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    Tabaq Restaurant

    3.9 (186 reviews)
    InexpensivePakistani, New American
    Open 10:00 am - 3:00 AM (Next day)

    Order Tabaq Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

    Tabaq Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    TABAQ RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Tabaq Restaurant

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    Cynthia H.

    This is definitely a no frills kind of place, but almost too much for my liking. I was a bit unsettled when I saw the staff prepare my food on a plate and then walk directly to the microwave to heat it up. I ordered the tilapia and my friend ordered the chicken curry. We both didn't finish our food. There was some flavor to the meal but not much. However, Tabaq is in a good location in Near North/Cabrini area not far from the Target.

    Chanpreet K.

    Super casual/cabbie spot open 24/7 in Lincoln park serving pretty decent desi food. This is not a place you come to for a date or a proper dinner but if you're craving Indian food after a night out/clubbing in DT or especially for a take out..come right over. Some dishes are made in a buffet style so you can order straightaway, otherwise there's a whole menu like the norm. It's easier to get it off the buffet and I believe it is freshly prepared because its quite a busy place. Chicken curry tastes just like home, mango lassi is alright, paranthas are amazing and piping hot, kulfi is great. My go to is their anda parantha (omlette attached to the bread) and Chai. I don't understand why take out dishes are like a dollar or so more expensive than to dine in..that's a little weird but not the biggest issue. The staff has always been super friendly to me, I've been here so many times that I've made friends with the Uncle behind the counter, sometimes we share our Punjab stories...My Indian Punjab & his Pakistan Punjab. Overall, neat, solid, inexpensive spot!

    mutton curry with rice and a side of dal.
    Eva S.

    We came here for a late dinner after a comedy show at Second City and it was a VERY good decision. Ample helpings, flavorful dishes, and lots of options. I love lamb in general, especially in South Asian cuisine so the mutton curry was naturally my order. The friendly mustachioed man behind the counter scooped a heaping pile of rice on my plate. With the rice almost pouring over the sides, he jokingly asked, "more?" and I seriously replied "yes absolutely." After the mile-high plateful of rice from a huge vat, the gentleman popped it in the microwave. Since Tabaq is open 24/7, I imagine they only cook one vat of rice per day and heat it up for customers as the day goes on. Instead of rice, you can also choose chapatti with your dish, but I wanted something able to soak up all of the sauce. When you approach the counter, you will see all the dishes du jour. My friends ordered the chicken kabob and the spicy frontier chicken. With my mutton curry, I requested a sample of dal which was given for free. You will also get a side salad, which from Yelp pictures can range anywhere from green lettuce and tomatoes, to lettuce/onion/jalapeños (what I had). We had a larger group, so the man behind the counter told us we can close out after we finished eating. I made sure to grab a yogurt drink from the fridge (do it) and my dining companions also grabbed a mango yogurt drink. When you step inside, it's almost like a different world. Male cabbies, college students, men discussing business or individuals taking a break for a quick meal. My friends compared this, endearingly, to a spot you'd easily find in New York. As a bonus: If you need air freshener for your car, a phone charger or perhaps a SIM card, you can also purchase these items from a glass case by their front window. I wouldn't mind eating here again, and I would most likely get take-out next time so I could heat up the food even more. Heating the curry or dal over the stove and served piping hot is my ideal, so having the food barely warm is the only reason for the 4 stars. Otherwise, my highlights here are the mutton curry and the yogurt drink.

    Has updated seating
    Riam P.

    Great restaurants for authentic Indian Pako food. Great for iftar and they have a masjid inside for prayers.

    Nandana N.

    Huge let-down. I ordered a delivery it arrived 20 mins late, so I ended up waiting more than an hour. I got mutton biryani. The portion was huge but the taste was terrible. Can easily tell that there weren't a lot of spices used, the meat tasted bland. Will never order biryani from here again

    Biryani rice with Mutton curry.Salad n Mint chutney
    Harish V.

    "Hole in the wall" are my kind as there is no need to follow dress codes or make reservations,only just showing up when u feel like eating.Simple n Quick. Went around 12.30 am and not too many people. Straight to counter but Mutton Biryani was not available hence ordered Biryani rice and mutton curry that came along with rice.Naan was so fresh and mutton curry was decent and not too spicy.Biryani rice was ok but not great.Friend ordered Gulab Jamun which was hard as it was not fresh.For me Chai is a must when visiting these kind of places.Order at counter and serve yourself.As most places,the quantity is huge.Nothing to talk much on the decor. If you crave for Indian style Food after a pub crawl,this is one nearby option to downtown but if you think you can travel a bit then definitely Devon is the place. Go check out yourself

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    8 years ago

    Kick-ass biryani. But the extra charge for take-out is complete BS.

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    8 years ago

    Spectacular biryani, quick and friendly service. And they give you enough for AT LEAST three meals. And I eat a lot!

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    8 years ago

    The only thing is really good is the food but the place oh my god wasn't pleasant , I recommend order food for pickup or delivery

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    6 years ago

    Loved the food but one time ordered Biriyani but the mutton was not up to the mark. Good place for cheap Indian spicy food.

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Store sign say OPEN. store led board reads "open until 25 hours" I drove there taking 1 hour just to find out they are closed at 10pm

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    Tabaq Restaurant - pakistani - Updated September 2026

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