Bar Goa
Chris Eyo · 366 Google reviewsBar Goa — straightforward indian in River North. Casual, established, and unapologetic about it. The bar is worth the visit on its own. Daicy Hexiao Yu: "The lamb vindaloo entree was also very flavorful and the lamb pieces were quite tender" [$$]
What 968 diners keep saying
What 968 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Authentic taste of chhole kulcha.. they got lots of vegetarian options. Must try .. everything is super delicious n yummy”
“My favorite Indian restaurant in the River North area. I have tried their Goan chicken curry, Dosa and Amritsari Kulchi. Just amazing taste. Highly recommended!!!”
“What a beautiful little Indian restaurant. Amazing food.. so close to feeling home. We tried the Amritsari Kulcha and Chilli Paneer, it beats some indian restaurants in India hands down.. well done Bar Goa. The drinks are authentically Indian and mixed well. The chef.. I could kiss his hands for the pindi chole.. wowww”
“Food good, service fast and ambience excellent. The starters itself felt pretty heavy in stomach, especially ghee aaloo chaat. Returned another night to take away chilli paneer, which was nice and spicy.”
“One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago that I return to fairly often. Fresh take on desi food, love the Goan specialty dishes and cocktails. Good portion sizes to share. Seating can be cramped and can get loud during DJ weekend nights. Gunpowder dosa and Goan chicken curry is delicious. Dessert: the saffron cheesecake 10/10. Reservations recommended in advance, street parking may be hard to find on weekends.”
“Absolutely loved our visit to Bar Goa in downtown Chicago! This place nails it with the best food and ambience—vibrant, clubby vibes that feel like a fun escape to coastal India, perfect for a special night out. We ordered some of their signature dishes and everything was spot-on delicious: • The Cauliflower 65 was crispy, flavorful, and addictive (highly recommend!). • The Mushroom Fried Rice had amazing depth and just the right spice and peri peri fries. • The Lychee Cocktail was refreshing and beautifully balanced— one of the highlights! The staff were so thoughtful too—they surprised our daughter with a complimentary dessert for her 3rd birthday, which made the evening extra special and memorable. If you’re craving creative Indian fusion with great cocktails and lively energy, Bar Goa is a must-try. We’ll definitely be back”
“The food and drinks are excellent. We had the global nomad and Malabar Old-fashioned. Perfectly executed mix of cocktails. The food was on point. The sabudana vada is the second best thing after my mom’s. The kababs are delicious and juicy. Overall great Western India influenced food. Definitely recommend for all age groups.”
“We recently hosted a birthday party for about 20 guests at Bar Goa, and the entire experience was exceptional from start to finish. Everything was organized so thoughtfully and seamlessly. The team helped us curate the perfect menu for our group and even arranged personalized menu cards, which added such a special touch. The service was outstanding—attentive, warm, and professional throughout the evening. The food was absolutely delicious, and every single guest had a wonderful time. We’re especially grateful to the owners, Manish and Reena, for their incredible attention to detail and for making the celebration feel so personal and memorable. Highly recommend Bar Goa for any special occasion or otherwise!”
“Bar Goa, nestled in the bustling heart of Chicago, offers a vibrant escape to the coastal delights of Goa, blending traditional Indian flavors with a twist of modernity. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant entices with its eclectic ambiance, reminiscent of the laid-back yet lively Goan spirit. A standout feature of Bar Goa is the exceptional service, particularly from a waitress named Mariana. Her attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable approach significantly enhances the dining experience, making guests feel genuinely cared for and appreciated. Mariana’s recommendations are spot-on, ensuring that every dish you choose is a delightful journey for your taste buds. The culinary prowess of Bar Goa shines brightly with its diverse menu, but it’s their Paneer Makhani that deserves a special mention. This dish is a sublime rendition of the classic Indian favorite, boasting perfectly cooked paneer that’s both tender and flavorful, bathed in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that’s fragrant with just the right blend of spices. The balance of flavors is impeccable, capturing the essence of authentic Indian cuisine while presenting it in a way that’s both accessible and enticing to a broad audience. Every bite of the Paneer Makhani is a testament to the chef’s mastery over their craft, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Bar Goa. Combined with Mariana’s amazing service, dining here becomes not just a meal, but an experience to remember. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Bar Goa in Chicago is a destination that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.”
“This place is nice and cosy. surprised us,.. the food was delicious and got some sabudana Vada.. kababs, .dahi puri, Amristari kulcha and . the kulfi dessert was yum...”
“Too good food Highly recommend for indian food with pub vibe Price are high”
“Oh hold on. Hold ON. Every dish cleared. No notes. Let’s chat. We came for $30 restaurant week brunch, were welcomed with some complimentary hibiscus vodka shots. Got us correct! Every 3-course meal came with a drink so I enjoyed a mango lassi. 10/10. I started with the chaat and when I tell you that was a top 10 bite. Rich, deep, and exploding with flavor. It ended up being the star of the show for me. 30/10. I also nibbled on the chili paneer. Also very, very rich and strong. The lamb vindaloo was extremely flavorful and packed a good amount of spice. All came with naan or rice included. I ended up taking the broth home with some extra sides. 20/10. Dessert was a mango sorbet, standard. I enjoyed it. I decided to try some HH drinks/food since I was already there. I won’t lie, I thought the RW meal was much stronger in flavor. The global nomad II was a busy cocktail, lots going on and didn’t really do it for me. The chicken wings were okay to me. I’d return for sure and try more HH items. My friend had the daiquiri and similar thoughts. Our server and FRIEND Uyen cleared. PAY Uyen MORE!!!! Overall for a shot, drink, and 3 courses, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. +1 point for being a part of the inKind network. See yall soon!”
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