Bombay Kabab House - Evanston

Bombay Kabab House, situated at the NW corner of Howard St. and Dodge Avenue (California Ave., on the Chicago side of the intersection) in Evanston has probably been open about 2 months now. I pass by the restaurant with some frequency but I'd not eaten there until last night when, on the way home from picking-up a friend at Northwestern Hospital downtown, we stopped-in for dinner.

This is a large restaurant in a space where the previous restaurant-occupant was unsuccessful. However, for many years a restaurant did successfully operate there. Since I first saw the sign advertising the coming of the restaurant I wondered how successful it could be, located away from but so close to the Devon Ave. Indo-Pak community and the restaurants there. During our dinner there were approx. 15 other customers (in addition to the two of us).

The owners of the restaurant are actively involved: the husband cooks, the wife runs the front of the house, and a daughter handles the cash register and take-out orders. There were three or four other staff persons present, including our very efficient waitress.



Since my friend was on his way home from several days in the hospital, we decided to eat light and ordered two entrée’s: Shrimp Dum Biryani [small shrimp in basmati saffron rice, mildly spiced]; and, Karahi Gosht [lamb cooked in a sauce containing onion, bell pepper, garlic and topped with some ginger and cilantro].



Shrimp Dum Biryani was flavorful, but a bit dry. And while I thought the lamb in the Karahi Gosht could have been more tender, the dish was also flavorful/enjoyable. One of the highlights of the meal was the Onion Kulcha Nan [which is made/filled with onion and green coriander].

The wife-owner stopped by the table several times to check on us, and our waitress was very attentive - but not intrusive. The restaurant is attractively decorated, the booths offered comfortable seating and the place had a clean/orderly appearance. As we were asking our waitress about desserts the wife-owner stopped by our table and offered us a complimentary dish of Gulab Jamun [an offer which was accepted, and enjoyed].

It should be noted that the restaurant does not offer alcoholic beverages, and Halal meat is said to be used in the preparation of meals.

As we walked to our car in the parking lot behind the restaurant the man-owner came out of the kitchen door and asked how our meals were, how we liked the restaurant, etc., and he said they were trying very hard to build their business. I was left with the impression that it’s been a tough first couple of months. The restaurant offers what appears to be a good-value buffet lunch (everyday), in addition to the dinner menu later in the day.

I don’t know if I’ll be heading back to this restaurant anytime soon (only because I don't eat in restaurants as often as many of you reading this review do), but I didn’t sense anything that I’d describe as a negative. There are probably better restaurants along Devon Avenue, but for people leaving close to Bombay Kabab House I’m going to assume that the presence of this restaurant is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Bombay Kabab House Menu











Bombay Kabab House
1901 W. Howard Street
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-4553
(847) 869-5751
Fax: (847) 475-4552

[Note: the edit was to correct a spelling error and to improve the wording of a sentence.]

I've been curious to try this place ever since it opened ... you may have inspired me.

nr706 wrote:I've been curious to try this place ever since it opened ... you may have inspired me.

Me as well. Honestly, the name of the place is pretty lousy and it made me feel like the food couldn't possibly be special (I should know by now not to judge a book by its cover). Anyway, now, reading this detailed report and the menu, I feel like it could be a promising spot that just happens to have a lousy name. Thanks, Bill, for the scouting report.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote: Honestly, the name of the place is pretty lousy and it made me feel like the food couldn't possibly be special

really? I actually was intrigued by the name, thinking it might be more of a cabbie place (and having one of those near me would make me happy) unfortunately from the menu, it is a fairly standard mughal place - though I haven't eaten there yet so can't comment on the quality of those offerings

zim wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote: Honestly, the name of the place is pretty lousy and it made me feel like the food couldn't possibly be special

really? I actually was intrigued by the name, thinking it might be more of a cabbie place (and having one of those near me would make me happy) unfortunately from the menu, it is a fairly standard mughal place - though I haven't eaten there yet so can't comment on the quality of those offerings

It suggested chain to me. Again, glad to hear my first impression was not accurate.

=R=

You'll find additional reports in this previous topic.