and fries and all for $10. Great food and a great value!
(4)
Sarah H.

Amazing food, huge portions for price, great value. The atmosphere was very relaxing and laid back, very good service.
(5)
SaeRom C.

Met up with a friend for dinner here recently and had a great experience. The food was really good and the service was very friendly. Will definitely return ...
(4)
Vaidehi T.

I am oscillating between 3 and 3 and a half stars. I will give them the extra half star for the great service. Reading the rave reviews on yelp, we decided to stop by Tandoor for dinner last night, as we were in the neighborhood. Its a small place, cosy and comfortable. The service is one of the best I have seen in any Indian restaurant. The food... not so much. So we ordered the mutter paneer and a baingan dish, both of which were chef's recommendations. We ordered garlic naan and chapati along with it. The garlic nan was delicious, but the chapati was thick and chewy. The mutter paneer dish was good... tasty, rich and creamy. The brinjal dish on the other hand was not so great... the brinjals were tough and not cooked through. We informed the wait staff, and he was gracious enough to take it away to get it cooked more. It came back slightly better, but still not really cooked through.
(3)
Vicky S.

I cannot say enough great things about this place. I called last night for a reservation, but they were booked. I called back to order takeout and the owner let me know a table just opened up (he remembered my call) and he would hold it for me. Unfortunately, my husband and I ordered the wrong dish (totally our fault). They were so great, they offered to make the dish we wanted! The service and the food was amazing. We felt so welcomed and the owner was completely friendly. Also the Mango cheesecake is DIVINE! It came with a comp salad. Generous portions. The only thing we were sad about is our server forgot to give us our to-go box. We were so looking forward to having our leftovers. In all fairness we didnt remember until we got home! We will def be back. Great indian food, nice atmosphere and excellent service!
(5)
Jeka M.

This place has it all~delicious homemade Indian food in a very trendy and welcoming restaurant! The owner was super friendly and chatted us up even though it was pretty busy. The staff is very useful with recommendations and the samosas are AMAZEBALLS. The chicken tikka masala is a classic and they do it right~ there is also unlimited saffron rice. :) They have a special recipe of pickled carrot stuff (can't recall the name!) that was like the Indian version of giardiniera. Good prices, too~ DEF recommend!
(5)
Jeremy P.

I thought the food here was pretty good, but no more that that. I would definitely eat here again, but it's not my first choice for Indian food, either. The staff was very nice and the place was clean.
(3)
Akber S.

Halaal! Great atmosphere, delicious foods. Biryani portion is monstrous. Naan is buttery and oh so good.
(5)
Anoop R.

Highly recommend the tandoori paneer. Great food overall, and the host was super nice. Definitely will be back sometime soon.
(5)
Robbie C.

I've had both carry out and have dined in and both experiences were great. The service when I dined in was excellent. The food portions are excellent and the quality is fantastic. I've traveled across India and this place lived up to any place I've been to. Will definately be back.
(5)
Sean H.

Great delivery. Biggest complaint would be the price $40 for two. I would order from this place again especially when your in the mood for something different.
(4)
Mike R.

This place is really good! We got the mixed naan bread, samosa, chicken tikki masala and tandoori chicken. Both were really good. Especially the tikki masala sauce. Like crack! The owner is really nice too. He came over and chatted us up and even mentioned other Indian restaurants on Devon that he thought made good food too for us to try, although I don't think we will be going anywhere else for our Indian/Pakistani fusion.
(5)
Natalia K.

Seriously, the best Indian food I've ever had even compared to London and friends' homecooking. A group of six of us ordered several dishes, both our favorites and new items based on our host's recommendations and we couldn't get enough. Plus, the prices can't be beat with the BYOB. Split six ways, with tax and a hefty tip, we each paid about $15 and we were STUFFED. This was a while ago so I am dying to go back so I can update this review with more detail!
(5)
Supna R.

After reading such rave reviews of Tandoor, I was very excited to get take-out on my way home from work this evening. Unfortunately, the food at Tandoor fell flat on every account, and I wish I had just put in the extra hour or so of effort to make dinner myself. The bhindi (okra) was covered in a pool of oil. I literally scooped two spoonfuls of oil off the top of the soggy vegetables. Not only was there no salt, there was also no taste. The tandoori chicken was mediocre at best. I ordered the extra spicy, but again, no flavoring. Finally, the mutter paneer was disappointing not only for what it lacked in taste, but also for it's lack of both peas, and cheese (the mutter, and the paneer, respectively). Basically we had a large bowl of curry with no filling. For those familiar with good Indian food, this is not even remotely close. You would have better luck in the frozen ethinic aisle at Whole Foods.
(1)
Cecil S.

I haven't even bothered writing a 2013 Yelp review until I experienced something truly phenomenal that was worth my time to write about....I can honestly say that I finally found something that was worth it (even though it took 4 months).Now I can continue on my quest for the 2013 Yelp 100 Challenge Before I start my review, I just want to say that I'm first-generation Indian, born & bred in the suburbs, and I don't think my own mother's home-cooked Indian meals are good enough for my taste; yet I am willing to give 5-stars to Tandoor. That being said, I just want to take a moment to commend this fine establishment on their exceptional hospitality. From the get-go their waiter was more than courteous to every detail, offering great recommendations and making subtle conversation as necessary, while fulfilling exceptional service and providing an elegant dining experience. ORDER lots and share with a group of friends, and they are great about packaging the left-overs to go (great delivery service as well). I would highly suggest their lamb/chicken biryani, chicken tikka masala goes great with their bread choices (soft naan) and you should try a mixed platter of their appetizers. All in all this is certainly a hidden gem in Lakeview and by far the best Indian food restaurant between all of LP, Lakeview/Wrigley and River North. *BYOB - Hats off to the owner for letting us stay an extra half hour past close to finish our bottles
(5)
Aaron W.

I came to Tandoor for my girlfriend's birthday, there were 8 or 9 of us. Getting the reservation was tricky with the size of our group given the time we wanted but the employee I spoke with over the phone was happy to pull strings and make things happen for this special evening. Now I had never even looked inside this place before I stepped through the door with a somewhat rowdy crew. Dimly lit, table cloth, and cozy, I was a little anxious to see how well we'd be received. We were received wonderfully! Our servers were friendly and very knowledgeable. I believe it's a family owned business as a server mentioned his grandmother's recipe once or twice. Even the white guys knew what they were talking about. Very impressive given an ethnic menu, and coming from a white guy. We definitely were not quiet while the rest of the patrons were clearly on more intimate engagements. Again, the servers were simply a joy to have around and always near by to crack one of our dozen bottles of wine. BYOB baby. As far as the food goes, I ordered some kind of lamb dish/stew that was out of this world. The spices were not overwhelming at all, and I'd say they were perfectly blended. Tender meat and a good sauce to dip their crazy delicious, baked in-house naan. Check please! When it was all said and done, all so full and mildly drunk, it came out to roughly $17 a person. Cut. It. Out, Uncle Joey. I was real pleased to see such a reasonable price after all the food and booze (guessing there's no corkage fee). We stayed for three hours and never felt rushed to leave. It was honestly a great experience all around and will definitely be going back.
(5)
Josie F.

My boyfriend and I get carry out from Tandoor a few times a month... The food is consistent and delicious. Their Frontier Chicken is one of our favorites, and the Tandoor Pizza is very good. We haven't had anything we didn't enjoy, highly recommended!
(5)
Sara C.

I honestly do not know how this restaurant gets so many good reviews. I have been eating Indian cuisine since I can remember, and this place is below par in my opinion. My husband and I decided to try a new place to order delivery from. The food took an hour and a half to get to us, which did not leave a good taste in our mouths. Unfortunately, the food left an even worst taste. We ordered two chicken dishes, the Chicken Tikki Masala and the boneless chicken Karhai. The chicken was so dry in both dishes, we couldn't eat it. We ordered plain naan, garlic naan and onion kulcha. The gave us two garlic naans instead, at least we think because none of them had onions cooked inside. The naan itself was so dry and flavorless, we threw it in the trash. This place is by far some of the worst food I have had in a long time. If you want decent Indian food in the same neighborhood, stop at Raj Darbar down the street instead - to be honest, they aren't spectacular, but they will blow the socks off Tandoor any day!
(1)
Lori M.

Disappointing / over salted everything. Such a cute atmosphere, it's too bad they don't up the quality of the cooking.
(2)
Jeffrey C.

We really enjoy this eatery--friendly service, good food. I loved their desserts & tried items I'd never had/heard of before & was pleasantly surprised. Only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because they were outta shrimp & my heart was broken.
(4)
A C.

Was okay. Not the best. Food was alright, usually when I go to a Indian restaurant I know it'll be good based off their naan. Was told this little trick by a friend of mine (who is from India). Naan was very dry and burnt, and something about the dough they used made it taste exactly like burnt pancakes. Wouldn't go again but it was okay.
(3)
Yumna N.

The food is great! I had the T-bone steak and Tandoori chicken masala. The tandoori chicken masala is pretty much butter chicken. The service was great! Great staff and environment. Chat fries were soooo good! Not my first choice for pakistani/Indian cuisine, but would still great.
(4)
Hannah J.

Amazing Chicken Tikka Masala! Huge portions, we ordered way too much food. The wait staff was super friendly and helpful. The seating area was not very large, but it gives the restaurant a warm and cozy ambiance. In our group, we had a person with very specific food allergies and the chef came out and spoke with her. The staff were incredibly accommodating. Overall, I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Delilah D.

Tandoor is one of my favorite restaurants. Nice atmosphere, complimentary salads, and delicious shrimp. My favorite is the shrimp tikka masala (spice level medium) with some of the fresh jalapeno cilantro chutney and of course you need some naan so soak up all the delicious sauce.
(5)
Daniela A.

My husband and I, along with another couple, visited Tandoor for the first time on Saturday. I have to start off by saying that the food was delicious. It felt like Indian with a middle eastern flare...interesing and fresh! We started off with vegetable samosas which were huge, hot, and very tasty. They then brought out a complimentary chopped salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. I ordered the Indian Mixed Grill which consisted of chicken, beef kabobs, and shrimp. The chicken and beef were incredible! The shrimp were not bad but just not as tasty as the other two. It came with rice and a side of masala sauce, that complimented all three meats perfectly. The service was very attentive and friendly. We felt welcomed from the second we stepped into the restaurant until the moment we left. The ambiance is nice and somewhat upper-scale as opposed some other Indian restaurants in the area. Two things made me not give this restaurant 5 stars.... 1. The prices were a little high. Each entree was easily two dollars more than what appears to be the average price at other Indian restaurants. It was definitely the most we have ever spent on Indian food. 2. We brought home leftovers and the rice we were given was not the rice we had been eating. We had white rice that night and the rice in the "doggie bag" was saffron rice. We feared it had come from another table on accident so we threw it out. Also, my Indian Mixed Grill came with peppers and onions on it but they failed to give those to me in the doggie bag. They were also delicious and I wished they were included. All in all, it was a good experience and we are likely to be back.
(4)
Iman W.

I have two words to sum up my Tandoor experience: cilantro. chutney. I poured it over my fries. I dipped my vegetable samosas in it. I wish I would have ordered extra just to spread on a sandwich later. That's good chutney. I have not a negative word to say about what I tried. The naan, samosas, and chicken tikka masala are all delightfully flavorful. I had it delivered and they were on time and courteous. Hopefully I will get to dine in there soon. Either way it goes, Tandoor can expect a repeat customer.
(4)
christina h.

I've eaten here 4-5 times in the past and absolutely loved the food. The reason for my 1 star review is that the last time I ate here I got severe food poisoning off their chicken tikka that landed me in the ER. Im guessing it was undercooked. Serving undercooked chicken is unacceptable. And I've read other reviews where people have complained about being served undercooked chicken as well. I'm extremely disappointed and will not be back. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone unless vomiting all night, and explosive diarrhea sound appealing to you.
(1)
Mo A.

A friend and i both checked out this place last night. I thought the foid was great, the service was meh, owners and staff seemed friendly, and the ambience was small and chill. I had butter chicken with garlic naan, and my friend had kidai chicken with garlic naan. Excellent. Would recommend.
(4)
Alexander H.

First off, the food at Tandoor was excellent. My partner's Paneer Tandoori and my Chicken Tandoori Boti were extremely well made. So the food gets five stars, although overpriced. While the food was exceptional, the service and atmosphere left something to be desired. Our waiter was mediocre at best and was very slow, often leaving us to fend for ourselves for long periods of time while also forgetting my drink. I think it took him maybe 10 minutes to greet us once we were seated, and then another 15 to actually take our order. He was friendly, but often seemed to be in a rush and wasn't even taking care of that many tables. The atmosphere was average, it was clean and organized well but the space was small and decor not really authentic to the Indian culture. At the end of the day, I would really just recommend ordering the food to your own place and enjoying a night in while skipping the slow waiters and uninspiring atmosphere.
(3)
Vivek K.

I'm annoyingly disappointed by Tandoor. Living only a few blocks away from the establishment I had built up my excitement to try their attempt at one of India's most famous specialties- tandoori. I had repeatedly come across Tandoor when reading about the finest Indian restaurants in Chicago. My first such foray was extremely fruitful- guiding me to the delicious Rangoli restaurant in Wicker Park. Tandoor did not measure up in the slightest. I should be clear that my encounter with Tandoor was ordering a variety of tandoori kebabs for a party at my apartment, but let me assure you this was not the reason for my experience. In fact the staff was very friendly and helpful on the phone. The food was simply no better than the most mediocre attempts at tandoori, and at a significantly higher price. The masala was not cooked well and left an undesirable mealy texture on the meat, the chicken hardly tasted as if it were marinated, and the paneer were tasteless dry triangles. For those of you unaware, the idea behind using a tandoori oven is the ability to keep meat moist despite the high heat and lock in flavor. If the goal is to be an elite Indian restaurant (as it appears Tandoor aims to be) the details matter. Onions and peppers were cut at various thicknesses yielding a spectrum of charred to raw vegetables. The cilantro and tamarind chutneys were clearly made in large batches a while ago and did not taste fresh or flavorful in the slightest- I could buy the same thing at any Asian supermarket. All in all, Tandoor provides yet another disappointing effort at preparing its namesake dish.
(2)
Lara M.

I was with a friend after we went to see some art in the city after work and we were heading back home to lakeview and were hungry for indian. Tandoor is a gem in this area of over-saturated bar/restaurant options -- delicious authentic indian dishes & the homemade chutneys that come with your meal are fantastic. oh, and even though indian is pretty much a safe bet for any vegetarian, they have so many options for veg heads and meat lovers alike. Being veggie for ten years makes me appreciate spots like this (since I usually dine with meat eaters.) get the veggie samosas -- you will not regret it!
(5)
Ryan T.

Full disclosure: I've never made it up to Devon for Chicago's collection of authentic Indian restaurants. Full disclosure #2: I don't even know how to differentiate authentic Indian from Chutney Joe's. With that out of the way, Tandoor was delicious. To start with, we had the Chaat Fries which were basically curly fries with Indian spices and a side of Tandoori sauce. They were just fantastic. Our waiter, Martin, let us know that checking on Yelp entitled us to a free basket of them. Word to the wise - check in on Yelp! The food is designed to be served family style, and we ordered the Shrimp Tikkah Masala, the Tandoori Chicken Pizza, the mixed vegetables, sides of naan, and some chicken dish that I can't recall the name of. Everything was great, especially the shrimp. Apparently we were the first table of adults to order the pizza. Honestly, I have no complains about my one experience there. Great food and great service.
(5)
Ari S.

Bottomline: Tandoor covers up subpar cooking with loads of salt and food coloring. I had a course of Samosas with the Chicken Tikka and garlic naan. The Samosas themselves were oily and the dipping tamarind and green chutneys were inedible with just way too much salt. 1 star. The chicken tikka: the fat was still on the chicken (gross!!) and the whole dish was bathing in oil. The use of food coloring was way over the top. The actually chicken tikka sauce was very mediocre and bland. 0 stars. Garlic naan: this actually wasn't bad. The one exception to the dish. 4 stars. Chutneys: just horrible. Salty to the point of me wondering whether they mixed up salt and sugar in the recipe. 0 stars. Raita: Homemade raita didn't have the usual buttermilk smell. 3 stars.. Salad: lettuce, onions, some other stuff. 2 stars.. Rice: Bland but unnecessarily colored with turmeric or yellow food coloring. 1 star. Given the price, this place has no excuse for being as bad as it is.
(1)
Bill H.

Placed an deliver order at 715 on Friday, it's now 9:17 and still no food. Placed two calls to restaurant asking about progress and both times were told the food just left. Hard to say if food is good or not as in never showed up. Will never order from this place again.
(1)
Neha M.

I am taking off one star because the ambiance/decor isn't great. Its a very cramped up set up. I prefer either a take out or delivery. The stars are for the food. There was a check in offer when I went there so I received a free appetizer. I ordered the garlic naan and veggie entree. The naan was soft and buttery. The curry was flavorful. I look forward to having food again here!
(4)
Jen S.

Came here with a group of friends on Saturday night for my birthday and had an amazing experience. Our server, I believe his name was Austin, was wonderful. Many of us weren't familiar with Indian food so he took us through the menu and made some very helpful recommendations. The owner also told us what spices they used, which was pretty cool. Some group favorites were the chaat fries and the chicken tikka masala. You also can't complain about BYOB! We all agreed we are Indian food converts and will definitely come back to Tandoor Char House!
(5)
Nikul T.

My wife and I visited Tandoor Sunday evening and it wasn't overly crowded so we were seated right away. The service was great and everyone on the staff had a smile on their faces which makes it more welcoming. We started off with the Samosas and they were great; perfectly cooked through and a little crispy with a filling that got the mouth watering for the upcoming meal. I ordered the Cajun Tandoori Chicken Boti which is from the fusion section and I have to say this is one of the best chicken dishes I have tried in a long time. It comes out on an iron skillet sizzling with onions, peppers and cilantro with a side of rice. The chicken was perfectly juicy with a great spice marinade on the outside. I also ordered a salty lassi to cool down because it has a great kick. My wife is vegetarian so she could not try it so I mentioned this to Faraz on the way out. I asked if they could put the rub on paneer and he said that next time we were in there, just ask for it and they can prepare paneer the same way. I can't say enough about the staff, very good people. While we were waiting for our meal, one lady came into he restaurant and asked "Where is Edwardos?", the pizza place a block down. Fahim walked the lady with a smile down the street to Edwardos while it was snowing and 15 degrees outside. Fahim and Faraz are in the restaurant business that really care about people, even if those people are not their customers. This is going to be my go-to Indian restaurant and I look forward to trying many new dishes from their extensive menu.
(5)
Danny W.

I don't fancy myself much of an authority on indian food, but a group of eight of us had dinner at Tandoor and we all had a pretty good time. The service was very good, more than accommodating with our beer/wine and they didn't rush us at all. Everyone had a ton of food for what ended up costing just over $20 a person. As far as BYOB spots go, this one is pretty good.
(4)
Morgan G.

Tandoor was so amazing! We went there on impulse because we love BYO places, and it is now our favorite Indian food in Chicago. As soon as we smelled the deliciousness inside and read the menu we already couldn't wait to come back because 1 meal wouldn't allow us to try everything we wanted. We ordered the Garlic Naan, Beef Nehari, and Tendoori Chicken Wrap. Beef Nehari was amazing! The Naan was so light and delicious and came with 2 sauces as well. It was the type of place that when you get full you wish you could keep eating because it tastes so great! Additionally, the service was top notch. SO friendly, so nice, and a family restaurant. They clearly take pride in their restaurant and appreciate their customers to no end. Just an all around good experience and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Junchen F.

It has the best decoration among all the Indian restaurants I have been to. Not particularly impressed by their food although its price is more than fair at this location. I had a service glitch which also kinda ruined my dinner, but overall their service is quite good. Well, at least compared to other Indian places.
(3)
marc c.

YUM! Had the Tandoor Chicken Tiki Masala and garlic naan. AMAZING. Really nice waiter - very professional.
(5)
Nicole G.

We came here for a last minute dinner on New Year's eve. The staff was super friendly, the ambiance was nice, much nicer than I expected. The space was small and cozy, perfect for dates. The food good, but not great. We ordered the sampler appetizer with samosas which were way too salty, the fries that were basically curly fries, and the fried paneer. We weren't expecting a dish full of fried foods but that's what we got. All of the main dishes come with a salad, and rice. The rice was good, but the salad was all watery. The main entrees were the redeeming quality of this place. The Paneer Tikka Masala was amazing, definitely one of the best I've ever had.
(3)
Jared D.

Came here last night for dinner and was really impressed. There's a good amount of Indian restaurants in Lincoln Park, and I thought the quality, value, and portions at Tandoor is the best. Here's what we had: Chaat Fries: I checked-in on Yelp, so got a free order of these, which was a good deal for the amount of fries you get. Can't complain about a free huge basket of curly fries. Vegetable Samosas: These were 2 of the largest samosas I've seen. They weren't overfried like some I've had in the past. The sauces that come with them are also good. Garlic Naan: Some of the best naan I've had. Right amount of garlic and the bread was hot and soft. Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala: This is a staple dish for every Indian restaurant, but I thought Tandoor's really stood out. It wasn't too creamy and the spice was just right. The chunks of chicken were huge and it wasn't as filling as some I've had at other places. The portion was also huge. Our total bill was around $25, so really cheap for the quality and amount of food we got. Did I mention it's BYO? I'll definitely return.
(4)
Jill R.

Just phenomenal. The best Indian food I have had in the city. You can just tell that they use great ingredients that are fresh and high quality. The owners take a tremendous amount of pride in the food. And it's BYOB - we had an awesome meal for $50. The only bad thing about this place is that it's small and the downstairs is not very pleasant. Keep up the good work guys!
(5)
Dna C.

Extremely rude people manage this place. Clearly no idea how to treat customers. They had closed off the restaurant for a private party and offered us a table next to the restroom downstairs where I would have choked on soap smell even before the food arrived (oh coz btw the food takes more than 40 mins to arrive - eaten here once before). We refused the table. The server had no courtesy to say anything pleasant that would make us feel good about having chosen to come to Tandoor in the first place or apologize that they could not have the opportunity to serve a customer that actually chose to buy their food. He just said "maybe another day then?" Clearly he didn't even imagine that I would be thinking "maybe never again" Wow, the people who run businesses nowadays!
(1)
Mike H.

We went to dinner last night with a group of four. We arrived at around 9:30pm. The place was busy and it smelled wonderful. We waited a bit for a table but it was worth it. The owners also checked in with us a couple times as we waited to let us know about the wait and offered us water or to open our wine. Once seated, we enjoyed a very tasty meal. We had the appetizer platter with veggie samosas. I've had many a samosa in my life and these were the best I've had. Big, crispy but not dry at all!!! We were planning to order two entrees and a biryani to share family style. Unfortunately the biryani was gone for the night. But it was fine as the amount of food we had was more than enough. The lamb and the chicken tikki masala were rich and thick. The service was great! Everyone was friendly and informative. Food arrived in a timely manner. I'd go back again anytime. Their fusion menu looked interesting. I'll be ordering from that part next time for sure.
(4)
Coll M.

I gave 4 stars but 3.5 is probably more acurate. Probably the NICEST waitress and owner. Really make you want to support the business. Great atmostphere, small and cozy. BYOB. The waitress talked me out of going spicy and it was a great call on her part. The medium was still plenty spicy and thirst enducing. We were on the lower level which was fine, there was 1 small table and 1 larger table. Most people probably wouldn't like the lower level though because you feel like you're in a weird back room and the only human contact other than the waitress is the constant flow of ppl to the bathroom which is nearby. The food was good but not great. My boyfriend got the mixed grill and I got the lamb. Both were very overcooked and had a lot of charcoal taste. I also expected the meat to have more sauce on it to cover the rice with, overall it was pretty dry. I would definitely be willing to go back though to support the owner and the employees who possibly may be the best I've ever encountered in the city so far.
(4)
Kara G.

the food was delicious and one of the owner's specifically introduced his grandmother's (recipe) spicy vegetarian dish. we loved the brief special attention and the entrees!
(5)
Cam B.

Really happy with my food both times I've ordered delivery. A bit expensive. Get the Chicken Tikka Masala and some garlic nan. If you want it spicy, say so...it doesn't come spicy. Amazing.
(5)
Sean B.

We showed up for lunch with a promo for free Chaat Fries. My wife & me were a bit taken back by the prices being just a little higher than expected for lunch, they just had a dinner menu, but were really hungry, staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was clean with pleasant modern Indian music in the background. Since we were getting free fries we also ordered the Garlic Naan, the Beef Nehari, and Chicken Boti. The Naan rocked with fresh garlic that was almost sweet vs. biting, the main dishes arrived and we realized we definitely over-ordered, then we found out the Spicy Nehari came with unlimited rice.... needless to say we took home complete meals for both of us. It was definitely better than all the Indian-Pakistani places I've been in the city including Devon and the burbs. We'll be back and order delivery.
(5)
Raju L.

Have had a few meals from here. Had their Lamb Kadai for the first time. Absolutely amazing. Every piece of meat was so soft and flavorful. Plus the actual flavor of the gravy is completely different from the usual Indian restairants. Huge portions by the way and they do not go cheap on the amount of meat they give u. So lucky they are by my house!!!!!
(5)
Gia H.

I found this place on Grubhub. I order takeout delivery from this place periodically. The food is extremely delicious. It is my go-to Indian place. My only criticism would be with their delivery. Every time I have ordered delivery from this place my food has been COLD or lukewarm. I own a microwave so this isn't too much of a problem except for the cold fries which are sometimes soggy or rubbery. I'm not sure what the problem is. If the food is this good cold, I can only imagine what it is like hot.
(3)
Hiral P.

Ordered the lamb masala and chilli chicken biryani along with garlic nan. Wish there was a spoon with silver set makes it easier to eat fine grain rice. Over the service was good and the food was excellent.
(4)
A M.

A cozy blend of family meets white tablecloths, Tandoor is my favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago. The staff (and owners?) always very welcoming and the food is delicious! Perfect portions for sharing and when/if you over-order, the leftovers are a welcome treat the next day.
(4)
Ajanta C.

This is for delivery order only. Their vegetarian entrees are great! Loved the chat fries and aloo masala wrap as well. However, the chicken in both curry and biryani is a little dry. But we can't seem to stop ordering from this place :) It is slowly becoming our staple..
(4)
C D.

A gem on Lincoln Park! The place has very good curry! The service and foods were excellent.
(4)
Melanie H.

dang this place is good! As a newbie in the Indian cuisine world, I was a little nervous to go here after skimming over the menu. But my worries were wasted because everything on everyone's tables looked GREAT! We ordered the tandoor chicken which is basically butter chicken (but all white meat - yay!!) and the paneer dish that has spinach and cheese which was also really good! we also had samosas to start, which you will notice everyone is ordering around you. I will definitely be back and probably do take out sometime soon. Portions are impressive so split dishes or expect leftovers!
(5)
Peter R.

I had a marvelous experience with Tandoor. I will be honest up front by saying that I have never been to India, however I have eaten at many Indian restaurants around the states, as well as a few in Asia, and this is the best I've had. I called on a Saturday evening to place an order for carryout. First, the gentleman that helped me was extremely friendly. I asked about using the Yelp coupon for free Chaat fries, however I did not realize the coupon was intended for in-house dining only. No worries, the man on the phone quickly assured me he would "take care of it" and include the fries for free, as they were simply "too good to miss." I agree. I arrived a little before they told me too (about 15 minutes after ordering) and the host offered me a seat away from the door (it was freezing outside!) and a glass of water, while sparking friendly conversation without being overbearing. I wanted a variety of food so ordered plenty with goal of having leftovers. I ordered the Chaat fries, beef samosas and Tandoori Chicken Tikkah Masala. Everything was absolutely incredible. The chicken was cooked to perfection, the beef samosas were the best I've ever had, and the Chaat fries give a new meaning to "seasoned french fries". I was also very appreciative of the fact that I was unsure of which sauces I wanted and they were willing to give me multiple containers of their various sauces for me to test out. Overall an extremely pleasant experience with a restaurant I will, without a doubt, be supporting in the future.
(5)
Restaurant Vigilant E.

I would LOVE to review the food from this place - sadly, after ordering $75.00 worth of food for delivery this past weekend, it never came. We ordered at 2:30 PM (not a busy time). At 3:20 PM, we were told the food was on it's way for delivery...at 4:15 PM it still hadn't arrived and no further word from the restaurant. I was absolutely livid! You don't want our business, you don't want our business - just tell us. I cancelled the order 2 hours after placing it. So annoying and disappointing.
(1)
Lara A.

This was my friend's and my first experience with Indian food except for the frozen Indian dinner entrÃ©es my friend usually buys on saturday nights. We were not sure what to get so we randomly ordered .... the portions were HUGE. We were not expecting that suprise!!! The server was nice and the food was phenomenal, or at least we thought it was. We are ametures we didn't even know what chutney was... :) I would go back there !!!
(4)
Benjamin J.

I ordered takeout from Tandoor and it was delivered within 45 minutes - pretty good for a Saturday night. The delivery driver even found his way up 5 flights of stairs to deliver my food, even though I didn't buzz him into the building! The Chicken Tikka Masala was average at best. The sauce is described as buttery, but truth be told it tasted like Tomato Soup. I opted for mild, which may have been my downfall, but it wasn't anywhere near mild. The chicken itself was quite tough, perhaps overcooked. The Naan bread was delicious. Really glad I ordered that to go with some of the tomato soup. I would probably give these guys another go but rather than order delivery I'd go in for a meal. Going spicy next time too because the sauces just don't carry themselves. My quest for a good curry in this town continues...
(3)
Deena K.

Probably the best Indian food in all of Chicago. Tastes just like its homemade and had the right amount of spice to it. We ordered as a group and they didn't mess up our order one bit. Portions are really generous so keep that in mind when ordering. I ordered the extra spicy boneless chicken biryani and lets just say it was spicy! I'm used to spicy foods but this was the top of all spiciness and it was amazing. The sauces that they give with the biryani are also really good and flavorful. I had some chaat fries which were also amazing and the other girls that ordered with me absolutely loved their chicken tandoor wraps. No one was disappointed in their choice and the price is reasonable, especially given how much food they put and how much flavor there is in each dish. I genuinely think this is the best desi/Indian/Pakistani food in all of Chicago land and I have yet to try everything on their menu. I cannot wait to go back just so I can order more. I'm looking for excuses to cater from there or be in the neighborhood to stop by.
(5)
Mariam K.

One of the best pakistani/indian food I've had in Chicago... and definitely the best customer service I've ever had at any restaurant. I went with a group of 12 people and so we ordered a good amount of items, so that we could try a little bit of everything. We started off with pakora (almost like fried vegetables with a lot of seasoning), vegetarian samosas (filled with potatoes and other vegetables), and chaat fries - ADDICTING...all were delicious and very flavorful. As for our main entrees we ordered the tandoori chicken tikkah masala- which was my favorite dish- for anyone who is trying pakistani/indian food for the first time must try this, tandoori chicken tikkah penne pasta - unique, good taste, spicy chicken tikkah - very tasty and was still sizzling when it reached our table, chicken biryani - the flavor to the rice was very good, garlic naan - soft and fresh, right out of the oven... at one point I felt like I was just eating the naan by itself for awhile because it was so good, and lastly the achar - best achar I've ever had, this is a must have and you can eat it with anything you order. As for the dessert, we ordered the mango cheesecake (which the waiter told us was made in house), which was a perfect end to our meal, it was surprisingly very light and fluffy for a cheesecake and so I didn't have any problems eating the whole thing! As for our waiter - beyond accommodating, helpful, friendly, and on top of everything constantly. He helped us choose the right items and explained just about everything on the menu, made sure we got everything right on time (because we were starving and needed food right away) - so the food was constantly coming, and he kept checking up on us to make sure everything was ok. Even though we kept bugging him for things and constantly asking for one thing or another (it gets kinda hectic with a group of people) he was still very patient with us and extremely friendly. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Cristine K.

Overpriced for average Indian food. We only had deliveries here so I cannot comment on their services onsite. However here are a few things that made this a 2-star review. 1. The staff that took the order was friendly (made this one to 2 stars) 2. We were told it would take 1 hour. But it turned up to be 1.5 hrs 3. Their signature dishes: tikka masala?! More like bland cream sauce. Beef Nehari?! Salty stew with 2 pieces of beef that was dry. $15 per entree which to me is crazy. 4. Upside, salad and side chutney. Decent mango lassi. It's unfortunate. I had real high hopes for this place since it's in our neighbourhood. So the search for good Indian continues.
(2)
Amanda W.

So this review is only for 1 dish I got delivery. I'd be willing to give them another chance but would not order their palak paneer again. Palak Paneer is one of my all time favorite Indian dishes and this one definitely disappointed me. Usually I have to stop myself from eating because I feel like I'm going to explode from eating too much Indian food. This time I stopped eating simply because I just didn't really like how it tasted. I wasn't even full (this is a 1st for Indian food with me). The texture was off - I think I would have preferred it blended a little more - the chunks of spinach were really big, which also made the curry more watery than usual, like larger chunks of spinach sitting in a sauce. I like a more even consistency. Also the paneer was just so-so. I'd give it a 2.5. I'll round down for now until I try them again.
(2)
Kaartheek G.

Ordered the Chicken Wrap with fries and beef samosa. The beef samosa was very oily, so much that the oil leaked through the bag and got onto my clothes. The fries were very overdone. Very crunchy and borderline burnt. The wrap, on the other hand, was good with naan and chicken. The curry powder gave it a good taste. The servers were very nice. I would avoid the fries and and fried appetizer. The rest seems to be okay.
(1)
Ryan H.

Experience has made me very doubtful when it comes to Indian food in Chicago. I'm not really sure why, but it is almost always sub-par. Tandoor, however, takes what should be a fool-proof cuisine and takes it to new depths. Case in point: I ordered Chana Masala (chickpeas and spinach) and when I got it home and removed the lid, the first scent I smelled was not the aroma of South Asian spices...it was the smell of canned chickpeas. That's right, the smell of canned beans was stronger than the smell of masala. I wouldn't have believed such a thing was possible. The palak paneer was nearly as bad. :( I'm not sure why so many people give this restaurant 4 and 5 stars. I urge those people to try some of the few, truly good South Asian restaurants in Chicago (Cumin comes to mind) and rethink their rating.
(1)
David B.

Quite tasty. Lots of variety and food tasted fresh. Overall used a little too much salt. Samosas, channa masala and mixed grill were favorites in our group. The biryani with chicken was also delicious. They give you tons of rice so don't worry about needing an extra order. One part of the meal that wasn't as impressive was the naan.
(4)
Daniel D.

This is by far the best Indian restaurant in Chicago. If you like authentic Indian cuisine, this is the place for you. If you've never had this type of food before, you're also in for a treat. Ambiance: Intimate, and homely. Great for a small group or date. Food: The chicken Tikka Masala is phenomenal. The sauce is so good you're left dipping all the naan you can find in it to get every last bit. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The Garlic Naan and Naan Variety basket are a great addition to any meal. It's fresh and piping hot when served, right out of the oven. Service: Ryan is an awesome waiter. He's hilarious, attentive, and knows the menu cold. He'll make you a great recommendation if you've never been or are looking to try something new. BYOB: Some BYOB places carry a negative connotation but Tandoor is the perfect place to bring a bottle of Riesling or a light beer to pair perfectly with the food. And... the prices are reasonable!
(5)
Mike O.

Let me begin by saying - their food is amazing. Some of the best Indian we've ever had (and you can actually get things spicy which is nice because most places serve the equivalent of wheat bread as spicy). I recommend the chicken tikka masala with some garlic naan. But why 3 stars then? If all you did was dine in I would give 5 stars with no hesitation. The problem comes when you order delivery. I've never had it arrive in less than an hour, and it's arrived cold twice. One time they didn't even send rice! We had to bust out the rice maker. I'd take people here when they visit chicago (along with burger and the butcher and franks and dawgs) as a keystone. So in conclusion, great food, terrible delivery. Dine in (the owner is very nice and the service there is very good) or pick up yourself but if you're getting delivery call very very early and have your microwave ready.
(3)
Emily O.

I should first note that this review is for a delivery experience, so perhaps if you go to the restaurant you will have a phenomenal time and the food will be amazing and life changing. It probably won't though. My friend and I ordered here after realizing that Standard Indian was closed. We waited about 10 minutes over the expected 1 hour estimation, which seems like a long time for a Monday, but who knows. Between us, we got the Palek Paneer, Chana Masala, Garlic Naan and two vegetarian samosas. Being vegan, I can only vouch for the Chana Masala, since it was the only vegan thing that we ordered, and honestly...it was kinda meh. When we opened it, there entire dish was coated in a red oil. The lid was coated, the food was coated, everything was coated. I didn't expect it to be particularly healthy, but there is definitely something off putting about eating that much oil. It also wasn't particularly flavorful, and didn't taste like it had much seasoning. It was just chickpeas in flavorless sauce with red oil. My friend really enjoyed the samosas, but wasn't wowed by the cold naan or the paneer. She also remarked that it seemed like they had mixed tomato sauce in with the palak paneer. Overall, we weren't thrilled with the price or the food. I think next time that Standard's closed, we'll just suffer through without any indian food.
(2)
Edward H.

The best Indian that there is in Lincoln park or in this general area. The customer service is amazing and they always make sure they make your experience top notch. They've forgotten my masala sauce for a delivery before and they gave me a discount and delivered it. Make sure you get something w the masala sauce, it's delicious. The samosas are also very delicious and good sized. Make a reservation on the weekend, it's packed and only takes reservations for the weekends.
(5)
Alison T.

Have been here several times since my first review and still amazing every time! Great and helpful service, delicious food, and of course can't beat BYOB!
(5)
Abby S.

I love this place. The food that I've had delivered from tandoor is by far my favorite meal in the city. To have such a great meal and it was delivered on top of that, well that is just a rarity. The people that work there are so friendly, and just always so wonderful. I feel like I should send them a thank you card that's how good the service is! You don't find places like this often that taste great and treat you so well! The mutter paneer extra paneer all the way!
(5)
Jeff A.

