Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar is a wonderful place that brings fresh excitement to Indian cuisine in Chicago. It is located in the fun and busy West Loop area at 736 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661. The name “Roop” means beauty in Hindi, and everything here looks and tastes beautiful. The restaurant takes classic Indian recipes and adds new modern touches, fresh local ingredients, and smart cooking ideas from different places around the world.
This spot is great for many kinds of people. Young professionals come after work to relax. Groups of friends share lots of plates and have fun talking. Couples pick it for romantic dinners. Food fans love it because it offers something different from regular Indian restaurants. It attracts urban explorers who enjoy discovering new flavors in a stylish and welcoming space.
The Background and How Roop Chicago Started
Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar began as Rooh Chicago. Later, the team made a change and focused more on the idea of beauty. They introduced a special tasting menu called ROOP to match the new name. This happened as a way to show the beauty in Indian cooking through creative ideas.
The restaurant still has the same talented team and many of the favorite dishes. It earned a spot in the Michelin Guide as a recommended place. Experts there like how it takes traditional Indian foods and mixes them with modern flavors. For example, they talk about the deep-fried cauliflower koliwada with yogurt and a light rice mousse with peanut thecha. They also mention hearty beef short rib curry with carrots and marrow kofta, plus creamy dal with plain naan.
The space is bright and spreads over two floors. It has deep blue velvet seats that feel fancy but comfortable. The atmosphere is casual and elegant – you can wear nice everyday clothes. It gets lively with people chatting, but not too loud. Soft lights and pretty decorations make it feel warm and inviting.
Hours are flexible: On Monday and Tuesday, it opens at 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Wednesday through Sunday, it starts earlier at 12:00 PM on some days and goes until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on weekends. This makes it good for lunch, brunch, dinner, or late-night drinks.
The Regular A La Carte Menu – Lots of Choices to Try
The everyday Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar menu has many options. You can order small plates to share, bigger main dishes, breads, sides, and desserts. A lot of the food is good for vegetarians, vegans, or people who need gluten-free meals. The kitchen works hard to help with allergies (though nuts can be tricky to avoid completely).
Let’s look at some popular groups of dishes:
Small Plates and Appetizers
These are fun to start with because they are full of flavor and perfect for sharing.
- Deep-fried cauliflower koliwada – Crispy and tasty with yogurt and peanut thecha.
- Sweet potato chaat – Fresh, tangy, and crunchy in a good way.
- Passionfruit pani puri – Little pops of bright fruit taste.
- Shiso chaat – A cool fresh version of chaat.
- Goan crab cakes – Rich with special gravy.
- Shrimp koliwada – Smoky flavor from the tandoor oven.
- Jackfruit cutlets or dahi kebob – Yummy choices for plant-based eaters.
- Tandoori cauliflower – Smoky and delicious.
Main Dishes
These come in a nice copper tiffin box with basmati rice, chickpea curry, and Roop dal on the side.
- Butter chicken – Creamy, rich, and one of the most loved items.
- Chicken Malai Tikka – Soft and gentle flavors.
- Lamb Nihari – Cooked slowly for a warm, deep taste.
- Beef short rib curry – With carrots and marrow kofta for extra goodness.
- Saag paneer kofta – Soft balls in spinach sauce, great for vegetarians.
- Jackfruit biryani – A flavorful vegan option.
- Paneer pasanda – Smooth and comforting.
- Salmon pulusu – A fresh seafood twist.
Breads and Sides
- Chili cheese kulcha or mushroom truffle kulcha – Warm, gooey, and perfect with curries.
- Plain naan – Simple and great for dipping.
- Avocado raita – Cool and refreshing to balance spicy dishes.
Desserts
Finish sweet and happy.
- Baked semolina cake with milk ice cream and pistachios – Light and nice.
- Gulab jamun cheesecake or saffron cheesecake – A fun mix of old and new.
- Jalebi & blossoms – With rabdi, jasmine mousse, pistachio ice cream, and rose gel.
Portions are usually smaller, so the best way is to order several things and share with your group. This lets you taste more of the creative flavors.
The Special ROOP Tasting Menu Experience
One exciting part of Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar is the ROOP tasting menu. This is an 8-course meal that shows the full beauty of innovative Indian food. It mixes rich traditional tastes with new cooking ways.
The tasting menu costs around $95 per person (prices may change), and it is available on certain days like Wednesday to Sunday for dinner. You can sometimes add special cocktail pairings. Many people say it’s like a journey – each course feels special and builds on the one before. It includes both classic favorites and fun surprises. Diners call it a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the best of what the restaurant offers.
Amazing Cocktails and Drink Options
The bar is a big highlight. Cocktails use a special Southern Asian-inspired “flavor matrix” for smart and tasty mixes.
Popular drinks people love:
- Hot n’ Gold – Passionfruit, tequila, and spicy mango puree.
- Turmeric-infused gin drinks – Earthy and smooth.
