INDN Small Plates & Cocktails

INDN Small Plates & Cocktails opens like a promise: a focused menu of Indian-inspired small plates and cocktails that push classic flavors into lively, modern territory. Located in NoMad, INDN Small Plates & Cocktails greets diners with a polished bar, a steady hum of conversation, and drinks crafted around spices like fenugreek, turmeric, and cilantro. The first sentence of the night is often a question — what to start with — and the staff answers with confident suggestions that pair smoky, tangy, and bright elements across food and drink. This New York City destination positions itself within the city’s late-night dining scene, running most nights until midnight and staying later on weekends, which makes it ideal for both pre-theater cocktails and post-show dinners. The restaurant was founded by Simran “Sim” Bakshi, Kanika Vij, and Vicky Vij, who combined years of hospitality experience to create a distinctly modern concept rooted in North Indian flavors. While the kitchen credits its work to the culinary team rather than a single head chef, the vision is clear: transform traditional spice profiles into shareable plates that work with complex cocktails. INDN Small Plates & Cocktails does not trade in heavy formality; instead the menu emphasizes bold, direct flavors and playful names. The bar’s reputation in press has centered on its originality — New York City’s first all-Indian cocktail bar — and that distinction drives both local curiosity and destination reservations. The founders’ approach is pragmatic and inventive, aiming for accessible excellence rather than culinary theater. The culinary journey at INDN Small Plates & Cocktails is built around dishes meant to be shared across the table. Start with the Spinach Patties (Hari Bhari Tikki): crisp-edged fritters brightened with cilantro and chaat spices, ideal with a squeeze of lemon. The Crispy Fried Taro (Masala Arbi) offers crunchy, spiced rounds with a cooling yogurt or chutney, balancing heat and texture. Tandoori Paneer arrives with a mint marinade and light char; the paneer retains a creamy interior alongside smokey, grilled notes. On the cocktail side, Butterface blends clarified mezcal with fenugreek, garam masala, and lemon for an herbaceous, savory-sour sip. Paneer Panic layers Bombay Sapphire and saag-forward flavors with turmeric and lime for a vegetal, peppery finish. Seasonal specials rotate to reflect market availability; expect vegetables and chutneys to shift with produce, while the menu keeps signature flavors intact. The kitchen emphasizes straightforward techniques — frying, tandoori grilling, and quick pan-searing — to highlight texture, spice, and freshness. Inside, the design favors an upscale but comfortable feel with a strong bar presence and intimate table seating that supports conversation. Lighting is designed to flatter food and faces while keeping the vibe energetic, not loud. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, with staff advising on pairings and portion pacing so groups can sample several plates and cocktails. The layout supports both small parties and casual bar dining, and the space is described as attractive and comfortable in guest reviews. There is a clear focus on craft cocktails, so the bar acts as the room’s focal point, offering a visual of shaking, stirring, and finishing drinks with spices and garnishes. For practical planning, the best times to visit are weeknights for quieter service and late evenings on weekends for a lively crowd. Reservations are recommended and accepted through Resy; walk-ins may find bar seating if they arrive early. Dress leans smart-casual; comfortable yet polished attire fits the mood. INDN Small Plates & Cocktails accommodates dietary needs with dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free options when requested, so inform staff of restrictions when booking. Whether you come for the cocktails or the shared plates, INDN Small Plates & Cocktails delivers a clear proposition: Indian flavors reworked for contemporary bar dining in New York City. Book a table through Resy, order a flight of cocktails, and share multiple plates to experience the layered spices and contrasting textures that define INDN.