Don't let the 3 stars fool you, this was a good experience. I like the space. Small with minimalist and tasteful decor. Appetizers were a bit on the fried side, but yummy. Chicken tikka masala was delicious, tho under-spicy. I asked for spicy as my choice, and it was 100% mild. Again, it was very well done and satisfying. I would order it again and just ask for 'authentic Indian-spicy". Service was fine. Young woman/hostess was extremely nice and left a great impression (NOT the Indian one who never made eye contact) . I will definitely be back. AND, I live in the hood and am looking forward to delivery.
(3)
Sara S.

Vegetable samosas Penne masala House made hot sauce were all great and flavorful. Penne huge portion. Can't wait to come back and try other stuff!
(5)
Andrew M.

Boooya! The best Middle Eastern/Indian food in the city. The Chicken Tiki Masala Rules!!! The portion sizes are great for the price. MMMMMMMMM! The place is small so I recommend always making reservations. The service is great and if you have a problem with it they are more than willing to help make it right. Tandoor works great for delivery or take out to. The taste is the same as the sit down. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sonny P.

Been here twice. Chat Fries are a must! Very large portions. Consider this the go to Indian restaurant in the city without paying city prices!
(3)
Bradley B.

Never had a bad experience (and I've had a lot of experiences with this place). Fresh and flavorful, with great coupons on Grubhub, too. The restaurant gets crowded very quickly, but it's worth that wait. (Or have it delivered and enjoy the coupons. Win/Win.)
(4)
Chris S.

Tasty takeout
(4)
Sunil A.

Char House exceeded expectations - not your usual Indian food place. Been a while since I was there so dont recall everything we ordered but I do recall thinking "wow, this food is excellent" and different from the usual stuff you find. Very authentic and flavorful. On the spicy side but thats good :)
(4)
Brett F.

Delivery only review. And a disappointing one at that. Ordered an Assorted Mix Grill Platter that came with lamb and kafka kabobs, murg malai, rice and a side salad. Oh! And I threw in an order of garlic naan as well. For the uninitiated, murg malai is grilled chicken. And, apparently at Tandoor, grilled chicken that is cut in chunks so large they are difficult to cook thoroughly. That's right, undercooked chicken graced my grill platter. All pink and fleshy staring back at me with its pink, raw chicken juice a runneth over throughout my meal container. Gross. Just Effing Gross. The pieces were so thick, I guess I can see why this might happen, but overall, even if they had been cooked properly, it would still have been off-putting. A little bit of finesse on the cut, perhaps? I don't think anyone desires a piece of chicken shaped like a tennis ball or a birdie. Badminton, anyone? Unfortunately, once that chicken was cut open, the rest of the "platter" was toast. I wasn't about to consume lamb kabobs bathed in salmonella so I turned to my saving grace, the garlic naan! Which was burned and dry. Eye roll.
(1)
Isabel C.

Great Service Great Food Great atmosphere & decor!
(5)
M D.

Loved the food! From the ambiance (great music) to the appetizers to the main courses: delicious. Will definitely be back! (The only downside was a twosome table of dinner companions who were independently watching videos with significant volume throughout dinner on their phones. Seriously distracting. Seriously odd. Seriously kind of rude. The restaurant would have gained serious bonus points with us if the waitstaff had asked them to tone it down out of courtesy from their fellow dinner companions. At the same time can't totally blame the restaurant for the rude, disruptive behavior of the folks who happened to be dining at the same time we were. Hopefully we'll have better dinner companions the next time we dine in....or we'll carry out.)(Note: the owner/chef seemed to be pals with this disruptive, rude twosome so perhaps that's why no comment was made to ask them not to mar the experience of their fellow diners. Still odd and annoying but perhaps doesn't reflect so much on the waitstaff as the management. Come to think of it...maybe this is reason enough to carry out rather than patronize them in-house again.)
(5)
J S.

Very good Indian and Pakistani food. Portions are good size. The Samosas were tasty. A bit pricier than most Indian restaurants. Liked the Butter chicken.
(4)
Safeer H.

Love their rib eye steaks and masala fries. Their service is also exceptional. I make it a point to visit this restaurant each time I go to Chicago. I like my steak medium rare to medium, nothing more. Going medium well or higher ruins the steak's texture and taste for me.
(5)
Bianca C.

This is my go to location for god quality Indian food in Chicago! I have enjoyed everything I have gotten there (Chicken Tikka Masala, Palak paneer, and tandoori chicken boti) The garlic and plain naan is good too. I will keep ordering my Indian food here and suggest you do the same, it's delicious! Not to mention how great the service is, whenever I order I get it within 40 minutes, which is better than I can say for most places.
(4)
Nuha A.

I specifically requested that they not saturate my food excess oil. They did an excellent job of cooking my food clean while flavoring it nicely. I would not hesitate to order food from this place again.
(4)
Shahzad A.

Fresh, great tasting food with excellent customer service. This place has a nice ambiance. We had their steak, Chicken boti and appetizer platter which was all excellent. The portion sizes here are big here so I recommend sharing.
(5)
Shazia C.

Having been here once before, I was very excited to go to Tandoor once again. Our first experience was very good- we ordered everything from the T-bone steak to the chicken tikka masala, down to the specialty pizza (comes from next door, but worth the wait). This time around, my husband couldn't wait to order the T-bone steak again and he did, only to be very disappointed. The steak lacked seasoning and was over cooked to his preference. We also ordered the chicken tikka masala penne which did NOT disappoint. If there's one thing that has consistently been amazing it is the chicken tikka masala. Add the penne to it and it's a genius dish that took fusion to just the right level! It even comes with soft, delicious naan- couldn't ask for anything better! What was disappointing was the lamb kharahi which we ordered to go. It had a heavy tomato base (almost like pasta sauce) which was overpowering and not very authentic Pakistani. The masala chai also did not sit well with me- it was watery and needed to have more "masala?" Tandoor is a great place if you happened to be in the area and want some fine Indian/Pakistani cuisine with a nice ambiance. The service is impeccable and accommodating. It is pricy but the portions are also pretty large and given the location I wouldn't expect anything different. Being a fan of Devon Street- I probably wouldn't go back to Tandoor unless I want to indulge in that chicken tikka masala and happened to be in the neighborhood. Overall, a good experience!
(4)
K S.

I have had this type of cuisine before and I guess I have just been going to some terrible places because I was never a fan. This place was great! It is a relaxing decor semi intimate settings. We ordered the Assorted Naan Basket ( YUM YUM YUM), Beef Nehari ( Spicy and fantastic), and the Tandoori Chicken. Plenty of food for left-overs. Well it was so good my BF decided to sneak and eat all of them to himself lol
(5)
Josh M.

Went here on a whim and wasn't disappointed. Excellent service. Chicken Tikka Masala was top notch. Flavors were great overall, and definitely a bit towards the spicy side.
(4)
Maggie H.

Perfection! Great service. Delish food. Everything we have ever ordered has been good. Nice, chill atmosphere as well.
(5)
Julia C.

The flavors of the food lack authenticity.
(1)
Travis L.

Love this place. Great food. Great people who run the place. Go for the original recipes. Will leave very happy!
(5)
Tina Y.

Food was okay but nothing great. We had very good service though and the portion sizes were decent.
(3)
Christy L.

Tandoor is more like 3.5 stars. I've eaten here a couple of times, and both times the food was pretty good, but not great. I'm still searching for great Indian food in Chicago. We started by splitting the Chicken Pakora which just tasted like slightly-spiced Chicken McNuggets, though with high quality chicken. For entrees, we split the Beef Nahari and Lamb Karhai, two of Tandoor's house specialities. Beef is obviously not standard at most Indian restaurants, but this dish is unique and tasty. The beef is so tender. The Lamb Karhai, in my opinion, was just so-so. Atmosphere is typical of an Indian restaurant - nothing to write home about. Service was very attentive despite the restaurant being fairly crowded on a Friday night.
(4)
Sam P.

Have been here several times- both dine-in and take-out. The food is always delicious. Was especially impressed with the portions when we got take-out. The tikka masala sauce is so creamy and flavorful- the perfect amount of spice. Plenty of meat included as well. The spicy chutney achar they provide is a great complement to the meal, I like to think of it as an Indian giardinera. The samosas are as big as your head, and nice and crispy. Service has always been great, even with delivery.Tandoor continues to be my favorite Indian place in Lakeview.
(5)
Kay O.

Phenomenal food, but worst take out ever. Their time management is completely off. Last three times I ordered they told me 30 minutes and I waited more than 45 - even on days when there was no one else in the restaurant. Still my favorite Indian place in Chicago - but the wait sucks.
(4)
Harvey A.

Called to make sure they were open and ask when the kitchen closed. Was told 9pm but when we arrived at 8:25pm we were told they had already closed and we could go next door. Explained that we were told 9pm but they didn't care. Don't like supporting places like this - such an inconvenience for customers.
(1)
Katie O.

This is hands-down the best Indian food in Lincoln Park/ East Lakeview. I always get the Mater Paneer - they make it just the way I like it, creamy, flavorful, lots of cheese. The entree includes rice and a salad - which is a nice bonus. If you're looking for a little something extra, go for the mango lasse or mango cheesecake. They're amazing! Skip the fries (they're not bad, everything else is so much better). Long story short: Dine in or take out - give this place a try!
(5)
kat v.

We had dinner there a few nights ago and it was amaaaazing. Having actually been to Pakistan, I asked the server to hook me up with some REAL Pakistani food, and they certainly delivered. We had chicken karahi and salad and everything nice -- the sauces were especially flavorful and appreciated. the staff was really nice too, good customer service. It is also a nice atmosphere and very classy. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
sidney l.

I love this place. I have worked on the Indian side of Devon ave for years. This is the place to come and eat Indian food. Also the owners are really nice and deserve success with what they are providing
(5)
Ryan M.

Disappointing. That's the general result of my night, especially after reading all the positive reviews. Five stars, however, for the owner; he is a great guy. Fewer stars for everything else: Service: My server got busy/forgot about me, so I had to flag down the owner ten+ minutes later. He did, however, comp my garlic naan for the wait (again, five stars for him). At one point I asked for more water, and a guy came by to fill my glass. Not a single drop more could have fit into the glass. If I had tried to lift it, it would have spilled. That was pretty ridiculous. Food: I tried the garlic naan and the Daal dish. Either in the rush to get me my food because of the wait (which they really did not need to do), they must have forgotten to season the Daal, because it tasted like cardboard. The only thing I could taste was the cilantro garnishing the dish. Salt did not help, and I never put salt on my food. Ambiance, etc.: Pretty good, actually. I liked the music, though it was a bit loud. The general atmosphere was very inviting (quite the opposite from India House, the only other Indian place I've tried in Chicago). Nor did I mind sitting in the small downstairs area. That is, until some guy decided to bomb out the bathroom. No, I do not blame the owner for this--that would be irrational. But it was a wretchedly demonstrative way to sum up my experience at Tandoor. I really wanted to like this place, and I thought I would. The owner is great; hopefully other dishes are, too. With the name "Tandoor," perhaps I should have tried the tandoori dishes. But a weak vegetarian dish on a menu with few vegetarian options is not good. And come on, Daal is an Indian staple. Still looking for an Indian place worth revisiting in this city.
(2)
Mike C.

Great food! Horrible service, had to wait 15 minutes for the waiter to come over to our table, and we were the only ones in the restaurant. Waited another 10 minutes just to get some water. I had the t-bone steak and it was cooked and seasoned to perfection
(3)
Asad M.

I don't know where to begin. First off this place is great. This restaurant is one of a kind where it can cater to the traditional South Asian audience because of the great food as well as the American audience due to the chic ambiance and BYOB. Almost never in the US do you find a Pakistani/Indian restaurant that excels at great food and culinary presentation. This is the exception. It's in the heart of Lincoln Park which is great because there are pretty much no good Pakistani/Indian restaurants in the area. Second, the owners and staff are great. They are on top of their game and really care for their guests to make sure everyone is enjoying their food and having a great time. I'll definitely become a regular at this place and will spread the word. Some dishes to consider: Veggie Somosas, any chicken dish, mango cheesecake!!
(5)
Tyler M.

Great Indian food in the city. They fill up the table with plates of different sauces and sides... can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jessica S.

Pleasantly surprised. We ordered this on a whim with very low expectations. Between the two of us, we ordered the chicken boti, garlic naan and chicken tandoori sandwich with fries. So much food! Everything was super fresh and it arrived quickly. Will definitely add this to the rotation.
(4)
Peter S.

I have been here twice and I will definitely go back. The service was excellent and the owner/manager was very visible and courteous. The atmosphere is quaint, so I'd strongly suggest a reservation, especially on a weekend. The pace is deliberate, allowing for a very enjoyable dining experience. I never felt like I was waiting for a dish to arrive, but we also had time to enjoy a course without the next being crammed onto the table. Once the food was served, it was excellent. The dishes were the right temperate, the right spice level and were overall very satisfying. The prices were outstanding. It helps that the establishment is BYOB, so the alcohol bill was incurred someplace else, but we brought a bottle of wine from our recent trip to Sonoma and it made the meal that much better. I will be going back the next time I'm in the Windy City.
(5)
Michelle T.

Was a little skeptical after a couple of bad reviews but my experience was outstanding! Since it was my boyfriends first time trying Indian food I ordered the chaat fries, tandoor mix grill and chicken tikka masala. The chaat fries are nothing like you have had before. The spices on them (almost like a rub) is amazing! The chicken dishes were cooked perfectly (wish the masala chicken was a little more tender but that's just being nit picky). Also byob as you can see so which is a bonus! DEFINITELY COMING BACK! Side note- we ordered all of that food for the two of us and we eat a lot...I mean a lot and we left super full (so full we didn't make it out after dinner because my boyfriend ate himself to the point where he needed to lie down)
(5)
Ittai E.

One of the best Indian food places I've ever eaten at. The food was amazing in taste, texture, and presentation; the wait staff was incredibly courteous and helpful (even when my girlfriend wanted to move to a table farther away from the door); and the ambience was great. To top it all off, they were playing Emancipator music the whole time in the background. I actually think this is my all-time favorite Indian place.
(5)
Ashley P.

Tandoor is so great that I have gone there 3 times since discovering it less than a month ago. I have enjoyed a variety of the appetizers, and the Samosas have proved to be my favorite. I have had the Chicken Tikka Masala, which has great sauce. I have also had both platters to try a variety of their meats. I love their lamb - they have the option of getting your food mild, medium, or spicy. The spicy is hot enough for me but other people I've gone with would like it extra spicy (I'm sure they would do so if asked). The restaurant is ran by two brothers, both of which always stop by our table to ask how everything is. They talk about how their elders have created the menu and they strive to make it as authentic as they can to their Indian and Pakistani roots. I recommend this place to anyone who wants really great food.
(5)
Jay Z.

We have been to this place for a dine-in once and then had a pick up order also. And both the times the food was delicious. We had ordered the chicken biryani which was delicious (although it was not like an actual biryani). The tandoor chicken was really flavorful and was soft and delicious. And the ambiance was also really cozy.
(5)
Lisa T.

I went to dinner here with a group of 4 on a Saturday night. I had high expectations based on all of the good reviews here. We started off with the appetizer sampler that included 2 HUGE veggie samosas, vegetarian pakora, and chaat fries. Overall this sampler was disappointing given the $15 price tag. The samosas were deliciously buttery and warm, but the pakora and fries were lackluster. The fries especially were a letdown - they were supposed to be Indian spiced fries but turned out to be nothing more than the same plain curly fries I could've gotten at Arby's. At the recommendation of other yelpers, I got the mutter paneer tikka masala, which was spot-on. A friend who ordered tandoori chicken tikka masala thought the meat was a bit dry. Other than that, no complaints. Portions are generous. If it weren't for the sweltering temperature in the dining room, Tandoor would get 4 stars. There is a small portable A/C that does little to keep the (tightly packed) main dining floor cool in the summer. By the end of our meal, two of my friends were practically sweating into their food. BYOB, but there is a $5 corkage fee.
(3)
Karina I.

I was finally able to have a sit-down dinner here and I am upgrading my review to 5 stars. From the hospitality of the staff, to the quantity of food, and finally the taste, everything was excellent. Everyone gets a complimentary salad and rice- and they are NOT skimpy. Chicken tikka masala, lamb masala and the mix grill platter were all delicious and perfectly cooked. I will definitely come back as often as I can.
(5)
Z K.

My friend was hosting an Iftaar party (Breaking Fast after a day of no food/drink) and I will say the restaurant was pretty neat when we walked in and couple of people waiting in line to be seated. Since this was take out food, I will not comment further on dine-in experience. The food was making me hallucinate, it was very good to take in while in the back seat of my friends Saab 9-5 Turbo, since his trunk did not open we had to squeeze in the food through the back seat....I dont know how I didnt manage to eat my arm off while I counted down the minutes to sunset...like I was a Dracula waiting to bite into something delicious, like a roasted leg of lamb marinated in yoghurt overnight with assortment of spices and perfectly grilled in a tandoor (clay oven). Once we go to our destination, we unpacked the food. Below is a quick snapshot and picture it all please - - Naan: Although we had this wrapped up in foil for a good hour, the naan was soft and crisp. Very good, however, there were some naans that were a bit hard to chew. All in all, a good piece of bread - Butter Chiken: Not sure what else to say but WOWZERS! Phenomenal execution of making legitimate Butter Chicken, the pieces of chicken were huge! This with Naan was like butter and bread...Yummy. so creamy and succulent. - Karai Gosh (Lamb Curry): Phenomenal tasting lamb meat, tender and extremely amazing gravy that made my experience really worth it...add to that some red onions and naan and WOW. Very good. - Mixed platter of Kabobs, Chicken - Kabobs were too dry for my liking but the chicken was very good - Biryani - Stay away from it, not worth your time All in all, a good experience with the food. I would go back here again and try other things.
(3)
Heather P.

Best dinner out in a while! It was fantastic. I was super impressed by the food, service, prices, portions were a little small but still all in all, definitely worth the trip. The ambiance is lovely, they are so accomodating. We had a large party with people getting up and moving around and it felt completely comfortable. At one point the owner offered to have someone run and get us a few more bottles of wine. Never felt rushed, always felt warm and welcomed. Did I mention it was BYOB, score!!! Food was an interesting demonstration of the concept of mixing traditional with more current trends. The tandoori chicken tikka masala was a big hit with everyone. What a great idea of combining two of my favorites! Chaat fries were unique and delightful! The lamb dish and eggplant in some sort of yummy sauce that I got to sample were also right on! The tandoori chicken pizza was intriguing, but I have to have something to look forward to next time.
(5)
Niti B.

I had high hopes for this establishment but was a let down. I commend them for great hospitable service but the food just didn't add up. The owner apparently also owns the Eduardo Pizza place next door and does tandoor chicken pizzas which I thought would be amazing but from my fellow guests it was just ordinary with indian spices. The pizza was heavy and didn't leave a real fusion feel. The samosa and the chat fries were a great start but the entrees were a bust. We had the eggplant, palak paneer and the paneer tikka masala for the veggie eaters. There were chicken dishes that I can not comment on since I didn't have any but as far as the veggies go they were very disappointing. The palak paneer was underseasoned and the paneer tikka masala was to rich and creamy for my taste. Overall I won't be back since Raj Darbar is two doors away and I have to say it is extremely more flavorful food. The options are also more plentyfull and the food is more satisfying. I have to give that second star for BYOB but other than that...me thinks not!
(2)
Sam W.

I was referred to this place by my buddy.. Unbelievable food and just great service. One of the must places to try...
(5)
Jay B.

New fav local Indian option. The chicken biryani is out of this world good. And the "grandma's secret recipe" carrot pickle they serve with every meal is really special
(4)
Bill S.

Okay I never really have had Indian food before and I was pleasantly surprised . I really didn't know what to expect but I had a Tandor style beef that was really good , my son had some chicken dish which he said was really good , If indian food is this delicious i guess I'l be going a little more often .
(4)
Sian H.

Favorite Indian in Chicago!
(5)
Tough B.

I ordered dinner from Tandoor through Grubhub as pick-up on Monday. Order was supposed to be ready at 7:20. I gave them an extra 15 minutes and arrived at 7:35 to pick up my food. They told me it was a busy day and that it would be minutes. When did I finally have the food ready in my hands? 8:15 - yes, I waited in the store for 40 minutes for my food. We just stood there like idiots as I watched people come into, get seated, served their food, and walk out. I had ordered my food ahead of time and yet left the restaurant after an hour of when it was suppose to be ready. What makes it worse? We didnt even get our meal for free or even a discount - not EVEN A SMALL ONE! We were very patient and did not throw a fit at all. We got a stupid dessert, which was not good. If I had wanted dessert - I would have ordered it myself. A coupon or a discount for the next visit would have been nice. I love Indian food and think the food here is pretty decent - but the poor experience and lack of compensation is telling me never to come back.
(2)
Greg E.

Its so tasty... I don't want to stop eating here... ever.
(4)
Christopher L.

This place is one of the best places for dinner. The finest and freshest Indian-Pakistani food I have ever tasted. Try the mix grill! The service is the best I've seen. The servers actually care about their customers.
(5)
Jennifer G.

Worst Indian we have ever had delivered. We eat Raj weekly and wanted to try something new. We will never eat here again. Its about equal in quality to frozen Indian from your local grocer. Dont waste your money.
(1)
David M.

Oustanding food. Modern take on Indian / Pakistani. Hallal and ans organic meats. Bottomless chutneys a yellow rice with with toasted cumin seeds. House-made nan in a proper tandoori oven. Definitely a nice change from the places on Devon.
(4)
Olivia G.

Excellent food, excellent service. Owned by two brothers, they put their heart and soul into this place -- and their efforts show. You can't beat such a great place that's BYOB and reasonably priced!
(5)
Jonathan T.

After watching my beloved Chicago Bears not make the playoff, I decided to order some Indian food and with in a very brief time I enjoyed the BEST BEEF SAMOSA I have ever had. Being on GRUBHUB made this an easy choice and luv it. GREAT PRICE too. If you live near Lakeview you have got to check this place out!
(5)
Grainne M.

I was very excited about trying this place. got delivery for the beef samosas, garlic naan, chicken Kashi (or other, supposed to be like a regular curry) and the Pilau rice. i always order from Raj Darbar and felt like i needed to vary it and try something new. here are my comments: 1) price was $8 more than raj Darbar 2) Naan, not very flavorful and way smaller than Raj Darbar's. 3) Curry, not good at all. very "un blended" and watery. 4) rice - fine, nothing to write home about 5) Samasa - under cooked beef and really not as tasty as RD's at all. No idea how this place gets great reviews and if thats the standard then try RD for waaay better!
(2)
Barry L.

(See update at the end) We recently had a bizarre experience of long waits and absent-minded service at this place. First the two of us waited 20 minutes to be seated, while watching couple after couple leave. There was a table for two in the corner that was open but was never filled for our entire visit--what's that all about? Once seated, we waited 15 minutes for someone to even notice us and take our order, even though we were right in the front of the restaurant. Then we waited at least half an hour for our two entrees to arrive, while watching other folks who ordered after us get served first. Our order included chai tea, which never arrived. We didn't notice it until they took the dishes away, but they apologized and said they had run out and had to get some more. An Indian restaurant that runs out of chai? OK, whatever. So we gladly accepted it when it finally came out, and the waiter apologized again and said they were "having trouble brewing it." WTF? I thought they had run out. Hmmm. We quickly realized it tasted nasty because didn't have sugar in it, but even after adding some it still tasted very strange. I've had sugarless chai before and it was *nothing* like that. After (another) long wait our check arrived, and after running my card they promptly brought the receipt back to me...without a pen. So I had to wait and wave someone down for a pen so I could sign my name. Was it Training Night or something? The food was very tasty (some of the best tikka masala I've had in my life actually), but the service left MUCH to be desired. They were very nice, just so disorganized that the meal was nearly three times as long as it should have been. Good thing we didn't have anything else planned that night. UPDATE: The owner contacted me via Yelp and apologized for our experience, and offered a free entree if we were inclined to return. We live in Seattle so we can't go back soon, but I'm glad they read and care about their reviews and I appreciate the offer!
(3)
T H.

The food is excellent. I am Pakistani and this was easily the freshest and tastiest food I have had. It takes time to prepare so be ready to wait for a bit. Might be helpful to add staff in the kitchen. Only downside was from my visit today. The waiter was poorly trained and was quick in responding rudely, dropping plates hard on the table and generally made me uncomfortable being there. The 4 stars is despite this guy (lunch shift). The food is just great. Might even be helpful to order the food and get them started and eat in. Expect 30 min wait before food is out. Expect to be amazed with the food though
(4)
Mike Y.

Great Indian/Pakistani food! I have had nearly 10 different dishes off the menu and all have been entirely satisfying. They have even begun to introduce hybrid dishes to accommodate even the pickiest of eaters. The service is excellent, too. Very nice waiting staff and even nicer management. I strongly recommend Tandoor to anyone and everyone!
(5)
Phillip L.

the mimosas were large - but the beef one is very salty, and did not come out very warm the garlic naan was good. check in on yelp and get free chaat fries - these are large portions, so don't get too stuffed on this before the entrees come. these are good. we got the lamb and eggplant tiki masala - they were okay. we've had better for the price that we're paying here (~15 / each for entrees). not as much meat in the entrees, mostly sauce.
(2)
Mohamedbaquir N.

An upscale halal desi-american steak place in the heart of Lincoln Park in Chicago with awesome steaks and fine Calcutta food. Perfect for a date night with your SO or just a relaxing upscale dinner with the family. The only thing better than the food here is the warm friendly service from the staff and the brother duo that own the place (Fahim and Faraz). They will go out of their way to ensure your comfort and your satisfaction. Chaat fries and the mango cheesecake are to die for! The mango kulfi also has a distinct unique taste. Now on to the food. They bring out a complimentary house salad with cucumber/yogurt dressing. Fahim also comped us some papad so my kids could enjoy that while they waited for their meal. My wife ordered a NY steak and I a ribeye. We were pleasantly surprised at the enormous portion and the sides that come with it. A mashed potato side blended with peas and a small side of aloo salan (peas/potato curry) and a side dressing of makhni sauce to dress the potatoes and steak. They also bring out a home made gajjar achaar (yummy) for the aloo salan (apparently the achaar was the brothers' grandma's recipe!) Forget your A1 people, the marination in the steaks are so flavorful that your taste buds will crave it even without any sauce. If you prefer spicy, they bring out a jalapeÃ±o chutney sauce and a tamarind spicy sauce to go along (which also complements the chaat fries). We ordered our steaks medium and medium rare and they were appropriately cooked. Now on to dessert, my kids love kulfi so we ordered the mango kulfi and me being a cheesecake addict, I ordered a mango cheesecake for ourselves. Guys screw Cheesecake Factory, my hats off to the chef. The pastry and crust was just thick enough and tasty to support the cream and the filling and we devoured it within 90 seconds, literally. It was unlike anything we had ever eaten. Since the kulfi was abundant, we started eyeing that too and decided to try some of it (much to the dismay of our kids) and it was decent, and flavorful. I am not a big fan of mango and have generally not liked anything laced with mango, but Tandoor Char has changed that for me. Their prices are reasonable, definitely not on the low end Devon prices but not high end like Ruth Chris's either. I strongly believe that you get what you pay for and the quality AND quantity of food and the quality of service surpassed my highest expectations. Overall, I will definitely go back again...and again!!!!! PROS: food is amazing. I took the lamb biryani to go to try out the Calcutta cuisine. The service is AMAZING! Faraz and Fahim are very friendly and will occasionally stop by to ensure that you are being taken care of and everything is to your satisfaction. This is in addition to the wonderful service provided by the servers. I was told to try the chicken fajita steak or tbone steak the next time. CONS: The only con is the distance..lol I live in Schaumburg and this place is in the city so it's like about an hour for me. But I have to say that the trip was worth it. Great job guys!!!
(5)
Amanda F.

Really delicious, high quality Indian food in Lincoln park. Wonderful service and a small intimate vibe inside. Not trendy or hip, but just a neighborhood local spot with an upscale Indian vibe. Would return and I would recommend!! They deliver too!
(5)
Vishnu V.

Chilly chicken biryani is awesome !!
(3)
Alejandra V.

The boyfriend and I were actually on our way to another restaurant when we read char house and that was enough to get us in. We wandered in here more from hunger then anything and it was a beautiful accident. We sat down after be greeted by the nicest, most cheerful guy ever. we went though our menus pretty quick ordered way more then we meant to and even went for the indian beer. The beer I could pass on but the food! Oh My Goodness! We started with the spring rolls with a cilantro chutney and tamarindo chutney, both were amazing. Then i had the steak and he had a chicken dish, 2 different types of nan. I can't even begin to describe the food all the flavors, textures. I will be going to back for sure. we had a great lunch/dinner and ate our leftovers cold later that night and still enjoyed it.
(4)
Akta D.

I went to this place for dinner with a friend. At first I was skeptical because it was cold and empty - on a Friday. The food was surprisingly delicious! One of the better Indian restaurants outside of Devon. The food was seasoned perfectly and spicy is spicy. I would defintely go there again, probably for a buffet to try more food. Bonus: They had a check in offer and they gave us a lot of rice.
(4)
Shaista H.

You know a restaurant is good when you dream about it and literally wake up hungry craving for it! I decided to try this place with my sister and brother-in-law after good reviews from our friends that recently celebrated their anniversary dinner there. And boy were we glad! We went on a Saturday night and had reservations at 7:30. We got their early and they were sweet enough to accomodate us earlier. The owner came by and made us feel at ease immediately. He explained the menu so well and I literally just wanted the food right then and there! (probably also because all 3 of us were super hungry and worked up an appetite). We got chat fries (free if you check in on Yelp!) and Samosas for appetizers. Yum. While we waited for the food they go us papadums to keep my 11mth old niece busy..she loved it! For entrees I ordered T-Bone Steak....my first Halal steak, medium well (just like the brown folks love) with a side of yummy potatoes and some veggie dish. So delish! And yes the portion was huge..thank God for my bro-in-law to finish that puppy off. My sister ordered Chicken Tikka Masala with assorted naan basket. I love Naan...and this had three kinds (heaven!). The Tikka Masala was also finger lickin good! We also ordered the Chicken Tikka Pizza..mmmm so good. For dessert my sister and I split the mango cheescake! nom nom...it tasted like a light fluffy kulfi. I think my sister, niece and i ripped that in 1 min flat! Overall a very good first impression. The food is nothing extra-ordinarily crazy and out of the box. It is good, simple food done well. I can't wait to go back and try more stuff :)
(5)
Ben E.

This is my go-to spot for delivery indian food. The guys who run/own the place are super friendly and clearly really care about their product and service. Beef nehari is my default selection, but I don't think i've ever been disappointed. Never done dine-in (a fact which I am regularly chided for by the delivery guy), but for high quality delivery indian, Tandoor doesn't miss.
(5)
Lauren F.

This is /great/ Indian food for Lincoln Park. Definitely one of the most welcoming and attractive indian restaurants I've ever been in. We ordered veggie samosas, naan, baigan masala, and a beef dish (I can't remember which one). Everything had great flavor. One critique is that I feel that the baigan masala probably should have been slow cooking all day. I think the eggplant was a little firmer than it should have been. Really great chutneys- the green one was more unique than the typical mint chutney, the raita was tasty as well. Awesome mango laisi! Apparently they make their own yoghurt to put in it! I really enjoyed my cup of chai. Altogether my mom and I had a great time! It seems like most of the business here is take-out, I'd really love to see more people come in here. The service really is great- there is no good reason not to come in!
(5)
Sylvia M.

I've been here 20+ times now. Service is great, food is incredible. The ONLY place my family and friends go to when looking for Indian food. Large portions and great prices. Best Indian restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
Colin M.

Delish, friendly service. Will be back
(4)
Michelle L.

Last night was my first time ever having Indian food and I feel like I have definitely been missing out! My friend has been talking about tandoor everyday for the past couple weeks so last night I decided to give in and get it. We ordered tikka chicken and it was amazing! The sauce is amazing and so the chicken rice and bread dipped in it was just heavenly. I will definitely be eating here again and often!
(5)
Greg T.

Pretty good food/service. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Louis G.

These guys just get it right. South Asian food can be screwed up esily and I've had my fair share of place off Devon Street and others around the city. The service here is excellent, the food is fresh, and they seem to always throw in somethign extra just because they are so friendly with their customers. I can't say I eat Indian food all the time but when I do, I like to go here in the city.
(5)
M K.

Visiting the area on business from the DC area. This is the Best in Indian/Pakistani food, bar none. Service is excellent and very up to date. They serve a full Halal menu for those concerned. Portions are generous. Small twists to traditional dishes make this restaurant stand out. The Indian/Pakistani community has been long overdue for this upgrade. Now there is an alternative to Devon St. We lucked out and met the owner who is very personable and accommodating. Looking forward to going back. Since I gave it a glowing review I want to add I am not related to these folks, this is a real review.
(5)
Mike S.

this place is quickly becoming out go to for indian. we have been searching for years and have never been pleased. we would find a place we like then go back and order the same meal but taste and portions seem to change. having been here three times in the past few months, the food seems to be getting better. the chicken tikka masala is my favorite. i enjoy some of their flavored naan as well. portions are very fair and we have always had enough leftovers so a second meal the next day (food is pretty good warmed up) nice ambience, its also byob, and the staff are fun.
(4)
Nikhil K.

well,here is my update for this amazing restaurant! its rare to find such genuine and kind people in the restaurant business! as usual,enjoyed my takeaway dinner. amazing place!amazing location!amazing food! special mention for Mr.Faraz-please stop spoiling me with freebies;) Thank you so much for the wonderful meal! it was a pleasure to meet you and your wonderful family! I say it once more-THE BEST INDIAN FOOD IN LINCOLN PARK AREA! you guys earned a loyal customer in me! next time my family comes visiting,I,for sure know where to take them!
(5)
Neel V.

Came here on a Thursday night a little before 7. Restaurant seemed mostly empty, but was fully packed by the time we left! Started out the meal with the chaat fries- wasn't sure what to expect but they turned out to be standard issue curly fries with a little bit of dry chaat masala. They were served with two good sauces. The sweet taramind had a nice sweet and sour flavor, but the cilantro-jalapeno chutney was amazing with a good spice level and flavor. For entrees, we split an order of chana masala and the mixed tandoor grill. Mixed tandoor grill was incredible- perfectly cooked and seasoned lamb kebab, boneless chicken, and shrimp. Whatever tandoori marinade they whip up certainly works! The chana masala was a little disappointing- the tomato-based sauce had a very "pea" flavor to it, and then realized they probably cook the chana right in the sauce (the excess starch given off by doing it naturally thickens the sauce). Service was really good- the owner came out to talk to us a few times and was really passionate about explaining the concept behind the restaurant. Oh, total forgot about the achar. Homemade (based on the owner's grandmother's recipe) and easily the best pickle in Chicago. You could go to Devon and wouldn't find a better tasting pickle- luckily they refilled it liberally and even offered us some to go. Overall- great dining experience. The tandoor menu is the star of the show. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Anwar H.

The tandoori chicken is one of the best I've had in Chicago. The biryani and entres as also good. I am not a fan of the naans on the other hand.
(5)
Wendy H.

The service is good and the chicken tikka masala is delicious. If you like curly fries, they make some very tasty ones (chaat fries). Plus all entrees include salad and a few sides!
(5)
Allison W.

Some of the best food in the city and the service was equally great. Get the beef nahari! I will be back often.
(5)
Mike S.

Decent decor, flavorful food, and giant portions! Service was very good, and was helpful with ordering. The Tandoori chicken was excellent, and the Biryani was large enough to feed three! Had strawberry yogurt drink that was also very good, though what it was called eludes me now.
(4)
Ravi P.

Tandoor wraps are awesome. Try the Chicken Boti Wrap! I randomly walked into this place and I was impressed. Will definitely dine in again. Plus, they deliver!!!
(5)
Mia D.

Tandoor is the only Indian restaurant that I ever go to. I absolutely love the Chicken Tikka Masala, the vegetable samosas and the chaat fries. The restaurant is very classy and makes for a perfect date. The service is amazing, and the owners are extremely charming. I will continue to go here time and time again.
(5)
J G.

This place sucks...if you like good food...
(2)
Jessica R.

Ordered lunch in on GrubHub - while the delivery was 20 minutes late, the portions were very generous! I ordered the Tandoori Chicken Wrap (chose Paratha bread) which came with a bagfull of indian-flavored fries YUM. The wrap was HUGE, and packed with all the yummy fillings. I also got an order of Vegetable Samosas, and these are the biggest and best tasting samosas I've ever had. The chutney was delicious and complimented the samosas very well. This was a meal that could have been split between two people - but for me, it will serve as dinner as well! Can't wait to dine-in at the restaurant.
(4)
Frank R.

The reviews below basically nail all the good dishes, especially the samosas and chicken tikka masala, so I won't go too in depth. I just want to say what a pleasure dining at Tandoor was for my friend and I. We had the pleasure of speaking with one of the owners about how he came up with the idea for the place, and he went through and made plenty of menu suggestions that were understandable for the uninitiated yet complex enough for those familiar with the cuisine. Service was fast, the food was excellent, and the owner even let me use my Scout Mob 50% off deal even though my phone was being fussy and said I had already used the deal. Can't wait to try some of the other stuff on the menu next time, especially the penne and pizza.
(5)
Charlie G.

Worth a try. Food was above average but not the best Indian I've ever had. The service was really good. They appeared to have a small restaurant feel and our server was very good to us. He even went next door to get us some wine for our BYOB experience because we went there not knowing that it was BYOB.
(4)
I M.

Went here for dinner with a group of 8 people last night. The food was very, very good albeit toned down and spice adjusted for lincoln park. If you want spicy, specify authentic/indian spicy because it will make a difference. (They did bring us extra of the spicy carrot achar to compensate.) They were SUPER accommodating and very very friendly. I highly recommend asking for Shaun as your server. He was not only adorable but incredibly friendly and spot on service. The owner was friendly as well and brought us complimentary salads with our meal. We had a good mix of vegetarians and carnivores and they were fantastic about keeping it clear. Amazingly huge portions, beautiful room. Did I mention BYOB? Bathrooms were well cleaned. Cute date place or excellent for a group. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Saad G.