- Negroni, Squash, or Manhattan with Indian twists.
These pair very well with the food. The bar also has nice wines, beers, single malts, and bourbons. Special deals make it even better: Happy Hour (often 3-5 pm on Thursdays) has low prices on cocktails and snacks. Wine Wednesday gives half-off bottles of wine.
What People Say in Reviews (Updated for 2025-2026)
Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar reviews are mostly very positive. On OpenTable, it has about 4.5 stars from hundreds of reviews. Yelp shows over 800 reviews and lots of photos Tripadvisor gives it around 4.1 stars, and Google has strong ratings too.
Diners often say:
- The food tastes amazing and looks beautiful.
- Service is friendly, attentive, and superb.
- Cocktails are creative and delicious.
- Vegan and vegetarian choices are excellent.
- The atmosphere is swanky, fun, and elegant.
Recent comments praise things like sweet potato chaat, butter chicken, tandoori cauliflower, lamb nihari, crab cakes, turmeric gin drinks, and saffron cheesecake. People call it a “hidden gem,” “truly memorable,” and one of the top spots for upscale yet approachable Indian food in Chicago.
Some say portions are small or prices are higher, and the place can get noisy. But most agree the quality, flavors, and experience make it worth every visit.
In articles about the best Indian restaurants in Chicago downtown and the West Loop, Roop often gets called one of the top choices for its progressive style. It stands out by using modern techniques and fresh ingredients.
Why Roop Feels So Special in Chicago
Chicago has many Indian restaurants, but Roop Chicago brings something extra. It is in the lively West Loop, easy to get to by train, bus, or car. The area has many other fun places nearby.
It compares well to other creative spots because it focuses on beauty, cocktails, and bold yet balanced flavors. The spice is just right – not always super hot, but full of taste.
Searches for Roop Chicago menu, Roop Chicago cocktails, and Roop Chicago reviews are popular. People share beautiful photos of the plates and drinks online.
Easy Tips for Your Best Visit Ever
Follow these simple steps to enjoy Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar even more:
- Book your table early – Use the phone (312) 809-6964 or online sites like Resy or Tock. It’s popular, especially weekends.
- Go during Happy Hour – Thursday 3-5 pm for deals on drinks and small bites.
- Try the tasting menu – Best for first visits to sample many courses.
- Ask your server for help – They suggest great food and cocktail matches.
- Mention any special needs – Vegan, gluten-free, or mild allergies – they accommodate when possible.
- Order to share – Small plates work great for groups.
- Leave space for dessert – The sweets are creative and yummy.
This makes it one of the romantic Indian restaurants in Chicago or a perfect spot for friends to hang out.
frequently asked questions
How do I make a reservation at Roop Chicago?
You can book a table by calling the restaurant directly at (312) 809-6964 or through their website at roopchicago.com. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as the place gets busy quickly. They also accept walk-ins when space is available.
Does Roop Chicago have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, many dishes are vegetarian-friendly, and the kitchen offers great vegan choices too. The tasting menu comes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. Just let your server know your needs when you arrive.
What is the ROOP tasting menu, and how much does it cost?
The ROOP tasting menu is an exciting 8-course experience that mixes traditional Indian flavors with modern cooking techniques. It usually costs around $95 per person (prices may change), and it’s available on select days like Wednesday through Sunday for dinner. It’s a fun way to try many creative dishes in one sitting.
Are there any special deals or happy hours at Roop Chicago?
Yes, they often have Happy Hour specials (like 3-5 pm on Thursdays) with deals on cocktails and small bites. Wine Wednesday gives half-off all bottles of wine all day. These are great ways to enjoy the bar and snacks at better prices.
Does Roop Chicago accommodate allergies or special diets?
The team tries to help with mild allergies and offers gluten-free options on the menu. However, they cannot safely handle severe allergies to nuts, eggs, dairy, allium, or gluten. Always tell your server about your needs ahead of time so they can guide you.
These questions come from common diner experiences and info on the restaurant’s site. Have more questions about Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar? Feel free to ask!
Wrapping It All Up
Roop Chicago innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar offers a beautiful way to enjoy Indian food with a modern twist. From its Michelin Guide recognition to the special 8-course tasting menu, creative cocktails, and glowing reviews, it brings joy to everyone who visits. The focus on beauty, rich flavors, and a fun vibe makes it stand out in Chicago’s exciting food scene. Whether you are local or just visiting, it’s a place that makes you want to come back.
Have you tried Roop Chicago, an innovative Indian restaurant & cocktail bar? What was your favorite dish or cocktail? Tell us your story in the comments!
References
- Official Website – Roop Chicago – For current menus, hours, and reservations.
- Michelin Guide – Roop Chicago – Official listing and highlights.
- OpenTable – Roop Chicago – Reviews, ratings, and booking details.
- Yelp – Roop Chicago – Recent photos and diner experiences.
