Tandoor

Solid, but over-rated Indian.  Not one of the absolute best in Chicago.

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.

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!