Great place for Indian food. Very impressed with the classy interior and amazing service. Waiter made great recommendations and the owner was saying hello to all the guest and even would bring out some of the guests food! I got the T-bone steak which was great and i took sheekh kabob to go which was also very good. There gulab jaman for dessert were also delicious. It is similar in price to other Indian restaurants but the ambiance, great service and superior food make this the place to go. Would definitely recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Timothy S.

Authentic Indian food! The owner is very kind and the food was delicious! I will be coming here more often and so should you.
(5)
Gerad S.

Wow. What more can I possibly say? I [thoroughly] enjoyed my birthday at Tandoor last night. The menu was incredible, our party legitimately had difficulty picking what to order lest we not get to try all of what sounded so great. What we ended up getting was absolutely incredible, delicious, the staff was attentive, kind and thoughtful, the prices were way-better-than-reasonable, and we even got to interact with THE Faraz (you will understand when you read their story, which is included in the menu). Furthermore, the team at Tandoor went above and beyond to provide my friends and I with an incredible experience for my birthday. Faraz & Co., thank you so so very much, we had an amazing time and will be back. Your friend, Gerad
(5)
Mohit S.

Do not order delivery. Promised a very order in an hour. After 3 phone calls with the usual "on it's way" food shows up 45 minutes late. Returned unopened package and asked driver to tell owner to call me - a very frequent and loyal customer. Writing this review after a week. No call yet. At first they had just lost an order. Now they have lost my business and that of my friends.
(1)
Shivam M.

Tandoor offers great selection of authentic Indian dishes. Amazing food and out standing service. I've been to Tandoor multiple times and every visit was a great experience. My favorite - Chaat fries, daal, lamb tikka masala, samosa and Garlic Naan. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Eva D.

Writing another review because I love Tandoor that much. Best service I have ever received at any restaurant ever. They remember my boyfriend and I ever time we stop in and are so friendly and inviting. The food is always excellent and the serving sizes are over-generous. A few reviewers have spoken negatively about take-out. Having gotten take-out from Tandoor before, I can absolutely say that no reviews should be based on take-out alone. You have to eat in restaurant. Eating in restaurant is infinitely better because everything comes fresh to your table. Take-out is not as good but that is true of all restaurants, not just Tandoor. Naan/roti just does not taste the same when it does not come fresh directly from the oven still steaming. The same is true of meat dishes. Before you base your opinion off take-out, I recommend you stop in and try it for yourself! You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Tom J.

This was by far the best Indian meal ive had in Chicago to date. I went here with my wife to celebrate my birthday and it couldn't have been better. Its BYOB which is always good, I had the Mixed grill, the chicken was so tasty and tender, the shrimp was delicious as were the Kebabs, Naan bread was sooooo tasty and my wifes biryani was delicious too. The service was great, the portions were big. There's nothing not to love. We will definitely be back. Goof work Tandoor.
(5)
Shan A.

Great place for Pakistani / Indian food. We ordered the Chicken TIkka masala and the chicken fajitas. Both were great. The mango lassi was splendid too. Great service. We really loved the background Indian fusion music being played.
(5)
Jenna B.

This place is a great hidden gem tucked into a busy strip on Halsted. It's family owned and run by two brothers who go above and beyond. They guy running the show the night we were there (a party of 9, including 2 kids) was what every restaurant owner should be, attentive and truly made you feel like part of his family. He even brought out some of their curry fries to keep the kids happy. Now onto the food, I typically am not the biggest fan of food with tons of "spices", but this food was amazing. Among the 7 adults, we ordered a little of everything, and everything was really tasty! The portions were large enough that you can have leftovers too. Tons of vegetarian options too, very reasonable , most entrees were around $12. Great place for a date, a quick weeknight dinner, or a place to bring your family. The service was top notch and these guys really know what they are doing. My plate came out sizzling--literally! Looked like they were doing a lot of carry out a delivery too, which is always a nice option.
(5)
Kevin C.

Had the tandoori chicken and garlic naan delivered. Best Indian food I've found in Chicago and delivery was pretty quick.
(5)
Peter N.

Ordered delivery via grubhub. My girlfriend and I both ordered the chicken tikka masala. She thought it was perfectly seasoned, I thought it was a bit heavy on the cream. Portion size is slightly small for the price, and not as much chicken as other indian places I've had lately.
(4)
Rachel S.

The customer service was excellent, but the food was just ok. We ordered the okra and chana masala. They weren't bad, but they weren't great and the chana masala was a little bland.
(3)
James J.

I had some Pakistani friends in from out of town. After reading the reviews we decided on Tandoor. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable. The appetizers are all very tasty and the chicken tikka masala is amazing. My friends told me it was the best Indian food they have had.
(5)
Jessica L.

I just wasn't that impressed with Tandoor. The food was okay. The salad that they served wasn't anything special. Beef Samosas were good, but not worth going back for. I had the Paneer Tikah Massala. The sauce was tasty, but the cheese cubes didn't really cut it for me. Also, the rice had a lot of peas in it and kind of looked like rice-a-roni, but had a slight Indian taste to it. My husband had some kind of meat dish and it was kind of dry and not that exciting. The highlight of the meal was the naan and soaking up the Tikah Massala sauce. Sad, simply, sad. The service was REALLY good. Maybe a little bit too good...it almost felt a little fake or like they were trying way too hard. Also, it didn't feel like an authentic Indian restaurant. NY Steak on the menu...really? I'm looking forward to trying a different restaurant. This one just didn't cut it for me.
(2)
Lameis H.

I gotta give this place 5 starts because I had an amazing meal and I don't even like Indian Food! Starting off, the service is extremely friendly and quick and they give great recommendations. Make sure to check in on Yelp to get a free basket of curly fries. Both the Beef and Vegetarian Samosas are great for appetizers. For my entree I had the Tandoor Chicken Tikka Marsala which was amaaaaazing! The sauce was so creamy and delicious, I started eating it by the spoonful. Just a recommendation, if you don't like Cilantro, ask them not to garnish it with it, I had to pick mine off. The portions are huge and enough for a filling dinner and lunch the next day. I highly recommend this place for small or large groups, they can accommodate all. :)
(5)
Sherae D.

This is a great place. The food was amazing, the staff was excellent. We had the chicken tikki masala and the NY strip. Both were delicious. The chutney's that are served with the meal are so yummy. I have recommended this place to all of my friends.
(5)
Soft Pie N.

Good foods and fair priced. The service was friendly and up to speed which was great. My only complaint was that there was an inconsistency in a dish I ordered twice. The first time I ordered the veggie wrap it was perfect. I thought id be coming here often for it.... The second time it was not so hot, the put different veggie in it, well really this time they only put garnish stuff in it: lettice tomatoe onions corn and peas. Also the sauce tasted different and there wasnt as much. I just hate when a dish in inconsistent because now I dont know how they normaly make it and if I ever want to order it again... But i tried bites of everyone elses food at my table and it was all very good. So I think there is still much to order even if I have to cross the veggie wrap off my list.
(4)
Olivia P.

Ah, so good! Chicken tikka masala was great, the pieces of chicken were perfectly juicy and tender and I wanted to drink the masala sauce. Also ordered the vegetables in a curry sauce - again, a sauce I could drink. The samosas were good and very large and the garlic naan seemed like they had literally just pulled it out of the oven - cooked to perfection and nice and warm. I was also pleasantly surprised when this was delivered - two sets of four different sauces/dressings and two side salads included and the delivery was very fast. This was enough food to tide over two slightly still hungover and starving people for a late lunch and dinner and the total price for all food was around $40. Definitely will order again the next time I'm craving Indian food! (Also, a plus about this place is you can order in the middle of the day on Saturday, saw some other comparable places that didn't start delivering until 5pm).
(5)
maya s.

Today, I visited Tandoor Char House with my family (8 of us today). It was our first time there, and not everyone was pro Indian/ Pakistan food as a general. But, every single one of us enjoyed our meal and dining experience. We were able to get a table without a reservation. The staff was beyond friendly and informative. The amount of food that we received for the amount of money was outstanding. Left overs will be had for sure. The quality was great. Some of the menu items were traditional, others were fusions, all amazing. It's a great place to go & share & have a conversation. I also like that you can order wine from next door and they will retrieve it for you. 5 stars all around. Couldn't be happier.
(5)
Perri J.

Great restaurant! It is owned by two brothers who are always at the restaurant and even serve tables. They give great customer service. The food is great for the price. Intimate dining area creates a home-y and comfortable atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Courtland H.

Lincoln Parks #1 new Indian spot is right here! In the old Fattoush space, Tandoor does it all. BYOB, great classics from the tandoori oven, and really top notch service. We went on a busy Saturday night, and these guys never missed a beat. We had the delicious mixed grill platter, samosas, and a fairly spicy Palak Paneer. The real treat was the dessert, the Gulam Juman(had to look up the spelling) basically doughnuts in sweet rose water syrup, one of the most unique and delicious deserts i have ever had. This is a really great new spot, definitely the best Indian food in LP, and rivals much of Devon.
(5)
Kyle W.

Food is unstoppable. So good. Owners are hilarious, great people. Servers are quick and knowledgable. Ambiance / music is great for your meal. Ate here at 10PM last night, still full. Eat here way too much and not enough at the same damn time. If you don't like Tandoor you are probably a hipster with no real knowledge of indian / paki culture / food. Place is awesome.
(5)
Zach T.

HOW IS THIS PLACE STILL ONLY RATED 4 AND A HALF STARS!!! For everyone out there not giving this place the full credit they deserve needs to reach down their pants right now and check to see if their balls have dropped yet (yes, you too ladies). If those bad boys are still tucked up there like a baby in the womb then you should not be reviewing a place that is the definition of astounding customer service and titillating cuisine. You don't have to be a Buddhist to experience a state of nirvana. Just head over to Tandoor, order the chicken masala, and enjoy the ambience of a blissful environment. You'll ask yourself, "Am I on Ecstasy again?"... Nope, you're just dipping your naan in the cilantro-jalapeno chutney...but this time you won't wake up in a road-side ditch on I-90 with an empty wallet, pants-less, and big spooning road kill because you like the way it feels. When you leave the restaurant you will literally start screaming in the streets out of excitement. People will look, but they will know that you just left the best Indian restaurant this side of the Mississippi. Usually I'm not a namer of names, but would like to point out two waiters that have contributed greatly to the overall dining experience...Ryan and Martin. If they end up being your server, trust their recommendations, laugh at their jokes , and tip big, since they'll treat you like royalty. Go to this place, enjoy the experience, and walk with swagger after because you know you've just had the time of your life.
(5)
Mark B.

We live around the corner and so have been going to Raj Darbar for ten years. This place will put RD out of business. Very fresh ingredients and spices are the key. They have great chutney and the mixed grill is killer. Great service also. This is our new Indian restaurant in Lincoln Park.
(5)
A S.

Delicious samosas. Garlic naan was very soft and well spiced. Chappati was also quite good. Maybe a little too thick--it's meant to be very thinly rolled out and then heated. I could tell it wasn't completely rolled out toward the edges. The entrees come with rice that's seasoned yellow (probably using turmeric?). The quantity and portions were great. The Panneer Tikka sizzled for a long time while we indulged. It was the best tandoori panneer I've had. (What does my opinion matter? I was born in India, have had a lot of Indian food in my life.. ) The Palak Panneer was interesting--they do it a bit differently from what I'm used to. Rather than using a cream base, they use a daal base, so it has a soupy brownness to it. Still very good. They make a pretty strong chai, too. But in India, really that's not called chai, it's called black tea. When I'm in Mysore and Chennai, I can't really find chai as readily as tea. The chai is considerably more spicy than just tea. But I think for the US, it's probably ok to call it chai(?) The background music was great, actually authentic. It felt a little too heavy on the bass the night we went (last Friday). Anyway, blah blah, basically it was awesome, and one of our new favorites. I'm glad that younger people are starting up Indian restaurants.
(5)
Jennifer C.

We ended up here after we got tired of waiting for a table at Raj Darbar and were delighted to find Tandoor to be far superior to its competitor next door. We were seated immediately and had two very attentive servers throughout our meal. We started with samosas, which were great, and then moved on to the chicken tikka masala and channa masala, both of which came with huge bowls of rice. The chicken was excellent! Their sauce is amazing, and we were excited to see that they use quality meat. The channa masala was also quite good, although a little different from what we're used to. The chickpeas were not as tender and there wasn't as much gravy as we've had at other places, but the dish was still very good. Vegetarians should be aware that Tandoor's veggie options are much more limited than what you usually find at Indian restaurants. We ended the night with gulab jamun, which was also great. Overall, we had a lovely meal and will definitely be back. I hope this place does well, as it's nice to have a good option for Indian in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area! One last note-- if you're new to Indian, this is a really unintimidating place to experiment. The servers seem to have been trained to cater to a clientele that isn't too familiar with Indian/Pakistani food.
(5)
Hadi Z.

chicken tikkah masala, Chaat fries, Mango Cheese Cake and much more !! Great Service !!! love this place will goo back soon.
(5)
Madeline M.

I work in an Indian restaurant and like I have said many times before, I am a vegan, so Indian is one of my go-to cuisines since they offer so many vegan options (as does thai and greek) I was disappointed by Hama's (which claimed to be the best Indian in Chicago) and Bombay Spice Grill, so when I found Tandoor, I was relived. I love that they deliver and late (midnight) I love that they include rice that isn't dry and include delicious Chutney's with every order for free, I love that the roti bread is huge, I love that they offer vegan options beyond the standard gobi (cauliflower) and Chana Masala (chickpeas) the Veggie Treasure is loaded with an array of veggies which like I said is rare for Indian. It has broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, peas, onions and is all covered in the most delicious spicy sauce, however if you love spice like me you should ask for it extra spicy! The roti was not only huge but fantastic and the chaat curly fries were so damn crispy and beautifully spiced I couldn't resist eating all those curly little lovelies despite the fact I was stuffed already. Veggie Pakoras showed up cold but after heating them back up they were an absolute delight, although I did feel the portion was a bit small. Curly fries were a better value for sure. I ordered from here two nights in a row, which is a clear sign I am a happy fan of this place!
(4)
Paul S.

Very good. It's mostly tandoor/barbeque focus, so don't expect the extensive Indian menu elsewhere, which I think is a good thing, as the items on their menu are damn good. Super friendly service.
(5)
Swathi T.

Definitely the best Indian joint in the neighborhood. The ambiance is good, not a thing you find with a lot of Indian restaurants. The Chicken Boti kebab is fantastic, so are other chicken dishes. Overall, I think it is great choice if you live close by! Two thumbs up!
(4)
Adam F.

This place was delicious. Hands-down the best indian food I've ever had! Everything was prepared fresh from the side salad with fresh veggies to the appetizers. We had the Tandoor Mixed platter and the Tandoori Chicken tikkah masala as our entrees. We had the chicken spring rolls and we had the Gulab Jamun for dessert. EVERYTHING was delicious! Must try if you are an indian food fan!
(5)
Emily P.

The food here was really good and the service was friendly. I had the Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan. It was delicious. I was surprised by how few people were there because it was so good, but it was Monday night.
(4)
ashley S.

I couldn't have better things to say about a restaurant. I come here regularly and usually enjoy the Chicken Tikki Masala and Paneer Tikki Masala (None compares), but have enjoyed many other dishes as well. The food is delicious, and the service cannot be beat. Everyone is attentive and friendly. Very accommodating and the best part is, it's also affordable. Love it love it love it.
(5)
Samantha K.

The food and service here was absolutely amazing. Our waiter, Ryan, was very helpful with reigning us in (all the food looked delicious) and made sure we didn't overspend on our meal. We started with the Vegetarian Pakora, which was good, but we would try something new next time. Then we had the Lamb Tikkah Masala and Lamb Karhai. The meat for both was perfectly cooked and the sauces were expertly flavored. The Achar chutney worked beautifully with the Masala, and the Cilantro chutney paired very well with the Karhai. To finish the meal off, we had the Gulab Jamun, which was the perfect size for a dessert, and, again, very delicious. We had a great time chatting with Ryan and we're definitely looking forward to visiting again soon.
(5)
Mike H.

Delicious food! Will definitely be back! Try and garlic naan.
(5)
John C.

If you're looking for some mouth-watering, scrumptious food, you've found the spot. This place rocks my socks off every time I eat here. I suggest the Lamb Karhai for the Spice lovers, or the Chicken Tikka Massala for something a little more mild. Both will leave you begging for more. If your eating lunch any of the wraps, with hot chaats (seasoned fries), are a great choice. Make sure you get the chuttnies with whatever you order. They add a new level of awesomeness to an already fantastic meal. You really can't go wrong at Tandoor! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mick E.

Located in the space formerly occupied by Fatoosh, local restauratuer Faraz , offers up a wonderful pairing of Pakistani and Indian cuisine -dishes that he grew up with! I was delighted with my first meal here, and fully intend to sample the entire menu. The Cilantro Chutney, was a total surprise! Knowing how Faraz runs his other local restaurant, I expect he'll be making constant changes, or tweaks, to Tandoor's menu. Judging by first taste: it's going to be an exciting ride. BYOB I'm giving 4 stars for today's experience - simply because there is so much more on the menu to experience (where can you go after five stars?
(4)
Stacie K.

This was my first time ever eating Indian food. 100% impressed with everything, and the icing on the cake is that it is a BYOB! The Teekah Marsala... I didn't order it but someone I came with did. The sauce was absolutely phenomenal. I've never had sauce like that, and I'm a sauce lover. I'm also a pizza lover, and I would be extactic if they could make a pizza with that sauce. I will definitely go back. And I can't wait.
(5)
Brett S.

This place has some amazing food paired with great service. The entire staff was friendly. I will frequent this place in the future!
(5)
Thomas E.

Excellent food and excellent service. I came here for lunch after a late night samosa run (samosas are excellent). I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. We got the chaat fries, aloo masala, chicken pakora, and the chicken and lamb boti. Everything was delicious, service was awesome. Prices were reasonable. This is my new default Indian place in Chicago.
(5)
Yien L.

I was very happy to stumble upon this place after a friend of mine was crazing indian food. After doing the standard rounds of all the downtown places, I was yearning to branch out a bit and satisfy my craving for greasy well seasoned indian food. Much to my suprirse, we found a place that was in very close vicinity to Mayan palace (see review). My friend ordered the chicken tikka masala which was as good as any I have tried downtown. I got the beef nehari which was really tender and well seasoned. The sauce was the right right amount of oil as well. Usually beef dishes are hard to find at an Indian place so I was generally impressed. Finally, the naan was really good, just a tough of crispiness on the outside. Only reason this place doesn't get five stars is because my mango lassi tasted really watered down :(. Overall, a place that seems to handle the details right and definitely deserves a visit.
(4)
J C.

We ordered takeout for a group and everyone was very pleased. Dishes were well seasoned, very fresh flavors and love the accompanying salad/sauces that come with main courses. Chana masala & chicken tikka masala were favorites. We'll definitely be back!!
(5)
Daniel P.

went there for my friend's birthday dinner - everything we ordered was phenomenal and the environment was pleasant - i cant wait to go back
(5)
lin r.

i love the place. very cozy and romantic i thought. compared to raj dar bar. i like this place because of the shrimp tikamasala. yUM! i didnt like the rice as much as i liked the rice in raj, as well as the garlic nan. but its all good. ill come back.
(5)
Aline S.

I'd walked past this site for years when it was another restaurant that looked far less appealing. Tandoor Char House did a complete makeover when they took over the space and now it's a cozy, comfortable neighborhood gem with great food and service. They have a number of interesting fusion dishes, but we stuck with the traditional: samosas, tandoori lamb, lamb karhai and chicken biryani. The portions were a good size - definitely enough for leftovers. The chicken biryani was phenomenal, but there was enough for two people to share and still have left overs - no worries, they've still good the second day. I can't recommend enough the pistachio kulfi for dessert. If I didn't think it would melt on the way home, I'd have ordered another in a to-go box. The waiter was very knowledgeable and took the time to describe the dishes we were less familiar with. The do a brisk service right after sunset during Ramadan, so make a reservation or eat a little early if you're not fasting. I am already looking forward to my next visit - have to try the mango kulfi next.
(4)
Anthony J.

Really good food and the service was very friendly. It's a little pricey, but most Indian food in the city is, but it's well worth it. Will defiantly go here again.
(5)
Casey L.

Just absolutely delicious. Huge chunks of chicken. The best samosas, ever. When we're craving Indian food this is the go-to place for us! ... And they deliver.
(5)
Stacy S.

We had take away from here twice. The first time was very good - 4 stars, the second and more recent was 1 star. The best dish was and remains the samosa;however they were as the worst review here states, like canned vegetables. I really want to like this place as the simplicity and focus of the menu is appealing, but something happened. Not sure I will try it again, it was that bad the second time.
(2)
Nick R.

Great service. Amazing fresh food. The mango lassi is fantastic. Im going to make this a regular place for me. Seriously, excited to have a great Indian restaurant in the area.
(5)
Julia L.

Good place. The service was great, super friendly and helpful. The food was definitely solid. We wanted to share our food, so we had a salad, Chicken Tikka Masala, Shrimp Tandoori, Palak Paneer, and the Dal. I prefer the black dal (dal mahkni) to Tandoor's yellow dal, but it was still tasty. The palak paneer wasn't as finely blended as some I've had, but it was flavorful and felt like I was actually eating spinach. The shrimp tandoor was awesome and I want more of their tandoori meats! We stayed for 3 hours, enjoying the meal and our bottles brought BYOB. The price was a steal for the food and good time we had.
(4)
K H.

Earlier in the week, I noticed this place and stepped inside to grab a menu. I was nicely greeted but the restaurant was nearly empty. Today, deja vu, walk in and warmly greeted; however, this time I came to eat. We ordered two dishes - the frontier chicken and also the eggplant dish (baigan masala). The chicken was really moist and the eggplant was a nice twist from other Indian vegetarian dishes we have had. My only complaint about the dishes was that the eggplant had a few enormous pieces; they just need to cut the pieces smaller and more uniformly. No big deal though. The food came out quickly, service was kind and genuine, and we even had some delicious leftovers to enjoy later.
(4)
Susan M.

Great chicken tikka masala and naan in an elegant, understated space right in my neighborhood. Not to mention great service...and it's BYO. Happiness!
(5)
Shawn P.

While the staff is friendly, the food lacks flavor. I gave it a second try yesterday after craving Indian and came away very unimpressed. I felt even the nan fell flat...it was very dry. The tika masala tastes more like a butter chicken at other Indian restaurants, just not a lot of flavor. . .
(2)
Stephen S.

Last order took 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive. When it did, everything was cold. The order I placed before this took and hour and a half to arrive. DO NOT order Tandoor Char House for delivery if you are hungry. You will be disappointed every time.
(1)
Saad G.

Great place for Indian food. Very impressed with the classy interior and amazing service. Waiter made great recommendations and the owner was saying hello to all the guest and even would bring out some of the guests food! I got the T-bone steak which was great and i took sheekh kabob to go which was also very good. There gulab jaman for dessert were also delicious. It is similar in price to other Indian restaurants but the ambiance, great service and superior food make this the place to go. Would definitely recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Timothy S.

Authentic Indian food! The owner is very kind and the food was delicious! I will be coming here more often and so should you.
(5)
Gerad S.

Wow. What more can I possibly say? I [thoroughly] enjoyed my birthday at Tandoor last night. The menu was incredible, our party legitimately had difficulty picking what to order lest we not get to try all of what sounded so great. What we ended up getting was absolutely incredible, delicious, the staff was attentive, kind and thoughtful, the prices were way-better-than-reasonable, and we even got to interact with THE Faraz (you will understand when you read their story, which is included in the menu). Furthermore, the team at Tandoor went above and beyond to provide my friends and I with an incredible experience for my birthday. Faraz & Co., thank you so so very much, we had an amazing time and will be back. Your friend, Gerad
(5)
Mohit S.

Do not order delivery. Promised a very order in an hour. After 3 phone calls with the usual "on it's way" food shows up 45 minutes late. Returned unopened package and asked driver to tell owner to call me - a very frequent and loyal customer. Writing this review after a week. No call yet. At first they had just lost an order. Now they have lost my business and that of my friends.
(1)
Shivam M.

Tandoor offers great selection of authentic Indian dishes. Amazing food and out standing service. I've been to Tandoor multiple times and every visit was a great experience. My favorite - Chaat fries, daal, lamb tikka masala, samosa and Garlic Naan. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Eva D.

Writing another review because I love Tandoor that much. Best service I have ever received at any restaurant ever. They remember my boyfriend and I ever time we stop in and are so friendly and inviting. The food is always excellent and the serving sizes are over-generous. A few reviewers have spoken negatively about take-out. Having gotten take-out from Tandoor before, I can absolutely say that no reviews should be based on take-out alone. You have to eat in restaurant. Eating in restaurant is infinitely better because everything comes fresh to your table. Take-out is not as good but that is true of all restaurants, not just Tandoor. Naan/roti just does not taste the same when it does not come fresh directly from the oven still steaming. The same is true of meat dishes. Before you base your opinion off take-out, I recommend you stop in and try it for yourself! You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Tom J.

This was by far the best Indian meal ive had in Chicago to date. I went here with my wife to celebrate my birthday and it couldn't have been better. Its BYOB which is always good, I had the Mixed grill, the chicken was so tasty and tender, the shrimp was delicious as were the Kebabs, Naan bread was sooooo tasty and my wifes biryani was delicious too. The service was great, the portions were big. There's nothing not to love. We will definitely be back. Goof work Tandoor.
(5)
Shan A.

Great place for Pakistani / Indian food. We ordered the Chicken TIkka masala and the chicken fajitas. Both were great. The mango lassi was splendid too. Great service. We really loved the background Indian fusion music being played.
(5)
Jenna B.

This place is a great hidden gem tucked into a busy strip on Halsted. It's family owned and run by two brothers who go above and beyond. They guy running the show the night we were there (a party of 9, including 2 kids) was what every restaurant owner should be, attentive and truly made you feel like part of his family. He even brought out some of their curry fries to keep the kids happy. Now onto the food, I typically am not the biggest fan of food with tons of "spices", but this food was amazing. Among the 7 adults, we ordered a little of everything, and everything was really tasty! The portions were large enough that you can have leftovers too. Tons of vegetarian options too, very reasonable , most entrees were around $12. Great place for a date, a quick weeknight dinner, or a place to bring your family. The service was top notch and these guys really know what they are doing. My plate came out sizzling--literally! Looked like they were doing a lot of carry out a delivery too, which is always a nice option.
(5)
Kevin C.

Had the tandoori chicken and garlic naan delivered. Best Indian food I've found in Chicago and delivery was pretty quick.
(5)
Peter N.

Ordered delivery via grubhub. My girlfriend and I both ordered the chicken tikka masala. She thought it was perfectly seasoned, I thought it was a bit heavy on the cream. Portion size is slightly small for the price, and not as much chicken as other indian places I've had lately.
(4)
Rachel S.

The customer service was excellent, but the food was just ok. We ordered the okra and chana masala. They weren't bad, but they weren't great and the chana masala was a little bland.
(3)
James J.

I had some Pakistani friends in from out of town. After reading the reviews we decided on Tandoor. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable. The appetizers are all very tasty and the chicken tikka masala is amazing. My friends told me it was the best Indian food they have had.
(5)
Jessica L.

I just wasn't that impressed with Tandoor. The food was okay. The salad that they served wasn't anything special. Beef Samosas were good, but not worth going back for. I had the Paneer Tikah Massala. The sauce was tasty, but the cheese cubes didn't really cut it for me. Also, the rice had a lot of peas in it and kind of looked like rice-a-roni, but had a slight Indian taste to it. My husband had some kind of meat dish and it was kind of dry and not that exciting. The highlight of the meal was the naan and soaking up the Tikah Massala sauce. Sad, simply, sad. The service was REALLY good. Maybe a little bit too good...it almost felt a little fake or like they were trying way too hard. Also, it didn't feel like an authentic Indian restaurant. NY Steak on the menu...really? I'm looking forward to trying a different restaurant. This one just didn't cut it for me.
(2)
Lameis H.

I gotta give this place 5 starts because I had an amazing meal and I don't even like Indian Food! Starting off, the service is extremely friendly and quick and they give great recommendations. Make sure to check in on Yelp to get a free basket of curly fries. Both the Beef and Vegetarian Samosas are great for appetizers. For my entree I had the Tandoor Chicken Tikka Marsala which was amaaaaazing! The sauce was so creamy and delicious, I started eating it by the spoonful. Just a recommendation, if you don't like Cilantro, ask them not to garnish it with it, I had to pick mine off. The portions are huge and enough for a filling dinner and lunch the next day. I highly recommend this place for small or large groups, they can accommodate all. :)
(5)
Sherae D.

This is a great place. The food was amazing, the staff was excellent. We had the chicken tikki masala and the NY strip. Both were delicious. The chutney's that are served with the meal are so yummy. I have recommended this place to all of my friends.
(5)
Soft Pie N.

Good foods and fair priced. The service was friendly and up to speed which was great. My only complaint was that there was an inconsistency in a dish I ordered twice. The first time I ordered the veggie wrap it was perfect. I thought id be coming here often for it.... The second time it was not so hot, the put different veggie in it, well really this time they only put garnish stuff in it: lettice tomatoe onions corn and peas. Also the sauce tasted different and there wasnt as much. I just hate when a dish in inconsistent because now I dont know how they normaly make it and if I ever want to order it again... But i tried bites of everyone elses food at my table and it was all very good. So I think there is still much to order even if I have to cross the veggie wrap off my list.
(4)
Olivia P.

Ah, so good! Chicken tikka masala was great, the pieces of chicken were perfectly juicy and tender and I wanted to drink the masala sauce. Also ordered the vegetables in a curry sauce - again, a sauce I could drink. The samosas were good and very large and the garlic naan seemed like they had literally just pulled it out of the oven - cooked to perfection and nice and warm. I was also pleasantly surprised when this was delivered - two sets of four different sauces/dressings and two side salads included and the delivery was very fast. This was enough food to tide over two slightly still hungover and starving people for a late lunch and dinner and the total price for all food was around $40. Definitely will order again the next time I'm craving Indian food! (Also, a plus about this place is you can order in the middle of the day on Saturday, saw some other comparable places that didn't start delivering until 5pm).
(5)
maya s.

Today, I visited Tandoor Char House with my family (8 of us today). It was our first time there, and not everyone was pro Indian/ Pakistan food as a general. But, every single one of us enjoyed our meal and dining experience. We were able to get a table without a reservation. The staff was beyond friendly and informative. The amount of food that we received for the amount of money was outstanding. Left overs will be had for sure. The quality was great. Some of the menu items were traditional, others were fusions, all amazing. It's a great place to go & share & have a conversation. I also like that you can order wine from next door and they will retrieve it for you. 5 stars all around. Couldn't be happier.
(5)
Perri J.

Great restaurant! It is owned by two brothers who are always at the restaurant and even serve tables. They give great customer service. The food is great for the price. Intimate dining area creates a home-y and comfortable atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Courtland H.

Lincoln Parks #1 new Indian spot is right here! In the old Fattoush space, Tandoor does it all. BYOB, great classics from the tandoori oven, and really top notch service. We went on a busy Saturday night, and these guys never missed a beat. We had the delicious mixed grill platter, samosas, and a fairly spicy Palak Paneer. The real treat was the dessert, the Gulam Juman(had to look up the spelling) basically doughnuts in sweet rose water syrup, one of the most unique and delicious deserts i have ever had. This is a really great new spot, definitely the best Indian food in LP, and rivals much of Devon.
(5)
Kyle W.

Food is unstoppable. So good. Owners are hilarious, great people. Servers are quick and knowledgable. Ambiance / music is great for your meal. Ate here at 10PM last night, still full. Eat here way too much and not enough at the same damn time. If you don't like Tandoor you are probably a hipster with no real knowledge of indian / paki culture / food. Place is awesome.
(5)
Zach T.

HOW IS THIS PLACE STILL ONLY RATED 4 AND A HALF STARS!!! For everyone out there not giving this place the full credit they deserve needs to reach down their pants right now and check to see if their balls have dropped yet (yes, you too ladies). If those bad boys are still tucked up there like a baby in the womb then you should not be reviewing a place that is the definition of astounding customer service and titillating cuisine. You don't have to be a Buddhist to experience a state of nirvana. Just head over to Tandoor, order the chicken masala, and enjoy the ambience of a blissful environment. You'll ask yourself, "Am I on Ecstasy again?"... Nope, you're just dipping your naan in the cilantro-jalapeno chutney...but this time you won't wake up in a road-side ditch on I-90 with an empty wallet, pants-less, and big spooning road kill because you like the way it feels. When you leave the restaurant you will literally start screaming in the streets out of excitement. People will look, but they will know that you just left the best Indian restaurant this side of the Mississippi. Usually I'm not a namer of names, but would like to point out two waiters that have contributed greatly to the overall dining experience...Ryan and Martin. If they end up being your server, trust their recommendations, laugh at their jokes , and tip big, since they'll treat you like royalty. Go to this place, enjoy the experience, and walk with swagger after because you know you've just had the time of your life.
(5)
ashley S.

I couldn't have better things to say about a restaurant. I come here regularly and usually enjoy the Chicken Tikki Masala and Paneer Tikki Masala (None compares), but have enjoyed many other dishes as well. The food is delicious, and the service cannot be beat. Everyone is attentive and friendly. Very accommodating and the best part is, it's also affordable. Love it love it love it.
(5)
Samantha K.

The food and service here was absolutely amazing. Our waiter, Ryan, was very helpful with reigning us in (all the food looked delicious) and made sure we didn't overspend on our meal. We started with the Vegetarian Pakora, which was good, but we would try something new next time. Then we had the Lamb Tikkah Masala and Lamb Karhai. The meat for both was perfectly cooked and the sauces were expertly flavored. The Achar chutney worked beautifully with the Masala, and the Cilantro chutney paired very well with the Karhai. To finish the meal off, we had the Gulab Jamun, which was the perfect size for a dessert, and, again, very delicious. We had a great time chatting with Ryan and we're definitely looking forward to visiting again soon.
(5)
Mike H.

Delicious food! Will definitely be back! Try and garlic naan.
(5)
John C.

If you're looking for some mouth-watering, scrumptious food, you've found the spot. This place rocks my socks off every time I eat here. I suggest the Lamb Karhai for the Spice lovers, or the Chicken Tikka Massala for something a little more mild. Both will leave you begging for more. If your eating lunch any of the wraps, with hot chaats (seasoned fries), are a great choice. Make sure you get the chuttnies with whatever you order. They add a new level of awesomeness to an already fantastic meal. You really can't go wrong at Tandoor! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mick E.

Located in the space formerly occupied by Fatoosh, local restauratuer Faraz , offers up a wonderful pairing of Pakistani and Indian cuisine -dishes that he grew up with! I was delighted with my first meal here, and fully intend to sample the entire menu. The Cilantro Chutney, was a total surprise! Knowing how Faraz runs his other local restaurant, I expect he'll be making constant changes, or tweaks, to Tandoor's menu. Judging by first taste: it's going to be an exciting ride. BYOB I'm giving 4 stars for today's experience - simply because there is so much more on the menu to experience (where can you go after five stars?
(4)
Stacie K.

This was my first time ever eating Indian food. 100% impressed with everything, and the icing on the cake is that it is a BYOB! The Teekah Marsala... I didn't order it but someone I came with did. The sauce was absolutely phenomenal. I've never had sauce like that, and I'm a sauce lover. I'm also a pizza lover, and I would be extactic if they could make a pizza with that sauce. I will definitely go back. And I can't wait.
(5)
Brett S.

This place has some amazing food paired with great service. The entire staff was friendly. I will frequent this place in the future!
(5)
Thomas E.

Excellent food and excellent service. I came here for lunch after a late night samosa run (samosas are excellent). I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. We got the chaat fries, aloo masala, chicken pakora, and the chicken and lamb boti. Everything was delicious, service was awesome. Prices were reasonable. This is my new default Indian place in Chicago.
(5)
Yien L.

I was very happy to stumble upon this place after a friend of mine was crazing indian food. After doing the standard rounds of all the downtown places, I was yearning to branch out a bit and satisfy my craving for greasy well seasoned indian food. Much to my suprirse, we found a place that was in very close vicinity to Mayan palace (see review). My friend ordered the chicken tikka masala which was as good as any I have tried downtown. I got the beef nehari which was really tender and well seasoned. The sauce was the right right amount of oil as well. Usually beef dishes are hard to find at an Indian place so I was generally impressed. Finally, the naan was really good, just a tough of crispiness on the outside. Only reason this place doesn't get five stars is because my mango lassi tasted really watered down :(. Overall, a place that seems to handle the details right and definitely deserves a visit.
(4)
J C.

We ordered takeout for a group and everyone was very pleased. Dishes were well seasoned, very fresh flavors and love the accompanying salad/sauces that come with main courses. Chana masala & chicken tikka masala were favorites. We'll definitely be back!!
(5)
Daniel P.

went there for my friend's birthday dinner - everything we ordered was phenomenal and the environment was pleasant - i cant wait to go back
(5)
lin r.

i love the place. very cozy and romantic i thought. compared to raj dar bar. i like this place because of the shrimp tikamasala. yUM! i didnt like the rice as much as i liked the rice in raj, as well as the garlic nan. but its all good. ill come back.
(5)
Aline S.

I'd walked past this site for years when it was another restaurant that looked far less appealing. Tandoor Char House did a complete makeover when they took over the space and now it's a cozy, comfortable neighborhood gem with great food and service. They have a number of interesting fusion dishes, but we stuck with the traditional: samosas, tandoori lamb, lamb karhai and chicken biryani. The portions were a good size - definitely enough for leftovers. The chicken biryani was phenomenal, but there was enough for two people to share and still have left overs - no worries, they've still good the second day. I can't recommend enough the pistachio kulfi for dessert. If I didn't think it would melt on the way home, I'd have ordered another in a to-go box. The waiter was very knowledgeable and took the time to describe the dishes we were less familiar with. The do a brisk service right after sunset during Ramadan, so make a reservation or eat a little early if you're not fasting. I am already looking forward to my next visit - have to try the mango kulfi next.
(4)
Anthony J.

