CLOSED: Chutney Joe's

Okay Indian food. It is quick and the people know what is vegan and what is not.

I give this 3 out of 5 not because there's anything wrong with Chutney Joe's, but because it's kind of mundanely average. It's across from the youth hostel, which made it a convenient choice for dinner one night. I had palak paneer (which they call "spinach paneer") and chana malasa ("chickpea masala") and whole wheat naan. If you're staying at the hostel they give you some kind of discount (10%?). It lasted me for 2 meals (minus the naan, which was gone in one). The service was very friendly. The food was decent. But it wasn't anything that I haven't had before. The place is designed to be Indian fast food and therefore it lacks character. But I'd eat there again if I was hungry.

Chutney Joe's is an Indian fast food restaurant located near the Library in the Loop. When I stepped in the restaurant during the lunch hour I noticed that it was pretty busy, so I was sure this place was between decent and good. While I was waiting in line I saw a sign that said something like "We don't use butter, cream, or ghee and we don't fry our food". As a vegan, that sign made me feel more comfortable, especially since I didn't have ask all the "does this have this or that in it" questions. The person that helped me at the counter was especially nice and he even let me sample some of the vegan dishes before I ordered. I went with the Aloo Gobi, and sadly, they were out of the samosas, so I didn't get to try them. Overall I felt my dish was bland, although the potatoes did taste good - salt came to my rescue in this case. For what it is, I think Chutney Joe's is good for lunch, but not a place I'd take someone out for dinner. And if you're from out of town, there are better places in Chicago to try. I'm glad to see a place that promotes/serves healthier food in the Loop...and one with vegan options too.