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Arth Bar & Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Arth Bar & Kitchen
7.9
Modern Indian restaurant with full cocktail bar and visible tandoor ovens, opened in 2021 by aerospace engineer-turned-restaurateur Mihir Lad and Executive Chef Sagar Ghosh. The menu takes contemporary liberties with classics while maintaining authentic spice profiles, served in a stylish space with two patios and sports bar elements. Creative touches include fusion appetizers alongside traditional curries, though the kitchen performs better with South Indian specialties than North Indian standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Curry, Butter Chicken, Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Contemporary Indian fusion with craft cocktails in modern lounge atmosphere with visible tandoor kitchen
Who should go: Date nights and groups wanting upscale Indian with cocktail bar scene
When to visit: Happy hour for drinks and small plates, weekend dinner reservations
What to order: Goat curry impresses even skeptics, butter chicken, and innovative garlic fries
Insider tip: Free one-hour parking in public lot on Watseka Avenue nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free one-hour parking in public lot on Watseka Avenue; additional street parking on side streets; valet not available
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and collared shirts work, but this is a stylish crowd that leans slightly dressy
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly at tables but bar area gets louder during happy hour and sports viewing
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm; reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins easily accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive options across appetizers, curries, and South Indian specialties; this is Indian cuisine's strength
Vegan options: Good - many dishes naturally vegan or easily modified; kitchen accommodating with dairy substitutions
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes and most curries work; naan is the main limitation but they're aware of cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, excellent choice - the stylish atmosphere and cocktail program create a sophisticated vibe, patio seating is romantic, and sharing multiple dishes gives you something to talk about. Just avoid Friday/Saturday peak times when it gets louder.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinner and lunch, yes - walk-ins usually work. Weekend dinner is risky after 7pm; you'll likely face a 30-45 minute wait or might not get seated. Bar seating is first-come with full menu access.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately kid-friendly - better for tweens/teens than toddlers. The modern lounge atmosphere with sports bar elements and cocktail focus makes it more adult-oriented, though families do come for early dinner. No kids menu, but milder curry options available.
How spicy is the food really? Authentic spice levels but kitchen adjusts on request - they maintain proper heat in dishes that should have it, unlike Americanized Indian restaurants. Tell your server your tolerance level; they'll guide you accurately.
Is this authentic Indian or Americanized? Contemporary authentic - Chef Ghosh takes liberties with presentation and some fusion appetizers, but spice profiles and core techniques stay traditional. Best with South Indian specialties where he shows his strength; some North Indian classics play it safer.
Best For
Better for: Date nights wanting upscale Indian with cocktails and scene; groups who want stylish atmosphere beyond typical curry house; anyone seeking creative Indian fusion with proper spice levels; the full bar and patio experience that most Indian restaurants lack
Skip if: You want traditional hole-in-wall Indian authenticity; prefer quiet, intimate dining; looking for bargain pricing; need extensive North Indian bread/tandoor focus; want family-style casual atmosphere