Really good food and the service was very friendly. It's a little pricey, but most Indian food in the city is, but it's well worth it. Will defiantly go here again.
(5)
Casey L.

Just absolutely delicious. Huge chunks of chicken. The best samosas, ever. When we're craving Indian food this is the go-to place for us! ... And they deliver.
(5)
Stacy S.

We had take away from here twice. The first time was very good - 4 stars, the second and more recent was 1 star. The best dish was and remains the samosa;however they were as the worst review here states, like canned vegetables. I really want to like this place as the simplicity and focus of the menu is appealing, but something happened. Not sure I will try it again, it was that bad the second time.
(2)
Nick R.

Great service. Amazing fresh food. The mango lassi is fantastic. Im going to make this a regular place for me. Seriously, excited to have a great Indian restaurant in the area.
(5)
Julia L.

Good place. The service was great, super friendly and helpful. The food was definitely solid. We wanted to share our food, so we had a salad, Chicken Tikka Masala, Shrimp Tandoori, Palak Paneer, and the Dal. I prefer the black dal (dal mahkni) to Tandoor's yellow dal, but it was still tasty. The palak paneer wasn't as finely blended as some I've had, but it was flavorful and felt like I was actually eating spinach. The shrimp tandoor was awesome and I want more of their tandoori meats! We stayed for 3 hours, enjoying the meal and our bottles brought BYOB. The price was a steal for the food and good time we had.
(4)
K H.

Earlier in the week, I noticed this place and stepped inside to grab a menu. I was nicely greeted but the restaurant was nearly empty. Today, deja vu, walk in and warmly greeted; however, this time I came to eat. We ordered two dishes - the frontier chicken and also the eggplant dish (baigan masala). The chicken was really moist and the eggplant was a nice twist from other Indian vegetarian dishes we have had. My only complaint about the dishes was that the eggplant had a few enormous pieces; they just need to cut the pieces smaller and more uniformly. No big deal though. The food came out quickly, service was kind and genuine, and we even had some delicious leftovers to enjoy later.
(4)
Susan M.

Great chicken tikka masala and naan in an elegant, understated space right in my neighborhood. Not to mention great service...and it's BYO. Happiness!
(5)
Mark B.

We live around the corner and so have been going to Raj Darbar for ten years. This place will put RD out of business. Very fresh ingredients and spices are the key. They have great chutney and the mixed grill is killer. Great service also. This is our new Indian restaurant in Lincoln Park.
(5)
A S.

Delicious samosas. Garlic naan was very soft and well spiced. Chappati was also quite good. Maybe a little too thick--it's meant to be very thinly rolled out and then heated. I could tell it wasn't completely rolled out toward the edges. The entrees come with rice that's seasoned yellow (probably using turmeric?). The quantity and portions were great. The Panneer Tikka sizzled for a long time while we indulged. It was the best tandoori panneer I've had. (What does my opinion matter? I was born in India, have had a lot of Indian food in my life.. ) The Palak Panneer was interesting--they do it a bit differently from what I'm used to. Rather than using a cream base, they use a daal base, so it has a soupy brownness to it. Still very good. They make a pretty strong chai, too. But in India, really that's not called chai, it's called black tea. When I'm in Mysore and Chennai, I can't really find chai as readily as tea. The chai is considerably more spicy than just tea. But I think for the US, it's probably ok to call it chai(?) The background music was great, actually authentic. It felt a little too heavy on the bass the night we went (last Friday). Anyway, blah blah, basically it was awesome, and one of our new favorites. I'm glad that younger people are starting up Indian restaurants.
(5)
Jennifer C.

We ended up here after we got tired of waiting for a table at Raj Darbar and were delighted to find Tandoor to be far superior to its competitor next door. We were seated immediately and had two very attentive servers throughout our meal. We started with samosas, which were great, and then moved on to the chicken tikka masala and channa masala, both of which came with huge bowls of rice. The chicken was excellent! Their sauce is amazing, and we were excited to see that they use quality meat. The channa masala was also quite good, although a little different from what we're used to. The chickpeas were not as tender and there wasn't as much gravy as we've had at other places, but the dish was still very good. Vegetarians should be aware that Tandoor's veggie options are much more limited than what you usually find at Indian restaurants. We ended the night with gulab jamun, which was also great. Overall, we had a lovely meal and will definitely be back. I hope this place does well, as it's nice to have a good option for Indian in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area! One last note-- if you're new to Indian, this is a really unintimidating place to experiment. The servers seem to have been trained to cater to a clientele that isn't too familiar with Indian/Pakistani food.
(5)
Hadi Z.

chicken tikkah masala, Chaat fries, Mango Cheese Cake and much more !! Great Service !!! love this place will goo back soon.
(5)
Madeline M.

I work in an Indian restaurant and like I have said many times before, I am a vegan, so Indian is one of my go-to cuisines since they offer so many vegan options (as does thai and greek) I was disappointed by Hama's (which claimed to be the best Indian in Chicago) and Bombay Spice Grill, so when I found Tandoor, I was relived. I love that they deliver and late (midnight) I love that they include rice that isn't dry and include delicious Chutney's with every order for free, I love that the roti bread is huge, I love that they offer vegan options beyond the standard gobi (cauliflower) and Chana Masala (chickpeas) the Veggie Treasure is loaded with an array of veggies which like I said is rare for Indian. It has broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, peas, onions and is all covered in the most delicious spicy sauce, however if you love spice like me you should ask for it extra spicy! The roti was not only huge but fantastic and the chaat curly fries were so damn crispy and beautifully spiced I couldn't resist eating all those curly little lovelies despite the fact I was stuffed already. Veggie Pakoras showed up cold but after heating them back up they were an absolute delight, although I did feel the portion was a bit small. Curly fries were a better value for sure. I ordered from here two nights in a row, which is a clear sign I am a happy fan of this place!
(4)
Paul S.

Very good. It's mostly tandoor/barbeque focus, so don't expect the extensive Indian menu elsewhere, which I think is a good thing, as the items on their menu are damn good. Super friendly service.
(5)
Swathi T.

Definitely the best Indian joint in the neighborhood. The ambiance is good, not a thing you find with a lot of Indian restaurants. The Chicken Boti kebab is fantastic, so are other chicken dishes. Overall, I think it is great choice if you live close by! Two thumbs up!
(4)
Adam F.

This place was delicious. Hands-down the best indian food I've ever had! Everything was prepared fresh from the side salad with fresh veggies to the appetizers. We had the Tandoor Mixed platter and the Tandoori Chicken tikkah masala as our entrees. We had the chicken spring rolls and we had the Gulab Jamun for dessert. EVERYTHING was delicious! Must try if you are an indian food fan!
(5)
Emily P.

The food here was really good and the service was friendly. I had the Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan. It was delicious. I was surprised by how few people were there because it was so good, but it was Monday night.
(4)
Inae J.

My favorite Indian restaurant in Lincoln Park. The quality, presentation, and flavors of their food is SPOT-ON. I always come to this place with my friend (born and raised in Pakistan), and she can attest to how good their chicken tikka masala, naan, and tandoori chicken are. The tikka masala has just the right amount of spicyness and creaminess; their naan is fluffy and savory; and the chicken is flavored and grilled to perfection. The servers are quick, sharp, and pleasant - catering to your needs and requests, as well as bringing a level of class to the restaurant. Lastly, the ambience - with its mood lighting and fancy table settings - adds to the excitement of your dining experience.
(5)
Sabrina F.

I went here once to dine in and had a good experience--the space is nice, the food was good (the naan is outstanding), it's BYO, it's reasonably priced. But I got take out two nights ago (chicken tikka masala, because I like Anglo-Indian food). While it tasted good (and again the naan was great), I thought the meat portion was quite skimpy. They made up for this in sauce, but the appeal of a bunch of sauce without meat is limited to me. MUCH more importantly, I have spent the last 48 hours very very ill. (This was the only thing I ate on Monday, so it seems clear that my food poisoning was from my meal here.) Anyway, I'd like to give this place a positive review, because I theoretically like it, but I have never had a clear case of food poisoning before, and I missed a couple of very important meetings because I was... ill. As ill as I've ever been. So I'm afraid I can't.
(1)
Jawad M.

Definitely not coming back after your response!! Wow! You are the owner? As an owner you shouldn't get offended and tell me that the food your restaurant serves is not for everyone cuz you are implying its not for me. I already got attitude from the waiter. When I politely just said to him there is something off. I could've made a seen, gotten mad at ur impolite waiter or refused to pay for the nihari with rotten meat. Especially after he questioned me how is it suppose to taste like? Os salai gorai ko main pakistan lai ja ke jawaid ki nihari khilaun phir nahi pochai ga mujsai ke what does the nihari youve had tastes like? So Faraz, your saying the owners of Sabri Nihari and Usmania who are your family friends, use meat that has steroids and are not grass fed which is why you charge double the price? Im just one review it wouldn't make any difference to you or your restaurant its successful already. And you sell alcohol. So I wouldn't put it past you to sell meat with steroids or sell non Zabiha. Don't give me that bs. If its so natural why does it taste so disgusting. Your right its not for me. You keep ripping off these gorai log in LP more power to you. 1st post Went here last month, its too pricy and over rated. Paid $50 for nihari an order of Tandoori chicken and fries with 2 naans. If you want real good better tasting Indian/Pakistani food drive down near edgewater and go to Usmania or Sabri Nihari on Devon Ave you will spend half the money and get really delicious fresh tasting food. We ordered tandoor chicken which was good. Chaat masala fries are just crispy there is barely any potatoes in their. And the nihari was horrible. It was so bad they should just take it off the menu. The meat had a bitter taste. And when we told the waiter that it tastes like there is something wrong with it, instead if being sympathetic he got offended, and said "what does the nihari you guys have had taste like" white guy with hair to the side. I advise you not to spend your hard earned money there. If you like this place thn your new to indian/pakistani food. I recommend trying restaurants on devon.
(1)
Farwah R.

I recently payed another visit to this restaurant with my family. We ordered veggie samosa, tamarind wings, penne pasta, chili chicken biryani, assorted naan basket, and a mixed grill platter. Some entrees were very tasty while others need a little work. I really liked the samosas, they were very crispy and filled with potatoes. I enjoyed the penne pasta, and I thought the dish has improved since the last time I was here. It was made up of the tikka masala sauce, and I thought that the sauce was delicious. The tamarind wings were pretty good. The meat was very tender and juicy. The mixed platter was not very good. I thought that the seekh kabob, grilled chicken breast, and shrimp were all very dry. They were also not spicy enough. The chilli chicken biryani was not that great, and there was not much chicken in it. The naan was was a mix of plain, paneer and garlic naan. Next time, I would just order the garlic naan it was very yummy. However, the strawberry lassi was very tasty and full of the taste of fresh strawberries. It was perfectly made. The service was good and everything arrived in a timely manner. Overall this restaurant is still a good pakistani place for the lincoln park area.
(3)
Yahya S.

The logo struck me, I knew this place was going to be classy. It was. The lighting, decor, table setting was all excellent, great for formal gatherings too. I checked in and got free side of Ceviche! Yum. It was shrimp, fresh chopped vegetables, all sitting on papar. We ordered karahi, t-bone steak, garlic naans, and a mixed grill plate. The karahi was amazing. The t-bone steak was okay, because they put tenderizer on the outside, it ruined the consistency of how steak should be cooked, charred on the outside. They brought out a salad on the house too! Overall had a good time and good food.
(4)
Gino W.

Because I wanted to try at least one more dish before writing a blog entry about it, I returned for a second sampling. Tamarind chicken wings. Tandoori shrimp. Penne tikka masala with shrimp. Pakola. The tamarind chicken wings were so good that I didn't bother being proper with a knife and fork. I used my fingers and licked them when I was done. The tandoori shrimp came with a side of tamarind rice, chutneys, a makhani sauce, and achar. As hearty as this dish was, it was still light enough that I was able to finish all of it. The penne tikka masala with shrimp was an interesting fusion between Italian (pasta penne) and Indian (tikka masala). Loved it! And I washed it all down with a Pakistani cream soda called pakola. (Pakolas and Jibarittos are now my favourite carbonated sodas.) I had a different server this time, but the service was still tops. Tandoor Char House made the cut for the blog. They're worth it.
(5)
Tim P.

best Indian restaurant in the city, hands down. I've tried restaurants in the loop, west loop, river north, devon st, and Tandoor is the best, period.
(5)
Karen M.

Amazing place! Best Indian food in town. The chicken tikka masala is delicious! The owners are very nice people and the service is excellent. It's BYOB, and perfect for any occasion.
(5)
Andrea C.

I'm surprised I haven't written a review of Tandoor Char House yet! It's a solid BYOB Indian place on the Lakeview/LP border. I've never had a bad experience and they're always accommodating of me no matter how large or small my group is. Delicious tandoor and great biryani- I like mine a little spicy as well. Whenever I have a hankering for Indian in my 'hood this is my go-to spot!
(4)
Maham K.

We opted for the Indian/Pakistani part of the menu and quite honestly, I wasn't impressed. The mixed grilled items tasted the same. There was no distinction in flavor or taste. I think I'll give it another chance but try toe fusions next time.
(3)
Riya A.

I had this place for the first time last year and 2 times after that. The environment is really nice, food was pretty good and the service was Also good. I got the steak and it was cooked pretty well and the owner personally took care of us. But this place in my opinion is more of a place you come too with your friends or your wife or something along the lines of that. Not really your kids. That being said real classy place!
(4)
Farhan K.

Tandoor charhouse is a classy place with good service. However, the food is inconsistent. Sometimes it's too salty, the rice is too hard, the naan isn't fully cooked, etc. The grill items seem to be consistently good. Wish I could say the same about the biryani and chicken tikka masala. I personally don't feel it's overpriced if they were consistent. But when you get food your not happy with, that bill can be heavy.
(3)
Nanye E.

Went with a group of 5, small venue with good group seating on multiple floors. Apps: chicken pakora and tamarind wings. Good portions and great taste. Main course: tandoori chicken roll with naan. Chicken had great taste, naan was above average, but it was slightly to "breast". Next time I'll get it with the roti. The masala curly fries on the side are the best I've ever had, it's an absolute must try. The mango lassi was fairly standard, no complaints. Great service, great presentation, and they do a really nice job of keeping the place clean.
(3)
Habiba Z.

Went last night for the second time, had a wonderful time, starting from great service as soon as we walked in. We had an amazing server, Micheal, who really was kind, social, and not in a rush, although the whole place was full. We started with Shrimp Pakora apps with their authentic and so flavorful chutneys. Followed by ribeye steak(medium well) and t bone steak(well done). Both had a great flavor and perfect texture. Steaks can with potatoes which were a perfect pairing with the steak. Also I enjoyed the Tandoori Sauce with the steak, very unique flavors. Tandoor Char House always has superb service and high quality food, plus the ambiance is just perfect. You definitely cannot compare it to other "Devon" Indian/ Paki restaurant the food tastes more fresh and seems like alot of thought of went into the menu and food items.
(5)
Sarah S.

Pros: accessible to the western palate, friendly and attentive owner, good service Cons: small seating space, no bar, not the mosh authentic Must Have: tandoori wings I got the tandoori wings and chicken biryanj. The wings were gooey delicious and the biryanj was tasty. However,I feel like they restaurant is making a concession to their Lincoln Park neighbors by toning down the spice and populating the menu with fusion dishes. My fiancÃ© is Indian and has burned off my taste buds with lava hot spice curries, so I found the food too mild for my tastes. The space is two stories and seemed too small for a restaurant. There is not a hallway or foyer to separate the front door from the tables, so it got a bit drafty in winter. They do not have a liquor license, but it is BYOB.
(3)
Daniel A.

Hmmmm.... I'm a little on the fence whether this place deserves 2 stars or 3 stars, so I'm first going to write my review, read it and then reassess what I think it should get. It's Sunday, I'm getting that peculiar craving for nothing. You know, the one where everything sounds amazing but you can't decide on which ONE type of food you should order. (Which is dangerous cause you feel ravenously unstoppable, like you could order from more than one place and actually eat it all, when really you can't. So I choose Indian food. Tandoor Char house seems to have some pretty good reviews, and I decided to mock my hunger by ordering blindly. I ordered the: (Don't judge Me) Mutter Paneer Tikkah Masala Chaat Fries Vegetarian Samosa Assorted Nan Basket and the Mago Cheesecake. This was a lot of food and I blame my stomach for ordering it on Grub Hub. First things first, which is negative strike on this place, was that the delivery took too long. I ordered, I mean, MY stomach ordered the food at quarter to 7 and I didn't get it until quarter after 8pm. The next problem, which irritated me more than the first problem, was that my food was cold. Well not ice cold, more like lukewarm. This totally ruined the Chaat Fries, which would have been delicious if they were hot. The Mutter Paneer TIkkah Massala was decent, it was noting spectacular if I had to compare it to other places I've eaten at, but it wasn't horrible. I did feel like it was primarily sauce with very little cheese or veggies. How was the Naan? -- That's NAAN of your business.. ok bad joke, but to make up for it, I'll tell you that the Naan is absolutely delicious. It's soft, fluffy, and the assortment gave you a little bit of every flavor your tastebuds live for. (I really, really liked the Garlic Naan.) The Samosa was nothing to be remembered. It was just there. Lastly.. THE MANGO CHEESECAKE!! Oh if I had only known how good this was.. Had I known... I would have ordered a WHOLE cake. The flavor palate was soft, creamy, with a soft sweetness. The flavor of mango was natural and not artificial. It was as if I was eating Mangoes and Clouds with the angels... Until it was done and then I fell back to earth and wanted more. (I may have cried a little cause it was over too soon.) The only bad thing I can say about the Mango Cheesecake was how it was delivered to me. The deliverer did not handle with care. (Pictures attached) It didn't take away from flavor, but did have poor presentation. Sooo.. Yea.. I think I'm gonna do this place a solid and give it 3 Stars. Would I order from the Tandoor Char House again? Ehh... Maybe.. If only for that cheesecake.
(3)
Srishti K.

One word - bland. This place is probably great if you're looking for inauthentic Indian food that has been toned down. We ordered the Paneer Makhani and the Saag Paneer. The Paneer Makani had absolutely no flavor. Also, pretty sure there was cheese on it - what's up with that? The Saag Paneer was infinitely better, but still mediocre. The only thing going for this place is its naan. It's freakin' amazing - super fluffy and soft. Unfortunately, that's not enough to make me go back.
(2)
David R.

Charming place, gracious service, outstanding food. My wife sniffed this place out for Saturday night dinner after a matinee at the Landmark Century. However, as of Saturday at 3pm they had no reservations between 5:45 and 8:45. So we decided to chance a walk-in, and got very lucky--a twosome had just cancelled their reservation. A few minutes after we were seated, a couple walked in and were quoted a ninety-minute wait! It is a very small place, so make those reservations a few days in advance. We placed a pretty gringo order, but what can I say--it was what sounded good to us. The vegetarian samosas were gigantic and delicious. Because of their size, the filling-to-shell ratio was much higher than standard samosas. Paired up with the yummy green chutney, these were a killer appetizer that could be a whole meal for one. The entrees were equally delicious. My chicken tikka masala was so satisfying; that buttery, vibrant sauce nearly put me under the table. I also enjoyed a bite of my wife's tandoori chicken boti. Only the garlic naan was a mild disappointment; it tasted fine, but two of the pieces had a lot of oven grit. It looked like ash and felt like sand, but whatever it was, I found it very unpleasant to bite down on that stuff in a mouthful of food, and it did not brush off easily. However, the only true black mark on our experience came two days later: I opened the leftover container to find only two lonely, dry pieces of chicken awaiting me. The sauce was not there! All of that gorgeous, velvety, delectable masala sauce had been discarded! I had been so looking forward to a repeat performance of my dinner. So, next time we will make reservations and ask for the sauce to be included with our leftovers.
(4)
A R.

My friend was craving Indian food so we came in to check this place out. It was soooooo good!! The entrees came with a salad and they were big enough to share, but we got our own and had plenty of leftovers. The bread was so amazing. The service was great, the hostess was really nice. Great place for a date or also a casual meal. And very reasonably priced. I can't wait to go back!! Now I'm craving it!!
(5)
Lori T.

Great delivery. Delicious tandoor chicken and fresh saag. Not too heavy. I'll order again for sure.
(4)
Bisma M.

It was my second time coming to tandoor char house. The food is amazing! From appetizers all the way to desserts. Service was amazing, great staff who recommended some great food items!
(5)
Gosia C.

I've been in many Indian restaurants, but I think Tandoor is one of the best. Deliciously tasting food, great service, clean space and it's BYOB!! The best Lamb Saag I've ever had!!
(5)
Stafford M.

Great dinner here.
(4)
Hayden R.

Well done Indian food. I've been on a search for good Indian food in the city for quite some time. Sophisticated flavors and we'll done classics makes Tandoor worth a visit. The only reason I did not give five stars is due to the small dining area and extreme noise when full.
(4)
Laura C.

I cannot speak highly enough about this place. I have been here no less than 5 times for eat in and have ordered in through grub hub another 7. The food is consistently phenomenal and you can always expect, no matter what the dish, something that will keep enticing you back. Additionally, the staff is unbelievably friendly and will go our of their way to accommodate you. I once made the mistake of coming in without a reservation on the weekend and they did everything in their power to make sure that I was seated within 20 minutes. Absolutely worth every penny
(5)
Sneha R.

Our dinner last night blew all other Indian restaurant competitors out of the water. The people are Tandoor Char House are doing so much that is so right! From the excellently flavored chaat fries, to the naans, curries, kabobs, biryani... it was all brilliant. It is that gulab jamun that deserves a separate mention. As easy as a gulab jamun may seem to be to make, it is so difficult to get it right. The gulab jamuns we had last night are the best I have had in a long, long time. The service at the restaurant is great! They are friendly, polite are very professional. Mr. Faraz, your mother taught you well and your execution of her recipes is impeccable. Your passion for Indian food is so evident in the quality of food and service you put out there. We look forward to dining at your restaurant many more times. Please do not let the quality fall from the place it is now.
(5)
Nebras H.

It's my favorite food spot to get chicken tiki masala by far. You will not be disappointed and the staff there will remember you and remember your order on your second visit. I love going there for business lunches because of its relaxed professional atmosphere. I highly recommend you try once then you'll be hooked.
(5)
Lori L.

A very impressive experience! Environment: very continent location, between Fullerton and Diversy Red line/Brown line station, cozy inside, very comfy dining environment. Not many seats, so reservation recommended. Service: the owner is really nice. He's very visible in the restaurant, and talks to customers a lot :) our waiter is nice, but quite busy and sort of in a rush... Food: the dishes are freshly made so it takes a while to be served. But they are so good! Me and my friend were in Indian for a month and the food Tandoor has is very close to the "genuine" flavor. The Pakora is very good, we had fish Tikka Masala and Chane Masala (we are both Masala fans), and they taste just INCREDIBLE. I would love to try the tandori next time. The portion is quite decent for a party of two. Price: the price is very reasonable charged. My friend was concerned about the over pricing before we got our check since the quality of the food and the environment were so nice, but he was so happy to get the number on the check :)
(5)
Dan W.

I tried this restaurant with my friend last week and I think they got a pretty good selection of indian food. I like the tiki masala and korma, those two are my favorite. I definitely recommend trying this restaurant if you are in town. Plus, there prices are reasonable and not too expensive like other indian places.
(4)
Usman B.

My family and I had a great experience eating at Tandoor Char House. The food was excellent, the best subcontinental food in Lincoln Park, and the service was likewise top notch. The host went out of his way to accommodate us. Will definitely be dining there again.
(5)
Kaitlyn J.

We came here for dinner on the later side and they were very busy. The restaurant is small but they were able to get the 4 of us a table right away. The hosts were extremely accommodating and were happy to get us appetizers if we had a wait. The food was absolutely amazing. Chicken tikka masala and paneer and daal. You have to get the assorted naan. My first time getting Indian in Chicago. This will be my place for sure.
(5)
Alex G.

Three words: Chicken tika masala. Some of the best I've ever had. It's fairly large, so if you are getting appetizers, you probably can share it with two people. This is a great BYOB experience!
(4)
Sri T.

This was the worst Indiana food I've ever had. I've eaten food everywhere from India to Hyde Park, Chicago. The Naan Is excellent, but the rest is gross. The chicken tikkah masal is bland and the chicken chunks are huge and over cooked. The palak paneer is sweet, cooked with onions and something else I could not identify. I asked for both dishes to be made "extra, extra spicy." In short, this food is super unauthentic and definitely not worth the money (except the Naan, it's sooo good).
(1)
Louis F.

I was extremely pleased. I dined in during the afternoon. There were several people there but it was not too crowded. The dining area was kind of small, but comfortable. The server was extremely nice and attentive. He explained what everything was made of as he served it. I had the Chana Masala which was a vegetarian dish. I ordered it spicy and it was excellent. They serve you as much rice as you want. As they wrapped up my food to go (good size portions!) , they gave me a whole side of rice along with it! My friend ordered a lamb dish and really enjoyed it. He also got a lassi. We saw other dishes being served to customers--it all looked so good! The garlic naan and chutneys were delicious and the side salad was of amazing quality. Overall, the food was priced affordably, tasted amazing, and the service was great. I really recommend Tandoor!
(5)
Jessica N.

The food was adequate but it took 90+ minutes for delivery and I ordered at 3pm, so it's not that it was peak hours. By the time the food got here, it was cold. Not a great first experience from this place - can't say I intend to give them a second shot.
(3)
Theresa M.

I love this place! I can only speak for the take out as I have never dined in, but the order is always ready on time to pick up. I've tried a lot of Chicago's Indian restaurants but the food here has the best flavors and they give you a big portion for a decent price. I will definitely continue to be a regular customer.
(4)
Matt K.

Usually solid food, but the delivery service is horrendous. Took over 2 hours for delivery. Called to complain and the restaurant blamed it on being busy...I live 2 miles away. Wish I just picked it up.
(2)
Alexis O.

Been to this place quite a few times with the hubby! It is a sleek place, great for dates, excellent ambiance. Sometimes a bit noisy. Good is great! The Owner/manager adds a really nice personal touch to the place! Super friendly and stands behind the quality of the place. Definitely my pick for dates in the area!
(5)
RainbowSprinkles S.

Being a bit of Indian food snob I have to say this place earned 5 stars. I love Paneer Tikka Masala and it's kind of my litmus test for the place as a whole. This place passed the test with flying colors - the PTM is one of the best I've had. The Mexican fusion is a surprisingly delicious addition. They deliver as well, which is always a good thing. Before I go into constructive criticism let me just preface it by reinforcing that this place really is great. My only beef is the naan isn't as thick and fluffy as the ones I'm used to. That's not to say it isn't good (it is) but if I could make one recommendation it would be less crispy (or maybe a mix of both types) and more fluffy naan goodness. Oh, and if they added Ras Malai (favorite Indian dessert) then I would most likely let the naan infraction slide completely. Nonetheless, in a city of plentiful Indian food this place stands out.
(5)
Fatima K.

Tried their beef samosas, tandoori mix platter, nihari, mix naan platter, gulab jamun and rasmalai. They had the biggest samosas ever which I'd say were just a little above average. I've had better nihari at Sabri-Devon but their tandoor mix platter was pretty good especially because of the way they'd done the shrimps! The rasmalai had a different rich texture to it and it was tasteful; so were the gulab jamuns. Their staff is super friendly and attentive which is always a plus!
(3)
Wasif S.

This place is not your average Pakistani place. Place is really nice and clean, staff is very friendly and the food is amazing. We had masala fries ( you get them for free if you check-in at yelp), chicken pakoras, cheese naan, and salad with cucumber sauce for appetizer, sirloin steak (comes with mashed potatoes and steak sauce.. Ask for the chef special sauce) for main course and the mango cheesecake (which was on the house.... A rarity to see at such places) for dessert. Believe it or not, but the steaks were pretty good. I would put it up there with del frisco and stk. Everything was a 10/10. I would love them to open such restaurant in New York City too. Thank you for the amazing food and company.
(5)
Avani P.

My friends and I came here after another friend recommended it. We brought our own beer since it is BYOB. But, at the end, they charged us a corkage fee. Other than that, the food was really good. We used the yelp coupon and got the ceviche for free. I got the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and it was amazing. The server brought me my naan before I actually got my chicken tikka masala and brought me a fresh, warm batch once my entree came. My friend got the frontier chicken wrap and he was not impressed. He said that it lacked flavor. At the end, we split the mango cheesecake and it was delicious. Other than the corkage fee and the bland frontier chicken wrap, food was great. Service was great as well.
(4)
Jeff A.

Don't let the 3 stars fool you, this was a good experience. I like the space. Small with minimalist and tasteful decor. Appetizers were a bit on the fried side, but yummy. Chicken tikka masala was delicious, tho under-spicy. I asked for spicy as my choice, and it was 100% mild. Again, it was very well done and satisfying. I would order it again and just ask for 'authentic Indian-spicy". Service was fine. Young woman/hostess was extremely nice and left a great impression (NOT the Indian one who never made eye contact) . I will definitely be back. AND, I live in the hood and am looking forward to delivery.
(3)
Sara S.

Vegetable samosas Penne masala House made hot sauce were all great and flavorful. Penne huge portion. Can't wait to come back and try other stuff!
(5)
Andrew M.

Boooya! The best Middle Eastern/Indian food in the city. The Chicken Tiki Masala Rules!!! The portion sizes are great for the price. MMMMMMMMM! The place is small so I recommend always making reservations. The service is great and if you have a problem with it they are more than willing to help make it right. Tandoor works great for delivery or take out to. The taste is the same as the sit down. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sonny P.

Been here twice. Chat Fries are a must! Very large portions. Consider this the go to Indian restaurant in the city without paying city prices!
(3)
Bradley B.

Never had a bad experience (and I've had a lot of experiences with this place). Fresh and flavorful, with great coupons on Grubhub, too. The restaurant gets crowded very quickly, but it's worth that wait. (Or have it delivered and enjoy the coupons. Win/Win.)
(4)
Chris S.

Tasty takeout
(4)
Sunil A.

Char House exceeded expectations - not your usual Indian food place. Been a while since I was there so dont recall everything we ordered but I do recall thinking "wow, this food is excellent" and different from the usual stuff you find. Very authentic and flavorful. On the spicy side but thats good :)
(4)
Brett F.

Delivery only review. And a disappointing one at that. Ordered an Assorted Mix Grill Platter that came with lamb and kafka kabobs, murg malai, rice and a side salad. Oh! And I threw in an order of garlic naan as well. For the uninitiated, murg malai is grilled chicken. And, apparently at Tandoor, grilled chicken that is cut in chunks so large they are difficult to cook thoroughly. That's right, undercooked chicken graced my grill platter. All pink and fleshy staring back at me with its pink, raw chicken juice a runneth over throughout my meal container. Gross. Just Effing Gross. The pieces were so thick, I guess I can see why this might happen, but overall, even if they had been cooked properly, it would still have been off-putting. A little bit of finesse on the cut, perhaps? I don't think anyone desires a piece of chicken shaped like a tennis ball or a birdie. Badminton, anyone? Unfortunately, once that chicken was cut open, the rest of the "platter" was toast. I wasn't about to consume lamb kabobs bathed in salmonella so I turned to my saving grace, the garlic naan! Which was burned and dry. Eye roll.
(1)
Isabel C.

Great Service Great Food Great atmosphere & decor!
(5)
M D.

Loved the food! From the ambiance (great music) to the appetizers to the main courses: delicious. Will definitely be back! (The only downside was a twosome table of dinner companions who were independently watching videos with significant volume throughout dinner on their phones. Seriously distracting. Seriously odd. Seriously kind of rude. The restaurant would have gained serious bonus points with us if the waitstaff had asked them to tone it down out of courtesy from their fellow dinner companions. At the same time can't totally blame the restaurant for the rude, disruptive behavior of the folks who happened to be dining at the same time we were. Hopefully we'll have better dinner companions the next time we dine in....or we'll carry out.)(Note: the owner/chef seemed to be pals with this disruptive, rude twosome so perhaps that's why no comment was made to ask them not to mar the experience of their fellow diners. Still odd and annoying but perhaps doesn't reflect so much on the waitstaff as the management. Come to think of it...maybe this is reason enough to carry out rather than patronize them in-house again.)
(5)
J S.

Very good Indian and Pakistani food. Portions are good size. The Samosas were tasty. A bit pricier than most Indian restaurants. Liked the Butter chicken.
(4)
Safeer H.

Love their rib eye steaks and masala fries. Their service is also exceptional. I make it a point to visit this restaurant each time I go to Chicago. I like my steak medium rare to medium, nothing more. Going medium well or higher ruins the steak's texture and taste for me.
(5)
Bianca C.

This is my go to location for god quality Indian food in Chicago! I have enjoyed everything I have gotten there (Chicken Tikka Masala, Palak paneer, and tandoori chicken boti) The garlic and plain naan is good too. I will keep ordering my Indian food here and suggest you do the same, it's delicious! Not to mention how great the service is, whenever I order I get it within 40 minutes, which is better than I can say for most places.
(4)
Nuha A.

I specifically requested that they not saturate my food excess oil. They did an excellent job of cooking my food clean while flavoring it nicely. I would not hesitate to order food from this place again.
(4)
Shahzad A.

Fresh, great tasting food with excellent customer service. This place has a nice ambiance. We had their steak, Chicken boti and appetizer platter which was all excellent. The portion sizes here are big here so I recommend sharing.
(5)
Shazia C.

Having been here once before, I was very excited to go to Tandoor once again. Our first experience was very good- we ordered everything from the T-bone steak to the chicken tikka masala, down to the specialty pizza (comes from next door, but worth the wait). This time around, my husband couldn't wait to order the T-bone steak again and he did, only to be very disappointed. The steak lacked seasoning and was over cooked to his preference. We also ordered the chicken tikka masala penne which did NOT disappoint. If there's one thing that has consistently been amazing it is the chicken tikka masala. Add the penne to it and it's a genius dish that took fusion to just the right level! It even comes with soft, delicious naan- couldn't ask for anything better! What was disappointing was the lamb kharahi which we ordered to go. It had a heavy tomato base (almost like pasta sauce) which was overpowering and not very authentic Pakistani. The masala chai also did not sit well with me- it was watery and needed to have more "masala?" Tandoor is a great place if you happened to be in the area and want some fine Indian/Pakistani cuisine with a nice ambiance. The service is impeccable and accommodating. It is pricy but the portions are also pretty large and given the location I wouldn't expect anything different. Being a fan of Devon Street- I probably wouldn't go back to Tandoor unless I want to indulge in that chicken tikka masala and happened to be in the neighborhood. Overall, a good experience!
(4)
K S.

I have had this type of cuisine before and I guess I have just been going to some terrible places because I was never a fan. This place was great! It is a relaxing decor semi intimate settings. We ordered the Assorted Naan Basket ( YUM YUM YUM), Beef Nehari ( Spicy and fantastic), and the Tandoori Chicken. Plenty of food for left-overs. Well it was so good my BF decided to sneak and eat all of them to himself lol
(5)
Melisha S.

I ordered tonight for the first time and thought the food was delicious. Good value for the money, and the tikka masala was a nicely sized portion of chicken breast that was cooked perfectly. The tandoor chicken salad (ordered by a friend who isn't a fan of Indian food) was ok, but my friend ended up eating half of my dish. Can't wait to try more! Thanks!
(4)
Moon Beam B.

The wait staff, Faraz the owner and entire team at Tandoor Char House are professional, accommodating, welcoming & serve up a great plate of unique food! Great place for groups, date nights, girls night & moderate sized events. My favorite include: Vegetarian Samosa, Paneer Cheese Naan, Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala & All of their chutneys! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
(5)
Mark C.

Delicious food and very friendly service. Yum! Will definitely return.
(5)
Ritika K.

I really wanted to love this place. I went there for the first time on a Sunday night. We were seated right away. They served a complementary salad which I thought was great. Who does that? We ordered aloo masala for appetizer, chili chicken biryani and lamb curry for our main course. I have to say that the meat was so tender and flavorful and I will give them 5 stars for that. However, biryani and the curry did not live up to the mark. I expected better. The service was excellent. I am definitely going to return though to try out some of their tandoor entrÃ©e and appetizers.
(3)
Gitana J.

If you want good, home made meal Tandoor is your place. We stopped by pure accident..just happened to be in the area and were presently surprised. We shared appetizer plus lamb stew like dish with rice and different sauces. It was delicious! It was a lot of food and amazing quality. Looking forward to be back there for dinner ...yammmmm
(5)
Greg G.

I love Indian food, and I love creating my own indian food creations when I go out for indian food. Jeeze how many times can I use the word indian in 1 sentence? Looks like 3. Anyway I'm getting off topic. This place is not your typical Indian food restaurant. Although they have many of the classic indian food dishes, what they really shine in is their fusion dishes! Why get chicken makhani in a bowl when you can get it on a pizza?? This place is also BYOB, which is clutch except when your wife brings a bottle of champagne (who drinks champ with indian food??) and your friends bring an expired bottle of wine (I'm looking at you Alex..) The restaurant is pretty small, so make sure you get a reservation, preferably next to a blackhawks player because they eat here too. The portions are pretty big, so you won't leave here hungry, I guarantee it. The staff is also very nice and helpful when ordering. My only complaint was that the papadam only came with 3 wafers! Also it didn't come with the normal brown chutney that I love, it came with the green stuff though which is delish.
(5)
Linda B.

4.5 stars. I had my birthday dinner here this past weekend and the food, service, and ambience were very very good. We started with beef and vegetable samosas and they were good--nothing special but good. On to the entrees: between the four of us, we had chicken nehari (capital "D" Delicious), chicken tikka masala (good), tandoor chicken (full of flavor and a lot more tender than what you get at other restaurants), and fish tikka masala (good). Tandoor was also very affordable, especially given the area. Did I mention that it's BYOB? Definitely recommended.
(5)
Leslie B.

