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(773) 506-0002
4601 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago,
IL
60625
41.9651
-87.686
Neighborhoods: Ravenswood, Far North Side
Years in business
Established in 2004
Hours:
Mon, Wed & Thur 5:30pm-9:30pm
Tues:Closed
Fri,Sat: 12-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm Sun: 12-2:30pm 5-9:30pm
Last updated 8.16.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
What People Are Saying About Essence of India
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
The Scene – At the lively intersection of Wilson and Lincoln avenues, an all-ages, neighborhood mix of couples and friends fill this bright, intimate room. Framed embroidery and Indian artwork adorn the caramel walls, while traditional Indian music mixes with the lively chatter of conversation at close tables. Service is enthusiastic and patient (staff will explain the intricacies of each dish) and surprisingly fast, making this a great spot for a quick bite before a movie at Davis Theater across the street. – – The Food – Divided into groups like "Chicken Essence,"…
Editor's Tips
- Save Money:
- A lunch buffet is offered daily and features about 10 dishes, from vegetable pakoras and lentil plates to lamb curry and tandoori chicken.
- What to Drink:
- Liquor license is pending; for now, you can bring your own wine or beer with no corkage fee. Nonalcoholic options include sweet, chilled mango lassi (yogurt shake).
| food quality | 75.0% positive |
|
|---|---|---|
| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
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| service | 100.0% positive |
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| value | 50.0% positive |
|
09/08/06
Wonderful buffet selections
by petale at Citysearch
I went for a late lunch on a weekend. I went alone and there was plenty of seating. Despite the fact that they were close to closing, I found that they had ample food at their buffet as well as it being fresh. I also found the cleanliness of the restaurant to be an absolute plus. In regard to the selections, I would agree that they should have had samosas (as the other reviewer commented), however, the selections that they had were absolutely delicious. I even especially enjoyed the rice, which is usually just a standard addition. My favorite was the okra dish. It wasn't overly oily and it was just really flavorful. It would have been nice if tea would have come with the meal, but that didn't seem to be the case. I would definitely frequent this place more often in the future. Parking was not difficult and the prices were also reasonable.
- Pros: Clean, fresh food, more diverse selections than other Indian buffets
- Cons: No samosas!
04/23/06
$4 for rice?
by nicole666 at Citysearch
I thought the rice was included with most entrees in Indian restaurants- not $4 extra?
This place is pricey.
05/25/05
great samosas!!
by breedy at Citysearch
I love this place! There are places on Devon that are just as good, but the staff here is great! The best samosas I have had. Wonderful lamb vindaloo. It is a little expensive for the portions, but I think that it is worth it!
11/22/04
I WANTED TO LIKE IT.
by jitterbugpinkity at Citysearch
I was thrilled when an Indian restaurant finally opened in the neighborhood. It was usually busy in the evening and I took this as a good sign. They're open for lunch only four days a week. I tried the $11 lunch buffet, big mistake. No simosas, no rice pudding and the naan was doled out by the waitstaff. The "dessert special" was canned fruit cocktail in a runny custard. Tey could keep their register ringing with the lunch crowd, supplied by the thriving retail scene, or by making the restaurant a destination spot. Their pricing and sparse lunch hours will eliminate the first group. And the terrible food will take care of the rest.
- Pros: Neighborhood, Cheap Parking
- Cons: , Mediocre Food, Rude Waitstaff
The Details on Essence of India
Place Categories:
- pricey place
- favorite okra dish
- wonderful buffet selections
- great samosas
- even especially enjoyed rice
- wonderful lamb
- terrible food
- reasonable prices
- great staff
