sofiamog contributor

Panna II Indian Garden

Where Christmas Comes Everyday

Better Duck

One of NYC’s Worst-Reviewed Restaurants Is Also the Hottest Table in Town

When proprietor Bashir Kahn first opened his tiny, windowless parlor-floor restaurant in 1990, he faced a challenge: With the adjacent block of Sixth Avenue already studded with Indian eateries (NYC's Curry town), how could he stand out? His epiphany — that it was easier to achieve distinction with décor rather than with cuisine. Khan transformed the boxlike space into a one-room Mardi Gras, covering every inch of the foil-covered walls and ceiling with flashing colored Christmas lights, dangling illuminated chile peppers, mirrored balls, sequined globes and even a surfboard! Once he was done, there was hardly room for the dozen dining tables — but sure enough, patrons started filling them.

Kid on Christmas morning Kid on Christmas morning

These days, the food still plays second to the ambience and while I've never personally had a bad meal, I wouldn't say its the best Indian I've ever had. What it does offer? The WOW factor to any and everyone you ever take there. When I took Alex there this past weekend I refused to let him look online or read reviews. He had no dea where we were going and when we walked in I had achived my 'WOW' goal.

His face lit up like a kid on christmas morning which is ironic considering the hundred of christmas lights that plaster the walls and ceilings. "What is this place?" He exclaimed as I stood by giggling at his face.

BYOB BYOB

Vegatarian Mushroom Dish Vegatarian Mushroom Dish

Panna II Garden has been quietly serving mediocre food in the East Village for 35 years, but only recently have crowds slammed the place to the point where you’ll wait 90 minutes for a table on a Saturday night -- even with a reservation. And once inside youunderstand why. The rowdy singing, slinging of hot plates and constatly ducking to avoid a concussion is all apartof what makes this place so great.

Panna II’s BYOB policy, relatively cheap menu, and tangle of chili pepper lights have been delighting New Yorkers and tourists for decades. I've been coming here for the better part of a decade and it never fails to dissapoint.

Best part? Alex stating that "This might be the best place you've ever taken me babe'

:)