Awesome Indian food in Lincoln Park! Not an Indian food connoisseur by ANY means, I couldn't ignore the excellent reviews, BYOB, proximity to my home, and that you could make a reservation on Open Table. Came here on a Friday night for a double date with Alex H and Claire K. I was glad we made a reservation as Tandoor was pretty packed and there isn't a ton of seating. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful in guiding us through the menu. They seem to be used to diners that aren't familiar with Indian cuisine, which made us feel more at ease. We started with some beef and vegetarian samosas which were awesome, I especially loved the dipping sauce that came on the side. For dinner, we shared a bunch of things...too many things actually. We were all stuffed and had so much left over! I would absolutely recommend getting the assorted naan basket for a bigger table. All of the varieties were really tasty. They also bring out all four of their chutneys to go with the meal, these were varied in spice and flavor, but all fantastic. They all added to the dishes in their own way. For entrees, we went with the chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, spicy tandoori chicken boti, and a beef dish. I highly recommend the chicken tikka masala, the sauce was delicious and the chicken was cooked perfectly. The palak paneer was very tasty, but definitely different if you're not used to Indian food! We should have trusted the waiter when he said the spicy tandoori chicken was "very hot." It was. So spicy. The fumes were making us cough! However, the spices could be subdued by the yogurt sauce. The beef we ordered was incredibly tender and flavorful. Overall, we had an excellent time and I'll be back!
(5)
Gaity R.

This review is long overdue! I had the pleasure of eating at Tandoor a few months ago when a few of my friends were visiting from Las Vegas. I was a little reluctant about going as most people know that the best Pakistani/Indian restaurants are located in Devon. I must say, I was beyond impressed with my experience at Tandoor. The food was incredibly fresh and savory. The service too was outstanding. The owners brought out a delectable sampling of various items on the menu and everything was just amazing. I will definitely go back and seem to be craving their mango cheesecake and gulab jamun on a daily basis amongst other things.
(5)
Christina N.

My friends and I ordered at 10 PM Sunday night after Pride. Around 11:20 PM we called to complain that we hadn't received anything from them. The guy I spoke with apologized and told us the remnants of Pride still had the streets messed up and that the driver had been en route. (Previously we had called at 11 PM and were told he was en route, but still got nothing so called again.) I told him I was annoyed with the wait time and understand that Pride messed the area up, but some notice through Grub Hub that orders would take longer would be nice. The guy on the phone offered to call the driver to see where he was, but he was actually pulling up at 11:30 PM. (Grub Hub said delivery by 11:12ish.) I thanked the guy for his help but he went further to apologize and offer me a percentage back via Grub Hub, which did go through today. Turns out Sprint (the 'wonderful' network they are) finally let my Grub Hub texts through the next morning, which would have helped since one said the driver was on his way. Jump to eating the food - It was delicious! The garlic naan was well-flavored and the food was wonderful. Everything was separated well and didn't get messed up during the drive. It even arrived still warm despite the lag time due to the fest. Overall, we will order from here again. The customer service was appropriate and without attitude and the food was great. Thanks again, Tandoor!
(5)
Christy L.

Tandoor is more like 3.5 stars. I've eaten here a couple of times, and both times the food was pretty good, but not great. I'm still searching for great Indian food in Chicago. We started by splitting the Chicken Pakora which just tasted like slightly-spiced Chicken McNuggets, though with high quality chicken. For entrees, we split the Beef Nahari and Lamb Karhai, two of Tandoor's house specialities. Beef is obviously not standard at most Indian restaurants, but this dish is unique and tasty. The beef is so tender. The Lamb Karhai, in my opinion, was just so-so. Atmosphere is typical of an Indian restaurant - nothing to write home about. Service was very attentive despite the restaurant being fairly crowded on a Friday night.
(4)
Sam P.

Have been here several times- both dine-in and take-out. The food is always delicious. Was especially impressed with the portions when we got take-out. The tikka masala sauce is so creamy and flavorful- the perfect amount of spice. Plenty of meat included as well. The spicy chutney achar they provide is a great complement to the meal, I like to think of it as an Indian giardinera. The samosas are as big as your head, and nice and crispy. Service has always been great, even with delivery.Tandoor continues to be my favorite Indian place in Lakeview.
(5)
Kay O.

Phenomenal food, but worst take out ever. Their time management is completely off. Last three times I ordered they told me 30 minutes and I waited more than 45 - even on days when there was no one else in the restaurant. Still my favorite Indian place in Chicago - but the wait sucks.
(4)
Harvey A.

Called to make sure they were open and ask when the kitchen closed. Was told 9pm but when we arrived at 8:25pm we were told they had already closed and we could go next door. Explained that we were told 9pm but they didn't care. Don't like supporting places like this - such an inconvenience for customers.
(1)
Katie O.

This is hands-down the best Indian food in Lincoln Park/ East Lakeview. I always get the Mater Paneer - they make it just the way I like it, creamy, flavorful, lots of cheese. The entree includes rice and a salad - which is a nice bonus. If you're looking for a little something extra, go for the mango lasse or mango cheesecake. They're amazing! Skip the fries (they're not bad, everything else is so much better). Long story short: Dine in or take out - give this place a try!
(5)
kat v.

We had dinner there a few nights ago and it was amaaaazing. Having actually been to Pakistan, I asked the server to hook me up with some REAL Pakistani food, and they certainly delivered. We had chicken karahi and salad and everything nice -- the sauces were especially flavorful and appreciated. the staff was really nice too, good customer service. It is also a nice atmosphere and very classy. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
sidney l.

I love this place. I have worked on the Indian side of Devon ave for years. This is the place to come and eat Indian food. Also the owners are really nice and deserve success with what they are providing
(5)
Josh M.

Went here on a whim and wasn't disappointed. Excellent service. Chicken Tikka Masala was top notch. Flavors were great overall, and definitely a bit towards the spicy side.
(4)
Ryan M.

Disappointing. That's the general result of my night, especially after reading all the positive reviews. Five stars, however, for the owner; he is a great guy. Fewer stars for everything else: Service: My server got busy/forgot about me, so I had to flag down the owner ten+ minutes later. He did, however, comp my garlic naan for the wait (again, five stars for him). At one point I asked for more water, and a guy came by to fill my glass. Not a single drop more could have fit into the glass. If I had tried to lift it, it would have spilled. That was pretty ridiculous. Food: I tried the garlic naan and the Daal dish. Either in the rush to get me my food because of the wait (which they really did not need to do), they must have forgotten to season the Daal, because it tasted like cardboard. The only thing I could taste was the cilantro garnishing the dish. Salt did not help, and I never put salt on my food. Ambiance, etc.: Pretty good, actually. I liked the music, though it was a bit loud. The general atmosphere was very inviting (quite the opposite from India House, the only other Indian place I've tried in Chicago). Nor did I mind sitting in the small downstairs area. That is, until some guy decided to bomb out the bathroom. No, I do not blame the owner for this--that would be irrational. But it was a wretchedly demonstrative way to sum up my experience at Tandoor. I really wanted to like this place, and I thought I would. The owner is great; hopefully other dishes are, too. With the name "Tandoor," perhaps I should have tried the tandoori dishes. But a weak vegetarian dish on a menu with few vegetarian options is not good. And come on, Daal is an Indian staple. Still looking for an Indian place worth revisiting in this city.
(2)
Mike C.

Great food! Horrible service, had to wait 15 minutes for the waiter to come over to our table, and we were the only ones in the restaurant. Waited another 10 minutes just to get some water. I had the t-bone steak and it was cooked and seasoned to perfection
(3)
Asad M.

I don't know where to begin. First off this place is great. This restaurant is one of a kind where it can cater to the traditional South Asian audience because of the great food as well as the American audience due to the chic ambiance and BYOB. Almost never in the US do you find a Pakistani/Indian restaurant that excels at great food and culinary presentation. This is the exception. It's in the heart of Lincoln Park which is great because there are pretty much no good Pakistani/Indian restaurants in the area. Second, the owners and staff are great. They are on top of their game and really care for their guests to make sure everyone is enjoying their food and having a great time. I'll definitely become a regular at this place and will spread the word. Some dishes to consider: Veggie Somosas, any chicken dish, mango cheesecake!!
(5)
Tyler M.

Great Indian food in the city. They fill up the table with plates of different sauces and sides... can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jessica S.

Pleasantly surprised. We ordered this on a whim with very low expectations. Between the two of us, we ordered the chicken boti, garlic naan and chicken tandoori sandwich with fries. So much food! Everything was super fresh and it arrived quickly. Will definitely add this to the rotation.
(4)
Maggie H.

Perfection! Great service. Delish food. Everything we have ever ordered has been good. Nice, chill atmosphere as well.
(5)
Julia C.

The flavors of the food lack authenticity.
(1)
Travis L.

Love this place. Great food. Great people who run the place. Go for the original recipes. Will leave very happy!
(5)
Tina Y.

Food was okay but nothing great. We had very good service though and the portion sizes were decent.
(3)
Peter S.

I have been here twice and I will definitely go back. The service was excellent and the owner/manager was very visible and courteous. The atmosphere is quaint, so I'd strongly suggest a reservation, especially on a weekend. The pace is deliberate, allowing for a very enjoyable dining experience. I never felt like I was waiting for a dish to arrive, but we also had time to enjoy a course without the next being crammed onto the table. Once the food was served, it was excellent. The dishes were the right temperate, the right spice level and were overall very satisfying. The prices were outstanding. It helps that the establishment is BYOB, so the alcohol bill was incurred someplace else, but we brought a bottle of wine from our recent trip to Sonoma and it made the meal that much better. I will be going back the next time I'm in the Windy City.
(5)
Michelle T.

Was a little skeptical after a couple of bad reviews but my experience was outstanding! Since it was my boyfriends first time trying Indian food I ordered the chaat fries, tandoor mix grill and chicken tikka masala. The chaat fries are nothing like you have had before. The spices on them (almost like a rub) is amazing! The chicken dishes were cooked perfectly (wish the masala chicken was a little more tender but that's just being nit picky). Also byob as you can see so which is a bonus! DEFINITELY COMING BACK! Side note- we ordered all of that food for the two of us and we eat a lot...I mean a lot and we left super full (so full we didn't make it out after dinner because my boyfriend ate himself to the point where he needed to lie down)
(5)
Ittai E.

One of the best Indian food places I've ever eaten at. The food was amazing in taste, texture, and presentation; the wait staff was incredibly courteous and helpful (even when my girlfriend wanted to move to a table farther away from the door); and the ambience was great. To top it all off, they were playing Emancipator music the whole time in the background. I actually think this is my all-time favorite Indian place.
(5)
Ashley P.

Tandoor is so great that I have gone there 3 times since discovering it less than a month ago. I have enjoyed a variety of the appetizers, and the Samosas have proved to be my favorite. I have had the Chicken Tikka Masala, which has great sauce. I have also had both platters to try a variety of their meats. I love their lamb - they have the option of getting your food mild, medium, or spicy. The spicy is hot enough for me but other people I've gone with would like it extra spicy (I'm sure they would do so if asked). The restaurant is ran by two brothers, both of which always stop by our table to ask how everything is. They talk about how their elders have created the menu and they strive to make it as authentic as they can to their Indian and Pakistani roots. I recommend this place to anyone who wants really great food.
(5)
Jay Z.

We have been to this place for a dine-in once and then had a pick up order also. And both the times the food was delicious. We had ordered the chicken biryani which was delicious (although it was not like an actual biryani). The tandoor chicken was really flavorful and was soft and delicious. And the ambiance was also really cozy.
(5)
Lisa T.

I went to dinner here with a group of 4 on a Saturday night. I had high expectations based on all of the good reviews here. We started off with the appetizer sampler that included 2 HUGE veggie samosas, vegetarian pakora, and chaat fries. Overall this sampler was disappointing given the $15 price tag. The samosas were deliciously buttery and warm, but the pakora and fries were lackluster. The fries especially were a letdown - they were supposed to be Indian spiced fries but turned out to be nothing more than the same plain curly fries I could've gotten at Arby's. At the recommendation of other yelpers, I got the mutter paneer tikka masala, which was spot-on. A friend who ordered tandoori chicken tikka masala thought the meat was a bit dry. Other than that, no complaints. Portions are generous. If it weren't for the sweltering temperature in the dining room, Tandoor would get 4 stars. There is a small portable A/C that does little to keep the (tightly packed) main dining floor cool in the summer. By the end of our meal, two of my friends were practically sweating into their food. BYOB, but there is a $5 corkage fee.
(3)
Karina I.

I was finally able to have a sit-down dinner here and I am upgrading my review to 5 stars. From the hospitality of the staff, to the quantity of food, and finally the taste, everything was excellent. Everyone gets a complimentary salad and rice- and they are NOT skimpy. Chicken tikka masala, lamb masala and the mix grill platter were all delicious and perfectly cooked. I will definitely come back as often as I can.
(5)
Z K.

My friend was hosting an Iftaar party (Breaking Fast after a day of no food/drink) and I will say the restaurant was pretty neat when we walked in and couple of people waiting in line to be seated. Since this was take out food, I will not comment further on dine-in experience. The food was making me hallucinate, it was very good to take in while in the back seat of my friends Saab 9-5 Turbo, since his trunk did not open we had to squeeze in the food through the back seat....I dont know how I didnt manage to eat my arm off while I counted down the minutes to sunset...like I was a Dracula waiting to bite into something delicious, like a roasted leg of lamb marinated in yoghurt overnight with assortment of spices and perfectly grilled in a tandoor (clay oven). Once we go to our destination, we unpacked the food. Below is a quick snapshot and picture it all please - - Naan: Although we had this wrapped up in foil for a good hour, the naan was soft and crisp. Very good, however, there were some naans that were a bit hard to chew. All in all, a good piece of bread - Butter Chiken: Not sure what else to say but WOWZERS! Phenomenal execution of making legitimate Butter Chicken, the pieces of chicken were huge! This with Naan was like butter and bread...Yummy. so creamy and succulent. - Karai Gosh (Lamb Curry): Phenomenal tasting lamb meat, tender and extremely amazing gravy that made my experience really worth it...add to that some red onions and naan and WOW. Very good. - Mixed platter of Kabobs, Chicken - Kabobs were too dry for my liking but the chicken was very good - Biryani - Stay away from it, not worth your time All in all, a good experience with the food. I would go back here again and try other things.
(3)
Heather P.

Best dinner out in a while! It was fantastic. I was super impressed by the food, service, prices, portions were a little small but still all in all, definitely worth the trip. The ambiance is lovely, they are so accomodating. We had a large party with people getting up and moving around and it felt completely comfortable. At one point the owner offered to have someone run and get us a few more bottles of wine. Never felt rushed, always felt warm and welcomed. Did I mention it was BYOB, score!!! Food was an interesting demonstration of the concept of mixing traditional with more current trends. The tandoori chicken tikka masala was a big hit with everyone. What a great idea of combining two of my favorites! Chaat fries were unique and delightful! The lamb dish and eggplant in some sort of yummy sauce that I got to sample were also right on! The tandoori chicken pizza was intriguing, but I have to have something to look forward to next time.
(5)
Jay B.

New fav local Indian option. The chicken biryani is out of this world good. And the "grandma's secret recipe" carrot pickle they serve with every meal is really special
(4)
Bill S.

Okay I never really have had Indian food before and I was pleasantly surprised . I really didn't know what to expect but I had a Tandor style beef that was really good , my son had some chicken dish which he said was really good , If indian food is this delicious i guess I'l be going a little more often .
(4)
Sian H.

Favorite Indian in Chicago!
(5)
Niti B.

I had high hopes for this establishment but was a let down. I commend them for great hospitable service but the food just didn't add up. The owner apparently also owns the Eduardo Pizza place next door and does tandoor chicken pizzas which I thought would be amazing but from my fellow guests it was just ordinary with indian spices. The pizza was heavy and didn't leave a real fusion feel. The samosa and the chat fries were a great start but the entrees were a bust. We had the eggplant, palak paneer and the paneer tikka masala for the veggie eaters. There were chicken dishes that I can not comment on since I didn't have any but as far as the veggies go they were very disappointing. The palak paneer was underseasoned and the paneer tikka masala was to rich and creamy for my taste. Overall I won't be back since Raj Darbar is two doors away and I have to say it is extremely more flavorful food. The options are also more plentyfull and the food is more satisfying. I have to give that second star for BYOB but other than that...me thinks not!
(2)
Sam W.

I was referred to this place by my buddy.. Unbelievable food and just great service. One of the must places to try...
(5)
Terry G.

woohooo HOW! I know right? So I'm eight quarters Cherokee and I've been dying to taste the cuisine of my forefathers and earth mothers. I wasn't sure what to wear so I decided something conservative like a feather and moccasins would suffice (Plus it was my birthday won't they do like mexican restaurants with the sombrero and give you a headdress as you take a shot of jack daniels?) Anyway so I really didn't know what to expect so I asked for some recommendations the server (John?) I'm not sure his name but that ol kemosabe hooked me up with some vindaloo and garlic naan. Brilliant. I have to say that up until this visit I would have guessed our ancestors would have eaten onion soup or rhubarb (which is pink celery duh) or horses and stuff but they eat krahini and mimosas and tandoorey and dog smoothies called lassies (sad). When I told them it was my birthday I didn't get a chant thats why only four stars but other than that food was hopptitotti (Cherokee for great!)
(4)
Jacqui M.

From the authentic sauces to the naan, it felt like a lot of thought and love went into the food. Wait staff was extremely accommodating to us needing to get to a show on time. Had a great experience.
(4)
Carlo C.

Great food, clean place and great service. I really enjoyed it and will return. My server Austin was wonderful.
(5)
John O.

Food very good and it is BYOB with a reasonable $5 corkage. My favorites were the dall and garlic naan. Chana masala was too soupy. Service was a bit slow on a Sunday night although they were pretty busy. Take out looks like a good option here.
(4)
Huda S.

I give this place 4 and a half stars. Located in the Lincoln Park Area right across Home Depot, Tandoor Char came up to our family's expectations. I along with my mother and sister dined in. The restaurant has two floors with dimmed lighting, a very subtle environment, with nice decor and wall. The owner welcomed us very kindheartedly. Now to the food: We ordered their Strawberry Lassi,Tandoori Chicken Boti, Steak, vegetable curry, Tikka Masala Penne Pasta. As we dined in and checked in, we were served their curly flies for free with their delicious cilantro chutney and sweet tamarind chutney. These fries are to die for, that's how good they were. Too bad I am on a diet so I had probably two of those but made some when I came home with sweet potato ( they didn't even come close:( ) Then came the Yogurt Strawberry lassi. I have made blueberry Lassi and strawberry lassi at home and I know when its fresh and when its not, This one seemed like it was made with fresh or fresh frozen strawberries and homemade dahi (Yogurt) with the right amount of sweet in it. YUM YUM! Anyone should not leave this place without trying this refreshing creamy smoothie like Lassi. Then came the steak with Mashed spiced potatoes, rice and Tikka Masala Sauce. Steak was good but as for the price I expect something a little better. I think through out my whole experience the side with this steak is a drawback. The indo/paki style potatoes were really bland and it seemed like it wasn't very fresh. I could be wrong about the freshness but it was bland and wasn't the creamy mash potatoes texture. The Tandoori Chicken Boti was very moist and juicy, not to mention it was served on a sizzler (I think that is what it is called). Tikka Masala penne pasta was not a liking to my taste buds. My sister and mother liked it but It might have been a little heavy for me since I like my penne to be with a light marinara or just plain cherry tomatoes but again it wasn't bad. I could only take few bites since it was heavy for me. I am writing an honest review and I like leaving full experiences on yelp. They did serve us stale vegetable curry but it was definitely a mistake that they made up for right away. The owner or chef made a fresh vegetable curry right away and as I am writing this review my mouth is all watery. It was the best sabzi (veg) curry I ever ate at a restaurant before. It was just too good to forget. Do try their fresh Achaar (pickles), the guy said it was his grandmaa recipe and I have a thing for Pakistani Pickles and this one fullfilled my expectations. Last came their Mango Cheese Cake. Go to Cheese cake factory and tell me if you can find something like that. God, the most amazing, yummilicious dessert ever which makes you gain a lb right away (lol). So good, that I am drooling over my laptop (sorry not a very good sight). But the taste and sight of this mango cheese cake will make you fall head over heals. Their naan was really good too ( as for myself I am staying away from carbs these days so just tasted). Definitely Recommend this place!
(5)
Faiza Q.

My dad recommended this place and we decided to have a family dinner here. We ordered a tandoori chicken salad and curly fries for the kids. The ambiance is nice. It's probably the first Pakistani restaurant not loud! We ordered a mixed grill, chicken biryani and chicken tikka masala for the mains. The seekh kebabs were delicious and authentic. The biryani was flavorful. We ordered mango cheesecake for desert and it was amazing. The service was very professional. I would go back
(4)
Wei H.

Tandoor is one of those restaurants that you can easily walk past and miss on Halsted. It does not have the alluring smell even when you stand right in front of the restaurant. Don't let that fool you though because the food was amazing. A group of us 6 including two Indian friends, came here for lunch on a weekend. There was no wait and the restaurant was welcoming. We ordered - {Tandoori Chicken} - Amazing flavors and the chicken thighs had the right texture. They were not overcooked and saggy but the flavors were captured very well. {lamb tikka masala} - As someone that avoids lamb as much as possible, I actually couldn't help but ate two pieces of this! It was delicious. It was not very lamb-y and the butter sauce was just right. {palak paneer} - I would eat this dip with pita bread/chips/Naan all day long. Nomnomnom. Amazing comfort food. {a veggie dish that I unfortunately forgot the name of} - it was just a very refreshing and light dish. It went well with the other dishes that we ordered. {garlic Naan} - I have had better but still very good. Smaller portions than elsewhere. The 6 of us were stuffed and we still had leftovers. We left the restaurant very happy, with our clothes inevitably drenched in wonderful lovely spices. It was a good kind of satisfaction as it was not overly greasy. Highly recommended.
(4)
Furqan H.

I've been to Tandoor once before and I really enjoyed it, but this time I ordered delivery. My roommate and I ordered the Murg Malai for delivery with a few sides of naan bread. We made a mistake and ordered the wrong dish and realized that once we opened the container. I was hoping for more of creamy sauce with chicken, but this happened to be a very delicious marinated chicken dish on a bed of rice. I called Tandoor and spoke with Faraz (manager/owner). He was very nice and polite and filled me in on my mistake and I was fine with that. He went to another level and offered to send me the Chicken Tikka Masala on the house. Within 15min we had the dish we originally wanted and a side of naan. The fantastic food and huge portions along with impeccable customer service is why I would recommend trying Tandoor.
(5)
Peter B.

I have now had a dinner and lunch here and both were awesome. Today's review is about the lunch. Came with a friend and we split 2 different wraps. Both were excellent. Still love the spiced fries. The wraps come with a salad and fries and all for $10. Great food and a great value!
(4)
Natalia K.

Seriously, the best Indian food I've ever had even compared to London and friends' homecooking. A group of six of us ordered several dishes, both our favorites and new items based on our host's recommendations and we couldn't get enough. Plus, the prices can't be beat with the BYOB. Split six ways, with tax and a hefty tip, we each paid about $15 and we were STUFFED. This was a while ago so I am dying to go back so I can update this review with more detail!
(5)
Sarah H.

Amazing food, huge portions for price, great value. The atmosphere was very relaxing and laid back, very good service.
(5)
SaeRom C.

Met up with a friend for dinner here recently and had a great experience. The food was really good and the service was very friendly. Will definitely return ...
(4)
Vaidehi T.

I am oscillating between 3 and 3 and a half stars. I will give them the extra half star for the great service. Reading the rave reviews on yelp, we decided to stop by Tandoor for dinner last night, as we were in the neighborhood. Its a small place, cosy and comfortable. The service is one of the best I have seen in any Indian restaurant. The food... not so much. So we ordered the mutter paneer and a baingan dish, both of which were chef's recommendations. We ordered garlic naan and chapati along with it. The garlic nan was delicious, but the chapati was thick and chewy. The mutter paneer dish was good... tasty, rich and creamy. The brinjal dish on the other hand was not so great... the brinjals were tough and not cooked through. We informed the wait staff, and he was gracious enough to take it away to get it cooked more. It came back slightly better, but still not really cooked through.
(3)
Vicky S.

I cannot say enough great things about this place. I called last night for a reservation, but they were booked. I called back to order takeout and the owner let me know a table just opened up (he remembered my call) and he would hold it for me. Unfortunately, my husband and I ordered the wrong dish (totally our fault). They were so great, they offered to make the dish we wanted! The service and the food was amazing. We felt so welcomed and the owner was completely friendly. Also the Mango cheesecake is DIVINE! It came with a comp salad. Generous portions. The only thing we were sad about is our server forgot to give us our to-go box. We were so looking forward to having our leftovers. In all fairness we didnt remember until we got home! We will def be back. Great indian food, nice atmosphere and excellent service!
(5)
Jeka M.

This place has it all~delicious homemade Indian food in a very trendy and welcoming restaurant! The owner was super friendly and chatted us up even though it was pretty busy. The staff is very useful with recommendations and the samosas are AMAZEBALLS. The chicken tikka masala is a classic and they do it right~ there is also unlimited saffron rice. :) They have a special recipe of pickled carrot stuff (can't recall the name!) that was like the Indian version of giardiniera. Good prices, too~ DEF recommend!
(5)
Jeremy P.

I thought the food here was pretty good, but no more that that. I would definitely eat here again, but it's not my first choice for Indian food, either. The staff was very nice and the place was clean.
(3)
Akber S.

Halaal! Great atmosphere, delicious foods. Biryani portion is monstrous. Naan is buttery and oh so good.
(5)
Anoop R.

Highly recommend the tandoori paneer. Great food overall, and the host was super nice. Definitely will be back sometime soon.
(5)
Robbie C.

I've had both carry out and have dined in and both experiences were great. The service when I dined in was excellent. The food portions are excellent and the quality is fantastic. I've traveled across India and this place lived up to any place I've been to. Will definately be back.
(5)
Sean H.

Great delivery. Biggest complaint would be the price $40 for two. I would order from this place again especially when your in the mood for something different.
(4)
Mike R.

This place is really good! We got the mixed naan bread, samosa, chicken tikki masala and tandoori chicken. Both were really good. Especially the tikki masala sauce. Like crack! The owner is really nice too. He came over and chatted us up and even mentioned other Indian restaurants on Devon that he thought made good food too for us to try, although I don't think we will be going anywhere else for our Indian/Pakistani fusion.
(5)
Supna R.

After reading such rave reviews of Tandoor, I was very excited to get take-out on my way home from work this evening. Unfortunately, the food at Tandoor fell flat on every account, and I wish I had just put in the extra hour or so of effort to make dinner myself. The bhindi (okra) was covered in a pool of oil. I literally scooped two spoonfuls of oil off the top of the soggy vegetables. Not only was there no salt, there was also no taste. The tandoori chicken was mediocre at best. I ordered the extra spicy, but again, no flavoring. Finally, the mutter paneer was disappointing not only for what it lacked in taste, but also for it's lack of both peas, and cheese (the mutter, and the paneer, respectively). Basically we had a large bowl of curry with no filling. For those familiar with good Indian food, this is not even remotely close. You would have better luck in the frozen ethinic aisle at Whole Foods.
(1)
Cecil S.

I haven't even bothered writing a 2013 Yelp review until I experienced something truly phenomenal that was worth my time to write about....I can honestly say that I finally found something that was worth it (even though it took 4 months).Now I can continue on my quest for the 2013 Yelp 100 Challenge Before I start my review, I just want to say that I'm first-generation Indian, born & bred in the suburbs, and I don't think my own mother's home-cooked Indian meals are good enough for my taste; yet I am willing to give 5-stars to Tandoor. That being said, I just want to take a moment to commend this fine establishment on their exceptional hospitality. From the get-go their waiter was more than courteous to every detail, offering great recommendations and making subtle conversation as necessary, while fulfilling exceptional service and providing an elegant dining experience. ORDER lots and share with a group of friends, and they are great about packaging the left-overs to go (great delivery service as well). I would highly suggest their lamb/chicken biryani, chicken tikka masala goes great with their bread choices (soft naan) and you should try a mixed platter of their appetizers. All in all this is certainly a hidden gem in Lakeview and by far the best Indian food restaurant between all of LP, Lakeview/Wrigley and River North. *BYOB - Hats off to the owner for letting us stay an extra half hour past close to finish our bottles
(5)
A C.

Was okay. Not the best. Food was alright, usually when I go to a Indian restaurant I know it'll be good based off their naan. Was told this little trick by a friend of mine (who is from India). Naan was very dry and burnt, and something about the dough they used made it taste exactly like burnt pancakes. Wouldn't go again but it was okay.
(3)
Yumna N.

The food is great! I had the T-bone steak and Tandoori chicken masala. The tandoori chicken masala is pretty much butter chicken. The service was great! Great staff and environment. Chat fries were soooo good! Not my first choice for pakistani/Indian cuisine, but would still great.
(4)
Hannah J.

Amazing Chicken Tikka Masala! Huge portions, we ordered way too much food. The wait staff was super friendly and helpful. The seating area was not very large, but it gives the restaurant a warm and cozy ambiance. In our group, we had a person with very specific food allergies and the chef came out and spoke with her. The staff were incredibly accommodating. Overall, I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Aaron W.

I came to Tandoor for my girlfriend's birthday, there were 8 or 9 of us. Getting the reservation was tricky with the size of our group given the time we wanted but the employee I spoke with over the phone was happy to pull strings and make things happen for this special evening. Now I had never even looked inside this place before I stepped through the door with a somewhat rowdy crew. Dimly lit, table cloth, and cozy, I was a little anxious to see how well we'd be received. We were received wonderfully! Our servers were friendly and very knowledgeable. I believe it's a family owned business as a server mentioned his grandmother's recipe once or twice. Even the white guys knew what they were talking about. Very impressive given an ethnic menu, and coming from a white guy. We definitely were not quiet while the rest of the patrons were clearly on more intimate engagements. Again, the servers were simply a joy to have around and always near by to crack one of our dozen bottles of wine. BYOB baby. As far as the food goes, I ordered some kind of lamb dish/stew that was out of this world. The spices were not overwhelming at all, and I'd say they were perfectly blended. Tender meat and a good sauce to dip their crazy delicious, baked in-house naan. Check please! When it was all said and done, all so full and mildly drunk, it came out to roughly $17 a person. Cut. It. Out, Uncle Joey. I was real pleased to see such a reasonable price after all the food and booze (guessing there's no corkage fee). We stayed for three hours and never felt rushed to leave. It was honestly a great experience all around and will definitely be going back.
(5)
Josie F.

My boyfriend and I get carry out from Tandoor a few times a month... The food is consistent and delicious. Their Frontier Chicken is one of our favorites, and the Tandoor Pizza is very good. We haven't had anything we didn't enjoy, highly recommended!
(5)
Sara C.

I honestly do not know how this restaurant gets so many good reviews. I have been eating Indian cuisine since I can remember, and this place is below par in my opinion. My husband and I decided to try a new place to order delivery from. The food took an hour and a half to get to us, which did not leave a good taste in our mouths. Unfortunately, the food left an even worst taste. We ordered two chicken dishes, the Chicken Tikki Masala and the boneless chicken Karhai. The chicken was so dry in both dishes, we couldn't eat it. We ordered plain naan, garlic naan and onion kulcha. The gave us two garlic naans instead, at least we think because none of them had onions cooked inside. The naan itself was so dry and flavorless, we threw it in the trash. This place is by far some of the worst food I have had in a long time. If you want decent Indian food in the same neighborhood, stop at Raj Darbar down the street instead - to be honest, they aren't spectacular, but they will blow the socks off Tandoor any day!
(1)
Lori M.

Disappointing / over salted everything. Such a cute atmosphere, it's too bad they don't up the quality of the cooking.
(2)
Jeffrey C.

We really enjoy this eatery--friendly service, good food. I loved their desserts & tried items I'd never had/heard of before & was pleasantly surprised. Only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because they were outta shrimp & my heart was broken.
(4)
Delilah D.

Tandoor is one of my favorite restaurants. Nice atmosphere, complimentary salads, and delicious shrimp. My favorite is the shrimp tikka masala (spice level medium) with some of the fresh jalapeno cilantro chutney and of course you need some naan so soak up all the delicious sauce.
(5)
Daniela A.

My husband and I, along with another couple, visited Tandoor for the first time on Saturday. I have to start off by saying that the food was delicious. It felt like Indian with a middle eastern flare...interesing and fresh! We started off with vegetable samosas which were huge, hot, and very tasty. They then brought out a complimentary chopped salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. I ordered the Indian Mixed Grill which consisted of chicken, beef kabobs, and shrimp. The chicken and beef were incredible! The shrimp were not bad but just not as tasty as the other two. It came with rice and a side of masala sauce, that complimented all three meats perfectly. The service was very attentive and friendly. We felt welcomed from the second we stepped into the restaurant until the moment we left. The ambiance is nice and somewhat upper-scale as opposed some other Indian restaurants in the area. Two things made me not give this restaurant 5 stars.... 1. The prices were a little high. Each entree was easily two dollars more than what appears to be the average price at other Indian restaurants. It was definitely the most we have ever spent on Indian food. 2. We brought home leftovers and the rice we were given was not the rice we had been eating. We had white rice that night and the rice in the "doggie bag" was saffron rice. We feared it had come from another table on accident so we threw it out. Also, my Indian Mixed Grill came with peppers and onions on it but they failed to give those to me in the doggie bag. They were also delicious and I wished they were included. All in all, it was a good experience and we are likely to be back.
(4)
Iman W.

I have two words to sum up my Tandoor experience: cilantro. chutney. I poured it over my fries. I dipped my vegetable samosas in it. I wish I would have ordered extra just to spread on a sandwich later. That's good chutney. I have not a negative word to say about what I tried. The naan, samosas, and chicken tikka masala are all delightfully flavorful. I had it delivered and they were on time and courteous. Hopefully I will get to dine in there soon. Either way it goes, Tandoor can expect a repeat customer.
(4)
christina h.

I've eaten here 4-5 times in the past and absolutely loved the food. The reason for my 1 star review is that the last time I ate here I got severe food poisoning off their chicken tikka that landed me in the ER. Im guessing it was undercooked. Serving undercooked chicken is unacceptable. And I've read other reviews where people have complained about being served undercooked chicken as well. I'm extremely disappointed and will not be back. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone unless vomiting all night, and explosive diarrhea sound appealing to you.
(1)
Mo A.

A friend and i both checked out this place last night. I thought the foid was great, the service was meh, owners and staff seemed friendly, and the ambience was small and chill. I had butter chicken with garlic naan, and my friend had kidai chicken with garlic naan. Excellent. Would recommend.
(4)
Alexander H.

First off, the food at Tandoor was excellent. My partner's Paneer Tandoori and my Chicken Tandoori Boti were extremely well made. So the food gets five stars, although overpriced. While the food was exceptional, the service and atmosphere left something to be desired. Our waiter was mediocre at best and was very slow, often leaving us to fend for ourselves for long periods of time while also forgetting my drink. I think it took him maybe 10 minutes to greet us once we were seated, and then another 15 to actually take our order. He was friendly, but often seemed to be in a rush and wasn't even taking care of that many tables. The atmosphere was average, it was clean and organized well but the space was small and decor not really authentic to the Indian culture. At the end of the day, I would really just recommend ordering the food to your own place and enjoying a night in while skipping the slow waiters and uninspiring atmosphere.
(3)
Vivek K.

I'm annoyingly disappointed by Tandoor. Living only a few blocks away from the establishment I had built up my excitement to try their attempt at one of India's most famous specialties- tandoori. I had repeatedly come across Tandoor when reading about the finest Indian restaurants in Chicago. My first such foray was extremely fruitful- guiding me to the delicious Rangoli restaurant in Wicker Park. Tandoor did not measure up in the slightest. I should be clear that my encounter with Tandoor was ordering a variety of tandoori kebabs for a party at my apartment, but let me assure you this was not the reason for my experience. In fact the staff was very friendly and helpful on the phone. The food was simply no better than the most mediocre attempts at tandoori, and at a significantly higher price. The masala was not cooked well and left an undesirable mealy texture on the meat, the chicken hardly tasted as if it were marinated, and the paneer were tasteless dry triangles. For those of you unaware, the idea behind using a tandoori oven is the ability to keep meat moist despite the high heat and lock in flavor. If the goal is to be an elite Indian restaurant (as it appears Tandoor aims to be) the details matter. Onions and peppers were cut at various thicknesses yielding a spectrum of charred to raw vegetables. The cilantro and tamarind chutneys were clearly made in large batches a while ago and did not taste fresh or flavorful in the slightest- I could buy the same thing at any Asian supermarket. All in all, Tandoor provides yet another disappointing effort at preparing its namesake dish.
(2)
Lara M.

I was with a friend after we went to see some art in the city after work and we were heading back home to lakeview and were hungry for indian. Tandoor is a gem in this area of over-saturated bar/restaurant options -- delicious authentic indian dishes & the homemade chutneys that come with your meal are fantastic. oh, and even though indian is pretty much a safe bet for any vegetarian, they have so many options for veg heads and meat lovers alike. Being veggie for ten years makes me appreciate spots like this (since I usually dine with meat eaters.) get the veggie samosas -- you will not regret it!
(5)
Ryan T.

Full disclosure: I've never made it up to Devon for Chicago's collection of authentic Indian restaurants. Full disclosure #2: I don't even know how to differentiate authentic Indian from Chutney Joe's. With that out of the way, Tandoor was delicious. To start with, we had the Chaat Fries which were basically curly fries with Indian spices and a side of Tandoori sauce. They were just fantastic. Our waiter, Martin, let us know that checking on Yelp entitled us to a free basket of them. Word to the wise - check in on Yelp! The food is designed to be served family style, and we ordered the Shrimp Tikkah Masala, the Tandoori Chicken Pizza, the mixed vegetables, sides of naan, and some chicken dish that I can't recall the name of. Everything was great, especially the shrimp. Apparently we were the first table of adults to order the pizza. Honestly, I have no complains about my one experience there. Great food and great service.
(5)
Ari S.

