Leela Lounge
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 529-2059
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between Broadway and Mercer Street
- Directions:
- A, C, E; B, D; F, V at W 4th St
- Hours:
- Sun-Wed 12pm-10:30pm, Thu-Sat 12pm-12am
Editorial Review for Leela Lounge – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
In the no man's land (aka NYU) between the East and West Village, many of the area's restaurants look look like they were decorated by someone wearing beer goggles. And while Leela supplicates its student-heavy crowd with a buzzing front bar, just beyond gauzy curtains awaits a serene dining room distinguished by Bollywood-bright artwork, service as sweet as a mango and greenhouse-style windows that look out on a narrow outdoor patio.
The Food
Indian fare receives a peppy fusion makeover. Chicken Leelapops may sound like a parody of sorority girl food, but the moist, hearty drumsticks are fragrant and addictive. Saffron and mint mingle with the meaty flavor of lamb kofta (meatballs in sauce), while tender tilapia swims in a whole sea of ingredients--baby carrots, coconut milk garlic and chilies. Portions are on the small side, but that just leaves more room for divine ras malai, house-made cottage cheese dunked in sweet milk.
Hits: The no-attitude vibe, pleasant decor and ambitious food is a welcome respite from the usual grubby student pub.
Misses: The space seems to have caught on more as a lounge, so the restaurant area can feel a bit too quiet.
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Insider Tips
When to GoThe kitchen closes at 10:30pm nightly, but the bar stays open until midnight.
What to DrinkThough many of the cocktails skew on the sweet side, the gin-based Leela Tonic ($9) has a unique peppery kick. A $25 bottle of Sula Chenin Blanc isn't overly sweet either, and pairs well with the strong sauces.
The ExtrasVegans will be happy know the restaurant doesn't use ghee in its dishes.
User Reviews for Leela Lounge
03/17/2008 Posted by rbreeze
Have been to Leela several time but haven't come around to writing a review until this weekend when I had a compeling reason to do so.... We celebrated our anniversary with my friends over the weekend and can't thank the staff enough for every effort in making the occasion Special. We Love this place for its food and Lycheetinis. I would like to recommend the Stuffed mushrooms & the Leela pops for Appetizers and Lukhnawee Gosht & Murg Tikka Masala for Entree. If you leave room for dessert, definitely try the carrot halwa....it is the real deal! For the quality and portions, the price point is a bargain(guaranteed, you will have left overs to take home). We have checked out several Indian restaurants and find Leela Special.
03/16/2008 Posted by luvefode
Leela Lounge is a restaurant with great decor but is not a place to go eat. The appetizars are relatively good but the main course is below average. Portions are tiny for the price and the flavor is lacking. There are plently are great Indian Restaurants in New York and Leela Lounge is not one of them.
Pros: Ambience
Cons: Service and Food
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