After a long series of transitions and uncertainties, Vajra, the renowned Nepalese-Indian restaurant is finally breathing new life into its dining operations in the bustling neighborhood of Wicker Park. Having moved into its current space at 2039 W. North Ave back in late May, the restaurant, known for making a considerable splash on Chicago's culinary scene since its 2019 inception, is ready to welcome diners in person once again. This comes after a period where, like many others, it pivoted successfully to a takeout and delivery model amid the pandemic constraints.
The much-anticipated dining room is set to debut to the public on Thursday, August 1, according to Eater Chicago. The dining experience isn't the only thing making a comeback; Vajra began bar service just last weekend, a move that reconnects the establishment with its pre-pandemic essence and promises to deliver cocktails and bar bites that echo the rich culinary traditions from which they draw inspiration.
With a menu brimming with Indian classics and Nepalese flair, the restaurant earned its stripes on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list for two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. According to a Block Club Chicago interview, consultant Dipesh Kakshapaty underscored the establishment's dedication to "wonderfully rich flavors and unique methods" that define chef Min Thapa’s cooking. The promise of tikka masala, curries, biryanis, and distinctive momo dumplings makes the reopening a not-to-be-missed event for enthusiasts of authentic South Asian cuisine.
The story of Vajra, however, is also a story about adaptability, as the establishment looks ahead to fortifying its place in Wicker Park's dynamic dining landscape. Located in a historical building that has seen its fair share of transformation, the new Vajra nests itself in a terra cotta-clad structure, once home to the North Avenue Baths, and later an array of restaurants, the last of which was the Angry Pig Tavern, that closed in 2019.
The previous ventures at the Wicker Park location had their share of turmoil, notably the soul food restaurant Oooh Wee It Is that announced its arrival in 2021 yet never materialized. Now with Vajra stepping into the fold, the hope is high that it will not just fill the void left behind, but also deepen its roots in a community eager for its diverse and delectable offerings. Vajra has already proven its resilience and culinary prowess, whether through takeout, delivery or its bar program, which according to Kakshapaty, had seen previous success but was scaled back at the onset of COVID-19. With reservations now live via Tock, locals and visitors alike can look forward to the full spectrum of flavors Vajra has painstakingly crafted.