Bottomline: Tandoor covers up subpar cooking with loads of salt and food coloring. I had a course of Samosas with the Chicken Tikka and garlic naan. The Samosas themselves were oily and the dipping tamarind and green chutneys were inedible with just way too much salt. 1 star. The chicken tikka: the fat was still on the chicken (gross!!) and the whole dish was bathing in oil. The use of food coloring was way over the top. The actually chicken tikka sauce was very mediocre and bland. 0 stars. Garlic naan: this actually wasn't bad. The one exception to the dish. 4 stars. Chutneys: just horrible. Salty to the point of me wondering whether they mixed up salt and sugar in the recipe. 0 stars. Raita: Homemade raita didn't have the usual buttermilk smell. 3 stars.. Salad: lettuce, onions, some other stuff. 2 stars.. Rice: Bland but unnecessarily colored with turmeric or yellow food coloring. 1 star. Given the price, this place has no excuse for being as bad as it is.
(1)
Bill H.

Placed an deliver order at 715 on Friday, it's now 9:17 and still no food. Placed two calls to restaurant asking about progress and both times were told the food just left. Hard to say if food is good or not as in never showed up. Will never order from this place again.
(1)
Neha M.

I am taking off one star because the ambiance/decor isn't great. Its a very cramped up set up. I prefer either a take out or delivery. The stars are for the food. There was a check in offer when I went there so I received a free appetizer. I ordered the garlic naan and veggie entree. The naan was soft and buttery. The curry was flavorful. I look forward to having food again here!
(4)
Jen S.

Came here with a group of friends on Saturday night for my birthday and had an amazing experience. Our server, I believe his name was Austin, was wonderful. Many of us weren't familiar with Indian food so he took us through the menu and made some very helpful recommendations. The owner also told us what spices they used, which was pretty cool. Some group favorites were the chaat fries and the chicken tikka masala. You also can't complain about BYOB! We all agreed we are Indian food converts and will definitely come back to Tandoor Char House!
(5)
Nikul T.

My wife and I visited Tandoor Sunday evening and it wasn't overly crowded so we were seated right away. The service was great and everyone on the staff had a smile on their faces which makes it more welcoming. We started off with the Samosas and they were great; perfectly cooked through and a little crispy with a filling that got the mouth watering for the upcoming meal. I ordered the Cajun Tandoori Chicken Boti which is from the fusion section and I have to say this is one of the best chicken dishes I have tried in a long time. It comes out on an iron skillet sizzling with onions, peppers and cilantro with a side of rice. The chicken was perfectly juicy with a great spice marinade on the outside. I also ordered a salty lassi to cool down because it has a great kick. My wife is vegetarian so she could not try it so I mentioned this to Faraz on the way out. I asked if they could put the rub on paneer and he said that next time we were in there, just ask for it and they can prepare paneer the same way. I can't say enough about the staff, very good people. While we were waiting for our meal, one lady came into he restaurant and asked "Where is Edwardos?", the pizza place a block down. Fahim walked the lady with a smile down the street to Edwardos while it was snowing and 15 degrees outside. Fahim and Faraz are in the restaurant business that really care about people, even if those people are not their customers. This is going to be my go-to Indian restaurant and I look forward to trying many new dishes from their extensive menu.
(5)
Danny W.

I don't fancy myself much of an authority on indian food, but a group of eight of us had dinner at Tandoor and we all had a pretty good time. The service was very good, more than accommodating with our beer/wine and they didn't rush us at all. Everyone had a ton of food for what ended up costing just over $20 a person. As far as BYOB spots go, this one is pretty good.
(4)
Morgan G.

Tandoor was so amazing! We went there on impulse because we love BYO places, and it is now our favorite Indian food in Chicago. As soon as we smelled the deliciousness inside and read the menu we already couldn't wait to come back because 1 meal wouldn't allow us to try everything we wanted. We ordered the Garlic Naan, Beef Nehari, and Tendoori Chicken Wrap. Beef Nehari was amazing! The Naan was so light and delicious and came with 2 sauces as well. It was the type of place that when you get full you wish you could keep eating because it tastes so great! Additionally, the service was top notch. SO friendly, so nice, and a family restaurant. They clearly take pride in their restaurant and appreciate their customers to no end. Just an all around good experience and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Junchen F.

It has the best decoration among all the Indian restaurants I have been to. Not particularly impressed by their food although its price is more than fair at this location. I had a service glitch which also kinda ruined my dinner, but overall their service is quite good. Well, at least compared to other Indian places.
(3)
marc c.

YUM! Had the Tandoor Chicken Tiki Masala and garlic naan. AMAZING. Really nice waiter - very professional.
(5)
Stu K.

They got my order and disregard it because it came in too late. Then didn't tell me about it and when I called they blamed it on grub hub. I have never had a problem with grub hub before. I am putting the blame on this restaurant for not caring. --- To follow up on the above. I reached out to GrubHub who confirmed that Tandoor claimed to have gotten the order minutes after I placed it and still took my money without ever bringing me my food. The GrubHub rep was kind enough to contact Tandoor to clear up the matter. Again, they lied and said they delivered the food and reimbursed me for my order. When called out that they did neither, they then back peddled and said I still needed to be reimbursed. Having never tried it, I have no idea if the food is good - but they practice BAD BUSINESS. DON'T ORDER FROM HERE.
(1)
Megan S.

Great service and ambiance. The garlic naan was the best I have ever had and we have been to Indian places all over the world. We enjoyed the tandoori chicken too the palak paneer had delicious flavor. Overall delicious meal and will now be our top Indian food destination in chicago
(4)
Fred S.

Really solid Indian food with a friendly and enthusiastic owner that loves his business and cherishes his customers. Chicken Tikka Masala and Tandoori dishes are some of the best I've ever tasted. Try it all; you wont be disappointed!
(5)
Mare C.

Less than thrilled about this place, more like disappointed. Went to Tandoor over the weekend and ordered a simple chicken wrap. Should be fairly easy to make, right? But unfortunately for them it wasn't! Specifically asked for garlic naan, since there were so many raves about it. Okay, I got the garlic naan like I asked for, EXCEPT it was burnt all over..... either it was cooked too close to the fire, or was in the the tandoor oven way too long. The chicken was also a mixed bag, part of it was charred and the other part was mushy. Not only that, but the chicken in general tasted dry. So what I got was a combo of dry and mush. Yuk! Not to belabor the point, but how do you get mushy chicken? My mind started going into overdrive trying to figure this one out, was it because they used leftover chicken from the night before, or did they spill water on it, or was it something else? I've cooked chicken a million times and not once did it come out like this! About the only good thing was the chaat fries that came with it, they were crunchy and topped with spices that were just right, not too overwhelming. Fries could've been hotter though. Would order those again, but nothing else.
(1)
Darren L.

As a Yelper of quality businesses, food places naturally come up in my conversations. As I was at work one day, my co-worker and I were talking about delicious foods we've eaten at various restaurants. She tells me that I have to try this place in Lincoln Park called Tandoor Char House. I've had this place bookmarked for months now. The reviews are nice and the pictures beautifully captured the entrees. I had more of a reason to go as well since my big bro is always down for halal anything. We came in a little past noon time so we were the only ones there. Everybody else was probably at school or at work. No problem for us because that means we get our food faster. For appetizers, we ordered the chaat fries and the tamarind chicken wings (free sample with yelp check-in!!!!). The chaat fries were heavenly. They may look like your regular curly fries, but they were much more than that. The seasonings and spices sprinkled on them were on point. So delicious. We each got one wing, but it was enough to get the full effect - flavorful and full of savory punch. For entree, we ordered the chicken tikka masala since it was praised so much by other yelpers. Hands down, the best chicken tikka masala I've ever had. The consistency of the sauce was so fluffy and smooth. I can't describe it; you've got to try it for yourself! The rice and salad were complimentary which were also nice. In addition to the entrees, the chutneys were the best I've had. That tamarind was so yummy! Throughout the entire time, we were being served by Austin. He did a phenomenal job. He was very friendly and checked up on us numerous of times. We were appreciative of his kindness and how he made it a very enjoyable experience. One disclaimer, the place smelled like someone destroyed the bathroom. I don't know if that's what happened when we walked in or if they're close to a sewer but something was horrendous in there. So we moved to the back corner to avoid it. Aside from this, the food and service was awesome.
(4)
Neha S.

Really yummy indo-pakistani food! service is great and attentive. It's a nice fusion as well with "american" food. must haves: the mango cheesecake: light and dreamy strawberry lassi (yummy take on the traditional mango) beef samosa was really savory (got it in the appetizer sampler) biryani all good bhangan bharta was ok the carrot pickle is really yummy and unique THIS IS HALAL too. Would definitely come again. Upstairs and downstairs seating- and RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST for evening dining!
(4)
Amanda M.

Came back for dinner and experience was even greater than the last! Got the chicken boti and the chicken was super moist and perfectly seasoned and cooked. Service was spectacular as our waiter was very friendly and helpful, mentioning that we could have more rice to go. Then the owner came by and said the same thing, basically wanting us to indulge more of their food. He further explained to us about their version of kimchi (complimentary), which was a family recipe. We paired it with the rice as recommended, and it was delicious, although spicy with a rolling kick, as warned. Already ridiculously full at this point, after consuming our entrees, naan, salad, rice, and chaat fries, I ordered the mango cheesecake as recommended by a friend. My accompanying sister and cousin said they would only try a bite as they couldn't possibly eat anymore. Well, we all devoured it because it was ridiculously good. Great mango flavor, super fluffy creamy cheesecake, and liberal dusting of toasted pistachio! WOW. It is honestly the best dessert I've ever had. MUST TRY, unless you don't like mango. *Note: you get to choose your spice level for each dish
(5)
Raju S.

Ok. I wrote a review 2 years ago and gave this place 5 stars and that was well deserved. I came here last Sunday and the food was 2 stars at best. The service on the other hand was excellent. I have been telling anyone willing to listen, "Tandoor Charhouse had the moxy to open up next to Raj Darbar which is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant means they have something to prove." That statement held true until this past Sunday. It's time to break it down. The Tandoori Chicken was atrocious. The chicken legs were burnt, dry and miniscule. At this point I had a sinking feeling that we were in trouble. The Paneer Pakora was good but nowhere near as good as I remember. The Vegetable Pakora was decent. The Chana Masala looked delicious and my excitement quickly turned to despair upon my first bite. It was light on flavor and the garbanzo beans weren't cooked all the way through. They were hard and barely edible. The Mattar Paneer reminded me of the old Wendy's Where's the Beef ad except in this case it was "Where's the Mattar (peas)" This dish was basically a creamy tomato soup with an occasional pea and a few lonely chunks of paneer.. Next up, the Lamb Karhai which was good but nothing to write home about. The Aloo Paratha was boring so skip it. To round out this review on a high note, the naan and garlic naan were spot on. The naan is some of the best that I have had. In conclusion, this review was difficult for me to write. I will go back to see if this was just a case of the Mondays on Sunday.
(3)
Ovi H.

This was my first, though certainly not my last visit to Tandoor Char House. The Chaat fries are really 'all of that', though they'll stuff you. The entrees aren't small - so save space for the delicious Tandoori Chicken Boti or the savory Shrimp Tikka Masala. The staff was very attentive and compliant with any request, and even invited us to their newly opened bar a couple of doors down (Four Star Lounge). Biggest need-to-know: it's BYOB!!
(5)
Shelby R.

My favorite Indian restaurant, hands down! Their mango cheesecake melts in your mouth and their seek kabobs are amazing. I took one star off because I wish they had bigger tables, I often find myself struggling to make room for our food plates. But the food is amazing and the owner is very nice and always involved!
(4)
Nikhil P.

The best Chicken Kabab I ever had in USA. It's served on sizzling platter, soft and melts in mouth. Served with tikka masala chutney. The whole combo is simply amazing.
(5)
Elizabeth E.

I've been a couple of times, but most recently we went for my boyfriend's birthday. What started out as a 6-person dinner ballooned into a party of 18, and they were nothing but accommodating the entire time (and after my many phone calls adjusting the number). Service was spot-on and the food was (as always) awesome, but the way they handled this large party with ease for such a big group was so amazing. They were extremely helpful about splitting the bill (we ended up just paying in cash but they said they would take as many credit cards as needed) and let us bring in a cake for dessert. Just a great experience and SO good with large groups.
(5)
P. C.

This review is for take-out. I order palak paneer, veggie samosa, garlic and regular naan, and the mango lassi. First, the naan is out of this world. Seriously. It's moist, huge, fresh, and the garlic naan had actual pieces of garlic. The veggie samosas are HUGE and filled with deliciousness; the mango lassi wasn't the best I've had but it was still delicious. The palak paneer was a bit of a disappointment; it was runny, the spinach was just chopped and thrown in, not actually ground up into the sauce. All-in-all, it was ok but I've certainly had better. The delivery was within the hour, which I was super happy about. It also arrived hot and fresh, which is always a nice surprise. I'll definitely order from here again.
(4)
Vanida C.

Yummy and delicious Indian food that hits the spot. We normally order the chicken tikka masala and the chicken biriyani as well as the samosas... Great portions and always good quality! We love it. Kind of pricey but reasonable. We traditionally order take out but it comes in the best wrapped packages. Appreciate there attention to details.
(4)
Chinky D.

Great food and great service!! We reached there at late hours but the owner was generous enough to let us dine in. Nothing can make u feel more satiated like a good indian food accompanied by a warm n welcoming host! It felt like home away from home. Salad, raita, the famous achaar n of course our main course were delicious! It's definitely my go to plAce for indian food whenever I m In Chicago
(5)
Sarah S.

Love this place immensely. Service is always great. Especially when your whole party is late. Tandoor is always so accomodating. Halal steaks always taste so yummy and basically everything on their menu is to die for! I can't rave about this place enough. Not a huge cheese cake fan but tried a bite of their mango cheese cake last night and it definitely was something worth ordering. Highly recommend this place to everyone!
(5)
Shelley A.

Food delivery was cold and chicken hard, like day old chicken, not fresh. Restaurant refused to refund me the order. There are a lot of Indian places in the city and this is by far the worst, should have listened to previous reviews. Eat somewhere else!
(1)
Fernando B.

We ordered this for lunch through Grubhub. Initially the delivery time was set at 1hr then changed to 1.5hr and finally came in after 2hrs. The delivery person refused to come to my 3rd floor apartment and I had to go down and pick it up. Needless to say I won't be using their delivery again. We ordered 2 plates of chicken tikka masala and nam, no surprise it was cold after a 2hr delivery so we reheated only to find out one of our plates had only 4 small pieces of chicken swimming in A LOT of sauce. Flavor was ok, not great not bad. Just very little chicken. Seriously doubt we will be eating here again.
(1)
Leah H.

Unfortunately, I have to give a negative update re: Grubhub delivery. Twice now they have forgotten to send raita and chutney, and if you're ordering naan to go with your delicious Indian food, that's a giant bummer. To their credit, they have sent the chutney when I called, but who can wait another half hour to eat naan? We love, LOVE the food here, but I think we're going to have to find another Indian restaurant for delivery.
(3)
Nidhi K.

The food was delicious, authentic and reminded me of home! Not too oily and I did not leave having that greasy feeling that I tend to at most indian restaurants in Chicago! Will go back!
(5)
Andy W.

I have never been a huge fan of Indian cuisine, but I am now. The food here was amazing. We started with the appetizer sampler and I loved it. My favorite part was the samosas - a must try, we did the beef samosas. The fries with the cilantro sauce were spectacular as well. For dinner, I had the assorted mixed grill platter. Best choice ever. It was so delicious and filling. It is a huge plate, I took half of it home (and just ate it for breakfast)! I really enjoyed the meal. The service was spectacular as well. They were considerate enough to explain the different foods and sauces to us, a nice touch for a cuisine I was unfamiliar with. They took good care of us. We did wait for a while past our reservation time for our table and the restaurant wad a bit on the hot side, but these are way minor things compared to the food and service. A great experience and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Amber S.

This place is great if you're not looking for authentic indo/pak food. The good: staff was friendly and overall ambience is nice. The not as good: The Frontier chicken had no taste---and had too much oil. We ordered the tandoori chicken masala thinking it was what a traditional tandoori chicken should be---something roasted in an oven aka tandoor. We got butter chicken instead---which was not very good. The naan was good! Overall I think you can get better and more cost-effective food in Devon.
(2)
Niyaz A.

Worst Service!! I went to this place. Service was horrible. I ordered 2 breads and a curry dish. They took forever to bring. It took more than a hour to bring one bread and the dish. we cancelled the other bread. They never bothered to ask us or update the status of the order. I would never go there again.
(1)
Naveen V.

We ordered bagara bhaigan, it has little more oil, but is good. Aloo paratha is good, garlic naan is okay. I heard meat is good here, I will come back for chicken.Not very expensive.
(4)
Rachel C.

Love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for the first time in February and have been twice since. Each time, the food and service were wonderful. The last time we went we got the mixed grill which comes with a side of tikka masala for dipping your garlic naan. So delicious! They also give you a salad, rice, and side sauces for free. The mango cheesecake changed my life. It will change yours too. The owners go above and beyond the norm of hospitality. I'm so excited that they have plans for expansion so more people can dine in and have the true experience. An absolute must try if you live or are in the area.
(5)
Rits M.

I came here to specifically try out the fusion food. While we only got one dish of that, i have to say the food was pretty spectacular. We had the chaat fries, the kebab, dal, the biryani and the penne tikka masala. With 6 people, the bill came below 20$ each with tip and tax and there was mass amounts of food left over. Each entree is enough food for 3 people, so keep that in mind when you place your order. For dessert we had the gulab jamun, which was exceptionally well made. I found the lassi a little thinner than I am used to, but the mango flavor was delicious. The place has undergone a revamp and it now looks like a cute date place, or lunch with the ladies place. Good service and attentive people, willing to accomodate requests within the menu.
(5)
Jason E.

I do not understand some of the bad reviews on this place, although the positive reviews far outweigh them. Tandoor is excellent and I am speaking of the food specifically. The dishes have very robust flavors coming at you from every angle. The first time I ate here I loved it and have been coming back frequently ever since. I've yet to have anything here I did not enjoy. I recommend the Chicken Boti, Tandoor Mix Grill Platter, Garlic Naan, Chaat Fries and any of their chutneys are fantastic compliments to any dish you order here.
(5)
Shawn N.

Came here on a whim. We ordered the mutter paneer tikka masala, chaat fries, garlic and chili naan, and kulfi. The food was very flavorful and perfect level of spice. The waitstaff was very helpful and attentive. Even though we were stuffed, we did order the pistachio kulfi and we were not disappointed. Overall a very positive experience and left with a very satisfied belly.
(5)
John H.

Mediocre, average, blah, ho-hum. Am I repeating myself? My entree was average, my app was gross. Vegetable pakora. More like, soggy tempura. I think you can find better Indian food in the area, probably for less $.
(3)
Andy P.

This place is awesome. The first time my wife and I went, we dined in. Waitstaff was nice, owner (who is very involved, and speaks with each patron) came to our table to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and the food was good. Overall great experience! It was funny, because we got the vegetarian samosas, which were amazing. Upon finishing, our waiter asked what we thought of the two sauces, which we didn't receive, so I asked, "what sauces?" He was overly apologetic and got us a new order of samosas, which were equally as amazing, this time with the sauces. If you've seen their samosas, you know that eating two will probably fill anyone up. But alas, they were awesome and the sauces were great. He also comped us a free dessert, which was completely unnecessary but much appreciated. They also have this crazy super spicy carrot relish stuff... not sure how to describe it other than unreal. I've never had anything like it and it's amazing. SUPER spicy, but very fresh tasting too. I wish I could just get a huge tub of that stuff. After looking at the menu, I think this stuff is called Achar. Usually we get takeout, which is just as good as dining in (something that can't be said of most restaurants). The Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala is ridiculous and very flavorful. Usually my wife and I will get an order of veggie samosas and split the paneer tikka misala and we're both sufficiently full and satisfied. Big portions and awesome food.
(5)
Chad S.

A great first experience! The space is cozy, accommodating and tastefully decorated. Their menu is expansive, but I stayed with an Indian staple, Tikka masala. It is excellent. Naan bread is fresh and cooked just right. This place is a gem for Indian food lovers who don't want to break the bank.
(5)
Uzair S.

Not authentic enough! This also comes off the menu when you look at them offering Lebanese dishes next to a Pakistani dish. Need to make up your mind and stick to it. Got take out from them and the chicken was dry and hard as a hockey puck. The gravy was definitely mass made and did not have the 'touch' to make us want to return.
(2)
Cat G.

Food was pretty good, but I'm not running off to recommend it to any friends just yet. I came in with a couple of friends last week for dinner - one of my friends is a vegetarian, so I figured Indian food would be the perfect compromise since it offers plenty of veggie options in addition to chicken and lamb dishes. I had the chicken tikka masala, and asked for medium spice (they give you a choice of mild, medium, or spicy). The spice level was about right, and the chicken was really tender and not dry. They served the basmati rice family-style, and as far as I can tell, refills on the rice were free... they brought us more after we finished and it didn't appear as an extra charge on our bill. The garlic naan was also delicious. Between the three of us, we ordered three entrees, had the basmati rice that came with it, and ordered one serving of naan, which I felt was about the right amount of food. I personally thought the prices were a bit steep at $15 for my chicken tikka masala - I'd actually really wanted to try one of the fusion options they had on the menu, but those were even more expensive. So, everything was solid - I just didn't think the food was rave-worthy. I'd probably check out some other Indian places in the area before coming back here.
(3)
Kaela W.

Terrible. Will never eat here again. Ordered delivery and arrived in 30 minutes. Happy it was quick but now I see why... I ordered Mutter Paneer and it was ok. But there was a noodle, obviously from someone elses order, swimming in my food. Strike one. I paid $2.00 for extra rice. No extra rice. Strike Two. Got Naan and it was burnt to a crisp. Strike three. You're done.... Very very disappointed. I will be letting my friends know not to dine here.
(1)
Stephanie R.

I signed up for Yelp solely to write this review. This past weekend, my partner and I were in the area and needed food. We had actually been here once before and remembered that the food was pretty good. It was late on a Saturday, about 10:15, so I checked online to make sure they were open. It states that they are open til 11:00. Perfect. We got in the door at 10:20, (walking past a neon "OPEN" sign). The restaurant was about half full. The host informed us that the dining room was closed. I was surprised, since I knew they were actually open til 11:00. So I said we came there because it says online that they are open til 11:00. He told me "well the kitchen staff gets annoyed if we seat people too late". Are you kidding me? I worked in the restaurant industry for 8 years. I know that the time you say you close is the time you SEAT until. And it's not like we were the only people there, as I mentioned before. Also, how extremely unprofessional to speak ill of your kitchen staff to a customer. And to act like there is nothing you can do. I told them they should change the time on their site and we left. We won't be back. Turn down my business once and you won't get it again,
(1)
Amna A.

Far too pricy and the flavors unfortunately lack authenticity. Was excited to try it out but wasn't impressed. I ordered the chicken tikka boneless skillet that just wasn't spicy enough. The chicken was soft and tender which was nice I'm not sure about the curry based pasta though - doesn't work too well for 'fusion' theme... Italian and Indian fusion doesn't work in my opinion ...and one of my friends ordered a shrimp curry dish that had only like 5 pieces of shrimps !!! I guess the curly masala fries and the achar are their only saving grace? Lower your prices and work on your spices
(2)
Linda L.

The staff here are so friendly! We started off with the curly fries (yum...free as a yelp deal!) and then were brought delicious salads (which came with our entrees). I had this beef dish in a sauce which turned out to be way to spicy for me. Am really wished that I got BBQ instead. I highly recommend the blueberry lassi. I don't have much of a sweet tooth and this was only a touch too sweet for me, which means that it would be perfect for most others. :) In all, I would give the food 3 stars, but I think it was because I ordered an entree that was way too spicy.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Excellent authentic Indian food!!! Chicken tikka masala with garlic naan is the best dish!!! Definitely get some samosas (the veggie ones) as an appetizer. You will get all different types of chutney and it all tastes incredible!! When you order the chicken tikka, they will ask how spicy you want it--there are 3 different levels. I did the spiciest and I do not have the highest tolerance when it comes to spicy foods. I was able to handle it, but I was sweating a little and I will for sure go with the medium level when I return. For a drink/dessert, have the mango lassi! Oh and most importantly, THIS PLACE IS BYOB!!!! No bottle limit! My boyfriend and I brought 2 bottles of wine and had an amazing meal!!!
(5)
Teresa K.

We LOVED it here. The food is a really refreshing blend of the traditional and new. The ambience was great and service was incredible! We got to talk to the owner, who was extremely friendly and went above and beyond to make our experience awesome. Definitely coming back here!
(5)
Umber A.

The food is average and seating space is small. Have eaten here a couple of times because it is close by. The last two times I had take-out I was extremely disappointed. The first time they had messed up my order and brought the wrong items. The second time, the food never arrived. I immediately contacted the restaurant in regards to this, they kept on telling me they would contact the driver and call me back, but never called back. I was told it would take 45 minutes. I ended up waiting a little more than 2 and half hours before deciding to just cancel the order. I tried to speak with the manager both times, however each time was told he was not available. The food is just okay and is not worth the bad service. With so many great indian/paksitani restaurants in the Chicago land area, I would not recommend this place and I know I wont be going back.
(1)
C M.

Very friendly owner, great service and excellent quality food! I love the wraps/rolls they prepare and their tandoori spiced fries are to die for! I don't really eat curries so often but when I am craving next and I am in the vicinity I will definitely check out other items on the menu!
(5)
Robert S.

This is my second visit in two weeks and I'm more impressed than my first visit. For starters we had the Chicken Spring Rolls and Paneer Pakora both of which were amazing and the Garlic Naan was some of the best I've ever had. I had the Lamb Saag as an entree and the meat was very tender and tasty (decent portion as well), my date being a consummate vegetarian ordered the Mutter Paneer Tikka Masala based on my and she was quite pleased. The Mango Lassi is a must especially if like spicy foods as it cool you down nicely. Do yourself a favor and try the Mango Cheesecake OMG.
(4)
Samantha R.

The main reason I'm giving four stars is because we ordered out and therefore weren't there for the whole experience. It also took awhile to get our food, however, it was still worth it. With that being said, we truly enjoyed our Tandoor Char House food. We ordered the Tandoor Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Kahari, Garlic and Regular Naan. The naan was huge and very good. Probably some of the better naan I've had in a while. The Tikka Masala was equally delicious and extremely flavorful. My only complaint with this dish was that there were such huge chunks of chicken that it made it seem like there wasn't enough meat and too much sauce. The Lamb was also delicious. I would recommend getting extra rice though, we had to make more at home. Overall, it was a great experience. There was a large amount of food so it lasted us for two meals. I would highly recommend this place! I'm looking forward to visiting in person.
(4)
Chris H.

Top notch curry at a reasonable price!!! The tandoori chicken tikka masala is AMAZING!!! And I actually like the fact that it's BYOB. Great Indian !!!
(5)
Joanna T.

This place has the best Indian/ Pakistani food I have ever had. Not one item I've had has been disappointing. I especially recommend the Mutter Paneer Tikka Massala. The restaurant itself is quite small, but the ambiance is nice. Service is decent. The food, however, speaks for itself and mAkes the experience a five star one. Constantly am coming back for more!
(5)
Jenn R.

I've ordered delivery from here a couple times, they are super fast! It's crazy. Never been inside the restaurant, so this review is purely for food and delivery reference. Their chicken makhani is really good. I don't recommend the veggie makhani though because it's super rich without the meat to add flavor. Samosas are OK, I've had better. But I like that this place includes little salads with the entrees. I think I've also had the vindaloo, I've had something else here that I really like, and the naan is solid too.
(4)
Jessica G.

Tandoor is some of the best Indian food in the city. It's a small place, very intimate - but small! So be SURE to make a reservation in advance if you want any chance of eating here on the weekend. I've been several times and always been very happy with the food, portions, service, etc. I'll be back again!
(5)
Imran S.

The skinny: Friendly owner and wait staff. Very small, but very clean. Good food, though the "tandoor" part of it (i.e. the Indian/Pakistani part) can stand to be a little more authentic and not just be gimmicky to unsuspecting white folks in Lincoln Park who're thinking they're being either cultural and/or a foodie by going to a fusion place. Oh, and this place is halal, too. Bonus! The fat: Came here with my family before it got busy. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and I was in such a good mood that I even invited my in-laws to join us. We (wife and I) had our three lil kiddos, my momz, and my nephew. Oh, and my in-laws, I guess. Here's the breakdown: - Chaat Fries: everyone told me to get this. It's basically spiced-up fries. Very simple to make at home (FYI: I started my sentence with that to make my mom happy), but very nice to go out and enjoy someone making it for you. So, yeah, get them, bro. - Lassi: These are yogurt-based drinks that are so refreshing. They're not as thick as a milkshake, but obviously thicker than blood. I mean, water. What's interesting about this joint is that they offer atypical lassi flavors (usually you get sweet, mango, or regular at most Indo-Pak restaurants) including strawberry and blueberry. We went with strawberry and thought it was pretty solid. Not mind-blowing, but a good switch on a classic, so go for it, sport. - Naan: Girl you no nan! (Who gets that?) Anyway, naans here are very good. Very soft. Get a bunch, dude. - Mixed biryani: So, guys, let me level with you. I really wanted to explore their steaks here, but figured that it wouldn't be my family's cup of tea, so I kept it "desi" (a way of saying coutrymen/women from India/Pakistan) and ordered this dish as per the recommendation of my friend, who usually is a sheikh (aka a don) when it comes to food ordering. Lemme tell you I was wholly disappointed. The rice grains felt cold and undercooked. My mom and in-laws (all phenom chefs) wanted to go back and yell at the chefs, but I calmed them down. The only good part of the biryani was the meat (beef, chicken, and shrimp -- thus the "mixed" part of it) as it was tasty and well-cooked (which gives me hope for their steaks). But, yeah, dude, you can't mess up the rice part of biryani. Do a better job ... or else I'll continue to wave my fists angrily in the air! - Chicken tikka pizza: This is a mother effin' homerun! They use Edwardo's pizza, which is just a few steps away from Tandoor Char House (TCH). And, on top of that, Edwardo's is apparently owned by the TCH folks, too, which means that family must have the best and most convenient meals ever! Anyway, I ordered the pizza to go and had it the next day. So it's saying a lot that the quality of this pizza was still good the next day. I was, however, upset that I didn't order two especially since everyone else at home DESTROYED the pizza. So, yeah, just a good quality pizza with some good quality chicken tikka meat. Sometimes with these places that combine the two, you usually don't get the pizza part done very well, but this place killed it. Kudos. - Butter chicken: Actually, I wanna say it was supposed to be chicken tikka masala or something, but I could be wrong. Nonetheless, a worthy item for you to feast upon. It's solid. - Achar. Can someone please help me in describing achar? It's like a condiment, I suppose, but really flavorful with strong spices that some may not be able to handle. But apparently it was the owner's great grandmother's recipe and you could tell that out of all the IndoPak things we had, this was perhaps the most authentic thing. It was great. - Chocolate chip cookies: Okay, so we didn't order this, but the owner gave us a fat stack of these cookies for the kids. He was very nice. We did end up telling our waiter that the biryani was cold and undercooked. He genuinely apologized but didn't do much after that. Typically someone will say,"I'm really sorry. I'll talk to the manager/owner." Or perhaps, "I'm really sorry. Would you like a fresh order?" But he didn't say anything. Maybe he's new at this game, but he just should not have apologized. He did, however, save himself when he gave me the bill (why didn't my in-laws pay, btw?) by taking 25% off the cost of the biryani. I'll take 25% off of anything. So thanks for at least doing something about it at some level outside of an apology. Def will come back and will hit up their steaks. Stay tuned. Also, who read all this? I feel like the only person that will is my mom and wife and that's because I'll beg them to. Cheers.
(4)
Junaid K.

Best Indian restaurant in Chicago (and I grew up with an Indian mom chef) - Generous portions with high quality ingredients. - Creative Indian fusion recipes - Delicious desert, the best cheesecake iv had in my life. - Genuinely friendly and great owners and staff. Made me and whoever I come with always feel welcome. Favorite dishes: The mixed briyani - it's HUGE quantity Vegetable samosa Any lamb curry dish Palak paneer! Chicken tikka masala! Naan platter ...and the rest of the menu. I'm happier man when I'm here.
(5)
Justin E.

Samosas* ~Best Samosa's I've had! Chane Masala Tandoori Chicken Boti Lamb biryani** ~Favorite dish! Assorted Basket of Na'an Mango Lassi Easily fed 3 of us and could have probably fed 5 (we'll gladly be eating left overs for at least 2 more meals). Our total came out to only $63 which surprised all of us (pleasantly). So good! Definitely will be returning. We showed up at 7:30pm on a Sunday and this place was full. We didn't have a reservation but they were able to seat us pretty quickly and the owner/his son greeted us personally. The "Char" is basically a giardiniera but it's the owners grandmother's recipe and it's amazing. If you ask your server they will give you any of the Chutney or Char that you want with the wrapped leftovers. I highly recommend this place as it is the best Indian food I've had in Chicago so far. This place looks a little more upscale than we were expecting and the food definitely is as nice as the atmosphere but the prices are surprisingly affordable.
(4)
K-m S.

Tandoor used to be one of my favorite places for Indian food in the area. Their sauces are excellent and the meat is always tender. I don't think I'll order delivery from this restaurant anymore though. After I got their call to come down to my apartment's entryway, my food was just sitting on the floor in a bag. Knowing it was mine, I picked it up and started walking back upstairs (I had already tipped when I placed the order online). Then a man who I hadn't seen in the entryway came back inside and yelled at me to sign a receipt. I realized it was the delivery person. He was just really rude about it, like I did something wrong. 5 stars for the food, but I had to knock off 2 stars due to the service.
(3)
Aggie S.

Food is Pakistani and Indian at its best. It's a BYOB too! Waiters are very helpful and have never steered me wrong with their recommendations. The Char is fantastic, nice and spicy. Try the masala shrimp ceviche, tasty appetizer.
(5)
Mee K.

Tandori Chicken Tandori Chicken Tandori Chicken!!!!!
(5)
Marisol M.

My hubby & I enjoyed the delicious cuisine & the samosas are the best I've ever had. The waiter was very professional and helpful. It's a perfect place for date night. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Eduardo S.

Wow. Excellent Indian food. Great prices. Incredibly attentive service. This place is super small though. Either make a reservation or come on an off night. The mixed grill platter is amazing and massive. The veggie samosas are excellent.
(5)
Anita M.

I have a lot of reasons for liking Tandoor Char House. The service and food are always on point, if not sometimes a little slow to serve since everything is cooked to order. But they also have a couple unique features that make it stand out from your standard Indian restaurant. 1. They have both Indian and Pakistani cuisine, so you can have vegetarian/chicken dishes as well as great beef and lamb options. I particularly love the beef samosas, which are hard to find anywhere outside of my mom's kitchen. 2. They have an interesting fusion menu which blends Indian flavors with traditional Western dishes. My husband loves the Penne Tikka Masala, which is basically butter chicken w/ pasta. The Tandoori chicken tikka pizza is also pretty delicious. 3. The chaat fries All in all, you can't go wrong if you want some good Indian food and you don't feel like trekking all the way to Devon St.
(5)
Nadia A.

Wow, I am truly impressed with Tandoor Char House. I am changing my original review from three stars to five. Today I received a message from their manager letting me know that one of their drivers had car troubles yesterday and apologizing for the long delivery wait. He also called grub hub and gave me a discount on my order from yesterday. I am so, so impressed with this. The manager was gracious and apologetic and it really shows that they value their customers very much. He has assured me that they're hiring more drivers, and their food really is delicious so I will definitely be giving them another chance in the future!
(5)
Camille C.

I almost never take the time to review a delivery joint but I feel like sharing! This is by far my favorite delivery place in Lakeview! My go-to's are the Beef Nehari, my gawd, very flavorful and spicy, the portion is big enough for hubby and I and we always have leftovers, which we'll eat the next day with the garlic naan. The chicken pakora, vegetable samosas are chaat fries are good alternative if you are looking for more carb-ey options! And you must get the Pistachio and almond homemade ice cream! It's unlike anything else I've ever had. Not quite gelato, not as heavy as regular ice cream. Just get it!
(4)
Shradha A.

The place had stayed in my memory for good paneer but they've changed the menu, and possibly ownership, recently. The service was nice & the chef came by to check in too. The food was just okay - paneer, naan. Eggplant was undercooked and a combination of braised-baked, which didn't work at all. The chaat fries are still fun but may be a while before I next return for just that one reason.
(3)
Wafa Z.

Best Indian Resteraunt there is, hands down!!! Service is great and food is AMAZING! I drive down to this resteraunt from Indianapolis at least twice year. It is worth it!! The owners do a great job taking care of their customers and will do everything they can to make experience as pleasant as possible. Will continue to come to this place!
(5)
Darren B.

Meh. Probably wouldn't go back. Pedestrian food, pedestrian service, above-average pricing, especially for lunch.
(3)
Bri D.

The chicken tikka masala is unreal here. She meat is so tender and good. Must try!! Have been here a couple times and the only downside is the incredibly strong candles in the bathroom that smell like something from a truck stop. Wait staff is nice, not super knowledgeable on the menu but who cares... The food is that good that I'll overlook the gas station bathroom candles. Must eat here.. Or take out.
(5)
A Z.

I felt compelled to write a review because I just can't believe this place has gotten more than 2 or 3 stars. We ordered takeout today and the food was mediocre at best. The Mixed Vegetables dish was terrible, it looked and tasted like canned vegetables dumped into a preservative-infused tomato sauce. The vegetables were soft and bland, think Indian Night at a retirement home. They were sadly out of Chana Masala and so they recommended their eggplant dish. I expected something well cooked, creamy, perhaps spicy and smoky, so was excited to try it. Well the eggplant chunks were oversized (think two or three bites worth per chunk) very undercooked, under seasoned, and tossed in a variation of the same tomato sauce but thickened. Some eggplant chunks still held their unripe firmness. Disappointing. The vegetable somosas were HUGE. They did have a nice amount of crunchy on the outside and spicy on the inside but the filling was just a gigantic slab of overly purÃ©ed mashed potatoes. I was expecting some chunks of potatoes, peas and onions, so thought these were a huge disappointment as well. The best part of the meal was the amazing assorted naan and sauces/dips that came on the side. If you're craving great naan, then this is the place for you. If you're craving the authentic, aromatic spice of well-prepared, thoughtful Indian food, spare yourself the money and order from somewhere else.
(2)
Nathan M.

