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Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar
Master Critic Review
Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar
8.2
Full-service Indian spot on Castro Street with a cocktail bar and a broad North Indian menu. Locals lean on it for reliable classics, late hours, and easy group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Bar-forward Indian dining with a broad, crowd-pleasing menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic North Indian standards
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for shorter waits
What to order: Lamb rogan josh; chicken tikka masala; garlic naan
Insider tip: The bar seats turn over faster than tables on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Castro Street is metered and competitive after 6pm; neighborhood side streets offer limited two-hour spots. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual fits the vibe — jeans and button-downs are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished for evening outings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to hold conversation early evening, but bar crowd raises volume after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk-ins are usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive selection — nearly half the menu can be made vegetarian, with paneer and lentil options.
Vegan options: Several dishes can be prepared vegan upon request; servers are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Many curries and tandoori dishes are naturally gluten-free, though naan and fried items are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially for casual or second dates. The lighting is warm, the cocktail bar adds energy, and shared plates keep things conversational without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights before 7pm, but weekends fill fast. Small groups can often snag bar seating as a quicker backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — families visit earlier in the evening, but the bar crowd later shifts the atmosphere to adults. No kids’ menu, but mild curries and naan suit younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for groups wanting a full bar and festive dinner energy — more social and cocktail-driven than nearby Indian takeout counters.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, traditional thali experience or fast takeout; the vibe here leans lively and linger-worthy.