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What's on Devon Avenue?
May 23, 2007
Your summer sightseeing escapades may not include a photo op in front of the Taj Mahal, but you can get a hefty (and delicious) taste of India via an afternoon spent on Devon Avenue. Between the spice-filled buffets and giant baskets of naan, you'll quickly be convinced that you'd found the next best thing to a plane ticket East.
Afghan Restaurant
2818 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 262-8000
http://centerstagechicago.com
Hours: open daily

If you're up north for a weekend jaunt, make sure to schedule a stop at Afghan for the end of your journey. Why? The portion sizes are enormous, and most of the entrees are irresistible: a deadly combination for anyone who is trying to avoid being weighed down by a hearty meal. The long tables make this a great spot for a large group, and the combo kebab platter means your party can order a little something of everything. Just be prepared to bring home leftovers.

Bhabi's Kitchen
6352 N. Oakley Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 764-7007
http://www.centerstagechicago.com
Hours: open daily

Even though this spot is slightly off the beaten Devon Avenue path, located one block south on a sleepy stretch of street, on evenings and weekends Bhabi's usually claims a packed house with a long wait. The entrees are typical fare, representing the North and South of India, though the large selection of breads is particularly notable. Try not to fill up on naan! A plethora of affordable curries awaits. BYOB.

Hema's Kitchen
6406 N Oakley Ave.
Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 338-1627
http://centerstagechicago.com
Hours: open daily

If you're seeking a home-cooked Indian meal served with a smile, you won't be disappointed at Hema's. The piping hot, plump samosas are well worth the often long wait. Go elsewhere if you're looking for naan or tandoori dishes; Hema's doesn't have a tandoor oven. The vindaloo and masala dishes should more than make up for it. BYOB.

Khan BBQ
2401 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 274-8600

Hours: lunch and dinner daily

Vegetarian,s beware! While most trips to Devon Avenue are accommodating to most eating styles, Khan BBQ is as meaty as they come. Diehards go straight for the chicken boti kebab, but the beef kebabs and lamb kebabs are local favorites as well. The crazy-cheap prices (most kebab meals cost well under $10) and the generous, juicy portions keep regulars coming back for more.

Mysore Woodlands
2548 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 338-8160

Hours: lunch and dinner daily

Authentic South India cuisine, in this case meat-free, is served up in this classy yet very affordable restaurant. The large stuffed crepes (dosas or dosai) are the obvious specialty, as they are available with a wide range of fillings. Customers clamor for the masala chai and the Mysore coffee to finish off any meal.

Sabri Nehari
2502 1/2 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 743-6200
http://www.sabrinihari.com
Hours: lunch and dinner daily

If you're tired of the same ol' curry dishes, Sabri Nehari can easily shake you off the beaten path of traditional Indian food. (Brain masala, anyone?) Indecisive folk won't be overwhelmed here, as the menu is sparse, yet spicy, playing to the Pakistani chef's strengths (beef and chicken dishes with heavy sauces).

Tahoora Sweets
2345 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 743-7224
http://www.tahoora.com
Hours: open daily

After a dinner of curry and kebabs, the best way to top of your meal is with a sweet treat from this Indian and Pakistani bakery. Saffron, ginger and pistachios all make an appearance in these decadent baked goods, available by the piece or by the box. Non-sweet items, such as samosas and pizza (yes, pizza) are also available.

Tiffin: The Indian Kitchen
2536 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 338-2143
http://centerstagechicago.com
Hours: lunch and dinner daily

If you're one of those indecisive types who prefer a large buffet full of options, Tiffin is your place. The prices are incredibly reasonable (under $10 every day of the week), so there's no need to pack it in to feel like you got your money's worth. An a la carte menu is also available for those who prefer a single entree.

Udupi Palace
2543 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 338-2152
http://www.udupipalace.com
Hours: open daily

No-frills, South Indian vegetarian fare is what you'll find here. The restaurant is brightly lit and friendly, offering up a wide variety of vegetarian cuisine. Like most South Indian restaurants, the dosai is hard to beat, but adventurous vegetarians and meat eaters alike may find less popular regional specialties that more than satiate their palates.

Viceroy of India
2520 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 743-4100
http://www.viceroyofindia.com
Hours: open daily

Even though Viceroy of India is yet another buffet extravaganza, it's revered as one of the classier establishments on Devon Avenue. The restaurant offers a wide assortment of dishes that will suit both vegetarians and meat lovers, with quite a few lamb, rice, chicken and tandoor specialties.

Gandhi Indian Restaurant
2601 W Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 761-8714

Hours: lunch and dinner daily

The daily lunch buffet is what keeps this long, narrow spot on the map, but the regular dining menu is worth sampling as well. The curry dishes are standard in size, price and flavor, while the chef's appetizer and entree platters, which offer up samplings of tandoori chicken, samosas, kebabs and more are one heck of a deal.

Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant
2032 W Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 761-5300

Hours: open daily

The name of the restaurant, which translates to "sustainer of the poor" should say it all. There's no wait staff, as all food is ordered from a counter and served with plastic ware. The dishes are no-frills, as reflected in the dirt-cheap prices. And if you're Indian food craving doesn't kick in until after bar time, this place is open until 2 a.m. daily.

Indian Garden
2548 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 338-2929

Hours: open daily

The enormous menu is what sets apart Indian Garden from the rest. The spicy Northern Indian selections span several pages of vegetarian and meaty dishes, while the daily lunch buffet offers diners yet another option. The chefs are known for the liberal use of spices, making each dish a flavor explosion every time.

King Sweets
2308 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 262-8001
http://kingsweets.net
Hours: open daily

Don't let the harsh, seemingly uninviting setup deter you; King Sweets is a definite must if you're looking for a great lunch special (about $5 for a full meal) and a generous helping of sweets that will satisfy anyone. Not only are there rich and gooey pistacio treats, but sugar-free and dairy-free sweets are available as well. Still not satisfied? Stop by the juice bar on your way out for a freshly squeezed drink made with your favorite fruits and veggies.

Sher-A-Punjab
2525 W Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 262-2080

Hours: open daily

Indian food fast and cheap is the specialty at this West Devon establishment. The tandoor dishes are the specialty, while the buffet is equally popular. It's easy to pass this one by, as the decor is unassuming, but those who like their Indian food without a lot of fuss won't be sorry they stopped by.

Usmania Restaurant
2253 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 262-1900
http://centerstagechicago.com
Hours: lunch and dinner daily

This Pakistani restaurant may be light on vegetarian options, but it's heavy on friendly service. The room is arranged to accommodate large groups or families with its long tables, and while the decor is lacking, the restaurant is surprisingly warm. Meat dishes are its forte, with exotic options such as brains and hooves gracing the menu. Traditional types will enjoy the tender chicken dishes.

Arya Bhavan
2508 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 274-5800
http://www.aryabhavan.com
Hours: open daily

Yet another buffet! Why on earth would you choose this one? If you're a vegetarian who likes mild Indian standards, look no further. An impressively large delivery range (everything east of Cicero between Armitage and Howard) means those who don't live nearby or who'd rather eat in their pajamas don't have to make the trek.

Ravi Kabab House
2447 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 381-2400

Hours: open Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesday

The tandoor oven that sits in front of the window catches the eye of many passing by. After watching the kebabs in their creation stages, try one with a side of naan, fresh out of the oven. It's as close to Indian street fare as you can get on this side of Dubai.