I've been to Tandoor three times now, and it has not yet failed to disappoint. First, make sure you have a reservation. Or plan on going around 17;00, otherwise you're likely not to get a seat. As for the food, I highly suggest getting one of the sample platters as you get to try several types of meat with a variety of sauces. Get the veggie samosas. Definitely go for either mango lassi or cheesecake. Both are stellar. Service is decent, but the food and portions are very generous and the prices are very very fair. Slightly on the romantic side and cozy, but definitely appropriate for casual dining. Highly recommend!
(5)
Mandy P.

My friend and I were recommended this place and it exceeded our expectations. We ordered basically a little of everything and it was all phenomenal. Note that light spice is pretty spicy. Also save room for the pistachio ice cream! Small space so make sure to make a reservation!
(5)
Jason A.

The food was great and large portions! Upper level was very crammed with tables and people. I had people bumping into me trying to get around tables and was very loud with the amount of people in one area upstairs.
(3)
Martin P.

I had a poor experience here. The samosa we were served were seriously oily and inedible. Even the waiter remarked 'greasy enough for ya'? The restaurant it self is super small and felt a little too cosy for me. The steak is also the same. If you have to eat here, stick with the butter chicken / nan, or biryani. There are much nicer indian resturants in chicago for less money.
(3)
Geeta S.

Tandoor may serve Indian food, but it sure doesn't have any sense of Indian hospitality and customer service. The food at tandoor char house is good but it is no Gaylord's (100 W. Walton) or Viceroy of India (located on Devon avenue), or my all time favorite Indian restaurant Shikara (Downer's Grove, Il). Regardless of the food, the service is terrible, the restaurant itself seems a bit unclean and the kitchen seems to make a lot of mistakes. I've been to the restaurant and received the wrong order several times, which can be annoying if you are really ready to eat. Do not even think of ordering delivery from tandoor. Once I ordered and waited about three hours for food and was told they are having a busy day and I let it go. The second time I ordered my food it was delivered in an hour as promised but it was someone else's order. The driver then picked up that order to deliver it to the proper owner (makes me wonder what could be happening to my food before it reaches me), and I had to wait two hours for my actual order. The third time I ordered from tandoor the driver didn't show up for three hours and the manager at tandoor kept telling me it was on it's way. Finally they figured out the food was sent to the wrong place once again. Tandoor is a great choice if you are in no rush to get your meal, and have three or more hours to kill.
(1)
Joseph K.

Tandoor has delicious food served in massive portions. The atmosphere is laid back and encourages you to sit back and enjoy your meal. The staff is friendly and are willing to accommodate large parties without a fuss. This is definitely one of my favorite Pakistani spots in the city.
(5)
Shahab S.

overall a terrible experience. the food was horrible, our food took about an hour and 15 to come out, the first waiter must have left midshift because there was another server (who was awesome and the only reason that this place gets 2 stars). since when is tandoori chicken = chicken makhani? because that's what it is over here. the garlic naan is stale and uninspired and the chaat fries were basically just curly fries with seasoning on them. i've had better at five guys. the people who have given this place great reviews clearly do not each indian food on a regular basis. if you want authentic quality, save the money and go to devon. you're options are much better there, for much cheaper. i would never go here again.
(2)
Pavel Z.

The authenticity of the cuisine is unbelievable. Outstanding atmosphere and hospitality. Service was quick and the food was cooked to perfection. Sparks of flavor and spices used just right!!
(5)
Mustafa H.

Amazing food and ambiance. We got the tandoori lamb and the penne chicken pasta. Both were delicious. The owner personally came over to talk to us about our experience so that added a nice touch. Overall I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Pat S.

The food is top-notch and receives 5 stars. In this case, I had to knock down my review since it was the owner who left a bad impression. Unfortunately, my second time at Tandoor Char House really soured my feelings towards this place and I probably won't return. I was on a date and we were having a great time. Food was great. Our server was pretty good (he kept calling my date "bro" which was really unprofessional, but whatever), and the atmosphere was intimate. We each had a sip or two of wine left when the OWNER came up to our table and asked when we were leaving because he needed the table. Excuse me?! He did the same thing to the table next to us. We totally understood that he had customers waiting for a table and we would have left with no hard feelings if he would have gone about it in a more tactful way, e.g. "Hey guys! I'm really sorry but we're packed tonight! Can I offer you a free appetizer the next time you come in?" My date and I would have refused the free app and been on our way - we both work in customer service roles so we understand. We actually had just been discussing how much we liked this place when the mood was ruined by us being shooed out the door. The owner's behavior was terribly unprofessional which is unfortunate because I really enjoy the food!
(2)
Brian M.

Another long overdue review My favorite Indian restaurant in town. Their sauces have never let me down.
(5)
Leah S.

Super delicious! I had the lamb tikka masala and sauce was to die for. I literally was eating it like soup. The lamb could have been a bit more tender but it didn't even matter because the sauce was the best I've had. My boyfriend beef nihari which was equally as good. It was not as spicy as I thought it would be but the ginger rounded it out nicely. (Mine was still better) Of course the chutneys, rice and naan was on point. But the grand finale was the mango cheesecake. O.M.G.
(4)
S M.

This place can be really good or really bad -- both food and delivery -- and it's completely unpredictable. Most recently I ordered for delivery. The meat dish arrived horribly undercooked. It was gross and I was afraid of getting sick. I called and spoke with the manager. Since it was late and my friend had already eaten her chicken dish, I didn't want him to send out another dish, so he offered to refund it. He never did. I called back and the person promised they'd take care of it. Nope. I called again and received no response. If you can't provide consistent food, that's one thing. But don't lie to me and tell me you're going to take care of it and not actually do anything. Lousy business practice.
(1)
Ali D.

Delicious Indian option in Lincoln Park ... a must savor. The owners (brothers) were super hospitable and took great care of us. Look fwd to going back.
(4)
Justine M.

My favorite indian restaurant in Chicago thus far. The Chicken Tikka Masala was perfectly flavored, enough taste of the yogurt and tomato. The assorted naan basket was plentiful and delicious. There was a dish my friend and I saw someone else order and it smelled amazing. It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it for good indian food. Rice comes with the dishes
(4)
Michael D.

The Bad Place was warm. Walked in and they asked if we had reservation and there was one seat that was open, waited for 10mins and they gave us the open table. 1st order beef samosa was very salty. The good Complimentary side salad The chicken tikka masala was excellent, jalapeno naan was good. The owner of the place was very friendly and kind to all his customers. If you like Chicken tikka masala this is the place to go. It was rich and creamy. The portions are of good amount good for two people. I will definitely come back for the masala. Enjoy it and give this place a chance.
(3)
Lindsey M.

Tandoor is a small, family owned Indian restaurant with amazing dishes. I love the tikka masala dish and BYOB. Can't ask for much more than that!
(5)
Drew L.

Delicious. Delicious. Delicious. Got the lamb masala and the beef nahri. Both were very good. Mango cheesecake stole the shown though.
(5)
Dipin S.

Food is not bad, although very slow service cost them a star. Good ambience, music is a tad louder than one would like it to be at a restaurant. We spent about 35 minutes waiting for my appetizers only to realize they'd forgotten to key in her order. Waited another 35 minutes for her order to come through (will give it to them for consistency! ). If service were faster, i would definitely make a stronger recommendation.
(3)
Linda V.

We were visiting Chicago for the Blues Fest. My husband being from England is always searching for great Indian food. This restaurant was amazing. Service impeccable. Food was authentic and delicious. Chicken Tika Masala, Garlic Naan Bread, And you must try the Cheese cake. I am getting hungry just thinking about our great dinner. I wish we lived closer, would be one of our top choices.
(5)
James C.

The murg malai is delicious and I love the achar. It reminds me of kimchee, which was a very fun surprise in an Indian-Pakistani restaurant. Service, atmosphere, and naan were excellent too.
(4)
Jatin G.

I loved the boneless lamb biryani. The mango shake wasn't nice, so don't go for that.
(4)
Krystle P.

Our favorite Indian place in the city hands down. Beef samosa and chicken tikka Marsala are my go to menu items. Delicious! Owner is so nice. Need to make a reservation on the weekends!
(5)
Evy V.

This place is amazing! The first time my boyfriiend and I went we ordered the chicken tiki masala and chilli Biryani and I couldn't get enough. I have gone a few times after that because I want to try everything on the menu. It has become one of my new favorite places in the city. Also BYOB
(5)
Kyle D.

The food was delicious! Definitely the best Indian that I've had in awhile. However, what kept this place from getting 5 stars in my book was that the service was questionable. My party and I must have been there for 2 hours. There were 6 of us, but that still is a long time. The restaurant is also small and the atmosphere is okay, nothing special. But the food is fantastic. Portions are a good size and everything came out hot and fresh. There are tons of different options that will surely please anyone who likes Indian food. Overall a good experience and if I was in the neighborhood I would definitely check it out. Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 8.5/10
(4)
Athar A.

What can I say... I have been here multiple times and menu continues to increase! To simply put: 5-star food with 7-star service!
(5)
Ally R.

I went in there open minded because I am new to the whole Indian type of food. I walked out in love with everything. Something seemed a little how to put this interesting. But all in all I will definitely go back for the pot stickers.
(5)
George J.

Finding good authentic Indian food is not very easy but this place nailed it! The service in this place is second to none from the owner to the servers everyone is super friendly and helpful. The chicken tikka Masala was phenomenal! The chicken tandoori was another great dish and don't forget to order the samosas (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian),WOW, the best I've ever had and I've had my share of them. Awesome place!
(5)
Mike S.

Typically good food and service however I recently had a bad experience. We have been many times and my girlfriend even requested Tandoor for her birthday. On this occasion, the water and ice all had a strong ash/smokey flavor. It was unpalatable to say the least. We waited to be seated for a solid 5 minutes despite the nearly empty dining room. The waiter forgot our naan order until the entrees were served. I'm hoping that this isn't indicative of the direction the restaurant is headed. Tandoor had my unquestioning patronage until now. Maybe it's time to explore all of my options for Indian.
(3)
Bella H.

When my husband and i first came here summer of 2013, we were very happy with the food and the service. We came here several times between then and now and the portions of the food seem like they get smaller and smaller every time.
(3)
Romy K.

A nice find while visiting Chicago - seemed like it is mostly visited by locals, which I liked. Note to first timers - Tandoor is BYOB. The same owner has a pizza place a few doors down, and you can pick up, or the waiter can run down for you, some beer or wine. But the wine selection is very limited. I ran a bit further down the street to a liquor store and bought a nice bottle of wine. We had the tandoori fish, which was moist and perfectly cooked. The palak paneer was also good. We did order spicy, which the waiter said would be 6-7 on a scale of 10. I would have preferred it to have been hotter - To me it was more like 5-6. Portion size is huge - each plate is easily enough for 4 - the 2 of us felt bad wasting so much food. We had a 9:00 reservation, but weren't seated until 9:30. For us it wasn't a big deal as we weren't starving or in a hurry. But it could be an issue for others. The hostess was super friendly and apologetic - it would have been nice to have been comped an app though. Our particular waiter was a bit slow, but no real complaint. Would I come back here the next time I'm in town - probably would try another Indian restaurant to see how it compared.
(4)
John B.

Tandoor is truly deserving of a 5 star rating. Samosas and chicken tikka masala all day! Portions are huge, naan is delicious and chutneys are a step above. The owner makes sure to visit all tables to socialize and tell stories about the food. Oh yea and BYOB.
(5)
Sarah G.

I ordered the tandoori chicken tikka masala and it was out of this world. All of the prices are beyond reasonable and you still get a lot of food. Those looking for spicy dishes might have to make a special request to the server, though, because I ordered my dish medium spicy and it was pretty mild (though still delicious so that was okay by me!). Our table ordered vegetarian dishes, lamb, beef fajitas, naan, samosas and pakoras, and everyone either liked or loved everything. No one was unhappy! I also think that the service was excellent. The manager (and maybe the owner, too?) gave our table extra attention, was very friendly, and all of our questions about the menu were answered. I would absolutely come back.
(5)
Patrick H.

This is theeee best Indian/Pakistani food I have ever had. With each bite I took, I became a better man. I became stronger, smarter, and healthier.. I felt true freedom from the busy and stressful world around us. This feeling of self confidence and pure happiness was made stronger by the service. I felt like Alexander The Great in his early 30's, when he had one of the largest empires in the world, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Himalayas. When I put that last piece of succulent Tikka Masala chicken in my mouth a tear formed and ran down my cheek. I was in disbelief. The feeling brought back memories of one of the greatest times of my life, watching Rugrats while eating fruit loops before I left for school. In all seriousness this place is amazing, and you need to try it! I'm going again tonight and maybe tomorrow night.
(5)
MG J.

Faraz and his team went above and beyond for my recent Tandoor experience! I had the chaat fries, which were spiced just right! I also had the vegetarian samosas, garlic naan and the Tandoori Chicken Boti. Oh my goodness - the Chicken Boti was done to ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! The chicken was perfectly succulent with just enough char and with just the right amount of flavor! I would definitely order this again during my next visit to Tandoor! My friend ordered the Tandoori Chicken Tikkah Masala and she said it was delicious! We then ended our dinner with Gulab Jamun. Wow!!! I can't believe how wonderful it was! Again, dessert was done just right! The service was 5 stars and so was all of the food! I will definitely be back with my family and of course friends! Thank you so much, Faraz! You have definitely made my dining experience for Indian food my number one place in Chicago now!!!
(5)
Michael E.

I'm not sure how this place has so many good reviews?!? The channa masala was way underspiced, bland and sweet. The waiter recommended a beef dish that my dining companions couldn't eat. The paneer tandoori was adequate. The rice that was served had peas in it that we're actually cold. Hm. The breads were good and the okra masala was our favorite, a strong B+. The wait staff were very attentive, perhaps too much so. We were asked maybe 10 times if we liked the food. I guess we should have been more honest, or maybe they could tell we weren't super-jazzed about it. But there's no need to ask so many times. Maybe this just isn't traditional Indian food? They has steak on the menu, and curly fries. Maybe I was expecting something different.
(2)
Shawn P.

While the staff is friendly, the food lacks flavor. I gave it a second try yesterday after craving Indian and came away very unimpressed. I felt even the nan fell flat...it was very dry. The tika masala tastes more like a butter chicken at other Indian restaurants, just not a lot of flavor. . .
(2)
Stephen S.

Last order took 1 hour and 40 minutes to arrive. When it did, everything was cold. The order I placed before this took and hour and a half to arrive. DO NOT order Tandoor Char House for delivery if you are hungry. You will be disappointed every time.
(1)
Randy R.

I love me some Indian food! Even though this place has been open just a short time, I think it's the best Indian that Lincoln Park has to offer. My close second, former first, Indian Grill is good. I think this place has it beat. The food is great! The service even better! What we had: App - beef samosa, sauce was great! Entrees- Chicken tikka marsala Chicken tikka Came with salad, served with rice, riata and a spicy side(big extra) Added- Naan
(5)
Jill R.

Just phenomenal. The best Indian food I have had in the city. You can just tell that they use great ingredients that are fresh and high quality. The owners take a tremendous amount of pride in the food. And it's BYOB - we had an awesome meal for $50. The only bad thing about this place is that it's small and the downstairs is not very pleasant. Keep up the good work guys!
(5)
Matt A.

From the moment I existed and entered my residence during my journey to Tandoor I was in lets say a "euphoric state of mind." I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the staff---the waiter would even often apologize for not being at our table every five minutes. The host would also come down to us every once in a while and double check to make sure we were always satisfied. The food was outstanding! We started off with the Chatt fries and they came with two different spices to dip the fries into. I never will a hash tag on Yelp again, but THIS place deserves a #WOAHHHHH! I also tried the Tanoori Chicken Tikkah Masala and that was quite incredible. It was very filling and had such great flavors. It went perfect with the rice and the chicken was cooked just to perfection. This place is also a BYOB so we brought in a six pack and just bantered during this entire adventure. This was a historically euphoric experience for myself. The music in the background during the meal was also great. This place would be PERFECT for a date. I won't forget my original experience here and I will definitely come back again!
(5)
Ashley H.

Food was so flavorful - apps included chicken springroll, beef samosa, and __. Springroll was great. The meal also came with a salad - nothing special, but you're not there for the salad. Would recommend: Mixed Vegetables in mild spice, Tandoori Chicken Boti, Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala (soooo good), and Keema Naan. The chef brought out a spicy side "slaw" that his is mother's recipe from Pakistan. Staff was friendly and professional. Lighting was a little too low for my preference. Make reservations! There are only about a dozen tables and waits can get long. Is BYOB!
(5)
Julia S.

The food looks pretty and the service is great, however the taste of the food was sort of blah. Not sure why it gets 4-5 star reviews.
(3)
Amit V.

Tandoor has the best Indian food in Chicago. It even beats the Indian and Pakistani restaurants on Devon Avenue. We tried chicken tikka, paneer kabobs and chicken biryani. Everything was amazing. The prices are good. Just one drawback...It is a BYOB place. But you can take your own wine and save some $.
(5)
Bina D.

I am always getting great Indian food from my moms so I don't eat Indian out much...but when i do, I am going to Tandoor. The first time I went was when literally the day before my daughter was born and we plan to keep bringing her there as she grow up. A lot of Indian restaurants do not pay attention to the decor so the modern/indian ambiance and fusion music is refreshing. BYOB. Most importantly, the food is great. They really pay attention to the details and it isn't the over-seasoned and oily Indian food you often find when you eat out. My fave is the Achar and the Paneer Tikka Masala with the Garlic Naan. You MUST finish off with the mango cheesecake. Need I say more?
(5)
Corie F.

I'll keep this short and sweet: Tandoor should teach a class on how a restaurant should be run. This place has amazing food and a friendly staff who go above and beyond to make you feel at home.
(5)
Super L.

This place was delicious. We had the butter chicken and OMG so much food and so amazing. The naan is fluffy and yummy. The atmosphere is decent for a cheap Indian joint. And the service was beyond amazing, Sean was our server and I even tried to steal him away to work with me at my restaurant. Sean... call us maybe? My boyfriend really enjoyed everything too, he is the ultimate test of an Indian place because he isn't a fan of the cuisine like I am. But he agreed with me on all points for Tandoor regarding food, atmosphere, and service. He had some Indian beer from the place next door (Tandoor is BYOB FYI) that is hard to find elsewhere and said it was one of the best beers he's ever had... coming from a beer snob too yall! Of course I myself cannot remember the name of it. I order delivery from here too and that is never a disappointment. 5 stars easy for Tandoor.
(5)
Amanda C.

This place is AWESOME. They give you more food than any human could ever eat, but that's OK, because leftovers are great. The prices are really reasonable for a non-Devon Indian restaurant, given the portion size and the fact that rice (and a nice, if unexciting, salad) are included. Service was super friendly and quick. It's comfortable and quiet inside. Some people seem to dislike the palak paneer, but I will tell you right now that they are definitely wrong. It didn't necessarily taste like every other palak paneer I've ever had - I don't need it to - and the spinach was actually in spinach form rather than a puree, so it had a great texture. Seriously. It's really good. I don't know what those people are talking about. For real, I never leave my neighborhood for dinner anymore because I am the laziest person, but Tandoor might actually motivate me to venture south of Montrose again. And that has to be a good thing, right?
(5)
Nicole G.

We came here for a last minute dinner on New Year's eve. The staff was super friendly, the ambiance was nice, much nicer than I expected. The space was small and cozy, perfect for dates. The food good, but not great. We ordered the sampler appetizer with samosas which were way too salty, the fries that were basically curly fries, and the fried paneer. We weren't expecting a dish full of fried foods but that's what we got. All of the main dishes come with a salad, and rice. The rice was good, but the salad was all watery. The main entrees were the redeeming quality of this place. The Paneer Tikka Masala was amazing, definitely one of the best I've ever had.
(3)
Jared D.

Came here last night for dinner and was really impressed. There's a good amount of Indian restaurants in Lincoln Park, and I thought the quality, value, and portions at Tandoor is the best. Here's what we had: Chaat Fries: I checked-in on Yelp, so got a free order of these, which was a good deal for the amount of fries you get. Can't complain about a free huge basket of curly fries. Vegetable Samosas: These were 2 of the largest samosas I've seen. They weren't overfried like some I've had in the past. The sauces that come with them are also good. Garlic Naan: Some of the best naan I've had. Right amount of garlic and the bread was hot and soft. Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala: This is a staple dish for every Indian restaurant, but I thought Tandoor's really stood out. It wasn't too creamy and the spice was just right. The chunks of chicken were huge and it wasn't as filling as some I've had at other places. The portion was also huge. Our total bill was around $25, so really cheap for the quality and amount of food we got. Did I mention it's BYO? I'll definitely return.
(4)
Dna C.

Extremely rude people manage this place. Clearly no idea how to treat customers. They had closed off the restaurant for a private party and offered us a table next to the restroom downstairs where I would have choked on soap smell even before the food arrived (oh coz btw the food takes more than 40 mins to arrive - eaten here once before). We refused the table. The server had no courtesy to say anything pleasant that would make us feel good about having chosen to come to Tandoor in the first place or apologize that they could not have the opportunity to serve a customer that actually chose to buy their food. He just said "maybe another day then?" Clearly he didn't even imagine that I would be thinking "maybe never again" Wow, the people who run businesses nowadays!
(1)
Mike H.

We went to dinner last night with a group of four. We arrived at around 9:30pm. The place was busy and it smelled wonderful. We waited a bit for a table but it was worth it. The owners also checked in with us a couple times as we waited to let us know about the wait and offered us water or to open our wine. Once seated, we enjoyed a very tasty meal. We had the appetizer platter with veggie samosas. I've had many a samosa in my life and these were the best I've had. Big, crispy but not dry at all!!! We were planning to order two entrees and a biryani to share family style. Unfortunately the biryani was gone for the night. But it was fine as the amount of food we had was more than enough. The lamb and the chicken tikki masala were rich and thick. The service was great! Everyone was friendly and informative. Food arrived in a timely manner. I'd go back again anytime. Their fusion menu looked interesting. I'll be ordering from that part next time for sure.
(4)
Coll M.

I gave 4 stars but 3.5 is probably more acurate. Probably the NICEST waitress and owner. Really make you want to support the business. Great atmostphere, small and cozy. BYOB. The waitress talked me out of going spicy and it was a great call on her part. The medium was still plenty spicy and thirst enducing. We were on the lower level which was fine, there was 1 small table and 1 larger table. Most people probably wouldn't like the lower level though because you feel like you're in a weird back room and the only human contact other than the waitress is the constant flow of ppl to the bathroom which is nearby. The food was good but not great. My boyfriend got the mixed grill and I got the lamb. Both were very overcooked and had a lot of charcoal taste. I also expected the meat to have more sauce on it to cover the rice with, overall it was pretty dry. I would definitely be willing to go back though to support the owner and the employees who possibly may be the best I've ever encountered in the city so far.
(4)
Kara G.

the food was delicious and one of the owner's specifically introduced his grandmother's (recipe) spicy vegetarian dish. we loved the brief special attention and the entrees!
(5)
Cam B.

Really happy with my food both times I've ordered delivery. A bit expensive. Get the Chicken Tikka Masala and some garlic nan. If you want it spicy, say so...it doesn't come spicy. Amazing.
(5)
Sean B.

We showed up for lunch with a promo for free Chaat Fries. My wife & me were a bit taken back by the prices being just a little higher than expected for lunch, they just had a dinner menu, but were really hungry, staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was clean with pleasant modern Indian music in the background. Since we were getting free fries we also ordered the Garlic Naan, the Beef Nehari, and Chicken Boti. The Naan rocked with fresh garlic that was almost sweet vs. biting, the main dishes arrived and we realized we definitely over-ordered, then we found out the Spicy Nehari came with unlimited rice.... needless to say we took home complete meals for both of us. It was definitely better than all the Indian-Pakistani places I've been in the city including Devon and the burbs. We'll be back and order delivery.
(5)
Raju L.

Have had a few meals from here. Had their Lamb Kadai for the first time. Absolutely amazing. Every piece of meat was so soft and flavorful. Plus the actual flavor of the gravy is completely different from the usual Indian restairants. Huge portions by the way and they do not go cheap on the amount of meat they give u. So lucky they are by my house!!!!!
(5)
Gia H.

I found this place on Grubhub. I order takeout delivery from this place periodically. The food is extremely delicious. It is my go-to Indian place. My only criticism would be with their delivery. Every time I have ordered delivery from this place my food has been COLD or lukewarm. I own a microwave so this isn't too much of a problem except for the cold fries which are sometimes soggy or rubbery. I'm not sure what the problem is. If the food is this good cold, I can only imagine what it is like hot.
(3)
Hiral P.

Ordered the lamb masala and chilli chicken biryani along with garlic nan. Wish there was a spoon with silver set makes it easier to eat fine grain rice. Over the service was good and the food was excellent.
(4)
A M.

A cozy blend of family meets white tablecloths, Tandoor is my favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago. The staff (and owners?) always very welcoming and the food is delicious! Perfect portions for sharing and when/if you over-order, the leftovers are a welcome treat the next day.
(4)
Charin K.

Yummmmmmmmm...... My favorite take out/delivery spot in the city! I've never dined in at Tandoor so please note that this is a take-out/delivery-experience only review. I have reservations to dine in there soon though and will update after said venture, which I am anxiously looking forward to :) Anyway, so I've never had a problem ordering from Tandoor (I've always gone through grubhub online), they always deliver both in a timely fashion and with very friendly service. And their food... oh man those are some simply lusciously delicious Indian dishes! In particular my husband and I love the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Karhai Signature Sensation. They always have great deals on Grubhub so we rarely have to pay for naan and most of their main dishes come with a great variety of sauces and sides (which are all incredibly tasty as well), so though it isn't cheap you get a LOT of bang for your buck, both in taste as well as quantity. All in all, it's a great way to treat yourself when craving Indian cuisine; in my opinion a night in chowing down on Tandoor take-out in my PJ's can even give a night out at a swanky restaurant a run for it's money!
(5)
C D.

A gem on Lincoln Park! The place has very good curry! The service and foods were excellent.
(4)
Melanie H.

dang this place is good! As a newbie in the Indian cuisine world, I was a little nervous to go here after skimming over the menu. But my worries were wasted because everything on everyone's tables looked GREAT! We ordered the tandoor chicken which is basically butter chicken (but all white meat - yay!!) and the paneer dish that has spinach and cheese which was also really good! we also had samosas to start, which you will notice everyone is ordering around you. I will definitely be back and probably do take out sometime soon. Portions are impressive so split dishes or expect leftovers!
(5)
Peter R.

I had a marvelous experience with Tandoor. I will be honest up front by saying that I have never been to India, however I have eaten at many Indian restaurants around the states, as well as a few in Asia, and this is the best I've had. I called on a Saturday evening to place an order for carryout. First, the gentleman that helped me was extremely friendly. I asked about using the Yelp coupon for free Chaat fries, however I did not realize the coupon was intended for in-house dining only. No worries, the man on the phone quickly assured me he would "take care of it" and include the fries for free, as they were simply "too good to miss." I agree. I arrived a little before they told me too (about 15 minutes after ordering) and the host offered me a seat away from the door (it was freezing outside!) and a glass of water, while sparking friendly conversation without being overbearing. I wanted a variety of food so ordered plenty with goal of having leftovers. I ordered the Chaat fries, beef samosas and Tandoori Chicken Tikkah Masala. Everything was absolutely incredible. The chicken was cooked to perfection, the beef samosas were the best I've ever had, and the Chaat fries give a new meaning to "seasoned french fries". I was also very appreciative of the fact that I was unsure of which sauces I wanted and they were willing to give me multiple containers of their various sauces for me to test out. Overall an extremely pleasant experience with a restaurant I will, without a doubt, be supporting in the future.
(5)
Restaurant Vigilant E.

I would LOVE to review the food from this place - sadly, after ordering $75.00 worth of food for delivery this past weekend, it never came. We ordered at 2:30 PM (not a busy time). At 3:20 PM, we were told the food was on it's way for delivery...at 4:15 PM it still hadn't arrived and no further word from the restaurant. I was absolutely livid! You don't want our business, you don't want our business - just tell us. I cancelled the order 2 hours after placing it. So annoying and disappointing.
(1)
Lara A.

This was my friend's and my first experience with Indian food except for the frozen Indian dinner entrÃ©es my friend usually buys on saturday nights. We were not sure what to get so we randomly ordered .... the portions were HUGE. We were not expecting that suprise!!! The server was nice and the food was phenomenal, or at least we thought it was. We are ametures we didn't even know what chutney was... :) I would go back there !!!
(4)
Benjamin J.

I ordered takeout from Tandoor and it was delivered within 45 minutes - pretty good for a Saturday night. The delivery driver even found his way up 5 flights of stairs to deliver my food, even though I didn't buzz him into the building! The Chicken Tikka Masala was average at best. The sauce is described as buttery, but truth be told it tasted like Tomato Soup. I opted for mild, which may have been my downfall, but it wasn't anywhere near mild. The chicken itself was quite tough, perhaps overcooked. The Naan bread was delicious. Really glad I ordered that to go with some of the tomato soup. I would probably give these guys another go but rather than order delivery I'd go in for a meal. Going spicy next time too because the sauces just don't carry themselves. My quest for a good curry in this town continues...
(3)
Deena K.

Probably the best Indian food in all of Chicago. Tastes just like its homemade and had the right amount of spice to it. We ordered as a group and they didn't mess up our order one bit. Portions are really generous so keep that in mind when ordering. I ordered the extra spicy boneless chicken biryani and lets just say it was spicy! I'm used to spicy foods but this was the top of all spiciness and it was amazing. The sauces that they give with the biryani are also really good and flavorful. I had some chaat fries which were also amazing and the other girls that ordered with me absolutely loved their chicken tandoor wraps. No one was disappointed in their choice and the price is reasonable, especially given how much food they put and how much flavor there is in each dish. I genuinely think this is the best desi/Indian/Pakistani food in all of Chicago land and I have yet to try everything on their menu. I cannot wait to go back just so I can order more. I'm looking for excuses to cater from there or be in the neighborhood to stop by.
(5)
Mariam K.

One of the best pakistani/indian food I've had in Chicago... and definitely the best customer service I've ever had at any restaurant. I went with a group of 12 people and so we ordered a good amount of items, so that we could try a little bit of everything. We started off with pakora (almost like fried vegetables with a lot of seasoning), vegetarian samosas (filled with potatoes and other vegetables), and chaat fries - ADDICTING...all were delicious and very flavorful. As for our main entrees we ordered the tandoori chicken tikkah masala- which was my favorite dish- for anyone who is trying pakistani/indian food for the first time must try this, tandoori chicken tikkah penne pasta - unique, good taste, spicy chicken tikkah - very tasty and was still sizzling when it reached our table, chicken biryani - the flavor to the rice was very good, garlic naan - soft and fresh, right out of the oven... at one point I felt like I was just eating the naan by itself for awhile because it was so good, and lastly the achar - best achar I've ever had, this is a must have and you can eat it with anything you order. As for the dessert, we ordered the mango cheesecake (which the waiter told us was made in house), which was a perfect end to our meal, it was surprisingly very light and fluffy for a cheesecake and so I didn't have any problems eating the whole thing! As for our waiter - beyond accommodating, helpful, friendly, and on top of everything constantly. He helped us choose the right items and explained just about everything on the menu, made sure we got everything right on time (because we were starving and needed food right away) - so the food was constantly coming, and he kept checking up on us to make sure everything was ok. Even though we kept bugging him for things and constantly asking for one thing or another (it gets kinda hectic with a group of people) he was still very patient with us and extremely friendly. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Cristine K.

Overpriced for average Indian food. We only had deliveries here so I cannot comment on their services onsite. However here are a few things that made this a 2-star review. 1. The staff that took the order was friendly (made this one to 2 stars) 2. We were told it would take 1 hour. But it turned up to be 1.5 hrs 3. Their signature dishes: tikka masala?! More like bland cream sauce. Beef Nehari?! Salty stew with 2 pieces of beef that was dry. $15 per entree which to me is crazy. 4. Upside, salad and side chutney. Decent mango lassi. It's unfortunate. I had real high hopes for this place since it's in our neighbourhood. So the search for good Indian continues.
(2)
Amanda W.

So this review is only for 1 dish I got delivery. I'd be willing to give them another chance but would not order their palak paneer again. Palak Paneer is one of my all time favorite Indian dishes and this one definitely disappointed me. Usually I have to stop myself from eating because I feel like I'm going to explode from eating too much Indian food. This time I stopped eating simply because I just didn't really like how it tasted. I wasn't even full (this is a 1st for Indian food with me). The texture was off - I think I would have preferred it blended a little more - the chunks of spinach were really big, which also made the curry more watery than usual, like larger chunks of spinach sitting in a sauce. I like a more even consistency. Also the paneer was just so-so. I'd give it a 2.5. I'll round down for now until I try them again.
(2)
Kaartheek G.

Ordered the Chicken Wrap with fries and beef samosa. The beef samosa was very oily, so much that the oil leaked through the bag and got onto my clothes. The fries were very overdone. Very crunchy and borderline burnt. The wrap, on the other hand, was good with naan and chicken. The curry powder gave it a good taste. The servers were very nice. I would avoid the fries and and fried appetizer. The rest seems to be okay.
(1)
Ryan H.

Experience has made me very doubtful when it comes to Indian food in Chicago. I'm not really sure why, but it is almost always sub-par. Tandoor, however, takes what should be a fool-proof cuisine and takes it to new depths. Case in point: I ordered Chana Masala (chickpeas and spinach) and when I got it home and removed the lid, the first scent I smelled was not the aroma of South Asian spices...it was the smell of canned chickpeas. That's right, the smell of canned beans was stronger than the smell of masala. I wouldn't have believed such a thing was possible. The palak paneer was nearly as bad. :( I'm not sure why so many people give this restaurant 4 and 5 stars. I urge those people to try some of the few, truly good South Asian restaurants in Chicago (Cumin comes to mind) and rethink their rating.
(1)
David B.

Quite tasty. Lots of variety and food tasted fresh. Overall used a little too much salt. Samosas, channa masala and mixed grill were favorites in our group. The biryani with chicken was also delicious. They give you tons of rice so don't worry about needing an extra order. One part of the meal that wasn't as impressive was the naan.
(4)
Daniel D.

This is by far the best Indian restaurant in Chicago. If you like authentic Indian cuisine, this is the place for you. If you've never had this type of food before, you're also in for a treat. Ambiance: Intimate, and homely. Great for a small group or date. Food: The chicken Tikka Masala is phenomenal. The sauce is so good you're left dipping all the naan you can find in it to get every last bit. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The Garlic Naan and Naan Variety basket are a great addition to any meal. It's fresh and piping hot when served, right out of the oven. Service: Ryan is an awesome waiter. He's hilarious, attentive, and knows the menu cold. He'll make you a great recommendation if you've never been or are looking to try something new. BYOB: Some BYOB places carry a negative connotation but Tandoor is the perfect place to bring a bottle of Riesling or a light beer to pair perfectly with the food. And... the prices are reasonable!
(5)
Mike O.

Let me begin by saying - their food is amazing. Some of the best Indian we've ever had (and you can actually get things spicy which is nice because most places serve the equivalent of wheat bread as spicy). I recommend the chicken tikka masala with some garlic naan. But why 3 stars then? If all you did was dine in I would give 5 stars with no hesitation. The problem comes when you order delivery. I've never had it arrive in less than an hour, and it's arrived cold twice. One time they didn't even send rice! We had to bust out the rice maker. I'd take people here when they visit chicago (along with burger and the butcher and franks and dawgs) as a keystone. So in conclusion, great food, terrible delivery. Dine in (the owner is very nice and the service there is very good) or pick up yourself but if you're getting delivery call very very early and have your microwave ready.
(3)
Emily O.

I should first note that this review is for a delivery experience, so perhaps if you go to the restaurant you will have a phenomenal time and the food will be amazing and life changing. It probably won't though. My friend and I ordered here after realizing that Standard Indian was closed. We waited about 10 minutes over the expected 1 hour estimation, which seems like a long time for a Monday, but who knows. Between us, we got the Palek Paneer, Chana Masala, Garlic Naan and two vegetarian samosas. Being vegan, I can only vouch for the Chana Masala, since it was the only vegan thing that we ordered, and honestly...it was kinda meh. When we opened it, there entire dish was coated in a red oil. The lid was coated, the food was coated, everything was coated. I didn't expect it to be particularly healthy, but there is definitely something off putting about eating that much oil. It also wasn't particularly flavorful, and didn't taste like it had much seasoning. It was just chickpeas in flavorless sauce with red oil. My friend really enjoyed the samosas, but wasn't wowed by the cold naan or the paneer. She also remarked that it seemed like they had mixed tomato sauce in with the palak paneer. Overall, we weren't thrilled with the price or the food. I think next time that Standard's closed, we'll just suffer through without any indian food.
(2)
Edward H.

The best Indian that there is in Lincoln park or in this general area. The customer service is amazing and they always make sure they make your experience top notch. They've forgotten my masala sauce for a delivery before and they gave me a discount and delivered it. Make sure you get something w the masala sauce, it's delicious. The samosas are also very delicious and good sized. Make a reservation on the weekend, it's packed and only takes reservations for the weekends.
(5)
Alison T.

Have been here several times since my first review and still amazing every time! Great and helpful service, delicious food, and of course can't beat BYOB!
(5)
Abby S.

I love this place. The food that I've had delivered from tandoor is by far my favorite meal in the city. To have such a great meal and it was delivered on top of that, well that is just a rarity. The people that work there are so friendly, and just always so wonderful. I feel like I should send them a thank you card that's how good the service is! You don't find places like this often that taste great and treat you so well! The mutter paneer extra paneer all the way!
(5)
britt r.

