Bhabi's Kitchen: User Reviews

They were just written up in Smithsonian Magazine as one of the top ethnic restaurants in Chicago and it's well-deserved. I have eaten here or gotten takeout many times and I've never been disappointed in the food. It's fantastic. Service can be a bit slow, but it's a small, family-run restaurant. The owners are very friendly and I enjoy talking to them. Just take the time, bring a bottle of wine, relax, and enjoy the food. Bring cash. Their credit card machine has been on the fritz lately, no fault of theirs though, just one of the many hassles of running a small business.

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Disgusting filthy atmosphere, poor service, bad food, but one is not subjected to too much of it since the portions are so incredibly small. The drinking water was tepid. High Prices! The worst dining experinece of my life!

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This is the first time I've written a review on Metromix, but I'm so confused by all the poor reviews of Bhabi's that I felt the need to chime in. I had dinner there for the first time tonight for a friend's birthday, and it was a terrific experience.

For everyone who's complained about having to wait for a table, especially if this place was featured on Check, Please, I'd say: make a reservation. Seriously. Maybe you shouldn't expect to walk in on a Saturday night and be seated immediately without a reservation? We had one this past Saturday, and still the place wasn't nearly full.

As for the service, consider that it's a mom-and-pop place. We appreciated the fact that Mr. Syed gave us individual attention, with concern over our party's unique needs. He gave us heartfelt recommendations and was concerned about everyone's sensitivity to spiciness and whether or not we had any vegetarians in the crowd. The food we got was remarkably delicious all around; we had no complaints.

And as for value, consider that Bhabi's is BYOB. We ended up with three kinds of appetizers, five entrees and three kinds of delicious naan, and our tab ended up at only $25 per person, generous tip included. That's a remarkable value. I don't know what you negative reviewers are looking for (although I'd point out that "chicken marsala," as a couple of negative reviewers typed, is an Italian dish—maybe you're in the wrong restaurant?).

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When asked to name my five favorite restaurants in the city, Bhabi's always has a sure spot in that listing. I've been there too many times to count, and have never once been disappointed. Mr. Sayed and his wife are wonderful people, and the staff has always been courteous. Some of my favorite dishes are the eggplant, broccoli rabe, haleem and both the shami and the aloo kabab. The tamarind sauce is to die for. I've taken everyone, from dates to out of town guests, to large groups there, and no one has been disappointed.

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Bhabi's has the best Indian in the city. Yes, the service is slow. Yes, the decor is 1970's old, old school....but it is fun and friendly and has fabulous food! It is a very small place with a very small kitchen…so I don’t go Friday/Saturday nights. But the week nights and weekend days are the perfect time to go. I recommend the samosas, mutter panner, and pistachio naan. (I am sure my spelling is off on those.) The masala tea is perfect with the spicy food. Having been to India, I can say with certainty that the food is NOT Americanized. Yummy yum yum!!!!

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Gosh, I should have read the bad reviews before visiting this restaurant.I went to this restaurant with my family to have a nice evening dinner. Instead got a unbelievably horrible experience. It took them 20 minutes just to notice we were sitting there without any menu or water on the table. We had to ask to waiter (owner himself) to bring us some more menus!! (hello!! it is a common sense to give each guest a menu!!) But oh well!! Hoping to get a good dinner, we ignored that behavior. Appetizers were OK, so it brought us back in the a good mood. But so much did we know about the actual food. Oh my god!! Why the hell these guys are in business!! All our chicken dishes were half cooked, needless to say flavors were no where near vicinity of our table. We ordered couple vegetarian dishes which were OK compared to our chicken dishes. Not sure what is the hype about or are the critics blind to review this junk place on Check please on WTTW11. We drove all the way from Suburb to taste the food only to get disappointed. Talk about pricey food. I can understand that good food comes with price, but this place will take your money and serve you crap!! Stay away from this guys!!

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Went to Bhabi's Kitchen a couple weeks back with my parents (we are all Indian) We really enjoyed the food. Typically, Indian food served in restaurants is loaded with cream/butter to cater to the American palate (I guess that can be true with any cuisine!) Bhabi's Kitchen is different. The food wasn't greasy or heavy. There was a level of freshness that we appreciated. We had the Samosas, Sarsoo Ka Saag, Chicken Botti, Mutter Paneer, and several different variations of naan. Everything was great and we left feeling full, not heavy. Mr Saed (owner) is a very nice host; makes one feel very welcome. I highly recommend Bhabi's Kitchen.

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Worst Beef Halim I have ever had. Halim was as if someone chewed the beef and spit back into the bowl. Nam isn't free as I have had in other restaurants. This restaurant is looking to nickel and dime you for food that isn't that great.

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Been here a few times before and always found it to be tasty and interesting, with friendly service (BYOB to boot!) Mr. Syed is very friendly and ready to make suggestions or explanations to the non indian diners. Can be a bit spicy, but yummy. Check Please had it right as far as we can see. Decor could be updated, but that isn't why you're there, is it? The naan rules.

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As far as Indian food goes, this place is a little overpriced. I think that is because the portions are large. 2 people can definitely share one entree, but I would rather trade that for smaller portions and lower prices so we can diversify our meal. We got 2 entrees (butter chicken, bhindi gosht) and had to take most of it because there was so much. Food is a little oily and meat is lacking. It is tasty, though. The creative naans are unique and tasty, as well. I'm glad I tried Bhabi's, but I know I can find a better value for food at other Devon restaurants.

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