Bar Goa, nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago, stands out as a culinary treasure that captures the essence of Indian flavors with a modern twist. Patrons rave about its authentic dishes, echoing sentiments of home cooked meals from India. Highlights include the Chicken Malai Tikka and Butter Chicken, both praised for their immaculate taste and rich spices, appealing to both the novice and seasoned Indian food lovers.
Guests appreciate the lively atmosphere, often likened to a modern club, with a pulsating vibe that enhances the dining experience. For those craving something innovative, the Shrimp Koliwada and Malwani Fish showcase an exciting blend of coastal Goan flavors, promising a delightful culinary adventure. Each dish is noted for bold, vibrant flavors that leave a lasting impression.
While the service has received minor critiques regarding speed during peak hours, the overall experience remains exceptional, characterized by warm hospitality and an eagerness to please. Whether you’re indulging in Cafreal Paneer or savoring a creative cocktail, Bar Goa offers a fusion of taste, ambiance, and service that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone in search of authentic Indian cuisine in downtown Chicago. Highly recommended!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Photos
Reviews For Bar Goa
samridh goel
Jul 5,2025
Probably the best Indian food in Chicago downtown area. Immaculate taste resemblance of food from food back in India. Would make this my go to spot if I lived in Chicago. We got the chicken malai tikka, chilli chicken, butter chicken and garlic naan.
Shivam Patel
May 22,2025
The food was amazing .... I would say best Indian food I have tasted in Chicago down town. Unmatched vibe, authentic Indian taste. The price match with level of service, ambiance & food taste. My recommendations : chili paneer, Goan daal with rice and sabudana wada. Thought I would recommends to add a pinch of salt to it.
Tushar Asthana
May 19,2025
Walked in, no reservation and sat at the bar. During restaurant week, so I got the Aloo Chaat starter, Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan, and Ras Malai for dessert. Food was really tasty, the entree was extremely rich. The Chaat was very heavy on the coriander, more so than I would've expected. I also got the Goan Tiki Man cocktail, which I was not a fan of. Very rum heavy flavor. Was relatively empty and it took the bartender a couple minutes to get to me, and I had to ask him where I could sit as the host was not where they should've been. Only reason I docked a point on service. Very club like atmosphere with loud music. Definitely a "modern" Indian restaurant. Refreshing, in my opinion, but a bit too loud. Overall great spot! Would come again.
Suman Visu
May 5,2025
Sure! Here’s a glowing 5-star review for Bar Goa: ⸻ A Culinary Gem in Chicago – Bar Goa is a Must-Try! Absolutely blown away by Bar Goa! This Indian fusion spot is a total game-changer. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between trendy and welcoming, and the service is top-notch from start to finish. The food? Incredible. Every bite bursts with bold, vibrant flavors. The Shrimp Koliwada was hands-down one of the best shrimp dishes I’ve ever had — perfectly crispy, seasoned just right, and totally addictive. The Malwani Fish was another standout — tender, flaky fish swimming in rich, aromatic curry that packs just the right amount of heat. Every dish was a celebration of Goan and coastal Indian flavors with a fun modern twist. Drinks were just as impressive — creative, refreshing, and expertly crafted to pair with the bold flavors of the food. Bar Goa is everything you want in a dining experience: delicious, memorable, and exciting. Can’t wait to come back. Highly, highly recommend!
Vedashri Shewale
Apr 12,2025
The food was delicious! We ordered Cafreal Paneer and Prawns Fried Rice, the prawns were incredibly fresh. The kulfi dessert was absolutely amazing. Sergio was incredibly sweet and polite with the service.
SHUVAM DAS
Apr 6,2025
Loved the food, vibe, and music!! Personal favorites were ghee roast aloo tikki chat, dahi kebab, Xacuti Chicken Curry and all the cocktails - was strong too, which I love Little critique; For goan krazy sampler, loved the bitter chicken slider only - wish they had a separate dish just for that I felt sabudana vada had more potatoes that made it taste more like aloo tikki.
Lauren H
Apr 4,2025
LOVED Bar Goa!! I went here for the Chicago Restaurant Week menu/deal and everything was delicious. My favorite dishes were the Shrimp Kolidwada starter and the Malwani Fish Curry main dish. The shrimp were a little spicy and crunchy, and the curry was pretty hot, but so delicious! The Mango Lassi was also the perfect drink to start the meal. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, as well. I would highly recommend!
Chris Eyo
Mar 31,2025
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!
Reviews For Bar Goa