There’s a reason Devon Street regulars talk about Tuesday and Wednesday as a package deal. Delhi Darbar runs the Tuesday Deal one night, then Nihari Wednesday the next — and back to back, they turn into one of the most efficient ways to experience the full range of the restaurant’s menu in a single week.
Tuesday: Sample Broadly
Tuesday is built for trying more of the menu at a lower cost, especially if you’re ordering with a group. This is the night to branch out — a kabab platter, a curry, maybe a smaller biryani portion, all split across the table. Because the deal makes trying new dishes lower-risk, it’s the ideal night to order something you’ve never had before instead of defaulting to your usual.
Wednesday: Go Deep on One Dish
Wednesday flips the approach. Instead of sampling broadly, it’s about committing to Delhi Darbar’s signature dish — Nihari — slow-cooked, deeply spiced, and the centerpiece of the entire evening. Pair it with naan for scooping and maybe a side of dal fry, but the point of Wednesday is letting one dish take center stage.
Why This Combination Works So Well
Together, these two nights cover a huge range of what Delhi Darbar offers: variety and value on Tuesday, depth and tradition on Wednesday. For anyone new to the restaurant — or new to Indian and Pakistani food generally — doing both in the same week is one of the fastest ways to understand what makes Delhi Darbar a Devon Street institution rather than just another restaurant on the strip.
Making It a Standing Plan
A lot of families and friend groups in Chicago’s South Asian community have turned this into a literal weekly routine — Tuesday and Wednesday as a standing dinner plan, the same way some people have a weekly game night or workout class. It’s low-effort to plan (you already know where you’re going) and high-reward (you’re getting two very different but equally strong meals).
Logistics to Know
Delhi Darbar opens at 4PM both days and stays open until 2AM. Parking is available near the Devon Street location, and calling ahead — (773) 338-1818 — is a good idea for larger groups on either night, since both specials tend to draw a crowd.
A Tip for First-Timers
If you can only make it out once this week, start with whichever night matches what you’re in the mood for: broad exploration on Tuesday, or a deep, comforting dive into Nihari on Wednesday. Either way, you’ll have a reason to come back for the other.