Tandoor is absolutely amazing!!!! I am more blown away every time. I ate in for my first experience and was shocked at how amazing it was. I had never had Indian food and did not know what to expect. Fahim was our server he was awesome very attentive and friendly. The meat fell off the bones and the garlic nann to die for. The next time we ordered delivery the food came quickly and was warm which is important to me. I had special requests which the employee over the phone kindly helped me with. Besides that I wast even sure of what I wanted to eat and the man literally listened to what type of meal mood i was in and helped me pick. It is a very classy and beautiful place that is perfect for a date or to grab after work when youre starving. If you haven't tried this place i obviously recommend it. I have now eaten from many Indian places and tandoor is always my very first choice!!!!
(5)
Lisa A.

I've only found this kind of excellent Indian food in SF. Everything was amazing. We went to celebrate a friend's birthday and it was a large group. The service was outstanding. I had the Palak Paneer which I highly recommend. The Naan is perfectly made. We had a large appetizer platter with somosas, and fries! Overall I'd go here again with more friends. Best of all its a byob.
(5)
Mika H.

The atmosphere was great and the food was yummy! I love spice and they delivered on the spice and flavor. Very small place so I suggest making reservations.
(4)
Husain K.

Recently ordered take out from Tandoor. We ordered, Beef nihari, karahi chicken, and chicken makhni, and tandoori pizza. The beef nihari was very well made. The beef was stringy and had no fat! Karahi chicken tasted very authentic and was excellent with the naan. Chicken makhni was also solid but needed to be a bit more spicy. The pizza was the only thing we weren't impressed with. If your looking for some good nihari and don't want to drive all the way out to Devon then this is a great option. A bit pricier then Devon if you are comparing prices.
(4)
Ben K.

A great spot and a big step up from Raj Darbar, everything we had at Tandoor was more delicious and less greasy than the food at it's Halsted neighbor. We started with the samosas which were fluffy crisp fried perfection outside a delightful savory blend of potatoes and peas, served with nice complement of sauces (the spicy cilantro one is fantastic). Then we shared the garlic naan, chicken tikka masala, and lamb karhai. The Naan is light but loaded with garlic, and is fantastic for sopping up all of the tasty sauce that comes with your entrees. The tikka masala was really nice, although if I had to knock it, it felt like there was just a touch too much butter/cream in there. Nevertheless, we left the bowl completely empty. The lamb karhai was great too, in a fantastic darker sauce that had a bunch of really interesting flavor and some nice heat as well. As is typical with indian lamb dishes though, the meat was on the bone (falling off the bone, really), which makes for the experience of picking out a handful of bone pieces while eating your dish. Overall this was an excellent meal, and at $32 for our feast for two (and the option to BYOB), I am very excited to come back.
(4)
Eve D.

Just had a delivery from Tandoor and we are in love!!! The best Indian food in LP. Delivery was very fast. We placed an order around 3pm, and Grub Hub said it will be delivered around 4:20, but they delivered right before 4. I like that a lot. What we had: Chicken Tikka Masala - soooooooo good. Palak Panner - Amazing!! Both came with salads, and bunch of little sauces and sides, that I don't even know what to do with them. Also Grub Hub had a free coupon for Free Gaarlic Naan. The bread was fresh and soft, and full of flavor.
(5)
Cecelia G.

I used to not like Indian food (after trying maybe 2 other places) but I agreed to go along with one of my girlfriends to Tandoor. She loves Indian food so I figured she could help me make better food choices. We ordered the Chicken tikka masala and the palak paneer along with veggie samoas and garlic naan. I now like Indian food (well, Tandoor's anyways). Their tikka masala sauce is very buttery which may be why i like it so much. The palak paneer was ok. We go back at least once a month - the staff is great and very attentive. We ordered the same thing now everytime we go after the first few trips where we experimented with some of the dishes. Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka Masala, Veggie Samoas and Garlic Naan. Yum! Oh, and try the mango cheesecake!
(5)
Elli T.

I wish I could give this place 6 stars. I've been here twice, and both times were absolutely fantastic experiences. Where to start...the food is delicious. I love Indian food, and this is right up there with the best I've had. I've gotten the chicken biriyani and the chana masala at Tandoor, but I've also heard great things about the tandoor chicken, tandoor shrimp and tandoor lamb. So delicious and huge portions. I also recommend the beef & veggie samosas and their assorted naan for appetizers. The second time I went with a group of 10, and they brought out a salad in between courses to cool our palates, which was a nice touch. It's also BYOB, which of course makes everything better. :) The hands-down best part about Tandoor, however, is the service. Absolutely unmatched in the city. The second time I went, we had a group of 10. They accommodated us and never made us feel like a burden (even though we probably overstayed our welcome). The owners could not be nicer and more passionate about customer service, and the servers I've had have been incredibly genuine and friendly. The atmosphere is nice as well. Plenty of seating while still feeling intimate. Just go here. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the city, if not my absolute favorite. YAY TANDOOR CHAR HOUSE!
(5)
Robert C.

My wife and I took some friends to dinner on Saturday night and, without opening the menu, asked Faraz (the owner) to make us dinner. His words were "as if you came to my house." We brought our own wine and Sean (our server) served an incredible meal. Salad, samosas, chicken, lamb, spinach and cheese and fresh naan. We thought we we done, until Faraz recommended dessert. The Indian doughnuts and the delicious mango cheesecake. It is a MUST HAVE. Our friends are now Tandoor Char House converts. I can't wait to go back and see how Faraz can top this meal.
(5)
Juliett U.

This restaurant is one of the great places to eat in Chicago, and hands down the best Indian food in the city. The two brothers that own the joint are incredibly accommodating and use recipes from their own family. The food is consistently awesome. I would give five stars, but my only complaint is the music there is always blaring. We have had to ask for them to turn it down a little before. Other than that detail, everything is perfect.
(4)
David C.

It's highly rated because its amazing. Great service. Family run. Mango cheesecake. Get it.
(5)
Nicole R.

Delicious food.
(5)
Robert F.

This is one of my go-to restaurants in Lincoln Park. The reason I do not give 5-stars is because I think they could use to have a larger space and faster service. They are really busy, all the time - which is great for the owners and I am thrilled for them! Just takes a long time sometimes for take out and even longer for delivery. Just make sure you manage your expectations when placing to-go or delivery orders. Also, make sure to make a reservation. Last year you could easily walk into Tandoor however they have been discovered and it is often very crowded. Everything I have had is excellent and not greasy/oily like some Indian. It is a bit more expensive than most Indian restaurants in the area, but the quality is far superior and worth it.
(4)
Matt C.

At one point in the meal the owner came by our table, throws on an Italian accent and loudly exclaims: "Hey youz two guyz, youz want any more a dis gaahrlic naan!?". We all broke out laughing (including the owner). Awesome service, hilarious owner. The food at Tandoor is the best Indian I've had in Chicago, the owner told us that most of the dishes are handed-down family recipes, the others are experiments by the kitchen staff. Right on. One bite of the flaky, perfectly cooked Samosa (a lot of places get this one wrong and either under-cook or fry the hell out of it) and you'll be sold on the place. The spicy carrot achar will blow your mind. The owner told us it's an old family recipe and after we told him how much we liked it, he gave us some for free to take home. We had a beef dish and eggplant, both were "starred" on the menu, both were mindbogglingly good. Even the basmati rice that the owner kept bringing bowl after bowl because "hey guys, it's free" was notably awesome. Also it's BYOB, though they have a beer list with some really good Indian beers. Easy 5 stars.
(5)
Remy T.

This is the best Indian delivery that I have found in Chicago. My first experience was excellent. My second delivery had some issues, but the restaurant owner was incredibly apologetic and did everything possible to correct the situation. My third experience was on par with my first experience, and was redeeming. The team at Tandoor Char House clearly cares about their customers. This and the quality of their food will make me a repeat customer. I would recommend delivery to anyone, and I look forward to an eventual dine-in experience in the future. I have had the Lamb Karhai, Chicken Tikka Masala, Veg Samosa, Garlic Naan and Gulab Jamun. I would reorder each of these dishes.
(4)
Jason K.

Best Indian food in the city! I've been a frequent customer here since they opened and its excellent. Beef nehari is a very authentic Pakistani dish that is made very very well! Also the frontier chicken wrap is awesome for lunch or a quick bite!
(5)
Megan S.

Hands down the greatest Indian place I've ever eaten at. My mom has started to question the amount of money I spent at Tandoor. Definitely 5 stars
(5)
Elizabeth T.

The employees are so friendly here! And their food is amazing!
(5)
Imran K.

Food is really delicious, in fact the restaurant is Zabiha / Halaal and they have steak! Faraz offered great service. Will be coming back.
(5)
D O.

I was misled by the 4.5 start average rating into expecting a lot more, but it's not a bad place to check out for a weeknight dinner. They had really tasty samosas and sizzling chicken; it went really well with the grilled onions and peppers they serve it with. The food is decent. I tried 3 types of naan and they were all nice but tasted pretty much the same. It was hard to tell the garlic one from the cheese one form the plain one. I also got a sizzling mix platter. The beef and shrimp were pretty good, but I'd go for just chicken next time.
(3)
Amanda C.

I REALLY liked Tandoor. First of all, our server Ryan was great. He said he'd been there about a month but was so knowledgeable you'd never know. We had a group of 3 people, but the third was 45 minutes late and we were taking up a 4 person table when they had a wait. Really appreciated how they didn't mind. Food was great- I had the shrimp tikka masala which was something I'd never had before (not a big Indian food eater) but really enjoyed, and we split some samosas which are a pretty safe choice. Bonus is that it's BYOB, and I love the variety of fennel seeds when you leave.
(5)
Kimberley J.

Indian food isn't my most favorite, I probably eat Indian once every few months. However from my last visit I will make sure I eat here every time I eat Indian. This place is very nice, interior decor was cute and charming. Service was excellent. and best of all the food was just delicious!!
(5)
John V.

Got the Chicken Tiki Marsala for 2 reasons - it's my favorite Indian dish, and all the reviews said it was great. Turns out it was just OK, and not nearly as good as a place in tiny Oxford, OH. And it was $20 for the meal with garlic man. Not worth it.
(3)
Tab S.

A nice and classy atmosphere, good selection of dishes, and friendly staff. However, some of the food we ordered was a little bleak in comparison to its more authentic counterparts. If that is what you're looking for - this place will do just fine, and for that reason it appeals to a wider audience. However, if you're looking for some seriously spicy/genuine stuff - you probably won't get it here. The seating is a little tight for large groups, but ideal for a party of 2-4. Having said that, I would go back for more if I'm in the area and in the mood!
(4)
Jones' D.

We had a fantastic experience here. The food was great. We started with samosas, which were light and crispy. Even better were the chutneys that came with it. I had the chicken tikka masala and an order of naan. Both were some of the best I've ever had. The portions were generous enough that I had enough for lunch the next day. It was just as good on day 2. The only thing I wish is that it was a little spicier The service was also excellent. It was attentive, but not overbearing. I will chalk part of that up to the fact that it is still relatively new, so was not very busy when we visited. I also enjoyed the ambience (music and decor), which I thought was a step up from many "authentic" indian restaurants. I will certainly be returning, as I had my eye on the tikka masala pizza (whaaat?) and the wraps on the menu. It is definitely worth a try!
(5)
Jay R.

I have been a lover of Indian food since my sister introduced me to it when I was just 14. Since then I have dined at to many Indian restaurants to count and after hundreds of samosas, popadums and dishes of chicken tiki masala I can tell you Tandoor serves my favorite Indian food of all. Tandoor Char house serves traditional indian fare but also offers a unique twist on some dishes like Tandoori Chicken Tikkah Pizza,Beef Steak Fajitas and Chaat Fries, fries with a indian twist. The paneer pakora and chicken pakora where fried to perfection with and the chicken and cheese where both moist and flavorful. Entrees come with a fresh crisp salad and the sauces and everything is made in house. The atmosphere is quaint and comfortable with a bit of a cosmopolitanism feel its a step up from the feel of most Indian restaurants. All that being said the thing that Tandoor earns 6 stars for is service the waitstaff they are all friendly knowledgeable about the food and around when you need them but they don't hover. The owner works the front of the house and is also friendly knowledgeable about all the food and does some pretty good imitations. This is a great place and what makes it better is it is BYOB. If you like Indian food GO and if you don't like Indian food GO because I bet you will still like it
(5)
Akmal Q.

Let me start out by saying this: Tandoor is phenomenol! There are many Indian/Pakistani cuisine restaurants within the city of Chicago, but the service, quality of food and attention to detail is what sets them apart. If you're into good food of this cuisine...I would highly recommend all of you Devon-lovers and make way to this great spot for authentic yet contemporary food! I will be visiting here frequently and Mr. Faraz is very polite and accomodating! :)
(5)
Marla H.

Delicious! And the owner was wicked nice. We didn't have a reservation, but he squeezed us in on a busy day anyways.
(5)
Tough B.

I ordered dinner from Tandoor through Grubhub as pick-up on Monday. Order was supposed to be ready at 7:20. I gave them an extra 15 minutes and arrived at 7:35 to pick up my food. They told me it was a busy day and that it would be minutes. When did I finally have the food ready in my hands? 8:15 - yes, I waited in the store for 40 minutes for my food. We just stood there like idiots as I watched people come into, get seated, served their food, and walk out. I had ordered my food ahead of time and yet left the restaurant after an hour of when it was suppose to be ready. What makes it worse? We didnt even get our meal for free or even a discount - not EVEN A SMALL ONE! We were very patient and did not throw a fit at all. We got a stupid dessert, which was not good. If I had wanted dessert - I would have ordered it myself. A coupon or a discount for the next visit would have been nice. I love Indian food and think the food here is pretty decent - but the poor experience and lack of compensation is telling me never to come back.
(2)
Greg E.

Its so tasty... I don't want to stop eating here... ever.
(4)
Christopher L.

This place is one of the best places for dinner. The finest and freshest Indian-Pakistani food I have ever tasted. Try the mix grill! The service is the best I've seen. The servers actually care about their customers.
(5)
Jennifer G.

Worst Indian we have ever had delivered. We eat Raj weekly and wanted to try something new. We will never eat here again. Its about equal in quality to frozen Indian from your local grocer. Dont waste your money.
(1)
Robert W.

Fantastic Indian. The chicken botta was fantastic and spicy, samosas are good and crispy. Chaat fries are kind of commonplace and greasy. Food is very good and delivery is usually hot and good. Like the palak paneer as well. Would be five stars but it's overpriced.
(4)
Steven G.

Had such an incredible dining experience at Tandoor last night! From the service to the atmosphere to the food, it was all truly fantastic!
(5)
Glen W.

Solid, but over-rated Indian. Not one of the absolute best in Chicago.
(3)
David M.

Oustanding food. Modern take on Indian / Pakistani. Hallal and ans organic meats. Bottomless chutneys a yellow rice with with toasted cumin seeds. House-made nan in a proper tandoori oven. Definitely a nice change from the places on Devon.
(4)
Olivia G.

Excellent food, excellent service. Owned by two brothers, they put their heart and soul into this place -- and their efforts show. You can't beat such a great place that's BYOB and reasonably priced!
(5)
Jonathan T.

After watching my beloved Chicago Bears not make the playoff, I decided to order some Indian food and with in a very brief time I enjoyed the BEST BEEF SAMOSA I have ever had. Being on GRUBHUB made this an easy choice and luv it. GREAT PRICE too. If you live near Lakeview you have got to check this place out!
(5)
Barry L.

(See update at the end) We recently had a bizarre experience of long waits and absent-minded service at this place. First the two of us waited 20 minutes to be seated, while watching couple after couple leave. There was a table for two in the corner that was open but was never filled for our entire visit--what's that all about? Once seated, we waited 15 minutes for someone to even notice us and take our order, even though we were right in the front of the restaurant. Then we waited at least half an hour for our two entrees to arrive, while watching other folks who ordered after us get served first. Our order included chai tea, which never arrived. We didn't notice it until they took the dishes away, but they apologized and said they had run out and had to get some more. An Indian restaurant that runs out of chai? OK, whatever. So we gladly accepted it when it finally came out, and the waiter apologized again and said they were "having trouble brewing it." WTF? I thought they had run out. Hmmm. We quickly realized it tasted nasty because didn't have sugar in it, but even after adding some it still tasted very strange. I've had sugarless chai before and it was *nothing* like that. After (another) long wait our check arrived, and after running my card they promptly brought the receipt back to me...without a pen. So I had to wait and wave someone down for a pen so I could sign my name. Was it Training Night or something? The food was very tasty (some of the best tikka masala I've had in my life actually), but the service left MUCH to be desired. They were very nice, just so disorganized that the meal was nearly three times as long as it should have been. Good thing we didn't have anything else planned that night. UPDATE: The owner contacted me via Yelp and apologized for our experience, and offered a free entree if we were inclined to return. We live in Seattle so we can't go back soon, but I'm glad they read and care about their reviews and I appreciate the offer!
(3)
T H.

The food is excellent. I am Pakistani and this was easily the freshest and tastiest food I have had. It takes time to prepare so be ready to wait for a bit. Might be helpful to add staff in the kitchen. Only downside was from my visit today. The waiter was poorly trained and was quick in responding rudely, dropping plates hard on the table and generally made me uncomfortable being there. The 4 stars is despite this guy (lunch shift). The food is just great. Might even be helpful to order the food and get them started and eat in. Expect 30 min wait before food is out. Expect to be amazed with the food though
(4)
Grainne M.

I was very excited about trying this place. got delivery for the beef samosas, garlic naan, chicken Kashi (or other, supposed to be like a regular curry) and the Pilau rice. i always order from Raj Darbar and felt like i needed to vary it and try something new. here are my comments: 1) price was $8 more than raj Darbar 2) Naan, not very flavorful and way smaller than Raj Darbar's. 3) Curry, not good at all. very "un blended" and watery. 4) rice - fine, nothing to write home about 5) Samasa - under cooked beef and really not as tasty as RD's at all. No idea how this place gets great reviews and if thats the standard then try RD for waaay better!
(2)
Mohamedbaquir N.

An upscale halal desi-american steak place in the heart of Lincoln Park in Chicago with awesome steaks and fine Calcutta food. Perfect for a date night with your SO or just a relaxing upscale dinner with the family. The only thing better than the food here is the warm friendly service from the staff and the brother duo that own the place (Fahim and Faraz). They will go out of their way to ensure your comfort and your satisfaction. Chaat fries and the mango cheesecake are to die for! The mango kulfi also has a distinct unique taste. Now on to the food. They bring out a complimentary house salad with cucumber/yogurt dressing. Fahim also comped us some papad so my kids could enjoy that while they waited for their meal. My wife ordered a NY steak and I a ribeye. We were pleasantly surprised at the enormous portion and the sides that come with it. A mashed potato side blended with peas and a small side of aloo salan (peas/potato curry) and a side dressing of makhni sauce to dress the potatoes and steak. They also bring out a home made gajjar achaar (yummy) for the aloo salan (apparently the achaar was the brothers' grandma's recipe!) Forget your A1 people, the marination in the steaks are so flavorful that your taste buds will crave it even without any sauce. If you prefer spicy, they bring out a jalapeÃ±o chutney sauce and a tamarind spicy sauce to go along (which also complements the chaat fries). We ordered our steaks medium and medium rare and they were appropriately cooked. Now on to dessert, my kids love kulfi so we ordered the mango kulfi and me being a cheesecake addict, I ordered a mango cheesecake for ourselves. Guys screw Cheesecake Factory, my hats off to the chef. The pastry and crust was just thick enough and tasty to support the cream and the filling and we devoured it within 90 seconds, literally. It was unlike anything we had ever eaten. Since the kulfi was abundant, we started eyeing that too and decided to try some of it (much to the dismay of our kids) and it was decent, and flavorful. I am not a big fan of mango and have generally not liked anything laced with mango, but Tandoor Char has changed that for me. Their prices are reasonable, definitely not on the low end Devon prices but not high end like Ruth Chris's either. I strongly believe that you get what you pay for and the quality AND quantity of food and the quality of service surpassed my highest expectations. Overall, I will definitely go back again...and again!!!!! PROS: food is amazing. I took the lamb biryani to go to try out the Calcutta cuisine. The service is AMAZING! Faraz and Fahim are very friendly and will occasionally stop by to ensure that you are being taken care of and everything is to your satisfaction. This is in addition to the wonderful service provided by the servers. I was told to try the chicken fajita steak or tbone steak the next time. CONS: The only con is the distance..lol I live in Schaumburg and this place is in the city so it's like about an hour for me. But I have to say that the trip was worth it. Great job guys!!!
(5)
Amanda F.

Really delicious, high quality Indian food in Lincoln park. Wonderful service and a small intimate vibe inside. Not trendy or hip, but just a neighborhood local spot with an upscale Indian vibe. Would return and I would recommend!! They deliver too!
(5)
Vishnu V.

Chilly chicken biryani is awesome !!
(3)
Alejandra V.

The boyfriend and I were actually on our way to another restaurant when we read char house and that was enough to get us in. We wandered in here more from hunger then anything and it was a beautiful accident. We sat down after be greeted by the nicest, most cheerful guy ever. we went though our menus pretty quick ordered way more then we meant to and even went for the indian beer. The beer I could pass on but the food! Oh My Goodness! We started with the spring rolls with a cilantro chutney and tamarindo chutney, both were amazing. Then i had the steak and he had a chicken dish, 2 different types of nan. I can't even begin to describe the food all the flavors, textures. I will be going to back for sure. we had a great lunch/dinner and ate our leftovers cold later that night and still enjoyed it.
(4)
Akta D.

I went to this place for dinner with a friend. At first I was skeptical because it was cold and empty - on a Friday. The food was surprisingly delicious! One of the better Indian restaurants outside of Devon. The food was seasoned perfectly and spicy is spicy. I would defintely go there again, probably for a buffet to try more food. Bonus: They had a check in offer and they gave us a lot of rice.
(4)
Shaista H.

You know a restaurant is good when you dream about it and literally wake up hungry craving for it! I decided to try this place with my sister and brother-in-law after good reviews from our friends that recently celebrated their anniversary dinner there. And boy were we glad! We went on a Saturday night and had reservations at 7:30. We got their early and they were sweet enough to accomodate us earlier. The owner came by and made us feel at ease immediately. He explained the menu so well and I literally just wanted the food right then and there! (probably also because all 3 of us were super hungry and worked up an appetite). We got chat fries (free if you check in on Yelp!) and Samosas for appetizers. Yum. While we waited for the food they go us papadums to keep my 11mth old niece busy..she loved it! For entrees I ordered T-Bone Steak....my first Halal steak, medium well (just like the brown folks love) with a side of yummy potatoes and some veggie dish. So delish! And yes the portion was huge..thank God for my bro-in-law to finish that puppy off. My sister ordered Chicken Tikka Masala with assorted naan basket. I love Naan...and this had three kinds (heaven!). The Tikka Masala was also finger lickin good! We also ordered the Chicken Tikka Pizza..mmmm so good. For dessert my sister and I split the mango cheescake! nom nom...it tasted like a light fluffy kulfi. I think my sister, niece and i ripped that in 1 min flat! Overall a very good first impression. The food is nothing extra-ordinarily crazy and out of the box. It is good, simple food done well. I can't wait to go back and try more stuff :)
(5)
Ben E.

This is my go-to spot for delivery indian food. The guys who run/own the place are super friendly and clearly really care about their product and service. Beef nehari is my default selection, but I don't think i've ever been disappointed. Never done dine-in (a fact which I am regularly chided for by the delivery guy), but for high quality delivery indian, Tandoor doesn't miss.
(5)
Lauren F.

This is /great/ Indian food for Lincoln Park. Definitely one of the most welcoming and attractive indian restaurants I've ever been in. We ordered veggie samosas, naan, baigan masala, and a beef dish (I can't remember which one). Everything had great flavor. One critique is that I feel that the baigan masala probably should have been slow cooking all day. I think the eggplant was a little firmer than it should have been. Really great chutneys- the green one was more unique than the typical mint chutney, the raita was tasty as well. Awesome mango laisi! Apparently they make their own yoghurt to put in it! I really enjoyed my cup of chai. Altogether my mom and I had a great time! It seems like most of the business here is take-out, I'd really love to see more people come in here. The service really is great- there is no good reason not to come in!
(5)
Sylvia M.

I've been here 20+ times now. Service is great, food is incredible. The ONLY place my family and friends go to when looking for Indian food. Large portions and great prices. Best Indian restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
Colin M.

Delish, friendly service. Will be back
(4)
Michelle L.

Last night was my first time ever having Indian food and I feel like I have definitely been missing out! My friend has been talking about tandoor everyday for the past couple weeks so last night I decided to give in and get it. We ordered tikka chicken and it was amazing! The sauce is amazing and so the chicken rice and bread dipped in it was just heavenly. I will definitely be eating here again and often!
(5)
Greg T.

Pretty good food/service. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Louis G.

These guys just get it right. South Asian food can be screwed up esily and I've had my fair share of place off Devon Street and others around the city. The service here is excellent, the food is fresh, and they seem to always throw in somethign extra just because they are so friendly with their customers. I can't say I eat Indian food all the time but when I do, I like to go here in the city.
(5)
R R.

Takes reservations and is BYOB. Great Indian fare to boot! Worth a visit.
(4)
Cristina F.

This place is delicious! Great for sharing with a group.
(4)
Kristen M.

DELICIOUS!! I ordered the chicken tikka masala, veggie samosas, and palak paneer. All absolutely fantastic! This is a new fav!
(5)
Nicholas B.

Stellar place. Waitstaff was friendly and helpful with suggestions. Food was delicious and portions were healthy. Chaat fries to start? Yes, please. Had the lamb tikka masala and chicken biryani, both of which were great. You get enough biryani to feed four people, AT LEAST. Or 10 smaller ones. Spice level was nice and hot without masking the flavor. Garlic naan was tasty and garlicky without being all like WHAM in your facemouth with garlic. A man who I assume is the owner checked in on my date and me, talked a little about the food and his great-grandmother's recipes, made us feel very welcome. The only slight I can give this place is that we waited for 20 minutes after our reservation time (also this annoying group of five annoying people waited next to us, but I can hardly blame the restaurant for that I think), and the hostess offered to open our wine while we were waiting and then forgot. I'm being picky picky picky, but I can do that because Yelp gives me that power. This is the Internet Age, people, get used to it. Bottom line: Go to this restaurant and eat the food. I've lived around the corner for two years and just went for the first time. DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I MADE. Don't make any of my other mistakes either.
(4)
Ajanta C.

This is for delivery order only. Their vegetarian entrees are great! Loved the chat fries and aloo masala wrap as well. However, the chicken in both curry and biryani is a little dry. But we can't seem to stop ordering from this place :) It is slowly becoming our staple..
(4)
Dave D.

Loved the food, first time at the restaurant and not a regular at Indian cuisines. The wait staff were all wonderful. They took the time explaining each of the dishes and level of spiciness etc. They help us select our order. We were a party of seven including a couple of kids and everyone loved the food. We will definitely be going back!
(5)
Lyn C.

I'm a big fan! Their Tikka Masala sauce is sooooo yummy! Their samosas are big proportions! You can get so much food and if you split the bill it's super affordable and it's BYOB! How can you not like this place?
(5)
Mohammed F.

I had the t-bone steak. Amazing for the price. The sides were nothing special. Would have liked better out of those. Will definitely return for that steak though.
(4)
Yasmin A.

Fantastic Indian food in Lincoln Park. What we had: Chicken Tikka Masala - excellent texture and flavor, great consistency in the sauce, really enjoyed it! ($13, includes rice) Chicken Biryani - It was delicious and moist, and it was a HUGE portion. ($13) Mango Lassi - this could be better, flavor was good but consistency was off. It seemed a bit watered down Samosa - Amazing. The green chutney is fantastic, super flavorful. Things we want to try next time: Tandoori Chicken Pizza - very excited to try this! All the different wraps they offer (tandoori chicken, kebab, etc.) - these are very affordable ($8) and would make a great take-out meal as well. The meal came with a complimentary salad - nice bonus. Service was very attentive, no complaints.
(5)
Nicholas A.

I have eaten a lot of Indian food in my life, being half Indian myself, and the food at Tandoor Char House is only okay. I had the tandori chicken tikka masala and the mixed vegitables and was not overly impressed. The tikka masala was barely warm and tasted eerily like Campbell's tomato soup. The chicken wasn't particularly moist or tender and didn't have the chared flavor/texture you would expect from a chicken tikka masala designated "tandori." The garlic nan was nice - warm and fresh with strong but not overpowering flavor. Overall, though, nothing was really that mindblowing. In fact, the food at Tandoor Char House reminded me of the food at Curry in a Hurry, a fast food Indian joint in the food court of a suburban mall near where I grew up. Perhaps I should have stuck with the regular tandori chicken or that tandoor mixed grill to get a better experience of the tandoor this place boasts. Judging from the other mostly 4 and 5 star reviews, that must have been the problem. The only other qualifier I would add was that the place was extremely busy when I went there. So much so, that the owner and wait staff seemed a little overwhelmed by it all. Perhaps they just quite ready for a Friday evening rush...
(2)
Mike S.

this place is quickly becoming out go to for indian. we have been searching for years and have never been pleased. we would find a place we like then go back and order the same meal but taste and portions seem to change. having been here three times in the past few months, the food seems to be getting better. the chicken tikka masala is my favorite. i enjoy some of their flavored naan as well. portions are very fair and we have always had enough leftovers so a second meal the next day (food is pretty good warmed up) nice ambience, its also byob, and the staff are fun.
(4)
Nikhil K.

well,here is my update for this amazing restaurant! its rare to find such genuine and kind people in the restaurant business! as usual,enjoyed my takeaway dinner. amazing place!amazing location!amazing food! special mention for Mr.Faraz-please stop spoiling me with freebies;) Thank you so much for the wonderful meal! it was a pleasure to meet you and your wonderful family! I say it once more-THE BEST INDIAN FOOD IN LINCOLN PARK AREA! you guys earned a loyal customer in me! next time my family comes visiting,I,for sure know where to take them!
(5)
Allison W.

Some of the best food in the city and the service was equally great. Get the beef nahari! I will be back often.
(5)
Mike S.

Decent decor, flavorful food, and giant portions! Service was very good, and was helpful with ordering. The Tandoori chicken was excellent, and the Biryani was large enough to feed three! Had strawberry yogurt drink that was also very good, though what it was called eludes me now.
(4)
Neel V.

Came here on a Thursday night a little before 7. Restaurant seemed mostly empty, but was fully packed by the time we left! Started out the meal with the chaat fries- wasn't sure what to expect but they turned out to be standard issue curly fries with a little bit of dry chaat masala. They were served with two good sauces. The sweet taramind had a nice sweet and sour flavor, but the cilantro-jalapeno chutney was amazing with a good spice level and flavor. For entrees, we split an order of chana masala and the mixed tandoor grill. Mixed tandoor grill was incredible- perfectly cooked and seasoned lamb kebab, boneless chicken, and shrimp. Whatever tandoori marinade they whip up certainly works! The chana masala was a little disappointing- the tomato-based sauce had a very "pea" flavor to it, and then realized they probably cook the chana right in the sauce (the excess starch given off by doing it naturally thickens the sauce). Service was really good- the owner came out to talk to us a few times and was really passionate about explaining the concept behind the restaurant. Oh, total forgot about the achar. Homemade (based on the owner's grandmother's recipe) and easily the best pickle in Chicago. You could go to Devon and wouldn't find a better tasting pickle- luckily they refilled it liberally and even offered us some to go. Overall- great dining experience. The tandoor menu is the star of the show. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
M K.

Visiting the area on business from the DC area. This is the Best in Indian/Pakistani food, bar none. Service is excellent and very up to date. They serve a full Halal menu for those concerned. Portions are generous. Small twists to traditional dishes make this restaurant stand out. The Indian/Pakistani community has been long overdue for this upgrade. Now there is an alternative to Devon St. We lucked out and met the owner who is very personable and accommodating. Looking forward to going back. Since I gave it a glowing review I want to add I am not related to these folks, this is a real review.
(5)
Mike Y.

Great Indian/Pakistani food! I have had nearly 10 different dishes off the menu and all have been entirely satisfying. They have even begun to introduce hybrid dishes to accommodate even the pickiest of eaters. The service is excellent, too. Very nice waiting staff and even nicer management. I strongly recommend Tandoor to anyone and everyone!
(5)
Phillip L.

the mimosas were large - but the beef one is very salty, and did not come out very warm the garlic naan was good. check in on yelp and get free chaat fries - these are large portions, so don't get too stuffed on this before the entrees come. these are good. we got the lamb and eggplant tiki masala - they were okay. we've had better for the price that we're paying here (~15 / each for entrees). not as much meat in the entrees, mostly sauce.
(2)
Anwar H.

The tandoori chicken is one of the best I've had in Chicago. The biryani and entres as also good. I am not a fan of the naans on the other hand.
(5)
Wendy H.

The service is good and the chicken tikka masala is delicious. If you like curly fries, they make some very tasty ones (chaat fries). Plus all entrees include salad and a few sides!
(5)
Ravi P.

Tandoor wraps are awesome. Try the Chicken Boti Wrap! I randomly walked into this place and I was impressed. Will definitely dine in again. Plus, they deliver!!!
(5)
Mia D.

Tandoor is the only Indian restaurant that I ever go to. I absolutely love the Chicken Tikka Masala, the vegetable samosas and the chaat fries. The restaurant is very classy and makes for a perfect date. The service is amazing, and the owners are extremely charming. I will continue to go here time and time again.
(5)
J G.

This place sucks...if you like good food...
(2)
Jessica R.

Ordered lunch in on GrubHub - while the delivery was 20 minutes late, the portions were very generous! I ordered the Tandoori Chicken Wrap (chose Paratha bread) which came with a bagfull of indian-flavored fries YUM. The wrap was HUGE, and packed with all the yummy fillings. I also got an order of Vegetable Samosas, and these are the biggest and best tasting samosas I've ever had. The chutney was delicious and complimented the samosas very well. This was a meal that could have been split between two people - but for me, it will serve as dinner as well! Can't wait to dine-in at the restaurant.
(4)
Frank R.

The reviews below basically nail all the good dishes, especially the samosas and chicken tikka masala, so I won't go too in depth. I just want to say what a pleasure dining at Tandoor was for my friend and I. We had the pleasure of speaking with one of the owners about how he came up with the idea for the place, and he went through and made plenty of menu suggestions that were understandable for the uninitiated yet complex enough for those familiar with the cuisine. Service was fast, the food was excellent, and the owner even let me use my Scout Mob 50% off deal even though my phone was being fussy and said I had already used the deal. Can't wait to try some of the other stuff on the menu next time, especially the penne and pizza.
(5)
Charlie G.

Worth a try. Food was above average but not the best Indian I've ever had. The service was really good. They appeared to have a small restaurant feel and our server was very good to us. He even went next door to get us some wine for our BYOB experience because we went there not knowing that it was BYOB.
(4)
I M.

Went here for dinner with a group of 8 people last night. The food was very, very good albeit toned down and spice adjusted for lincoln park. If you want spicy, specify authentic/indian spicy because it will make a difference. (They did bring us extra of the spicy carrot achar to compensate.) They were SUPER accommodating and very very friendly. I highly recommend asking for Shaun as your server. He was not only adorable but incredibly friendly and spot on service. The owner was friendly as well and brought us complimentary salads with our meal. We had a good mix of vegetarians and carnivores and they were fantastic about keeping it clear. Amazingly huge portions, beautiful room. Did I mention BYOB? Bathrooms were well cleaned. Cute date place or excellent for a group. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Tam M.

didn't get to eat there, though we wanted to - walked in to an absolutely empty restaurant and were told that they only take reservations, and that there would be an hour wait, so we left.
(2)
Mike Z.

The food was great and the service was just as good. The place is on the smaller side, but we had no trouble getting a table. The portions were large enough that we had the leftovers as a second meal the next day. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Camille H.

Stopped in this restaurant randomly, and got a table right away. I would recommend making a reservation for dinner, though. The service was excellent, our waiter was very pleasant and polite. As for the food, it was amazing! Try the chicken tiki masala and the mango cheesecake. Would definitely come again!
(5)
Maryam S.

They are called "Tandoor" for a reason, if you order anything grilled, it's going to be amazing. I ordered the Tandoor Mix Grill Platter and it was delicious. Their naan is huge and has the perfect amount of softness and crunchyness you need to scoop up your chicken tikkah with chutney! I ordered delivery and called to see if it was too late to get some -fresh- food, and the person on the other end was really funny and said "Ma'am this isn't Devon." Perfectly put.
(5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 2652 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL, 60614
Phone (773) 327-2652
Website https://www.tandoorchicago.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :4:00 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Tandoor Char House

2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60614

Tandoor Char House Menu

Starters

Salads

Chutneys

Breads

Tandoor Entrees

Fusion Specialties

Karhai Signature Sensations

Vegetarian Treasures

Biryanis

Tandoor Wraps

Desserts

Drinks

Healthy Meal suggestions for Tandoor Char House

Starters

Salads

Chutneys

Breads

Tandoor Entrees

Fusion Specialties

Karhai Signature Sensations

Vegetarian Treasures

Biryanis

Tandoor Wraps

Desserts

Drinks

Sarah G.

Patrick H.

MG J.

Michael E.

Cecelia G.

Elli T.

Robert C.

Juliett U.

David C.

Nicole R.

Robert F.

Matt C.

Remy T.

Jason K.

Randy R.

Matt A.

Ashley H.

Julia S.

Amit V.

Bina D.

Corie F.

Mike S.

Bella H.

Super L.

Amanda C.

Stu K.

Megan S.

Fred S.

Mare C.

Darren L.

Neha S.

Amanda M.

Raju S.

Ovi H.

Shelby R.

Nikhil P.

Elizabeth E.

P. C.

Vanida C.

Chinky D.

Sarah S.

Shelley A.

Fernando B.

Lindsey M.

Drew L.

Pavel Z.

Mustafa H.

Michael D.

Leah H.

Nidhi K.

Andy W.